Medical Insurance Nexus

In the past, travel insurance had a negative reputation. Many agents would not even offer it to travelers as it was seen as an unnecessary expense. In recent years, however, more and more people are seeing the positive aspects of travel insurance.

It not only protects your trip, it protects your luggage, your travel expenses and even your health. Savvy travelers make insurance an essential part of their travel plans.

Most people are aware of travel insurance that covers cancellations of flights, cruises, tours and such. But coverage is also available for health issues or accidents, lost or damaged luggage, and medical evacuation. Medical evacuation is not familiar to most people. This is important coverage, as it provides for transport in the event you are taken ill or are injured, and proper medical care is not locally available.

Travel insurance also makes it possible for you to get emergency cash if your wallet or money is stolen. You can get assistance replacing a lost or stolen passport. If you must cancel your trip as a result of a terrorist warning in or near your destination, you can recover most or all of your expenses.

When purchasing travel insurance, it?s best to work with an independent company that is not associated with your travel agent or airline.

Purchasing insurance at a booth or airline counter in the airport can be very expensive. Even though the pay-out may be large, (in the event the plane goes down), the premiums are too high to be cost effective. An independent insurer can offer equivalent travel insurance for a fraction of the cost a travel provider charges. The only exceptions to this rule are tour operators and cruise lines. In most cases, they offer insurance at lower rates than outside providers. However, if the tour company or cruise line goes bankrupt, there won?t be any funds to cover your insurance claim.

Keep in mind that travel insurance may not be needed if you purchase your tickets or make reservations with a credit card. Federal credit laws provide for coverage of costs when paid for using a credit card. This does not mean you should forego all travel insurance. It is a good idea, but only purchase the type of insurance you actually need to protect yourself and your trip. Knowing that you are covered in the event of a lost passport, missing luggage or a cancelled tour in worth the investment in travel insurance.

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