Discover the money-back guarantee of travel insurance

February 7, 2007 By 1 Comment

Travel insurance policies include something called a “free-look” period

Most travel insurance policies include something called “free-look” period, which gives you a certain amount of time to return the policy for a refund. This allows travelers to purchase the plan they like, and spend some additional time reading through it and finalizing their decision.

Most free-look periods are between 10-15 days

Most policies offer a free-look period of between 10-15 days. This means you can buy the policy, return it for any reason (within that time), and receive a premium refund. There may be some small administration fees, but they are usually only $3-$5, and it is well worth the peace of mind knowing you can take your time reading through the coverage.

There are a few conditions of using a free-look refund

If you return the policy for a refund within the free-look period, you will receive that refund pending the following conditions:

  • you must return the policy prior to departure
  • you have not made any claims on the policy

Compare quotes for travel insurance using a comparison site

Several sites let travelers compare quotes for all different travel insurance policies at the same time, just like Expedia.com lets you compare airfares (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

How to make sure you’re covered while skiing

January 29, 2007 By 1 Comment

Most package plans will cover recreational skiing

If your winter vacation includes some skiing, you probably want some insurance to cover potential injuries. Luckily, most general package plans include coverage for recreational activities such as skiing. These comprehensive plans, also called package plans, generally include coverage for trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and medical evacuation.

screenshot_3.pngMedical expense and emergency evacuation coverage is important

Even though the other benefits are important while taking a trip, the really important coverage is the medical expense and evacuation. These are the costs that can get very high, and paying out-of-pocket could be catastrophic. Medical expenses can run in the 10′s of thousands, and e required evacuation could easily cost over $100,000. Without the right insurance coverage, you could be required to pay this yourself.

Check the policy certificate for any exclusions

The important thing os to check your coverage carefully. Read the certificate and check the “exclusions” section to see if they have ruled out skiing accidents. In general, as long you are not taking part in professional skiing or racing, winter activities are covered.

If you have further questions, ask a professional

If you are not sure about a certain policy, the best thing to do is ask a professional. The easiest way to do this is using a comparison site, because they can answer questions about several companies’ policies at the same time, instead of making you call around and deal with each company.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to a comparison site (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)
  2. Enter your trip details and get instant policy quotes
  3. Read a little about each policy to find out if skiing is covered
  4. Call the comparison site’s toll-free number, they can answer questions about all products

Online purchasing makes getting travel insurance quick and easy

January 14, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Shopping online lets travelers get instant quotes

Most travel insurance is sold online because it is quick and simple. Unlike some online businesses that offer free “quotes”, then ask for an email or phone number where you can be contacted, travel insurance is quoted in real time. It takes a minute or two to fill out some general travel information, and you can get actual premium quotes.

When using a comparison site (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site), travelers can even look at several policies at once and choose which is best based on a variety of factors. Some travelers look for specific aspects like high baggage coverage or good delayed trip coverage.

Shopping online also lets travelers get instant coverage

Another advantage of using a comparison site is the fact that you can get instant coverage. When you get a quote and find the right policy, you can take out a credit card and make the purchase right online. For most coverage, the insurance company will respond within hours with a confirmation number guaranteeing coverage.

They will usually also send a paper copy of your policy in the mail, but with this email confirmation you are covered. Many travelers print this out and go. It has your policy number, personal information, and important contact numbers if you have any questions or claims.

How do comparison sites work when shopping for travel insurance?

January 12, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Comparison sites make shopping for travel insurance easier

One way to buy travel insurance is to go directly to the source, the travel insurance company. Groups like TravelGuard, CSA Travel protection, and TravelSafe all have websites where you can sign up and buy a trip insurance policy online. This works just fine…if you know what you are looking for.
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Many travelers do not know what they need without comparing different policies. It just makes sense. Most planned purchases require some research…if for no other reason than to get the best price.

Find the right plan and get the best price

Travel insurance comparison sites give you quotes from all the different companies at the same time. You can also compare the different coverages, benefits, and “small print” in the insurance policies.
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Is it cheaper to buy directly from the insurance company?

