6 Reasons Why Young Adults Need Travel Insurance on Trips
If you’re a young adult or the parent of one, you know it’s prime time to pursue dreams and explore the world through travel. As a young adult, getting covered with a good travel insurance policy.
Your family insurance travel plan may only pay for dependents who are 25 or younger, and in many cases, the threshold is lower at age 18. Additionally, since younger travelers are generally healthier and at lower risk, a separate policy may be a more affordable option. Be sure to read your specific policy to see who is covered. Consider these six reasons why young adults need travel insurance.
1. You’re More Likely to Engage in Risky Behavior
Most young adults are more apt to take risks when away from the conventions of their usual environments. Extreme sports like bungee jumping, drinking too much, and eating strange foods can lead to accidents, poor decisions, and illnesses.
Some travel insurance plans may not cover engaging in extreme sports and adventures. In these cases, you may need to consider a plan with add-ons that include these activities.
2. You May Experience an Emergency Evacuation
Civil unrest around the globe sometimes requires security and political evacuations. While study abroad programs may include a basic level of insurance, they may not cover evacuations necessary due to protests or acts of terrorism. In these cases, the U.S. government helps get young adult travelers out of danger, but they don’t pay for evacuation costs.
If you are enrolled in a study abroad program, it’s essential to know what’s covered. You may need a plan with security and political evacuation coverage.
3. You May Need Support From Back Home
If you sustain a serious injury or get sick while traveling, you might want one of your parents to accompany you. A last-minute ticket abroad can be pretty pricey. If you have a travel insurance plan with emergency transportation coverage, it will pay for one person to travel and be at your bedside.
4. Your Health Insurance May Not Work Abroad
Accidents and illnesses can happen to anyone at any age. Health insurance doesn’t always work abroad. Medical facilities in some countries don’t accept an insurance plan from the U.S. and may require an upfront cash payment, and Medicare does not provide coverage outside the country. A travel insurance plan will cover medical and dental emergencies abroad.
5. Last Minute Cancelations May Be Costly
Even with the best of plans, the unexpected can happen and call for last-minute cancellations. Most airlines have strict policies governing last-minute cancellations. And it’s not just airlines that offer minimal to no refunds. You can expect the same from cruise lines, hotels, and tour operators. A good travel insurance policy will reimburse you for canceled trip costs and save the day.
6. To Cover Other Travel Mishaps
Having your luggage lost or delayed is a rite of passage and happens to every traveler at some point. It’s best to be prepared, especially if you travel often. A travel insurance policy covers both lost luggage and damaged items.
Bad weather, security issues, and aircraft maintenance are a few of the reasons a flight can get delayed. If it’s a lengthy delay, you may need extra food and accommodations they aren’t prepared to cover. Again, your travel insurance policy can save the day.
