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While international travel is not reaching 2019 – pre-pandemic levels, a strong recovery is still expected this year.
Searches for international flights are up 64% so far in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to Kayak, an online travel agency and flight search database. And with the rise in demand for travel, it’s no surprise that international flight prices have also risen by nearly 30%, the site estimates.
That’s why it’s essential that you prepare for the expenses associated with international destinations.
One way to protect your trip and your pocket is to take out travel insurance. If you are planning a trip abroad, consider entering your traveler and travel information into the travel insurance marketplace. SquareMouth’s free tools to review dozens of insurance options available to you. You can even sort it by the least expensive options to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Advantages of taking out insurance on an international trip
SquareMouth, which studied travel trends for 2022, says that nearly 90% of all insured travel went to international destinations last year. This trend will likely continue into 2023.
There are many reasons to buy travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling abroad. But when it comes to international travel, medical and financial protections are often at the top of the list.
medical protections
Your health insurance may not always cover you wherever you go. Some countries strongly recommend that tourists purchase travel insurance to ensure they have medical coverage, and others may even require it to enter their country.
“Most primary health insurance policies do not provide coverage abroad, or if they do, coverage is limited. Travel insurance policies, on the other hand, can provide coverage in multiple destinations around the world,” explains SquareMouth in their travel advice section.
The most comprehensive travel insurance plans come with medical coverage. Search and find the ideal plan for you!
The US Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have encouraged US citizens to obtain travel medical insurance before traveling abroad.
“The US government does not provide insurance for US citizens abroad. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected costs. We recommend that you purchase insurance before you travel,” the State Department writes online, adding that Medicare and Medicaid coverage generally does not t kick out of the US
CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg also recommended that travelers obtain a coverage plan that includes medical evacuation benefits.
“You absolutely have to have medical evacuation insurance. If you get sick or injured outside of the US, it pays to get medically stabilized wherever you are and get you home at a medical and medical facility of your choice,” Greenberg said.
financial protections
This year, SquareMouth predicts that travelers will spend at least 25% more on travel, with millennials seeing the steepest increase in spending.
“With lingering economic uncertainties, travelers are becoming more budget conscious and changing their spending habits,” says SquareMouth.
Protect your trip by adding travel insurance. Shop a variety of trusted and classified providers now.
If you consider potential losses due to delays, cancellations or lost items, travel insurance is just a small price to pay for protection. The cost of insurance depends on a number of factors, including your age, geographic location, the total cost of the trip and the roof you require.
Generally speaking, you will end up paying no more than 10% of the total trip cost. The US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) predicts it will be even less – between 4% to 8% of your trip.
“The main reason most travelers buy travel insurance is the trip cancellation benefits. Trip cancellation-style travel insurance policies can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you unable to travel due to a covered reason such as illness or injury, bad weather or a terrorist attack, among others,” notes SquareMouth, adding that trip cancellation insurance can offer a 100% refund.