How do you find the best worldwide travel insurance?

"Life is for those who live it to the full" is your motto. Because you’re about to set off on a world trip. You’re probably already dreaming about the fantastic prospects that await you, and well you should!! At the same time, you realise that a small setback abroad can have serious financial consequences. A global travel insurance policy protects you against this. Will you like to take our advice along with you in your luggage?

Why choose worldwide travel insurance?

With the right travel insurance, you can ensure that your visits to the most beautiful places on this planet will soon be unforgettable for the right reasons.

After all, you may encounter various risks during your world trip, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage or theft. A few examples:

• You head into the mountains on a hike and break your ankle. In addition to urgent medical assistance, you need be evacuated by helicopter to the nearest hospital.
• After hours of flying, you finally arrive on the other side of the world… but unfortunately without your luggage.
• A family member suddenly becomes seriously ill. You have to interrupt your trip to fly back earlier.
• Something happens that requires you to cancel your departure and maybe even your entire trip.
• During a road trip with a rental car in a foreign country where everything is in a foreign language, you are involved in an accident. You are held liable and need legal assistance.
• Your smartphone and your wallet with all your bank cards and identity documents are stolen in the heart of a big city.
• And more

Travel insurance covers such setbacks and other unforeseen circumstances worldwide, so you can travel with peace of mind.

If you still have to interrupt your trip or return earlier due to an unfortunate event, you can avoid an additional financial headache. For example, a routine operation including a hospital stay abroad can quickly cost many thousands or even tens of thousands of euros.

How long can you be insured during your trip?

There are numerous travel insurance policies that can differ in duration, price, and terms. So it is good to know, for example, that many annual travel insurance policies only offer cover for an uninterrupted stay of three to four months.

But many insurers also offer solutions for this, such as the option to extend this period by one month each time. And what if you’re planning to go out for a whole year (or longer)? There are insurance policies that cover your trip up to a maximum of one year (364 days). You can also extend this insurance period if the insurer offers this option.

What does world travel insurance cover?

Depending on the chosen insurer and insurance plan, travel insurance will cover the following situations:

• Medical emergencies: hospital admission, emergency assistance, and medical evacuation to your home country if necessary
• Luggage and personal belongings: lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal items
• Travel interruption and cancellation: compensation for unused travel days and additional costs if you need to interrupt or cancel your trip due to illness, family emergencies or other covered reasons.
• Accident insurance: accidents leading to disability or death
• Liability: damage you accidentally cause to third parties
• And more

Planning to travel by car frequently?

Everyone does their world trip in their own unique way. Some prefer to hitchhike and use public transport, while others like to keep things simple and rely on rental cars.

In the latter case, it is important to have your car insurance in order, but also to arrange breakdown cover abroad. Please note, however, that this latter form of assistance with any Belgian insurer remains limited to geographical Europe.

What does global travel insurance cost?

The price of travel insurance can range from 100 to several hundred euros. What are the main factors that determine the price of travel insurance?

• Duration of the trip: the longer you are travelling, the more expensive the insurance.
• Destinations: travelling to specific countries can increase costs, especially if those countries are considered high-risk. Overly risky destinations, such as countries at war, may not be covered at all
• Age: older travellers generally pay more than younger globetrotters
• Nature of the trip: will you be playing the adventurer or engaging in extreme sports during your world trip? Or are you primarily a quiet culture seeker? Higher limits for medical expenses naturally lead to more expensive premiums.

A few more tips before you go

Finally, we leave you with a short checklist to run through before you go, so you can be sure you have thought of everything when it comes to your travel insurance for your worldwide adventures:

• Travelling with your family? If so, travel insurance may cover every family member.
• Are you travelling with a friend, acquaintance or relative who is not a member of your immediate family? In this case, each individual will have to arrange their own insurance.
• What is included in your cancellation insurance (flights, accommodation, etc.)?
• Check with your health insurance provider to see which medical expenses are covered abroad.
• Personal assistance insurance covers travel and accommodation costs for family members flying across following hospitalisation or in the event of repatriation.
• When you leave, remember to take copies of your insurance policies.
• The same applies to the contact numbers of all insurers. Make sure you can get in touch with the right people quickly in case of problems.

Discover Ethias’ travel-related insurance

“I’m going on a trip and I’m taking…” Hopefully we have convinced you of the importance of travel insurance that provides the broadest coverage possible. May we introduce you to the insurance policies of our partner Ethias? From baggage and cancellation insurance to roadside assistance and family cover, take a look at their various attractive packages.