The demand for travel insurance has skyrocketed since the pandemic. It’s estimated that pre-COVID approximately 20% of travelers purchased coverage, and today roughly 70% are considering some type of protection. There are many reasons that travelers consider buying insurance – here are a few of the most compelling:
- Protecting the actual cost of a trip should it be cancelled or interrupted: Prepaid trip costs (air, hotel, cruise, tours & excursions, etc.) can run to tens of thousands of dollars. Whether it’s due to illness, family emergencies, unforeseen work circumstances, or a myriad of other situations, these costs can be reimbursed.
- To cover unexpected medical expenses: Many health insurance and Medicare plans provide limited or no coverage when traveling. In case of illness or injury during the trip, you may receive reimbursement for medical expenses and even an emergency medical evacuation if required. Protecting against the cost of medical expenses are crucial when traveling abroad, as the cost of hospitalization or evacuation can be financially devastating.
- Other Unforeseen Events: Travel insurance also protects against a variety of events such as trip delays, lost or stolen baggage and missed connections. These unexpected situations are a huge disruption and having insurance can mitigate the financial impact.
- Travel Assistance Services: Travel insurance provides extra peace of mind by providing global assistance services. Whether it’s arranging for replacement eyeglasses or an RX, providing a legal assistance referral, or helping with lost passports, these services are invaluable during travel emergencies.
AVOID CLAIM HASSLES
Consider purchasing a single policy to protect the entire trip. When travelers purchase insurance while booking a hotel or airline ticket, the offer for coverage is typically limited to the amount of that purchase and may not cover other components of the trip. Purchasing a single comprehensive plan provides one point of contact and will simplify things in the event of a claim.