Trip Cancellation Insurance – Plan Your Trip Wisely
Most travelers know that purchasing trip cancellation insurance is a wise thing to do. However, buying the plan that is right for their particular situation may pose a challenge. There are several kinds of insurance that are related to travel: trip cancellation insurance, travel insurance, evacuation insurance, and flight insurance, to name just a few.
Each traveler has unique insurance needs and so, the best way to purchase insurance is to estimate what is required, and purchase the most relevant insurance. International travelers usually purchase trip cancellation insurance and travel health insurance, or a combination of the two.
Trip cancellation insurance is cover for the occurrence of the trip-which means that you are insuring against the possibility of the trip being cancelled. In many cases, this includes coverage for the trip being cut short. Usually, trip cancellation insurance covers cancellations or interruptions in case they occur due to specific reasons.
Trip cancellation insurance or trip interruption insurance are valid if the trip schedule is changed when the traveler, traveling partner, or immediate family member passes on or is seriously ill, the home of the plan holder is destroyed, the plan holder is called for active military or jury duty, or is subpoenaed. Some plans cover the plan holder for the loss of his/her job and weather that makes travel impossible.
Definitely consider trip cancellation insurance if your trip is expensive, with significant non-refundable expenses. Narrow down your plan choices before purchasing your ticket and sign on to the plan as soon as your itinerary is confirmed. Remember that trips finalized at the last minute are less prone to changes.
Travel medical insurance is the other main type of travel insurance, protecting the plan holder from the costs of medical care when traveling. The common benefits offered by travel medical insurance plans are emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, consultation, medical tests, and limited prescription medication.
Since travel insurance plans are international plans, they usually cover repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation. Accidental death and dismemberment is also covered by most plans.
Apart from these benefits, many plans offer additional coverage for an extra cost. Some of these include cover for injuries arising from adventurous sports, and trip cancellation due to “any reason”. Other travel insurance benefits include baggage loss and delay, and identity theft. Many plans also offer travel advisory services. However, to know the exact nature of the coverage offered, it is best to consult the plan schedule of benefits.
Ray sandeo frequently writes about travel health insurance