Going outdoors for a trip is a wonderful experience. To make your journey even better, safety must also be taken into consideration. Have you thought about what to keep in mind when traveling, or whether you should purchase travel insurance? In fact, when planning your trip—whether it's a group tour, a self-driving trip, or independent travel—you should buy relevant travel insurance. This not only helps deal with the consequences of unexpected events but also gives you peace of mind and makes your trip more enjoyable. Below are some basics about outdoor travel insurance. See how much you already know?
What types of outdoor travel insurance are there? Here’s a brief introduction to the different kinds. The main types of outdoor travel insurance include: Traveler’s Accident Insurance, Travel Personal Accident Insurance, Accommodation Traveler’s Personal Insurance, Travel Rescue Insurance, and Travel Assistance Insurance. The first three are considered basic insurance types.
1. Traveler’s Accident Insurance: When traveling, taking vehicles or boats is often unavoidable. Better safe than sorry—getting insurance is like putting on a safety belt. Mandatory traveler’s accident insurance premiums are usually included in the ticket price. When you buy a bus or train ticket, you’re actually purchasing this insurance. The premium is calculated as 5% of the ticket price, and each policy covers up to 20,000 yuan. The insurance period begins when you enter the station or board the vehicle/boat and ends when you exit or disembark. During the validity period, if an accident leads to the death, disability, or loss of physical function of the traveler, the insurance company will cover medical expenses as regulated and also pay compensation to the injured or the family of the deceased.
Air tickets, train tickets, and attraction entry tickets mostly include insurance, which means these documents serve as proof of insurance. In case of an accident, they are the basis for claiming insurance compensation and should be kept safe.
2. Travel Personal Accident Insurance: Before trying out those thrilling activities at scenic spots, it’s best to opt for voluntary travel personal accident insurance. Currently, insurance companies offer this type of insurance at 1 yuan per policy, with coverage up to 10,000 yuan, and you can purchase up to 10 policies at once. The insurance period starts when you buy the insurance and enter the attraction, and ends when you leave.
It’s worth emphasizing that travelers can decide whether to buy this insurance based on the safety level of the activity. However, it’s highly recommended for the following types of travel: adventure trips such as exploring canyons or caves, visiting deserts or grasslands; eco-tours like wildlife safaris or camping and picnicking in botanical gardens; and extreme activities like white-water rafting or climbing cliffs.
3. Accommodation Traveler’s Personal Insurance: This insurance costs 1 yuan per policy, with a 15-day coverage period starting from midnight on the day of check-in. It can be renewed upon expiration, and you can purchase multiple policies at once. Each policy includes three types of coverage: 5,000 yuan for accommodation-related accidents, 10,000 yuan for acts of bravery, and 200 yuan for compensation if personal belongings are accidentally damaged or stolen. Within the insurance period, if the traveler dies, becomes disabled, or suffers loss of physical function due to accidents, external attacks, murder, or while protecting themselves or others, or if their belongings are stolen or robbed, the insurance company will provide compensation according to different standards.
4. Travel Rescue Insurance: This type of insurance is commonly offered by domestic insurance companies. It is a collaboration between insurers and international rescue centers (like SOS), providing free assistance no matter where you are in the world when an emergency occurs. It extends the services of traditional travel personal accident insurance by offering timely help during incidents, rather than just post-event claims.
5. Travel Assistance Insurance: This insurance is especially suitable for overseas travel. With this coverage, if you have an accident or run into legal trouble due to unfamiliarity with local customs or laws, a simple phone call will connect you with free assistance.