Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance
If you’re in pre-trip research phase, chances are you’re asking yourself the question: Do I need travel protection? Travel protection is not like car insurance; you are not required to have it. And if you do decide to purchase, we hope you won’t have to use it. Travel protection is really about allowing travelers to have a less stressful experience – if something happens to go wrong, you can rest assured you’ll have assistance and reimbursement for covered reasons. During times of crisis, travel protection can be invaluable.
Cost Effectiveness
Travel protection is relatively inexpensive. Short term travel insurance plans range from just $30 to $57. They offer First Payer Coverage – easy claims handling, less time and hassle to receive reimbursement for eligible losses from us first, with no deductible. Funds may be recovered from your medical or other collectible insurance plans.
Things to Consider
1. Existing health care insurance
Many insurance companies give policyholders some coverage abroad, but the coverage is limited. Make sure you know the details of your specific policy. Some policies only cover medical expenses incurred at pre-approved hospitals, which may not be accessible. Some policies only cover medical emergencies, and not regular medical care you may need. Very few policies cover medical evacuation back to the U.S.
2. Location and type of trip
If you’re traveling to a dangerous political climate, a remote location far from medical facilities, or a developing country without modern hygiene standards, you are much more likely to be in need of travel protection. Likewise, consider purchasing travel protection if you plan to engage in strenuous physical labor or risky activities, and make sure those activities are not excluded. Please refer to the applicable Description of Coverage for terms, conditions and exclusions of the protection plan.
3. Trip cancellation
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage is most helpful for those booking and pre-paying for their trip in advance, when it’s impossible to foresee what might occur to cancel or interrupt your trip. Expensive plane tickets, tours, or accommodations are also smart to insure. Add the Upgrade Plan to the Basic Plan, Plus Plan or the Premium Plan in order to have Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits.
Check out our tips on finding the right plan for you.
