What's the difference between an insurance contract and an assistance contract?
In the event of accident or illness abroad, your assistance and travel insurance contracts can guarantee you assistance or compensation. Under what conditions do they intervene, and what guarantees do you have?
What is the difference between an insurance contract and an assistance contract?
Insurance provides financial compensation in the event of a claim.
An assistance contract guarantees you material and logistical support in the event of an incident. These are therefore two quite distinct guarantees.
Assistance contract services
An assistance contract will take care of logistics and organization.
If you become seriously ill or suffer a serious injury while traveling in a country that does not have sufficient medical facilities to cure you, assistance will guarantee repatriation.
Unlike some insurance policies, an assistance contract is completely optional. However, it can be comfortable to take out a policy when a situation requires emergency assistance.
Insurance contract guarantees
Travel insurance is a term that covers different types of insurance for a trip:
- Travel assistance insurance: the solution if you need medical help or have problems with your car while traveling.
- Cancellation insurance: this covers you if you have to cancel your trip. The insurer will then reimburse your travel expenses.
- Baggage insurance: compensation if your baggage is stolen or damaged
Unlike assistance, insurance implies financial compensation or reimbursement when the insured risk occurs. This is the case with health insurance, which will cover your medical expenses if you fall ill abroad.
It’s essential to have a contract that insures you and offers assistance services. Assistance alone is not enough abroad. Travel insurance is much more extensive than travel assistance. Travel insurance is the best way to travel with peace of mind!