The masses are heading out of town this summer. More people are going to Europe than have over the past few years--and it's not just because of the Olympics. I'm part of the trend, but I'll be steering clear of the crowds in Greece and visiting another part of the Mediterranean altogether: the Croatian Islands. I travel a ton for work, but like everyone else, my vacation days are limited. I don't want anything to happen to spoil my precious vacation, so it's imperative to have the right coverage.

And no, I'm not talking about beach cover-ups! Whether you're on the shores of the Mayan Riviera or the French Riviera, in a tiny village on the Amalfi Coast or a thriving Grecian metropolis--even if you're at the Acropolis--the fact is that you need to think about travel insurance.

Insurers say the further away from home you go; the more likely you are to buy travel insurance. That makes sense, as international trips tend to cost more, so there’s a greater need to protect your investment. But whether you’re headed to Paris, France or Paris, Texas, it’s important that you get the right kind of coverage.

First, find out whether your health insurance will cover you outside of the US. Many policies don’t, and some only do with limitations. Find out what your options are. Buying comprehensive coverage could save you a bundle, should anything go wrong. For only a few bucks more, comprehensive coverage includes some medical benefits, which wouldn't be included in a trip cancellation policy. When you're in a foreign country that may not have the kind of medical care system that the US does, you want to be sure you're covered to get enough care to get you home.

Remember, you don't buy insurance expecting to use it. To me, it’s sort of like carrying an umbrella on a gray day; carrying it around means I won’t need it. With insurance, should I have an incident with a moped, I'm covered. Caught a funky stomach bug and need a doctor? With a good company, I've got an 800 number to call for a referral. If I need it, I've got 24/7, global operator assistance to help ease my worries and translate if necessary.

Anyone who knows insurance a little knows the importance of reading the fine print. You have to make sure all of the aforementioned items are included and see what else is listed. Be sure to look for a worldwide company with a B+ rating or higher. Make sure you have medical evacuation coverage (generally it starts at $20,000-25,000, which is generally going to cover 90% of your needs in a worst case scenario). Remember, the trip cancellation and interruption will reimburse you the time and cost of those lost days if your vacation is curtailed for a claimable reason. And if you're worried about Terrorism, many providers, but not all, will insert a related clause into the trip cancellation, so check yours.

Vacations are about relaxation and putting mundane anxieties on the back burner for a while. Comprehensive travel coverage is a good way to put your mind at ease. It’s a lot easier to relax when you know that, should anything from lost luggage to sickness threaten your escape, you're covered. This summer, go abroad feeling self-assured, and sightsee with ease.

Insurance Tips for Traveling Abroad

  • Find out if your health insurance will cover you outside the U.S.
  • Buy comprehensive travel coverage.
  • Look for a worldwide company with a B+ rating or higher.
  • Make sure you have medical evacuation coverage.
  • Always read the fine print.