The Ultimate Guide: How to Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is often the last thing on a traveller’s mind, but it can be the most important purchase you make before heading off on your next adventure. Whether you’re taking a short holiday or a long-term business trip, travel insurance offers a safety net for unexpected events – such as cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and in some cases, air ambulance services. 

But how do you go about buying the right travel insurance? What do you need to know to ensure you’re properly covered? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process and highlight key considerations to ensure you're fully protected on your trip.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you from the unexpected. Whether you face a sudden illness, a flight cancellation, or a medical emergency while abroad, having the right coverage ensures you won’t be left financially exposed. It’s especially important if you’re travelling to remote locations, far from medical facilities, where you may require air evacuation services – like those provided by Universal Air Evac.

But how do you buy the right travel insurance for your needs?

Understand the Types of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can vary widely in terms of coverage. Here are some common types of insurance you may encounter:

• Medical Insurance: Covers medical expenses while travelling, including emergency hospital care, doctor’s visits, and prescription medication.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance: Reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to an unforeseen event (such as illness, injury, or family emergencies).
• Evacuation Insurance: Covers the costs of being evacuated from a location for medical reasons. If you’re travelling in areas with limited healthcare access, you may need this kind of coverage.
• Baggage and Personal Property Insurance: Covers the loss or theft of your luggage and personal belongings.
• Flight Delay or Cancellation Insurance: Compensates for expenses incurred if your flight is delayed or cancelled, including accommodation, meals, or additional transport.

Compare Providers and Plans

Once you’ve identified the type of insurance you need, it’s time to compare different insurance providers. Use comparison websites, or go directly to trusted insurance company websites to look at their offerings. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing policies:

• Policy Limits: Check the limits of the policy—how much coverage do you get for medical expenses, trip cancellations, or evacuation services?
• Exclusions: Make sure to read the fine print carefully. Some policies have exclusions for certain activities, pre-existing medical conditions, or destinations that may be considered high-risk.
• Air Ambulance Coverage: If you’re travelling to remote areas or places with limited medical services, check if the policy includes emergency air evacuation (such as services provided by Universal Air Evac).
• Cost: While price is an important factor, make sure you’re not sacrificing essential coverage for a lower premium. Sometimes, a cheaper policy doesn’t offer the same protection as a more comprehensive one.

Where to Buy Travel Insurance

You can buy travel insurance from several different sources, depending on your preferences and needs. Here’s where you can buy travel insurance:
Insurance Providers' Websites
Many major insurance companies offer travel insurance directly through their websites. These companies often provide a range of policies, from basic travel insurance to more comprehensive packages that include medical coverage, cancellation protection, and evacuation services.

Online Travel Insurance Comparison Websites
If you want to compare multiple policies and find the best deal, you can use travel insurance comparison websites. These platforms allow you to compare different plans based on price, coverage, and policy benefits.

By entering your travel details (destination, trip length, and coverage needs), these sites will give you options from multiple insurers so you can select the most suitable policy.

Travel Agents and Tour Operators
If you’ve booked your trip through a travel agency or tour operator, they may offer the option to buy travel insurance through them. Many agencies partner with insurance providers and can bundle insurance with your travel package. This is convenient if you prefer a one-stop shop for your travel and insurance needs. However, always make sure to compare the cost and coverage with other options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Credit Card Providers
Many credit card companies offer basic travel insurance as part of their benefits package if you use the card to pay for your travel expenses. These policies typically cover medical emergencies, and sometimes trip cancellations and lost luggage, but they may not include air evacuation or other advanced features. It’s worth checking with your credit card provider to see whether their travel insurance covers the specific needs of your trip.

Airlines and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
When you book your flights, hotels, or tours, airlines and online travel agencies like Expedia, Booking.com, or Skyscanner often offer travel insurance at the checkout. The insurance they offer is typically through partnerships with third-party insurers and can be added to your booking for convenience.

However, it’s a good idea to compare these policies with others available directly from insurers or comparison sites, as they may not offer the best coverage or value.

Specialised Travel Insurance Brokers
If you need more tailored advice or have specific coverage requirements (for instance, if you're working remotely abroad or engaging in high-risk activities), specialised brokers can help. They will guide you through finding the best insurance plan for your needs. These brokers may be particularly helpful for those needing more specific or niche coverage, such as for remote workers, digital nomads, or those travelling to high-risk areas.

Directly from Your Employer or Organisation (for Business Travel)
If you're travelling for work, your employer may provide travel insurance as part of your benefits package. Many companies offer group travel insurance to employees, particularly for international business trips. If you’re unsure whether your employer covers you, ask your HR department for more details.

Tips for Buying Travel Insurance

• Start Early: It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Some policies, especially trip cancellation coverage, may have time-sensitive clauses.
• Compare Policies: Make sure to compare policies to find one that meets your specific needs. Use comparison websites or get quotes from different insurers.
• Review Coverage Carefully: Check for exclusions and ensure the policy covers everything you need, especially medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and air evacuation (especially for remote destinations).
• Understand the Claims Process: Ensure you know how to make a claim and what documentation is required in case of an emergency.

Ensuring Safe and Worry-Free Travel

Buying travel insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking the time to assess your needs, compare plans, and understand the coverage you're getting, you can ensure your trip is well-protected. Always opt for a policy that suits your specific needs, whether you're heading to a remote destination or travelling for work.

For those travelling, especially for work or to more isolated areas, Universal Air Evac provides reliable air ambulance services, ensuring that in case of a medical emergency, you can be evacuated quickly and safely. Don’t wait until it’s too late – buy travel insurance today and travel with confidence.