Travel Insurance Tips

When you buy travel insurance, you should pay considerable attention to the essence of the policy, i.e. what is covered and what is not. This will save you the unpleasant experience of finding out that the huge bill is left with you.

What is Covered?
Trip Protection Insurance covers "listed unforeseen events", meaning that if the event is not specifically named as a covered reason, your claim will not be valid. Travel insurance plan covers only the perils or events that are listed in its Description of Coverage. If it is not listed or is specifically excluded, then it is not covered by the insurer. “Unforeseen” simply means that travel insurance benefits do not cover conditions or events that on the date of purchase are known to you. They cover situations or losses that result from sudden and unforeseen conditions or events, that are definite but their occurrence is unsure. Here are just some examples of unforeseen events:

• You, your companion or a family member has a medical emergency or dies
• You need emergency transportation/evacuation
• Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes under. (If your service supplier was already bankrupt at the time of purchase of the insurance, your claim will not be valid)
• Bad weather
• A plane crash
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage
• A city you are visiting has a terrorist incident
• Cruise ship sicknesses

What Is Not Covered?
Travel insurance is "Named Perils Insurance", meaning that it names specific risks covered by the policy. If it is not listed as a covered reason then it is not covered by the insurer. In order to make everything as clear and as definite as possible insurance companies list specific exclusions as well. Trip Protection Insurance never covers you for the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions (this exclusion can be waived)
• Wanting to return home early
• Business or contractual obligations
• Failure of any tour operator, Common Carrier, person or agency to provide the ordered travel arrangements. If the travel agency changes the itinerary, but is still offering you a similar trip, there's not a valid claim with a Travel Insurance plan.
• Unfavorable weather, meaning that unless the bad weather prevents you from getting where you are headed, your claim will not be valid.
• Frequent flier miles, vouchers, award travel, face value of free trips
• Your financial circumstances, meaning canceling your trip because you found out you could not afford it.
• War (whether declared or undeclared)
• Mental, psychological or nervous disorders including anxiety, depression, neurosis or psychosis
• Travel arrangements canceled by tour operator, airline, or cruise line
• Change in plans
• Normal pregnancy or childbirth
• Any government regulation or prohibition

For a more comprehensive list, read carefully the insurance policy before signing or consult with the agent who will be able to answer all your questions.