Purchasing a suitable travel insurance plan is more for the peace of mind, and can be very helpful during an emergency. So you should understand the details of your travel insurance plan beforehand.
For example, it’s worthy to note that most travel insurance plans require you to consult a local qualified physician first and present a medical report as part of the claim procedures. Buying over the counter drugs at a pharmacy or seeing a non-medic such as a physiotherapist will not be covered.
You should also take note of the deadlines for submitting claims. Some plans stipulate the valid claim period to start from the date of the incident, while others from the date when the trip ends.
Tips on Choosing Travel Insurance
Before purchasing a travel insurance plan, you should understand the scope and terms carefully, and pay attention to the following areas:
- Age limit
Family travellers enjoying the holidays with children or elderly should pay attention to the age limit of the insured.
- Outbound travel alerts
Most travel insurance plans cover incidents caused by the black outbound travel alerts (OTA), such as trips cancelled or cut short. However, different coverage and claim amount may be applied to a claim stemmed from red or yellow OTAs.
- High-risk activities
Insurance companies may not list out all high-risk activities covered in their brochures or policies. Remember to check with your insurer to confirm activities covered by your plan.
- Emergency support services
If you travel to a remote destination or a region with poor healthcare services, please make sure that your policy covers emergency support services.
The most costly insurance policy may not provide the best coverage. Compare and shop around for a plan that best fits your needs.
