For many people, Baltimore is a familiar and mysterious city – it is a national seaport in the United States, a microcosm of the history of the Civil War, and a model of the interweaving of the Renaissance and modern urban life. There is the historic Inner Harbor, the bustling Fells Point neighborhood, and the baseball stadium that makes fans excited. However, for first-time visitors to this city, in addition to preparing itineraries, food and cameras, one thing that cannot be ignored is travel insurance.
Travel should never be an adventure, but a predictable and guaranteed journey.
Ⅰ. Why do you need a travel insurance?
1. Baltimore’s security and reality
Although Baltimore is full of cultural vitality and has rich tourism resources, the social security situation in some areas of it cannot be ignored. Especially at night or in non-mainstream tourist areas, some occasional thefts and robberies still occur from time to time. Although most tourists stay in safe areas, accidents are always unpredictable.
Although travel insurance cannot prevent risks, it can provide both financial and psychological support after something happens.
2. Medical expenses are high, especially for non-US residents
The US medical system is among the most expensive in the world. Even if you only need to treat a minor fracture in the emergency room, you may have to pay thousands of dollars. If you don’t have an insurance that covers emergency medical care, it will not only be painful but also financially tight if you encounter sudden illness during your trip.
3. Frequent changes in itinerary, flexible response
Flight cancellations, bad weather, luggage delays… these are common during travel. Baltimore is windy in March, with occasional thunderstorms in the summer and the aftermath of tropical storms in the fall. Therefore, an insurance that covers flight delays and lost luggage is definitely a must on your travel list.
Ⅱ. Types of insurance suitable for first-time travelers to the United States
1. Medical insurance: an indispensable core item
Medical insurance is the “soul” of travel insurance, especially when traveling to a country with high medical costs such as the United States. A good travel medical insurance should at least cover:
Reimbursement of emergency and hospitalization expenses
Emergency ambulance fees
Emergency medical transfer (if you need to return to your home country for treatment)
Emergency dental treatment (included in some high-end products)
2. Trip Cancellation and Delay Insurance: Protect Your Expensive Airline and Hotel Bookings
If you are traveling abroad for the first time, you may have planned your trip months in advance and paid the full airfare and hotel fees. Trip Cancellation Insurance will provide you with compensation if your trip is cancelled due to visa delays, personal reasons or force majeure (such as blizzards).
You should also consider clauses covering the following scenarios:
Flight delays (compensation for accommodation and food expenses)
Late or lost luggage
Missed connection on connecting flights
3. Personal Accident Insurance: Provide protection for unexpected accidents
The possibility of a traffic accident, a fall in a public place, or other unexpected injuries during the trip is not high, but it cannot be ignored. This type of insurance usually includes:
Accidental death or disability compensation
Medical expense compensation (partially overlaps with medical insurance)
Family visit subsidy (such as long-term hospitalization)
4. Legal aid and liability insurance: avoid legal troubles caused by cultural differences
When traveling in the United States, accidentally knocking over a store display shelf, stepping on someone’s pet dog, or accidentally breaking the law on the road may lead to legal liability. An insurance product that includes third-party liability insurance and legal aid services can help you deal with it calmly.
III. Recommended insurance platforms and purchase methods
1. Global insurance platforms
Large international travel insurance platforms usually support multilingual services, which are suitable for travelers with weak English skills, and are also convenient for claims and customer service. Some insurance companies provide APP-side claims settlement functions, which are easy to operate and fast to review.
2. Credit card-attached insurance
Many high-end credit cards (such as some platinum cards or business cards) come with travel protection services, including accident insurance, flight delay insurance, car rental liability insurance, etc. If you use this card to pay when booking air tickets and hotels, most of the protection can be automatically activated. But please note:
The coverage of incidental insurance is usually narrower
The insured amount is limited, so it is suitable for use as an additional rather than a primary insurance
Claims require proof of credit card swipe records and travel history
3. Domestic professional insurance platforms
Many domestic travel insurance platforms offer a variety of insurance products for traveling to the United States, with transparent prices and fast customer service response, which is a more convenient choice for first-time travelers. When purchasing, please pay attention to whether it supports full electronic insurance policies, Chinese services, and quick compensation.
