Why should I buy trip or travel insurance?
Often you will spend quite substantial amount of money for travelling. If you find yourself in unpredictable situations that require cancelation or interruption of your journey you may be facing the loss of more money than you want to.
Travel insurance gives you protection against money losses in various scenarios. Other unpredictable losses, for example trip delays or baggage delays may be covered as well.
It is also possible to purchase an insurance plan with additional features which provide guarantee that expenses will be covered for medical care involving hospital admission, emergency dental care, and emergency medical evacuation. Emergency cash advances, and help with luggage retrieval or other services may also be available.
What types of coverage are included in travel insurance?
There are many versions of travel insurance plans. Most frequent plans cover the following:
1. Cancellation of vacation or trip
2. Interruptions, delays and cancellations of the trip
3. Missed connections
4. Medical emergencies, dental emergencies, and various health-related costs (typically including medical evacuation coverage)
5. Additional costs resulting from lost or delayed baggage
6. Accidental death or dismemberment.
If you decide to buy travel insurance, you are advised to check what is covered under the plan chose.
Do I need something other than my normal health insurance plan for traveling outside the U.S.?
The answer to this question should be given by your own health insurance company. Many health insurers do not provide international health coverage. According to spokesperson for the Health Insurance Association of America as little as approximately 5% of American travelers have health insurance coverage while traveling abroad. Even when traveling within the United States or to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, etc., full coverage may not be provided under many plans.
In case of business-related travel, you are advised to consult your employer to find out if you are covered under a travel insurance plan for employees.