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Before you head out on that big trip, do you need to purchase travel insurance? What is travel insurance anyway? Is it a wise investment, or a waste of money? Understanding travel insurance before you book your next trip will help you make a wise decision as to whether or not to purchase this insurance product.

Two Main Coverage Options

Travel insurance products vary quite a bit from policy to policy. For this reason, you need to carefully read the policy you are considering buying. However, there are two main types of coverage that you will almost always see as part of a travel insurance plan. These are trip cancellation or interruption coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip cancellation or interruption coverage will pay all or a portion of the cost of your trip if it is cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if you end up in the hospital before your trip, you may be able to get your deposit back. However, you should know that not all reasons for cancellation are covered. If you decide that you do not want to go at the last minute, you will not get your money back. The interruption part of this coverage will cover the loss you may have if the cruise line or tour company canceled your trip. If, for instance, you have to head home early due to bad weather while you are on your cruise, you may be able to get reimbursed for a portion of your trip’s cost.

Emergency evacuation coverage is great for those who are traveling out of the country. If you need to be medically evacuated from your destination country, you will not have to pay for the evacuation or your trip back to America if you have this coverage. This is important coverage for those who are traveling in areas where there is not going to be access to good medical care.

Other Coverage Options to Consider

While these two coverage options are almost always included in a travel insurance policy, there are other options available. Those who are traveling overseas often purchase travel health insurance. This covers the cost of medical care that you may need while traveling out of the country. However, before you purchase this, make sure you do not already have similar coverage through your existing health insurance provider.

Some travel insurance policies also include a lost or stolen baggage clause. This will pay the approximate cost of replacing any lost or stolen luggage or other belongings that you have. Whether the airline loses your baggage or someone steals it while you are on your trip, it will be covered.

Catches to Watch For

There are some catches to watch for when shopping for travel insurance. First, look for the various exceptions and exemptions on the policy. For instance, if you are purchasing interruption coverage, you may find that you will only be reimbursed after you have tried all that you can try to get a reimbursement from the cruise line or tour company or if the company declares bankruptcy. Also, check your other insurance policies, such as your health insurance and homeowner’s insurance, to make sure that you are not purchasing coverage that you already own.

Understanding what travel insurance actually covers is important when you are making a decision about purchasing it. It is not a perfect solution that will repay you for the cost of your trip under any circumstances. Most policies have specific circumstances under which they will pay, and other circumstances that are excluded from the policy. Read the policy carefully, consider your individual needs, and decide whether or not the cost of travel insurance is worth the protection it provides.



By: Amy Nutt

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Your choice of a travel insurance policy is probably the most important decision you will make in planning your holiday. You will enjoy peace of mind on your vacation knowing that any unforeseen circumstances, such as a hospital stay due to sickness or accident will be taken care of.

In addition, while many travelers have health insurance, it sometimes does not cover them outside of their network or outside of the United States. Most medical plans will not cover medical expenses abroad, which is why travel insurance coverage is vital to avoid financial disaster. Always check the details of your insurance coverage before you travel. Additionally, with out the proper medical insurance, you will not have a say on where you will be treated if you were in an accident.

Generally, comprehensive travel insurance policy costs 5 to 7 percent of the price of your trip. Your policy may also provide reimbursement for lost luggage, some degree of medical evacuation insurance, accidental death coverage, medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, loss of baggage and theft. Your policy should also include all the details of how to make a claim.

Not all travel insurance plans are created equal. The cost varies from company and policy to policy. Policies may be purchased for individual trips or as an annual policy for all trips taken in the year of insurance. If you purchase an annual travel insurance policy, it will cover you for one year from the start date you choose. In some cases, it might be your best option to purchase a trip cancellation waiver and a third party travel insurance policy.

Credit card companies usually provide what is called travel accident insurance, which covers accidents but not incidents of serious illness. When you travel abroad, you should always consider buying insurance that includes medical care.

If you are willing to assume a financial risk (the cost of your trip), you can probably forego insurance for your domestic travel. Since 9/11, many are looking to travel insurance to safeguard their trip against any unforeseen terrorist attacks at their destination. Traveling abroad without insurance can be risky and impose long-term financial hardships if an accident or illness occurred.



By: David Chandler

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