Travel Risks and Travel Insurance - Some useful tips

Generally traveling does not have to be more dangerous than staying at home. So why do you need extra insurance?

1. Your existing insurance might not pay if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. And even in developing countries a broken leg can become a financial burden if you travel on a budget.

2. In worst case, you get ill or have an accident in a place that has only sub-standard medical facilities. You would need emergency transport and evacuation to a good hospital. That could be in a neighboring country or back at home.  Either way, such an emergency means not only a lot of extra costs but if you are unanble to arrange it yourself, you need someone to do it for you.

3. If you are on a budget, it is debatable if you need insurance for potential loss of luggage. 

So this is the first place where you can safe:
Just pack things of little value!

Additional advantage: If you mostly pack old clothes etc. you can just leave it behind before heading home and hove more room for things you might take back home from your trip.

If you carry your mobile, an expensive camera, a notebook - you might want to have it insured.

But check the fine print. Normally expensive item are only insured up to half the value of the whole insurance package.