Travelling abroad? You need travel insurance!

Travelling abroad? You need travel insurance!

Nobody wants to think about losing their baggage, being robbed or falling ill while on holiday. As much as these occurrences do not happen to everyone, they could happen to you, and that’s not fun – that’s why travel insurance is so important. 

Besides the inconvenience that the loss of luggage or the theft of your valuables brings about, it’s the expense of replacing these items that is more frustrating and painful than anything else. Travelling in itself is expensive, and sometimes we save up for months just to go on that overseas trip, with our budget not giving way for any unforeseen expenses.

It can be a downer having to think about travel insurance on top of all the other costs that you incur when traveling. But imagine not having that insurance when your new iPhone is stolen, or you have to visit a foreign hospital because you broke your big toe? Imagine the real pain that you will experience when you are hit with bills in that oh-so-extravagant foreign currency. Is it really worth the risk?

These are all factors to consider when thinking about whether or not you should take that travel insurance. They are very real factors. There are plenty of people that can attest to the lifesaving benefits of travel insurance – just ask friends and family around you.

Here are some things you can do before leaving for an overseas trip, to help avoid any mishaps:

• Research the financial, political, cultural and economic environment of your intended destination to know what you are getting into.
• Learn a few key phrases in the host country’s language in order to communicate what you are looking for and what you need, to avoid any miscommunication.
• Learn the laws of the country, especially when it comes to driving, so that you don’t get yourself in trouble.
• Have the nearest South African embassy details with you at all times in case of an emergency, as well as your next of kin details if they need to be called on your behalf.
• Keep all of your personal belongings like your passport, visa, cellphone and travel agenda in a ziplock bag which can be easily accessed at all times while traveling.
• Ensure all your luggage is tightly zipped and locked with luggage locks so that no one can open or insert things into your luggage.
• Always be aware of people watching you at the airport or on the plane – they may be observing you for criminal reasons.

Get some more travel ideas here.

Make sure you are covered before you leave on your next overseas trip – travel insurance is as important as your passport – don’t leave yourself open to possible problems in the future, have a look at our personal insurance options here.

Get in touch with us to chat more about travel insurance and how we can cover you.