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Should we buy travel insurance?

August 24, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

should-i-buy-travel-insuranceTraveling is a wonderful pastime, because it allows people to take a break from their busy lifestyles and spend some precious time with their families or friends or by themselves. Nevertheless, misfortunes can occur during vacations, and they can result in illnesses or injuries or cause significant financial loss. A well-planned vacation can be completely ruined because of certain unexpected incidents, and one way that travelers can protect themselves against these incidents is to purchase a travel insurance policy.

It is recommended that travelers obtain travel insurance before their vacations. Other than being more careful, there is no way to prevent accidents from happening. While a travel insurance policy cannot ensure safety for travelers, it can make their losses more bearable if accidents do occur. When travelers go to another country for a vacation, they may have to adapt to unfamiliar conditions such as different weather conditions, lower hygiene standards, and strange places and road systems. These conditions can increase the risk of illnesses and accidents, and those who are unfortunate may find themselves needing medical attention during their vacations. It is not surprising that medical treatments can cost thousands or ten of thousands of dollars in certain countries, and some travelers may not be able to afford to pay for their treatments. Nevertheless, if they have adequate insurance coverage, they can get the medical care they need without suffering any financial loss.

Other than medical coverage, a travel insurance policy also protects travelers from unexpected incidents such as loss of baggage, loss of personal belongings or cash, trip cancellation, personal liability, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Travelers can also add and upgrade coverage options to suit their individual needs. Some of the optional coverage options that are available include flight cancellation, travel delay, tour operator default, dental treatment, high-risk activities, rental car damage, and others. The limits of coverage options can also be upgraded, so that policyholders can claim for higher amounts of compensation.

There are many different types of travel insurance policies for travelers to choose from. The most common types of travel policy are the single trip travel insurance policy and the multi-trip travel insurance policy. Discount policies are also available for family and group travelers, as well as backpackers and students. Seniors and those who have serious pre-existing health problems are required to purchase special policies, and such policies are more expensive than standard ones. Travelers can either opt for package policies that feature a number of essential coverage options or go for a customized policy, which allows them to choose their own coverage options.

Filed Under: Learning

Do soldiers stationed overseas need to purchase repatriation coverage

August 23, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

iraqSoldiers are committed to serving the interests of their countries, and some of them are sent to participate in oversea military missions. Soldiers who are stationed in war zones are exposed to high risks of injuries, and they may be unable to continue their service overseas after they are wounded. For those who are killed in foreign countries while performing their military duties, their remains may be sent home to their families for burial. It is not uncommon for soldiers to be repatriated to their home countries, and some people wonder if soldiers need to purchase a travel insurance policy to get repatriation coverage.

Transportation of wounded and dead soldiers to their home countries is a complicated process, and therefore, it costs a lot of money. In certain countries, the governments provide free repatriation service for military personnel, and there is no need for soldiers to purchase their own repatriation coverage. Usually, when soldiers are killed in a foreign country, their family members can choose for their remains to be buried in the place where they were killed or repatriated to their home countries. If the family members choose repatriation, the military will make arrangements for the bodies to be sent back, and they don’t have to pay the high cost of repatriation with their own money.

In most cases, soldiers are entitled to free medical care, evacuation, and repatriation when they are stationed overseas. Nevertheless, the government does not provide financial protection against certain unforeseen losses, such as loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings, personal liability, and others. Those who wish to obtain these coverage options can do so by purchasing a military travel insurance policy. There are not many insurance providers that offer specialized military policies, but military travelers can easily find a number of companies on the Internet that can take care of their insurance needs.

Military travel insurance policies do not only provide coverage for job-related travels; they also offer protection against misfortunes that occur during leisure travels. When choosing an insurance company to purchase travel insurance, military travelers should opt for a reputable provider that specializes in military insurance. Such a company is experienced in dealing with military people, and it is aware of the risks that come with military duties. As such, it can offer valuable advice and provide appropriate coverage for military travelers. Additionally, a good military insurance company will be able to process compensation claims with minimal delay.

