24 hour room service, clean accommodation, but it’s a nightmare for tourists. You’re not in a hotel, you’re in the hospital, having had the misfortune to fall ill in the middle of what was supposed to be a dream vacation. And the worst thing is that you will spend more on medical care than you would on an actual tour.
Travelers often think that travel insurance is just a waste of money, it’s an expense for something they probably wouldn’t use anyway. Giving up insurance can be a difficult decision. To help you make the right decision, you should ask yourself the following questions:
What is your current insurance coverage? If you already have a large comprehensive insurance, you may not need any other insurance. Some policies would cover treatment given anywhere in the world.
What are the limitations of the proposed plan? Try to find out the provisions that the plan offers, as well as the terms of coverage. You don’t want to be surprised when you get to use the plan.
Where is your travel destination? Study the places you will visit. Does the environment pose more health risks?
Are you the type who visits the doctor often? Determine how many times you have visited a doctor or hospital in the last few months. People who worry too much about their health are better off getting health insurance.
Do you get sick often? If you are the type to easily catch mistakes, then insurance is the best option.
How much would the insurance cost? Ultimately, you will have to consider how much you are going to spend. If you already pay for health care, paying for it while you travel should be just another incidental expense for you.
What are the limits of the plan you are considering? Do you want to avoid incurring costs on the road or do you want to risk a high deductible? Will your policy provide cover for an emergency room visit if you cut yourself in the kitchen of your Sydney hostel? What about emergency evacuation? Will you be somewhere with good medical care or should you expect to be sent to another country in case of serious injury or treatment?
Travel insurance, while often overlooked because it’s not necessary, can be worth the small expense when you find yourself at the mercy of overseas medical care and the environmental risks of foreign countries.