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A blog for insurance that is dedicated to publishing the work of our guests, not the views of the webmaster. So if your into insurance enough to blog about it why not submit your content.
A blog for insurance that is dedicated to publishing the work of our guests, not the views of the webmaster. So if your into insurance enough to blog about it why not submit your content.
on March 24th, 2011
When you book a vacation, travel agents will typically ask if you would like travel insurance. This can be a hard decision to make. It’s not free, and people often wonder if they really need it. The fact is that travel insurance is like any other insurance: It gives you peace of mind, but you hope that you never have to use it. Here are some things you should know that can help you decide whether or not it’s worth it for you.
1) Insuring that nothing will go wrong
Travel insurance is there so that if something happens that turns your vacation into a nightmare, you can be reimbursed for the expenses. A good insurance will cover a range of expenses or problems that can come up; leaving you feeling like your money spent on the trip was not wasted. At minimum, your travel insurance should cover the following:
• Reimbursement for unexpected trip expenses
• Coverage for medical expenses, including ambulance calls or taxis to the hospital
• Lost baggage
• Emergency dental care
• Transporting your vehicle home if some emergency prevents you from driving it home yourself
2) Protect Yourself against Freak Accidents
Just because you’re taking the flight to go on vacation does not mean you will be exempt from tragedies. In the worse case scenario, travel insurance will serve as an additional layer of life insurance for the loved ones left behind. However, it can also serve as additional disability insurance if you are left permanently disabled as a result of the accident.
3) Plans Change, but not all Plan Changes are Covered
Plans change, vacations have to be cancelled, and the money is not always refundable. Without travel insurance, the money is not usually refundable. Most insurance programs offer a limited refund for specific, and narrowly defined, reasons. Some higher coverage programs will allow you to cancel your insurance for any reason. If you are seeking travel insurance because you are concerned about having to change your plans, be sure to read all the fine print.
4) Check out the Seller
Anything can be researched, and travel insurance companies are no exception. Whether you are buying through the Internet or your travel agent, check out the company. Visit the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) for rankings of insurers that have solid reputations. You can also find information on insurers through sites such as SquareMouth and InsureMyTrip.com.
5) Insure Your Great Deal
Fantastic deals on a vacation are fabulous, until you open the paper two weeks after you buy and see an even better deal! With some insurance policies, if the package goes on sale for less, you can get a refund for the difference.
6) Receipts, Evidence, Pictures
Documentation is everything! Even with travel insurance, scammers are working their magic. Plus, the company is ultimately in the business to make money. Don’t give them any excuse to deny a claim. If someone falls ill, go the doctor and have the illness confirmed. If the problem was a local situation, such as a transit strike, that caused problems, pick up some daily newspapers that can be used as proof of the situation. Keep any receipts for the expenses you will want reimbursed. Take pictures if the situation warrants.
The cost of your travel insurance will depend largely on what you are having covered. If you are visiting another country and are concerned about someone in your party getting sick, travel insurance may be the best investment you ever make. Frequent flyers who are fearful of accidents can enjoy the peace of mind travel insurance will give them. However, people seeking insurance because their boss may not give them the time off might find themselves being denied coverage. Make a list of exactly why you want the insurance, and then read the fine print to be sure you will be covered.
Heather Johnson is a writer for Honeymoon Destinations, the leading online honeymoon planning resource. Learn all about the best honeymoon destinations today!
