When people are traveling, they expect that everything will go according to plan. Nevertheless, certain unexpected incidents can occur during travel, and they can turn a wonderful vacation into a bad experience. One of the most frustrating things that can happen to travelers is flight delay. If the duration of the delay is only a few minutes and travelers are still able to get to their final destinations a little later than scheduled, there is nothing to complain about. Nonetheless, some flight delays can be as long as one or two hours, and they can cause people to miss their connecting flights. It can be a great ordeal for travelers to wait several hours to get on the next connecting flight, and this can certainly ruin their holiday mood.

There is no guarantee that a particular flight will not be delayed. All air passengers have to be prepared to deal with flight delays. Delays are usually caused by unfavorable weather conditions and congestion at airports. There is a higher chance that flights to congested airports, such as Newark Liberty International Airport, O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Miami International Airport, and JFK in New York, will be delayed. Other factors that can result in the delay of flights include incompetence in maintenance, crew problems, and inefficient airport security screening. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the percentage of arriving flights in the United States that are delayed in the year 2010 is 17.55 %. This means that close to one out of five domestic flights do not arrive on time. During peak travel season, the percentage will rise to above 20%. Records for flight delays vary from one airline to another.

If it is the airline’s fault that a flight is delayed, passengers who miss their connecting flights will be put on the next soonest flight to their final destination. Nevertheless, if they are connecting to a flight by another airline, then it is not certain that they will get a seat on the next plane. In the event that a flight delay causes travelers to cancel their vacations, it is unlikely that the airline will reimburse them for the loss of their travel investments. Therefore, it is important for travelers to get travel insurance that includes coverage for flight delay. With the right travel insurance policy, they can be assured that they will get adequate financial compensation from their insurance companies in the event that unexpected incidents such as flight delay happen during travel.

Are hurricanes a covered reason for trip cancellation with a typical travel insurance plan? Are there any exceptions? What is the most important aspect of buying insurance that includes coverage due to a hurricane?

Hurricanes are generally a covered reason in most of our travel insurance plans. A travel insurance and assistance plan through Travel Guard can cover vacation investments if severe weather directly affects your arrangements or accommodations. For example, if you are forced to cancel a trip due to a named hurricane causing your destination to be uninhabitable, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can reimburse pre-paid nonrefundable expenses, up to the limit of coverage purchased. Coverage must be purchased before the hurricane is named.

In addition to covering travel costs, our most popular plans provide emergency travel services, including 24/7 emergency travel assistance, which re-books cancelled flights, makes new travel arrangements and secures hotel reservations..

Travel Guard is the nation’s leading provider of travel insurance, assistance, and service plans, covering more than 6 million travelers worldwide each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.

Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most plans also include 24-hour travel assistance services* for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more.

Most airlines have a very efficient way to handle checked luggage, and they deliver almost every luggage piece that is entrusted to them to the right destination. Nonetheless, baggage handlers do make mistakes on occasion, and some bags do not reach their owners at the end of a flight. Travelers who lose their luggage may experience significant financial loss, especially if they have valuable items in their bags, and many of them will try to claim for compensation from the airlines.

When loss of luggage occurs during air travel, it is mostly the result of airlines’ incompetent baggage handling systems. In such cases, the airlines have the responsibility to pay compensation to owners of lost luggage. The amount of compensation is dependent on a number of factors, which include the route of the flight and the contents of the luggage. Travelers who lose their luggage during a domestic flight can claim up to $3,000 per person. In the case that a luggage piece contains the belongings of two air passengers, then the maximum compensation amount will be $6,000. The liability limit for international flights is governed by airline regulations, as well as international treaties; therefore it varies greatly from case to case.

After an airline has confirmed that a certain luggage piece is lost, it will go into negotiation with its owner. The owner is required to produce a list of items that are kept in the luggage as well as the price of each item. The airline may also request him or her to show receipts for certain items on the list. After the documents are submitted to the airline, it will calculate the depreciated values of the items, and compensate the owner accordingly. If the lost bag contains a two-year-old suit that was bought at a price of $500, the airline will only pay its depreciated value, which may be only $250. Also, airlines have an extensive list of items that they do not reimburse for, and these include valuable items such as jewelry, antiques, cash, and others.

In most cases, travelers who lose their luggage during air travel do not get satisfactory compensation from airlines. One way to ensure that they will get the right amount of financial recovery is to obtain a good travel insurance policy. Most travel insurance plans provide coverage for lost luggage, and the compensation amounts are much higher than those that are offered by airlines. Travel insurance providers also allow travelers to get a coverage upgrade if they are planning to keep valuable items in their luggage.

