When planning your Icelandic vacation, you might think that travel insurance isn't all that important, especially since you're only going to be gone for a week or two. But even if you never plan on going on a glacier excursion in Iceland, travel insurance can still be incredibly valuable in case of injury or illness. Before you book your trip to Iceland, be sure to follow these five tips for buying the right travel insurance so that you can keep your plans on track no matter what happens.
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5 Tips for Buying the Right Travel Insurance for Iceland
1) Check when you are covered
It's easy to assume that if you purchase a travel insurance policy from a reputable company, it will cover any problem you might have while travelling. However, many policies limit coverage and others don't cover anything at all. For example, coverage is often not available if your trip falls under certain categories, such as adventure travel or travel off-the-beaten path. So if you are taking snowmobile tours, it might be a good idea to double check if injuries from it would be covered in your insurance. It's crucial to know exactly what is covered and what isn't before making plans in case there are any problems when you arrive. The number of countries that are eligible for coverage also varies widely by insurer. Some companies offer one year of international medical coverage, but other companies only offer up to six months of global medical coverage. Know how long your policy covers so you can determine whether it meets your needs. Many people take out travel insurance just in case something goes wrong on their trip without realising how costly the insurance could be and then find themselves with an exorbitant bill after filing a claim. Determine upfront what level of protection you need, taking into account factors like length of stay abroad, age, health status, and planned activities during your vacation.
2) Know what you are covered for
Before you purchase travel insurance, read through all of your chosen policy's terms and conditions to make sure that it will actually protect you against any issues or risks that you might run into on your trip. Be aware of what, if anything, is excluded from your plan. For example, many policies won't cover damage to items in checked baggage and certain plans may only pay out a fraction of what you actually lost if your luggage were stolen. Know exactly what kind of coverage you are paying for so there are no surprises once your trip has started.
3) Know where you aren't covered
Before you purchase any travel insurance, be sure to know what it doesn't cover. For example, many policies won't cover injuries that happen during water sports or climbing—and some might not reimburse you if your trip is delayed due to unexpected bad weather. Some policies even exclude certain countries from coverage; most major travel insurance providers won't pay out if you get sick or hurt in Antarctica, for example. (Since there are no doctors or hospitals down there.) Another important detail: You may need separate policies to cover individual legs of a round-trip journey.
4) How long is your trip?
Many people opt to buy travel insurance when they purchase flights, but it's not always necessary. If you are going on a trip that is less than 15 days long, chances are your regular health insurance will cover you abroad. However, if you're going abroad for more than two weeks, it's important to make sure your trip is covered by travel insurance. Most insurers will require proof of departure and arrival dates before issuing coverage. Make sure you have a hard copy of those documents with you in case there is any confusion or miscommunication between your insurer and another company when coordinating your claim.
5) Keep an eye on your stuff
It can be easy to get distracted while on vacation. As you wander around Reykjavik or make your way through a day trip to Thorsmork, it's all too easy to set down your belongings, only to have them spirited away by an unassuming pickpocket. Whether you're in a crowded market or enjoying an outdoor concert, keep an eye on your stuff and store valuables in secure places—like pouches under your clothes—when possible. And avoid being flashy: large gold chains are sure to draw some attention, but they aren't worth much when they're gone.
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