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Why should I
consider travel insurance
Travel insurance is almost always the last thing to cross our minds - if
ever - when we make our travel arrangements.
However, no matter how well we plan our trips, we can never preempt
unforeseen circumstances. Illness, an accident or a death in the family
are often a source of great contention between travellers and their travel
agents for cancellation, refunds and compensation on their travel
packages. While we can't eliminate travel risks, travel insurance can
minimize and protect you against such financial loss.
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Factors to
consider before buying travel insurance
Before you select from the wide array of travel insurance available in the
market, it would be good to consider the following:
Where are you going?
If you are taking a long haul trip to exotic destinations and or visiting
mountainous regions such Latin America, the African continent or the Swiss
Alpine, we strongly recommend that you consider taking out travel
insurance that has extensive coverage on travel health and medical
evacuation. Medical evacuation covers the cost of airlifting via private
jet if the medical situation calls for it.
What will you be doing there?
Extensive travel insurance coverage is also important if you engage in
adventurous activities during your trip such as white-water rafting,
skiing, bungee-jumping off cliffs…etc.
How long will you be there?
If you are taking an expensive prepaid 3-week vacation, you may also
like to consider travel insurance. This is because the travel insurance
may cover you against the cancellation penalties should an adverse change
in circumstance forces you to cancel the trip.
How's your health?
Our physical well being may be adversely affected - some more so than
others - by environmental factors such as sudden changes in altitude,
humidity and temperature encountered during our trips.
Coupled with the need to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings and fatigue,
some of us may be more prone to breathlessness and blackouts.
Travel insurance to cover the medical expenses incurred is always a good
precautionary measure.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we strongly encourage that
you get your doctor's advice regarding the suitability of your trip.
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