Cover the Unexpected with Travel Insurance
As with all insurance, buying travel coverage is a game of playing the odds.
Under the best circumstances, travel insurance makes for expensive peace of mind.
Under the worst circumstances, though, the decision to buy travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of anxiety and inconvenience. What are the risks that could derail your plans before or during the trip? How much have you invested in the trip, and what are you willing to lose if something goes awry?
Travel insurance usually costs anywhere between 3 and 15 percent of price of the trip, with an average deductible of about $200. Services provided by insurance companies typically include 24-hour multilingual phone assistance while traveling. Policies can cover specific things or a combination of needs.
Before deciding to buy travel insurance, check to see what kind of coverages you already have. Some major credit cards offer coverage for medical emergencies, baggage loss and/or cancellation of trip components that were paid for with the card.
There are a variety of travel insurance coverages available to fit your needs and budget. Your AAA Travel Agent can help you select a policy that's right for you.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
These policies cover the nonrefundable penalties or losses incurred for a number of reasons, like illness, bankruptcy of the tour company or airline, or a missed flight due to an accident, strike or inclement weather. Trip cancellation covers when you don’t make the trip at all; interruption insurance covers when a trip is cut short before completion. A variety of coverages are available to fit your needs.
Medical Coverage
Most countries don’t accept U.S. medical insurance plans and if there is coverage it typically is a reimbursement to the insured. Many providers may require up-front payment from travelers seeking medical assistance. Some countries require proof of supplemental insurance for travelers. A variety of travel medical insurance plans are available, and they may provide primary as well as supplemental care.
Evacuation Coverage
Especially useful if you’re traveling to remote places—or if you require evacuation from a cruise ship or tour due to illness or injury—evacuation insurance may cover the cost of transporting you to where you can get needed emergency care. Some policies include transportation home after an accident, but some include transport only to the best qualified nearest hospital where travelers will receive proper care.