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TRAVEL ASSISTANCE: Why it is essential to purchase it before traveling

Travel insurance is an essential tool to ensure peace of mind and financial protection during your adventures. It covers everything from unexpected medical emergencies to luggage issues, flight cancellations, and more. Below is an updated guide to understanding, choosing, and making the most of your travel assistance.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

Traveling means stepping out of your comfort zone, which can be full of unforeseen events. Insurance acts as a financial and logistical safety net against situations such as:

• Emergency Medical Assistance: Vital coverage for consultations, hospitalization, surgeries, or medication abroad, where costs can be exorbitant.
• Cancellations and Interruptions: Reimbursement of non-refundable expenses if you must cancel the trip due to illness, extreme weather, or force majeure.
• Lost or Damaged Luggage: Financial compensation if the airline loses your bags or they arrive damaged.
• Flight Delays: Coverage for hotel and meal expenses due to significant delays.

Most Common Types of Coverage

Different plans exist depending on the traveler's profile. Standard coverage usually includes:

• Health and Accidents: Consultations, hospitalization, and, very importantly, medical evacuation or repatriation.
• Repatriation of Remains: Transport to the home country in case of death.
• Civil Liability: Covers material or physical damage you may unintentionally cause to third parties.
• Legal Assistance: Support and advance funds for bail in case of legal problems.
• Tech Coverage: (Optional in some plans) Specific protection for laptops or cameras.

How to Choose the Right Insurance

When quoting your assistance, consider these key factors:

• Destination and Requirements: Countries like those in the Schengen Area require minimum amounts (€30,000). The United States does not mandate it, but its healthcare is among the most expensive in the world.
• Trip Duration: Ensure the policy covers you from the day you leave home until the day you return.
• Planned Activities: If you plan on doing adventure sports (skiing, diving, trekking), verify that the policy does not exclude them (many basic policies do not cover accidents in high-risk sports).
• Pre-existing Conditions: If you have chronic illnesses, you must purchase a plan that specifically specifies coverage for "pre-existing conditions."

Acquisition Options

• Specialized Insurance Companies: Offer the widest variety of plans and customization.
• Travel Agencies: Often include it in packages, but check the maximum coverage amounts.
• Credit Cards: Gold, Platinum, or Black cards often offer free insurance when paying for the ticket with them. Tip: Before traveling, you must "activate" this insurance on the card's website and download the certificate.

Tips for Using Your Insurance

• Read the Fine Print: Understand the exclusions (e.g., accidents while under the influence of alcohol are usually not covered).
• Keep the Policy Handy: Save the PDF on your phone and share a copy with a family member.
• Contact Before Acting: In case of an emergency (if not life-threatening), call the insurer's number before going to the doctor so they can coordinate the health center, and you don't have to pay out of pocket.

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Which Countries Require Mandatory Travel Insurance?

Although always recommended, in these destinations, it is a legal requirement for entry:

Europe (Schengen Area)

Requirement: To enter, whether with a visa or visa-exempt, regulations require travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for emergencies and repatriation.

Important Fact (ETIAS): With the implementation of the ETIAS system, border controls will be stricter digitally. Ensure your insurance covers the entire declared stay period.

Cuba

Requirement: Mandatory for all international visitors. If you don't have it upon arrival, you will be forced to buy one at the airport (usually more expensive and with basic coverage).

Qatar

Requirement: Since 2023, Qatar requires visitors to have mandatory health insurance covering emergency medical services and accidents. It must be issued by insurers registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) or accepted international insurers.

Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)

Requirement: The Galapagos special regime law contemplates private health insurance as a requirement for foreign tourists. Although physical checks can be random, it is mandatory to have it to comply with island entry regulations.

Russia and Belarus

Requirement: To process a visa, it is essential to present a medical insurance policy valid in the territory for the entire duration of the trip.

Iran and Algeria

Requirement: Both countries require medical insurance for visa issuance or entry into the country.

Note: Thailand removed the strict post-COVID requirement but continues to strongly recommend it due to high hospital costs for foreigners.

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Popular Destinations Where It Is NOT Mandatory (But Vital)

United States

Situation: Not mandatory by law for tourists.
Why buy it? A simple ER visit for a sprained ankle can cost over $2,000 USD. Appendicitis can exceed $30,000 USD. Traveling to the USA without insurance is an extreme financial risk.

Brazil

Situation: Not mandatory.
Important Clarification: Brazil has free public healthcare (SUS) accessible to foreigners in emergencies. However, public hospitals often have high demand and delays. For fast, quality care or complex transfers, private travel insurance is fundamental.

Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom

They do not require insurance to enter as tourists, but private medical costs are high.

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Conclusion

Beyond requirements, traveling insured is an investment in your peace of mind. A medical or logistical mishap should not ruin your vacation or your finances. Get quotes, compare, and always keep your assistance number handy.