Ⅳ. How to choose an insurance product that suits you?
1. Choose a combination of insurance products according to your itinerary
For short-term travel (less than 1 week), you can give priority to package products, including conventional insurance products such as medical, travel delays, and personal accidents; for long-distance travel (more than 2 weeks), it is recommended to purchase luggage insurance and legal liability insurance.
2. Segmentation by travel group needs
Family travel: need to cover multiple population groups, compensation for common diseases in children and flight missed insurance are particularly important;
Elderly travel: special attention to sudden illness and pre-existing medical history claims;
Backpackers and free travel: it is recommended to strengthen insurance related to traffic accidents and outdoor sports accidents;
Business travelers: you can consider insurance with equipment damage compensation (such as laptops, professional equipment)
3. Check the deductible clauses and claim details
Don’t just look at the price, but also read the following carefully:
Deductible: Some medical insurances have a deductible, and low deductible products are more cost-effective;
Claim process: Does it support online submission? Is Chinese customer service provided?
Does it support pre-existing medical history claims? Some insurances do not cover situations such as recurrence of chronic diseases, which need to be confirmed before traveling
V. Detailed explanation of the claim process: Don’t let the process become a new burden
Step 1: Save all credentials
Whether it is medical records, prescriptions, payment receipts, flight change notifications, police reports, or hotel bills, they are all key materials required for claims.
Step 2: Contact the insurance company in time
Most insurance companies require reporting within 24 hours of the accident to ensure that the claim rights are not deprived. Companies with APP can directly upload materials and fill out the application form.
Step 3: Application and review
After submitting the claim application, the insurance company will review it and usually complete it within 3 to 10 working days. Efficient platforms even support same-day payment.
VI. Special Tips: Insurance Preparation Checklist before First Trip to the United States
Check whether the passport name is consistent with the insurance policy
Insurance companies will strictly check the insured information when making claims. If there are spelling errors or inconsistencies, it may cause delays or even invalid claims.
Prepare electronic insurance policy backup and paper version
It is recommended to save the electronic file on your mobile phone and cloud, and print out a copy to carry with you. Some hospitals or institutions may require paper certificates when admitting foreign tourists.
Install the official APP of the insurance company
This not only makes it convenient to check the details of the insurance policy, but also allows quick access to customer service support and find cooperative medical institutions. Some APPs also support direct reporting and claim applications, greatly improving efficiency.
Properly keep air tickets, accommodation invoices and payment receipts
Once a claim is required, such as flight delays, lost luggage, etc., these documents are indispensable supporting materials.
Memorize and carry emergency contact numbers
It is recommended to write them on a piece of paper and carry them with you in case the mobile phone has no signal or cannot be used, so that you can quickly ask for help.
Confirm the coverage of the car rental liability insurance before long-term rental
If you plan to rent a car locally for long-term self-driving, please be sure to confirm in advance whether the car rental contract already includes liability insurance and collision insurance. If not, you need to purchase additional supplementary insurance through the insurance company.
Prepare medical certificates and English medicine lists for patients with chronic diseases
For travelers with chronic diseases, remember to prepare relevant medical certificates and English medicine lists before traveling to ensure smooth customs clearance and unimpeded local prescriptions or medical treatment, which is also conducive to doctors quickly understanding your medical history and medication.
Travel is not an adventure. We choose to travel far away not to challenge unknown dangers, but to gain richer life experiences. But this experience should not come at the cost of risk.
A comprehensive travel insurance is not only a reflection of rational planning, but also a responsible attitude towards yourself and your companions. Baltimore is worth your visit. Its port, music, food and stories are all worth exploring with the most peace of mind.
May your journey always be smooth, and even if you encounter twists and turns, there is guarantee to accompany you.