You probably have been on many vacations in your life, but now that your kids are grown, your trips are about what you want to do!
Do you know all the reasons to consider carrying travel insurance when you travel, especially out of the country? A little insurance goes a long way when you need it, and provides some peace of mind, too.
Travel Insurance: Medical Insurance
Unforeseen events happen at any time in life, but now that you’re a little older, health issues are more apt to arise than before. Unfortunately, this is something we all must deal with as we age. Therefore, it is something to keep in mind when you travel.
I saw a report the other day about a traveling couple. They were on a cruise when the wife had a stroke out in the middle of the ocean. All ships have a medical facility on board, but the services they provide are typically very limited. In this case, the ship had to port at the nearest island so she could get emergency medical treatment. From there, they paid $15,000 out-of-pocket to get her back to the United States for care. Now, take a moment and put yourself in their shoes. Medical emergencies happen without warning. If you needed urgent treatment, what would happen? Do you have the funds available to pay for care in another country? What if you needed to be brought back from where you were vacationing?
Another thing to consider is that other countries do not accept our medical insurance and want to be paid up front for services. Sometimes they require payment before they provide any services. This is one primary reason that travel medical insurance is so important.
Travel Insurance: Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance
While the health insurance part of travel insurance is very important, there are many other benefits to purchasing travel insurance. Another benefit of most plans is trip cancellation. This coverage reimburses you for prepaid or non-refundable trip expenses if the trip is cancelled due to covered reasons.
Trip interruption coverage is another benefit available as part of travel insurance. This coverage reimburses you for unused, non-refundable portions of trip expenses. In addition, it covers additional transportation costs. Perhaps you incur additional travel expenses as you continue the trip. Or maybe you are returning home early. If the trip is interrupted for a covered occurrence, these additional expenses may be covered.
Travel Insurance: Trip and Baggage Delay Insurance
Additionally, many policies also include travel delay. This coverage helps cover the cost of additional travel and lost prepaid expenses.
One of the worst inconveniences of travel is delayed or lost luggage while traveling. I don’t know about you, but my wife packs our bags full of items we need on the trip. It is frustrating to show up to your destination only to discover your baggage did not show up with you. Many travel insurance policies help cover additional costs over what the airline reimburses if your baggage is misplaced, damaged, or stolen. Some policies even have a benefit for baggage delay. This pays for replacing essential items during your trip if baggage is delayed or misdirected.
Concierge Service
One last benefit typically available with travel insurance is the concierge service. This service is a perk to help you find the best table at a restaurant you found on your travels. Or, gives you recommendations to a place you are looking for in an unfamiliar place. They could also get you hard-to-find event tickets and much more.
Benefits of a Travel Agent for Insurance
In addition to travel insurance, utilizing a travel agent is a great asset that typically doesn’t cost you anything extra. They help you navigate your trip as well as go through travel insurance and the details of the plans available to them. They will review the emergency assistance information if you purchase a plan, which is another benefit of travel insurance. Most plans provide 24-hour emergency assistance by phone while you are traveling. If something happens while you are on your trip, you have a number to call to get help.
I have only highlighted some of the key benefits available with travel insurance. I recommend that you make a point to talk to someone. That way, you get the details about the specific plan being offered, coverage amounts, and all the benefits available. A travel agent is always more than happy to help you with this. You can also contact other large travel insurance companies directly. But having a travel agent gives you a specific, consistent contact to help you with questions about trips or insurance.
I wish travel insurance was something I could personally help you with, but I do not offer travel insurance. Even though it is not a product I offer I understand the importance of using it. I do have contacts available that I am more than happy to share. Don’t hesitate to contact me. If you have not ever used a travel agent, consider it for you next vacation. The service they provide takes the leg work out of planning – and preparing. All you must do is show up and enjoy your trip!
-Larry