Our policy covers things like the standard medical costs for emergency treatment on the road and repatriation if it looks like you need more serious care as well as travel-related risks, like trip cancellations, missed flights or lost/stolen passports. It also covers stolen goods in general, but from what I've heard I won't expect too much in that regard. For a full list of what's covered and what's not, check out their site.
I actually read through the entire 50-something page insurance policy on the World Nomads website, and even called to confirm some things. The majority of those complaining about insurance issues didn't seem to know much about what was going on with their policy in general. Don't expect to get much if you haven't even read what they require to process a claim.
Here are a few tips from my reading:
- Read your policy. Did I mention that already? Because seriously, you should go do that now. Know what your policy does and doesn't cover, as well as what it's limitations are. Many policies will exclude coverage in expensive countries like the US, so be sure it covers everywhere you want to go.
- Don't leave yourself open. In big bold letters near the very beginning, the policy I read stated that they won't insure you against theft that you could've prevented by not being stupid. Don't leave your bag unattended or with someone you don't know, keep it within reach, always lock it up, and when you do set it down, either keep the bag wrapped around your leg or even lock it to yourself with a small chain or zip tie. Don't be like Billy Bonehead and walk around with a backpack pocket wide open (like I always do) or stick anything you don't want stolen in your back pockets. Common sense: use it.
- Pack light. Not only will this make your life easier in general, but it also makes things safer. With a smaller bag, you don't have to check bags on a flight or put it above the bus, so it's always right with you. Also, when you take a taxi, it can ride with you instead of being stuck in the trunk where it can be either forgotten or held ransom as the driver's last ditch effort to squeeze a few more pesos or rupees out of you.
- Follow the rules. Unless you abide by the law, insurance won't pay. If, for instance, you rent a scooter somewhere without the legal right to ride said scooter, don't expect them to pay for anything that happens to you, even if it is the other guy's fault.
- If something happens, call first. If anything happens that you think will require a claim and you aren't passed out or something, just about every clause mentions to call them and notify them of a possible claim. If they don't approve of something, it gives them another chance to refuse your claim.
- Keep papers in order. If you do wind up making a claim, make sure to keep all your receipts from purchases and get all your paperwork in order. It's pretty simple to get a signed receipt from a doctor, but can be harder in some places to get say a lazy police officer in a third-world country to write you a police report for something stolen out of your bag that he knows you'll never see again. In some cases, I've heard it might even require a bribe to loosen his pen for you. Also, if something happens in a hostel or hotel, you need to report it to staff there.
- Don't expect full value. The impression I get from looking around is that while policies will normally protect you in the most dire of cases, most any insurance company will also do whatever they can to limit how much they pay out in the end. This goes doubly true for stolen goods; see the second note above.
Got any tips of your own about insurance, or any horror stories to show us what not to do? Lay 'em on us.
No comments:
Post a Comment