I always say that planning the trip is just as important as taking it. And trip insurance should be considered a priority as much as how you get there or where you stay. It’s the only way to protect your monetary investment if an unforeseen situation changes your plans.
Checklist: Long cargo pants and one capri; t-shirts; mid-calf skirt; one dress, sun hat; parka, sneakers and flip flops.
You can’t wait to land in Rome.
Then the unexpected happens. Four days before departure you slip on the patio and fracture your ankle. The doctor says no traveling for six weeks. Your flight and tour are 100% nonrefundable. Now what?
If you’ve planned prudently, you call your travel advisor or trip insurance company and file a claim. If not, you can try explaining the situation to your airline, travel company or hotels/daytrip providers, but don’t expect any refunds.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is an insurance plan specifically designed for travelers. The policy protects you from financial loss due to cancellation or trip interruption, medical coverage while on the trip, and reimbursement for baggage loss or a trip delay.
Why do I need trip protection?
- Trip cancellation before departure
You may need to cancel your trip unexpectedly. At some point, travel components are nonrefundable. Nonrefundable prepaid trip costs including flights, hotels, rental cars, and tours can be reimbursed with travel insurances. To qualify for cancellation, the reason must meet covered criteria, which are generally related to medical issues.
*Preexisting condition: In order to cover a cancelled trip due to a preexisting condition, travel insurance must be purchased for the total trip cost within 15 days of your initial purchase.
Preexisting medical conditions are injuries or illnesses that you or a family member have been receiving treatment for or had symptoms of within the past 120 days before purchasing travel insurance.
*Other policy amendment clauses cover cancellation due to work or cancel anytime for any reason.
- Sick or injured while traveling
A medical emergency may happen while you are travelling. Trip insurance can reimburse you for medical care or evacuation. A 24-hour emergency hotline offers personalized support to assist.
*ALLIANZ, a leading seller of travel insurance, states that many travel insurance plans provide benefits for someone who contracts Covid-19. Nicholas Lindsey, an ALLIANZ director says to always read your quote and policy, the insurance agreement or certificate of insurance for the plan you purchased provides the details.
- Stranded while traveling with flight delays and lost baggage
Travel insurance can offer compensation for eligible accommodations, meals, and transportation if your flight is delayed. Recently, lost baggage has become a recurring issue. Policies allow for financial coverage.
The takeaway
- Buy when you book. Buy travel insurance when you book your trip so that you receive the longest period of coverage possible and have coverage for those situations that may come up between the time you book and when you depart for your trip.
- Understand your existing medical condition coverage. Coverage for existing medical conditions can be very valuable in protecting your travel investment. Learn how to qualify for this important coverage.
- Travel advisors can be a great resource when selecting your travel insurance policy. They understand the specific needs of your trip and can offer a product which best meets those needs.
Have a question or travel related story to share? Email travel@laconnercommunitynews.org
Teri Goldstein is a La Conner Community News contributor. Her column Ciao Teri: Travel Tips and Tales by Teri Goldstein appears online and in print bimonthly. She is also the owner of TG Travel Group LLC, a published journalist, travel writer, author, and travel consumer advocate. She lives in La Conner with her husband and two kitties.
