When booking a trip, there is always the question of whether or not you really need to get travel insurance.
While there are pros and cons to buying travel insurance, life is unpredictable and sometimes things just happen, making it better to opt for a travel insurance policy.
You just have to note that policies differ and it’s important to make the right choice for your needs and price point.
InsureandGo is an insurer that has recently shared five things most travelers are unaware of when it comes to making claims on their travel insurance policies.
They also share how you can avoid any traps with insurers.
Jonathan Etkind, spokesperson at InsureandGo shares with Better Homes and Gardens, “Although travel insurance is both important and necessary when traveling, before purchasing any policy, travelers need to think about where they are going, what they will be doing at their destination, and when they are likely to need cover for.”
He goes on to say, “They also need to declare any pre-existing health conditions, as well as the valuable items that they will be taking with them. These are important considerations that will help travelers choose a policy that is right for them — and, in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, help them understand whether or not they will be covered.”
Here are 5 things most travelers don’t know about travel insurance policies, according to InsureandGo:
Proof Of Ownership For Your Items
Whether it’s clothing in your luggage or expenses during your travel, you will need to prove ownership. You can accomplish this by saving receipts in an envelope or on your computer as proof.
Never Leave Your Items Unattended
What most don’t know is if your luggage is left unattended for even a short period of time in a public area, this can be a reason to nullify your insurance claim. This also includes if you leave your items with someone to watch over for any period of time and they’re not traveling with you.
Also, be sure to never forget anything in your hotel room, because this is also a reason to nullify a claim.
The only way an insurer will reimburse you for lost, stolen or damaged items is if you had the items in your possession or it was kept in a hotel safe.
High-Value Items Need Additional Insurance
Most times, your laptop, phone, camera, and jewelry are not included in standard policies. If they are, it’s usually capped at a couple of hundred dollars.
It’s important to pick a policy that specifically covers high-value items so you can always be covered.
Self-Inflicted Illness and Injuries Are Not Covered
When traveling, you should never put yourself in danger and if you do, you can expect your policy to be nullified. You should always follow the advice given by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This includes getting proper vaccinations when traveling to certain countries.
Know The IMEI Number Of Your Phone
The IMEI number, or the International Mobile Equipment Identity number is found in settings and is a 15 or 17-digit number unique to only your phone for identification purposes. If your phone gets lost or stolen while abroad, most travel insurance policies won’t assist if you don’t have this unique number.