Tourism Month has arrived and with it, a renewed eagerness to shake off the confines of winter living and chase after a few bucket list travel items. However, increased travel activity also comes with added risks. Even the most thoroughly planned trips can be disrupted by the unexpected – flight delays and cancellations, medical emergencies and lost luggage can turn a much-anticipated adventure into a stressful and costly experience. Fortunately, having comprehensive travel insurance provides a critical safety net when things don’t go as planned.
This is according to Jason Veitch, head of Travel, Accident and Health at Santam Travel Insurance, who says that when planning some well-earned time away, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the itinerary and aspects like accommodation, budget management, tourism activities and what to pack. “Thinking about what could potentially go wrong doesn’t often top the list of considerations. But finding the best way to manage any potential risks should be a priority, but is often left for last,” says Veitch.
He explains that “what may seem like a minor inconvenience at first can put a big dent in your travel budget when the costs add up quickly.”
The real cost of travel disruptions
No one plans for a cancelled flight, lost luggage, medical emergency, or unexpected travel disruption. Yet Veitch says these situations can happen to even the most experienced travellers.
“A delayed flight can cause missed connections. A sudden illness abroad can lead to costly medical bills. Lost baggage can leave travellers without essential items for days. These events are often beyond a traveller’s control, but being prepared can significantly reduce the financial and emotional impact.
Consider for example, the implications of the airline losing your luggage or misrouting it onto another flight. “Airlines usually have contingency plans in place to recoup passenger belongings but there are cases in which bags take several days to be returned. This means unexpectedly needing to replace essential items such as clothing or toiletries,” says Veitch.
Business travellers also face their fair share of risks. “A flight delay can set off a ripple effect of events with a stressful and costly ending. For example, delayed flights may require an unexpected overnight stay, along with meals and transport,” says Veitch.
He adds that many South Africans believe their credit card travel insurance gives them full protection. But while it can offer basic emergency medical cover, Veitch cautions that it often falls short of what travellers really need especially for trip disruptions, long travel, adventure activities, or pre-existing medical conditions. “While card insurance is helpful for some travellers, it may leave you exposed to some travel risks and costs especially abroad. Understanding your cover before you travel can help avoid unexpected surprises when you need assistance most,” he says.
Safety-first – always
Travel Insurance can help protect you against unexpected events whether travelling for a holiday, business, study, work, emigration or domestic travel. Depending on your cover, key benefits usually include cover for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation and disruption, personal liability and personal accident, as well as protection for lost or stolen personal belongings.
Veitch adds that benefits such as personal liability and legal assistance provide an added layer of protection, helping travellers stay on track when plans don’t go as expected.
“While no one can predict what might happen during a trip, travellers can take simple steps to be prepared. Planning for the unexpected isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about giving yourself the confidence to enjoy the journey, knowing you’re protected if plans take an unforeseen turn,” says Veitch.