Put simply, travel insurance protects you and your investment should unforeseen events like illness, injury, or cancellation disrupt your travel plans.
Travel insurance works much the same way as other types of insurance. You pay for the plan upfront, then get reimbursed when your provider approves a claim. To get your money back, you need to have the plan before something happens.
Travel insurance is no different. If something like a hurricane or medical emergency impacts your trip, you need the plan to be in effect before the event. You won’t be able to buy travel insurance after something happens and still have your claim covered. It’s all about being prepared.
Should you need to file a claim, be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the event to make sure you follow all the required steps. In most cases, you may be able to access the forms you need and file your claim quickly and easily online.
Are There Different Types of Travel Insurance?
There are different types of travel insurance available so that you can get the kind and levels of coverage you need. Common types of travel insurance include:
- Travel Medical: Pays for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip when traveling internationally.
- Trip Protection: Protects your money and belongings with coverage for trip cancellation, delay, or interruption, as well as lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Also includes travel medical benefits.
- Visitor to the USA: Provides medical coverage for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States.
- Cruise Insurance: Includes travel medical and trip protection benefits as well as high levels of coverage for missed tour/cruise connection, cruise diversion, and cruise disablement.
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
While some travel insurance companies allow you to purchase a plan up until the day before you travel, it's generally better to purchase as early as possible.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a trip protection plan at least within a few days of making your initial trip deposit. This way, you'll be protected if anything should happen to cancel or delay your trip.
With trip protection, your policy will go into effect the day after you purchase it. Most travel medical plans are effective as soon as you leave your home country.
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance
When it comes to choosing a travel insurance provider, you should look for one that offers a variety of plans, outstanding customer service, a vast directory of international doctors and hospitals, and 24/7 emergency assistance. You can also take a look at the provider's reviews and testimonials to hear from other travelers.
If you have more questions, check out our ultimate guide to travel insurance or contact us. Our licensed agents are available to help you make sense of it all and find the best plan for your next trip.
