Should I Get Travel Insurance?

Many soon-to-be travelers are asking themselves, "Should I get travel insurance?” There are many reasons to consider purchasing travel insurance for international destinations and even domestic destinations.

Travel insurance can help to protect you from financial loss and inconvenience when your itinerary is postponed, canceled, or otherwise disrupted. In this piece, will walk through important questions to consider regarding travel insurance to help you decide if it is right for you.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

The answer to “What does travel insurance cover?” depends on the specific policy you choose. That’s why it’s important to read the policy documents for any plan you’re considering. However, most travel insurance plans provide coverage for expenses related to travel disruptions and unexpected cancellations.

Your Trip Cancellation benefit means that you would be reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you were to cancel your trip due to a covered reason. Covered reasons often include situations like sickness, injury, hospitalization, death, a delay or cancellation of your flight or cruise due to inclement weather or strike, a traffic accident on your way to your departure, and more.

Many plans include coverage if you were to lose an item or have your luggage stolen, damaged, or delayed. Some travel insurance plans, like the Atlas Journey® plans from WorldTrips, also include medical coverage for unexpected injuries and illnesses, coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, and coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

Look for a plan that includes travel assistance services as well. Services like 24/7 emergency travel arrangements, language interpretation, referrals, and assistance with lost or stolen travel documents can help guide you through a stressful situation or emergency.

 

See the 24/7 travel assistance services available when you purchase an Atlas Journey travel insurance plan.

 

 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover for Flights?

Are you wondering, “What does travel insurance cover for flights?” 

Here are a few flight-related benefits to look for in a travel insurance plan:

• Travel Delay – covers costs incurred due to unforeseen travel delays (often more than five hours long)
• Missed Connection – provides reimbursement for charged fees if a missed connection changes your plans
• Airline Reissue or Cancellation Fees – provides reimbursement for airline reissue fees or cancellation fees to change or cancel your ticket
• Reinstate Frequent Traveler Awards – provides reimbursement for fees to re-deposit miles or rewards in your account after cancellation due to a covered reason
• Baggage Damage or Loss – provides coverage for necessary expenses due to the replacement of lost or damaged luggage
• Baggage Delay – provides coverage for necessary expenses resulting from delayed luggage (often more than 12 hours)
• Travel Inconvenience – provides compensation for travel inconveniences such as a delay causing you to miss work, your flight landing at an alternative destination, etc.

There are many reasons that a flight may be canceled, such as bad weather, mechanical issues, or you canceling your trip because you are too ill or injured to travel. Depending on the type of policy you choose, a portion of your trip may be protected financially. Be sure to read your policy details carefully to ensure your plan offers the coverage that you want.

What Does Travel Insurance NOT Cover?

Every insurance policy is different. Benefits, while often similar, do vary from plan to plan. Coverage maximums and the conditions in which benefits apply vary too.

When you opt for a travel insurance policy, be sure to do your homework before selecting a policy. Double-check the policy exclusions verbiage and the specific conditions for the benefits that are most important to you in order to confirm that you are receiving the features and benefits that you want based on your selected plan.

When it comes to knowing what travel insurance does not cover, the answer will depend on the policy. However, some common exclusions include:

• Charges resulting from a *pre-existing condition, unless the plan includes a waiver of the pre-existing condition exclusion and you qualify for this waiver
• Traveling against the advice of your doctor or other health care providers
• Participating in contact sports and extreme sports excluded under your policy
  
  

*The definition of a pre-existing condition can vary slightly from plan to plan, so be sure to review the definition for any plan you are considering. In the case of Atlas Journey, a pre-existing condition means:

An illness, disease, or other condition during the 90-day period immediately prior to your effective date of coverage for which you:

1. received a test, examination, or medical treatment;
2. received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment; or
3. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine.

Item (3) above does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or **change in the required prescription throughout the 90-day period before your coverage effective date.

**Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been increased, reduced, stopped, and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that's being treated with the medication, unless the change is:

1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.

 

 

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

You may be wondering “How does travel insurance work?” For many benefits, you will be reimbursed after you file a claim with your travel insurance provider for a covered loss and that claim is approved. Different insurance providers have different claim processes, so you’ll need to review the fulfillment documents you are sent upon purchase of a policy to see how to file a claim.

Typically, you will fill out and submit a claim form and provide proof of the covered loss. Depending on the situation, proof could mean receipts, itemized invoices, medical records, police reports, etc. Pay attention to how many days you have to submit a claim after a covered event occurs. Your claim must be submitted within this timeframe for approval eligibility.

Most travel insurance policies with emergency medical coverage will provide you with a medical ID card. Print this card and carry it with you on your trip. If you must seek medical attention on your trip due to an unexpected injury or illness, present this card to the medical provider.

You may need to pay up front and file a claim for reimbursement later or your medical provider may file a claim with your insurance provider. If you do seek medical attention, gather as much documentation as you can, such as your complete medical records, an itemized bill, and your receipt.

