The expression “better safe than sorry” rings an all too familiar bell for most of us. It’s the go-to reminder that unexpected misfortunes come with the territory of life, and you best be prepared if they do! Take a minute and think back on a moment where you wished you would have played it safe, rather than sorry. Now hold that thought, and imagine that situation occurring while you’re traveling abroad. It’s possible that whatever day spoiler you were thinking of became ten times worse.

Volunteers serving in South America.
Volunteers serving in South America.

The next time you plan on traveling abroad, adhere to this simple advice: purchase a travel insurance policy for your trip. If you’re one of those many travelers who just aren’t knowledgeable as to why they shouldn’t leave home without it, don’t worry – just keep reading.

First and foremost, you want to make sure you are protecting your health and the well-being of your loved ones when you travel. For those who have health insurance on the home front, it’s easy to take hold of the idea that the policy is valid across the border, and even the ocean. But what you may not know when you leave the country, is whether or not it will be accepted. Are you willing to take the risk? You could be looking at a pretty hefty bill in the event you aren’t covered and are asked to pay in full – right then, right there.

For those who have health insurance on the home front, it’s easy to take hold of the idea that the policy is valid across the border, and even the ocean. But what you may not know when you leave the country, is whether or not it will be accepted.

Ok, so let’s say you’re making a return visit to a country that you’ve learned from experience accepts your domestic health insurance. Although this is a plus, you still have to consider being protected for the unspeakable: a life-threatening medical emergency. Does your domestic insurance provide coverage for medical evacuations? If the answer is no, then you should look into setting up this coverage. If you think an ambulance ride is expensive, try a helicopter!

 

Students hiking up Serra da Estrela in Unhais da Serra, Portugal.
Students hiking up Serra da Estrela in Unhais da Serra, Portugal.

 

Now let’s talk about the importance of having travel insurance to protect your trip costs. You’re most likely going to have to pay for some or all of your trip before you take off. And what would you do if the unexpected came knocking on your door in between spending thousands of dollars and boarding the plane? – You could be subject to accepting losses. Protect your investment with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

I won’t hold you much longer, but I will leave you with something else to sit on. Remember that time your luggage got lost? When you were down to the clothes on your back the very first day of your trip? – And even after you returned home, your luggage was never found. Ok, maybe this hasn’t happened to you, but it has happened to someone. And that someone might have had to finance the replacement of their belongings, or just accept the loss.

Our travel insurance also covers lost baggage and missed flights!
Our travel insurance also covers lost baggage and missed flights!

No one volunteers to be the victim of an unfortunate mishap, such as lost luggage, or even worse, the victim of a medical emergency. What we need to realize and remember though, is that as travelers without insurance, we may be subject to dealing with very difficult and/or costly situations. The good news is that Fellowship Travel has partnered with TravelEx and Insurance Services of America to offer our travelers protection.

No one volunteers to be the victim of an unfortunate mishap, such as lost luggage, or even worse, the victim of a medical emergency.

As always, we are ready to provide more information on any of the travel services you may need for your trip, including travel insurance. In the process of planning your trip? Talk to your agent about it today!

It’s a big world. Get out there!
Your FTI Team
www.fellowship.com