I saw A LOT go on in the travel and tourism industry last year, and one thing I learned loudly and clearly - a travel insurance policy is ALWAYS a good idea.
I quote trips daily, and we always spend time on the exciting topics - the guided tour of Monet's gardens at Giverny, the beautiful overwater bungalows at that Sandals resort, or the incredible sweet pastries available during Carnevale in Venice.
One topic that often gets shortchanged is travel protection. It's not the most exciting topic - in fact it's kind of a downer. And I understand - you'd rather put that money towards snorkeling off of a catamaran on Grand Cayman or going to high tea in London. But it's an important topic, and especially after last year - it deserves some attention.
Most of us want to think positively. We don't want to consider events that might occur between that Paid in Full date and the day of your travel (or even during your travel). But if Grandma gets sick in the middle of the trip, and you really want to go see her, or if your baggage is misplaced by the airline, and won't arrive until four days into your eight day trip - you're going to wish you had coverage.
So - here's what you need to know:
What Can Potentially be Covered with Travel Protection?
Trip Cancellation
Travel Delay
Trip Interruption
Baggage Loss, Damage, or Delay
Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage
Emergency Transportation
And More!
What are Some Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation or Interruption? Here's a Sample:
Covered Illness, Injury, Death
Quarantine
Legal Processing
Home Uninhabitable
Legal Separation or Divorce
Witness a Family Birth
Employer Termination
Traffic Accident En Route
When is the Best Time to Purchase Travel Protection?
Immediately after you've put down your deposit. You typically have up to 14 days to purchase travel protection that covers you for any pre-existing conditions - which are wide and varied. If you take a medication to lower your cholesterol - you have a pre-existing condition. If you have asthma (even just a touch) - you have a pre-existing condition. This coverage also extends to your family - even those who are not traveling with you. If your grandmother is admitted to the hospital, and you need to cut your trip short to be with her you will likely get some reimbursement - assuming you have that pre-existing coverage. Because Grandma's heart medication counts as a pre-existing condition. It is important to note that insurance companies look back a set number of days (in some cases going back a number of months) - and anything going on then counts as a pre-existing condition. Yes, you can purchase protection after this date - but you'll likely pay the same amount for less coverage.
What If You Have Protection Through Another Source?
You may have some other form of protection already - through your credit card, personal insurance, or a supplier of your travel. However - here are some things to consider.
Your personal insurance coverage may have limited coverage for international travel.
Your credit card coverage may only offer protection for death, injury or illness - not lost or missing baggage or a missed flight connection. It also may not cover you at all if you have a pre-existing condition or are over a certain age.
Travel insurance often provides additional coverages - such as if something covered happens to your traveling companion or another family member, and you need to cancel or cut your vacation short.
Coverage purchased through a travel supplier may only offer a voucher for future travel - make sure you're ok with that!
If you think your other coverage is enough - ask a few questions such as:
What percentage of your costs are covered for trip cancellation and trip interruption?
Who is protected? Are your children covered if they are traveling with you? What about if something happens to an immediate family member back home?
Does your coverage include a missed connection or flight delay?
What if your bags are lost, damaged, or delayed?
In the case of an emergency, will your emergency medical transportation be covered? If yes, what is the maximum amount offered?
What is the Cost?
This varies depending on the ages of the travelers as well as the total cost of your trip. Typically it's a small percentage of the total cost of your vacation, and there are a variety of levels to choose from - so you can determine what best suits you and your family. What you want to ask yourself is - if you have to cancel last minute - can you afford to re-book your entire trip again?
Get a quote for your trip by clicking here: What Will it Cost to Insure My Trip?
My advice is always to get the insurance and protect your investment. That way, even if your plans are interrupted - you will hopefully still be able to end up here:
*Please note - exact policies may differ, and coverages change all the time. What you see above is a set of examples. Please ask your insurance provider any clarifying questions you may have. I am not an insurance agent - and all opinions expressed in this blog post are simply that - my opinion. Please read all of the fine print of any and all insurance you may purchase as well as the entirety of all terms and conditions of your travel suppliers.
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