When you plan a trip, you might be wonder, “Should I buy travel insurance? Is it worth the cost?”
Here’s your answer: Everyone should buy travel insurance. Every day people go on trips that are affected by unfortunate events, so it’s best to always be prepared. However, some travelers—as a result of their lack of interest in or knowledge of travel insurance—don't even realize what it is and what kind of protection it provides.
We put together this guide to get you all the facts you need.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance in which people are offered protection while traveling. Such plans include trip cancellations or interruptions due to illness, weather, or any other conflicts, such as jury duty—as well as lost luggage and medical coverage. Travelers with insurance will be reimbursed if any issues arise before or during their trip.
You’ll be thankful you have it if a family member gets sick right before a trip, and you need to cancel, or if you get injured during a physical activity at a resort.
Types of Travel Insurance
There are several types of travel insurance plans available:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Travel Medical
Baggage Delay
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Medical Evacuation
Flight Delay or Cancellation
The Cancel for Any Reason
Policies tend to vary in regards to domestic and international coverage, as well as coverage for single or multiple trips. Further, every plan doesn’t offer the same exact benefits, so it’s best to do your research to see which plan offers you the best combination of benefits for each trip you go on.
Who Should Buy Travel Insurance?
It doesn’t matter if you’re going on a business trip, a family vacation with the kids, grandkids, or just by yourself. Everyone should buy travel insurance because unforeseen events could take place.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, “One in six Americans (17%) say their travel plans have been impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters including severe weather; or mechanical or carrier-caused problems.”
However, 22% of people from this survey had travel insurance while the rest did not. The U.S. Travel Association also points out that most people are happy that they invested in travel insurance, with a satisfaction rate of 85%. Although more people are purchasing travel insurance when they go on a trip, as also reported by the U.S. Travel Association, there is still a large number of people who choose not to.
These facts about travel insurance prove that many travelers have to deal with unexpected events both before and during a trip. Why take the chance of not being prepared, especially when other people who have done the same are happy they did?
Be ensured with insurance
It’s best to purchase travel insurance from a travel insurance provider rather than a cruise line or vacation company.
However, travel insurance providers do not offer the same exact coverage plans. This is where your research needs comes into play. The first thing you have to do is find a great travel insurance provider. Travel Insured—a worldwide travel insurance provider since 1994 and one of Elite Lifestyle Travel partners—offers incredible insurance packages to more than a million travelers every single year. Though their benefits vary from state to state, many plans overlap. Plus, they have 24/7 customer support, so you can reach them if you ever have a question.
Some benefits for travelers using Travel Insured include:
Trip Cancellation
Baggage Insurance
Travel Delay
Reimbursement of Miles or Reward Points
Trip Interruption and Emergency Evacuation
Travel Insurance Is Always a Must
Travel insurance is extremely important to look into before going on a trip. Many people never consider investing in travel insurance, whether that is because they do not think it is necessary or worth the money, but compared to how much money they are spending on a trip, spending a few more dollars to protect your investment.