It’s important to know what’s covered…and what’s not

Vacations can be expensive, and while we look forward to them and plan for the best, there’s a lot to be said for being prepared for the worst. That’s where travel insurance can help.

While common insurance policies like home, auto and health provide coverage for the unexpected when you are home, they often don’t apply when you travel––especially if you travel outside the country.

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all travel insurance policy that covers anything that could possibly go wrong, so it’s important to key into what types of situations you would like to be protected against and understand any limitations of coverage.

For example, your health insurance likely won’t cover you if you become ill while overseas, so travel medical insurance can bridge that gap. However, most policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, mental health conditions (like a nervous breakdown), or injuries sustained during certain high-risk activities, like scuba diving or parachuting.

That’s why it can be helpful to review your existing coverage and your travel itinerary with an insurance specialist. Knowing where and when you are traveling, the types of activities you are planning, and your current health situation can help your advisor put together a plan that will provide the coverage for your specific set of circumstances.

Basic Travel Insurance

There are several types of basic travel insurance that many people consider, including:

  • Cancelled or interrupted trips: If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as sickness or injury, storm damage to your destination, a terrorist incident in your destination city, or jury duty, you are reimbursed for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses. Be sure you understand what reasons are covered, and what are not. If a reason isn’t listed, it’s likely not covered.
  • Medical emergencies: Most health insurance coverage does not extend to travel abroad, and Medicare never covers you abroad. Talk to your health insurer to determine if you need additional coverage for medical emergencies, lost or stolen medications, and expenses during your trip. Depending on your destination, you may also want to consider emergency evacuation coverage if you will be in an area that may require an airlift or ambulance to a more adequate hospital.
  • Other travel aggravations: For the sake of convenience, you may want coverage for lost or delayed baggage, airline change fees, and travel delays. This allows you to be reimbursed if you have to purchase personal items and essentials or an extra night in a hotel due to a delay.

Travel insurance can also provide coverage for hazardous sports or activities, rental car collision, accidental death or dismemberment, identity theft and more, and typically offers 24/7 assistance during your trip.

Contact us when you are planning an upcoming trip and we’ll recommend customized coverage to assure you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying it.

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