Posts Tagged ‘travel insurance’

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Can Travel Insurance Protect You from a Hurricane?

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

While most travelers invest in travel insurance packages to protect themselves from financial losses associated with theft, mishandled baggage, or other damages, many tourists are now purchasing detailed travel insurance plans to specifically cover hurricane-related risks.  If you’re planning a sojourn to a hurricane-prone area, investigate the pros and cons of a hurricane insurance policy to ensure that you’ll be set to take off with reduced stress and worry.

Benefits of Hurricane Travel Insurance

If you’ve spent months planning your romantic and exotic getaway to the Caribbean, only to realize days before your departure that your destination is being pillaged by hurricane winds, rain, and storms, you may be eligible for due compensation if you have purchased hurricane protection with your travel insurance plan.   Generally, most hurricane protection policies allow travelers to make their vacation plans with greater confidence, as nearly all reputable policies offer protection and benefits such as:

  • Coverage for cancellations within up to 24 hours of vacation departure
  • Mandatory evacuation cost coverage / reimbursement
  • Accommodations if a planned destination / hotel / residence is considered to be “inhabitable”
  • Medical emergency coverage / reimbursement
  • Coverage / re-issue of airline ticket(s)
  • Complete 24 hour assistance and support to make needed car, hotel, transportation, and / or other reservations
  • Lost document support and / or translation assistance

With the protection perks of hurricane-based coverage, travelers who are forced to cancel their vacation plans before departure are able to avoid serious financial losses.  Adding to this benefit, travelers who have already left for their destination to quickly realize that their trip being ruined with hurricane-related struggles, warnings, and impediments should also generally be provided with due compensation and reimbursements.

Hurricane Travel Insurance Tips

Before opting for your own hurricane protection insurance policy, experts recommend that all travelers carefully evaluate the details of their pre-existing travel insurance plan.  Commonly, travel insurance policies already include hurricane-related protection benefits under their “natural disaster” clause; however, each insurance provider will have its own coverage limits, restrictions, and guidelines.

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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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Do Need Travel Insurance for Your Cruise Vacation?

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

If you’re getting ready to set sail for a destination cruise vacation, check out details of your cruise line carrier and destination to find out if you may benefit from optional travel insurance policies.

The Concerns of Cruise Insurance

While traveler’s insurance can be an effective protection against “just in case” situations, traveler’s should be aware that insurance for most vacations (including cruises) do not cover all unfortunate circumstances. Specifically, travel insurance for cruise vacations will not cover the following incidences / events:

  • Bad weather that does not cause you to miss / delay your trip. There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions (ie: rain) for a cruise
  • An unessential change in itinerary
  • Pregnancy or childbirth that is not considered to be a “medical emergency”
  • An unfortunate change in one’s financial circumstances
  • Psychological disorders / symptoms

While many travelers are turned away from traveler’s insurance due to the many non-coverage clauses, there are in fact new types of plans that are designed specifically for cruise vacations. To avoid worries and potential risks, most travel experts recommend the purchase of travel insurance prior to cruise departure. As the cost of most basic travel insurance plans are often reasonable, many travelers can obtain insurance coverage for around 5 percent of the total cruise vacation cost-the same price for a basic meal or two while dining out.

The Perks of Planning for a Cruise with Coverage

Because there are so many planned arrangements with a cruise, including flight to the departure destination and boarding of the cruise ship, a number of providers are boosting each traveler’s coverage possibilities. Specifically, new policies now allow some travelers to “Cancel for Any Reason.” This option will incur various financial penalties, and will not allow travelers to receive a full refund; however, this form of insurance does in fact qualify eligible travelers for a nearly full refund in the case of a necessary cancellation. Adding to this, amidst a tough economy, some providers even offer insurance against unanticipated financial setbacks, such as a job loss or financial emergency. As some providers have included job loss protection into their coverage features, traveler’s can gain additional assurance by seeking out these new, innovative coverage options!

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Will Travel Insurance Protect You From Health Epidemics?

