BEFORE YOUR TRIP
OVERVIEW OF TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY TYPES 7
We always recommend that our clients protect their vacation investment with appropriate trip insurance policies . This has become even more imperative with COVID-19 when so much in our world has become more uncertain .
While we will work with you to find the right insurance coverage for you , all the options can be overwhelming . Therefore we ’ ve pulled together some information about different types of coverage and terms so you can make the most informed purchase .
TRIP CANCELLATION / INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
Trip cancellation / interruption insurance covers you if unforeseen events cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip . In general , this coverage is meant for illness , injury , or death suffered by the insured or a member of the insured ’ s immediate family . Some policies also cover cancellation in the event of illness , injury , or death to the insured ’ s travel companion . Most policies exclude trip cancellation in the event of war , civil disturbance , or a change in your own financial circumstances . Some policies also exclude travel to specific destinations that are prone to political unrest .
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies now include coverage if travel suppliers ( airlines , travel provider , cruise lines etc .) default , however , it is important to understand exactly what is covered by your policy . Some policies only cover tour operator default if the operator ceases operations entirely , which it may not do even if it files for bankruptcy .
When considering trip cancellation insurance , take time to think about how much money you ’ ll be putting down before your trip . Are you purchasing expensive airline tickets that can ’ t be refunded ? Are you putting down a large nonrefundable deposit on a cruise or tour ? If the answer is yes , or if you might cancel for any reason , then buying trip cancellation insurance may be a prudent idea .
MEDICAL / MEDEVAC INSURANCE
Medical insurance encompasses several types of coverage . Emergency medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transportation if a qualified physician determines that you must be evacuated for treatment to the nearest medical facility or to your home country ( if it ’ s warranted ), due to injury or sickness . Travelers visiting remote areas or developing countries and traveling on a cruise should particularly consider this type of policy .
Other types of medical insurance coverage include :
• An app , or service you can call , that will direct you to English-speaking doctors while you are overseas . In some cases the policy will also provide a physician monitoring service , where a qualified physician from the U . S . will monitor the treatment you are receiving by a local physician via telephone .
• Cash payment to the insured or beneficiary in the event of accidental death , loss of sight , or loss of limb .
• Expenses for repatriation of the insured ’ s remains in the event of death .
Keep in mind that you may need to pay up front for your medical services , and then your insurance company will reimburse you later , once you ’ ve filed a claim . On the other hand , some services provide “ proof of direct payment ” to the