Know the benefits provided by your travel insurance company

A former colleague of mine is privileged to go to Italy in January and take the family along on a ski vacation. We discussed not only his desire to have a well derved rest and enjoyable time with the family, but also the various measures to be taken to ensure safety for all. Documentation to be taken along includes the visa requirements and perhaps as important, but often neglected -travel insurance!

But how much do we know about travel insurance? How much cover do you have and how much is needed. How much automatic cover are you entitled to and do you need to top-up?

On the Arrive Alive website we have included a section for our travellers titled “Travel insurance and safety for travellers”. We have summarized most of the benefits offered under travel insurance cover from various providers:

•Emergency medical assistance: Ensures the right medical advisers are consulted; appropriate medical treatment is provided; and any necessary, approved medical fees are covered should you fall ill or have an accident abroad.
•Emergency evacuation/repatriation and transportation: Should you or a stranded companion need to return to South Africa as a result of a medical claim, this covers the repatriation.
•Personal accident cover: Financial protection against disability and death – protecting yourself and those who depend on you against the worst.
•Personal liability cover– protecting you against the cost of damage to a third party or property and even rental car damage excess.
•Travel Assistance: A helpline service available 24 hours a day, which will ensure your travel problems are dealt with as easily and conveniently as possible – including obtaining information about visas and inoculations; emergency medical evaluation and repatriation; return of mortal remains; transmission of urgent messages and legal assistance.
•Baggage and personal belongings protection: Cover for the loss, theft or accidental damage to your personal belongings or baggage; and the loss of theft of your personal money and documents.
•Legal Expense: Cover should you need to seek legal counsel.
•Trip cancellation/interruption
•Overseas funeral expenses, burial, cremation or repatriation of your remains if you die abroad;
•Delayed departure & Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
•Returning home family members who are stranded by your illness or death
•A visit by a family member if you are travelling alone and are hospitalised in a foreign country. (This will require the approval of a doctor appointed by the underwriter.)
•Logistical peace of mind: Covers the reasonable additional expenses you incur from delays, or if you have to cancel or curtail your trip due to specific reasons, such as missed connections or a tragedy.
•Hijack and wrongful detention cover

If you are aware that you will be participating in extreme sporting activities, skiing, snowboarding and other more extreme sports, it is important to consult with your insurer and enquire whether this is covered and whether you need to custom your insurance with a top-up insurance!

It is also important to know that you might be covered for travel insurance through your credit card or medical fund.

Do a bit of homework and don’t neglect to be fully aware of your travel insurance before you board the plane!!

View the Arrive Alive website for more info on:

“Travel insurance and safety for travellers”