Travel Protection with Assistance Services for Iceland

Travel Protection Assistance Services in Iceland

Iceland is a stunning country. Known as the "Land of Fire and Ice," it's home to unspoiled fjords and glaciers, active volcanoes, waterfalls, mountains, and geysers, making it a popular holiday destination for nature lovers. While Iceland isn't a part of the European Union, the country is a member of the Schengen Area, so the paperwork requirements for entering the country may be fewer than you think. In this guide, we'll answer some common questions about travel protection for trips to Iceland, passport requirements, and more.

Traveling to Iceland: What Do You Need? 

One of the most common things people wonder about when planning their Icelandic holiday is whether they need travel protection for Iceland. While it's not mandatory to have travel protection and Assistance Services, it's definitely a good idea.

Iceland is a country that sees extreme weather conditions. Snow and ice are common, and volcanic eruptions aren't unheard of. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, causing more than 100,000 flights to be canceled. The spread of volcanic ash affected flights to Iceland and other parts of Europe, causing a 6-day travel ban across the continent. Incidents such as this and the frequency of extremely cold weather in the country make travel protection and Assistance Services invaluable.

Before you can think about a travel protection plan, it's a good idea to consider the paperwork you'll need to enter the country. Fortunately, because Iceland is a part of the Schengen Area, the entry requirements are relatively simple.

Also Read: The Essential Traveling Abroad Checklist: What to Do Before You Go

Passport 

To travel to Iceland as a tourist, you must have a passport with at least 3 months of validity after the date of your planned departure. If you plan on leaving the Schengen Area as part of your trip, your passport should have at least 6 months of validity from the planned date of departure.

It's a good idea to check with your chosen airline to ensure you meet their requirements. If your passport doesn't have enough remaining validity time, the airline may refuse to let you board the plane or deny you entry to Iceland when the plane lands.

Some airlines require travelers to have 6 months of validity remaining, even if the destination country requires only 3 months, so it's important to confirm these requirements well in advance of your trip

Also read: Does travel insurance and assistance services cover passport issues?

Visa

Because Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, U.S. citizens can travel to Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for business and tourism. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa. You must have a return airline ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

 What Travel Protection Plan Do You Need for Iceland?

Whether you're making a short stop in Iceland or heading there as your primary holiday destination, having a good travel protection plan is important. Volcanic eruptions may not happen every week, but snow and ice can cause delays and flight cancellations at any time.

Travel protection plans may also assist with lost baggage and flight cancellations due to organized labor strikes affecting public transportation and even potentially help you and your family recover some expenses if the trip is canceled for certain covered reasons.

Choose Coverage Based on Financial Situation

The level of coverage you take out may be influenced by your financial situation and the cost of the trip.

Flights to Iceland can be expensive, and if you're spending a lot of money on flights, accommodation, guided tours and other experiences, or you're traveling with expensive sporting goods, you may want to purchase a plan with higher benefit limits to help protect you should the unexpected happens.

In contrast, if the trip is just one of many holidays you're taking and you know you can afford to rebook the flights or pay for a couple of extra nights in a hotel, you might feel a more comfortable with our Standard plan. That way, you have the peace of mind if you need repatriation or something else seriously derails your plans.

Another consideration, of course, is how much you can afford. For someone who has saved diligently all year to afford a trip, travel protection plan for Iceland might seem like a frustrating extra expense. Taking out a top-of-the-line policy plan that includes coverage for Trip Cancellation for Any Reason, Rental Car Damage and other discretionary items, could be unnecessary in those circumstances. However, those on tight budgets could benefit from travel protection plans the most, especially   from having someone to call if certain reasons cause their flights to be delayed or their baggage was lost.

Choose Coverage Based on Travel Circumstances

Another important consideration when booking travel protection plans is your chosen destination. Iceland is known for its bad weather, so there's a comparatively high chance of travel disruption compared to flying somewhere closer and with a milder climate.

If you're making a trip to Iceland as part of a longer trip involving other destinations, or if you'll have connecting flights along the way and are worried about missing a connection, it's worth considering travel protection plans so you have peace of mind there, too.

Also read: Cancel ‎for Any Reason Travel Insurance: Is it Worth it?

Choose Coverage Based on Health Circumstances 

Travel protection plans can be useful for people who have pre-existing health conditions (see what qualifies as a pre-existing condition here), as well as those who are caretakers. Some things that travel protection plans might help with, depending on the terms of the policy plan you choose, include:

•          Medical care while abroad

•          Repatriation expenses

•          Trip cancellation if you get sick or injured

•          Trip cancellation if you have to care for a family member that gets sick or injured

Not all plans cover all of the above issues, so it's a good idea to determine which best suits your needs by taking this quiz. 

Choose Coverage Based on Life Circumstances

Planning a holiday can be tricky, especially if you have pre-existing commitments to juggle. If you're concerned about school or college schedules, or even work or military duty commitments, choose a policy plan that covers canceling for any reason. 

Iceland Travel Tips

If you're considering visiting Iceland, keep these tips in mind:

1.        Take a credit or debit card with a PIN. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of cash with you. However, many retailers use a chip and pin system, so be sure to memorize your PIN so you can shop easily.

2.        Expect changeable weather. It's not uncommon to see the weather change from warm and sunny to wet and windy, then back again all in one day. Pack for changeable weather. Ideally, have lots of layers so you can stay comfortable at all times.

3.        Prepare for road closures. If you're driving in Iceland, be prepared for road closures and weather alerts. 

4.        Try some local cuisine. Iceland is known for its unusual cuisine. Lamb, dairy products, and seafood are staples, but those who are more adventurous may wish to try Hákarl, a fermented shark dish that's traditional in the country.

Also Read: Beating the Heat: ‘Coolcations’ are the Hot New Trend

How Do You Get Travel Protection Plan for Iceland?

At Generali Global Assistance  , we offer travel protection plans with Assistance Services to suit all kinds of travelers and budgets. Our Standard Plan includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost baggage, and medical and dental care. Plans also include a24/7 assistance line to help you with challenges that occur during your trip.

We also offer Preferred and Premium Plans with greater coverage, including specific coverage for sporting equipment, and coverage for the travel operator's financial insolvency. We offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions with our Premium Plan and have an option for "Trip Cancellation for Any Reason" (Trip Cancellation for Any Reason is not available to residents of New York)too.

Get your free quote here.

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