Kiwis are an adventurous bunch. It’s one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes with more than 2.2 million Kiwis heading overseas last year alone.

So if you’re planning a trip away – for a few days or longer, a short flight or a long haul – travel insurance should be number one on your planning list. Whether it’s replacing lost luggage, a stolen camera, or a medical evacuation back home, travel insurance is something you really cannot do without. Here are the top three reasons why.

1. Travel insurance covers the costs of medical care and evacuation
Scary fact – hospital costs in the US can reach $10,000 per day, while a medical evacuation back home can run into six figures. Even treatment for a broken arm could set you back thousands. So wherever you are in the world, you’ll want to know that you can receive the treatment you need, whatever the cost – and get back home safely.

2. Travel insurance can covers you if you need to cancel your trip
There’s some things you can’t plan for when organising a holiday. If you’re too sick to fly out, have an accident or something happens to a close relative, this insurance takes some of the pain out of having to cancel your trip. To get the most use out of this insurance, you should purchase this when you book your tickets, not just before you leave.

3. Travel insurance covers your baggage and personal belongings
Lost and stolen luggage or belongings is the reason most people buy travel insurance and the cause of most travel insurance claims – so don’t waste your spending money replacing your lost items, invest in a decent travel insurance policy and spend it on a enjoying yourself instead.

Are you planning a well-deserved holiday? Insurance People offer three levels of cover from budget to comprehensive. Click here to arrange your cover.