More and more people are going on cruise vacations because such vacations provide excellent opportunities for fun and relaxation. Going on a cruise allows people to take part in a wide range of exciting activities, and memories of the sun and fun will last a lifetime. Nevertheless, cruise-goers have to be prepared for the unexpected. It is not uncommon for people to experience sea-sickness or meet with other misfortunes during their cruise vacations, and they may have to seek medical attention. All cruise ships offer medical services on-board, but the cost of treatment can be surprisingly high. To ensure that they will not suffer financial loss during their vacations, cruise-goers should buy travel insurance before they set off for their vacations.

Many people who are going on a cruise vacation think that they do not need to purchase a cruise insurance policy, because such a vacation is said to be safer than other vacation choices. It is always better for travelers to protect themselves against accidents, even those they believe to be unlikely. Cruise insurance is very affordable and can fit into almost any traveler’s budget. Typically, a standard plan costs around 4% to 6% of the total price of a cruise vacation, and it includes coverage options such as medical costs, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss or damage of luggage and personal belongings. If the total price of a cruise is $500.00, the insurance may only cost $20.00 to $30.00. This is a very small sum to pay for the assurance of care if the need should arise, considering the fact that policyholders will get absolute peace of mind throughout their vacations.

Different travel insurance providers offer different rates for cruise insurance. An established insurance company usually charges higher premiums, because it offers quality coverage options with high amounts of compensation, as well as helpful travel advice and emergency services. Despite the extra cost, it is recommended that cruise-goers opt for a cruise insurance plan from a reputable provider; because such a provider has the financial means to process claims promptly. The price of a cruise insurance policy will also be higher if policyholders wish to include additional coverage options or upgrade compensation amounts.

Another factor that affects the cost of cruise insurance is the age of the cruise-goer. Insurance providers do not offer standard cruise insurance to people who are older than 60 years of age. Senior cruise-goers are required to purchase a senior plan that includes special benefits, and this type of policy is more expensive than a standard policy. Those who have pre-existing medical conditions also need special insurance coverage, which comes with a higher price as well.

Traveling has become more affordable and many people are taking advantage of cheaper airfares and travel package deals. While most people travel only once or twice a year, others have the time and financial means to travel more frequently. Those who make more than two trips every year usually purchase an annual trip travel insurance policy, because such a policy offers a considerable amount of savings. The cost of an annual policy is lower than the total price of a few single trip travel insurance policies, and it covers travelers for any number of trips that are made within a year.

Annual trip travel insurance expires one year after the date of its purchase, and policyholders are required to renew their plans if they wish to get coverage for another year. Some travel insurance providers offer auto-renewal, meaning that policies will be automatically renewed if policyholders do not take any action to cancel them. It is advisable that travelers opt for non-auto-renewal, because it allows them to consider other options if they are not satisfied with their present policies. Travel insurance providers are required to give a notice of cancellation to policyholders 10 to 30 days before the expiry dates of their annual policies; this gives travelers ample time to decide whether they want to cancel or extend their travel insurance plan.

There are many reasons why people may want to cancel their annual travel insurance policies. They may be traveling less frequently than before, or they may want to look for another policy that offers better coverage. Those who wish to find a new and better annual trip travel insurance policy should do some research on the Internet. Many websites offer travel insurance comparison tools, these tools will let travelers know which insurance providers offer the best annual travel insurance deals. They will provide valuable information such as the prices, types and levels of coverage, and travel assistance services that are offered by insurance companies.

It is best that travelers purchase an annual travel insurance policy from a reputable insurance company. A good travel insurance provider does not only offer excellent coverage; it also provides a wide range of important services, such as travel advice and emergency services. In the event that you need to file a claim, you can expect to get prompt financial compensation from such a company.

Everybody who is planning to go on a vacation should purchase a travel insurance policy. Travel insurance will give travelers peace of mind during their vacations, because it ensures that they will not suffer from serious financial losses when they meet with misfortunes. Those who do not have travel insurance may lose their travel investments when certain circumstances force them to cancel or cut short their vacations, or they may have to use their hard-earned savings to pay for medical bills if they become ill or meet with accidents during their travels. These circumstances can really turn a wonderful vacation into a very bad experience.

