INSURANCE

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments), and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally.

Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from (most often) travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

And in addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

• Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
• Sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• Travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)

Common exclusions:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• War or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
• Pregnancy related expenses
• Injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

To find a good travel insurance quote, determine the type of insurance cover that will be most suitable to your vacation or business trip.

Travel insurance will run you 6% of your total trip cost on average.

Here are ways to get the best travel insurance quote for your money:

1. Know what your existing policies and credit cards cover.  You may be able to ameliorate your purchase you're your existing policies without putting yourself at risk. Purchasing an airline ticket by credit card may allow coverage for cancelled tickets and your existing health insurance policy may include some aspects of international medical insurance. Lost luggage may also already be accounted for.
2. Get insurance suitable for your destination.  If you're traveling to Egypt, consider terrorism insurance. Always consider international medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death or trip cancellation coverage.
3. List the factors that will influence the cost of your policy.  Your age, your destination and the type of recreational activities involved in your holiday. Buy extra riders if you want to be able to 'cancel for any reason' or get coverage for winter sports.
4. If you're traveling for business, discuss your insurance options with your employer.  Ideally the travel insurance policy should be paid for by the employer.
5. Think about how frequently you travel.  Find out if your vacation insurance will be less costly by purchasing single policy for the sole purpose of that holiday, or if you travel often, perhaps annual travel insurance will be a better option.

Selecting the ideal insurance package is quick and easy if you make use of the internet. Your have plenty of options at your fingertips.

By following the basic guidelines above, finding the best travel insurance quote will be an easy and worthwhile task.

Parents, you might be getting ready to send Your Children off on their own for spring break. It can be a worrisome time for you and for them. Whether they’re driving with friends or traveling with a school group, there are insurance details you should address with your children before they leave.

BE PREPARED

Before any trip away from home, it is a good idea to review your insurance coverages. When your child is traveling alone, involve them in the review process. First, collect originals and make copies of all pertinent insurance paperwork. When you give this information to your child, explain to them the importance of keeping these documents safe and in a readily accessible location.

If your child will be driving a family car, show them where you keep the insurance information in that vehicle and review emergency procedures with them. Make your child a list of contact numbers and important information for quick reference. Place this with the insurance identification card in the glove box. Include the name and phone number of the insurance company or agent, policy number and your complete contact details.

For health insurance, make sure your child knows the name of the insurance company and provide your child with a list of emergency numbers, including the numbers of your family doctor and your insurance company, in addition to your cell phone number. Also explain to your child the meaning of general insurance terms like "copay" and "out-of-network."

If your child takes medications, you might want to check for in-network pharmacies at their travel destination. Make sure to review the list with your child and put a copy of the list with their important insurance papers.

AUTO INSURANCE

Consider giving your child a copy of the following checklist to keep in their vehicle.

Review it with them before they leave home, so the information is fresh in their mind in case of an accident:

• Make sure you have your insurance ID, title and registration in the vehicle at all times.
• Following an accident, call 9-1-1 first. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation on a highway or road.
• Call your parents.
• Make sure to get contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Give them your parents’ contact and insurance information.
• Do not admit fault.
• Other drivers involved might try to convince you to not file an insurance claim. Tell them they should contact your parents to discuss any insurance decisions.
• Take pictures of the scene, including pictures of the other people and vehicles involved, if it is safe to do so.
• Get contact information for the police department that responded to the accident.
• Get a copy of any police report(s) or find out how to get a copy once the report has been filed.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Getting hurt or sick away from home can be scary, and it will be especially difficult if your child doesn’t have you to take care of them. Help prepare them by reviewing the following checklist with them before they leave home.

Send a copy with them so they can refer back to it, if needed:

• Keep your health insurance ID card, a list of your drug allergies, a list of drugs you are currently taking and information about any of your other medical conditions with you at all times.
• If you need urgent medical treatment or are in an accident, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Have someone who is with you contact your parents. Provide the medical facility with your insurance ID card.
• If you need to see a doctor and it is not an emergency, contact the insurance company to find a local physician who is in your coverage network. The phone number for the insurance company, your policy number and co-pay information are located on the insurance ID card.
• Keep all paperwork, including receipts from the doctor’s office, the hospital or any pharmacy if you filled any prescription(s).
• Obtain the name and contact details of the treating physician to provide your family doctor, in case you require follow-up care once you are home.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Neither American auto nor health insurance will generally be accepted outside of the United States. To find out more about the extent of your coverage, speak with your insurance agent or company before you leave home. You can also contact your State Insurance Department.

Short-term travel insurance can be purchased for your child’s trip if you are concerned about accidents or losses during an international trip. If you are considering the purchase of a short-term travel insurance policy, review the policy terms carefully to make sure you understand all coverages and exclusions before making a purchase.

If you are unsure about the insurance company or agent you are talking with: stop before signing any paperwork or writing a check for the policy; call your state insurance department; and confirm that the company or agent offering insurance to you is legitimate and licensed in your state.

If you purchase a short-term travel insurance policy, review it with your child before he/she leaves, focusing on the process your child would use for getting assistance, if needed.

GROUP TRAVEL

Group travel is a popular way for kids to travel away from home without a parent for the first time. If your child is traveling in a group with sponsors or chaperones, make sure you provide the group leaders with the same emergency contacts and information you have given your child.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions or are confused about your insurance coverage, contact your State Insurance Department. Visit NAIC or Insurance Commissioners Quick List to find contact information for your state insurance department.