TRAVEL INSURANCE

Why do you need travel insurance?

Many travel products are non-refundable: the best airline and cruise deals usually come with few options if you can't actually make the trip. Last week, the airline joyfully booked your flight. This week, it declared bankruptcy. Last month, you reserved space on a cruise to the Caribbean. A few weeks later, a close loved one became critically ill.

Travel insurance was made to protect your travel investment in such situations.

Why do people buy travel insurance?

In day-to-day life people count on their insurance when driving, going to the doctor or dentist but when it comes time to leave for their sunny Mexican vacation people may not even realize that having insurance for their trip is possible.

Having adequate coverage for certain risks that could spoil a trip, cost a lot of money, or even require medical attention is something that should be considered before departing.

Travel Insurance Basics:

Understand that travel insurance policies differ, and insurers usually offer a choice of plans with varying levels of protection. The amount and type of protection that would be right for your own circumstances will depend upon the type of travel that you plan, your current coverage, your budget, and your individual risk tolerance. Look at some of the common things that travel insurance will cover so you can decide which plans will be best for you for additional options you should read an insurance blog about travel insurance or contact an insurance company who specializes in travel insurance.

Click to enlargeTrip Cancellation – A lot of people book their trips months in advance to take advantage of rate specials and also, of course, to guarantee a spot at a popular destination. In order to book in advance, a deposit or full payment may be required. But many unforeseen circumstances, like bad weather, an illness, or even a death in the family, may interrupt travel plans. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse an insured person for specified losses.

Click to enlargeEmergency Medical and Medical Evacuation – Many American medical insurance policies only provide coverage within the US. A broken arm or serious illness will need urgent treatment, even if the vacationer is overseas. Emergency medical insurance, and medical evacuation insurance will insure that the afflicted person can find an adequate treatment center, and even be transported to that center, in the event of an urgent medical need.  If a traveler suffers a serious medical problem, some will even cover the transportation of a friend or relative to meet the person in a foreign country and help care for them. In addition, if an afflicted patient is caring for minors, the plans will make sure the children are reunited with other adults who can care for them.

Click to enlargeLost or Delayed Baggage – How many times have you arrived at your destination on one day, only to find that your baggage would not arrive until the next day or the next week? This seems to be a growing complaint among tourists. This important coverage can cover the replacement of urgent items so you can still enjoy your trip.

Other Travel Insurance Services – Some travel insurance polices are very comprehensive, and they even provide 24/7 emergency “911” type numbers for travelers to call for English language assistance no matter where they are. They may also feature an emergency cash transfer in the event that money or credit cards are lost or stolen, and may even offer to forward messages to friends or family in the event of an emergency or travel delay.

Travel insurance can help people with everything from a minor annoyance, like a lost suitcase or messed up reservation, to a major problem like a serious illness or hurricane. In addition, toll free assistance numbers can provide the security of having a “friend” in a foreign land. While you are planning for your next major trip, do not forget to compare travel insurance in order to ensure you are getting the best deal for the coverage you need.

This article was written by Barbara Waltz one of the founders of 247QuoteUs.com, an online resource blog and insurance quote comparison guide.

NOTES:

All policies are not alike.  Read it thoroughly. Pay close attention to the schedule of coverage or outline of benefits, which will say what is covered and at what level.

More importantly, scrutinize the exceptions to see what will NOT be covered. That is where most people get unpleasantly surprised.

Certain benefits may not be available in all protection plans. This is a general explanation; certain conditions, limitations and exclusions apply as outlined in the applicable certificate. If you still have questions about what may or may not be covered, please call the customer service department of your insurance provider.