Travel insurance. It’s something we don’t want to think about when planning a vacation. After all, vacations are supposed to be fun, joyous occasions to (briefly) escape reality. But the reality is that, despite our best of efforts, bad things can happen. When they do, you need to be prepared.
The 5 What Ifs, or Why I Need Travel Insurance
The early 2020s have been cheekily referred to as the “dumpster fire years.” If something could go wrong, it probably did. It’s left a lot of us asking what happens if …
To answer that question, we’re highlighting five of the most common scenarios where it pays to consider travel insurance.
1. What if … I have to cancel my trip completely?
There are a lot of external factors that might cause you to cancel a trip. Maybe you fell ill, lost your job, or were in a traffic accident on your way to the airport. Without trip protection, you’re potentially out hundreds or even thousands of dollars in prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
When reviewing trip insurance, be sure to read through the details to ensure you understand the covered reasons and exclusions for canceling your trip. They vary by plan, and if you cancel your trip for a reason not listed in your plan document, you won’t be able to get reimbursed.
2. What if … my trip gets interrupted and I have to return home?
Again, there are many reasons your trip could be interrupted. Perhaps you have to return home because of a death in the family or something has happened to your house. If you decide to end your trip midway through, the consequences could hit your wallet pretty hard.
Consider trip insurance “wallet protection.” Depending on the plan, trip interruption benefits could cover as much as 150% of the unused portions of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
Why 150%? We can only reimburse you for what you spent, but the extra percentage helps to account for additional expenses if you have to make new travel arrangements. For example, if you interrupt your trip and the new flight home is more expensive than the one you originally booked, having 150% trip interruption coverage can help offset the higher cost of the new airfare.
3. What if … the airline loses my luggage?
Maybe it was a short flight. Or maybe it was a long transatlantic voyage. If you get to your destination but your bags didn’t, it’s still upsetting.
When the airline loses your bags, you’re going to need some essentials. Travel insurance can reimburse you to replace necessities like a change of clothes and basic toiletries.
4. What if … I get injured on my trip and need to see a doctor?
If you’re traveling internationally and your domestic health insurance doesn’t cover you in another country — most don’t — then you’ll want travel medical insurance to cover the cost of your treatment. Otherwise, you could be left with lots of medical bills and financial strain.
Most trip protection includes coverage for medical expenses. Medical maximums and deductibles vary by plan. When comparing your options, choose the plan the provides the amount of coverage that's best for your trip.
5. What if … I suffer a serious injury and need to be evacuated from where I’m vacationing?
Talk about your worst-case scenario. Unfortunately, it happens. And that’s why it’s included as a part of many trip insurance options. Without coverage, the bill for an emergency medical evacuation could be monumental.
With emergency medical evacuation coverage, you have the peace of mind knowing that if a serious illness or injury occurs on your trip and you can’t receive the necessary care at your destination, your travel insurance will not only help get you to a location where you can receive that care but also cover the expenses of transportation and treatment.
Read more >> True Stories of Emergency Medical Evacuations
Is the Investment Worth It?
We’ll admit to being biased, but travel insurance is certainly worth the cost. It’s protecting a major investment — the one you’ve made in your trip and health — after all.
When planning a vacation, it’s smart to make a to-do list before you leave. Of course you’ll buy the flights, select a hotel or resort, and maybe even pick a rental car, but we also encourage you to do the wisest thing and add purchasing trip protection to that list. If something happens during your travels, you’ll be glad you did.
Read more >> Why – and How – These Travelers Bought Travel Insurance
Learn More about Trip Protection
Trips can be disrupted for many reasons, most of which are out of our control. If you’re not protected, the financial impact could be debilitating. Protect yourself, your family, and your wallet on your next vacation with a Seven Corners Trip Protection plan. Coverage includes:
- Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- Medical Expense and Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Trip Delay and Lost or Delayed Baggage
Contact our licensed agents or get a quick quote online. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll help match you with the best protection for your next getaway.
* Travel insurance is included as part of a travel protection plan, which consists of insurance coverages underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company as well as non-insurance assistance services provided by Seven Corners. Insurance coverages are subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions in the plan, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
