Posts Tagged ‘travel insurance’

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Summer Travel Safety and your Vehicle

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Along with summer come road trips in your vehicle. Whether you’re headed out of town for a long weekend or a weeklong trip to the shore, one thing’s for certain: you must make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition. A tip-top vehicle will protect you and your passengers, and may also protect your auto insurance rates.

Before you back out of the driveway, here are some of things you may want to pay particular attention to when it comes to your vehicle safety:

  • Tires - Your tires are the only thing that’s making contact with the road when you’re driving, so it only makes sense to give your tires a moment of your time. Before embarking on any kind of trip, head to your local tire shop and make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that you have an adequate amount of tread left on the tires. In addition, you may also want to make sure that your tires are properly aligned so that they will wear properly. Before checking the pressure of your tires, allow them to cool off, as hot air will expand inside your tires causing an increase in tire pressure.

  • Fluids - Check all of the fluids in your vehicle before embarking on a road trip, or have them checked by an auto repair shop. A lack of oil can result in a seized engine, and a lack of coolant can cause a car to quickly overheat on a hot day. In short, ignoring the fluids in your vehicle will likely give you a quick trip to the side of the road with a broken down car.

  • Battery - Extreme heat can cause additional strain on your car’s battery. Therefore, if your vehicle is more than three years old it is probably best to get a new battery before heading out on a road trip.

  • Wiper blades - It may seem quite insignificant, but worn wiper blades can cause big problems if you’re caught driving in inclement weather. If you want to protect yourself, your passengers and other motorists, and protect your auto insurance rates, as well, make sure to change out your old wiper blades with new ones before leaving on a summer road trip.

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Your Travel Insurance Checklist

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Bags packed? Check. Dog dropped off at the kennel? Check. Travel insurance in place? Check?

If you think you are properly prepared for your next extended holiday, but you don’t have adequate travel insurance in place, think again.

From volcanic dust disrupting air travel to earthquakes rocking nearly every corner of the world, travel as of late has been challenging, to say the least. Therefore, the next holiday you plan may go awry. The question is: are you prepared for the worst?

Don’t let your summer getaway turn into a financial nightmare because the unexpected happened.

Instead, make the process of purchasing travel insurance just as important as packing your clothes. Hopefully you won’t need it; but maybe you might.

Although a weekend getaway probably won’t warrant the purchase of travel insurance, any extended vacation, travel abroad or any expensive vacation should have a good travel insurance policy attached to it.

When purchasing travel insurance, here is a quick checklist to make sure you are on track when it comes to travel insurance:

  1. Check to see if you have travel insurance through your credit card, health insurance plan or auto insurance plan. If you do have travel insurance coverage, make sure it is adequate for your needs; otherwise, it is best to purchase additional travel insurance to fully cover you while on holiday.

  2. Don’t assume that all travel insurance offers the same coverage at the same price. Instead, shop around and compare prices and coverage through several different companies to make sure that the product you choose best suits your needs and your budget.

  3. Make sure your travel insurance covers trip cancellation, health insurance (especially good when traveling abroad or when taking a cruise) and financial loss. Although your travel insurance policy will differ depending on the type of travel, the destination and the length of your travel, you should always make sure that your policy covers the abovementioned areas. Keep in mind that travel insurance may also cover baggage loss, weather problems and acts of terrorism.

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Your Top Five Travel Insurance Questions Answered

Friday, June 4th, 2010

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!

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Why Travel Insurance Just Might be a Necessity

Friday, May 7th, 2010

If you’re planning a vacation or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, planning for the unexpected should also be a part of your pre-trip preparation. Many people skip the travel insurance, either failing to think about it or feeling it is simply an unnecessary added expense. Why get it if you may not use it? Well, “may not” is precisely the point. The opposite of “may not”? What if?

There are plenty of good reasons to carry travel insurance on your journey. If you need it, you’ll be glad for the added expense, especially considering the money you’ll be out and the creek you might find yourself rowing up without a paddle should you not have access to the coverage and assistance of travel insurance.

But I have Other Insurance to Cover My Needs

Maybe. Maybe not. Check your policy. Your current medical insurance and other coverage may not extend as far as you are going, may have clauses about overseas care and travel, etc. Besides, your current coverage probably won’t cover other things that travel insurance will, such as assisting you with finding American or English speaking translators, guides and doctors, should you need one. What if your luggage is lost, plans are canceled or waylaid, etc.? Travel insurance has more benefits than most people realize.

Now, your current policies might cover personal property or liabilities anywhere in the world. But ask your insurance company or companies about this. You do not want to pay for what you do not need, however, where these current policies fall short, you will want to shop around and opt for travel insurance that does meet your needs.

