Travel Insurance (2 Viewers)

[Terminalxylem]

Having just cancelled several trips due to an injury, and anticipating more stuff will come up as we age, I was considering getting a travel insurance policy.

I purchased one years ago when we travelled to South America, but haven’t thought about it since.

Any thoughts/recommendations? I’m thinking something primarily for unexpected trip cancellation, though I guess international coverage of medical emergencies is a consideration as well.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I used to get it just for cancellation, but now get full coverage. I don't have the numbers handy, but will post them when I can get my hands on them. Also, check with your carrier and CC company for what coverage they provide.

 

[gianmarco]

Having just cancelled several trips due to an injury, and anticipating more stuff will come up as we age, I was considering getting a travel insurance policy.

I purchased one years ago when we travelled to South America, but haven’t thought about it since.

Any thoughts/recommendations? I’m thinking something primarily for unexpected trip cancellation, though I guess international coverage of medical emergencies is a consideration as well.

There are some credit cards that offer pretty solid travel insurance. You just need to use the card when purchasing your trip. See AMEX Platinum as one example.

 

[NutterButter]

I think we get it when traveling out of country for health coverage. Don't think our health insurace applies out of country. Maybe I'm wrong about that. My SO gets it for us. I would just roll the dice. Travel card I believe covers the rest.

 

[BrutalPenguin]

We got some for our Japan cruise. Got it from Alliance through AAA. I think the cost was based on the price of the trip. In our case it was a little over 5%. It was cheaper than going through the tour company. Covered cancelations, delays, and emergency healthcare.

 

[Gally]

How much does this type of thing cost? I have never thought about it as it seems like a huge waste of money (as is most insurance with respect to actually needing it).

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I have rarely gotten it. But I found out that calling directly is much cheaper than buying it as you book.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I only get it on a trip by trip basis and only if I’m bringing the kids and it’s more than I want to lose.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Too many exclusions for my taste and I've also found most travel to have some level of cancelability or refundability that makes it a bit redundant. The one time I bought it was for a trip to Egypt just before the Arab Spring. When I tried to use it I discovered a clause that invalidated it in case of wars, insurgencies, uprisings, etc. amongst many other exclusions. But even in that case I was able to cancel most of the elements of the trip directly with he airline, hotel and tour operator. So it was worthless on many levels.

 

[Hawks64]

Use a CC that includes it, as it makes everything simple since everything is covered automatically. Same for rental car insurance.

 

[JohnnyU]

I too think travel insurance is more important as we age due to health concerns. But I'll add in that it can be important if we have conerns about family members and that can range from health to other concerns that could block travel plans. Another factor that applies to anyone, is how much do you have going on in your life that could block travel plans. Just a few thoughts.

 

[Terminalxylem]

How much does this type of thing cost? I have never thought about it as it seems like a huge waste of money (as is most insurance with respect to actually needing it).

In general, I feel the same way.

Homeowners has been pretty useless over the years. Don’t have life insurance. Carry the minimum auto insurance required by law. Never get optional warranties.

Medical insurance is the notable exception. Maybe disability as well.

Like medical, this is something we may actually need. We frequently schedule trips months in advance, and sh!t is bound to happen between me, my wife, her father, or our travel partners. We’ve already had to change, cancel, or cut trips short, probably a half dozen times over the last decade.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Use a CC that includes it, as it makes everything simple since everything is covered automatically. Same for rental car insurance.

This may be the way to go, though I caution you regarding auto, as most cc do not cover loss of use fees. I found this out the hard way.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I too think travel insurance is more important as we age due to health concerns. But I'll add in that it can be important if we have conerns about family members and that can range from health to other concerns that could block travel plans. Another factor that applies to anyone, is how much do you have going on in your life that could block travel plans. Just a few thoughts.

Yup. My wife is a doting daughter. Her dad is 81, mildly demented, with an unsupportive wife.

This is more about his health than ours.