3 reasons to buy insurance for your last minute trip
You can get some great deals on airfare and hotels by taking advantage of last minute offers. Oftentimes, airlines and hotels have not sold out and are willing to offer huge discounts just to fill the empty spots. This is great for travelers who have some spare time or flexible schedules. But why would you want travel insurance for a last minute trip?
1. Last minute trips are very cheap to insure because you don’t need cancellation coverage
Since it is last minute, you’re pretty sure there is not going to be an accident or illness that causes the trip to be canceled. Trip cancellation coverage is one of the most popular reasons for buying trip insurance, but is also a major factor in premium (cost of insurance). Last minute trip insurance provides a lot of coverage for a little money.
2. Medical emergencies, delayed flights, and lost baggage can still ruin a last minute trip
It is also important to think of medical emergencies. Even on a short, last-minute trip, anything can happen and you could end up in the hospital. In many cases, travelers end up needing medical evacuation requiring special flights, equipment, and personnel. Medical evacuation can easily cost up to $100,000, and is paid out-of-pocket without insurance coverage.
Medical emergencies and evacuation account for some large claim amounts, but there are other reasons to insure last-minute trips.
Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage can also cause plenty of headaches. With the current TSA rules about carry on baggage, more people are checking their luggage and taking less aboard the plane. That means if there is a lost or delayed bag, you are without clothing and other personal items that you might need. Insurance can pay for you to buy some new clothes and other necessities, and ensure a lost or delayed bag does not ruin your trip.
Missed connections and travel delays can also make your relaxing trip turn terrible. If you are forced to stay overnight because of a missed flight, or change flights and pay extra money, that money is paid out-of-pocket. Travel insurance can help you in this situation, and pay for extra expenses. It will definitely give you some extra peace of mind as you travel.
3. Buy today, fly tomorrow
With easy online quotes and purchasing, you can compare policies and find the best deal, buy online with a credit card, and receive an email confirming your coverage right away. This email will have your policy number and some other information. Print it out and you’re set to go. The insurance company will probably send you an actual card in the mail as well, but once you have confirmation of coverage you are set to fly.
Where can I find last-minute travel insurance?
Travel Guard offers several travel insurance plans including their Pack ‘N Go plan made specially for last-minute trips. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, and baggage. Visit travelguard.com to read about Pack ‘N Go and other Travel Guard insurance policies.
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John | Dec 14, 2006
Just be careful when you buy a trip insurance. Read the fine print since in some case it will be impossible to get a refund. Don’t believe anything unless is written.
For instance, the expedia package protection plan is a joke. They promise in their webpage “change or cancel for any reason” but when you read the fine print that is not the case. The medical coverage is subjected to a lot of restriction that would make difficult to be honored.
in my case, I bought once a trip insurance from EXPEDIA but I never had the chance to use it because they failed to arrange my trip (click on my name to read about my case). Later, i had a nightmare trying to get a refund of that ticket and the associated insurance.
Goog luck