Travel Insurance: Covering Your Travel Risks

Travel is the temporary movement of individuals between various remote geographical locations. Travel can either be one way, or multi-user, with or without travel luggage, and may be one route or round trip. The word “travel” can also refer to an event that takes place temporarily in one location for a specific purpose such as a school trip, a summer camp tour, or an extended business trip.

Travel coverage is designed to cover the financial loss resulting from a variety of unexpected circumstances that temporarily deny you the ability to travel, or alter the status of your travel plans. Travel coverage can also help cover the financial loss resulting from an extended illness that forces you to cancel your travel plans. Some common types of travel coverage include: trip cancellation/ interruption, emergency evacuation, emergency travel, trip interruption, emergency travel assistance, rebooking, trip interruption and theft and loss, and emergency rescue and repatriation. If you have an insurance policy that covers these bases, you are already covered when you travel outside of the scope of your coverage.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage. Trip cancellation coverage can provide for monetary compensation if you are forced to cancel your travel plans because your air or shipping insurance may not allow you to travel according to the terms agreed upon. Trip interruption coverage provides for monetary compensation for traveling that is suddenly interrupted for any legitimate reason. For example, if your child is ill, you may need to cancel your trip or be forced to take a time out of your travels for recovery. If you are traveling abroad, there may be a legitimate reason for your travel interruption.

Medical Coverage. Travel insurance offers benefits to people who buy travel insurance to cover the cost of medical expenses that occur while traveling outside your coverage’s terms and conditions. Most policies offer at least some medical coverage during extended stays in other countries. In addition, many plans offer coverage for loss of life, loss of limbs, loss of eyesight, and some medical supplies. To get the most out of your plan, make sure that you get the highest amount of coverage possible.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Some travel insurance coverage may provide for accidental death and dismemberment benefits to survivors or beneficiaries when you become injured, die in a crash, or are killed or suffer other types of casualties during a travel accident. This accidental death and dismemberment coverage may differ greatly from one company to another. Be sure to check with your travel insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered for your particular circumstances.

Bags and Accessories Coverage. It is sometimes required by airlines, cruise lines, hotels, or some other providers that you purchase additional bags, clothing, or accessories coverage from your travel insurance company when purchasing a policy. This extra baggage and clothing and other accessories coverage may cost you extra per day, per month, or per year, but it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run if you need to cancel or change your trip for any reason. Your baggage and other personal effects coverage could also come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen. Be sure to check with your personal effects insurance company for additional details about baggage and accessories coverage.