Options

Talk to a travel agent, look online and seek out companies that offer travel insurance. Many offer a slew of packages to fit every need and budget, from the basic to the comprehensive. Between your current coverage and added travel insurance, you will be protected from the unexpected. Travel insurance is a great idea in the event of accidents, loss, diseases, evacuations, rental car damage, cancellations, dental care, illness and more. Even if it seems like a hassle and just one more expense, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to travel insurance, if you plan to take off somewhere and have the time of your life, never leave home without that added protection.

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Protect Yourself and Enjoy Your Travels with a Little Extra Peace of Mind

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

You want to take that dream trip. Plans are underway and your anticipation is mounting. What could possible go wrong? It’s not something we really want to think about when planning a fun and exciting vacation, but here it the real world, things do go wrong. Fortunately, there is a great way to plan ahead for those unfortunate what ifs that might creep up before and during your vacation! Travel insurance.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is an insurance policy that gives you some added peace of mind as you head out on that longed-for trip. It covers both domestic and international travel and has many perks that will cover most any thing that could go wrong. That way, you can enjoy your trip, knowing that whatever happens, you got it covered.

Coverage

There are travel insurance policies to cover both domestic and international travel, as mentioned before. There are policies for individual travelers, families and large groups. The insurance will cover minor things like lost passports, trip cancellations/interruptions and lost luggage. It will also cover major things like medical emergencies and transportation issues, among other travel services, and will even provide you with 24 hour assistance each and everyday.

There is a wide array of travel insurance options. For the most active of travelers, there are even more options. You will even find policies that will offer coverage for special equipment you may take with you, such as your golf clubs or scuba gear.

For those with special medical needs or who might anticipate special medical situations, you can go beyond the regular medical coverage and choose a specific plan best suited to meet your medical needs.

Plans are very flexible and can be built to suit your trip and preferences. You will even find specialized plans that offer airfare coverage, rental car coverage, extreme adventure coverage, sportsman’s coverage and much more. If you have a child or two or more that you plan to bring along, some plans offer additional coverage for kids age 17 and under at no extra cost.

Whatever your plans and your specific needs, that added sense of protection from a travel insurance policy is a great way to make the most of your trip. It’s well worth the expense, whether you end up needing it or not, but should you need it, you’ll be glad you had the foresight to purchase travel insurance before your trip.

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Don’t Leave Home without them: the Necessities for any Vacation

Friday, March 12th, 2010

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a vacation away from all of the stressors of life. However, it is important to be prepared for your next vacation so that it goes smoothly.

Here is our list of must-haves you simply can’t leave home without:

  1. Identification - It may seem like a no-brainer to bring your identification, but in the hustle and bustle of preparing to leave, you may have forgotten this one important piece of information. Your identification will be needed if you rent a car, board an airplane or simply head out of town for a road trip, so make sure you have it with you before you leave the house!

  2. Extra credit card - An extra credit is essential, especially if you plan on using credit cards during your trip. If, for some reason, you are unable to use your primary credit then you will need a backup. You definitely don’t want to be caught away from home without your credit cards, so always remember to carry at least two. In addition, contact your credit card company before you embark on your trip to let them know that you will be posting charges from another part of the country or world. You should also check to make sure your account is active and that you have a high credit limit to cover the expenses of the trip.

  3. An essentials bag - Everyone should pack an essentials bag when they travel. Your essentials bag should include everything in it that you would need in case of an emergency. Your essentials bag should include your identification; your passport; your wallet and money; and any medications or personal care items that are of importance. It is also important to keep your essentials bag with you at all times; do not check it with your other luggage when flying and don’t leave it in the hands of a bellman.

  4. Travelers Insurance - A vacation wouldn’t be complete without comprehensive travelers insurance. A comprehensive travelers insurance policy is a must for an extended holiday or overseas vacation, and it is a must for any individual who does not want to risk losing their hard-earned cash in case of travel problems. Don’t forget to bring along the contact information for your travel insurance policy with you when traveling.

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Common Travel Insurance Mistakes - Restrictions and Denials

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Travel insurance can be your best friend when traveling, but if you don’t know the ins and outs of travel insurance then you could be setting yourself up to lose a lot of money in the form of travel insurance restrictions and denials.

Here is a list of the most common travel insurance mistakes to avoid:

  • Not understanding travel insurance restrictions - Every travel insurance policy will have its own set of restrictions. It is therefore up to you to read and understand these restrictions to make sure the policy you choose is right for you and the trip on which you are embarking. Many times, individuals will take out a travel insurance policy, only to find out the policy didn’t cover something major until their claim is denied.

