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What to look for in travel insurance

January 23, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

First time travelers may find it quite a challenge to try and obtain a good travel insurance policy. Since there are so many factors that have to be considered, new travelers will do well to learn about the basics of travel insurance.

When you’re looking for travel insurance, you have to ask some important questions:

  • How many people are making the trip?
  • Do any of these people have special needs (like medications, wheel chairs, etc)?
  • How long is the trip going to be?
  • Where are you going to stay?
  • Are you going to need a car or special medical coverage when you’re there?

All of these questions are extremely important when you’re looking for an insurance policy that is best for your needs.

Before anything else, you have to figure out the duration of your trip. This is important because there are different options which are dependent on the length of your trip so you absolutely have to know. First, there is single trip insurance. Single trip travel insurance is obtained for a single trip and it is used for any trip shorter than around 3 months. It can be a few days or a couple of weeks. This covers trip cancellation, interruption, and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.

Then, there is annual trip insurance. If you are traveling multiple times in a year, look for this kind of policy. These policies are often obtained by businessmen who do a lot of regular job-related traveling or by people who frequently take vacations. There is usually a lower limit for travel days and the number of trips is clearly specified in the policy so you’ll have to provide this information.

If you’re going to be staying on a trip for an extended period of time, look for long stay travel insurance. This kind of insurance is used for trips that are between 3 and 18 months. There are different policies for different time frames.

You have to look for policies that will cover any medical needs you may have as well. If someone is pregnant, she will definitely need travel medical insurance because the chance that they will need to see a doctor is higher. If you’re going to be on a plane, flight accident insurance is also important, in case of an accident. Even if you are slightly likely to get into an accident, accidental death and dismemberment insurance will definitely be a good investment to protect your family.

Some travel insurance packages actually offer good deals on hotel rooms, rental cars, or other necessities. To take advantage of these deals, it’s extremely important that you know what you will need in your travel. Sometimes, companies will have contracts with certain car dealerships for cheaper car rentals so if you’re going to need a car, try looking for policies that offer those perks. This is a common practice in car rental and travel insurance industries.
Always make sure you know what you’re looking for before you buy a policy. That way, you’ll get what you really need.

Filed Under: Learning

Why international travel insurance?

January 22, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Traveling within the United States has its own set of risks, and traveling overseas or internationally can further complicate matters. Being away from home in a foreign country can be a bit intimidating, as there might not be people there who speak English to assist a traveler in the case of an emergency. Getting international travel insurance is a smart, efficient way to protect your property and yourself and loved ones. Going abroad should be an exciting time, so having the extra peace of mind that comes with an international insurance plan is an added bonus. Many plans come with travel medical insurance as well, so in the event of an accident or another medical related emergency, all international costs are covered. These plans will often cover any incurred doctor bills, trips to the emergency room, and prescription medications that might be needed. Some international travel insurance plans also cover accidental dismemberment and death, and will cover the cost of transporting someone back to their home in the unfortunate event of a death while in another country.

Crime in certain countries can be higher than in the United States, and an unsuspecting tourist may not be aware of certain areas to be vigilant against crime. In addition, being away from the United States can make dealing with the local authorities intimidating and confusing. With an international travel insurance policy, losses due to theft and crime are covered, usually up to a certain amount. For example, if a camera or wallet is stolen, the insurance should cover most of the cost to replace it. It can also provide a certain level of identity protection if an ID card, license, or other document gets misplaced. This coverage can also apply to lost luggage, which can be an extremely stressful situation for any traveler, particularly one who is out of the country. Most insurance plans will allot a certain amount of money to those who are covered so that they can replace their necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and personal effects.

Some international travel insurance plans also provide extra benefits outside of the traditional things covered by regular insurance. Perks such as concierge services, tee time reservations at golf courses, and even cancellation of all lost or stolen credit cards is provided. In many cases, these types of insurance plans are flexible, and customers can choose from various options and upgrades. If the person or people traveling are planning on driving, collision and accident coverage can be provided, since most domestic US automobile insurances policies do not cover driving in other countries. In the event of a trip cancellation or need to reschedule, the insurance will cover that cost as well. This way, it can easily be rescheduled at a later time without as much financial loss. Choose a plan that will suit the needs of your traveling party, and be reassured that all essential needs will be covered so that you can enjoy your international vacation.

Filed Under: Learning

How to find cheap travel insurance?

January 21, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Many travelers are so excited about choosing the right travel packages and accommodations for their holidays that they overlook the importance of getting a good and cheap travel insurance policy. By spending more time and effort to look for a good travel insurance deal, travelers can get excellent insurance coverage during their vacations as well as save a great deal of money.

