Different travel styles—group tours, self-driving tours, or family trips—require different types of insurance
As the Year of the Snake’s Spring Festival approaches, many citizens can hardly contain their excitement and are busy planning their holiday travel. Before setting off, what are you most concerned about? The weather at your destination, road conditions, fun and delicious spots to visit. But beyond that, don’t forget to buy suitable insurance for your whole family to ensure full protection.
Opt for accident insurance when joining a group tour
During the Spring Festival, many citizens choose group tours for a worry-free and effortless experience, as travel agencies take care of all arrangements. Ms. Chen, an insurance consultant, told reporters that while travelers benefit from the liability insurance purchased by the agency, it's wise to additionally purchase travel accident insurance for an extra layer of security.
"When joining a group tour, first confirm whether the travel agency has adequate insurance coverage with sufficient limits, especially checking if they have liability insurance in place, so that in case of emergencies, your personal safety and property are properly protected. Spring travel usually lasts 5 to 7 days, so travelers may consider buying short-term accident insurance. These short-term policies generally offer coverage from 3 days up to a month, with lower premiums compared to annual ones, and allow flexible customization of coverage based on your travel destinations and preferences."
Both you and your car need protection on a self-driving trip
Mr. Xu, an expert from China Life Insurance, reminds those planning self-driving trips to ensure their vehicles have adequate insurance before departure. Essential coverages include vehicle damage insurance, third-party liability insurance, and passenger insurance. Given that off-road vehicles are more prone to theft, it is advisable to also purchase theft insurance. In addition, comprehensive self-driving tour insurance or self-driving accident insurance can also provide protection.
"Apart from choosing the right insurance types, travelers must carefully analyze potential risks during the trip to determine which policies to buy. When purchasing auto insurance, make sure to check for any restrictions on driving areas in the policy terms, and pay special attention to the insurer’s service network and ability to handle claims in other locations. Always carry the original insurance policy, ID card, vehicle registration, and driver’s license during the trip for emergencies," said Mr. Xu. Currently, there are many specialized insurance products designed for self-driving tours, typically covering personal accidents, acute illnesses, luggage damage, vehicle assistance, and third-party liability during the trip. Vehicle owners can consider these comprehensively.
Spend a few dozen yuan on home property insurance
An insurance company in Chongqing reminds citizens that during the long Spring Festival holiday, homes may face risks such as water leaks, electrical hazards, or even burglaries. To travel with greater peace of mind, you can also purchase home property insurance. "Currently, new types of home property insurance come in various forms, and spending just a few dozen yuan can get you comprehensive home coverage. Apart from traditional fire risks, insurers now also cover indoor decorations, as well as stolen or robbed movable property such as mobile phones, laptops, and computer software. They also cover burst water pipes, third-party liability losses within the household, and these policies are available from all major insurers," the spokesperson said.
What should you pay attention to when buying insurance before the Spring Festival?
A representative from China Life stated that when purchasing accident insurance for the Spring Festival, be aware that some very cheap policies "exclude" high-risk activities such as rock climbing, adventure rafting, diving, alpine skiing, and surfing. Customers should pay attention to the exclusions in the insurance policy when making a purchase.
The spokesperson advised the public to proactively learn about insurance knowledge to protect their own rights. After purchasing a policy, keep it safe, and carry the policy number and 24-hour assistance hotline with you when traveling. In case of an emergency, contact the rescue agency affiliated with your insurance company as soon as possible, so you can receive timely assistance through your report and understand the materials needed for a claim through the insurer.
"If you receive medical treatment elsewhere due to an accident, make sure to keep diagnosis certificates, original receipts for medical expenses, and accident reports, as these are the basis for seeking 'reimbursement' from the relevant insurance company upon your return," said the China Life representative.