Travel Articles And News On Vacations

The Importance of Travel Insurance

You've finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you've been planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won't cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness -- not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It's important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.

It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. I've listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.

Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;

Provide a lower amount of coverage;

May only cover a portion of the trip;

Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner's insurance does not cover;

May duplicate coverage you already have;

In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should really check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:

Always get quotes from several companies

Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own

Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion

Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don't count of the company to provide information

Ask any question you can dream up and

Do ask for suggestions

A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com. (I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just like the site!) Enjoy your next trip and I hope the odds are with you and that you will never have to file a claim on your travel insurance policy.

(c)2004 Karen Zastudil

About The Author

Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.

webmaster@womenatthesummit.com

Other Article Sites

findabook.com  moneycd.info  a-mortgage.info   about-lemon-laws.info  aboutstudentloans.info
all-about-publishing.info  auctions-articles.info  bestcollege-university.com  bestispconnection.com
biblefolder.com  blogger-website.com  books-used.info  brokers-guide.info  buywindows.info  cable-dsl.info
career-miner.com  carpel-tunnel.info  cashinaflash.info  cashloanreviews.info  casinobell.com  chat-house.info
clearmycredit.info  collegeloantips.info  crones.info  depression-articles.info   dirnic.net  dishguides.info
divers-below.com  expodog.info   financewizz.com  fire-insurance.info  getgood.info  handleit.net   it-idea.info
health-supplies.info  hosting-right.com  insidealert.com  insurance-facts.info  jobs-employment.info
justgood.info  lookgold.net   lowcost-travel.info  money-source.info  myhostzone.info  numisblog.com
peoplesearchfinder.info  pr-articles.info  realeas.com   refinancing-guides.info  spyware-remove.info
telelot.info  the-law.info   toppaid.info  travel-deals.info  travelcorrect.com  wedding-guide-site.com
your-blog.info  your-credit.info

Central Holidays Helps Stretch Travel Dollars on Vacations to Europe
Central Holidays is helping stretch travel dollars in Europe with a full array of inclusive motorcoach escorted tours and cruise packages that are designed to save travelers time and money. The Company offers dozens of Motorcoach Escorted Tour and Cruise options throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and the Mediterranean! In fact, Central Holidays provides the largest selection of cruise packages in Italy, Greece and throughout the Mediterranean than any other specialty operator. Central Holidays' Escorted Tour programs will save travelers 20-40 percent off the price of traveling the same itinerary on their own. Also included is a list of some of the ways Central Holidays Escorted Tours stretch travelers' dollars and offer...

Guided Tours Vs. Luxury Travel Vacation Packages
So, you have decided to book a luxury vacation. It is time to call your travel agent. The first question most travel agents will ask you is ?Are you interested in a cruise, a tour, or a travel package?? You know that cruises are not for you, but what about a tour? And what exactly is the difference between a tour and a travel package anyways? With different definitions and inclusions, it is important for any traveler to be informed enough to make the best decision for their unique needs.

Redesigned Online Travel Guide Makes Planning Myrtle Beach Vacation Easier Than Ever
Giving a traveler the 'entire picture' was the driving force behind the complete redesign and relaunch of MyrtleBeachNow.com, one of the first and most popular Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, online travel guides.

Vacation Holiday In Japan Travel Guide
Thinking of a holiday vacation in exotic Asia but does not know where to go? This travel guide article introduces you to Japan, the country in which you can find buzzing cities where you can shop and party till the wee small hours of the morning or if you prefer, visit Japan's almost nature perfect countryside and marvel at its awesome natural beauty.

Virgin Vacations Offers United Kingdom and Europe Winter Travel Deals
Virgin Vacations offers extensive winter vacation deals to the UK and Europe with 6 Night London packages from $749 per person.

A Coastal Vacation Business Idea For The Home Based Travel Agent
Travel remains one of the most lucrative and competitive industries in the United States. Every year entrepreneurs seek a coastal vacation home business idea so that they can tap into this market.

Travel-Hungry Consumers Use Value-Added Vacation Packages And Discounts To Make Great Vacations Possible
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Resorts Announce Value-Added Packages

Vacation Travel Survey: 79% Say Economy Impacting Travel Plans
A survey conducted by Adventurous Wench, a women's tour company based in Arizona, showed that the economy is having a significant negative impact on people's travel plans. Seventy-nine percent of respondents indicated that they would be cutting back and modifying vacation plans during the next two years.

What Travel Agents Won't Talk About Can Save You 50% to 70% on All Vacations
Are you planning your next trip? Do you want to save more money and have more fun? You may stop by a travel center and ask for a quote. And then, you walk by another travel agent and ask for another quote.

Travel Europe – How to Travel Europe on a Cheap Budget
We all want to travel Europe on a cheap budget these days.Budget and discount price airlines have sprung up in almost every European country in the last few years – all of them fighting furiously with each other to offer the best value cheap airfare deals.

Online Travel Companies Join Forces Inspiring Travelers with Exciting Vacation Ideas & Travel Deals
Dunhill Vacations Inc. a leading travel internet marketing company, and SoGoNow.com, the rapidly growing and award-winning online travel magazine, have announced a strategic alliance to help travelers research, plan and purchase their next vacation.

Vacation Lodging and Travel Lodging in Orlando Florida near Disney World
Travel Lodging: Location Is KeyYou have already decided to come to one of the most beloved vacation spots anywhere, Central Florida. Now, you are left to decide what fabulous restaurants you want to dine at and what area attractions you want to visit.

Travel Secrets Revealed by Top Vacation Rental Company in Orlando
Global Resort Homes Spills the Secrets of Off-Season Orlando Travel

2008 Wisconsin Dells Travel & Attraction Guide©, Makes Planning a Vacation Easy
Thinking of planning a vacation to the Waterpark Capital of the World? Then you'll want to be sure to get the Original 2008 Wisconsin Dells Travel & Attraction Guide©, an annual publication which has been helping families plan their vacations to the Dells region for over 30 years. It is is available as an online at www.dells.com, or at www.wistravel.com as well as at over 1000 locations throughout the Midwest.