We gather information for these stories based on feedback from our readers and information we have independently gathered from the web and representatives at Allianz, InsureMyTrip, and other travel insurers. Insurance policies and coverage vary based on needs, so be sure to ask questions and read the terms and conditions of your policy before purchasing.
Last week, we gave you some advice about booking travel insurance. Since then, I have been on the phone with Allianz quite a bit helping answer questions about insurance for Ralph’s Dream Cruise. As you prepare for your next getaway, here are four things you need to know about protecting your trip.
Book Your Airfare Through Your Credit Card
As we mentioned last week, your credit card company may offer coverage for trip cancellation. Based on the experience of our readers, using your credit card to purchase your air provides a separate layer of protection for your air travel and can also save you money on your insurance policy.
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
If you require coverage for a pre-existing condition, ensure you purchase your policy within 14 days of your first deposit. On its website, Allianz defines a pre-existing condition as “ … an injury, illness or medical condition that caused someone to seek treatment, presented symptoms, or required medication. This may have taken place anytime within 120 days prior to and including the plan’s purchase date.”
So, what about conditions that are controlled by medication like high blood pressure? According to the rep I spoke with, as long as there haven’t been major issues and your condition is controlled by medication, that would not be considered a pre-existing condition. Be sure to ask, however. Some conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease, may not be treated the same when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Do your homework.
Change In Plan?
While a basic policy won’t grant you the flexibility to cancel for any reason, adjustments to the policy can be made as needed. You can change your policy once you book airfare, or if you want to add a few days before or after the trip, for example. Just make sure that you call to update your policy. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) trip insurance is available but often costly.
Insurance Reps Are There To Help (and so nice!)
Every time I call Allianz, the representatives that I talk to are knowledgeable and professional. Many providers offer 24-hour assistance when you purchase a policy, meaning that these helpful representatives are there to address any questions you may have.
We always recommend buying trip insurance. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical procedures; trip interruption; baggage loss; cancellation for illness and injury, repatriation of remains, termination from job, a supplier ceasing service, traffic accidents and more. The unfortunate truth is that it’s better to be safe than sorry, and it’s better to have a policy and not use it than to be out thousands of dollars. Protect your investment so that you can enjoy true peace of mind while you’re away.
Bobby says
I have heard more horror stories from people who have bought travel insurance. More fine print , and exclusions and you won’t know it till you need to use it. I pass
Gail Gibbons says
Re trip insurance: buy it from a company other than your trip company. For example, customers who bought their insurance with CFAR through Vantage (who went bankrupt owing millions of dollars for cancelled trips ) have had great difficulties getting their monies back. In some cases, Vantage didn’t even buy the insurance! Although our trip was also cancelled (we didn’t have CFAR), we had insured through a separate company. Although we have had to fight our credit card company over the cancelled trip itself, we were able to cancel the insurance and be refunded its cost when our trip was cancelled two days before liftoff. Some money back is better than none!