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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

What is the best way to buy travel insurance online

August 19, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Best way to buy travel insurance onlineAs traveling becomes more convenient and affordable these days, more and more people are going on vacations. Traveling allows people to escape from the monotony of their everyday lives and gain new experiences in foreign countries. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that travelers will be safe throughout their vacations, even if they take careful measures to prevent misfortunes from happening. As such, it is advisable that travelers buy travel insurance online to protect themselves against unexpected losses that may occur during the course of their vacations.

With the advent of the Internet, it has become more convenient for travelers to obtain a travel insurance policy. There are numerous companies on the Internet that offer travel insurance, and they have a wide range of policies and coverage options to suit the needs of every traveler. Travelers can choose to purchase single trip travel insurance or multi trip travel insurance, and they can save money by opting for family, group, student, or backpacker policies. Before deciding to buy a travel policy from any particular travel insurance company, travelers should have a clear idea of what kind of policy they wish to obtain.

Since there are so many options available on the Internet, finding the right policy can be a difficult task. Travel insurance buyers should get quotes and information from a few insurance companies and make comparisons. There are online travel insurance comparison tools that can help them compare offers from insurance providers. Many insurance buyers opt for the cheapest policies, but they should also consider the quality of the policies. Most cheap travel insurance policies offer very low compensation amounts, which may not be sufficient to provide full reimbursements for certain losses. When evaluating the quality of policies, travelers should consider the types of coverage offered, the compensation amounts, the duration and geographical area of coverage, and the flexibility of the policies in terms of additional coverage options and upgrades.

It is always better to purchase travel insurance from reputable insurance companies, because these companies usually provide very good benefits and services. You can expect to get valuable pre-trip advice from them, as well as efficient emergency services and claims handling. It is especially important that you choose a company that offers excellent emergency services, because it can provide essential assistance when serious accidents happen. A reputable insurance company is usually well connected, and it can contact emergency services around the world to get you out of trouble.

Filed Under: Learning

What do I do if I need to go to the doctor between insurance cancellation and COBRA

August 19, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, is a law that allows Americans to keep the insurance plans that are offered by their employers after they have quit their jobs. Usually, COBRA insurance also covers for the spouses or children of policyholders. Many people are not sure whether they should cancel the insurance plans from their previous employers or obtain COBRA insurance after they have quit their jobs. Here are the pros and cons of getting COBRA insurance.

One of the advantages of COBRA insurance is that it provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Those who need to see a doctor on a regular basis may find that it is difficult to get an individual health insurance policy. Some insurance providers refuse to take the risk to provide coverage for such conditions, while others have complicated evaluation procedures that may delay approval for an indefinite period. People who are applying for COBRA insurance can be assured that they will receive coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, because it is a law that insurance providers must insure people with such conditions if they get insurance through their jobs. Since COBRA insurance is an extension of the insurance coverage that is provided by an employer, the same law applies.

COBRA insurance may also serve as travel medical insurance when a policyholder makes a trip to a foreign country. If the insurance plan that is provided by a former employer provides overseas medical coverage, then the COBRA insurance policy will also offer financial protection for certain losses that may occur during travel. This means that a COBRA insurance policy-holder may not have to purchase a separate travel insurance policy when they go on overseas trips.

Some people do not think that COBRA insurance is the best option, because it is only temporary. In addition, when government subsidy expires after nine months, the premiums will become very high. Those who are insured through COBRA do not get the best value for their money, and they cannot get coverage that is specifically customized to meet their individual budget and health needs.

Overall, COBRA insurance is only beneficial if you, your spouse, or your children are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or you need a temporary policy while you are looking for new a job. If you want to get a low premium policy on a permanent basis or a customizable policy, it is advisable that you purchase an individual health insurance policy.

Filed Under: Learning

Can I renew my travel insurance policy online?

August 19, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Can I renew my travel insurance policy online?Many people travel to foreign countries several times a year; either for leisure, education, business, or to visit friends and relatives. These travelers will most likely benefit from an annual trip travel insurance policy, because it provides financial protection for them every time they travel to a foreign land, and it costs much less than the total price of several single trip travel insurance policies. Annual travel policies are valid for one year, and those who wish to extend their travel insurance have to contact their insurance companies to request for renewal.

In the past, renewing travel insurance policies has be a hassle, because policyholders were required to pay a visit to their insurance providers, or send their applications by mail. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Internet, many insurance companies began to offer online travel insurance renewal service for their customers. Online policy renewal provides great convenience for policyholders, because the entire process of application only takes a few minutes.

