travel insurance masterTravel insurance and just traveling itself can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right travel insurance plan, and our latest travel tips, you’ll be prepared to take on your next adventure.
SAFETY TIPS
Beware of travel scams even before you leave for vacation. Always research and read reviews of your hotel, motel, accommodation, or short-term rental to confirm it is what they are advertising. Beware if it sounds too good to be true, it might be a scam.
Many accommodations including short-term rentals like Airbnb do not offer travel insurance directly but it’s a smart way to protect yourself and your travel investment.
An unfamiliar place can be risky, especially when you’re traveling with valuable belongings like cameras, laptops, golf clubs, and more. A travel insurance plan with the Baggage Loss benefit may reimburse you if your luggage gets stolen, damaged, or lost during the course of your trip. Items valued at $1000 or more, should be listed as possessions on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. It’s always a good idea to keep records of your items with receipts, and photos of them packed in your luggage too.
COVID SAFETY TIPS
Be sure to bring anything you might need to take necessary COVID-19 precautions. Face masks, hand sanitizer (in the proper size container), disinfectant wipes, and an oral digital thermometer can be useful during these times. Review the policies of your destination to ensure you meet any new foreign tourism requirements before departure. Travel insurance can help you meet many countries’ new requirements, just be sure there is no travel ban during your travel dates prior to purchasing.
All of our Trip Cancellation plans cover trip cancellation or interruption if you get sick or test positive with COVID-19. Review our COVID-19 page to better understand the coverages and what they mean. Upon reviewing your destination’s requirements, you can utilize the smart filters on TravelInsuranceMaster.com to narrow down plans by the benefits and minimum coverage amounts they may require.
CARRY ON VS CHECKED BAGS
Sometimes you have no choice, but if you have the option between traveling with only a carry-on or checked baggage, it can be lucrative and less stressful to pack a carry-on only.
A carry-on will allow you more flexibility and less time stuck waiting for baggage claim, as well as less money spent on a ticket in some cases. However, on a sold-out flight, you may be required to check your bag depending on your boarding time and if the overhead bins fill up. Luckily this usually won’t add to your ticket cost since you’re already at the gate!
BAGGAGE SPECIFICATIONS
Make sure to weigh your packed baggage and follow your specific airline regulations to avoid extra fees. Follow weight and size regulations, and don't forget to leave some space for any purchases made during your travels.
A portable luggage scale can be a useful purchase and a travel essential both before you depart, and on your way back home. Don’t wait until you get to the airport scale to find out your luggage is too heavy. Instead you will be able to check if your luggage is overweight and make any necessary changes before you check out of your accommodations.
LAYOVER PLANNING
Make sure to plan for enough time between connecting flights to your destination - especially in the event your original flight is delayed. It’s best to plan a 2 to 4-hour layover time frame to ensure you'll have ample time for luggage claim, customs, immigration and security. These wait times may be also be lengthier due to the pandemic.
The Travel Delay benefit is always a smart purchase, but even more so when you have a layover. With a serious delay, you may receive reimbursement for meals, hotels, transportation, and more. If your delay occurs on your way home, you may be eligible for reimbursement of things like child or pet care. Be sure to save your receipts and see your policy for all the details and coverage limits.
If you’re part of a cruise or tour during your trip, travel insurance with the Missed Connection benefit is another useful purchase. This benefit may be able to reimburse you for the cost of catching back up to your trip up to coverage limits, depending on the circumstances. Review your plan to understand what is and is not covered.
READY TO START PLANNING?
As you plan for your next trip, be sure to purchase the ultimate peace of mind – travel insurance! For the most benefits and options, request a quote within 1-21 days of making the initial deposit on your trip. Visit TravelInsuranceMaster.com and fill out your quote request in 3 super easy steps, to find your recommended plan for the world’s leading providers, as well as clear side by side comparisons. Filter your plan results further by the benefits important to you, and make a selection. You’ll receive your plan straight to your email upon purchasing, and find comfort in knowing your trip is well protected!