No. Travel insurance comparison sites are agents and earn a commission on each policy sold, just like your local agency that insures your home or car. If you buy directly from the travel insurance company, they simply keep the portion of the premium that would go to an agent. Since the price is the same either way, you might as well use a comparison website and find the best policy at the right price.

“Shopping for travel insurance with comparison sites is like shopping for plane tickets at Expedia.com”

(see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

Travel Insurance 101-What does travel insurance cover?

January 10, 2007 By 2 Comments

Travel insurance policies provide many different coverages, here are the 5 main ones:

1. Trip cancellation

This provides coverage in case you need to cancel your trip or vacation. The coverage pays for non-refundable trip costs such as airfare, hotel, tour costs, etc. Covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • you or your traveling companion get sick and cannot travel
  • a death in the family prevents you from traveling
  • your home is damaged by fire
  • you or your travel companion lose your job

Travel insurance provides cancellation coverage that covers pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs up to the policy limit.

2. Medical emergencies

This provides medical coverage while you are away from home. Most people do not know that their health insurance from home does not work in foreign countries, and any medical expenses must be paid out of pocket, often even before treatment is received. An accident or illness in a foreign country can be a scary experience without the proper medical coverage. Travel insurance policies provide up to $1,000,000 of medical emergency coverage, depending on the plan and insurance company.

3. Trip interruption

When an accident or illness does effect your trip, coverage for trip interruption will help pay the unused portion of the trip as well as last-minute expenses for heading back home.

4. Lost, damaged, stolen baggage

Baggage coverage includes personal items, baggage, and travel documents. If your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace items, baggage coverage will provide benefits up to the policy limit, usually between $500-$2000.

5. Medical evacuation

If you are in a foreign country and suffer an accident or illness, there will most likely be some medical evacuation expenses. From simple transportation to the nearest suitable hospital to an extensive medical flight back to the US, evacuation costs can easily cost over $100,000. Medical flights are specially staffed with trained professionals, and stocked with medical supplies and equipment. It is not as simple as hopping on the next commercial flight. Medical evacuation coverage provides up to $1,000,000 in evacuation expenses, depending on the company.

Comparison sites are the best way to shop for travel insurance

There are several websites where travelers can compare policies from all major companies (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

Travel Guard’s Platinum is a great overall plan

December 19, 2006 By Leave a Comment

screenshot_12.pngPlatinum is Travel Guard’s premier package plan

Most travel insurance companies offer something called a “package” plan. Package plans are popular because they offer comprehensive, all-in-one coverage, usually including:

  • trip cancellation
  • trip interruption
  • medical emergencies
  • emergency evacuation
  • baggage

Look for a plan with the appropriate amount of coverage for your trip

When comparing package plans, look at the coverage limits and ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the amount. For example, some people are not as concerned with emergency medical expenses but want as much baggage coverage as possible. Before you start shopping, take a moment and write down what is important to you in a policy. What type of coverage is most important and how much do you need?

Travel Guard offers a plan called Platinum. This is their premier package plan, and offers comprehensive coverage for travelers, including:

Coverage Type Coverage amount
Trip cancellation Trip cost
Covers you if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
Trip interruption 125% trip cost
Covers you if you interrupt your trip for a covered reason.
Trip delay $1000
Reimburses you up to $200 a day for additional accommodations or travel expenses if you are delayed for more than 6 hours.
Missed connection $500
Reimburses you for transportation expenses incurred if you miss a connection due to weather or common carrier delay.
Medical expenses $50,000
Covers necessary medical expenses up to one year after the sickness or injury, provided you sought initial medical treatment while on your trip.
Emergency medical transportation $1,000,000
Covers evacuation and transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage or personal effects $1000
Reimburses for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and possessions while on a covered trip.
Baggage delay $200
Reimburses you for the purchase of essential items if your bags are delayed for more than 24 hours.
A,D & D $25,000
Coverage against unforeseen injury or loss of life while traveling.

See the full review on Travel Guard’s Platinum plan.

Essential, individual coverage for the basic travel protections and not a lot of extras

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