As scary geological events become more frequent due to climate change, the potential for disrupted travel is an increasing concern and travel experts advise vacationers to invest in insurance
Travel experts continue to advise vacationers and frequent travelers to invest in travel insurance.
On Monday, Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano located on the Italian island of Sicily, a favorite among tourists, erupted.
This alarming news was followed by reports on Tuesday morning of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey, just south of a popular resort. The tremors also impacted another tourist hotspot in Greece, the picturesque island of Rhodes.
These recent scary geological events are certainly a source of worry for many vacationers who have trips scheduled or booked in the coming weeks. Despite the volcanic eruption, delays in Italy have been minimal and the areas are deemed safe for travel, and while Turkey and the surrounding countries do experience earthquakes regularly, it’s understandable that people may have concerns about their vacation plans being disrupted in the future.
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Travel journalist Eoghan Corry(Image: Instagram)
With geological and climate events becoming more frequent due to climate change, the potential for disrupted travel is increasingly worrisome. Travel experts continue to advise vacationers and frequent travelers to invest in travel insurance.
Eoghan Corry, travel expert and writer for Air and Travel Magazine, told RSVP Live that people should purchase travel insurance even for short trips abroad. The coverage can often include much more than people anticipate, and as Eoghan points out, it’s not overly expensive when you consider the potential cost of not having travel insurance.
He also strongly suggests including flight disruption coverage in any travel insurance policy purchased, and fortunately, the top travel insurance providers in Ireland often “offer basic cover for just a tenner!”
Lost luggage and flight disruptions are the most common issues that travel insurance can alleviate, but people frequently overlook the potential of more serious incidents happening to them or a family member while overseas.
“Travel insurance is essential” Eoghan cautions, pointing out that “A GoFundMe isn’t travel insurance”. Eoghan previously told RSVP, “Every month you see people raising money… to help with the costs of getting a loved one home from a car accident abroad.”
Many major travel insurance providers offer comprehensive coverage for as little as €30 per trip, but Eoghan revealed another clever strategy for frequent travelers. “One trip might only cost €30 to cover, but annual travel insurance might only be €80, and then you’re covered all year!”.
Eoghan also points out that while the EU 261 Consumer Regulation provides some consumer protection, it only grants European air passengers up to €600 compensation for delayed or canceled flights, depending on the journey length if your flight was canceled without cause.
The Act does not cover extraordinary circumstances like weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, security risks or industrial disputes, which is why travel insurance is so crucial.
“If you miss your flight due to bad weather, insurance will cover your flight, your hotel costs, your car hire and your tickets for the concert or the match you were going to see. That’s the difference.”
Many standard annual travel policies offer up to 31 days’ coverage per trip, sometimes including winter sport adventures and waivers for any excess charges. For frequent flyers, this is a smart choice.
Travel insurance prices can vary depending on a range of factors as Eoghan previously outlined.
1. A private health insurance policy
Holding a private healthcare plan in Ireland can slash the cost of travel insurance in case you face medical issues overseas. Thanks in part to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that largely manages emergency healthcare around Europe, it can significantly drive down your travel insurance expense.
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2. Your destination
The United States is notorious for charging tourists exorbitant amounts for health insurance. Opting out of a trip to the US could result in a more affordable travel insurance rate.
3. Your holiday activities
Engaging in thrill-seeking endeavors such as winter sports? Expect to pay a premium for your insurance.
4. Your chosen excess
The amount you’re prepared to shell out before making an insurance claim influences how much you fork out for your cover.
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