Is Travel Insurance Right For You?

With the recent news about the Coronavirus that originated in China, many potential travelers are nervous about making plans to leave the country. Travel insurance can give consumers peace of mind by protecting their purchase against potential cancelled flights or changed itineraries. Do your research first, however; not all policies will cover cancellations for a health scare or bad weather.

Whenever you’re making a big purchase, you have to decide whether or not you’ll protect your purchase with insurance. The same decision applies when you’re planning a vacation; you will have to decide if you want to take the extra steps to protect it by purchasing travel insurance. But how do you know when to buy it, and from whom?

First, understand what current coverage you have. Before considering travel insurance, you should find out what coverage you have on your existing insurance policies by contacting your health and car insurance companies, and your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance providers. Find out if you are covered in case of illness or theft, and if that coverage changes if you’re travelling internationally. This is especially important if you or those you are traveling with have health issues.

You may also be able to purchase additional coverage through your current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy temporarily in order to protect expensive equipment, jewelry, or other property you plan on taking with you. Contact your current provider to discuss your options.

What type of coverage is offered through your credit card company? If you use a credit card to make major purchases, instead of a debit card, typically you will receive additional protection for those purchases. If you used a credit card to pay for some, or all of your vacation plans, contact the financial institution to find out what type of coverage is included. You may also have the option of purchasing travel insurance through the credit card company.

So, do you need additional coverage? Once you understand what coverage is offered through your current policies and credit card companies, determine what additional coverage you may need. Are you covered in case of medical emergencies on your trip? What happens if you have to cancel? Consider how much you are spending on the trip, and if you are prepared to take on additional financial burdens if something goes wrong.

What to expect from your coverage. You can expect to pay anywhere from 5 to 7 percent of the cost of your trip, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). If you or someone you’re traveling with has health issues, there is typically a greater chance that you will use the insurance. Typically travel insurance will cover some or all of the following:

– Trip cancellation or delay;
– Lost or stolen luggage;
– Emergency medical assistance;
– Coverage for rental cars.

Be sure you understand every detail of the agreement including the reason for trip cancellation or delay. Some travel insurance policies will not cover trip cancellation for reasons such as a health scare, terrorist attack or bad weather. Make sure you read the policy thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The difference between trip cancellation insurance and a cancellation waiver. Before buying travel insurance, know the difference between insurance and a cancellation waiver. According to the III, although waivers do provide some trip cancellation protection, they generally include more restrictions.

Always do your research.
Before doing business or making a purchase, always research the company at BBB.org. Look for things like any possible complaints, and customer reviews. For more information, contact your local Better Business Bureau by using the BBB Directory.

For more travel advice, read our tips for planning your next vacation or trip.