Monday, July 27th, 2009

In light of the recent fears regarding the H1N1 virus, which was predicted to have the ability to turn into a global pandemic, many travelers who had planned to vacation abroad were forced to change their destinations and trip details. For example, amidst the early stages of the outbreak, a majority of H1N1 cases were being recorded in various areas in Mexico. Individuals in other countries who happened to have planned trips to any of these areas were then frantically scrambling to change their plans. In cases such as global or local health epidemics, individuals must find out how traveler’s insurance can help people avoid serious conflicts and financial losses.

Traveler’s Insurance and Health Epidemics

When considering the risks of potential health epidemics, investing in traveler’s insurance can be an incredibly reliable choice. Depending on the specific type of traveler’s insurance you purchase, your coverage may or may not include the risks of a health epidemic; however, most basic plans should in fact provide you with a monetary refund and / or cancellation freedom if a health epidemic poses a potential threat to your intended travels.

One of the major reasons insurance policies cover these rare issues is due to the fact that all major transportation industries will ultimately try to keep people from traveling if there is a serious threat / concern of a health epidemic. Even though travelers certainly bring in a great deal of money to popular vacation spots, the vacation hosts will want to avoid any negative press from the spread of illnesses, as the vacation hosts will also want to certainly avoid any serious threat to local residents and visitors!

Yet, in addition to helping cover the costs of vacation cancellations / alterations due to an illness outbreak, the H1N1 was just one of the many reminders that all traveler’s should verify their health insurance coverage before they leave the country. For example, if an individual only has Medicare coverage, he or she will most likely not have health coverage in a foreign country. If one were to experience an accident, and illness, or another health issue that needed attention, medical insurance would be imperative! Fortunately, in addition to purchasing traveler’s insurance, vacation-goers can also purchase temporary / global foreign health care packages.

Traveler’s Insurance and Personal Health Issues

Prior to taking off on your anticipated getaway, you should also find out if your traveler’s insurance covers any of your pre-travel illnesses. For example, if you happen to come down with food poisoning, the flu, or another physically detrimental illness a day or two prior to your planned departure, most travel insurance policies will allow you to change your travel dates and / or may allow you to receive a refund. As you can never predict the potential health risks before, during, or even after your vacations, ensuring that you are covered can help you save money while avoiding stress.

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Basics for Beginners: What You Need to Know About Insurance

Friday, July 17th, 2009

While navigating the different types, benefits, and costs of insurance programs may feel intimidating, you can easily determine which insurance programs to choose based on your own needs and interests.

The Basics of Insurance

Insurance is essentially a type of “investment” that protects you from unforeseen accidents or misfortunes. By choosing an insurance plan for your automobile, home, life, or other focus, you are allowing an insurance company to provide you with financial protection amidst life’s daily risks and potential dangers. As there are a variety of insurance categories, the most popular insurance interests include:

Automotive Insurance - Auto insurance is typically required for all drivers. Although each state has its own insurance regulations, automotive insurance protects all drivers on the road. Essentially, if you are in an auto accident and are the “at fault” driver, then your insurance should typically cover both your car’s damage as well as the other victims’ damage. Similarly, if you are hit by another driver, the offending driver’s insurance should ideally cover your damages as well. When choosing auto insurance, individuals should meet with an insurance agent to determine how much they would like to pay each month / year, the size of one’s deductible, while making additional personalized decisions.

Home Insurance - Home insurance, similar to auto insurance, essentially protects your home from unanticipated disasters or damages. Many home insurance policies are customized to the specific dangers that one’s local area may present; for example, homes residing in tornado-prone areas will benefit from policies that specifically address tornado-related damages. Also, for those who are not home owners, individuals can also invest in renter’s insurance, which protects their belongings in the case of damage and / or theft while residing in a rented property.

Life Insurance - Once an individual begins his or her career pathway and / or begins a family, one typically establishes a life insurance policy. Life insurance allows individuals to provide a designated sum of money for their spouse and / or children in the case of accidental or unexpected death. This allows family members to ensure that their basic needs can be met in the unfortunate case of a main provider’s demise.

