Why you need travel insurance

The recent sinking of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia shines the spotlight on why you need travel insurance.

According various media reports, the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground on 13 January off the coast of Italy when it collided with rocks. The ship had over 4 200 passengers and crew onboard and 14 people are reported as missing, 70 are injured and six were killed. Eight South Africans survived and managed to swim to shore.

What travel insurance covers:
Uriah Jansen, Managing Director of Oojah Travel Protection, shares some insights regarding what standard travel insurance offered by them covers:
• Emergency medical expenses, including evacuation, repatriation and transportation and repatriation of mortal remains and burial expenses.
• One travel companion to remain with you and accompany you on the flight back to SA.
• A flight for one person to visit you if you are in ICU for five days or longer.
• Loss, damage or theft of personal baggage.
• Loss of cash and/or passport.
• Travel and baggage delay.
• Personal liability and accident.

What can you expect to get back if you had an accident and are fully covered?
According to Jansen, it depends on the type of policy you have. If you have purchased comprehensive cover, you can expect to be reimbursed as follows:
1. Medical and related expenses – for up to R50 000 for expenses incurred including repatriation of mortal remains.
2. Death – up to R100 000 per person.
3. Curtailment/cancellation for any reason – up to R25 000 per person for pre-paid, non-refundable, unused travel and accommodation expenses.
4. Loss of personal belongings/baggage – up to R20 000 per person.
5. Loss of cash – R1 000
6. Loss of passport and travel documents – R2 000

Key points to remember when you travel:
• Travel insurance is a priority. Most credit cards offer free travel insurance if you pay by card, but if you need specialised or extra cover, you'll have to buy it extra.
• It is important to purchase cover that appropriately suits your individual circumstances and travel plans.
• Read your policy carefully, as it may contain some exclusions, eg for pre-existing medical conditions.