Your travel agent recommends it, but do you know what travel insurance really is and why it is so important?
For many individuals, travel insurance is just another travel expense that they are more than happy to pay. Others, however, dismiss it, only to find themselves in a situation where their dream vacation is interrupted and their money is history.
Before you embark on your next trip, take the time to understand and appreciate all aspects of travel insurance and why it really is so important after all.
Here are your top five travel insurance questions:
Q: Where do I purchase travel insurance?
A: There are many companies that sell travel insurance, although the better known companies include American Express, Travel Guard and Access America. Whatever company you decide to purchase travel insurance through, make sure they have a solid reputation and a strong financial past. Remember: a travel insurance policy is only as good as the company that issues it, so take the time to find a good company through which to purchase your travel insurance. Your travel agent will likely recommend a particular company, too.
Q: What does a travel insurance policy cover?
A: Although each travel insurance policy will differ slightly based on their coverage, in general most travel insurance companies cover lost luggage, emergency medical care, terrorism, natural disasters and bankrupt companies. It is important to thoroughly read your travel insurance policy so that you fully understand what is, and isn’t, covered under your policy.
Q: Is travel insurance really necessary?
A: That all depends on your luck. However, when you consider the happening of just this past year, including volcanic ash, the H1N1 virus, and a number of hurricanes and floods, it really is taking a gamble not to purchase travel insurance.
Q: Why do I need to purchase medical care through a travel insurance policy? Shouldn’t my health insurance policy cover my medical expenses while on holiday?
A: Your regular health insurance policy may cover your healthcare while overseas, but many times it does not. In addition, emergency medical coverage through a travel insurance policy will be able to cover airlifting you off a cruise ship for an emergency appendectomy; your standard health insurance policy will not.
Q: Who needs to purchase travel insurance?
A: Anyone who wants to protect their investment should take out travel insurance. Remember: vacations can be expensive!
