Can’t resist the urge to get away from it all, and are you planning a trip abroad? Before you do anything else, don’t hesitate to take out travel insurance, which can get you out of a lot of trouble!
Travel insurance is a set of guarantees that you are not obliged to take out. However, just because insurance isn’t compulsory doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken out. When you go on a trip, sometimes far from France, you’re not immune to disappointment. Health problems, lost luggage, the death of a loved one in France – all these could cost you dearly. This insurance may even prove essential even before your departure if, for some reason beyond your control, you are unable to leave. Wondering why you should take out travel insurance? We’ll tell you.
1. You can fall ill at any time
Photo credit: Shutterstock – 279photo Studio
If you’re going abroad, fit and ready to enjoy your trip, there’s no telling how your stay will turn out. Yes, of course, most of the time everything goes well. But what if you fall ill? Whether it’s the flu or food poisoning, you’ll have no choice but to go to the doctor.
Medical costs abroad are not the same as in France. In most cases, they are very expensive. Social Security will reimburse you, but the reimbursement remains low compared to the actual expense. And if you have to be hospitalized, you’re looking at thousands or even tens of thousands of euros, depending on the country. With travel insurance, you’re covered for treatment and hospitalization up to the level of your needs.
Travel insurance covers care and hospitalization up to the level of your needs.
For example, Allianz Travel, a worldwide travel insurance and assistance service, offers a range of solutions to suit individual needs. These include emergency care, which, depending on the destination, is covered up to €200,000 or €300,000.
2. You can talk to a French doctor
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Phovoir
If you fall ill, you’ll need real assistance, which is what the assistance section of our travel insurance offers. Here again, Allianz Travel gives you a concrete idea of the coverage available to you.
This insurer also lets you talk to a French-speaking doctor by teleconsultation, 24 hours a day, which is extremely reassuring.
3. Because repatriation is very expensive
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SOMA studio
Have you contracted a serious illness? Have you had an accident and need to be repatriated? The cost of this service is particularly high. You’ll have to take a new flight and travel, sometimes in special conditions (lying down, for example). What’s more, depending on your state of health, you may need to be accompanied.
The cost of repatriation can run into thousands of euros, or even more. Can you afford it? If not, you should take outtravel insurance. It organizes your repatriation and covers the costs. Repatriation assistance usually costs a few dozen euros, which is a small price to pay compared with what you might have to spend if something were to go wrong.
4. Your luggage may be lost or stolen
Photo credit: Shutterstock – andriano.cz
When you travel, part of your life is in your luggage. But loss, theft or damage can happen. What if you run out of essential clothing and hygiene products? Travel insurance can once again help reduce the cost.
Not only can you claim compensation, but some insurances, like Allianz Travel, offer reimbursement for essential goods in the event of late delivery on arrival.
5. Because you may have to cancel your trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – chase4concept
Before you leave, there may be various reasons why you need to cancel your stay. Even if these are beyond your control, your tour operator, airline or hotel will not refund your money.
Depending on the type of cover you have taken out, travel insurance compensates you if you are unable to travel. Note, however, that the cancellation must not be your fault.
It comes into play in the event of illness, death, damage to your home, redundancy, visa refusal, cancellation of leave by your employer, etc. Given the cost of a trip, it’s best to take out comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation cover.
6. You may injure someone or damage property
Photo credit: Shutterstock – NeydtStock
Travel insurance includes civil liability coverage. What does it mean? This is coverage that protects you if you injure someone or cause material damage (accidentally, of course).
This usually covers your accompanying family. So if your child plays with another child and injures him, your insurance will compensate the child’s family. If you break a vase in a store, your civil liability insurance will cover the cost.
Once again, with travel insurance, you’re opting for a budget-friendly solution.
7. Because an early return is not out of the question
Photo credit: Unsplash – Suhyeon Choi
When you take a trip to Europe or the other side of the world, everything can go smoothly… for you. But what about your loved ones? If one of them dies during your trip, you’ll naturally need to return to France early. But then you’ll have to pay for a new plane ticket.
If you take out travel insurance with repatriation assistance, some insurers offer to cover early return, so you don’t have to worry about the financial consequences.
8. Because credit card insurance isn’t always enough
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Theethawat Bootmata
Bank card insurance offers coverage for your travels. Is this enough? Not always, depending on the card you choose. Top-of-the-range cards offer solid guarantees and a wide variety of coverages. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are covered to your expectations.
In some cases, your credit card travel insurance will simply cover the advance, which you will then have to reimburse. In other cases, it will reimburse you, but will not cover the advance, making it difficult to pay out large sums.
You should also take a look at the compensation ceilings, which are sometimes a little low in relation to the need. For example, while Visa Premier, Visa Infinite, Mastercard Gold and Mastercard Platinium offer trip cancellation cover up to €5,000, Allianz Travel reimburses up to €8,000 per person. Take the time to compare all the terms and conditions before choosing your travel insurance.
In partnership with Allianz Travel.