It is common for vacationers to purchase travel insurance from their travel operators, because they are unaware that they can get better insurance deals elsewhere. In some cases, travel insurance policies offered by travel companies are four to five times more expensive than the policies offered by insurance companies. Some travel companies even claim that they provide free insurance with their travel packages, but in reality, the insurance costs are already added to the overall costs of the packages. Travelers can be assured that they will get the best insurance deals if they purchase their travel insurance policies from specialized insurance providers.

The cheapest travel insurance policy may not be the best policy, because it may not provide the same level of coverage as policies that are more expensive. To ensure that they are sufficiently insured during their vacations, travelers should opt for policies that provide coverage for medical expenses, personal belongings, cash, baggage, cancellation, personal liability, and legal costs. There are many insurance providers that offer travel insurance policies with such coverage, and a little comparison shopping will help travelers find a good policy at an affordable rate. Some insurance websites provide travel insurance comparison tools to help travelers find the best travel insurance offers.

Those who travel frequently can cut down on travel insurance cost by purchasing an annual multi trip travel insurance policy. This kind of policy provides coverage for every trip that is made within a year. Instead of spending extra money to buy several single trip travel insurance policies, frequent travelers can save money by paying a one-off fee for a multi trip travel insurance policy. A multi trip policy is beneficial to business travelers, or anybody who plans to travel more than two times a year.

There is also a money-saving travel insurance option for families. A family travel insurance policy provides coverage for all the members of the family who are traveling together. The cost of this kind of policy is much lower than the overall cost of purchasing several policies for every individual in a family.

Another travel insurance policy that can help travelers save money is the backpacker travel insurance policy. This policy is specially designed for backpackers or those who plan to stay in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Usually, travel insurance coverage is only valid for a certain period of time, and travelers who wish to stay longer in another country has to get special coverage by paying a higher premium. A backpacker insurance policy makes it possible for travelers to get coverage for a longer time without paying additional costs.

When comparing travel insurance policies, it is important to consider the compensation amount as well. Some policies offer very low compensation for medical expenses and loss or damage of belongings, and they are often the cheapest options. The perfect travel insurance policy will be an affordable policy that provides sufficient coverage as well as high compensation.

Filed Under: Learning

Can you buy travel insurance after your vacation has begun?

January 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

The ins-and-outs of travel insurance can be quite intricate so even the most seasoned travelers run into trouble once in awhile. If you are unfamiliar with travel insurance, you may find it hard to understand and you may have a lot of questions about it. What is it for? How long does it cover me? What does it cover? However, one of most common questions doesn’t have anything to do with what is covered in a travel insurance policy, but people want to know when they can obtain it.

Most experienced travelers choose to obtain travel insurance before they leave on a trip. This makes sense because they know how long their trip will last, who will be coming on the trip, what kind of coverage they are likely to need, and many other important factors. On the other hand, some travelers – especially inexperienced ones – don’t think to obtain insurance until their trip is underway and then they wonder: is it too late? Can I still obtain insurance even though I’m already on the trip?

The simple answer is: Yes, you can obtain travel insurance after you have officially begun your trip. Nevertheless, you should realize when you obtain a travel insurance policy after a trip has begun, it is never retroactive. It does not cover anything that occurred before the policy went into effect. If you are having a medical emergency, none of those bills will be covered until the policy goes into effect. While you can definitely find policies that go into effect immediately once they are obtained, some take awhile to become official. This is why it’s better to obtain insurance before you leave on a trip. If you find yourself suddenly needing insurance on a trip, surely, you’re already facing some problems.

There isn’t really a difference in policies when it comes to obtaining one on a trip and all the usual rules still apply. You must reveal all pre-existing conditions – conditions that occurred between 90 to 180 days of the trip – to the insurance company. Payments must be made accordingly. Then, you should know that single trip insurance covers only a single trip, annual insurance covers multiple trips, and long stay travel insurance covers trips between 3 and 18 months. The only thing that’s truly different is when you obtain insurance. In some cases, obtaining insurance whilst on a trip can be a bit more expensive, especially if you consider lost deal opportunities.

Sometimes, a trip may get extended unexpectedly and you realize that you need insurance for the duration of the trip. For instance, a family member may fall ill during the trip and the stay has to be extended. In this situation, a policy with longer coverage is needed to ensure everyone is covered for the extension.

To be safe, it’s always best to get travel insurance before you leave on a trip. In case you forgot to obtain your travel insurance policy or in situations where you need it whilst on your trip, you only need to know it’s possible.

Filed Under: Learning

What would void a travel insurance policy?

January 19, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

The most common reason a travel insurance company will void a policy is non-disclosure. Basically, if you conceal secrets or lie to an insurance company, even if it’s only about something trivial, and the insurance company discovers it, they have grounds to void the entire policy.

