Travel Insurance is designed to protect your health, belongings, and your financial investment in your trip. It provides peace of mind for you and your family while on your vacation.
If you are travelling abroad, be it on business or pleasure it is a good idea to consider taking out travel insurance. Whilst it is not compulsory, most travel companies and tour operators usually insist on some form of insurance as a stipulation of their holiday product.
Travel insurance is an insurance product specifically designed to cover you when travelling abroad. We all think about the small things when considering whether to purchase travel insurance, such as loss of money or having luggage stolen. However there are many other factors to consider such as illness & accidents which can also be covered by travel insurance.
Travel insurance is designed to protect and cover against the possible risks you may encounter when travelling abroad. It is of crucial importance if you are travelling abroad, especially if you are likely to pay for any medical expenses that may arise. Other risks include the loss or theft of possessions, the cost of cancellations or claims made against you.
Travel insurance is designed to reimburse non-refundable trip deposits and payments, medical expenses, provide for emergency evacuation or repatriation, cover your personal belongings, baggage and travel delays.
The main reason you need travel insurance is that when you travel to different countries the healthcare services, among other things, can be very different. Sometimes you never know what to expect when you travel abroad, and depending on the particular country, services offered can vary greatly. You have to be prepared to handle any situation that might arise. If you happen to be hurt or become ill in a country that has expensive health care you could find yourself with a bill you did not expect and probably cannot afford to pay. If you are in this kind of trouble travel insurance fits the bill and ensures that you receive the treatment you need.
Travel insurance can cover the following expenses:
Non refundable fees & lost deposits due to cancellation of your trip
Worldwide sickness or accident medical expenses
Travel and Baggage Delays
Damage to or loss of luggage and personal belongings
Loss of Travel Documents
Additional expenses caused by health problems
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
24 hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services
As in all insurance market places, there are many different providers of travel insurance. Type of cover and options will vary according to the company and policy. There are different types of travel insurance policies which in the main can be annual policies or single trip policies. There also different levels of cover available where different activities such as skiing are covered. There are also regional differences such as Worldwide or European cover.
When choosing a travel insurance policy you will need to make a judgement between the level of coverage you require and the cost of the policy. Make sure your policy covers most of the following: Personal Belongings & Money, Personal Accident, Medical Expenses, Personal Liability and Legal Expenses.
But remember like all other forms of insurance look around and check out the options as you can save yourself a great deal of money.
Readers please note : You should undertake your own background checks before taking any action on any aspect mentioned in this article. Where the author has mentioned specific product details or given examples of how companies have reacted to specific situations, these should be correct as far as the author is aware when this article was written. In some cases additional background information not mentioned in the article has been used in obtaining the examples. Some examples or quotes may have been taken from information available in the public domain where all the background details may not be available. Insurers do change policy conditions and underwriting approach. They will view each situation on its own merits.
You should be aware that details of the topics written about within the articles can change. Therefore, always check out the current position before taking any action. You should also check that any action you are considering, or any proposed purchase, is suitable for your personal circumstances.
This article represents the author’s personal views and is not necessarily endorsed by this web site. These articles should not be construed as this web site recommending any product or service.
неделя, 29 август 2010 г.
Compare Cruise Insurance – You Often Get What You Pay For!
When planning a travel vacation or cruise vacation, the last thing that one wants to think about is trouble or cancellation. Thus travel and cruise insurance is often left on the back burner. However, when the time comes to purchase your vacation insurance, be sure that you compare cruise insurance and travel insurance policies to ensure that you are getting what you expect. As always, it’s “buyer beware”!
That’s not to say that all insurance policies and companies are out to deceive you or hide the terms of insurance pay-outs. In fact, most are very reputable. The problem comes when trying to economize while buying insurance. You really do “get what you pay for” in most cases – especially when you compare insurance policies.
There are often so many variables when purchasing cruise insurance or travel insurance that we can become somewhat complacent with what we are purchasing. Again, “Buyer Beware!” Make sure you know what’s available and what’s included in your insurance policy package. As an example, insurance companies like Travel Guard International, America’s largest provider of travel insurance offers a wide range of benefits with their Comprehensive Coverage. Included in Travel Guard’s packages are the following benefits:
· Trip Cancellation – Providing reimbursement of 100% of trip cost if the trip is cancelled under the terms of the insurance policy.
· Trip interruption – Providing reimbursement of trip cost if the trip is interrupted as covered by the insurance policy such as evacuation due to hurricane.
· Trip Delay – Providing reimbursement for additional accommodations or travel expenses if the traveler is delayed for more than several hours.
