Getting Travel Insurance: A simple Guide

Getting travel insurance is one of the easiest tasks when planning a travel itinerary, yet, I often get asked by friends to help them with it, and I always wonder why.

Don’t get me wrong, some people prefer to delegate all travel-related tasks and are willing to pay a premium for it. However, for those who don’t mind doing it themselves but simply don’t know how, the good news is that getting your travel insurance is super easy. Here is a simple guide.

I personally use AXA Mansard Insurance for two reasons;

First, their web platform is very user-friendly and secondly, you receive your insurance policy immediately, after paying online, without any delay. Thumbs up to them for maintaining this efficiency.

First, let’s address a pertinent question: Do you need travel insurance at all? Yes, YOU NEED one for your international trips.

Why you need Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential part of your travel planning for several reasons.

Visa Application Requirement
Some embassies such as Schengen Countries, South Africa etc require travel insurance as a pre-requisite for their visa application. Without a travel insurance, there is no visa approval.

Peace of Mind Coverage
Not only do some embassies, such as those of Schengen countries, require travel insurance as a prerequisite for visa applications, but it also provides peace of mind. Knowing that you are covered in case of an emergency can significantly reduce travel-related stress.

Medical Emergencies
One of the primary reasons to get travel insurance is to cover medical emergencies. Healthcare costs can be exorbitant in many countries, and without insurance, you might find yourself in a financial bind if you need medical attention abroad. It can cover hospital stays, medical treatments, and even medical evacuation, in the case of death. You never want to pay this out of pocket, it is super expensive.

Travel insurance can also cover accidental death or dismemberment, personal liability, and even provide legal assistance if needed. It is a comprehensive safety net that can protect you from various risks associated with travel.

Trip Interruptions and Cancellations
Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions and cancellations. If your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances like a family emergency or natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse you for the non-refundable parts of your trip. This can include flight tickets, hotel reservations, and even prepaid tours and activities.

Lost or Delayed Luggage
Losing your luggage can be a nightmare, especially if it contains essential items. Travel insurance can provide compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage. This ensures that you can replace your belongings and continue your trip without too much hassle.

Related Post – How to get compensation for delayed bags

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

When selecting travel insurance, it is crucial to choose a policy that fits your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Coverage Limits
Make sure the policy you choose has adequate coverage limits for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other potential risks. Read the fine print to understand what is covered and what is not.

Deductibles
In Nigeria, travel insurance payment is one off. In some other countries however, travel insurance policies may come with deductibles, which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Choose a deductible amount that you are comfortable with.

Exclusions
Be aware of the exclusions in the policy. These are situations or items that the insurance will not cover. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities like skydiving, and losses due to negligence.

Duration of Coverage
Ensure that the policy covers the entire duration of your trip. If you are a frequent traveler, you might want to consider an annual travel insurance policy that covers multiple trips and countries throughout the year.

How to Purchase Your Travel Insurance from Nigeria

My Preferred Choice is AXA Mansard Insurance, given its ease of online payment and the immediate issuance of the insurance policy.

AXA Mansard Travel Insurance Purchase in 4 easy steps

This is a simple step-by-step guide for purchasing travel insurance;

Step 1: Go to the AXA Mansard Travel Insurance website page – www.axamansard.com

Step 2: Click on ‘Get Started’ and proceed to input your details in the ‘Get Instant Quote’ tab.

Step 3: Submit your details after filling in all the required information.

Step 4: Make the payment and stay on the page to immediately download your insurance policy.

Yes, it’s that easy!

Tips for a Successful Travel Insurance Purchase

To ensure that you have a smooth experience when purchasing travel insurance, consider the following tips:

Double-Check Your Details
Ensure that all the information you provide during the application process is accurate. Incorrect details can lead to delays or denial of coverage. Most important information are;

• Your name, as written on your travel passport
• Your passport number
• Insurance start date
• Coverage type/location/countries

Compare Policies
Don’t settle for the first policy you come across. Compare different policies and providers to find the best deal that offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.

Read Reviews
Look for reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have used the insurance provider. This can give you insights into the provider’s reliability on settlements and customer service.

Understand the Claims Process
Familiarize yourself with the claims process of the insurance provider, know what documentation is required and how to file a claim in case you need to.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Purchasing Travel Insurance

Waiting Until the Last Minute
Buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. If you travel up to four times or to four countries in a year, I advise purchasing annual plan traveller worldwide. It is cheaper, covers all countries, except your country of residence of course, and is sometimes a consideration in granting a long term visa. You also sometimes make last minute travel plan and this saves you from forgetting this little but important part of your trip.

Over-Insuring or Under-Insuring
Make sure that the coverage limits are appropriate for your needs; over-insuring can lead to unnecessary costs, while under-insuring can leave you exposed to significant risks. If you are not a frequent traveller and only traveling to a specific location within a specific period, simply subscribe to a coverage for that location and for the travel duration per time..

Ignoring the Fine Print
Always read the fine print of the policy to understand what is covered and what is not; this will prevent any surprises in case you need to file a claim.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance is a crucial part of your travel planning. It provides a safety net that protects you from various risks associated with travel. Whether it’s medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, having the right travel insurance can save you from significant financial and emotional stress.

So, the next time you plan a trip, don’t overlook the importance of travel insurance.

Happy Xploring!