Posts Tagged ‘comprehensive travel insurance’

What your Travel Insurance may not Cover

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

We all expect a comprehensive travel insurance policy when we purchase it but, in reality, there are a number of things that aren’t covered under a standard travel insurance policy. Although most of us will never find ourselves in the following situations, it is important to point out the situations in which a travel insurance policy may be null and void:

  • Swine Flu and other Pandemics - Did you know that your travel insurance policy will not likely cover a pandemic breakout? For example, the swine flu breakout in Mexico last year left many travelers out of luck when it came to canceling their trip due to the dangers of traveling there during the breakout. So, don’t expect a return of your trip expenses if you find yourself unable to travel to your destination (or if you must leave early) due to a pandemic outbreak.
  • Visa Denial - If you have already booked your vacation and paid for your plane ticket you will likely not be covered if you must cancel your trip because your visa was denied. Some airline companies will provide a refund in these situations, but generally most insurance companies will not provide you with a refund if your visa application was denied. In short, make sure your visa is in good order before booking a trip.
  • Terroristic Threats or Attacks- Most travel insurance companies will not provide a refund if you cancel your trip due to a terroristic threat or attack. Unfortunately, the issue of terroristic threats and events are something we all must face in today’s world.
  • Weather Inconveniences - If you have a fantastic ski trip planned, but the weather doesn’t cooperate and there is no snow to be had, don’t expect a return on your investment through your travel insurance policy. Unfortunately, inclement weather inconveniences are simply part of the risk you take when booking a vacation. Whether it’s stormy weather on your Caribbean cruise or a rainy ski holiday, your travel insurance will do you no good when it comes to poor weather conditions.

Your Common Travel Insurance Questions Answered

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Travel insurance is often viewed as a mere inconvenience when booking a vacation; however, it can often protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances, thereby making it extremely practical for most travelers.

Perhaps the reason that many people choose to forgo travel insurance is simply because they don’t understand just how useful it can be.

The following questions and answers regarding travel insurance are designed to clear up any misunderstandings about travel insurance so you can make the best decision regarding your travel insurance options:

Q: What is travel insurance?

A: Travel insurance is insurance that is purchased to cover unforeseen travel-related expenses. Most travel insurance policies cover travel cancellations due to illness, sever weather and medical emergencies. It may cover such expenses as lost luggage, non-refundable plane tickets and medical evacuations, just to name a few.

Q: Does travel insurance cover international travel?

A: Yes; you can purchase travel insurance specifically for international trips. It can cover your travel for a weekend or as long as a 12-month stay abroad.

Q: What kind of travel insurance is right for me?

A: There are many questions that a travel agent will ask you regarding your travel plans, and your answers to these questions will often determine what type of travel insurance you need. There are numerous types of travel insurance packages available, from basic plans to premium plans. Travel insurance policies will usually differ regarding price, benefits and dollar limits.

Q: Where can I purchase travel insurance?

A: You can purchase travel insurance through a travel agent, or you can purchase travel insurance through an online company. Many times, purchasing travel insurance online saves quite a bit of time and hassle, but make sure you are dealing with a reputable company before purchasing travel insurance online.

Q: Will travel insurance cover my medical needs?

A: Perhaps. Travel insurance with medical coverage is often necessary when traveling abroad, as your standard medical insurance is often not valid in other countries. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage often covers emergency medical treatment, medical evacuations and hospital stays.

Q: How much does travel insurance cost?

A: Although travel insurance will vary depending on your dollar limits and benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance policy generally costs between 5 and 7 percent of the total cost of your trip.

When to Consider Extra Medical Insurance with your Travel Insurance Policy

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

The next time you set sail on a luxury cruise, consider what you would do in case of a medical emergency. In particular, consider if your medical insurance will cover your expenses.

Will your medical insurance cover the cost of medical evacuation, emergency treatment and a hospital stay? Well, in the case of cruises and other overseas trips, don’t bet on it.

In fact, as soon as you exit a U.S. port, you are more than likely considered to in overseas waters, which means that your U.S. medical insurance won’t get you very far.

Planning Ahead

Take a recent example of an older couple (in their mid 70s) who were traveling abroad when the husband became seriously sick with a perforated colon.  After the initial emergency room visit, the couple decided to arrange for a medical evacuation from their cruise ship to a United States hospital. The total cost of their out-of-pocket expenses was just $300. However, if they didn’t think ahead and purchase comprehensive travel insurance they could have wound up paying a medical bill of over $20,000.

A good, comprehensive travel insurance policy should include medical services and hospitalization, particularly when traveling abroad. These additional medical services are designed to reimburse any expenses that your standard medical insurance does not. Comprehensive travel insurance is also designed to cover the cost of your trip or part of your trip if you are not able to enjoy it due to an illness or injury.

If you plan to travel abroad and you don’t need full travel insurance, you may also secure a stand-alone policy that covers medical care and medical evacuation. It is important to realize that standard travel insurance policies do not cover the cost of medical evacuation, so consider adding this practical policy onto your travel insurance policy.

Before departing on your next overseas holiday, remember the following:

  • Contact your health insurer and ask about their coverage while traveling abroad.  Once you have this information you can then determine how much coverage and which type of coverage you will need.
  • Check travel insurance websites and compare policy prices and coverage. There are also several websites that allow you to compare a variety of travel insurance policies, side by side, according to prices and benefits.
  • Once you have purchased travel insurance, keep all information related to your policy, as well as important phone number of the company, close at hand while traveling.