Travel, Pet, and Additional Forms of Insurance - Adding to the most common categories of insurance, some individuals also choose to enroll in supplemental insurance investments, including pet insurance and travel insurance.

Although there are a large variety of insurance programs for your consideration, in the world we live in, many will attest that the term “over insured” has become outdated.

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Determining the Value of Travel Insurance

Monday, July 13th, 2009

While many worried travelers feel that insuring their planned vacations is the pathway to safe traveling, some insurance packages for trips may not be worth the cost! Essentially, travel insurance helps protect individuals from unforeseen events, including medical problems, loss of luggage, as well as protection against trip interruptions. To find out if you need traveler’s insurance, evaluate the following details and specific needs.

Are You Already Covered? Before buying into one of the discount travel insurance promotions, check with your homeowner and / or rental insurance to see if you’re already covered! Some plans help protect you from some of the travel-related issues that can impact a vacation. Also, many credit card companies also offer travel insurance promotions for cardholders.

Evaluate Your Needs - Before signing up for a travel insurance policy, consider your travel needs, as well as the basic risks of your destination. The biggest reasons many travelers cancel their vacations is due to natural disasters, illness, or other personal dramatic events. For example, if you’re planning a trip to the Cayman Islands during the summertime, be aware of weather trends. If your vacation time line falls around the same time as the Cayman summer storms and / or potential hurricanes, then travel insurance may certainly be a smart option! With this in mind, be sure to ask key questions regarding any insurance package of interest:

* Am I covered for disasters? If so, which ones?

* What type of medical assistance does the insurance offer?

* What happens if my trip is canceled or if the hotel / destination experiences problems that require a cancellation?

* Am I covered for lost and / stolen luggage?

* How am I reimbursed if I need to utilize my insurance funds?

Lastly, it is important to evaluate your possessions. In addition to asking key questions, consider what types of items you will be packing. If you’re bringing along your laptop, fanciest clothes, and expensive jewelry, you may feel more confident about your globe-trotting knowing that you’re protected by a policy in case of any theft, loss, or damage!

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A Day in The Life of Travel Insurance

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

You’ve planned and saved a long time for your upcoming trip to Europe or 14 day cruise.  Why spend that extra money on travel insurance when you could put that money toward souvenirs or more Mai Tais on the beach?  Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?

These are typical questions that many travelers ask themselves before going on an extended journey, especially one out of the country.  But just ask the newlywed couple how disappointed they were when a hurricane canceled their paid-for trip to the Bahamas the night before they left.  And ask the husband and wife on a trip to visit long lost relatives in Israel the trouble they had when Palestinian unrest caused them injury and extra expense in getting home.

The Transfer of Risk Consideration

Travel insurance is a transfer of risk for the many types of risky elements one can encounter while away from home.  A good travel insurance plan will pay for medical costs due to terrorist acts and help get a secure way home for you.  Canceled flights or cruises can be an expensive and terribly inconvenient.  But those who had the foresight to purchase a travel insurance plan as an extra security will be happy to know that a new flight or cruise will be prepared for them at no additional cost.

The Many Benefits of Travel Insurance

And travel insurance is not just for vacationers.  Business travelers, students studying abroad, or even those with multiple citizenship and residences in two or more countries can benefit from a travel insurance plan.

Most of all, travel insurance gives peace of mind for travelers.  Travel can be stressful enough for a lot of people.  But stress can be eased and one can enjoy their trip more knowing they are protected if something goes wrong or not according to plan thousands of miles away from home and country.

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Why Travel Insurance Is Important For Seniors

Monday, June 8th, 2009

Our retirement years are the proverbial golden years.  Most people, after a lifetime of school and work, enjoy the freedom that retirement offers to travel and see the world.  But traveling as a senior citizen can present some tricky difficulties without the proper travel insurance geared specifically for the elderly.