· Lost, Stolen or Damaged Baggage and travel documents – Providing reimbursements if luggage is lost, damaged or stolen while the insured is traveling, or if travel documents are lost or stolen.
· Baggage Delay – Providing reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if your bags are delayed more than 24 hours.
· Medical Expenses – Providing reimbursement for necessary medical expenses up to one year after the illness or injury providing the insured traveler sought medical treatment while on the trip.
· Emergency Medical Transportation – Covering the cost of evacuation and transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
· Travel Guard Assistance – A 24 hour hotline for emergency assistance, medical referrals, prescription replacement assistance, replacing travel documents and more.
· Livetravel – Travel Guard’s round the clock travel agent service for emergency or last minute travel changes such as rebooking flights, arranging hotels and ground transportation and tracking lost luggage.
· Concierge – 24 hour worldwide access to restaurant referrals/reservations, event tickets, tee times, floral services, ground transportation and more.
As well, in many cases, travelers purchasing Travel Guard insurance within 15 days of making their initial trip payment also receive at no additional cost:
· Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver – protection if pre-existing medical conditions force cancellation or interruption of a cruise or trip.
· Default Protection – providing reimbursement of trip cost if the tour operator, cruise line, airline or other travel supplier declares bankruptcy more than seven days after the effective date of the policy.
· Change Your Mind – protection against cancellation fees when a trip is cancelled for any reason.
Please keep in mind that these benefits are subject to change, but at the time of this printing, are available. The above describes a comprehensive cruise or travel insurance policy. However, as they say, one size dose not fit all. You need to match your coverage requirements and budget restraints. Again, dealing with Travel Guard International, some of their popular products include:
· Cruise, Tour and Travel – Travel Guard’s most comprehensive travel insurance plan.
· ProtectAssist – Solid travel insurance for the budget-conscious traveler – and Travel Guard’s most popular plan.
· Cruise Guard – Travel insurance designed to surpass the protection plans offered by the cruise line.
· Air Ticket Protection – Protects air ticket investment against change fees, adds other assistance services.
· Student Travel Guard – A portfolio of student travel insurance plans protecting students on virtually all types from Spring Break to Semester Abroad.
We have identified, through the use of Travel Guard International’s plans and policies a vast number of cruise insurance options. We have stated before, but at the risk of being too repetitive, I think that it is important to re-iterate. “You get what you pay for. Buyer beware!”
If you would like more information regarding Travel Guard International or would like to get a quotation for cruise or travel insurance, check out our article “Travel Guard International Cruise Insurance.” You can find the link on our Article Map listed below.
You’ve researched for your special cruise. You’ve found a fantastic cruise deal on-line. You’ve booked that cruise on-line. You’ve protected your cruise vacation investment by booking your insurance on-line. Now all that’s left to do is to get excited!
Readers please note : You should undertake your own background checks before taking any action on any aspect mentioned in this article. Where the author has mentioned specific product details or given examples of how companies have reacted to specific situations, these should be correct as far as the author is aware when this article was written. In some cases additional background information not mentioned in the article has been used in obtaining the examples. Some examples or quotes may have been taken from information available in the public domain where all the background details may not be available. Insurers do change policy conditions and underwriting approach. They will view each situation on its own merits.
You should be aware that details of the topics written about within the articles can change. Therefore, always check out the current position before taking any action. You should also check that any action you are considering, or any proposed purchase, is suitable for your personal circumstances.
This article represents the author’s personal views and is not necessarily endorsed by this web site. These articles should not be construed as this web site recommending any product or service.
That’s not to say that all insurance policies and companies are out to deceive you or hide the terms of insurance pay-outs. In fact, most are very reputable. The problem comes when trying to economize while buying insurance. You really do “get what you pay for” in most cases – especially when you compare insurance policies.
There are often so many variables when purchasing cruise insurance or travel insurance that we can become somewhat complacent with what we are purchasing. Again, “Buyer Beware!” Make sure you know what’s available and what’s included in your insurance policy package. As an example, insurance companies like Travel Guard International, America’s largest provider of travel insurance offers a wide range of benefits with their Comprehensive Coverage. Included in Travel Guard’s packages are the following benefits:
· Trip Cancellation – Providing reimbursement of 100% of trip cost if the trip is cancelled under the terms of the insurance policy.
· Trip interruption – Providing reimbursement of trip cost if the trip is interrupted as covered by the insurance policy such as evacuation due to hurricane.
· Trip Delay – Providing reimbursement for additional accommodations or travel expenses if the traveler is delayed for more than several hours.
· Lost, Stolen or Damaged Baggage and travel documents – Providing reimbursements if luggage is lost, damaged or stolen while the insured is traveling, or if travel documents are lost or stolen.