The Top Four Scenarios that prove why Travel Insurance is a Necessity

Monday, December 14th, 2009

If you are one of those individuals who think travel insurance is a waste of time then you may want to read the rest of this article.

Travel insurance, in short, protects your investment. After all, losing all of your deposits and your airline tickets because you didn’t plan ahead and purchase travel insurance doesn’t feel too great.

If you think travel insurance is only for destinations where natural disasters may strike, think again. Here are some worst-case scenarios in which travel insurance may save you a bundle:

  1. You’re packed and ready to go on a wonderful family vacation to Disney World, and the night before you’re due to leave your son walks into your bedroom with a red-hot forehead and a serious case of chickenpox. Traveling and vacationing are clearly out of the question, and you have four, non-refundable plane tickets to Orlando. If you have adequate, comprehensive travel insurance, fear not. Simply report the claim and re-book the trip for a time when chickenpox isn’t running rampant in your household.
  2. You’ve booked a relaxing cruise and the flight to your port is delayed for hours because of a terrible storm. As a result, you miss your cruise departure. Without travel insurance, you can kiss your cruise good-bye, along with all of the money you shelled out to book it. However, comprehensive travel insurance will refund your money so that you can re-book your cruise.
  3. Your tropical vacation is put on hold because of a hurricane blowing through the Atlantic. There’s no way you’re getting anywhere near the island anytime soon, so what do you do with airline tickets and hotel deposits? Well, if you have adequate travel insurance you can be reimbursed for all of your lost expenses so that you can plan for another tropical vacation - minus the hurricane.
  4. You’ve finally embarked upon your European holiday only to have your pocketbook - with your passport and wallet in it - stolen while you are out of the country. Comprehensive travel insurance often comes with emergency service, which includes expediting a passport replacement and providing you with much-need cash so you can resume your vacation.

Are you Underinsured for Travel Insurance?

Monday, December 7th, 2009

You are the responsible traveler: you pack days in advance; you make a clear list of things to do before embarking on your trip; you check and double-check your itinerary and flight arrangements; you always remember to bring an extra memory card for your camera; and of course you always buy comprehensive travel insurance.

Would you be surprised to find out that you may be underinsured? It’s important for everyone to consider that they may just be paying too much for their travel insurance and not getting the coverage that they need in return.

It’s true! Many individuals purchase travel insurance without really reading the fine print, only to find themselves in a precarious - and expensive - situation while traveling.

The fact of the matter is that not having adequate travel insurance can cost you time, money and even your health.

An underinsured traveler may find him or herself:

  • Paying out of pocket for emergency medical treatment - from emergency room treatment, to tests, blood work and hospital stays
  • Paying out of pocket to return home unexpectedly - if your travel plans change and you must return home early, you may have to pay out of pocket for your flight and other travel arrangements
  • Paying out of pocket for legal counsel overseas - if you find yourself in a situation where legal counsel is needed, such as a personal liability suit, you may need to secure legal counsel and pay for it out of your pocket
  • Paying for an emergency medical evacuation
  • Losing money from lost wages

It is because of this that you must read and re-read your travelers insurance policy carefully, particularly if you are traveling abroad. Being stuck in a foreign country without the money or insurance coverage to pay for medical expenses, legal expenses and travel expenses can be devastating, and can even inhibit an individual’s ability to return home.

Before you leave for your travel destination, take the time to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy and contact the insurance company if there is anything in the policy that you don’t understand. Remember that it is up to you to understand your policy and make sure that you are adequately insured. If you fail to make sure that you have secured the proper travel insurance you could end up in a difficult situation and without any money.

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance Policy for your Next Trip

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Vacationing is an activity enjoyed by millions of people across the country. Traveling is exciting, adventurous - and expensive! It is because of this that many people choose to purchase travel insurance before planning and paying for an expensive trip.

Although all you may be thinking about your next trip is the fun you are going to have, you must remain realistic and protect yourself in case any misfortunes arise.  To do this, you need to purchase comprehensive travel insurance so that your investment will be protected and your next vacation will be worry-free:

  • Choose a company that is trusted and has established a positive reputation. Check with the Better Business Bureau and ask friends and family members for referrals.
  • Choose a policy based on the length of your trip and the items that will be covered. If your trip is extensive, check out long-term travel insurance policies to protect you throughout the entire duration of your trip. Individuals that travel frequently throughout the year may choose to purchase a long-term policy and renew it on an annual basis.
  • Ask for quotes from a number of travel insurance companies before deciding which one best fits your budget and your needs. Many factors may influence the cost of travel insurance, so be sure to provide the travel insurance company with plenty of information so that you can get the most accurate quotes possible. Some of the factors that influence the price of travel insurance include: the length of the trip; the cost of the trip; your age; your health, including pre-existing medical conditions; and the time you may spend overseas.
  • Consider the deductibles for your travel insurance policy and choose one that best meets your financial needs. You can choose a policy that has a deductible anywhere from $0 to $2,500, depending on the risk you want to take.
  • Consider the policy’s maximum coverage. Depending on your comfort level, you may choose a policy with a maximum coverage of anywhere between $20,000 to more than $100,000.
  • You may need to take out additional travel insurance if you plan on partaking in special activities, such as adventure sports.