Travel Insurance Requirements
There are different types of travel insurance that you need to be familiar with, and every country will have different reasons as to why they want you to have travel insurance as part of the visa application process. However, the main aspect of the travel insurance process that embassies want to ensure is that you are covered medically for any unforeseen issue that may happen while you are within their borders.
So why do countries want Travel Insurance coverage?
The following is a typical list of items that are covered by most travel insurance plans out there. Though the specifics of each can change from company to company, care should be taken to ensure that you pick the plan that is appropriate for your situation and country you are traveling too:
- Medical coverage - If you get into an accident or get sick during your trip, your travel insurance will cover for doctor consultations, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, and medicine, etc. This will ensure that host country medical systems are not burdened or left without payment for out of state visitors using their services.
- Trip cancellation or interruption - Will protect you in the event your trip is canceled for some reason and reimburse you for any travel or accommodation costs. You'll need to check the policy as to the specifics for the reasons for the cancellations though some plans offer a "Cancel for any reason" plan that you can add on. Will ensure the host country that you have the means to leave in the event a flight is canceled or interrupted.
- Repatriation of remains - In the unfortunate circumstance that something horrible happens, this option provides coverage for overseas funeral expenses or the return of the body. It can be a significant burden for many countries in dealing with unclaimed remains and thus end up consuming public-funded resources.
- Missed flight. If the flight you missed was through no fault of your own (i.e., the airline rescheduled or had a delay), the insurance company will cover any expenses related to it, thus assuring the host country that you can still leave the country as planned.
- Return of a minor - If someone is under the age of 16 and in distress overseas can cover the costs of any travel arrangements to return them home.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged possessions - Can provide financial restitution in the event something happens to your belongings. This reduces the burden on the host country to utilize any public-funded programs to assist you while in their care.
Other travel insurance options
There are some additional travel insurance plans which will cover things that are outside of the "standard" coverage but will cost you extra money. This can include:
- AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Dental coverage
- Rental car coverage
- Dangerous sports medical coverage
- Natural disaster coverage
- Terrorism coverage
- Cancel for any reason travel insurance