What counts as non-disclosure? Most commonly, it applies to lying about a pre-existing medical condition. When an insurance company agrees to cover someone, they take into account everything. Other than the age of the applicant and the risk of certain trips, health is an important factor. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and the company knows about it, they’ll decide whether or not to extend coverage based on how well your doctor says you are doing.

If you cover up a serious or even not so serious medical condition and you proceed to purchase a travel insurance policy, and something happens as a result of that condition, the company is well within its rights to void the policy. Since the condition is not disclosed to the travel insurance company before they provided coverage, the whole travel insurance agreement is considered fraudulent. This is almost always a disaster for the people whose policy is voided because they will end up dealing with massive medical bills out of their own pockets.

Why would a company do this? An insurance company is a business entity where everything is set in black and white. This is why they demand to know about any and all pre-existing medical conditions before they agree to extend a policy. Some people are just too high-risk to insure, especially if they are putting an already ill body under the stress of travel. When travel insurance companies insure someone who has a pre-existing condition, they will almost always raise the premium because the person is considered “high-risk.” If you do not disclose any pre-existing condition, you are actually cheating the insurance company because you are supposed to be paying a higher premium.

This applies to any kind of insurance you obtain. Single trip travel insurance, which covers only a single trip, works the same way. Annual trip insurance, which covers multiple trips within a yearlong period, also has non-disclosure clauses. Even long stay travel insurance, which covers people on trips between 3 and 18 months long, can be voided for non-disclosure.

When the travel insurance company discovers that you have a pre-existing condition, it’s important to know they can void the policy, even if you don’t get sicker while on the trip. Even if you know you aren’t likely to suffer any serious illness despite your medical condition, it absolutely has to be disclosed to the travel insurance company or you risk having the policy voided.

It’s also important to get a check-up before a trip because insurance companies classify any illness occurring between 60, 90, or 180 days depending on the company as pre-existing. If you don’t know about a certain condition and it’s discovered later, it’s still grounds for the company to void the policy.

Filed Under: Learning

All about The New Seven Wonders of the World

January 18, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

The seven wonders of the world are impressive monuments regarded with awe and wonder. In the past, there were the seven wonders of the ancient world that amazed people who had the fortune to see them. Today, there are some spectacular monuments that are just as impressive as the ancient ones. The New 7 Wonders Foundation in Switzerland received around two hundred entries from across the world, and it finally short-listed twenty one finalists. In 2007, the final list of the seven modern wonders were announced in Lisbon, Portugal.

The new seven modern wonders of the world are comprised of: the Taj Mahal of India, The Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer statue of Brazil, Machu Picchu of Peru, Petra of Jordan, Colosseum of Italy, and Chichen Itza of Mexico.

The Great Wall of China is a 2,400-km wall that stretches along the southern side of China’s Mongolian plain. It was built in the 3rd century by the Ch’in Emperor, and it was appended by successive dynasties. The wall was built to stop the entry of northern nomads into China. This remarkable monument is so long, that it can be seen from space stations.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum made of white marble, and it is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra. The mausoleum is the epitome of Indian Islamic architecture, and it was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1643, and it remains one of the most impressive buildings ever created by Man.

Peru ’s Machu Picchu is the ancient Inca site excavated by US explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. The site is located in an elevated area, with the Urabamba River flowing below. The Machu Picchu was a pre-Columbian city, and even after hundreds of years, the site remains intact. The city served as a mountain retreat for Pachacuti Yupanqui, the ruler of the Incas, during the 15th century. The ruins feature some spectacular architectural designs, such as terracing systems and religious monuments.

The Chichen Itza is an ancient city that was established during the time of the Mayan civilization. It is located in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, and it was once a major Mayan city. The structures in Chichen Itza feature a mix of architectural styles, which include Mexican and Puuc designs.

The famous Colosseum of Rome is another impressive structure with great historical significance. This grand amphitheatre was built by the Roman Empire in the 1st century, and it could seat almost 50,000 spectators in the past. Many gladiatorial combats were held in the Colosseum.

The sixth wonder of the modern world is an old ruin in Jordan known as Petra. Petra was the capital of the Nabateans during the 4th century, and it also served as a religious center for the Arab world for a long time. Hundreds of old structures still stand in the Jordanian site of Petra, including the Khazneh el-Farun and the El Deir.

The seventh wonder of the world is Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. This awesome statue stands 130 feet high, and it is perched on the top of the Corcovado Mountain. It is a symbol of Roman Catholicism in Brazil.

