International Personal Liability Insurance While Traveling
Before you leave for your next trip, one crucial consideration may be insurance that covers international personal liability. The benefit of personal liability is paid to cover expenses due to injury to a 3rd person or damage to that person’s property. For example, should you get into an accident where you are at fault for the above, the costs associated with that accident will be covered according to the policy terms and conditions.
Finding a travel medical policy that includes personal liability coverage is challenging. It presents an additional layer of risk for the underwriters and is difficult to determine, making it challenging to assign a price.
What is Personal Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects you if you are held responsible for injuring someone else or damaging their property. Instead of paying benefits to you, it pays the person who experienced the loss. It also includes legal defense if a claim is filed against you, and in many cases, the cost of defending you does not reduce your coverage limits.
Personal liability coverage is the portion of your insurance that protects you when accidents happen. It helps pay for:
- Medical bills if you unintentionally injure someone
- Repairs or replacement if you damage another person’s property
- Legal costs if you are accused of causing an accident
This coverage does not protect your own injuries or personal belongings. It only applies to harm or damage you unintentionally cause to others.
Travel Insurance Plans that Include Personal Liability Benefits
Some providers that we work with include personal liability insurance. For a travel medical plan, we recommend the WorldTrips Atlas Travel plan, which includes $10,000 of personal liability benefits with the option to add $90,000. Additionally, the Atlas plan offers the standard benefits you would expect from an international travel medical plan, including emergency medical care, evacuation, and more.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
- Choose between basic or more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
Another option, specifically for students studying abroad, is the IMG Patriot Exchange plan, which offers liability as an optional add-on to their standard plan levels.
IMG Patriot Exchange Program
- Medical insurance for individuals and groups involved in educational or cultural exchange
- Meets all U.S. student, scholar, and cultural exchange program visa requirements
- Optional Personal Liability and Legal Assistance coverage
Why Buy Personal Liability When Traveling
As with any insurance policy, the risks must be weighed against the costs. For a relatively small incremental cost, a plan with personal liability insurance provides additional protection if you injure another person or damage another person’s property.
Liability Coverage When Renting Property Abroad
If you are renting a property while abroad, the landlord may require proof of liability coverage in case you accidentally cause damage during your stay. The Atlas Travel insurance plan includes up to $25,000 in personal liability protection, with the option to increase coverage to $100,000. This benefit can help cover eligible court-ordered judgments or approved settlements related to accidental damage or loss of a third party’s personal property.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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