Filed Under: Learning

Do missionaries have access to medical care through travel insurance offered by their organization

August 22, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-insurance-missionariesMany missionaries are sent to remote places around the world to communicate the gospel to different cultures of the world, and they may be exposed to a lot of risks during their travels. Some countries have very low standards of living, and their food and water may not be hygienic enough for consumption. As such, there is a higher chance that missionary volunteers will become ill when they travel to these countries. They may even contract serious illnesses that require extensive and costly medical care. It is important for workers to get a travel insurance policy before they set off for their destinations, because it will provide protection against certain financial losses that may be incurred during their travels.

Most missionarr workers get financial support from their missionary organizations. The organizations are aware of the risks that are involved when they travel to other countries to do the work of God, and they understand the importance of investing in travel insurance. The travel insurance policies that are offered to missionaries usually come from insurance providers that specialize in missionary insurance. These providers have good knowledge of the requirements of missionary work, and they offer insurance policies that will meet the specific needs of mission workers.

Perhaps the travel insurance coverage that is most essential to workers is medical coverage, because they are exposed to greater risks of illnesses and injuries compared to other types of travelers. A missionary travel insurance policy usually offers better medical coverage than a standard policy, and missionaries can be assured that they will get adequate compensation if they sustain illnesses or injuries when they are on a mission. Other than coverage for medical expenses, a missionary policy also offers coverage options such as trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and loss of luggage or belongings. Coverage options can also be added or upgraded to suit the needs of individual travelers. For instance, those who are traveling to remote areas should get an upgrade for emergency evacuation, because rescue services can be very costly in those places.

Established missionary travel insurance providers are the best options for those who are planning to purchase a missionary travel insurance policy. These providers have the necessary experience and resources to provide the best policies for volunteers. They have insured missionaries in many places around the world, and they have established connections with emergency services in almost every country. In the event that missionaries find themselves in an emergency situation, these companies can help them contact emergency services in their localities and get them out of trouble in the shortest time possible.

Filed Under: Learning

Do I get a discount on travel insurance if I’m a veteran

August 21, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-insurance-discount-veteranIt is necessary for travelers to obtain a travel insurance policy before they set off for their vacations, because accidents and misfortunes can happen when they are in a foreign country. Certain unforeseen incidents can cause them to lose a lot of money and ruin their vacations. With adequate travel insurance coverage, travelers can claim financial recovery for unexpected losses that are sustained during their travels.

Veterans are entitled to many discounts in their own countries, and some travel companies even offer them discount travel deals. However, it is uncommon for travel insurance brokers to offer discounts for veterans who are purchasing travel insurance. Veterans may be able to get a number of free travel insurance coverage options if they apply for veteran concession cards, but these coverage options may not cover their basic insurance needs. If they want to get complete travel insurance that includes all essential coverage options, they have to buy policies from travel insurance companies and pay the full price. Veterans who are below the age of 60 or 65 can apply for standard insurance policies, but those who are older than 60 or 65 years old are required to buy special senior travel policies, which are more expensive than standard ones.

Although they cannot purchase travel insurance at a discounted price, veterans can still save money on travel insurance if they know how to choose the right policy. They should do some comparison shopping before they buy a policy. Get information from a few different companies that provide a travel insurance comparison, and then compare their prices and coverage options. It is not a good idea to opt for a cheap travel insurance policy without considering the quality of the coverage. Some cheap policies offer very low compensation amounts, and they do not provide complete financial protection against certain losses. Many travelers regret buying such policies after they meet with misfortunes during their vacations, because they have to use their own money to pay for part of their losses.

The best thing to do is to get a travel insurance policy from established insurance providers. Such providers offer quality policies at competitive prices, and they have very well-trained and knowledgeable representatives who are able to provide the best travel insurance advice for their clients. They also have more coverage options and better emergency services. When travelers sustain financial losses during their vacations and make claims for compensations, these companies have the experience and resources to process their claims efficiently.

Filed Under: Learning

Can seniors get travel medical insurance?

