…But most essential. Last week I read an article from the New York Times Sunday Travel section all about why you should not bother with travel insurance. There are several reasons for taking travel insurance. And after over 25 years in the travel industry, the stories are there to tell. Here are my thoughts…
There are two main reasons for taking travel insurance: one cancellation protection for prepaid travel and two for medical assistance coverage.
Cancellation insurance. Anyone who has traveled through me knows if you spend more than $2,000 I require insurance or a signed waiver. Most cancellations are for medical reasons; illness or death of a traveler or immediate family member. It is the immediate family member that we often forget such as elderly parents or children that can get sick or break a bone. If the insurance is purchased within 21 days of deposit preexisting conditions are waivered. You may think you are perfectly healthy but when a lot of financial exposure is on the line insurance is essential. It is only April and I have already had two cancellations covered by insurance, both seemed perfectly healthy at the time of booking.
Medical reasons. It is important to check your health insurance policy for travel outside the USA. Most policies do cover but Medicare and supplemental programs may not. There are lots of different levels of medical coverage: the basic $50,000 emergency accident and sickness and $500,000 emergency medical evacuation/repatriation is generally most adequate. But some active adventure tour operators require more medical coverage in order to take their trips. For seniors especially who travel a great deal I also suggest MedJet Assist. It is a private medical jet evacuation if you are or need hospitalization. All you need to be is more than 150 miles from your primary residence. And you can be taken to the hospital of your choice. One of my clients got stuck 2000 miles from home within the USA because she was hospitalized and not well to fly for several weeks. I keep this coverage now since I go to Atlanta and Seattle regularly and far away places too. A few dollars are well worth the peace of mind.
So think about what you are doing, where you are going and how much money is on the line. It is bad enough to have to cancel a trip or get stuck in a hospital, but to loose the money is just awful.
Call and I can help you plan as well as protect you!
P.S. For those of you interested, this is a great read on guide books. Click and enjoy!
AlwaysHarriet 