The Importance of Purchasing Travel Insurance

So, you have been looking forward to your holiday for months, your trip is booked and paid. All you need to do is pack your suitcase. But have you thought of one of the most important parts of purchasing travel arrangements?  Travel Insurance.

It is part of human nature to believe that bad things will never happen to us. Unfortunately it’s a scary world out there and you never know what mishap is just around the corner. It is always best to be prepared and top of your list when making your reservation should be travel insurance. The cost of a travel insurance policy is minimal compared to the cost’s you can incur if you are not sufficiently covered. Don’t you want to have that piece of mind?

Still not convinced? Here are some of the common objections we hear regarding travel insurance:

“I don’t need Travel Insurance..I am fit and healthy”

Did you know that at least 65% of MEDICAL CLAIMS are accident related?! We have claims such as Motor Vehicle Accidents, slips and falls, skiing accidents, bitten and scratched by animals such as : spiders, snakes, stone fish, monkeys, hippo, elephant tusk and dogs, assaults and so on.

So if you are fit and healthy any of the above can occur too, most claims are not illnesses but accidents. Regardless of age or medical condition, travel insurance is a must!

“I am covered on my credit card”

Excluding FNB, all major credit cards provide limited complimentary cover when the traveller has used the card to debit the full fare. The complimentary cover is limited medical cover between R200 000 and R2 million as well as some Accidental Death and Permanent Disability Cover (lump sum compensation in the event of death or disability due to accident). The complimentary cover is not enough to cover risks associated with overseas travel and additional cover should be considered. The traveller needs more medical cover, cancellation cover and luggage cover. (These are the 3 most important benefits on any travel insurance policy).

“I am covered by my medical aid”

Some medical aid organizations provide free international medical cover when their member travels. The cover and terms of the various companies vary widely depending on the medical aid company. Some require that the traveller submit claim on return to SA, some use the savings limit (foreign currency claims are much higher than local claims), some don’t have a 24 hour help line and so on

Please check with your medical aid, what the exact details and terms are before you solely rely on this cover.

Some Real Life Stories:

Did you know that the average GP consultation costs GBP 150.00 in the UK. That’s already nearly R 3000.00 before you have even been diagnosed.

Here are some of the stories from traveller’s who had unfortunate incidents whilst they were abroad but were covered by TIC travel insurance.

Case 1:

James suffers from a pre-existing heart condition. When he travels overseas on a holiday cruise in the Caribbean, he suffers a mild heart attack and has to be rushed off to hospital. He stays in hospital for five days, and when he is released, his medical expenses have totalled R450 000. Fortunately, James had taken out a Leisure Comprehensive policy before he went on holiday, and he is covered up to R500 000 for pre-existing medical conditions. So although he suffered a heart attack on holiday, fortunately James didn’t have to suffer financially.

Case 2:

Anoop and Nadia save for two years for their dream holiday to India. They pay their travel agent in advance for their trip to the amount of R 45 000, which includes their return flights, their hotel accommodation in Mumbai, as well as a hire car which they plan to pick up at the airport when they arrive. Unfortunately three days before their scheduled departure, Nadia falls and breaks her ankle, and she and Anoop have to cancel their holiday. Because the trip is cancelled at such a late date, the travel agent informs Anoop and Nadia that their money is non-refundable. Fortunately, however, the couple had bought a Leisure Comprehensive policy, which includes cancellation cover, and the cost of their holiday is refunded to them in full.

Case 3:

John travels to London on a business trip, but is caught up in a terrorist bomb attack on the tube he’s travelling on. He is injured in the attack and rushed to hospital, where his case is reported to TIC’s assistance company, after it has been ascertained by the medical staff that he has a Business policy from TIC. John’s leg is badly injured and he receives emergency surgery. He recuperates in hospital for five days before flying back home to South Africa. His medical expenses come to R500 000.

 

Sure Travel 24-7 offers a range of travel insurance policies through TIC.  Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) is the market leader in travel insurance in South Africa. TIC was formed in 1988 and is the only

specialist travel insurance underwriting company in South Africa.

Ask us for more information on travel insurance when booking your trip. TIC covers a range of travel such as business, leisure, youth and groups. There is something to suit the needs of any traveller at any age.