In some cases, like an emergency medical evacuation, your treating physician may be required to contact your insurance provider so your insurance provider can approve and coordinate your transfer. That’s why it’s important to fully read and understand your policy documents. 

If you are overseas or still traveling and experience a covered event, contact your insurance carrier right away for guidance on the situation. Be sure to keep meticulous records of every covered event.

How to Get Travel Insurance

If you are interested and are now wondering how to get travel insurance, the first step to acquiring a policy is to provide your trip details, choose your plan, and see your price. You can call the company and speak to a sales representative or you can purchase your plan online.

To purchase online, visit the website of the company selling the plan you wish to purchase. You should see a quote widget or a link to get a free quote. For example, at WorldTrips.com, you can fill in your trip details on our home page or go directly to our Atlas Journey travel insurance quote engine.

You’ll first fill in trip details like your trip cost, trip dates, destination, initial trip payment date (the date you made the first payment toward your trip), and more. Once you submit your trip information you will be shown your plan options.

You will need to compare coverages and choose the level of protection you desire. Consider which benefits are most important to you and your travel companions as well as your budget. Certain plans may also offer plan upgrades for your consideration. For example, depending on when you purchase, you may have the option to upgrade to a Trip Cancellation for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit.

Once you select a policy, you will provide additional traveler details and trip details and then select your payment method. Once you purchase your plan, you will typically receive the necessary fulfillment documentation immediately via email.

When it comes to purchasing a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit, you will likely be required to have your travel itinerary in place and purchased no greater than 21 days prior to purchasing your CFAR policy.

 

 

Should I Get Travel Insurance During COVID?

Are you asking yourself “Should I buy travel insurance during COVID?” Some countries – like China – are continuing to experience significant COVID-19 outbreaks even if travel restrictions cease to exist around the world. Many people who had never considered international travel insurance COVID coverage are making sure they have the best travel insurance for COVID-related expenses due to the disruption that the pandemic continues to cause in different regions around the world.

The Trip Cancellation benefit included in travel insurance plans can save you money and provide support in stressful situations, like you getting sick or being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and your doctor advising you not to travel. Illness that prevents you from traveling is a valid covered reason for cancellation under many travel insurance policies, including Atlas Journey, so your prepaid and nonrefundable trip expenses could be covered.

Some plans, like Atlas Journey, also provide coverage for eligible medical expenses related to COVID-19 the same as any other illness.

Read the policy documents of any plan you’re considering carefully to see what travel insurance COVID coverage is provided. Reach out to the insurance company if you have unanswered questions.

Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

Looking for cancel for any reason travel insurance? Find a policy like Atlas Journey that offers an optional Trip Cancellation for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit that can reimburse you if you cancel your trip due to a reason not already covered under the policy’s Trip Cancellation benefit.

If you’re interested in cancel for any reason travel insurance for COVID-related reasons, rest assured that your CFAR benefit could reimburse you for a situation like you canceling your trip due to fears of increasing COVID cases in your destination.

Because this type of policy upgrade provides coverage for so many different situations, there are some requirements you must follow to use the benefit. For example, some policies require you to cancel your trip at least 2 days prior to your departure date. That’s why it’s important to read all the benefit conditions and exclusions.

 

Should I Get Travel Insurance for Domestic Travel?

While having insurance protection in place for international travel is fairly common, you may ask, “Should I get travel insurance for domestic travel?” Even if your health care policy provides coverage while you travel throughout the country, there are other benefits to consider for domestic trips.

For example, travel insurance can provide coverage if you cancel your trip, your connection is canceled or delayed, your luggage is lost or stolen, and more.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for Europe?

One reason to consider travel insurance for your upcoming trip to Europe is the travel assistance services that are often included. These types of services can help you navigate uncomfortable situations and emergencies by providing language interpretation, referrals, medical assistance, and more.

Many countries are currently requiring foreign visitors to hold some type of proof of medical insurance. Even if this is not a requirement for your destination, or your home policy provides adequate coverage abroad, there are additional reasons to have a travel insurance policy in place, such as the Trip Cancellation benefit discussed above.

The best travel insurance for Europe depends on your specific needs. For example, travelers from some countries are required to have a Schengen visa to enter Europe, and the Schengen visa requires travel insurance that meets specific requirements. If this is the case for you, consider travel medical insurance. This is a type of travel insurance that focuses more on medical benefits and does not include trip cancellation coverage. WorldTrips offers an Atlas Travel medical insurance plan that meets Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides a Schengen visa letter to policyholders.

International travel can be expensive. Additional costs related to having your itinerary disrupted can add up rather quickly. Canceled flights, lost luggage, or an illness or accident can disrupt your trip. This type of situation can also leave you with a bill that may last longer than many of your travel memories.

Travel insurance is an effective way to plan ahead and be prepared, no matter what situation may arise during your travels.