Who needs travel insurance and why?

Most travelers still don't know whether it's mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Europe. Some say they won't let you in at the border without it, others that you shouldn't. In fact, the question isn't whether you'll be allowed in, but why a tourist needs this insurance. Let's consider:

• Does anyone control the availability of insurance and why to do it.
• What types of insurance exist and how the price is formed.
• How to choose the right option and not pay twice.
• How to use travel insurance.

Does anyone control the availability of insurance and why to do it

It depends on the country you are planning to travel to and the availability of a biometric passport. For example, you can easily enter European countries with which Ukraine has a visa-free regime without insurance. No one usually checks it. However, whether you should do this is another question. In most countries, you won't even be allowed to see a doctor without paying a deposit of 100 euros. This is much more expensive than buying travel insurance for the duration of your trip, so saving on your own health is out of the question.

As for countries where you need to apply for a tourist visa, insurance is mandatory for the package of documents. Without it, you simply won't be allowed into the country.

Usually, insurance is taken care of by those who travel with elderly parents or young children. Or by those who enjoy active recreation: hiking, extreme sports, etc. But in fact, there are much more everyday situations that can happen to anyone and in which insurance is necessary. 

These include: 

• Road accident. It is not necessary to be behind the wheel, it is enough to take an unfortunate taxi or bus ride.
• Luggage loss during flights or transfers. Insurance will help you get compensation.
• Unforeseen events. Fractures, falls, poisoning, etc.

Insurance, depending on the type chosen, covers not only the costs of an ambulance, calling a doctor or providing medical services. But it also compensates for the costs of calls to the hospital, premature return to Ukraine if necessary.

What types of insurance exist and how the price is formed

Some people buy the cheapest insurance just for the sake of it, without studying the package of services. But if you want it to really benefit you during your trip, choose the right option after studying all their types.

The price of travel insurance depends on: 

• The duration of the trip. Insurance for a ten-day vacation is cheaper than for a whole year.
• The age of the traveler. Pensioners will have to take insurance more responsibly.
• The number of countries covered by the insurance. For example, travel insurance only within the EU is cheaper than one that also covers the territory of Asia. And insurance for trips to Canada or the United States is even more expensive.
• The package of services included in the insurance. The amount of money you are insured for. Some only cover doctor visits, some call costs, lost luggage, etc. All this can be studied when choosing insurance, because these points will be clearly spelled out.
• And of course, from the company where the insurance is issued.

The best option is not to choose by price, but to first decide on the optimal type of insurance. And already knowing that you need to look for a favorable price in different insurance companies.

How to choose the right option and not pay twice

The ability to choose and order insurance on the Internet greatly simplifies the search for the right option. You can immediately view all the services included in the price, compare prices from different companies, read reviews about them.

If you plan to travel more than 1-2 times a year, it will be more profitable to purchase insurance for a year at once. Such a service will cost less than buying new insurance every time during your vacation. And you will no longer need to worry about this issue, just don't forget to take your documents with you.

Decide on the countries that the insurance should cover. With a list of the services you need. The duration of the insurance. special search engines that select all options according to the necessary parameters. All you have to do is choose the optimal cost and read reviews about the insurance company. 

Then you can buy travel insurance online. The documents will arrive in electronic form, and later a paper version will be delivered by mail or courier if necessary. Keep both copies during your trip so that you can quickly use the services.

How to use travel insurance

Again, buying insurance just for the sake of it, a traveler may not know how to use it if the need arises. But in order not to get lost in a critical situation, it is better to think in advance and remember a short procedure.

First of all, you need to call the insurance company. The number to call is listed in your insurance policy. You will be given the address of the hospital, and the hospital, in turn, will be informed that the insurance company will cover all services. If necessary, the company will immediately call an ambulance for you.

What to say when you call? You should immediately provide information such as your policy number, exact location, and a clear description of the problem. That is, it is a fracture, poisoning or other situation so that the operator can understand how to help you quickly.

When you arrive at the hospital (or when the ambulance arrives), make sure that the hospital has received a letter from your insurance company. Do not immediately call an ambulance without notifying the company, otherwise it may later refuse to compensate for the costs of uncoordinated medical services.

Insurance is necessary for all travelers, because anyone may have an urgent need to use a doctor's help. The quality of such services, the chance to quickly resolve health problems and save your vacation, directly depends on the chosen insurance. So it is worth spending time to purchase quality service right away, rather than learning from bitter experience.