Travelling offers endless opportunities for adventure but also comes with its share of unexpected challenges. While standard coverage covers basic risks, like trip cancellations and medical emergencies, it may not be enough for more adventurous travellers or those visiting high-risk destinations. This is where additional cover options in travel insurance can make all the difference.
By customising your travel insurance with these specialised add-ons, you can tailor your coverage to perfectly match your journey, ensuring peace of mind no matter where your travels take you.
Let’s look at the additional cover options in travel insurance available in Dubai and the UAE to show you how to enhance your protection and travel confidently.
Basic travel insurance
Basic travel insurance helps cover common problems that might happen during your trip. It usually includes things like covering the cost if you have to cancel your trip, if you get sick and need medical help, if your luggage gets lost, or if your flight is delayed. It’s a simple way to protect yourself from these common issues.
Understanding additional cover options in travel insurance
Additional cover options are extra protections you can add to your basic travel insurance. These extras help cover things that aren’t usually included in a regular policy.
For example, if you want to try adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving or if you’re travelling to a place that might have political unrest, these options can give you extra coverage that a basic travel insurance policy might not provide.
By choosing the right additional cover options, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your unique travel plans, giving you peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events.
Why consider additional cover options in travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance policies cover common issues like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, they might not cover every scenario, especially if your travel plans involve higher risks or specialised activities.
Here’s why additional cover options in travel insurance are important:
- Tailored protection: Customise your policy to include specific risks associated with your travel plans, such as participating in extreme sports or travelling to high-risk destinations. If you’re skiing in the Alps and have an accident, standard insurance may not cover the rescue costs. You would require additional coverage for that.
- Peace of mind: Travel confidently, knowing you’re covered for unique risks that a standard policy might exclude. For instance, travellers to certain destinations might need protection against civil unrest, which isn’t typically covered by basic policies.
- Financial security: These extras ensure you’re not left with unexpected expenses. For example, during the 2017 terror attacks in Europe, many travellers faced unexpected cancellations, medical evacuations, and extended stays. Standard insurance often didn’t cover these, but with add-ons like terrorism coverage, travellers could have been protected.
Key additional cover options in travel insurance
There are a lot of additional cover options available to enhance your travel insurance, depending on your needs and destination. Below are the primary choices for travellers in Dubai and the UAE:
1. Adventure sports cover
The adventure sports cover is a must-have for those who love adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing, skiing, or bungee jumping. This add-on covers injuries and accidents while engaging in such high-risk activities.
Here’s what the adventure sports cover typically includes:
- Loss of equipment: Provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged sports equipment, such as skis, climbing gear, or scuba diving equipment. This can save you from hefty replacement costs.
- Third-party liability: Offers protection if you accidentally injure someone else or damage their belongings while participating in adventure sports.
- Personal accident benefit: Provides compensation if you suffer an injury during the activity, covering medical expenses and sometimes offering a lump sum in case of permanent disability or accidental death.
This additional cover option in travel insurance is crucial for anyone planning an adventurous trip, ensuring you’re not financially burdened by accidents or equipment loss.
2. Terrorism or War cover
Travelling to regions with known terrorism threats or active conflict zones requires special attention. Most common travel insurance policies do not cover incidents related to terrorism or war. However, the terrorism or war cover offers critical protection for travellers who must visit or transit through these high-risk areas.
This additional cover typically includes:
- Terrorism-related risks: Covers medical expenses or trip cancellations due to terrorist activities. This ensures that you won’t be left bearing the full financial brunt if an unexpected event occurs.
- Warzone coverage: Offers protection if your travel itinerary includes a country experiencing conflict or war. This can cover injuries and other emergencies resulting from such unrest.
This additional cover option is especially beneficial for corporate business travellers, journalists, or aid workers who might need to travel to or through high-risk regions. It protects them against unforeseen incidents that could lead to substantial financial loss or danger.
Note: Some insurers have exclusions for high-risk areas, even with the additional cover. It is important to thoroughly review the coverage details to ensure the correct knowledge and understanding.
How to choose the right additional cover options in travel insurance
Selecting the right additional cover options in travel insurance depends on your particular travel plans and the activities you intend to undertake. Here are some steps to help you choose the best coverage:
- Assess your travel itinerary: Consider the destinations and activities you plan to engage in. Are you heading to a region known for adventure sports or potential political instability? Identify the risks involved in your trip.
- Review your standard policy: Examine your existing travel insurance policy to understand what is already covered and what exclusions might apply. This helps identify the gaps that need additional coverage.
- Compare additional cover options: Research the various additional options available from the best Dubai and the UAE insurers. Compare the benefits, costs, and coverage limits to determine which options best suit your needs.
- Consult with an insurance expert: Speak with a travel insurance expert or broker who can provide personalised advice based on your travel plans. They can help you understand the available options and choose the right coverage.
Benefits of adding cover options to your travel insurance
Opting for additional cover options in travel insurance not only tailors your policy to your needs but also provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Comprehensive coverage: Adding specific cover options protects you from a broader range of risks, such as accidents during extreme sports or travel disruptions due to political unrest. Without these add-ons, you might face gaps in coverage for high-risk activities or events.
- Reduced financial risk: You could face significant out-of-pocket costs without extra coverage. For example, replacing lost adventure gear or arranging a medical evacuation can be extremely expensive. In contrast, paying for additional cover could save you thousands in an emergency.
- Increased confidence: With comprehensive protection, you can travel with greater peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for both common and unique risks. This lets you focus on having fun on your trip rather than worrying about potential problems.
In a real-life scenario, the cost of medical evacuation can reach up to AED 300,000 or more, while adventure sports accidents can lead to costly hospital stays. By opting for the right cover, you avoid these unexpected expenses.
Final takeaway
Understanding and selecting the right additional cover options in travel insurance is essential for ensuring you have the best travel protection. From adventure sports and terrorism coverage to other specialised protections, these add-ons help you customise your policy to fit your unique needs and travel plans.
Explore the variety of additional cover options available on online comparison platforms and travel confidently, knowing you have the right coverage for every scenario.
With just a few clicks, you can get the tailored protection you need, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation. Don’t leave your safety to chance—get covered today and enjoy peace of mind on all your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does travel insurance cover activities?
Yes, but coverage depends on your policy and chosen add-ons. You may need additional coverage for high-risk activities, such as adventure sports.
Which circumstances are not covered in travel insurance?
Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, travelling against government advice, and participating in high-risk activities without proper coverage. For more details, check our guide on what your travel insurance policy does not cover.
What is terrorism or war cover in travel insurance?
This cover protects against risks associated with travelling to areas with known terrorism threats or conflicts, including medical emergencies and evacuations.
How do I add additional cover options to my travel insurance?
You can add options like adventure sports or terrorism cover when purchasing your policy online or through an insurance broker.
Is adventure sports cover necessary for my trip?
If you plan to engage in high-risk activities, this cover is essential to protect against accidents and equipment loss.
What happens if I cancel my trip due to a covered reason?
If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, you can receive reimbursement for non-refundable expenses like flights and hotels.
Do I need travel insurance for domestic trips within the UAE?
While not required, travel insurance for domestic trips can cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays.
