In some countries, medical costs are very high, and can quickly reach several thousand euros. For a few dozen euros, the service provided by an insurance company is not negligible.
Social security is not the most effective way of protecting you when you're abroad, as it only covers you in European Union countries.
Note also that your credit card offers certain guarantees, but these are not always available. coverage limits are generally low, and the franchise or even your mutual insurance company can't insure you in every situation. That's why it's preferable - indeed, essential - to take out insurance before you leave, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Here are a few points to consider when estimating sufficient coverage:
- Type of insurance - Credit cards generally offer cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, lost luggage insurance, health insurance, etc. Depending on your destination and the risks involved, you may need more comprehensive travel insurance if your credit card doesn't cover these. Depending on your destination and the risks involved, you may need more comprehensive travel insurance if your credit card doesn't cover them.
- Coverage limits - Travel insurance benefits offered by credit cards may be limited. For example, the amount insured may be less than that required for a trip, or coverage for lost luggage may be limited. What's more, some cards may have restrictions on the length of travel covered, or on the types of travel covered, such as adventure travel or extreme sports.
- Exclusions - Credit card travel insurance may include important exclusions, such as pre-existing events or denial of coverage if travelers are not up to date on their vaccinations. Make sure you understand these exclusions before you leave.
- Claim procedure - In the event of an incident during your trip, you will need to follow the insurance's claims procedures, respecting the reporting deadlines, the supporting documents to be provided and the contact details required to submit a claim.
BNP, for example, has created this table showing the coverages of their Visa cards:
Visamundi offers its customers protection with Chapka, insurance for every trip (benefit from 5% discount).
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