Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is about so much more than just bad weather.
When you first start planning an exciting new getaway, travel insurance is probably not at the top of mind.
You’re busy imagining your resort or stateroom, booking excursions, making dining reservations… So who wants to picture what happens when something gets in the way?
The unfortunate reality is that unexpected interruptions come up for any type of trip, and it’s not just inclement weather that can put a damper on your vacation plans.
What does travel insurance cover?
Every plan or provider is different, which is why it’s so important to work with your travel advisor to lock in the right coverage for your trip.
Travel insurance may cover any or all of the following:
- Weather or natural disasters
- Death of a friend or family member
- Traveler illness
- Medical Emergencies
- Delayed or lost luggage
- Etc.
“One big point about travel protection that I think people miss is that they just look at is as a way to get a refund if a trip is canceled,” said MVT agent Jessica” But the bigger value and importance of it is the coverage for things that go wrong while you’re on your trip – like delays, lost baggage, medical issues, etc.”
Yes, as recent events have shown us, storms have the potential to delay or even cancel a vacation. In those cases, travel insurance may protect your costs if flights are canceled, if you’re stuck away from home and need accommodations, or even if you’re injured due to the weather.
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, at any travel destination. Travel insurance may help cover your expenses in the event you need medical care, hospital stays, medication, ambulance transport, etc. Go without and you may find yourself with a hefty bill for a simple prescription, up to an emergency hospitalization.
And of course, lost or delayed baggage can make or break a trip. Opting for travel protection can help defray the cost of any necessities you may need to buy if your suitcase isn’t waiting for you at baggage claim – so you won’t have to go commando the whole vacation!
Who should add travel insurance?
Ask any travel advisor, or anyone who has had to use travel protection what they’d recommend, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you haven’t been using it all along.
Protections are a smart choice for any trip, but our agents specifically call out cruises and international travel as a “no brainer” time to pull the trigger. There are so many moving parts and elements out of the traveler’s control, that insurance not only gives you coverage, but peace of mind.
Similar rationale applies to large group trips, medically fragile travelers, and any vacation booked during known times of questionable weather – like hurricane season or snowy winters.
When should I add travel insurance?
Another important conversation to have with your travel agent, but a general rule of thumb is that the sooner you opt into protections, the sooner it takes effect.
If your party includes pre-existing conditions or another factor that you think may hinder your vacation, insurance should be added as soon as possible for maximum coverage. You can add insurance for a single trip, but frequent travelers may consider annual coverage plans to stay ahead of the game.
You likely won’t have to decide at the time of booking, but it’s important to remember that travel insurance often must be purchased by the date of your final payment.
Plus, you’ll typically need to opt in to a coverage plan before a problem presents itself. If you wait until there’s a named storm, your flight is canceled, or a family emergency bubbles up, you may be out of luck.
What happens if I need to use my coverage?
As mentioned, every plan is different.
If any issue comes up during your trip, some plans have help lines you can call to get started.
In most cases, travel insurance works much like any other type of coverage plan – you’ll likely have to front costs from medical bills, rebooking fees or other necessary purchases, then submit your claim for reimbursement.
Your agent can help walk you through your custom plan at the time of booking and will do whatever they can to assist should an emergency come up during your vacation.