Those who are planning to visit any of the seven wonders of the modern world in the near future should get a good (travel insurance policy) before their trips. Travel insurance will provide coverage for all the expenses that may be incurred because of loss, theft, or accidents during a vacation. Getting a (travel insurance) policy will definitely give travelers peace of mind during their vacations.

Filed Under: Learning

Define “excess” in regard to travel insurance

January 17, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Knowing everything there is to know about travel insurance is tough even for the most seasoned travelers. Many people don’t know their policies all that well. In fact, most people don’t even read the terms and conditions. When certain terms are used, some people get confused because they don’t understand the meaning of those terms. When you come across the word “excess” in a travel insurance policy, you will discover it’s a little more complicated than its definition in a standard dictionary.

What exactly is “excess” in relation to travel insurance? Basically, excess is the part of a travel insurance policy you agree to pay. The insurance company that you are insured with covers the remaining costs up to the limit of your coverage. This applies to the submission of claims. Instead of the company insuring you for the amount of your coverage and then you having to pay the rest, it’s the opposite. You pay a set amount, say $500, and if the claim is for more, the insurance company covers the rest up to the maximum amount of coverage.

That may seem backwards, but it offers a huge perk: very low premiums. Since accidents are usually rare, this option can be a great investment. You spend less money on premiums with a policy that includes excess if nothing does happen.

All types of insurance policies – not just travel insurance – can include excess, so no matter what type of policy you choose, you will have to pay excess on the policy. This way, it should have little impact on the type of policy you actually need. For single trip insurance, which covers only a single trip, it’s very low-risk. Single trips are usually short so the risk of accident is much lower.

When it comes to annual trip travel insurance, the risk is still quite low. Annual trip insurance is usually used by business people because it covers multiple trips per year; it is also popular with frequent holiday travelers. These policies tend to have some restrictions when it comes to travel days and number of trips, but it’s very convenient for most travelers.

Long stay travel insurance is obtained when people anywhere from 3 to 18 months. Excess can come in handy here because the premiums are very low. If you’re going to be paying for insurance for 18 months, you want to get the premiums as low as possible.

Excess is even included in medical travel insurance, cruise travel insurance, car rental insurance, and fight accident insurance. There are policies that don’t include excess, but the practice is becoming more and more common because it’s really the best option for some people.

While it may sound risky on the outside, excess is actually a really good option for people who are looking for low premiums. In the event that something serious does happen, the excess amount is usually nothing compared to the amount the insurance company will cover, so it’s not that much of a risk.

Filed Under: Learning

Travel insurance for people who have suffered a stroke in the past

January 16, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

People don’t often realize the value of travel insurance until they suffer some sort of health attack right when they are supposed to be enjoying their vacations of a lifetime. Many insurance providers offer policies that cover people who have pre-existing medical conditions, which generally refer to some health conditions that you have at the time when you purchased the insurance. It also often includes conditions for which you have been investigated, taken medication, or hospitalized for a certain period in the recent past.

Unfortunately, some insurance providers do not cover insurance for people who have suffered from a stroke in the past. If you think about it, a stroke is as serious a medical condition as anything else. Indeed, a stroke can lead to a lot of underlying problems that bring both physical and emotional turmoil.

People who have suffered from strokes should be given the same treatment by insurance providers as with everybody else. However, there’s really no cause to worry because there still are many providers who offer insurance policies for people who have had a stroke. You only have to work a little harder to find a provider that will meet all your needs.

Since a stroke can bring about a number of other complications, it’s no wonder that some insurance providers don’t offer travel medical insurance for stroke patients. Some of these other conditions include diabetes, heart attack, pneumonia, and even depression. No matter how tedious it is to declare all these information to your insurance provider, there is always one very important thing to remember. Declare it! Make sure that your insurance provider knows everything about the stroke you have suffered in the past. While you are at it, you should also declare all other medical conditions you have had, even if they are not linked to the stroke. This is because insurers only cover emergency situations caused by the health conditions you have declared.

Of course, your insurers will not actually take your word for it. You will have to provide a medical certificate from your doctor as proof that you have really suffered from a stroke in the past. Otherwise, they will confirm your condition with the hospital you were admitted to or the practitioner you turned to when the stroke happened. Once they are certain that you are telling the truth, you are eligible to apply for a travel insurance that covers your medical condition.

The most common benefit you will receive is the coverage of medical expenses in the event that a stroke occurs during your trip. Travel insurers also provide other forms of assistance, including reimbursements in case you want to cancel your trip on the grounds that it is related to the stroke, and coverage of the expenses of a companion. This covers accommodations and airfare of the person needs to stay with you as you go through treatment during the trip.

The possibilities of travel insurance for people who have suffered from a stroke in the past differ from provider to provider. You will have to look for one that offers the broadest coverage so that you can take full advantage of your purchase.

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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