If you are going on a trip abroad and do not have health insurance with international coverage, probably a good idea to purchase travel insurance to protect you during the time you’re out. There are two reasons to make sure before traveling is a good idea:
1. It is possible that when traveling at greater risk than when you’re home. This is not necessarily because your destination is a place inherently more dangerous than your city of residence, but simply because they have much less information on how to avoid risks at your destination . In your town know how to move, how to cross the street, where to go and where not to go, and generally know how to avoid accidents (or rather reduce the likelihood that you can think of). In contrast, when traveling, especially in less developed than Mexico, which comprise most of the world is much more difficult to assess risk because you do not have much information about how the place. For example, crossing a street in Mexico City may be simple (though not totally sure) for us, but crossing a street in Hanoi, Vietnam is quite different and can be exposed to more risk if we do not know how ( if not Check out this video I believe ).
2. If something does happen you go (a medical emergency, a lost or stolen documents and money, etc.).’re In a much more vulnerable than if you were in your city. If you need help and do not speak the local language, you’re in trouble. Typically you will be traveling to far away from friends and family, you could easily help in your city. If you lost your passport or your wallet, the situation can become really difficult. Having a decent travel insurance means having support wherever you go, 24 hours a day. Obviously not want to be in a situation where you have to apply for your insurance to overcome any medical emergency or otherwise, but if you were to occur, your insurance company that will spend less evil and you do not have your pocket to cover the cost of your misfortune.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
While in Mexico, travel insurance industry is quite small, do not have to limit yourself to domestic supply when choosing insurance. There are many international companies can sell you travel insurance regardless of your nationality. But the products they sell are very different, because they cover different types of risks. The travel insurance policy best for you is one that best suits your preferences, your budget and your appetite for risk. If you want to be absolutely sure all the risks and have full coverage, you’ll pay much more if you prefer a policy that only covers the most common risks. A brief description of the factors to consider when choosing a travel insurance (with information on The Big Trip , Lonely Planet, 2011):
- What activities does it cover? Think about physical activities you do while traveling. You will practice bungee-jumping? Parachute jump? Skiing or snowboarding? There are policies that cover you if you suffer injury when performing these activities, but some do not . When not in extreme sports, buying a policy that will cover these activities is a waste of money.
- Who pays? is important to verify whether the insurance company directly cover your expenses, or if you have to pay first and then get a refund . Obviously the first option is always more expensive. If the second option, you must retain all relevant documents.
- Deductible . Usually, your travel insurance policy provides that in case you receive any medical treatment you will have to pay the first $ X and the company will cover everything else. This is the deductible or Excess payment in English.
- Theft of luggage, documents and money . Many travelers opt for policies that do not cover theft because normally if you lose your wallet or passport will be in a fight for a couple of days. If you’re traveling with laptops or expensive cameras, it may be worthwhile secure them. It is possible that the insurance company asks you for the serial numbers of your electronics.
- Cancellation of flights, trains and hotels. There are travel insurance policies cover you in case you have to cancel trips accommodation or have already paid.
- Repatriation . Czech policy covers repatriation in case you have to return to Mexico to be treated in a medical emergency. There are policies that cover only transfer to the nearest health clinic, even if it means receiving worse medical care in Mexico.
- Pre-existing conditions and age . If you have asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes, check your policy covers you. Age is also a factor, mature travelers are statistically more likely to have accidents and therefore their policies are different (slightly more expensive). Read more