How to choose the right travel insurance: 9 preliminary questions

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Traveling is an experience full of emotions and new discoveries, but even the best-planned vacation can be marred by unexpected events.Therefore, the choice of an adequateinsurancewhen traveling is key to your peace of mind and financial security.Choosing the right travel insurance can seem complicated, but with the right questions, the process becomes much easier.Choosing the right travel insurance can save a lot of headaches, time and money, especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

1. Where are you traveling to?

The destination is paramount.Some insurances only cover certain countries or regions.Insurance coverage depends on the country or region being visited.For Schengen countries and the EU, the minimum coverage requirements are lower, but for more distant destinations such as the US, Canada, Switzerland, Australia or Asia, medical costs can be extremely high.which requires higher compensation.It is important that the insurance covers the relevant territory and offers a sufficiently high liability limit for medical expenses.Some insurances also have exclusions for risk areas.

2. How long is the trip?

The duration of the trip directly affects the price and type of insurance.Short breaks and long-term trips have different risks.For short trips of a few days, one-time insurance is suitable.If you travel frequently throughout the year, annual multi-trip insurance can be more cost-effective and convenient, saving you time and money with each new plan. 

In the event of a prolonged stay abroad of more than 30 days, it is recommended that the policy cover an extended stay or the need for repatriation.For short trips up to 7 days you can choose basic insurance.

3. What are the planned activities?

When planning a regular tourist program –walks, museums, beachcombing –standard insurance will be sufficient.But if you practice extreme sports such as skiing, climbing, snowboarding, surfing, diving, mountaineering or mountain tourism, you should look for a ...

Traveling is an experience full of emotions and new discoveries, but even the best-planned vacation can be marred by unexpected events.Therefore, the choice of an adequateinsurancewhen traveling is key to your peace of mind and financial security.Choosing the right travel insurance can seem complicated, but with the right questions, the process becomes much easier.Choosing the right travel insurance can save a lot of headaches, time and money, especially in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

1. Where are you traveling to?

The destination is paramount.Some insurances only cover certain countries or regions.Insurance coverage depends on the country or region being visited.For Schengen countries and the EU, the minimum coverage requirements are lower, but for more distant destinations such as the US, Canada, Switzerland, Australia or Asia, medical costs can be extremely high.which requires higher compensation.It is important that the insurance covers the relevant territory and offers a sufficiently high liability limit for medical expenses.Some insurances also have exclusions for risk areas.

2. How long is the trip?

The duration of the trip directly affects the price and type of insurance.Short breaks and long-term trips have different risks.For short trips of a few days, one-time insurance is suitable.If you travel frequently throughout the year, annual multi-trip insurance can be more cost-effective and convenient, saving you time and money with each new plan. 

In the event of a prolonged stay abroad of more than 30 days, it is recommended that the policy cover an extended stay or the need for repatriation.For short trips up to 7 days you can choose basic insurance.

3. What are the planned activities?

When planning a regular tourist program –walks, museums, beachcombing –standard insurance will be sufficient.But if you practice extreme sports such as skiing, climbing, snowboarding, surfing, diving, mountaineering or mountain tourism, you should look for a policy with additional coverage „sports and active recreation“or „extreme sports“, which is specific to the risks associated with these activities.Many standard insurances exclude such activities.

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4. Do the travelers have chronic illnesses or specific medical needs?

Many insurances exclude pre-existing conditions or require co-payments.Most standard policies do not cover deterioration of pre-existing conditions.Therefore, in case of serious health problems, it is recommended to seek specialized insurance. When the traveler suffers from chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, etc.) or is pregnant, it is mandatory to inform the insurer.It is also important to check whether the disease is included in the coverage and whether there will be access to the necessary medication abroad.It is advisable to look for 'chronic illness cover' options to provide peace of mind that adequate medical care will be provided when needed.Some insurers offer special conditions for people with medical problems. 

5. Are children or elderly included in the trip?

Family trips require special attention.It is necessary to choose a package that includes children, as well as additional coverage for older relatives, if necessary.

6. What is the budget and coverage preferences?

Insurances offer different levels of cover, from basic medical expenses to wider packages including loss of luggage, flight delay, legal aid and even civil liability.It is important to consider what the budget is and what risks are most important to travelers.It's not a good idea to skimp on basic covers for the sake of a lower price, but you don't have to pay for unnecessary extras either.

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7. What is the value of baggage?

When traveling with expensive electronics, jewelry or professional equipment, it is recommended that the baggage limit in the policy is sufficient.Standard coverage is usually between BGN 500-1500, but can be increased for an additional premium.

8. Is trip cancellation cover needed?

This coverage is especially important on expensive trips or when the trip is booked well in advance.It reimburses costs if a cancellation has to be made due to illness, family circumstances or other unforeseen reasons.

9. What are the conditions for activating the insurance? 

Some companies require prior approval for treatment above a certain amount. It is recommended to keep all documents (medical bills, police reports) for easier reimbursement.