Travel Insurance

What if something unexpected came up, and you weren't able to go on a trip you've been planning for months? Could you get your money back?

Travel Protection can be misunderstood and even more often simply overlooked. Read the questions and answers below, to decide if it's right for you. Travels with Friends recommends:

What is the purpose of Travel Insurance/Protection? To protect your financial investment in travel. Although you never plan to cancel or interrupt a trip, sometimes an unexpected event occurs that requires you to do so. Having this protection minimizes your losses.

What is included in travel insurance/protection? Typically you receive protection for the following occurrences: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, medical expense or evacuation, and accidental death. This varies depending on which provider you purchase the protection from.

What is trip cancellation or interruption protection? This allows you to cancel your trip for a covered reason and get a refund of any non-refundable portion of your trip. Commonly covered reasons include medical sickness of yourself, your traveling companion or an immediate family member. Many protection plans include coverage in the event of a family member's death. Some plans also include events such as layoffs or house break ins.

Does insurance cover acts of terrorism? This has become an important question to ask when deciding on a protection plan. Some providers will cover acts of terrorism if the United States Department of State has issued a warning that you should not travel to the destination during the period you have planned to go.

Does insurance cover bankruptcy? Some companies provide protection in the event that the travel provider you purchased your travel (flight, car rental, hotel, tour or package) from goes bankrupt. Make sure that you ask about this important detail. You would hate to be stranded somewhere because the cruise line shut down in the middle of your trip.

Doesn't my credit card already provide this insurance? Some credit cards provide medical assistance, car rental damage or flight accident insurance. Make sure to ask your card issuers customer service department. Credit cards will not allow you to cancel your trip and receive a refund. We always recommend that you purchase travel with a credit card so that if the travel vendor does not provide the service paid for, you can dispute the charges.

How much does travel insurance or protection cost? In general terms the cost is 5-8% of the trip cost. The cost of these protections vary depending on the cost and length of your trip and sometimes your age.

When do I need to purchase travel protection / insurance? Many travel providers require that you purchase protection at the time of deposit. Most third party companies allow you to purchase protection at any time, but will only recognize pre-existing medical conditions if you purchase the protection at the time of deposit.

Who should I purchase protection from? We usually recommend that you purchase insurance from a third party rather than the same company that is providing your travel. To get a quote, click on the Travelex logo below.

Travels with Friends: Learn more about other European destinations and tips for traveling within Europe. www.TravelsWithFriends.com

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