Travel Insurance Waiver  Photo credit:  ©Carlanne McCrystal 2009 

Is the benefit of travel insurance worth the cost of travel insurance?

Knowing you are traveling to see family over the holidays, the last thing you want to worry about is an accident or illness.  You have saved both time and money for this holiday vacation.  The time you will be spending is frequently worth more than the money you are spending.  The experience of seeing family or going to a destination to do the things you have dreamed of doing should not be wasted or marred by accident or illness.  But sometime bad things happen to good people,usually at the worst time.

As a travel consultant, when I have a client traveling, I always encourage them to take out travel insurance.  If someone declines the insurance, I make them sign a waiver that I offered it and they declined it. I have been fortunate that most clients have either taken the insurance or had no serious situations arise when they declined it.

A story I read sometime back in the New York Times reiterated the position that accidents happen, usually when one can least afford them.  The story can be found by registering to view it at the NY Times website:  

Stuck in Paradise, Needing Medical Help  

So no matter where you are going, especially if you are traveling outside the boundries of the country you live in, consider travel insurance.

TIP#1:  Make sure you check existing coverage with your health insurance provider,especially if you are heading outside the country.

TIP#2:  Charge your trip on a charge card and check with the charge card company to take advantage of the travel insurance they offer, however minimal it may be.

TIP#3:  Consider purchasing the travel insurance your travel consultant offers you. It may be the best investment you make for your travels.

TIP#4:  Make sure the travel insurance you purchase has Job Loss Insurance covered as well.  Some policies cover a job loss if it happens through no fault of your own (and your traveling companion is included in that protection).

TIP#5:  Read all the fine print, even if your travel agent or other person explains it to you.  You need to know what is and is not included before you leave for your trip.  Make sure the poilcy you purchase covers everything you feel concern about,.

TIP#6:  Print the policy ad the ID card for each person covered by the insurance.  Pack one copy in your carry-on an a second in your checked luggage.  No matter what you will have a copy should you need it. Leave a copy with someone at home in case you need it faxed to your destination.

Travel with the knowledge you are protected and enjoy that vacation!

Contact Carlanne via email:  travelindustryexaminer@gmail.com
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