We all know the thrill of booking that dream holiday — the excitement, the planning, the Instagram stalking of your destination, imagining yourself on the best ski slopes in Italy or France, sipping your “gluhwein”.
Before you pack your bags, there’s a piece of wisdom we often forget: “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” If travel has taught me anything, it’s that things don’t always go to plan, and no amount of positive thinking will help when you’re knee-deep in an unforeseen mess.
This is where travel insurance steps in, like an unsung hero. It’s your safety net when your flight gets cancelled, your luggage goes missing, or you end up needing emergency medical care on holiday. Yet, so many travellers overlook the importance of being properly insured, preferring to wing it and hope for the best. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person.
Let’s start with a critical point: if you’re travelling abroad and need a visa, your standard credit card insurance is no longer good enough for embassies. Yes, many of us rely on our credit card’s ‘included’ insurance for trips, thinking it’s sufficient. Embassies have become sticklers for detail, and credit card insurance typically won’t meet the specific requirements for visa applications. Before you even think of making that appointment, make sure you have a solid insurance plan that covers every country you’re visiting, according to their requirements. It’s like trying to enter an art gallery with a ticket stub from a completely different event — it just won’t fly.
Personally, I see far too many cases of travellers who have had close calls with missing paperwork before an appointment or not having sufficient cover for a booked and paid holiday.
With winter arriving in Europe, many South Africans are gearing up for a ski holiday. The allure of a white Christmas, fresh snow, and picturesque villages covered in a blanket of frost is impossible to resist. But winter sports come with their own set of risks, and not all travel insurance policies cover these activities. If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker and planning to hit the black slopes (those challenging, steep runs meant for experienced skiers), ensure your travel insurance covers advanced skiing. It’s like buying a car — if you’re getting a 4×4, you wouldn’t take it off-road without knowing the warranty covers off-road driving, right?
TIC (Travel Insurance Consultants) is one of the few companies that cover black slope skiing. And let’s be honest, no one wants to be stranded halfway up a mountain with a twisted knee and no coverage, relying on sheer luck and ski patrol kindness.
Adventure sports are another trap many travellers fall into. You might think your insurance covers everything from paragliding to snowboarding, but often, these higher-risk activities are excluded. Before you sign up for that once-in-a-lifetime bungee jump or snowmobile excursion, check your policy. If adventure sports aren’t included, consider purchasing a top-up. The last thing you want is to be stuck paying out-of-pocket for an accident that could’ve been easily covered.
As someone who has spent years in the travel industry and seen all kinds of mishaps, one thing is clear: preparedness is empowering. Travel, like life, has a way of throwing curveballs, whether it’s a sudden snowstorm, a delayed flight, or an unexpected injury. While you can’t control every eventuality, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared, and travel insurance is a critical part of that.
I’ve seen countless travellers who were too quick to click ‘book’ and didn’t think twice about their insurance. Sure, it’s not the most glamorous part of planning your getaway, but it’s certainly one of the most essential. Think of it as the foundation upon which your entire trip is built. Without it, the whole thing could come crashing down.
Travel insurance isn’t just about avoiding potential medical expenses, although that’s certainly a big part of it. It’s also about protecting yourself from the unexpected costs that can add up quickly. Lost luggage, missed connections, or a last-minute cancellation can all wreak havoc on your budget if you’re not properly insured. Believe me, it’s a lot easier to enjoy your holiday knowing that you’re covered for any eventualities.
There’s nothing quite as freeing as travelling with the knowledge that you’ve taken care of the details — leaving you free to focus on the things that matter: the experiences, the memories, and the adventure.
Next time you’re planning that perfect trip, remember: hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. It’s not just a cliché — it’s essential travel wisdom. Whether it’s the cobbled streets of Rome, the slopes of St. Moritz, or the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, ensure you’ve got your safety net firmly in place. You’ll thank yourself later, “and me”, she says cheekily.
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