When you plan a trip, the last thing you want to think about is how things could go wrong. Isn’t the whole point of a vacation an escape from the stress and worries of everyday life? Realistically though, no matter where you are, bad things can happen and it’s easier to relax and enjoy your time away if you know you are protected in an emergency.

Travel Insurance provides coverage for anything from lost or stolen luggage to emergency transportation and medical treatment while you are away from home. There are a wide variety of travel insurance plans so you can pick and choose the coverage options that best suit your needs. You can purchase a plan for a single trip or opt for an annual plan if you travel often for business or pleasure.

Most basic travel insurance plans cover expenses incurred when you have to cancel or cut short a trip because of an emergency. This includes the cost of getting home as well as reimbursement for any prepaid activities that you will not be able to take part in. In addition, many plans offer 24 hour travel assistance services to help you find a flight or hotel room at the last minute.

Coverage for lost or stolen baggage is also a standard part of any travel insurance plan. If an airline loses or damages your belongings, the compensation they are required to pay is minimal and most likely will not cover the value of the things lost. With a travel insurance plan you can choose the level of compensation based on the value of your belongings. You can also receive compensation for the cost of necessities purchased when your luggage is delayed.

Having your wallet or passport stolen while you are traveling can be a frightening and stressful experience. A travel insurance plan can ensure that your documents and currency will be replaced quickly and easily. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take reasonable precautions while traveling. No plan will cover stolen property that you were not doing your best to protect to begin with.

A sudden illness or injury while traveling can bring a catastrophic cost if you are not properly insured for that as well. Most travel insurance plans will cover emergency medical care or, if adequate care is not available nearby, transportation so that you can get the care you need.

Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may choose to add extra coverage for accidents resulting from recreational activities that might not be covered otherwise. Things like skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing can be a lot of fun but there is always the risk something could go wrong. The right travel insurance plan will make sure you can get the care you need should an accident occur.

The cost of a travel insurance plan will vary depending on the coverage you opt for, but should come to between 5 and 7 percent of the total trip cost. A modest added expense for a whole lot of piece of mind.