Seven Reasons You Just Might Want to Consider Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Confused about travel insurance? Join the club!

Lots of people aren’t keen to spend extra money to cover travel plans, and with good reason: it’s not always necessary. It can be difficult to decide if it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance once you’ve planned a trip.

Generally speaking, you may want to consider insuring your trip if:

It’s expensive (but if it’s a cheap trip you might prefer to take the chance)
You’ve paid a lot for non-reimbursable flights, hotels, and excursions because if you do cancel, you will lose what you’ve paid
You or family members have medical issues that could emerge or flare up causing you to stay home.

Here are some lesser-known benefits to keep in mind when thinking about a travel insurance policy:

1. It covers your lost luggage. Even if you’re not the type to travel with valuables like jewels and furs, a whole suitcase of clothes can add up!

2. It’s often modestly priced. Many policies are quite affordable and can give you some peace of mind, especially if you are a nervous traveler.

3. It can help if you have an unpredictable job. Crazy boss who might randomly cancel your vacation time? No worries; Travel Insurance can cover you if you are suddenly required to work.

4. It can help even if your accommodations are “free.” Imagine Uncle George is 75 years old and hosting you at his Florida condo for your vacation. But what if he falls, breaks his leg, and is hospitalized the week before you are to arrive, and you need to cancel your trip? Is this covered? In many cases, yes.

5. Delays can be expensive. Many policies cover the purchase of necessary clothing and other personal items if your luggage is delayed more than 12 hours. They’ll also cover some of your travel costs if travel is interrupted and you miss flights or are charged for hotel rooms. Some plans even cover additional childcare or dog boarding fees if your return home is delayed.

6. Weather happens. A hurricane blows into town before – or during – your vacation. Having insurance can allow you to cancel or interrupt your trip without serious financial repercussions.

7. It’s your an ace in the hole: Cancel For Any Reason. Yep, pretty much ANY REASON. Many policies allow you to add this on (for a fee, of course), and then you CAN actually cancel for any reason. Flighty friends? Too windy? Horoscope is all wrong? You may not get all of your money back, but if something occurs that causes you to cancel your trip, you won’t be left high and dry.

Before your next trip, spend a little time looking through Travel Insurance options, and take the time to read the certificates themselves. You may be surprised at some of the lesser-known benefits that could make a big difference to you. Happy, worry-free travels!