Travel Insurance Coverage Information

Travel insurance may be offered to you at the time of your travel. Some people will turn it down because they are not sure what it is for. The insurance policy is for covering losses of money for non refundable payments made as well as for medical expenses. Travel insurance is for both domestic and international travelers.

Travel insurance can be purchased to cover your trips exact duration or you can get a more extensive continuous policy from your travel agent, travel insurance company, or travel supplier such as a cruise line or tour operator. Be careful when purchasing a policy through a travel supplier as their policies are less inclusive than the ones from the travel insurance company.

Any type of traveler may purchase the insurance including but not limited to the business traveler, adventure traveler, student traveler and the international traveler. There are many features that can be included in the policies to create the right one for your needs.

Some of the more common coverage items in the travel insurance policy are, medical expenses, injury or disablement benefits, accidental death, curtailment, legal assistance, liability for rental car damages, lost or delayed luggage to cover replacement of essential items, emergency evacuations, damage, theft, or loss of personal items such as money or travel documentation, trip cancellations, overseas funeral costs, and delayed trips.

The policies vary widely depending on travel insurance company and travel supplier. The policy can be customized to meet the traveler's needs and price. There are some companies that will offer insurance to cover any additional trip expenses that may arise.

A separate policy can be purchased to cover any high risk or dangerous sports participation such as rock climbing, sky diving, or skiing as well as one to cover any pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Travel to countries that are known for natural disasters, terrorism acts or have a war status will create the need for a separate policy for travel to the high risk country.

Your basic policy will have certain items excluded for coverage that may require a separate policy. Travel to countries with war and terrorism threats, pre existing medical conditions or any injury or illness created by alcohol or drug use is normally excluded from a typical insurance policy. The majority of companies will allow you to buy a separate policy for travel to countries with war and terrorism threats.

Travel insurance policies will normally cover pregnancy related expenses during the first trimester. The insurance policy can vary from trimester to trimester so be sure to check with the insurance company about covered pregnancy expenses.

Travel insurance can be very helpful with services that are operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Emergency travel assistance and concierge service are the two most used services for travel insurance policy holders. You can expect to pay about 5-7% of the total trip cost for the travel insurance policy.