When the expiry date of a multi-trip travel insurance policy is approaching or has passed, an insurance company will send a renewal notice to the policyholder and provide instructions on how to apply for renewal. Not every travel insurance company allows their customers to renew their travel insurance policies online. Some of them only accept application for renewal over the phone or by mail. Those that accept travel insurance policy renewal online have a renewal form in their websites, and policyholders are required to type in certain personal details, policy information, and credit card information. Certain changes can also be made to the policies during renewal, including addition of coverage and upgrade of coverage level. After the form is completed and submitted, the companies take only a few seconds to confirm that they have received payment, and they will proceed to send the renewal documents by first class mail. For companies that offer policies that are underwritten by other insurers, the process of approval may be longer.

Different insurance providers have different rules and regulations regarding the renewal of travel policies. It is advisable that policyholders read the terms and conditions in the renewal application page first before they submit their applications. Usually, insurance companies have a deadline for renewal, and they will only approve online renewal of travel policies after full payment is made. After receiving their renewal documents, policyholders should read the small prints on the documents thoroughly to ensure that all the details are correct.

Filed Under: Learning

Can I add someone to my travel insurance policy while traveling?

August 18, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

add-someone-travel-insurance-policyTraveling provides an opportunity for people to explore new places and experience new cultures. Nonetheless, a well-planned vacation can be ruined if a traveler meets with an unfortunate incident, such as a car accident or loss of personal belongings. To protect themselves from losses that may occur during their vacations, travelers should obtain a travel insurance policy before they set off.

It is common for people to meet fellow travelers during their vacations, and they may end up traveling with their new found friends and taking part in various adventures together. Some of them may even want to add their friends to their travel insurance policies, so that they will all get financial protection throughout the course of their travels. Nonetheless, it is not possible to add another person to a travel insurance plan in the middle of a vacation, because the policy has already been in effect.

The only time that policyholders can add a travel mate to their policies is before the date of departure. They can cancel their policies, and then repurchase an updated policy, but they have to do this within 10 to 15 days of the date of purchase. This period of time is often referred to as the “free look period”, and those who cancel their policies within this time will be able to get a full refund of the premiums that they have paid. After they get their refund, they can buy a new policy and add their friends to it. Different insurance companies have different rules and regulations regarding cancellation of policies. To ensure that they will get a full refund with minimal hassle, travelers should read their policies thoroughly or ask their insurance providers for more information. Some providers may charge a small administration fee for cancellation of policy, but it should not cost more than a few dollars.

If you are planning to travel with a large group of friends, it is better for you to get a group travel insurance policy. A group policy provides the same coverage options as single policies, but it offers protection for a whole group of people. Purchasing group travel insurance is more cost-effective than getting several single policies. Group policies can be bought from almost any insurance company, and you should compare offers from a few different companies before you decide to make a purchase.

Filed Under: Learning

Are student discounts available to students traveling abroad?

August 17, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

student-discounts-traveling-abroadMany students are visiting other countries though both their own means and through school or university sponsored exchange programs. Traveling allows students to experience and learn about different cultures around the world, as well as gain a world perspective. Students are usually more adventurous than ordinary travelers, and they may travel to less developed countries or take part in risky adventures. As such, it is more likely that they will meet with misfortune and become sick or injured while they are traveling. To ensure that they receive financial protection during their vacations, it is a good idea for students to get a travel insurance policy.

Most students are budget-conscious travelers, and they are always on the lookout for cheap travel insurance. There are many insurance companies that offer discount travel insurance plans for students, and they come in the forms of single trip travel insurance, multi trip travel insurance, group travel insurance, specialist travel insurance, and backpacker travel insurance. These insurance plans offer maximum benefits for students to ensure that they will get adequate compensation in the event that unforeseen incidents occur during their travels. Also, they are more affordable than regular policies that provide the same coverage options.

Single trip and multi trip travel insurance policies offer coverage options for medical expenses, search and rescue, repatriation, trip cancellation, accidental death, personal liability, loss of luggage and belongings, and others. Some policies even cover dental expenses and terrorism. Those who purchase a single trip policy will only be insured for one trip, while a multi trip policy covers any number of travels that are made within a year. Students who wish to travel as a group should purchase a group travel insurance policy, which will cover everybody in a group at a discounted rate. More discounts will be given for a larger group of travelers.

Specialist travel insurance policies include coverage options that are essential for students who are studying abroad or taking part in hazardous activities. A study-abroad travel insurance policy will provide adequate coverage for students for a period of one year or longer, and it will be valid for a specified number of trips home. Those who are planning to do hazardous sports and recreational activities, such as skiing, white water rafting, scuba diving, kayaking, mountaineering, ice climbing, and bungee jumping, can purchase winter sports or extreme sports specialist policies. These policies cover medical costs, emergency evacuation, and loss or damage of sports equipment. Backpackers will benefit greatly from a backpacker insurance policy, because this policy has coverage options that suit their specific traveling needs.

Most insurance providers also offer 24-hour emergency services to help policy-holders during times of emergency. It is important that student travelers select a reputable insurance company that is capable of providing excellent insurance advice and services.

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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