Liba Cohn, The Importance of Travel Insurance<br><br>Liba Cohn <br>Liba Lyustiger <br>Lillian Sarah Lyustiger <br>lillian sarah cohn <br>sara lyustiger <br>natalija lyustiger <br>cohn lyustiger <br>sarah lyustiger <br><br>
<br><p>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?</p><p>Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;</p><p>Provide a lower amount of coverage;</p><p>May only cover a portion of the trip;
</p><p>Your
coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you
own private health or homeowner's insurance does not cover;</p><p>May duplicate coverage you already have;</p><p>In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.
</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>When buying your policy from an insurance company:</p><p>Always get quotes from several companies</p><p>Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own
</p><p>Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion</p><p>Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don't count of the company to provide information</p><p>Ask any question you can dream up and
</p><p>Do ask for suggestions</p><p>A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is .
(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.</p><p>(c)2004 Karen Zastudil</p><p>About The Author</p><p>Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at
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