In many countries, purchasing and showing proof of travel insurance is required when you apply for a travel document. When applying for a Vietnam visa, you are not required to present it. But do you need one? The answer is YES, you will greatly benefit from a wisely chosen travel insurance. And how to find out which is the best among the group of insurances offered? We will let you know now.

Why do I need insurance?

You can skip this section if you already know the importance of buying travel insurance. For those who are still skeptical, read on.

There are things that can happen on the road, or even before you hit the road, to anyone, in any country or territory, and at any time. Here are some of the most common scenarios: someone in your family is sick and you need to cancel your non-refundable package tour; a sudden storm sweeps across the tropical island, causing your flight and hotel to be cancelled; hospitalized for an injury (and in Vietnam, expatriate hospitals often charge too much) and have to put all of your previous savings into one treatment.
Photo: baohiemdulich.net, vn

This is not to say that Vietnam is an unsafe place to visit, but that anything can happen and you’d better prepare yourself. Buying insurance will sometimes save you thousands of dollars, but at least it gives you peace of mind. You know you are protected to a certain extent.

What types of insurance are there?

Thanks to Vietnam’s readily available tourist activities, you’ll find yourself anywhere from flying, going on cruise excursions, staying at a luxury resort, kayaking on the bay or even simply crossing the street. Have fun because they sound fun, some may be more prone to risk than others.

Currently on the insurance market, there are both individual and comprehensive insurance packages for you to choose from: flight and trip cancellation insurance, travel medical insurance, medical evacuation insurance, baggage insurance , overpriced, to name a few. Depending on your specific trip and preferences, you may be able to find a ride that best suits your interests.

The cost of your insurance will depend on the number of days you travel, the destination you will travel to (Vietnam is often listed as a safer place and costs less to insure, some other countries) and the type you choose.

Here’s a closer look at the different types of coverage:

Cancel the trip

If you book your flight with Expedia, Orbitz, or even directly from the websites of airlines like Air Asia, chances are you’ll be asked if you want to purchase the flight or cancel the trip. Unless you’re 100% sure you’re going to make the trip, you should buy one. This flight cancellation insurance starts at $13 and will be a great deal in the event your flight or trip gets cancelled.

Flight insurance

Flight insurance will only support in case the aircraft has an unprecedented problem in the history of flights to Vietnam. Plus, you can always combine this type of coverage with the comprehensive plan mentioned below.
Photo: phalehanoi.com

Baggage insurance

You will not be a happy tourist when you land and discover that you have lost your luggage or that your 2 strollers are completely damaged. Most airlines will only refund a large amount in case of lost luggage. Baggage insurance will be essential if you are traveling long distances.

Travel health insurance

Your national healthcare insurance will not cover your trip to Vietnam in particular. Australia’s reciprocal Medicare agreement only allows Australian citizens to receive treatment discounts while in the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, Italy, and others, but Vietnam is not currently on the list. Canadians with OHIP will also have to bear the full cost of their medical expenses while abroad. For US citizens, some private health insurance may cover your basic travel needs, but no company will assist you in evacuating or repatriating your home country with your existing plan. With a medicine or evacuation pack, you will be assisted in the event of injury or death and fly back to your home country. Annual premiums start at $250.

Other insurances available for your consideration are: Adventure Travel, Credit Card Insurance, Extreme Sports Insurance, …

Insurance package

Instead of purchasing individual insurance, you can also purchase a plan that:

Vacation plan

This is the most common type of travel insurance. Vacation plans include trip cancellation or disruption, medical emergencies, baggage loss or delay, and some over-insurance depending on the insurance provider.

Special plan

This includes evacuation plans, accident plans, including emergency evacuations, and is typically sold on an annual basis. Insurance will cover transportation and any emergency expenses related to an incident that occurs while you are abroad.

Travel health plan

Travel health insurance will focus solely on your health, so don’t expect them to cover the loss of your luggage or the cancellation of your trip. Coverage under this plan will cover your medical expenses while abroad and emergency evacuation.
Photo: baohiempvi.com

When to get your insurance

It’s best to buy travel insurance at the beginning of the booking process: book a plane ticket, make a deposit for a package tour to Vietnam, or pay for your cruise trips.

Where to Start Searching for Travel Insurance

Here are some of the more reputable travel insurance providers by country:

Canada: Travel Guard, Kanetix (www.kanetix.ca), Manu Life (www.manulife.ca), RBC (http://www.rbcinsurance.com/travelinsurance/index.html)

US: Travel Guard, (http://www.travelguard.com)

UK: travel protection, Tesco Bank, Barclay (www.barclays.co.uk)

Australia: Travel Protection, World Nomad, Travel Insurance (www.travelinsurancecover.com.au)