Going around the world or planning a long trip is an adventure in itself, synonymous with discovery and pleasure. However, it should be borne in mind that any trip, especially when it is far and long, involves risks.
Health, material or other contingencies are real and it is best to consider them before leaving to be able to have the means to react in the best possible way in the event of problems abroad. This is why it is strongly advised to take out certain insurance before a long trip or to go around the world. Overview of the main useful insurance contracts to take out before leaving.
Except if you are going on a long trip within the European Union and you have thought of asking your social security for your European health insurance card (EHIC), everything relating to health problems, medical care and all the resulting expenses (which can be very high, especially if you are hospitalized), are not necessarily covered abroad, whether by your health insurance or your mutual health insurance. It all depends on whether or not France has signed agreements with foreign countries outside the EU so that its nationals can benefit from reimbursement of their health expenses (this information by country is available on the website of the Liaison Center European and international social security). Since the risk of accidents and illnesses is not uncommon during a long trip or a trip around the world, specific insurance is therefore more than necessary.
Supplementary health insurance contracts are intended to supplement the benefits of compulsory insurance schemes and mutual insurance companies (see this site specializing in insurance). The latter generally offer specific health cover intended to protect you when traveling abroad and, in particular, to provide for your repatriation if necessary. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates, “repatriation can cost up to 80,000 euros ". An insurance which therefore appears very useful to take out, especially in the event of long trips.
Some international bank cards also offer travel insurance, but the financial ceilings for healthcare reimbursements in particular are generally quite low.
On the occasion of a world tour or a long trip, you will most certainly need to rent a vehicle on site. Typically, rental contracts include mandatory liability insurance that covers damage to passengers or third parties. But it may be that other guarantees that may be necessary, such as coverage of damage to the rented car, its theft, etc., are not offered. It is therefore advisable to check your own car insurance before your departure to find out whether or not you are covered for these risks and to take out broader guarantees if necessary.
Organizing a world tour or a long trip is not an easy task. Such a project requires time, energy, but also money (purchase of plane tickets, reservation of accommodation, means of transport on site, etc.). However, an unforeseen event such as serious illness, death, accident or dismissal may force you to give up your trip and cancel all the steps taken. A “trip cancellation” guarantee can allow you to be reimbursed for the costs you have already incurred in these cases.
When you go on a long trip or in distant countries, the risks are greater of losing, or being stolen, your luggage and personal belongings. If an airline, travel agency, etc. are involved, you can be reimbursed for the damage suffered. But, these expenses generally do not cover the total value of this damage. This is why it is advisable to check if you have specific insurance for this type of problem.
In order to help you in the jungle of insurance to take out for a round the world trip or a long trip, many companies now offer "travel insurance" which includes all the necessary guarantees in terms of health, automobile, equipment , etc. and make it easier for globetrotters who want to leave with peace of mind and above all well insured!