· Baggage Delay – Providing reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if your bags are delayed more than 24 hours.
· Medical Expenses – Providing reimbursement for necessary medical expenses up to one year after the illness or injury providing the insured traveler sought medical treatment while on the trip.
· Emergency Medical Transportation – Covering the cost of evacuation and transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
· Travel Guard Assistance – A 24 hour hotline for emergency assistance, medical referrals, prescription replacement assistance, replacing travel documents and more.
· Livetravel – Travel Guard’s round the clock travel agent service for emergency or last minute travel changes such as rebooking flights, arranging hotels and ground transportation and tracking lost luggage.
· Concierge – 24 hour worldwide access to restaurant referrals/reservations, event tickets, tee times, floral services, ground transportation and more.
As well, in many cases, travelers purchasing Travel Guard insurance within 15 days of making their initial trip payment also receive at no additional cost:
· Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver – protection if pre-existing medical conditions force cancellation or interruption of a cruise or trip.
· Default Protection – providing reimbursement of trip cost if the tour operator, cruise line, airline or other travel supplier declares bankruptcy more than seven days after the effective date of the policy.
· Change Your Mind – protection against cancellation fees when a trip is cancelled for any reason.
Please keep in mind that these benefits are subject to change, but at the time of this printing, are available. The above describes a comprehensive cruise or travel insurance policy. However, as they say, one size dose not fit all. You need to match your coverage requirements and budget restraints. Again, dealing with Travel Guard International, some of their popular products include:
· Cruise, Tour and Travel – Travel Guard’s most comprehensive travel insurance plan.
· ProtectAssist – Solid travel insurance for the budget-conscious traveler – and Travel Guard’s most popular plan.
· Cruise Guard – Travel insurance designed to surpass the protection plans offered by the cruise line.
· Air Ticket Protection – Protects air ticket investment against change fees, adds other assistance services.
· Student Travel Guard – A portfolio of student travel insurance plans protecting students on virtually all types from Spring Break to Semester Abroad.
We have identified, through the use of Travel Guard International’s plans and policies a vast number of cruise insurance options. We have stated before, but at the risk of being too repetitive, I think that it is important to re-iterate. “You get what you pay for. Buyer beware!”
If you would like more information regarding Travel Guard International or would like to get a quotation for cruise or travel insurance, check out our article “Travel Guard International Cruise Insurance.” You can find the link on our Article Map listed below.
You’ve researched for your special cruise. You’ve found a fantastic cruise deal on-line. You’ve booked that cruise on-line. You’ve protected your cruise vacation investment by booking your insurance on-line. Now all that’s left to do is to get excited!
Readers please note : You should undertake your own background checks before taking any action on any aspect mentioned in this article. Where the author has mentioned specific product details or given examples of how companies have reacted to specific situations, these should be correct as far as the author is aware when this article was written. In some cases additional background information not mentioned in the article has been used in obtaining the examples. Some examples or quotes may have been taken from information available in the public domain where all the background details may not be available. Insurers do change policy conditions and underwriting approach. They will view each situation on its own merits.
You should be aware that details of the topics written about within the articles can change. Therefore, always check out the current position before taking any action. You should also check that any action you are considering, or any proposed purchase, is suitable for your personal circumstances.
This article represents the author’s personal views and is not necessarily endorsed by this web site. These articles should not be construed as this web site recommending any product or service.
Have You Read the Small Print on Your Travel Insurance Policy?
You’re all ready to jet off on holiday. You’ve got your bags packed, reservations confirmed and travel insurance sorted so that you’re covered if anything goes wrong – or are you? If you didn’t take the time to read the small print on your travel insurance policy, your bargain holiday might not be as cheap as you expect when you try to recover the cost of the digital camera stolen from your bags.
There are some standard cover benefits you can expect when you take out a travel insurance policy – and with them, some fairly standard terms and conditions for what will and won’t be covered in the event of a claim. Here are some of the most common policy conditions that can cause problems, and some tips to avoid them.
* Claims for Stolen Possessions
Your insurer expects you to take reasonable care of your property. If you don’t and it’s stolen, they may not pay out. The policy document will confirm the conditions under which the cover will not pay out for stolen possessions. In general, if you’re bringing valuables along with you – including expensive mobile telephones or digital camera equipment – you should never leave them unattended in your hotel room or accomodation. If at any time you won’t be carrying valuables with you, they should be kept in a locked safe.
By the same token, your insurance company is unlikely to pay out for belongings taken from unlocked baggage, or left unattended in any public area.
* Claims for High Value Items
Even if you do take reasonable care with your possessions, many policies limit the amount that they will pay out for any single item. If you’re bringing along expensive jewelry or equipment such as your laptop, expect to pay extra to insure it specifically. Alternatively, check with your home insurance company as some policies can cover certain valuables away from the home.
