Travel insurance is designed to cover contingencies and emergencies when you are travelling, either within the country or overseas. If you are a frequent traveler, it is better to have a plan that offers continuous coverage but it is possible to buy one off insurance to cover specific trips. You can also buy this coverage from travel agents or travel suppliers but you will normally get better value for money with an insurance company. You can also buy options tailor-made to the kind of travel you are undertaking such as business trips, vacations or travel for studies.

The risks normally covered by travel insurance: the normal risks for which coverage is available are

-medical emergencies and hospitalization

-loss or damage to baggage or money

-evacuation or repatriation in emergencies

-delayed departure or delayed arrival of baggage (which means you have to purchase items for immediate personal use)

-legal help and personal liability in the case of accidents

You can also get a whole host of other options at an additional cost.

The risks excluded from normal coverage: risks for which you will not get insurance coverage are as follows:

-pre-existing medical conditions

-acts of terrorism or war (some policies do offer this coverage)

-any illness or injury which can be attributed to the use of alcohol or drugs

Travel insurance is valuable protection to have since many of the travel insurers provide 24/7/365 services and can be instantly contacted in case of an emergency. It is also affordable and you can expect to pay anything between five percent and eight percent of the cost of your trip for the coverage.