August 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

seniors-travel-medical-insuranceWith cheaper air tickets, accommodations, and travel packages available, seniors are finding it more affordable to go on holidays. When an older person is traveling, there are unique factors to consider and extra care should be taken to ensure the health and safety of the individual. When people advance in age, they experience changes in their bodies, which may present some problems, especially when they are traveling. Seniors should consider investing in travel insurance to protect themselves and their many assets while traveling abroad. Medical and general travel insurance has both tangible benefits, like recovering lost or stolen luggage and belongings, and intangible benefits, such as peace of mind and financial assurance while traveling.

Travel medical insurance for seniors is a type of travel insurance that provides the insured with medical coverage while traveling abroad. In the event that a traveler suffers some serious injuries, prevent them from continuing on their journey, travel medical insurance can provide the care and attention needed. Depending on the travel medical package in use, travelers may be treated at their current location if proper medical facilities are available, or when necessary, they may be transported to the nearest quality medical facility. Depending on the situation, international medical insurance may also cover medical evacuation costs. Medical costs and special transportation costs can be a great burden if you do not have travel-med insurance; this is why it is very important for older travelers to get travel medical coverage before they begin their travels.

Some people might think that elderly travelers cannot get international medical insurance because travel insurance companies may not want to take on higher risks, but it’s simply not true. Enough travel insurance companies offer travel medical insurance for senior travelers, so it is not difficult to find a suitable policy at a price that works with each specific budget. Seniors who are traveling within the United States may be able to claim from their Medicare or Medicaid program in the event that they suffer an injury or illness, but older travelers who are traveling overseas would not be covered by their existing domestic coverage. To ensure health coverage while they in a foreign country, seniors would need to get travel medical insurance.

When shopping for travel medical insurance, seniors should make it a point to find a travel insurance policy that covers pre-existing conditions because they may have some health problems, which may manifest during the course of travel. If the policy does not provide for pre-existing conditions, it means that the seniors will have to bear the medical costs on their own, which can be a heavy burden, especially in foreign countries where deposits have to be made before patients are admitted in the hospitals. Travel medical insurance for seniors may come at a higher premium but it is all worth the little extra when emergencies occur.

Filed Under: Learning

Do most tourists buy travel insurance?

August 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

tourists-buy-travel-insuranceDepending on the area and activities that go along with a trip, traveling can be very expensive. With the planning and preparation of any trip, travelers may be preoccupied and forget to secure travel insurance to protect their investment and travel plans. Travel insurance can go a long way towards making sure that every detail of your trip is carefully planned and executed, it’s an important investment that many travelers overlook. Without a doubt, it is necessary to find a travel insurance policy that suits their needs.

By now, most tourists are very much aware of some of the potential hazards of traveling, such as medical costs incurred because of an accident, loss of passport, trip cancellation, and loss of baggage. Each of these situations can present a challenging problem for tourists, especially if they have no travel insurance. When you lose your passport, credit cards, and cash in a foreign country, the situation can get complicated; many travelers are unsure of whom to contact in an emergency, and the proper channels to go through when faced with a serious problem while traveling. If you have travel insurance, you would be able to claim some emergency cash, so that you can get a replacement passport, and continue with your vacation.

Nowadays, tourists can easily book their air tickets, accommodations, rental cars, and tours on the Internet. They can also find information about all types of travel insurance and buy cheap travel insurance without leaving their homes. Whether they are looking for singe trip travel insurance or annual trip travel insurance; there are countless choices offering the best deals to meet all their requirements; this is one of the reasons why most tourists purchase travel insurance.

For most tourists, paying a small sum of money for travel insurance is a wise move simply because the potential benefits greatly outweighs the upfront investment. When tourists go on vacations, they should be aware that emergencies can happen, anytime, anywhere; travel insurance will safeguard travelers against the direct financial effects of a number of different scenarios. If you are going to a foreign country, you should get travel medical insurance because it offers extensive coverage for medical expenses. Some tourists get involved in an accident and they end up having to pay enormous hospital bills for the rest of their lives because they don’t have travel medical insurance. There’s also any reason trip cancellation travel insurance whereby tourists can cancel their trip for any reason at all without losing all the payments that have been made. Most tourists buy travel insurance so that they can enjoy a carefree vacation.

