It seems a bit mushy, but the fact is that every cautious traveler needs to be prepared for the hitches of the trip, including health problems. You have to be ready to face all the challenges of the voyage, even the unforeseen ones, like that bellyache that suddenly appears, in the place where there is no bathroom. Not to mention that after the coronavirus pandemic, travel insurance gained even more importance.
How does travel insurance work?
Travel insurance works as a temporary health plan and a guarantee of compensation for various situations and accidents. It will be valid for the days of the contract and within the rules specified in each agreement. It is usually done for international destinations, where the Brazilian health plans we use daily are not valid.
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel assistance?
Both services are commonly called travel insurance. However, it is necessary to be attentive when researching and closing the contract. In practice, the main difference is who will pay for the service when used. It is a question of who will disburse the payment.
The travel insurance allows the traveler to pay all medical expenses out of pocket and then ask for reimbursement to the insurance company (within limits values established in the contract). For this, it will be necessary to present medical expenses, reports, invoices, and everything else that can confirm the service. It is bureaucratic and can bring a lot of headaches. The advantage is that travelers can choose anywhere to be served, regardless of being part of the insurance network.
Travel assistance works differently. The service will be paid by the insurer (of course, within limits provided for in the contract). Unlike travel insurance, travel assistance provides that the insured must contact the contracted company before receiving aid. The insurer will then indicate a location for the service to be performed, and the insured will not need to pay anything. All payment will be borne by the insurer. The disadvantage is the obligation to be attended to at the indicated location, except in cases of emergency.
It is essential to say that many insurance companies sell both services in the same package, so you are guaranteed anyway. It is necessary to know this information when contracting the service so as not to get into trouble afterward.
Why should I take out travel insurance?
Accidents and illnesses can affect any traveler, regardless of experience. And if the problem is severe, the cost of treatment abroad (depending on the country of destination) can be prohibitive! Not all countries (in fact, most of them) serve foreigners free of charge in the health network. You will need to pay for medical appointments, medicine, and, in more severe cases, ambulance transportation and hospitalization. There is no point in taking the risk and going bankrupt for the savings of not taking out travel insurance before boarding. The coverage also applies to other types of services, such as lost luggage, rebooking, legal assistance, and even repatriation of the body in the event of death. Not to mention the new need that many travelers have had with the coronavirus pandemic. Problems are unpredictable, and you need to be prepared.
How do I travel insurance?
Travel insurance can be purchased through many insurance companies, with travel agents, or directly with the airline or at credit card operators. Almost all services can be hired directly on the companies’ website, without bureaucracy, and with great agility.
Here, at Freedom Insurance, our agents work hard to help you make an educated decision about your insurance needs and coverage. Freedom Insurance Agency represents several highly respected, top-rated national, and regional insurance companies. Contact us today to learn more about our Eldersburg insurance agency.
