Why Travel Insurance is an Absolute Necessity

Due to a hurricane, we were forced to cancel our trip the day before we were scheduled to depart. We couldn't fly our family into the eye of a hurricane and we figured that the airlines and other travel-related agencies would understand. What we found out was even more distressing than being forced to cancel our trip. The airlines refused to issue us a refund or a credit and we lost all the money that we had invested in our vacation.

Reasons you should Purchase a Travel Insurance Policy

There are many reasons that travelers should purchase travel insurance. It's a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars if things do not go as planned. With insurance, your travel plans are covered. This means that if something happens out of your control (like a hurricane or the unexpected death of a close relative), you can cancel or change your plans and you will not lose your money.

After going through this experience, I can assure you that your peace of mind is worth a few extra dollars. Think of the money as a way to insure the investment you worked hard to save for (your vacation) or just think of it as a safety net.

What to look for in a Good Policy

A good travel insurance policy has 24-hour assistance and covers you if bad weather changes your plans or you have to cancel your trip for other reasons. It will even cover you in the event that you have to shorten your trip. A good plan should offer medical coverage for emergencies and cover your personal possessions should they get lost. There should be quick and friendly claim service and good customer service. Even your baggage should be covered in the event that it is lost or stolen. You should also have different coverage plan options.

Special coverage for different needs

You can find good coverage plans in policies that take care of special needs. You can have medical protection that will assure you of ambulance services and medical care in any country. You can even get coverage if you are going to be engaging in high-risk activities like mountain climbing, sky diving or snorkeling. Some coverage plans even provide protection for personal sports equipment for hunting, fishing or golfing.

A good policy that covers transportation and hotel costs will issue refunds for any changes in plans. Whatever your particular needs, travel insurance can address them.

Don't make the mistake I made and assume that your airline fare will be credited or refunded in an emergency. Don't assume that your credit card company will cover all contingencies because this is not always the case.

The safest thing to do is to buy travel insurance as your own personal safety net to make sure that your vacation investment is protected if something happens to change your plans.

Learn from my experience. It pays to insure your travel plans. Below is the company I use every year now to insure my vacation:

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