How to insure yourself as much as possible when traveling abroad

Having learned that to travel to Europe from Ukraine, travel insurance is not mandatory — many people neglect this document. Or they buy a cheap package of services that only covers medical services. But health problems are not the only difficulty that can arise in another country. A traveler's documents or luggage can be stolen. Also, a vacation can be ruined by flight cancellation or other unforeseen circumstances. To prevent this from happening — we recommend that you study all types of travel insurance and choose the one that can really come in handy.

We are talking about the basic package of services that is included in regular medical insurance. And also about additional options that will help you get the most out of your vacation.

Basic package of travel insurance services

The basic package of services — is an economical option that is chosen for short-term trips to European cities. It can cost from 200 hryvnias for a week of vacation and about 700 hryvnias per year — depending on the company you choose.

What services can you use if necessary?

• A call to the insurance company to coordinate actions. You provide the insurance number, describe your case and make sure that the company will reimburse the costs.
• Call an ambulance. Again, you need to coordinate a call with the insurance company and make sure that this service is necessary.

• Provision of emergency medical care. Payment for medications, doctor's consultation, plaster and  other expenses — are included in the cost of insurance.
• Dental care. Only urgent, when its urgent need is confirmed.

Such basic insurance will protect you in case of possible health problems. But if you want to choose reliable insurance for all occasions — consider only the extended service package.

Useful extended insurance options

• Difficulties with the airline or other transport companies. You can insure yourself against loss of luggage on the way. If the luggage is damaged during transportation — its value is reimbursed. Expenses due to flight cancellation or long delay are compensated.
• Early return to Ukraine or arrival of a relative in the country of your stay. In case of serious injuries, such a service may be necessary. You can also choose insurance, the cost of which includes early relocation of children to Ukraine, if something happens to the adult traveler.
• Compensation of expenses for an unforeseen stay in the country due to health conditions. This can be hotel or transport orders.
• Services of lawyers or lawyers, if necessary. Useful in case of problems with the law.
• Loss or theft of personal documents. If your wallet with your passport was stolen - you can forget about the usual calm return home. You need to contact law enforcement and wait for deportation. The costs of this procedure and the restoration of documents are borne by the insurance company.

But the list of services may differ for different insurance companies. Study in detail what is included in the insurance you are going to buy.

Additional services that may be needed

There are also services that are not included in standard service packages. They must be included in the insurance additionally:

Active recreation and sports

Are you going to do surfing, diving, mountaineering or other sports while traveling? During active recreation, there is a greater chance of getting injured, but regular insurance does not compensate for treatment. To do this, you need to immediately indicate that you are going to engage in sports and other activities. The price will increase slightly, but you will be sure that if necessary - you will be able to use this insurance.

It is worth noting that there is one exception - skiing vacation. For this, you do not need to purchase additional services if you were skiing and got injured - the company will cover the costs of treatment.

Chronic diseases

Tourists who had chronic diseases before the trip - should also inform the insurance company about this in order to choose the optimal type of insurance. There are two options here: either you take all the costs on yourself if difficulties arise, or you pay extra for a separate service and the costs are already covered by the insurance company.

Pregnancy

There is also a separate insurance service for pregnant women. It covers all costs in the event of complications, premature birth due to an accident or injury. If you plan to give birth in another country and this is the purpose of the trip - a different type of insurance is needed.

Personal preparation for an insured event

To insure yourself completely - it is not enough to simply purchase a full package of services. You also need to be able to use it. Find out what is included in the cost of insurance and what remains your responsibility. Understand the points - what and how to do in the event of an insured event. Make sure that all travelers in your company know and understand this action plan.

And remember that the insurance company will not cover the costs of treating injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a tourist breaks the law and receives a fine, he will also be required to pay it personally. So one of the most important insurance options is personal liability insurance for travelers.