At last, vacation is here. You’ve picked your destination, booked your hotel, decided what to pack, and the excitement of the trip is already in the air. One thing we know for sure is that losing your luggage, getting sick, or dealing with a breakdown if you’re driving are not part of your vacation plans.

But unexpected things can happen – and if they do, you’ll be glad you thought about insurance ahead of time. Before you leave home, make sure you have the right protection in place.

Travel insurance: an essential companion

Any trip, no matter how carefully planned, can be disrupted in a matter of seconds: unexpected cancellations, illnesses, lost luggage, delays, and more. These situations can not only throw your plans off course but also lead to unexpected expenses. That’s why travel insurance should be considered part of your planning process, just like booking accommodation or arranging transportation.

Depending on the destination or the type of risk, these policies usually include coverages such as:

That’s why taking out this type of insurance is highly recommended. Above all, it means having someone to turn to when a problem arises and receiving the support you need to resolve the issue. It also helps ensure that an unexpected setback doesn’t ruin your time off or become a financial burden.

A glance at your health coverage

Health is another aspect that deserves special attention before setting off, especially if you are traveling abroad or heading to destinations where medical treatment or a hospital stay could leave a significant dent in your finances. Although no one expects to get sick while traveling, medical emergencies are, in fact, one of the most common reasons people turn to their insurance.

If you already have health insurance, we recommend checking what coverage you have outside your place of residence or overseas, so you know how you and your loved ones will be protected if something happens. If it isn’t included, you can take out specific coverage for your vacation. Having medical insurance is key to enjoying your trip with peace of mind, wherever you are.

If you travel by car

In this case, your vehicle will be an essential part of your getaway. Check the condition of your tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels, but also review the coverage included in your auto insurance policy.

For example, it’s worth knowing whether you have roadside assistance from the very first mile, whether you’re covered outside your country, whether alternative transportation or a replacement vehicle is included, what happens in the event of a breakdown or accident, and what assistance is available for passengers. This way, you’ll be able to deal with any issues that arise on the road and, whenever possible, continue your journey.

Check what you leave behind

During the vacation months, many homes are left empty. Break-ins, water leaks, electrical damage, and other issues can put a damper on your return home, especially if you don’t have a policy that covers these situations.

Before leaving your home behind, carry out a few checks to make sure you minimize these risks: windows, alarms, doors, faucets, and electrical appliances, among others. Above all, make sure your home insurance policy is up to date. An active policy will allow you to leave with the peace of mind of knowing that, if something happens, you’ll have the support of your insurance company when you return.

What are you carrying in your suitcase?

It is increasingly common to go on vacation not only with a mobile phone in hand but also accompanied by laptops, tablets, cameras, and some valuables, such as jewelry or watches. If you usually pack these types of items in your suitcase, it’s worth checking whether they are covered by your home insurance outside the home or whether your travel insurance covers damage, loss, or theft. In some cases, you may need to extend your coverage or even declare certain high-value items in advance to ensure they are properly protected.

Enjoy your vacation!

Ultimately, vacations are meant for disconnecting and enjoying free time. To travel truly at ease, take a few minutes beforehand to review your protection.

You already know that health and travel insurance offer you support against unforeseen medical events, cancellations, or incidents during travel. Auto insurance gives you peace of mind when the road is part of the plan, and home insurance will help you in your return home if any incident arises. The chances are that you won’t need to rely on these coverages during your time off, but knowing that you have the support you need to deal with any unexpected situation is priceless.

At Mapfre, we understand this very well. Depending on where you’re going, who you’re traveling with, and how you’re getting there, we offer the policy you need to help ensure everything goes according to plan. Enjoy your vacation!