  • Paying more attention to the bottom line than the coverage -  Because there are a number of different levels of travel insurance that you may purchase, your first instinct may be to choose the least expensive. However, purchasing the least expensive policy can end up costing you much, much more if you must submit a claim for damages or monetary losses. In the end, it pays to look at coverage before you look at price.

  • Taking part in activities not covered - Activities deemed by the insurance company to be dangerous are typically not covered under a standard travel insurance policy; therefore, if you become injured when participating in one of these activities, it will likely not be covered. If you know that you might engage in any dangerous activity - from skydiving to parasailing to water skiing - you will probably want to take out additional travel insurance to cover this.

  • Engaging in illegal activities - Participation in any sort of illegal activity will certainly make your travel insurance policy null and void. In other words, damage to a vehicle and injury to yourself because you chose to drink and drive, for instance, will result in the loss of any coverage under your travel insurance policy.

  • Not going through the proper channels - Travel insurance policies typically have a set of rules that you must follow to submit a claim. If you fail to go through the proper channels you may be unable to collect money for your losses.

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Travel Insurance Mistakes: Additional Concerns to Consider

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Yes, it’s true. There are even more travel insurance mistakes that you must know about before your embark on your next holiday!

  • Purchase your travel insurance ahead of time to make sure that you travel-related claim is covered. In other words, don’t wait until the last minute to purchase travel insurance! Plan ahead and pay for your policy before embarking upon your vacation. Remember: you can’t expect to purchase a travel insurance policy after the event already happened! Trip cancellation policies usually go into effect the day after your payment is received by the insurance company, while all other coverage starts the day of your departure.

  • Get a medical record before canceling your trip for medical-related purposes. In order to submit a travel insurance claim for medical reasons you must first visit a doctor and get a recommendation that you should not travel; otherwise, you may be unable to collect on your travel insurance policy. Always come prepared with medical records if you must cancel a trip due to illness or other medical reason.

  • Pay close attention to dates when submitting a claim. If any of your dates are wrong (departure and return dates, for example) you may be denied a claim. Check and recheck your paperwork before submitting your travel insurance claim.

  • If you fail to understand the pre-existing clause in your travel insurance claim you may not be able to submit a claim for travel reimbursement. A pre-existing condition is any condition you had before you purchased your travel insurance.  Carefully read the pre-existing condition clause in your travel insurance policy and remember to look at the look-back days. Most travel insurance policies have a look-back period of about 60 to 90 days, so read this section of the policy carefully before entering into a contract for a travel insurance policy.

  • Pay close attention to the language used in the travel insurance policy. For example, some policies may use the phrase “cancel for any reason” while others use the term “cancel at any time.” Although these phrases seem similar, they are, in fact, quite different in terms of your rights. “Cancel for any reason” allows you to cancel for any reason, such as an illness or loss of a job, while “Cancel at any time,” although it allows you to cancel at any time, will likely have a clear set of restrictions regarding the reason for canceling your trip.

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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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Exploring the Different Types of Travel Insurance

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Travel insurance isn’t a luxury - it’s a must. Most of us enjoy vacations only after saving our money for quite some time; so it only makes sense that you take the proper precautions to protect your investment.

Choosing travel insurance is generally easy, provided you have the information needed to make an educated, well-informed decision. However, there are different types of travel insurance for different types of travel, so it pays to consider your options regarding travel insurance.

Types of Travel Insurance

  • Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance - This type of insurance protects you against any unforeseen events and circumstances that prevent you from going on your trip or finishing your trip. Most travel insurance policies that offer trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance allow you to cancel your trip due to: your illness or injury or the death, injury or illness of an immediate family member; a change in your financial status; and war or civil unrest.  Some travel insurance companies allow you to cancel for any reason.

  • Medical Insurance - Medical insurance is an incredibly important type of travel insurance, particularly when traveling outside of the country. Medical insurance may include the evacuation to a medical facility or back to the United States in the event of a serious illness or injury. Anyone on a cruise or anyone traveling to a remote destination will certainly benefit from medical insurance.

  • Flight Delay or Cancellation Insurance - If your trip is delayed or canceled due to circumstances beyond your control, flight delay or cancellation insurance is used to cover hotel stays, meals and alternative travel arrangements after your travel has been delayed for a certain period of time.

  • Baggage Loss and Delay Coverage - This type of coverage protects you in the event that your luggage is lost or stolen.

  • Travel Document Protection - Travel document protection in your travel insurance protects you in the event that your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen while on holiday.

  • Adventure and Extreme Sports Travel Coverage - If you are embarking on an adventure holiday then you are best suited for adventure and extreme sports travel coverage, as standard policies generally do not protect you when participating in extreme sports, such as rock climbing and scuba diving.

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