Some people decide not to get travel insurance because they think that it is very expensive. Actually, it is something any traveler can afford, and it is well worth the small investment. The cost of a travel insurance plan varies from one insurance company to another, but typically, it is about 4% to 8% of the total value of a trip. Those who wish to get their travel policies from leading insurance companies have to be prepared to pay a higher premium, usually between 6% and 8% of the price of their vacations. Nonetheless, they can expect to get quality coverage from these companies, and they can avail of essential travel assistance services, such as travel advice and 24-hour emergency services. Many travelers buy cheap travel insurance from lesser-known companies, and they find themselves regretting their decision after they meet with misfortunes during their vacations. Policies from small insurance companies may not provide adequate compensation, and those who opt for these policies may have to pay for their financial losses with their own money.

The cost of travel insurance is also dependent on the number and types coverage options included in a travel plan, as well as the compensation amounts offered with the travel insurance policy. In most cases, standard policies offer protection against losses such as: medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, cancellation of trip, and loss of baggage and belongings. Travelers who wish to add more coverage options, such as: personal liability, legal expenses, repatriation, high-risk activities, terrorism, and others, or upgrade the compensation amounts to include certain coverage options have to pay a higher fee.

Seniors and people who are suffering from existing illnesses are required to get special travel insurance plans. These plans are costlier than regular plans because it is riskier for insurance companies to insure such people. Seniors and those with pre-existing medical conditions are more susceptible to illnesses, and it is more likely that they will file for claims.

Many travelers have realized the benefits of purchasing travel insurance, and the number of policies sold every year has increased substantially. Travel insurance takes some of the pressure off of planning and taking an international trip. It is important to consider the what-ifs of travel, and even more important to protect yourself and your financial assets in the event of an emergency during an international trip. Travel insurance ensures that the traveler will get adequate reimbursement in the event that they experience unexpected financial losses during their travels, due to an incident of accident, such as a car accident, lost/stolen property including travel documents, and medical coverage.

According to the United States Travel Insurance Association, approximately 23 million Americans purchased travel insurance policies in the year 2007, and one out of 6 policyholders filed for compensation. This means that about 3.8 million travelers filed claims with their travel insurance providers in that year. From this figure, it can be seen that a considerably large percentage of people meet with misfortunes during their vacations. It is necessary that travelers purchase an insurance policy before they embark on their vacations.

Many kinds of unplanned incidents can occur before or during travel. Travelers may have to cancel their trips due to an emergency, work commitments, or illnesses; and they will lose their travel investments if they do not have travel insurance. In addition, medical expenses may be incurred during travel because of illnesses or injuries, and they can amount to thousands of dollars. This can be a concern for budget travelers, who may not have the financial means to pay for their medical treatments.

Travelers may also lose their baggage, personal possessions, or cash while they are traveling. Those who have a good travel insurance policy will be well prepared to deal with misfortunes that happen during their travels, because they can claim for financial compensation if certain unexpected incidents occur.

There are many types of travel insurance that you can purchase, including single trip travel insurance, multi-trip insurance, family insurance, group insurance, senior insurance, backpacker insurance, and others. You should select a type of policy that suits your specific travel insurance needs. Many people choose to buy cheap travel insurance policies, but some policies may not provide sufficient coverage for travelers and it is important to consider all coverage options before finally purchasing a travel insurance plan. To ensure that you will have a worry-free vacation, you should obtain a travel policy from a leading insurance provider. Make sure that the insurance company you choose offers efficient 24-hour emergency service and excellent claims service.

Most travelers have good and memorable experiences during their vacations, but some people may not be so fortunate. Accidents and other unforeseen incidents can happen during travel, and they can force travelers to cut short their vacations. Those who are caught in such situations may also experience considerable financial loss, and they may not be able to go on another vacation in the near future. One of the unfortunate situations that often happen to travelers is the loss of luggage, which can result from errors made by airlines or airports, theft, or carelessness.

To minimize their financial loss, travelers should make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage for their luggage. In the event that baggage pieces are lost when they are being transported between airports, the airlines have the responsibility to compensate the owners of the bags. Nevertheless, it is known that airlines offer very little compensation for lost baggage, which is usually far less than the actual value of the luggage. Also, the airlines’ lost luggage liability does not cover for expensive things such as laptops, cameras, and jewelry. As such, those who rely on the airlines’ compensation for lost luggage will most likely suffer great financial loss when they lose their baggage.

