Travel Insurance- You May Really Need It.

2008-04-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

So you are planning a trip, but since it costs a lot of money, you want to protect yourself from loss just in case something happens.

I suggest that if you are investing over $2,000 on a trip and it's a minimum of a week in duration to buy some travel insurance. The insurance is purchased by the person and not the group. If you were traveling with 4 in your party then you will need 4 policies.

There are many types of policies out there that cover a myriad of things from refunding your money if there is a death or severe sickness to one of your traveling members to providing medical insurance when you are out of the country. Medical evacuation of a body by air when a member passes away is usually covered as is baggage coverage for loss of or damage to the bags. Plus many more options. Not all policies are the same. So do your homework and you will be rewarded.

There are policies that will cover the medically challenged persons if it is purchased when a trip is booked by some companies. This is huge especially if you have some preexisting ailments that wouldn't ordinarily be covered. Search and you will find.

Let me say that if you book your airfare separately than through a tour or cruise company the airfare is not usually included in your travel insurance. However, if you let the tour company purchase it or cruise line then the airfare can be included in the deal. The insurance costs are usually based on the price of your total trip. A good travel agent can help with this and may create a total package included in one price.

If you buy your airfare separately some airlines have referrals to travel companies that you can purchase a travel policy just for the airfare. Just check it out with the airline you want to use.

Some travel insurance will reimburse you if you miss your boat or tour and must play catch up. This is a big benefit especially if you must travel by a special flight at a big cost.

It is important to note that many medical insurance companies WILL NOT cover you in a foreign country (Medicare to name one). Check with your insurance company to find out before you assume you are covered then have to pay through the nose for medical treatment overseas. If you go to a foreign hospital and receive treatment you MUST settle your bill before you leave. Like in Mexico, if you try to leave before you pay....you go to jail. So make sure you have some coverage.

Just like anything else insurance is just to protect you if anything should go wrong. It's there if you need it. But, even if you don't use it you receive "peace of mind" buying having it.

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