You've finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you've been planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go toextra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?
Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buyingpolicy.
Most travel insurance policies are designed forvariety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise readingfine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy will not cover pre-existing conditions that may causeproblem, or thatmedical coverage is only forinjury orillness -- not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are stillmyriad of gaps incoverage provided.
You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such assingle trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, andhost of others. But,specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend onpolicy you choose. It's important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.
Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, twofour hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.
The premiums forpolicies are generally five% to seven%cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending onyour medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.
It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. I've listedfew reasons why it may be better to purchase throughinsurance company separately.
Most travel insurance policies offered byoperator are less flexible to your individual needs;
Providelower amount of coverage;
May only coverportion oftrip;
Your coverage may be secondary andinsurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner's insurance does not cover;
May duplicate coverage you already have;
Ineventtour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.
Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understandingdetails of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but forreasons listed above, you should really check around.
If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to usecredit card. Depending onpolicy ofcredit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default ofoperator.
When buying your policy frominsurance company:
Always get quotes from several companies
Ask ifplan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own
Can you waivepre-existing condition exclusion
Ask if you are covered for cancellation due toterrorist incident. Don't count ofcompany to provide information
Ask any question you can dream up and
Do ask for suggestions
A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com. (I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just likesite!) Enjoy your next trip and I hopeodds are with you and that you will never have to fileclaim on your travel insurance policy.
(c)twozerozerofour Karen Zastudil
Karen isgraduate of Cleveland State University and isfreelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.
webmaster@womenatthesummit.com
