SHOULD YOU TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE YOU GO ON VACATION?

Travel and tourism involve the discovery of new environments, but also entail specific risks. Travel insurance helps to manage these risks in the event of an incident.

When you go on vacation, it’s important to know what cover you have in the event of accident, illness or cancellation. In France and the European Union, the Carte Vitale and the EHIC cover most health expenses. Outside Europe, check the coverage of your existing contracts (home insurance, health insurance) and check your bank card.

By definition, travel insurance offers a set of guarantees to cover the consequences of unforeseen events that may occur before or during a stay abroad.

Abroad, any incident can lead to major complications, including :

• illness in an isolated region,
• loss of luggage at an airport,
• the death of a family member in his or her home country,
• an accident resulting in property damage.

By taking out international insurance, you are covered for any trip cancellation, medical emergency or medical repatriation, and benefit from appropriate protection when traveling outside France and the European Union.

WHAT SHOULD TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER?

Coverage needs depend on the type of trip, the destination and the activities planned. However, at the very least, travel insurance should include three main components: medical expenses, assistance and third-party liability.

• Medical expenses: Illness and accidents are unpredictable. Abroad, access to quality care can be costly. Travel health insurance covers these expenses and guarantees access to appropriate facilities.

• Assistance: In the event of serious health problems in certain regions, transfer to a suitable facility or repatriation may be necessary. Assistance generally also includes the presence of a relative in the event of hospitalization, early return costs, searches, legal assistance, etc.

• Civil liability: Accidents resulting in bodily injury or material damage may occur, and may engage the traveler’s civil liability. Appropriate coverage avoids serious financial consequences, including legal action.

We recommend that you take out such insurance whenever you travel abroad.

Travel insurance can also cover :

• Trip cancellation;
• Theft, loss or destruction of baggage and personal effects;
• Reimbursement of legal fees and advance bail abroad;
• Death or disability as a result of an accident;
• Early return due to a serious accident of a family member in France.