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I never fully realized how lucky I have been, being born in Canada. It is a beautiful country that still has so much natural beauty left in it. I also have never had to pay any kind of medical expense in my life (prescriptions excluded). Because of this and the fact that I'm fairly healthy I tend not to think too much about doctors' bills or insurance. I wish I had known about travel insurance last year before going to Florida Spring Break. My life would be much different if I had.
by BrettDenney
I never fully realized how lucky I have been, being born in Canada. It is a beautiful country that still has so much natural beauty left in it. I also have never had to pay any kind of medical expense in my life (prescriptions excluded). Because of this and the fact that I'm fairly healthy I tend not to think too much about doctors' bills or insurance. I wish I had known about travel insurance last year before going to Florida Spring Break. My life would be much different if I had.
Several alcohol fueled days later, I awoke in a hospital room. I thought that I was in agony when I woke up. I had a cast on my left leg, hurt everywhere and discovered when I tried to sit up that several of my ribs had been broken. From what I have managed to piece together from my friends, I had a pretty bad parasailing accident and had had to be rushed to emergency. I was bummed out about my trip being ruined, but when I got home things got much worse. I took my hospital bill from America into a government office and tried to get them to pay. No, we're sorry, but since you received out-of-county care we are not responsible for these costs. What! Where was I, a starving college kid going to come up with $15, 000?
This is why; I'll never go abroad without travel insurance again. Look after yourself, its bad enough that you've gotten hurt - do you really want to be buried in debt too?
It's not even like travel insurance is all that expensive. You can acquire a cheap plan for under $40. Just be sure that the plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Experts recommend that before you begin shopping for insurance you prepare a list of any activities you are likely to do while away. This is to make sure that you are not surprised later to find your coverage doesn't extend to "extreme sports." Things as simple as riding a moped or motorcycle with an engine over 50cc may invalidate your coverage - so know before you need it.
I know it's a drag, but take the time to read the fine print on your insurance policy. This is a contract that you are signing, and it was designed to protect the insurance company, not you. Make sure that you fully understand what your responsibilities and liabilities are. Do not sign until all of your questions have been answered and you are comfortable.
Other than medical costs, you will want to be covered against loss/theft of items. This will protect you if the airline loses your luggage or against been pick pocketed in the streets of Rome. A lot of people seem to neglect this, but think about how you're going to get home if you lose your ticket or pass port. What will you do if you have no money and your credit cards are in the hands of a thief?
Hopefully, you will never have to experience what I went through, but if you do have an accident while on vacation and were smart enough to get covered by insurance you will be in a much better position that I was.
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