The festive season has arrived—an era brimming with happiness, exploration, journeys, and cherished memories shared with dear friends and family. Picture basking in the beauty of Diani’s shores until an unexpected ailment necessitates immediate medical care. Consider how such a situation would unfold overseas, where the expenses and complexities dramatically increase.
For example, in Europe, addressing a fractured limb might cost more than KSh 1.5 million, whereas arranging an urgent medevac back to Kenya could incur significant additional expenses, varying based on the location.
Nearby, medical emergencies while traveling within one’s own country can similarly burden families, particularly when faced with logistics issues. Sadly, many standard health insurance policies do not cover incidents outside of Kenya. Domestically as well, these policies may leave considerable uncovered costs, leading to substantial payments directly from pockets.
No matter whether you're dreaming of lounging along Kenya's stunning coastline, embarking on an exhilarating safari through the Maasai Mara, or setting off on a global journey, ensure that you do not overlook travel insurance. Even as you concentrate on arranging flights, hotels, and excursions, safeguarding yourself and your loved ones against unexpected events remains crucially important.
What is travel insurance?
In a world where the unforeseen can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, trip insurance serves as your final safeguard.
Travel insurance fills this void by providing extensive medical protection, covering areas such as hospital stays and emergency evacuations.
For families traveling with small children or older members, this coverage offers immeasurable reassurance. For those in Kenya preparing for trips during the holidays, travel insurance serves as the ideal safeguard, providing protection from unforeseen events so you can concentrate on making cherished moments with your family.
The peak period for holiday travel is well-known for frequent flight delays and cancellations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that approximately 25% of flights globally encounter delays, particularly during busy seasons.
Think about planning your ideal trip, just to find out your flight has been canceled because of bad weather or overbooked seats. In such cases, without travel insurance, all the financial consequences, like forfeited hotel reservations or skipped tour activities, would be entirely your responsibility.
Why travel insurance proves beneficial
Frequently, travel insurance policies include provisions for trip disruptions, cancellations, or hold-ups due to unforeseeable events. As a result, individuals may reclaim pre-paid costs associated with their journey, including airfare, accommodations, or excursions. For travelers from Kenya heading to sought-after locations such as Zanzibar, Dubai, or Mauritius—where reservations are typically booked well ahead of time—the inclusion of these benefits guarantees that your valuable funds will be protected should unexpected changes occur in your itinerary.
Traveling during peak festive times raises the chances of losing or having your baggage stolen — a daunting prospect for travelers. Data from leading airlines indicate that roughly 7 out of every 1,000 passengers experienced issues with their luggage in 2024, a number that significantly climbs over the holidays.
If you've ever experienced delays or losses with your luggage, you understand the irritation of arriving at your destination without basic necessities such as clothing or personal care items. Travel insurance offers reimbursement for lost, stolen, or late baggage, guaranteeing that you can swiftly replenish these items without additional expenses. This protection is particularly crucial for individuals transporting valuable possessions like electronic devices, cameras, or presents intended for family members and friends.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the uncertainty associated with traveling.Flight cancellations, quarantine requirements, and abrupt border closings upended meticulously planned trips.
Currently, numerous travel insurance plans encompass pandemic-specific coverage, including trip cancellations resulting from a positive COVID-19 test or costs associated with quarantine when overseas. This aspect has become crucial for Kenyans who are progressively taking up international trips. Such coverage guarantees that individuals won’t be left economically vulnerable in an era where travel interruptions continue to occur frequently even after the pandemic.
What is the cost of travel insurance?
Many people believe that travel insurance comes with a hefty price tag. In reality, these policies are quite economical. You could secure an extensive plan covering a seven-day journey across Africa or the Middle East for between KSh 2,000 and KSh 5,000—a sum comparable to what you might spend on dinner at a high-end eatery in Nairobi. When traveling internationally, where potential hazards and expenses tend to be greater, allocating merely 1-2 percent of your overall vacation budget towards coverage will provide essential safeguards against unforeseen events.
As Kenya’s tourism industry expands, numerous domestic and foreign suppliers have started offering customized travel insurance plans. In selecting a plan, take into account aspects such as the extent of medical coverages, provisions regarding cancellations, and safeguards for your belongings. Those who frequently travel might want to choose an annual multi-journey policy, which generally proves more economical compared to buying separate coverage for every journey.
Don’t allow an unexpected incident spoil your ideal getaway or transform it into a monetary disaster. Regardless of whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, consider travel insurance as your initial purchase this festive period. This modest expense can bring significant tranquility and contribute to making sure your vacations stay stress-free and filled with happiness. Shield your trip arrangements, secure those close to you, and relish your holidays with assurance. Invest in coverage now!
The author is Dominic Kamonjo, who serves as the General Manager of the Retail and SME Division at Minet Kenya.
The opinions stated here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the stance of .co.ke in any manner.
