Travel Insurance--Why do I need this?

Call me at 303-404-2288 or email melody@gimmeabreakvacations.com

Travel Insurance - Why on Earth Would I Need This?

Not that I get asked about it often, but it seems like people do on ocassion ask why they would need travel insurance and I thought I'd take a moment to talk about what it is and why it is important for people to purchase it.  Most people are concerned about adding additional cost to their already expensive vacations, and I agree that there is an additional cost.  But, did you know?

• All cruise lines, tour companies, resorts and airlines charge penalities for cancellation and trip interruption (you started your trip and had to go back home due to an emergency).     
• Americans have little or no health care coverage outside the United States (even if you have insurance at home you may not be covered once outside the United States)
• Health care facilities are limited or inadequate while traveling (yes, the cruise ships have medical facilities but they may not be adequate if you have a major health crisis).
• Cruise lines and airlines assume little responsibility for delays and lost baggage (I once traveled with a woman who did not get her suitcase until the end of her cruise--she wore the same clothes every day and borrowed clothing from the rest of the group for formal nights--not a pretty picture).
• Cruise lines and other travel suppliers do not issue refunds if clients cancel under penalty.  PERIOD.

Consider this real life example:

Two separate families traveling on the same ship.  One family calls the weekend before departure to cancel because the children were sick, they had insurance, and were compensated by the insurance company for the full cost of the cruise.  The other did not have insurance and canceled because the teenager in the family had a knee injury that required immediate surgery to correct.  The entire amount of the cruise was lost because they could not go.  Which family do you want to be? 

Travel protection may reimburse you for:

• Cancellation penalties - depending on how far out you cancel you could loose just your deposit or the full amount of the trip.
• Out of pocket expenses to return home early - this could include full price air tickets, etc.
• Medical bills - I've heard horrifying stories about the cost for medical treatment on the ships and in foreign ports of call.  US Health Care providers may not reimburse you for these costs--check with your insurance before deciding to forego the travel insurance.
• Medical evacuation (or worse, repatriation of remains in event of death) - you do not even want to know how costly this can be--consider that some of the insurance companies reimburse up to $1,000,000 for this element, and you can imagine how much it costs!
• Missed days on vacation
• Travel delays - I recently read an article about a travel delay caused by a weather issue in a traveler's hometown that explained how a passenger elected not to purchase travel insurance because they were traveling within the month and could see no reason they might cancel.  But, because of  weather delays, the passenger ended up having to remain at their vacation destination and shelling out $1,100 because they had no insurance to cover the additional night's stay.  For approximately 4 - 10% of their vacation costs they could have saved themselves over a $1000.
  
• Without  it, you will assume full financial responsibility and be required to pay up front for these expenses.  You will also have no assistance while traveling and then have no recourse to recoup your money.
  

There are many companies to obtain your insurance with, however, each offers similar coverages depending on your needs.  Cruise line insurance typically starts at around $29 each person, and other travel insurances cost between 4 and 10% of the total cost of your vacation package (and most times provide better coverage for less than the cruise line insurance).  Travel insurance is a reasonably small price to pay for your piece of mind, just ask those folks who've had it when they needed it.

I  offer you many options to assist you in protecting you, your family and your vacation investment.  I'm here to advise you and help you make your best decisions on your vacation needs.  Call me today at 303-404-2288 (or 877-801-9492) for your options.