Posts Tagged ‘travel insurance policies’

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.

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Travel Insurance Insights: Extending Coverage for Repatriation of Remains

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

While vacations are typically intended to provide travelers with a break from the day to day stress of standard living, it is often ideal for travelers to hope for the best while preparing for the worst!  Although not the most pleasant of thoughts, some travelers with specific health conditions, risks, or other personal concerns may benefit from purchasing travel insurance protection that includes coverage for repatriation of remains.  If for any reason your death, or the death of a loved one included in your policy, occurs while you are away on your travels, your repatriation of remains protection can ease financial burdens to family members of the deceased.

Benefits of Repatriation of Remains Insurance

Essentially, with repatriation coverage, an insurance provider will pay for the costs associated with returning remains of the deceased back to one’s country of residence.  As the returning of remains from a travel destination back to one’s place of residence can be incredibly costly, investing in coverage for such an incident may be ideal for many individuals and families.

Adding to the coverage for the repatriation of remains, many travel insurance policies with this specific coverage feature extend their benefits to additionally offer coverage for various other related costs.  Some of the potential related coverage features may include:

  • Emergency medical attention / expenses
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Accident death / dismemberment

Do I Need Repatriation of Remains Coverage?

While any traveler can benefit from various features of travel insurance policies, those who may most significantly benefit from repatriation benefits commonly include individuals with specific health problems, disorders, or risks, as well as individuals who frequently travel for work or leisure.  Additionally, individuals planning to travel for a vacation that includes potentially hazardous and / or dangerous activities should also opt for coverage as well.  For example, if heading for a mountain climbing excursion, higher grade white water rafting trips, or other forms of potentially dangerous destinations, then coverage can certainly help protect your loved ones from any unfortunate accidents and unforeseen events.

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Travel Insurance Policies: The Benefits of Trip Interruption Coverage

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Generally, travel insurance policies can be customized to meet your specific traveling needs and accommodations. For example, if you’re charting off to the Cayman Islands during the area’s prime hurricane season, it would be logical for you to invest in travel insurance that protects you from last minute trip cancellations (due to weather). As some vacation issues can be predicted, travel insurance policies can help individuals jet off to their destinations with greater ease and comfort. Yet, just as some problems can be anticipated, random and unexpected problems can also through your journey off its set course.

To provide you with coverage and protection for any issues that result in an early return from your trip, be sure that your travel insurance policy includes “Trip Interruption Coverage.”

The Benefits of Trip Interruption Coverage

If you’re an experienced traveler, then you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant circumstances of an injury or illness plaguing you or your loved ones while on your sojourn. If any illness or injury forces you to cancel your trip, Trip Interruption Coverage can ensure that you are compensated for a portion of your losses. For example, if you have taken flight to the mountainous region of Alaska, with the intent to hike through the rugged paths of the many trails and mountain areas, a sprained or broken ankle would essentially ruin your plans! With Trip Interruption Coverage, you should be entitled to return home to heal your injuries without experiencing a total loss on your vacation investments.

Generally, reputable Trip Interruption Coverage policies provide individuals with:

  • Reimbursement for the unused portions / values / costs of the trip
  • Coverage for the cost of a one-way airline ticket back to one’s departure area / home

Who is Covered with Trip Interruption Protection?

Generally, unless your policy specifically states otherwise, Trip Interruption Coverage should provide both you and your family members with protection / reimbursement. A “family member” generally includes:

  • A spouse
  • Child
  • Spouse’s child
  • Siblings
  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Step-parents / step-grandparents
  • In laws (usually son / daughter in law or mother / father in law, etcetera)
  • Aunt / uncle / niece / nephew
  • Guardian

As each insurance provider may have its own definition(s) and restriction(s) for the exact terms of coverage under the title “family member,” be sure to carefully review your policy before agreeing to the coverage contract.

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