Travel Insurance

Unexpected delays or accidents can ruin a dream vacation. Travel insurance may offer some protection when you encounter problems on a trip. Whether planning your first trip abroad or taking a cruise, you may wonder whether you need travel insurance.

A lot of travel sites push customers to purchase travel insurance. However, insurance may not offer much coverage at all. You may have trouble getting reimbursed for covered travel expenses. To get help with travel insurance, talk to a consumer protection lawyer.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance provides coverage for delays, accidents, or trip cancellations. There are different types of travel insurance coverage. For the best protection, consumers should review the policies before buying insurance. Different types of insurance policies cover:

• Trip cancellations
• Travel disruption and delays
• Travel health insurance
• Emergency evacuation
• Repatriation
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies

Who Needs Travel Insurance?

Most American travelers don’t need travel insurance plans for short domestic trips. But travel insurance can be a good idea if you’re booking a group vacation or an expensive international trip. The U.S. State Department recommends travel insurance for travelers. The government doesn’t provide medical evacuation or pay medical expenses or unexpected costs.

Travel insurance is also good for older travelers or those with existing medical conditions. Insurance may also be beneficial for very long trips or active vacations involving scuba diving or adventure sports. You never know when a medical issue will arise that may keep you from going through with your plans. Insurance can provide peace of mind while you’re far from home.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Like other forms of insurance, you don’t need coverage until you do. Most travelers never purchase travel insurance and are fine without it. But running into trouble overseas can become an expensive problem. Flight cancellations, natural disasters, car accidents, or medical emergencies can ruin your vacation. Travel insurance may cover many of these unexpected emergencies.

Many credit card companies offer protections similar to private travel insurance. Check with your credit card company before deciding whether to buy the extra insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance may also cover some theft and loss protection. Your existing medical insurance coverage may already cover emergency healthcare abroad.

Get a quote if you’re unsure whether to purchase travel insurance before a big trip. You may find travel insurance at a reasonable cost with a reputable travel insurance agent.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance coverage depends on the individual policy. There are different types of travel insurance. This includes long-term policies to cover multiple trips to different countries. Types of travel insurance coverage and add-ons include:

• Travel medical care
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip interruption or cancellation
• Baggage loss and damage
• Rental vehicle coverage
• Accidental death or dismemberment
• Adventure sports coverage
• Translation assistance
• Travel assistance services

Trip cancellation coverage is one of the most common types of coverage. It protects your financial investment, including the costs of flights, hotels, and cruises. But before you purchase trip coverage, review the travel insurance policy. Ensure you understand the coverage, exemptions, and process for reimbursement after a canceled trip.

Do Cruise and Tour Companies Provide Travel Insurance?

While travel protection plans are similar, they generally offer less coverage. The airline or booking site may offer travel protection that only applies to limited cancellation coverage. Cruise companies or tour operators may offer cancellation fee waivers for a cost. Make sure to read the fine print. You may still be liable for some fees or penalties.

Can You Get Travel Insurance After Booking a Flight?

An airline company may offer travel protection when booking an airline flight online. Generally, you can get travel protection after you book a flight. However, you generally can’t get coverage after the flight has been canceled. It may take 24 hours or more before the policy will go into effect.

Do You Have To Have Travel Insurance?

Some countries require visitors to show proof of insurance. Depending on the country, this could include proof of health insurance and traveler’s insurance. In some countries, travelers must purchase insurance coverage from the host country. Others allow private insurance or visitor’s home insurance coverage.

Without proper insurance, visitors could be denied entry and have to return to their home country. Check the travel requirements of any countries you intend to visit on any upcoming trips.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Travel Insurance?

Even after buying travel insurance, it may be difficult to get reimbursed by the insurance company. The insurance company may delay payment, claim the loss isn’t covered, or make other excuses to try and avoid paying out for your claim. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company to ensure you get paid for your travel-related losses. If your travel insurance company isn’t helping you resolve a travel-related claim, contact a consumer protection attorney for help.