According to CNBC, travel insurance typically doesn’t cover legal matters when you’re abroad. You can, however, usually buy a rider policy for legal coverage. Most of the time, this will cover civil matters but not criminal. That’s not true in every case, however, so it’d be wise for you to check with the company from whom you buy the policy to find out what’s what with the legal coverage.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a temporary policy that covers you for various things during a trip either domestically or abroad. What’s covered usually depends on what kind of policy you buy. Medical expenses, the cost of lost or damaged luggage, or trip cancellation are three kinds of common coverage. You have the option of buying additional coverage. That can either be improvements to the common policy items, such as having no deductible regarding medical expenses or luggage replacement, or adding additional riders. Those can include anything the company covers up to and including legal coverage.
What Kind of Legal Matters Could Happen to You When You Are Abroad?
You could get arrested. If you’re away for a long time, someone in the country you’re visiting could sue you for some reason. One of your family members could have something happen. In some countries, just taking a photo of the wrong thing could land you in jail. Things that could be legal in the United States might be illegal elsewhere and vice versa.
If something does happen, then be respectful to the police and other authorities in the other country. Loudly asserting that you’re an American, as if that gives you special rights over others, is a way to disaster. This does not, however, mean that you should “roll over and play dead.” You’re allowed to speak to a United States consular officer, who can help you in any one of a number of ways, especially if you don’t speak the local language, or no one in the police can speak English.
Most countries have laws about legal representation if you’ve been arrested. It’s a good idea not to speak with the police at all other than politely requesting to speak to a lawyer, call the United States consulate, or both. Also, never sign anything without legal representation that can tell you what something says if it’s in a language you don’t understand. All of this applies equally if someone files suit against you.
How Can Having Travel Insurance Be a Lifesaver if You Have Legal Troubles Abroad?
If you’re able to secure a travel insurance policy that includes legal coverage, then it can possibly help you in the following ways:
• Paying for representation
• Paying your bail
Remember to discuss all levels of coverage that are available and those that you purchase as part of your policy. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not will be invaluable when it comes to your trip.
