As we have all recently witnessed in Southeast Asia, accidents may occur while traveling and there is unfortunately no way to fully plan for such tragic events, but good travel insurance will be a great and rewarding step the traveler should consider. This includes both business and personal travel. While ultimately you must do what feels most comfortable to you, there are few things to consider before you pack your bags.

If you are traveling or living abroad, traditional sources of private or government sponsored medical or life insurance will not meet your international needs. Geographical exclusions and provider limitations are common in many policies and will restrict or even eliminate the international health coverage available to you while you’re outside the US or your home country.

If you buy travel insurance when you book your vacation, it means that if you become ill or have an accident and have to cancel your trip as a result, your travel insurance will cover you. Many insurers will extend cover, if requested, otherwise shop around for a specialist policy. You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you. Market surveys show that many people don’t take insurance. People believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. However, it is unlikely that these will give adequate cover.