Essential Guide: What to Know Before Buying Travel Insurance
Don't let the cost deter you—travel insurance provides invaluable peace of mind. Whether dreaming of Belize for your birthday or exploring Australia's Outback, protect your plans from unforeseen events.
Recent global events have shifted traveler attitudes. Once seen as optional by many U.S. travelers, insurance is now essential. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association reports purchases up over 15% since 2012.
Planning to buy coverage for your next trip? Follow these expert steps:
1. Understand the Main Types of Coverage
Key options include trip cancellation/interruption, medical, evacuation, baggage, and flight insurance. Tailor your choice to your trip, health, and risks.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Covers sickness (yours or a companion's), severe weather, carrier issues, or jury duty. Coverage details vary; for pregnancy complications, a doctor's note may be required.
Medical: Check for pre-existing condition coverage. Most include 24/7 emergency assistance, ambulances, hospitals, and dental emergencies.
Evacuation: Ideal for remote adventures; covers transport to the nearest suitable facility.
Baggage: Reimburses essentials for delays and compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Flight: Protects against delays or cancellations due to weather, mechanical issues, or strikes—often bought for pricier international flights.
2. Review the Full Policy Before Buying
Avoid surprises by scrutinizing inclusions. Packages vary, so match to your needs—e.g., skip evacuation in cities like London but add baggage for connections. List potential risks.
Verify existing health coverage abroad. Note: Standard policies often exclude cancellations due to outbreaks like Zika, especially for vulnerable groups (children, seniors, pregnant travelers).
3. Compare Prices Online
Trusted comparison sites: InsureMyTrip.com, Travel Guard, TripInsuranceStore.com, QuoteWright.com, and Squaremouth.com. Avoid obscure vendors. Reputable providers like Allianz and AIG Travel Guard offer direct purchases with proven track records.
Enter destination, duration, ages, residence, and trip cost for personalized quotes.
4. Seek Recommendations
Ask friends, family, or travel forums for experiences—focus on similar trips, but consider your unique circumstances.
5. Evaluate Tour Operator Insurance
Discounted packages may over- or under-cover. Custom needs often require standalone policies for flexibility.
6. Buy Early After Booking
Lock in lower rates and added benefits sooner; prices rise closer to departure.
7. Secure Copies of Documents
Store itineraries and policies digitally and in print for easy access abroad.
