When it comes to buying travel insurance, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. Here are 10 of the most common mistakes people make when buying travel insurance, along with some tips on how to avoid them:
1. Not Reading the Policy Fine Print
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying travel insurance is not reading the policy’s fine print. It’s important to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. Otherwise, you might not be covered for something that you thought you were.
2. Buying Insurance From the Travel Provider
Another common mistake is buying insurance from a travel provider, such as an airline or tour operator. These policies are often very limited in what they cover and can be more expensive than buying a standalone policy.
3. Not Getting Enough Coverage
A third mistake is not getting enough coverage. Make sure to get a policy that covers you for the activities you’ll be doing on your trip and has a high enough limit to cover your needs.
4. Forgetting to Insure Pre-Existing Conditions
A fourth mistake is forgetting to insure pre-existing conditions. If you have a medical condition you’re aware of, make sure to get coverage. Otherwise, you might not be covered if you need to use your policy.
5. Not Understanding What is and Isn’t Covered
A fifth mistake is not understanding what is and isn’t covered. For example, many policies don’t cover adventure activities such as skiing or rock climbing. Make sure you understand what your policy covers before you buy it.
6. Buying the Wrong Type of Policy
A sixth mistake is buying the wrong type of policy. There are different types of travel insurance policies, such as single-trip and annual policies. Make sure you buy the right type of policy for your needs.
7. Relying on Your Health Insurance
Many people think that their health insurance will cover them while they are travelling, but this is often not the case. Health insurance typically does not cover medical expenses incurred outside of your home country, so it is important to get travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
8. Failing to Get Travel Insurance for Your Kids
If you are travelling with young children, it is important to get them covered by travel insurance as well. Many policies will cover children under a certain age for free, but it is always best to check with the insurer to be sure.
9. Not Insuring Your Baggage
A 9th mistake is forgetting to insure your baggage. This coverage will help cover the costs to replace your personal items if your baggage is delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged. It gives you the flexibility to buy what you need so you can start enjoying your trip right away.
10. Not Buying Travel Insurance at All
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when it comes to travel insurance is not buying it at all. Many people believe that they don’t need travel insurance or that it is too expensive, but this is often not the case. Travel insurance can be very affordable and give you peace of mind while you are away from home.
Conclusion
It's important to be aware of the common mistakes people make when buying travel insurance. Not all policies are created equal, and some may not cover you for the things you think they will.
Be sure to read the fine print and ask plenty of questions before purchasing a policy. And finally, remember that travel insurance is there to protect you from the unexpected - so don't be afraid to use it!
Established in 1979, Cooke Insurance is a three-generation general insurance broker and SGI Motor Licence Issuer providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance services. Get in touch with our insurance company in Saskatoon today!