Why Travel Insurance is a Universal Need

Every seasoned traveller knows that it only takes one unexpected event or unfortunate accident for the most perfectly planned vacation to take an unwelcome turn. It’s for that very reason that even the most fit and healthy person needs travel insurance. The unexpected is always around the corner.

Here, Dan Keon, VP Market Management, ‎Allianz Global Assistance, highlights four reasons why travel insurance is so crucial.

What could happen before a trip?

“Imagine booking a dream vacation. Now, imagine the heartbreak of an unexpected emergency – such as a child’s illness, parent’s surgery or a job loss – forcing you to cancel,” says Keon. “With travel insurance that includes benefits for trip cancellation, travellers can protect their investment and recover their prepaid holiday expenses if they’re unable to travel due to a covered reason.”

Should I eat that?

“One thing worse than a bad meal is falling ill afterwards as a result of it. No one would voluntarily leave home to be sick in a hotel room. Travel insurance can help travellers get the medical care they need when culinary adventures go awry–so they can get back to enjoying their trip.”

Will what’s in my wallet cover me?

“Before leaving home, many travellers assume their credit card coverage will cover them if something goes wrong on a trip. In reality, credit card benefits for travel may be limited. As a result, travellers are often surprised when travel emergencies they thought would be covered aren’t. Cardholders should always verify and fully understand their credit card benefits before leaving, and purchase coverage with more extensive benefits and protection available from a separate travel insurance plan, if necessary.”

Where’s the closest medical facility?

“Travellers want to be healthy and happy while on vacation. No matter where they go, having medical travel insurance means they can count on their assistance and insurance provider to refer them to a recognized hospital or health care centre. This is made easier by using the free TripWise app from Allianz Global Assistance, which gives travellers easy access to a listing of over 5,066 medical facilities around the world.”

Well-advised clients benefit greatly from their insurance advisors’ expertise when selecting travel insurance and assistance providers and identifying the products that suit their and their families’ needs. Clients working with advisors are more apt to understand and appreciate the full potential of benefits (both medical and financial) that travel insurance may offer.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. For complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of coverage, travellers should always refer to their policy. Allianz Global Assistance, a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd., is one of the largest travel insurance and assistance providers in Canada.