As much as we’d like our trips be a source of fun, from losing your mobile phone to getting sick, accidents are as much a part of travel as they are of everyday life.
If you’ve never encountered any issues whilst traveling, you might be wondering what all the travel insurance fuss is about. “Healthcare costs can be high even in low-budget destinations. If you fall ill or get injured for example in Thailand, you could be looking at a daily ward charge of €1,500,” says Insurance Manager Ville Lampinen from the OP Financial Group.
"If you fall ill or get injured for example in Thailand, you could be looking at a daily ward charge of €1,500.”
A travel insurance will cover the costs of medical care, but also reimburse an air ambulance transfer back to your own country if needed – a move that would otherwise set you back by as much as hundreds of thousands of euros. If you must cancel your trip altogether or cut it short, you’ll need an insurance to receive compensation.
According to Lampinen, travel insurance claims are typically filed after an illness. During winter, there is a spike in skiing-related injuries, while travelers in hot destinations fall prey to diarrhea. Even if you don’t catch that nasty bug, your possessions could still get broken or stolen. “It’s a good idea to also insure the luggage, especially if you are traveling with eyeglasses, smartphones, cameras or other items that are easily worth hundreds of euros,” Lampinen points out.
"Traveling with your family, you need to make sure each member is insured, including the kids.”
When purchasing a travel insurance, consider the type of trip you are about to make. “Business travelers should check the status of their insurance with their employee. Traveling with your family, you need to make sure each member is insured, including the kids.” If you are a frequent flyer, an ongoing travel insurance requires no hassle before each trip. Planning an extended journey around the world? “Your insurance needs to cover the entire duration of the trip. It’s worth noticing that your health records will be reviewed before an insurance of this type is granted.”
Whatever the insurance you choose, make sure to acquire it before you take off.
In trouble abroad? Check our article on what the Finnish missions can and can’t do for you.