When and How to Buy Travel Insurance

 Travel Insurance,

When and How to Buy

You plan all year, sometimes even two years in advance to take that big trip.  You have been slowing putting money aside, saving up, and right before you are supposed to go on this amazing journey something happens.  You can’t go!  What are you going to do?  You read through all the cancellation policies and most of them say “100% non-refundable 6 days prior.”  Oh no, you are within that time frame.  No refund!  All those hard earned dollars down the drain. 

Most of us are lucky that this scenario does not happen to us.  However, life has a way of throwing curve balls at us so you want to make sure that when that curve ball comes your way you know exactly where to hit it, with travel insurance.

There are many travel insurance companies out there selling only travel insurance.  The question now becomes, Which one works best for you?  Your travel agent is the best guide as to which company will provide the most coverage for your needs.  You don’t need to purchase the “Platinum Plan” to get good coverage.  Most times their basic plans, or gold plans will cover up to 100% of your non-refundable costs and give you very good health coverage also. 

Some things you want to make sure you do when buying travel insurance:

Tip #1:  Buy travel insurance within 15 – 21 days of your initial deposit to ensure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. 

Tip #2:  Only buy “Cancel for Any Reason Coverage” if you really are on the fence about going on the trip.  Most medical issues for both travelers and immediate families is covered under their reasons for cancellation plus, this is an added cost that you may not need to pay.

Tip #3:  Check what your medical insurance covers for out of country visits.  Don’t buy additional medical coverage if you already have good medical coverage.

Tip #4:  Renting a car?  Check what your credit cards and car insurance coverage for any damage to vehicle overseas.  Consider buying additional coverage if you already have high premiums here in the states or you don’t have enough coverage. 

Tip #5:  Make sure to get a comprehensive copy of your purchased policy from your travel agent.  Each state has different policies so make sure you have received the correct one for the state you live in. 

Tip #6:  READ OVER YOUR POLICY!!!  The more you know before you go the better.  If you have any questions about the policy call the travel insurance company directly for a full explanation.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

 

Have a Great Week!