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)

Worst year for lost, delayed, and damaged luggage since 1991

According to the DOT (Dept. of Transportation), complaints about lost, delayed and damaged luggage are at an all time high. In fact, figures released recently by the DOT indicate that 2006 is on course to be the worst year for lost and mishandled baggage since 1991.

Travelers blame airline restrictions for increase in baggage problems

After 9/11 it was small fingernail clippers and razors, and in the past year we have added liquids and gels to the list. These carry-on restrictions force travelers to check more bags than they have in the past, and this increase in checked bags has resulted in more problems.

Travel insurance plans include coverage for lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage

The most popular type of travel insurance is called a package plan, or sometimes a comprehensive plan. This type of travel insurance is perfect for most travelers because it provides a wide variety of benefits, including baggage coverage.

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

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.

Medical 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

Travelsafe’s Premier plan is designed for the upscale, luxury traveler

Travelsafe offers a few different package plans, and Premier is their high-end product designed specially for upscale travelers. In addition to the standard benefits, Premier includes higher levels of coverage and even extra coverage types.

As with most package plans, Travelsafe’s Premier insurance policy includes coverage for:

• trip cancellation
• trip interruption
• travel delay
• baggage loss and delay
• medical expense/emergency assistance
• emergency medical evacuation with hospital of choice
• AD&D
• 24 hour emergency assistance hot-line

Premier includes extra coverage for the most complete plan available

In addition to the standard coverage listed above, Travelsafe’s Premier plan includes Cancel For Any Reason coverage for 90% of the non-refundable trip cost. This is much higher than the usual 75% cancel for any reason option that other plans offer as options. The Premier plan also includes rental car coverage and medical coverage of $1,000,000. Finally, the Premier plan is not age-rated.

Online quotes and purchasing made easy

Travelers can easily get quotes for Travelsafe products at Travelsafe.com, and even buy their policy online using a credit card. They offer their Premier plan, as well as other travel insurance plans including Vacation, Custom, and Insure-A-Flight.

Use a comparison site to shop around

Another option is to use a comparison site (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site) where you can get a quote for Travelsafe products as well as several other companies’ products, and choose the best one for you. The policy costs the same whether you buy from a comparison site or directly from the carrier.

With so many plans to choose from, the easiest way to shop for travel insurance is with a comparison website

Travel insurance comparison sites are basically agencies, just like Expedia.com or Orbitz.com. They have developed search engines that go out and gets prices from all carriers at the same time. This helps travelers by eliminating the need to visit several sites, re-enter your trip information, and then keep track of the quotes. Comparison sites do all of this for you.

Travelers get actual quotes…not estimated prices or “call for a quote” messages

After you enter some basic trip information, you will get instant, actual quotes from all major travel insurance companies. There is no “call to quote” or estimated premium…these quotes are what you will pay for the policy. This helps travelers save time and get the coverage they need.

Comparison sites organize all of the information so you can make an easy choice

When the policy quotes are displayed, they also arrange the quotes so you can understand the insurance coverage and pick the best plan for your trip. You will see how much coverage is provided with each plan. You will also be able to compare the plans side-by-side, which helps if you are deciding between a few different policies.

When you find the right plan, you can purchase online and get instant coverage

Finally, when you find a plan and are ready to purchase the policy, you can fill in your information, enter a credit card, and get instant coverage directly through the comparison site. Again, the comparison site is just like a travel agency. The policy costs the same whether you purchase through the comparison site or directly from the carrier.

Use a comparison website

Comparison engines makes shopping for travel insurance very easy. Their site gives travelers several ways to compare policies and find the right plan for you trip. When you find it, click the “buy” button to enter your credit card on the secure purchase page, and when you are done you will receive an email confirming your coverage (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

Travelex is a full service financial company for international travelers

Travelex is know for their international traveler financial services such as currency exchanges, travelers cheques, transfers, and travel insurance. They have actual locations throughout the world, which helps their visibility and trust level. In regards of 1-stop shopping, it is hard to beat Travelex for international financial needs.

TraveLite is a comprehensive plan for everyday travelers

Travelex has a couple basic plans with several upgrade options. TraveLite is the most basic, providing $50,000 in emergency medical coverage.

As with most comprehensive plans, Travelex’s TraveLite includes coverage for:

• trip cancellation
• trip interruption
• travel delay
• baggage loss and delay
• medical expense/emergency assistance
• emergency medical evacuation

TraveLite also includes the new JournEase program benefits

The JournEase program, included with both TraveLite and Travel Plus plans, is a benefit package that includes extra coverage. These are unique coverages, and provide extra value. They include:

• Event Ticket Secure– Reimburses you for unused event tickets to theatrical, concert and sporting events purchased while on your trip that you are unable to use due to a covered reason within the JournEase Program Guide.
• Identity Secure– Provides a vast array of assistance services and covers many of the expenses you incur to restore your identity.
• Medicalsummary.com– Secure Internet-based health information service.

Online quotes and purchasing made easy

You can get quotes for Travelex products at travelex-insurance.com, and read more about the benefits.

Using a comparison site to shop around is smart (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

CSA makes travel insurance easier by offering fewer options

CSA Travel Protection is a very reputable company selling travel insurance. They recently consolidated several different policy choices into two, simpler package plans: Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe. Freestyle is their basic plan which offers great overall coverage for most travelers. Freestyle Luxe is an upgraded plan that offers higher coverage amounts and a couple extra benefits.

“Just give us the best plan”

CSA made the choices simpler for travelers seeking trip insurance. They found many travelers simply saying, “just give us the best plan”, and they answered by putting together a comprehensive plan called Freestyle, and an upgrade plan called Freestyle Luxe.

Just like CSA’s Freestyle plan, the Freestyle Luxe travel policy includes coverage for:

• trip cancellation
• trip interruption
• travel delay
• baggage loss and delay
• medical expense/emergency assistance
• emergency medical evacuation

In addition, Freestyle Luxe provides these policy upgrades

• higher baggage coverage (from $1,000 to $1,500)
• higher baggage delay coverage ($200 to $500)
• higher medical expense coverage ($50,000 to $250,000)
• higher medical evacuation coverage ($250,000 to $1,000,000)
• higher collision damage waiver coverage ($25,000 to $50,000)
• higher AD&D flight only ($100,000 to $200,000)
• AD&D travel accident $50,000
• pre-existing condition coverage
• supplier bankruptcy and default coverage

Freestyle Luxe gives travelers higher levels of coverage and additional benefits

The upgrade to Freestyle Luxe gives travelers significantly higher coverage amounts in 6 areas: baggage, baggage delay, medical expenses, medical evacuation, rental collision damage waiver, and flight AD&D. The policy also adds coverage for travel accident AD&D, pre-existing medical conditions, and supplier bankruptcy or default.

Online quotes and purchasing made easy

Travelers can easily get quotes for CSA Travel Protection products at csatravelprotection.com , and even buy their policy online using a credit card. They offer both Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe.

Use a comparison site to shop around

Another option is to use a comparison site(see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site), where you can get a quote for CSA products and compare them side-by-side with other similar plans. This is the best way to find the right plan and get the best prices. The policy costs the same whether you buy from a comparison site or directly from the carrier.