So, you have picked the perfect destination for your next vacation and your deposit has been applied, what's next? Outside of the usual exciting things that come along with planning your vacation like what will you do in destination? are you taking any day trips? do you need any new outfits, maybe a new swimsuit?
There is always or should be the question of Travel Insurance. I know...I get it, travel insurance is that one thing you hate to spend money on because you think you will never need it, but trust me, when you are in destination and you need medical assistance, you will be so glad you have your insurance.
If nothing else having travel insurance will offer you the peace of mind, knowing you are covered just in case the unforseen happens. Be it emergency medical, trip cancellation or interruption there is a policy for you to get the right coverage you need.
Maybe here is where I should share a story of what happened to my husband "Rick" when he was visiting and staying with his son in Florida for a week recently. His vacation was going great until they decided to try pickle ball. Rick had never played before but was excited as it was something he has wanted to try for awhile. About 15 minutes into the game Rick's feet stopped, but the rest of him did not! He went face first down and out on the court. He dislocated his left shoulder; he needed 4 stitches on his nose and his knees, and one elbow was an absolute mess. This turned into a bloody mess...literally! His son rushed him off to the hospital and when Rick showed his policy information the hospital went into action repairing him, no questions asked. They saw he had a policy from Allianz and just said "Perfect". I can only imagine what the added stress both mentally and financially would have caused in that time when he was in so much pain, if he had no insurance.
In giving that example I should also share that the week before he left, I distinctly remember having a conversation with him, where he asked, "Do you really think, I need insurance?" Because he has made this trip many times before with no issues. I totally understand that it is just one more expense and that most of your trips will go off without a hitch, but when your luck runs out, I hope you have purchased it. In this case I am so glad I sat down the night before he was leaving to get it for him. Things happen that we don't plan for so it is best to be as prepared for the unexpected as we can.
Don't forget as well Insurance is for more than just medical, when you are purchasing that trip of a lifetime that you've saved up for, this is when you want to purchase your trip cancellation insurance and protect your vacation dollars. This way if for some reason, say you lose your job or you get sick (etc) and you must cancel your trip before departure, you will not have lost all your money. The same goes for trip interruption insurance, if you are in the middle of your vacation and something happens at home, and you need to return then trip interruption insurance is there for you. Again, life happens whether you want it to or not! I'm here to tell you lost luggage happens as well despite your best efforts, so it is best to be prepared and covered for it.
Here are just a few things that are covered in an all-inclusive policy...emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flights delays or cancellations, lost luggage, death in destination, evacuations, volcanic eruptions and so much more.
It is easy enough to get a quote and find out which policy is right for you. I would also suggest you read over the policy to make sure you fully understand what it is you are covered for. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are you stable to travel in the eyes of the insurance company? You want to make sure that you fit the criteria so that if you must make a claim, you know you meet all the requirements, and your claim won't be denied because you didn't read the policy inclusions.
I am by no means an expert in the Travel Insurance field as it is always changing, but I do have the connections to get the answers. Vacationing without travel insurance is not in your best interest. When saving for that dream vacation include the cost of insurance, this way it is a no brainer.
I know in the world of internet everyone does their own research and likes to book their own trips, I am here to tell you that as a travel agent I have connections with suppliers that the average person doesn't, I am here to help you and use my connections for you (within reason of course...lol) BUT...should you decide to book your own vacation, I am still here to help you with travel insurance if you need, so do not hesitate to reach out to me.
REMEMBER!!!
Travel Insurance is the most important thing you will pack
