Insurance, do you really need it?
Posted by Erna Eiríksdóttir - 01/10/09 at 10:10:04 amIf you are traveling and you don’t have an insurance you are just plain stupid. It’s that simple. Sure, we all think “that’s never going to happen to me” but it just might!
I’m not sure, but I think everywhere in the world if you buy your plane ticket with your Visa credit card you automatically get a travel insurance, but it only lasts for a few months. Maybe it’s your gap year and you want to travel for a year or even longer. Maybe you are relocating to a developing country that doesn’t have a great reputation for its healthcare. Many people have no idea what to do or where to turn. It is actually quite easy as there are many online insurance companies that are reputable why not try World Nomad or Goodhealth Worldwide , just to name two good insurance companies.
A few reasons why you want insurance:
- You can get dysentery, if you do, you can die.
- You can get appendicitis, if you don’t get the operation you have a 0.8% chance of dying.
- You can get shot.
- You can brake a limb.
- You can get blown up by illegal fireworks while on an island somewhere far away from a good hospital.
- You might need to be evacuated, and that costs a hell of a lot of money, and the helicopter will not leave the shit hole you are in unless they get paid first!
Please, don’t be blind and live a lie. It CAN happen to you. If it does health insurance will be the best purchase you ever made. My health plan sure was! I got appendicitis few weeks ago and because I’m an expat with an expat insurance in a developing country I got to go to the good hospital with doctors that actually know basic biology and aren’t married to their first cousin.
Paying for your insurance might make your wallet cry at first but can you really put a price on your health? Not only that but if anything happens you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars
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it is particularly important when traveling in the USA, heard some horror stories of minor injuries turning into extremely high bills… Also make sure that the insurance covers all the important issues. For an example, if you go to South Africa, make sure to get the best insurance available; if you are traveling with a laptop or other expensive electronic equipment ASK if it´s included…
Comment by Juliana — October 4, 2009 #
Very good point!
I wish I would stop meeting travelers and expats alike that don’t have insurance, and most often their reason is “It wont happen to me” or, my favorite, “I can’t afford one”. Really? If they can afford to travel and drink 5 dollars cocktail you would think they could cough up the money for their own safety and financial security in case they get robbed.
Comment by Erna — October 4, 2009 #
I also thought that credit cards throughout the world give you insurance… but have realized that I was wrong after moving to New Zealand, they just look at me like I’m crazy when I say that!
Comment by Freyja — October 6, 2009 #