Should I buy travel insurance is a frequent question I get. In the past my answer would have been a bit different. But today, in an environment where the airlines are flying planes that are virtually full, the answer is ‘Yes.’ If there is a hurricane, major thunderstorm, winter storm, or any other event that throws an airline off schedule, it can take days to reroute passengers to their intended destination, and if it is weather related, the air lines are not obligated to compensate you for your lost expenses. So now you are on the hook for the non-refundable hotel or resort fee. You can’t recover the cost of the cruise you just missed.
Then there are life’s surprises that come up. You are notified that you just lost your job. You become seriously ill just before the cruise. You break your leg skiing. There are a million things that happen. Well, travel insurance can protect you against all of these and other unforeseen events.
Did you realize that Medicare will not cover any medical expenses outside the US. If you get sick on a cruise ship, have an accident on a tour of Paris, or start having chest pains while exploring New Zealand, Medicare will not reimburse anything, but travel insurance can take care of you. In addition, many private and group health insurance plans have limitations and restrictions on paying for claims outside the US.
So I strongly recommend travel insurance to my customers. There are a lot of companies and options. Give us a call if you have any questions.
Below is a list of items covered by Travel Guard, one of the companies we use. Take a look at what is covered and you will look at travel insurance as a necessity.
Travel Medical Assistance
Emergency medical evacuation transportation assistance
Physician/hospital/dental/vision referrals
Repatriation of mortal remains
Return travel arrangements
Emergency prescription replacement
Dispatch of doctor or specialist
Medical evacuation quote
In-patient and out-patient medical case management
Qualified liaison for relaying medical information to family members
Arrangements of visitor to bedside of hospitalized insured
Eyeglasses and corrective lens replacement assistance
Medical payment arrangements
Medical cost containment/expense recovery and overseas investigation
Medical bill audits
Shipment of medical records
Medical equipment rental/replacement
Worldwide Travel Assistance
Lost baggage search; stolen luggage replacement assistance
Lost passport/travel documents assistance
ATM locator
Emergency cash transfer assistance
Travel information including visa/passport requirements
Emergency telephone interpretation assistance
Urgent message relay to family, friends or business associates
Up-to-the-minute travel delay reports
Long-distance calling cards for worldwide telephoning
Inoculation information
Currency Conversion or purchase
Up-to-the-minute information on local medical advisories, epidemics, required immunizations and available preventive measures
Up-to-the-minute travel supplier strike information
Legal referrals/bail bond assistance
Worldwide public holiday information
Personal Security Assistance – Identity Theft
Assist Identity theft victim by ordering and reviewing credit bureau records on their behalf
Investigate financial accounts where identity theft is suspected
Interact with law enforcement to pursue prosecution of criminals
Review account activity to identify any suspicious activities
Live
Travel Emergency Assistance
Flight rebooking
Hotel rebooking
Rental vehicle booking
Emergency return travel arrangements
Roadside Assistance
Rental Vehicle Return
Guaranteed hotel check-in
Missed connections coordination
Concierge Services
Restaurant referrals and reservations
Event Ticketing
Ground transportation coordination
Golf tee time reservations and referrals
Wireless device assistance
Latest worldwide weather and ski reports
Floral Services
Private air charter assistance
Cruise charter assistance
Latest sports scores
Find, wrap, and deliver one-of- a-kind gifts
Movie and theater information
Latest stock quotes
Special occasion reminders and gift ideas
Lottery results
Local activity recommendations