When comparing policies
don't forget to think about flexibility and affordability. While every plan may have different features and benefits, all of them should offer coverage for common expenses like medical bills. You want to make sure that your health will be protected if you need medical attention or an emergency. Some travel insurance companies even cover accidental injuries due to unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions.
Your vacation destination probably isn't the only thing you're concerned about when purchasing your next trip. How would you feel if someone else needed to take care of your belongings? What if your luggage gets lost in transit? Is there protection if your flight doesn't land exactly where you expected? If these things ever happen to you while traveling, make sure you're covered by any travel insurance on this list and then compare policies from other companies to see which offers you the best deal.
With so many options out there, it can also be hard to know where to begin with your search. In an effort to simplify the process, our team has put together a simple guide that can help you figure the right place to start. The key information you may need is:
A few numbers from multiple providers
We recommend using a tool like CompareMyTrip or Avios. You don't have to use both but we recommend doing both since they will give you a comprehensive picture of how good the providers are. Most people save money by choosing the lowest cost provider, but some travelers choose the cheapest ones since they don't want to pay extra money just to cancel. It doesn't hurt to try several options to find one that works well for you.
We recommend using a tool like Get Quote or Avios
You don't have to use both but we recommend doing both since they will give you a comprehensive picture of how good the providers are. Most people save money by choosing the lowest cost provider, but some travelers choose the cheapest ones since they don't want to pay extra money just to cancel. It doesn't hurt to try several options to find one that works well for you. Your budget. As you research deals, you'll need to decide how much you need to spend. If you do end up buying enough coverage to cover your entire trip, then you might consider bundling multiple plans to save more money. But if you are looking to just get coverage for some of your expenses, some travel insurance providers have limited-coverage limits, and most won't cover the whole trip. If your budget allows, bundle multiple plans, and make sure to shop around to find a company offering discounts and promotions.
As you research deals
you'll need to decide how much you need to spend. If you do end up buying enough coverage to cover your entire trip, then you might consider bundling multiple plans to save more money. But if you are looking to just get coverage for some of your expenses, some travel insurance providers have limited-coverage limits, and most won't cover the whole trip. If your budget allows, bundle multiple plans, and make sure to shop around to find a company offering discounts and promotions. Specialty insurance claims. Every policy requires a separate deductible to be paid. For example, medical providers may require additional funds to cover the cost of treatment if you are injured. This could mean higher premium costs, if a claim occurs. To avoid this situation, read travel insurance reviews to understand how insurers treat specific types of claims. Also look for high-risk scenarios like plane accidents or natural disasters. Most companies won't pay out if an accident occurs during your trip. On the flip side, coverage for travel safety and prevention won't be included in most policies. That means if you lose baggage or damage property, your insurer won't cover it. Check your preferred provider's website for details.
Every policy requires a separate deductible to be paid
For example, medical providers may require additional funds to cover the cost of treatment if you are injured. This could mean higher premium costs, if a claim occurs. To avoid this situation, read travel insurance reviews to understand how insurers treat specific types of claims. Also look for high-risk scenarios like plane accidents or natural disasters. Most companies won't pay out if an accident occurs during your trip. On the flip side, coverage for travel safety and prevention won't be included in most policies. That means if you lose baggage or damage property, your insurer won't cover it. Check your preferred provider's website for details. Emergency situations. Trip cancellation, hotel delay, and car rental crisis coverage can all be difficult for inexperienced travelers to navigate. Keep your eyes peeled for new policies that include these coverage plans. They may also change the amount and type of medical coverage you have. And remember that unexpected events can happen unexpectedly. If you become ill during your travels, take steps to stay healthy while you're away. Learn as much as you can about the insures you choose or buy from competitors’ websites. Make sure to check the terms of each policy thoroughly to make sure that the coverage you need will still be available even after an event has been declared as non-covered. There may be fees involved in switching providers. Make sure you understand the price differences between participating providers before making a switch.
The Bottom Line
Travelers often come to us for advice about purchasing adequate travel insurance. Our experts have identified some general guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for travel insurance. Then they've worked with hundreds of policies for various types of trips. Whether you're planning for a family reunion, holiday travel or weekend escapes, we recommend sticking to the same providers who provide affordable options and flexible coverage options. We also suggest taking advantage of special sale periods to bring down your purchase costs. Take into account everything that matters to you when picking out a policy. A policy with no exclusions may not be ideal if there's a risk that your travel plans will suddenly fall apart. And you'll want to make sure you understand your plans and the coverage you have. These days, your insurance is likely to cover at least some or all of your travel plans, including expensive services like air travel. So take time to read online reviews and see how well the providers fit the bill.
Whether you're new to buying a policy or you have long been an avid traveler, we can help you avoid all of the pitfalls of traveling unplanned. Contact us today, and let's talk.