Coverage for loss luggage is usually offered as part of a standard travel insurance package. Such coverage provides compensation for financial losses that are incurred when a luggage is lost or stolen. The maximum amount of compensation that is offered varies from one travel insurance policy to another. While some policies allow travelers to claim for the total value of their lost baggage, others only provide partial compensation. Those who are planning to bring valuable items on their vacations should make sure that their travel policies provide substantial coverage for loss baggage.

Most travel insurance companies allow their customers to upgrade loss bags coverage in their policies, and some of them even offer coverage for bags damage. Before you set off for your vacation, you should take photographs of all the things that you put in your luggage. Also, keep the receipts of all new items that you purchase during your vacation. In the event that your luggage is lost or stolen, you can show the photographs and receipts to your insurance company, so that they can calculate the exact value of your lost baggage. This will ensure that you will receive the right amount of compensation, and it can make the processing of claims more efficient.

Most travelers spend a lot of time and effort planning the perfect vacations, but they often overlook the importance of getting a good travel insurance policy. Travelers are more vulnerable to illnesses and accidents when they are traveling in a strange land, and there is no sure way to prevent unfortunate incidents from taking place.

Although travel insurance cannot help people avoid misfortunes during their travels, it offers consolation in the form of monetary compensation, which can be very useful in certain situations. Travel insurance provides a wide range of benefits for travelers. Firstly, it offers financial recovery for medical expenses that are incurred because of accidents and illnesses. Medical treatment is very costly in some countries, and those who sustain serious injuries may have to pay medical bills that amount to tens of thousands of dollars. With travel medical insurance, travelers can get reimbursement for the total amount of money that they spend on medical treatment. Travel insurance also covers medical evacuation, which means that travelers do not have to pay medical emergency transportation expenses with their own money.

Another important benefit of travel insurance is that it provides protection against trip cancellation and interruption. When an emergency arises before or during a vacation, travelers may have to cancel or cut short their trips. Since they have already paid for their vacations, they will stand to lose a substantial amount of money. Travel insurance ensures that they will get compensation for losses that result from trip cancellation or interruption. Additionally, those who have a travel policy will get coverage for loss baggage or personal belongings.

Other types of coverage that are available to travel insurance buyers include travel delay, tour operator default, personal liability, accidental death, legal expenses, repatriation, emergency reunion, dental expenses, and others. A travel insurance policy does not only ensure that you will get coverage for unforeseen losses; it also allows you to avail of a number of services that can be invaluable during times of emergency. Most travel insurance companies offer travel assistance and 24-hour emergency services to help their customers deal with unfavorable situations during their vacations. If you meet with an accident or lose your travel documents, you can seek assistance from your insurance company. The company will offer the best advice or contact local emergency services to help you solve your problems in the shortest time possible. This kind of assistance is especially important if you are traveling to a country where the locals do not speak your language.

As traveling becomes more affordable and developed, offering much more choices to different kinds of travelers, travel insurance has also become much more diversified. There is single trip insurance, trip cancellation travel insurance, annual trip travel insurance, visa insurance, and more. For people who are traveling to another country, travel medical insurance is recommended because medical expenses can be very costly, especially for foreigners.

When you suffer a personal injury during your travels, you should be able to submit a claim to your travel insurance company to cover your medical expenses. In the event that you have received successful treatment, should you notify your insurance company? Many perceptive travelers ask this question because they are unsure about what to do if they are in such a situation. According to trip insurance experts, it is best to contact your insurance company as soon as something happens and ideally before any sort of treatment. However, if you have already received treatment, it is imperative that you notify your insurer after you have received successful treatment.

After you have informed your insurer, it can go ahead and process your claim. Additionally, the insurance company will also be able to verify if you are able to receive further medical treatment as stipulated by your travel medical insurance policy. Sometimes, an injury may be more complicated than you can ever imagine. There have been cases where some victims of accidents suffer from minor headaches, which they assume would go away after they take some painkillers, only to find out that they are suffering from severe brain injuries.

In cases where the insured party suffers from bone fractures or other injuries that require further medical expenses after the person has returned to the country of origin, it’s extremely vital to contact the insurance company after the first successful treatment. It’s important to remember that no two injuries are the same. Then, the travel insurance company will check to determine if such medical expenses are covered by your policy.

As far as possible, it’s advised that you inform your insurance company as soon as possible if you require medical attention. It is best that you call your insurance agent to check if the treatment is payable under the terms of your travel medical insurance policy. In the event that you are unable to notify your agent before the medical treatment, it’s your responsibility to do so at the earliest convenience. Before you call your travel insurance company, it’s suggested that you try to get adequate information on the medical treatments from your doctor to encourage better service.