travel insurance masterThere are a ton of reasons travel insurance is a great addition to your travel plans. However if you've never purchased it before, it can seem like a strange add on if you don’t know why you need it! We break down the top reasons to purchase travel insurance for your next trip and the situations you may find yourself in when you’ll be glad you have it.
1. THE UNEXPECTED CAN HAPPEN ON ANY TRIP
Whether you’re planning a domestic trip, road trip, weekend getaway, or a trip of a lifetime to multiple countries, the unexpected can happen anywhere! Adverse weather, illness, and more could interrupt or cancel your trip so it’s important to protect your investment. Did you know travel insurance may reimburse 100% of your trip cost (your prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses) if you or your travel companion become sick or injured and cannot travel?
There are two main types of travel insurance you’ll be able to filter for on TravelInsuranceMaster.com. The first type is Trip Cancellation or Comprehensive plans. These plans combine Trip Cancellation with travel medical options, offering the most coverage. Trip Cancellation gives you the ability to cancel your trip before it starts to receive reimbursement of 100% of your trip cost. There are many covered reasons for trip cancellation, most commonly when sudden illness or injury prevents you from taking a trip.
If there is little time before your trip and the chance of it being cancelled is slim, or your trip is so important that cancellation is not an option, filter by No Trip Cancellation on the upper left-hand side of the Plan Results Page. These Limited Plans without Trip Cancellation are a fraction of the Comprehensive Plan cost. The Travel Medical Plans will provide medical coverage primarily but not exclusively outside your home country. Many travelers do not realize that their regular health insurance provides very little or no coverage while you’re abroad and travel insurance can fill that gap in coverage. Limited Plans may also include other benefits like Trip Interruption and Delay, Baggage Protection, Medical Emergency and Evacuation, and more.
2. DON’T RELY ON YOUR CREDIT CARD
You may be considering just relying on your credit card which may offer minimal travel protection. It’s important to review your cardholder agreement as the benefits usually don’t cover very much. The minimal travel insurance on your credit card normally protect travelers from small inconveniences like lost luggage. A travel insurance plan from one of our providers offers much broader coverage so you’ll be able to travel with the ultimate peace of mind.
The benefits of a travel insurance plan from TravelInsuranceMaster.com can include Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Coverage, Employment Layoff, and more. You’ll also be able to choose customizable filters to find a plan with the benefits you’re looking for. Medical repatriation and pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by credit card benefits.
If you or someone you are buying travel insurance for has a pre-existing health condition, you will definitely want to look into a stand-alone travel insurance policy. Could the health condition flare up or reoccur before or during your trip? Could it cancel or interrupt your travels? For plans without the Pre-existing Medical Conditions waiver, normally a medical condition present prior to your plans effective date would not be covered. Most plans have a look back period meaning the plan investigates your medical history, anywhere from 2 to 18 months back, to see if your condition appeared or was treated during that time. Comprehensive plans with a Pre-existing Medical Conditions Waiver will give you coverage if you buy your plan the same day or within a set number of dates after your initial trip deposit. If you didn’t purchase your travel insurance that early, look for a plan with a look back period shorter than when you last registered your health condition with your doctor.
3. PROTECTION IN CASE OF DELAY
Travel delays are all over the news. Whether the delay is caused by weather, mechanical, or human error, you’ll want to ensure you have the right coverage. Your policy will provide details on the types of travel delays that are covered. You may receive reimbursement for meals, hotels, or transportation if the delay meets the criteria outlined in your plan. If you might need to catch up to a tour or cruise, look for Missed Connection coverage. Don’t worry if the delay happens on your return home – your plan may also provide coverage if you need to extend your child or pet care back home. See tip #6 for more information on coverage for your pet!
4. ADVENTURE SPORTS?
Every great trip is an adventure but if you plan on taking part in adventure sports or riskier activities than normal, consider a plan with Adventure Sports or Amateur Sports coverage. For example, Travel Insurance Master offers the Adventure Sports Bundle with select AIG plans. This bundle includes upgrades like the Adventures Activities Waiver – removing the exclusions for Adventure Activities, and the Extreme Activities Waiver – removing the exclusions for Extreme Activities. Click View Certificate on the Plan Results Page to review what the plans you are comparing cover.
5. DESTINATION WEDDING?
Ready to RSVP to that destination wedding? Don’t forget to purchase a travel insurance plan! If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that events and trips can be changed in a moment’s notice. Protect your investment with the Wedding Bundle offered with select AIG plans and Travel Insured International plans. This benefit adds an additional unforeseen event for Trip Cancellation, although it does not apply to the bride or groom. See your plan for details and coverages.
6. PROTECT YOUR PETS TOO!
You’ll also notice select AIG plans on TravelInsuranceMaster.com allow you to add the Pet Bundle on the purchase page before you checkout. This Pet Bundle adds a variety of benefits for your furry friend, including an additional Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits due to the critical condition or death of your domestic dog or cat. It also includes Pet Care up to $100 per day, to a maximum of $500. This benefit applies if you have placed your pet in a kennel for the duration of the trip, or you have pre-arranged in-home care for your pet for the duration of the trip. The insurance company will pay a benefit to reimburse you up to the maximum limit to cover the necessary additional kennel fees, or additional in-home care fees, if you are delayed past your scheduled return date for at least 12 hours while en route to your Return Destination, due to any of the reasons listed under Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, or Trip Delay. In addition, this bundle adds the Pet or Service Animal Medical Expense Benefit up to $2,500, with a deductible $100. Covered expenses can include medically necessary services of a physician, animal emergency clinic charges, and X-rays. Be sure to review your plan certificate for details and exclusions.
7. PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS
When you travel, even if your destination is familiar, your belongings can be more at risk to be lost, damaged, or stolen. Look for the Baggage Delay and Loss benefits to protect them! If something happens, you may be eligible for reimbursement up to your coverage limit. Just be sure to document if any belongings go missing and keep any receipts if you need to replace those items. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of items packed in your luggage for your records. Your travel insurance provider can help guide you on the documentation you will need to take the next steps and file your claim.
8. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Most travel insurance providers offer a great resource for travelers through their 24-Hour Assistance Services. When you’re traveling, this service can help you anytime with lost or stolen items, pet and vehicle return, replacement of prescription medication, medical referral services, and more. Your policy should detail what your provider offers and the best numbers to contact them once your trip starts.
There are many reasons to purchase travel insurance to protect your trip. If the unexpected happens, you’ll be happy to have protected yourself and your investment with the right coverage. Easily find your recommended plan from the top providers in just a few super easy steps at TravelInsuranceMaster.com!
