Travel insurance is having a moment. While purchasing a peace of mind policy has always been a good idea, there's nothing like a global pandemic to drive that point home. In these uncertain times, it's good for the mind and soul to plan and go on vacation. But if we've learned anything from the past 18 months, even the best-laid plans can be thwarted immediately.
When you especially want travel insurance in your back pocket, let's chat – I can help point you in the right direction so these mishaps won't befall you on your ideal getaway.
What Can Go So Wrong that I Should Buy Travel Insurance?
Glad you asked! Not to be all doomsday here, but there are myriad reasons for purchasing travel insurance, including:
1. Cancellation or shortening of your trip for reasons you can't control (read: COVID-19)
Exceptionally if traveling outside the United States, the cost of your vacation will likely be higher than domestically. The alternative is canceling your trip and not getting your money back, costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Travel insurance pays off.
These international trips are also usually planned farther in advance than local trips, and there's more chance that something can thwart your plans between now and then. Experts suggest that if you're paying for 70 to 80 percent of your trip costs at the start, consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
2. Medical emergencies.
Whether it's an allergic reaction, a broken bone, or pneumonia, a medical emergency when far from home is no joke. It may be difficult to find medical help, and that assistance may be pricey. Comprehensive travel insurance will help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses. Research the medical evacuation coverage of the plan if you're traveling in a remote area.
3. Cruises
Cruise lines typically ask for a significant deposit. If this is coupled with an international destination, you're paying more for your vacation, also upping the risk of issues while cruising.
The answer? Comprehensive travel insurance or a vacation protection package purchased from your chosen cruise line. These policies cover a range of situations, including hurricanes – but you have to plan. No signing up for coverage after the hurricane shows up on the radar.
Other smart reasons to purchase a travel insurance policy:
-Missed transportation (trains, buses, flights) or delayed departure, again for a reason out of your control -Personal injury or death -Lost, stolen, or damaged items, from luggage to passports to money -Accidental damage or injury caused by you
In any of these instances, if you don't have travel insurance, you will pay with your own money to take care of the issue, quickly taking the fun out of your trip. Get a free quote here.
And here are a few situations in which you might not have to purchase insurance:
-To keep your options open (in today's world, many travel operators have a pretty flexible booking and cancellation policies in place already) -Just for flights (your rights as a passenger should give you the coverage you need in most cases without paying for a pricey policy. Even an insurance policy isn't going to get you rebooked faster if your flight is canceled or delayed) -If your credit card covers it (check with your card company to see if there is built-in trip interruption insurance before purchasing additional coverage)
Ready to go and protect your long-dreamt-of vacation? Let's chat!
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