While holidaying abroad brings with it fun and adventure, a vacation in your home country can also be a great way to spend a week or two. With some families finding money hard to come by, the idea of missing out on a vacation seems too depressing to think about. These families, as well as others that prefer to relax closer to home, will be sampling all of the delights Australia has to offer this summer.
But what about travel insurance? Is it needed when holidaying in your own country?
Cancelling plans or suffering delays
Unfortunately, delays aren’t something you experience only on foreign holidays. While at home, needing to cancel your plans or becoming delayed are just as likely to happen as they would be if you were abroad. If they do, and you’re without travel insurance, you’ll have to fork out the money for tickets and cancellation fees yourself.
Covering your possessions
Wherever you are in the world, your possessions can get lost, damaged or stolen. When that does happen to them, you’ll have to pay for replacements yourself, unless your contents insurance or travel insurance covers the cost. You are just as likely to lose or damage your possessions on a ‘staycation’ as you are on a foreign holiday, meaning as far as protecting your belonging goes, travel insurance is helpful no matter where in the world you go.
You’re protected against illness or injury
While you don’t have to worry about expensive medical bills while holidaying at home, you do have to worry about being caught out miles from where you live. If you become unwell or injure yourself, you’ll be taken to the nearest hospital. With travel insurance however, you should be able to get transported to a hospital near your home, closer to friends and family, should you wish to be. Do check before buying though, as not every policy includes this benefit.
Conclusion
There are still lots of reasons to purchase travel insurance while holidaying at home, even though you may not think you need it. You’ll mainly be covered against financial risk, and can enjoy your holiday knowing that you’re fairly well covered should an accident occur.
It’s worth mentioning that the terms and conditions of your policy should be read thoroughly before travelling. Distance from home, your accommodation and the length of your trip could all affect your policy.
More information on travel insurance