Filed Under: Learning

Can you buy travel insurance while overseas?

August 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

buy-travel-insurance-overseasNowadays, most travelers are beginning to see the logic and benefits of travel insurance, so much so that they would not leave on a journey without purchasing a travel insurance policy that meets their needs. Yet, traveling and the planning of a trip can be very stressful, and sometimes, even the most alert, seasoned travelers can forget the most important things like passports, air tickets, and travel insurance. What happens when you are in a foreign country and you realize that you have totally forgotten to obtain travel insurance? Can you buy travel insurance while overseas?

Travel insurance is extremely important, especially when you are overseas. It covers a number of travel-related incidences, including loss of luggage, cancellation, medical expenses, and more. When you are in a foreign country, it is vital that you get some form of travel insurance because you may get into a serious financial situation if you suffer an injury that requires hospitalization.

Not all insurance companies offer travel plans after the traveler has left their country of residence. Most companies require travelers to purchase trip insurance within a certain period before they go on the trip. However, some companies allow travelers to purchase travel insurance while overseas. Some companies will insure you within a certain period after you have left the country, but there are some conditions. One of these conditions is that you will only be covered from the day you buy travel insurance, so any injury or mishap suffered prior to the starting date will not be covered.

Sometimes, travelers may want to purchase travel insurance while overseas because you want to extend your travels and your single trip insurance has expired. In such a situation, you have to check with your original travel insurance provider to find out if you can get a new policy or make the appropriate changes. If you cannot get it, you will have to search for another travel insurance company. While travelers may have to pay a higher premium to get a new travel insurance policy while overseas, it’s still cheaper than traveling back to the country of your origin to purchase a new policy.

Though it’s possible to buy travel insurance when you are overseas, it’s best that you make sure that you have purchased a travel plan before you go on your trip. Perhaps, travelers should consider getting multi trip insurance.

Filed Under: Learning

Can travelers get travel insurance when waiting for tests for an undiagnosed illness

August 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-insurance-testsEverybody should get a travel insurance policy before they go on a vacation, because it can protect them from financial losses that may occur because of accidents or illness. It is possible that people fall sick when they are vacationing in a foreign country, and they may have to spend a huge sum of money to get medical treatment. In some countries, certain medical services can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, and some travelers may not have the financial resources to pay for their medical treatments. With a good travel insurance policy, travelers can be assured that they will not have to pay hefty medical expenses out of their own pockets.

Nevertheless, obtaining a travel insurance policy may not be an easy task for those who are suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart illnesses, arthritis, and others. Many insurance companies are not willing to take the risk to insure such travelers, because there is a higher chance that they will need medical care during their vacations. When travelers seek medical attention during their travels, the insurers have to pay compensation to them. There are insurance providers that offer special policies for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, but they will usually request applicants to undergo a medical screening test.

For travelers who have an undiagnosed disease, the process of applying for travel insurance is more complicated. Most insurance providers will not approve the applications of people with undiagnosed illnesses, because they do not have a clear understanding of the consequences of the conditions. Some diseases may need extensive and advanced medical care, and this can cost the insurance companies a lot of money. It is possible to find insurers that provide coverage for undiagnosed conditions, but there are very few of them. Applicants will be asked to present their medical records, and they have to take a medical screening test as well. Approval is given on a case-by-case basis, and there is no guarantee that a person with an undiagnosed condition will be successful in obtaining travel insurance coverage.

If you are waiting for the results of a medical test for undiagnosed disease and you want to apply for travel insurance, it is advisable that you show the insurance company a medical statement from your doctor. The statement should include information such as the chances that the diagnosis will be positive, the stability of your condition, the symptoms of the illness, the kinds of treatment that are recommended, and other details.

Filed Under: Learning

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About this website

My name is Damian, and I started this website in 2006 to help travelers understand travel insurance.

The site features company reviews, guides, articles, and many blog posts to help you better understand travel insurance and pick the right plan for your trip (assuming you actually need travel insurance).

I am also a licensed travel insurance agent, and you can get a quote and purchase through this site as well.

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