4 European Activities I Would Never Do Without Travel Insurance
This article is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance*.
So, I finally went to Europe. Notwithstanding the one hasty work trip I went on to Finland and Slovenia (which I loved), I had never been which made me feel like a poor excuse for an Australian.
I have never lived in Shepherd’s Bush, I have never pulled beers in a pub, and I have never taken a selfie with the Eiffel Tower. While I didn’t do the first two (I am way too old for that), I am guilty of the latter.
And with age comes common sense (one would hope) so as part of my trip planning, I considered the risk associated with each particular activity. Based on my reading, these were the four things I wouldn’t have done without comprehensive travel insurance like what Allianz offers.
- Catch a train in Spain
Theft is a major concern in Spain, especially in the major metro areas and especially on trains.[1] Pickpockets and muggers are very active and work in groups so while you can take precautions, you can’t exactly keep all of your stuff in your undies. - Go to Glastonbury Music Festival
Mmmmm rain and mud and thousands of people. Sounds fun, right? By all accounts, Glastonbury is a hoot but the number of injuries from people slipping over and breaking bones, teeth, sunglasses and cameras is out of control. - Walk the Camino del Santiago
This is not a simple stroll even if you do have God on your side. With inclement weather common in this part of France and Spain, and the risk of exercise-related injury at a high, it makes sense to take precautions just in case you wind up in hospital. The food might be better than in Australia but the bill will be huge. - Eat the quirkier French dishes
The French are bold eaters and they don’t have the same food safety restrictions on their dairy products that we have in Australia. As such, there are plenty of unpasteurised products, as well as quirky cuts of meat that are prepared in unusual ways. It can seem authentic to eat whatever is put in front of you in a tiny village, but it can also lead to epic food poisoning as your system may not cope with the unfamiliar bacteria.
Protection against theft, illness, injury and unavoidable cancellations can make your trip so much less stressful. Even if you don’t need to use it, it’s kind of like having some Gastrolyte or Immodium packed in your luggage; it’s good to know it’s there if you need it.
Always check your product disclosure statement so you know exactly what you are covered for.
*Travel insurance is issued and managed by AGA Assistance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 (AGA) as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 800 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). We do not provide any advice on travel insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Conditions, terms, limits and exclusions apply. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement available at allianz.com.au before buying travel insurance to decide if the product is right for you. If you purchase travel insurance, AGA receives a commission which is a percentage of the premium – ask us for more information before we provide you with any services on this product.
