Travelers are increasingly aware of the need to have guarantees that cover your back if necessary, and this is reflected in the increase in travel insurance policies taken out (Seguros News, 2024). During Easter, many people take the opportunity to take a getaway, either inside or outside the country. This increase in travel also means an increase in risk. For this reason, taking out a policy that guarantees your protection is essential not only on these dates, but on any occasion. It will insure your vacations against unforeseen events and you will be able to enjoy them without mishaps.
Find out how travel insurance can protect you against any unforeseen event during your vacation and what tools can make this process easier for insurers.
When is it convenient to take out this type of policy?
Generally, insurance should be taken out when you first book transportation, accommodation or an activity. Only in this way will we be covered for any unforeseen event that occurs before your vacation, including airline delays or cancellations.
Even so, we could also make the contract the day before the start of your vacation. However, in this case, events occurring before the policy is taken out will not be covered.
What coverages are included?
First of all, it is important to point out that the coverages to be included depend on the policy chosen, as well as on the company itself. However, the vast majority usually include the following guarantees or services:
- Medical assistance: The most basic service, it is the minimum offered by any company. Medical, pharmaceutical, surgical and hospitalization expenses are covered.
- Repatriation and transportation of the injured or deceased: If necessary, medical transportation and repatriation of the injured, sick or deceased due to an accident will be carried out.
- Plane or train cancellations or delays: If a flight or train departure is cancelled or delayed, it can ruin your plans. For this reason, the insurance company can compensate you with an indemnity with which you can meet the expenses incurred by the delay.
- Theft and loss of luggage: In general, all policies have some type of protection for your luggage. Depending on the policy, one condition or another will be insured, such as theft, loss, damage or destruction, among others.
- Early return: It may happen that, for whatever reason, you have to return to your country of origin earlier than planned. In this case, the extension guarantee will cover the hotel expenses for the days of the extended stay.
- Extension of the season: If the opposite situation occurs and you have to stay a few extra days in your accommodation, your expenses will be covered.
- Other situations: Unusual situations such as needing a translator, legal expenses due to cultural misunderstandings, injuries due to exotic animals or losing documentation, among others.
Of course, before making a choice, it is advisable to study the policies offered by various companies to see which one best suits your needs.
Specific limitations
However, there are certain exceptions that are not covered by this type of policy. For large risks, they are those through which we consciously and voluntarily contribute to the occurrence of the insured risk:
- Pre-existing illnesses
- Extraordinary natural phenomena
- Epidemics
- Consumption of alcohol and drugs
- Participation in altercations
Travel insurance protects you against unforeseen events
The following are the main advantages that can offer adventurers the possibility of taking out insurance during their vacations:
- Peace of mind and security. Travel insurance protects you against any unforeseen event during your vacation. No one expects to have to use it; but if it happens, you will be glad you took it out. You will not have to worry about what might happen, you will be able to leave all your worries in the hands of your insurer and dedicate yourself to enjoy your vacation without complications.
- Guaranteed medical assistance. In addition, they guarantee the attention and coverage of sanitary expenses in the country of destination, independently of which it is. In Spain, health care is public and of high quality, but this is not the case in other countries. If you travel to a country where medical costs are high and you find yourself in the circumstance of having to resort to health services, you will be able to meet the medical expenses thanks to your contract.
- Protection against unforeseen events. Whether your flight has been cancelled or you have suffered a setback, it can save you major headaches.
- Options for adventure destinations, exotic countries or risky activities. If you are going to take advantage of Easter Week to visit an adventure, exotic or risky destination, it is advisable to opt for an option with higher coverage, since there are more probabilities of suffering an accident.
Digital contracting processes
In the insurance sector, companies can incorporate digital tools in their processes, in order to offer digital contracting experiences and the possibility of 100% online transactions. With them, they would provide customers with mobility, immediacy and speed in signing procedures such as policies, claims, premiums or contracts.
But beyond that, the use of digital solutions in travel insurance not only improves the customer experience, but also enhances the security and traceability of their operations, offering a more convenient experience for the customer.