Travel
Like The
"Rich and Famous. . ."
Discover How A Pauper
Travels Like A King!
The Importance of Travel
Insurance
by: Karen Zastudil
You've finally saved enough to go on that dream
vacation you've been
planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I
really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage,
right?
Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are
traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.
Most travel insurance policies are designed for a
variety of
travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any
policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations.
You many find your policy won't cover pre-existing conditions that may
cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or
an illness -- not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are
generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of
gaps in the coverage provided.
You can find polices designed for almost any type
of trip you
may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking,
cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types
and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It's
important to remember that you will only be covered for what is
specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.
Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost
baggage, medical,
dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency
evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You
may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to
rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be
covered, but you will have to ask.
The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to
7% the cost
of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history
and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include
coverage for children at no extra charge.
It is best not to buy your travel insurance from
your tour
operator. I've listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase
through an insurance company separately.
Most travel insurance policies offered by the
operator are less flexible to your individual needs;
Provide a lower amount of coverage;
May only cover a portion of the trip;
Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance
will only pay
for what you own private health or homeowner's insurance does not
cover;
May duplicate coverage you already have;
In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes
belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.
Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable
when it comes to
understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may
overlook something that could be important to you or your family and
few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive
purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the
reasons listed above, you should really check around.
If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour
operator,
be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit
card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential
default of the operator.
When buying your policy from an insurance company:
Always get quotes from several companies
Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can
custom design your own
Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion
Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a
terrorist incident. Don't count of the company to provide information
Ask any question you can dream up and
Do ask for suggestions
A good site to reference for multiple travel
insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com.
(I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just like the site!)
Enjoy your next trip and I hope the odds are with you and that you will
never have to file a claim on your travel insurance policy.
(c)2004 Karen Zastudil
About The Author
Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University
and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com
- A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy,
Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness,
Relationships, Money, Travel and more.
Todays Travel Tip
The best day to reserve a room is on Sunday. That’s because,
typically, the financial management is not working on that day,
and any Pauper can get better deals and negotiate in a tougher
manner. The manager or desk clerk doesn’t have the option of
checkingwith upper management before giving an okay on a room
rate. Check back tomorrow for
another tip.
P.S.
If you have ever wanted to travel like the "rich and famous," here is
your opportunity. The Pauper's Secret Confessions alone, are
worth 10 times the cost of this book. Never take another trip
without being prepared!