* Multiple Excesses
Whilst all travel insurance policies have a standard excess, some apply this for every person travelling and/or for each claim event. This might sound nothing unusual until you insure a party of four travellers with a standard £50 excess and all of your baggage is lost or stolen. With a multiple excess you’ll have to pay the first £200 of the claim, not £50. This can also apply for claims which appear to arise from a single event but a multiple excess is applied. For example, if someone snatches your handbag but your camera falls out in the struggle and is smashed, you might have to pay two excesses. One for the theft of your handbag and one for the damage to your camera. Look out for this in the small print of your policy.
* Accident Claims
Just as insurers expect you to take care of your property, they also expect you to take reasonable precautions with your health and personal safety. Most policies specifically exclude injuries or accidents that happen while you’re intoxicated, so if you trip and fall down the stairs after knocking back half-a-dozen shots at the bar, chances are that you won’t be covered for any related expenses.
In addition, most policies will not pay out for injuries that happen in the course of extreme sports. If you’re planning on doing some whitewater rafting or cliff-diving, look into separate insurance cover for those specific activities.
* Winter Sports
If you’re holiday includes skiing or other winter sports, you’ll probably need separate cover as well. Many of the major insurers offer separate winter sports cover tailored to the risks and needs associated with activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding or any other winter sport.
* Terrorism
While your policy may cover losses arising from terrorist activity, that cover can vary from insurer to insurer. However, no policy will cover you if you choose to travel to a country against the recommendation of the home office. You can check travel advice by country at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at fco.gov.uk.
Being aware of the exclusions on your policy can help you cover any gaps or holes in the protection it provides. Take the time to read the small print before you go, and you won’t find yourself a victim of small print exclusions when you need cover the most.
There are some standard cover benefits you can expect when you take out a travel insurance policy – and with them, some fairly standard terms and conditions for what will and won’t be covered in the event of a claim. Here are some of the most common policy conditions that can cause problems, and some tips to avoid them.
* Claims for Stolen Possessions
Your insurer expects you to take reasonable care of your property. If you don’t and it’s stolen, they may not pay out. The policy document will confirm the conditions under which the cover will not pay out for stolen possessions. In general, if you’re bringing valuables along with you – including expensive mobile telephones or digital camera equipment – you should never leave them unattended in your hotel room or accomodation. If at any time you won’t be carrying valuables with you, they should be kept in a locked safe.
By the same token, your insurance company is unlikely to pay out for belongings taken from unlocked baggage, or left unattended in any public area.
* Claims for High Value Items
Even if you do take reasonable care with your possessions, many policies limit the amount that they will pay out for any single item. If you’re bringing along expensive jewelry or equipment such as your laptop, expect to pay extra to insure it specifically. Alternatively, check with your home insurance company as some policies can cover certain valuables away from the home.
* Multiple Excesses
Whilst all travel insurance policies have a standard excess, some apply this for every person travelling and/or for each claim event. This might sound nothing unusual until you insure a party of four travellers with a standard £50 excess and all of your baggage is lost or stolen. With a multiple excess you’ll have to pay the first £200 of the claim, not £50. This can also apply for claims which appear to arise from a single event but a multiple excess is applied. For example, if someone snatches your handbag but your camera falls out in the struggle and is smashed, you might have to pay two excesses. One for the theft of your handbag and one for the damage to your camera. Look out for this in the small print of your policy.
* Accident Claims
Just as insurers expect you to take care of your property, they also expect you to take reasonable precautions with your health and personal safety. Most policies specifically exclude injuries or accidents that happen while you’re intoxicated, so if you trip and fall down the stairs after knocking back half-a-dozen shots at the bar, chances are that you won’t be covered for any related expenses.
In addition, most policies will not pay out for injuries that happen in the course of extreme sports. If you’re planning on doing some whitewater rafting or cliff-diving, look into separate insurance cover for those specific activities.
* Winter Sports
If you’re holiday includes skiing or other winter sports, you’ll probably need separate cover as well. Many of the major insurers offer separate winter sports cover tailored to the risks and needs associated with activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding or any other winter sport.
* Terrorism
While your policy may cover losses arising from terrorist activity, that cover can vary from insurer to insurer. However, no policy will cover you if you choose to travel to a country against the recommendation of the home office. You can check travel advice by country at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at fco.gov.uk.
Being aware of the exclusions on your policy can help you cover any gaps or holes in the protection it provides. Take the time to read the small print before you go, and you won’t find yourself a victim of small print exclusions when you need cover the most.
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