BootsnAll Travel Community

I'll bein Morocco for 2 weeks. How important is the most basic travel insurance? I have never purchased it for any other trip I have taken but maybe since i'm getting more seriously into "off the beaten path" type travel then I might benefit from it.

I haven't given insurance a single thought in my entire life so honestly I don't even know where to start.

I was just hoping to get an idea from you guys to see if you have any advice right off the bat.

Thanks

all insurance is a rip-off - I don't buy them unless they are compulsory.

Sometimes ago I bought one for one year - but unfortunately couldn't leave my work.

I believe travel insurance is designed to cover the plane ticket/baggage, and the like. So if you're ok covering those expenses should something happen, then skip the travel insurance.

I still believe it's a good idea to have the health insurance though - it sucks that our society is built on it, but there's nothing to do. If you're already covered w/ your current job, it's just a quick telephone call to make sure they'll cover you if something would happen to you overseas.

Eowyn, i'm covered through work so I guess I should make that phone call just to make sure it sticks overseas.

Joey, I wouldn't worry about it for a 2 week trip...unless it was a package tour you paid loads for.

I didn't have traveller's insurance for my last trip - 2 months, and did just fine. Didn't have it for a 6 week trip, either. Or a 6 month study abroad/trip. Never had any problems.

But it's really up to you...

If your work insurance covers you then you are all set. However, it is extremely likely that it won't cover you overseas. In that case, you'll just have to decide how careful you want to be.

All insurance is a rip off until you need it. Then it is the most important thing in the world. If you trip on the sidewalk in Casablanca and break your leg then you might be out a thousand bucks. If -- not that it is likely -- you eat some meat on a stick in Fez that is contaminated with e.Coli and need to be airlifted to somewhere with better facilities then you'll probably be out $35,000. Then you'll wish you had paid $100 for insurance.

It's always a tough call. It's 99% likely you won't need insurance because nothing serious will happen. But if you hit that 1% mark...you're screwed.

I don't have health insurance right now because I don't have a full time job. It makes me nervous sometimes, but I can't do much about it. Well, I could buy insurance on my own, but I can't afford it...because I don't have a full time job. Funny how that works.

Skobb, is it really not common for US health insurance to cover you overseas? Doesn't your average Blue Cross/Blue Shield type of policy cover you anywhere in the world? I realize you may have to pay by CC or cash on the spot, but don't they re-inburse you? Mine does.

I called my insurance company and they told me they'd cover overseas stuff if I had to be hospitalized over there, or whatever. The caveat (and it makes sense) is that I'd have to pay out of pocket while I was over there, but I'd then keep all of the bills, make copies, and submit the charges to the insurance company once I got back to the U.S., for reimbursement.

Lynn

I've never travelled without insurance. I've never left Canada with it - three days in the US? That $10 is worth it.

I paid $1 a day for the current trip. For about $150 I have no worries about anything health related. Covers emergencies, sending my parents here, etc. I'd never go without it.

You make your own decision... it's up to you and risks you want to take.

Insurance Info. There are lots of categories, but the two main ones are trip protection and health insurance. Trip insurance covers cancelled tours, flights, etc. Health insurance covers, well, health. Health insurance is worth it if your home insurance doesn't cover you overseas. Trip insurance isn't really worth it IMO for short trips.

Court

Get the health insurance. I've been to Morocco. Insurance will guarantee you treatment by a doctor up to western standards.

No insurance will either mean you go to a low grade public hospital or more likely you will go to the same private hospital where they will see you as a tourist and bill you accordingly.

Health insurance costs somewhere around $1.50 a day. Take it. Trust me.