The Importance of Senior Travel Insurance

Most basic travel plans will provide financial protection from trip cancellation, and medical emergencies while traveling.  However, seniors are more statistically prone to encounter a medical emergency while traveling away from home.  A medical emergency onboard a cruise vessel or on another continent could potentially be financially devastating.  That is why there are travel plans designed for seniors in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

You may wonder if senior travel plans are costly.  Yes, they certainly can be.  Since senior travel insurance includes a medical element, insurance companies use their morbidity tables, or statistics showing the risk of illness and sickness at certain ages, to determine premium rates for seniors.  Thus, a travel insurance company will probably determine rates for each decade for seniors in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and older.

Seniors with existing health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic illness will need to disclose these issues and will likely be excluded from coverage on a travel plan.  It will be up to the individual with the chronic illness to determine whether they wish to travel without coverage for their health issue.

Aside from existing conditions, even a more expensive senior travel plan can be a lifesaver when sudden illness strikes.  Costs of EMTs, hospital expenses, and emergency transportation back home will be included in such a plan.  Though no one expects to have a medical emergency while enjoying a retirement journey, they happen more frequently than you may expect.  So take responsibility and be prepared when you enjoy your retirement years on the go.

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When to Buy Special Travel Insurance

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Sure, there are plenty of traditional travel insurance products to choose from when you are out and about touring the country and the world.  Products exist for both frequent and infrequent travelers.  But on what trips would you need special travel insurance when you travel away from home?  Below are some possible special travel insurance options you might encounter.

International Travel

Traveling within the United States is easy.  Even exotic vacations can take you to places like Hawaii and Alaska that are still domestic travel.  And North American travel can be a breeze into Canada and Mexico.  But what if you want to make an international trip to one or more foreign countries?

It is surprising to know that nearly half of international travelers need some form of medical treatment while abroad.  In fact, many people are more surprised to discover that their health insurance plan does not cover treatment in foreign countries.  However, an international travel insurance plan will provide temporary medical treatment while you travel in other countries, as well as offer travel advice, emergency assistance, and contingency planning.

Group Travel

A popular form of international travel is the group tour where a group of 10 to 40 people (or more in some cases) travel on the same itinerary, staying at the same hotels and usually aided by a travel sponsor or guide.  Clubs, church groups, and associations often plan group travel.  A group insurance plan will help with lost baggage, trip cancellation, evacuation, and repatriation for the entire group.

Student Travel

Students who study abroad for a term or for years at another university may do well with a student travel plan.  Student travel insurance will provide medical and prescription coverage, and provide help in emergencies and aid with repatriation back into the United States in case of natural disaster, acts of terrorism, or possible civil unrest.

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Do You Need A Terrorism Rider on Your Travel Insurance?

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Travel insurance can be very helpful to get people out of a travel jam.  Airlines may suddenly declare bankruptcy.  You may have an emergency that prevents you from taking an expensive vacation.  Or perhaps coordination of your travel agency to the overseas hotels were blundered and there’s no reservation in the books.

In all these instances travel insurance is there to help get travelers out of a jam, back home, or refund the money spent on a vacation not taken.  But in these unstable times of seemingly random terrorist activity in virtually any country, does basic travel insurance cover you if something should go wrong?

Many travel insurance companies are now offering a terrorism rider to travel insurance policies.  With a terrorism rider you can get an additional amount, typically up to $50,000, of additional lifetime medical coverage for treatment and care for injuries or illness sustained as a result of an act of terrorism.  Insurance companies always like to stack the deck in their favor so here are the typical conditions:

  • The injury or illness cannot result from biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.  However, if there is injury due to a bombing, for instance, your terrorism rider would be there to help pay for those medical costs.
  • You must have no direct involvement in the terrorist act.  Reasonable.
  • The act of terrorism is not in a country that has been listed under a terrorist travel warning within the last 6 months before you arrive.  Also, you may not have failed or refused to depart from a country after a terrorist warning has been issued for that country.  So, heed the warning of your government - if you have made travel plans to a country that has recently been given a terrorist warning, don’t go!

Travel insurance for those who travel frequently or plan expensive trips is always a good recommendation.  If you are concerned about a potential terrorist act in a destination country, check with your insurance agent about adding a rider to help give you peace of mind.

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