RESEARCHING OPTIONS FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:
People always ask about insurance. We no longer sell nor recommend any specific insurance company, but here is some information to help you make a wise decision. Squaremouth is a company that allows you to compare hundreds of travel insurance companies and policies … and then only pick the coverage that you need. https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-insurance-reviews
Read through the synopses and pick several that seem to fit your needs. Then explore them in more depth. (Some are very good with COVID coverage; some are good for seniors; some have better coverage for pre-existing conditions.) Policies can be very inexpensive if you only need limited coverage. Here are some articles that help you check out companies.
COVID is considered a pre-existing condition since it is a known pandemic. If you want protection of your money in case the trip is cancelled because of an outbreak of COVID, then you need coverage for Pandemic.
Elderly parents, or adult children are considered pre-existing conditions if there are any issues that have needed (or should have had) a change in medical treatment within the previous ? number of days. (often 180). If there is nothing wrong with them, then they would come under the category of medical (accident, illness, death, etc.)
If you only need coverage in case you came down with COVID while on the trip, that comes under Medical coverage, and is fairly inexpensive. It would also cover you if you were injured, or had other medical issues.
Cancel for any reason will have varying premiums, and a variety of coverage. Most of the time it is very expensive, and usually only covers 50% of your loss.
Pre-existing conditions will not be covered, unless you purchase the insurance within a specific time limit after your first payment on your trip. After that, you can get other coverages, but not for pre-existing conditions. The window of opportunity is usually 10-14 days after your initial deposit, but can vary.
Costs are based on the types of coverage needed, and your age.
After you have done your homework and think you have chosen a provider, CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY DIRECTLY to verify that you understand what is covered and what is not covered.
In looking for insurance, here is a list of categories to consider in comparing apples-to-apples.
Trip cancellation and/or interruption: This is in case of a covered reason like accident, illness, natural disaster, etc. (Read the fine print to understand what is covered.) It does not cover “canceling for any reason”. That coverage is available, but is very expensive, and only refunds a portion of what you paid.
Terrorism: domestic and/or international
Medical: Most policies provide “secondary” coverage, but some are “primary”.
Medical deductible: Some policies have no deductible; others have a specific amount.
Evacuation: Look for the amount
Travel delay: Look for the daily limit, and the time delay before it kicks in.
Baggage delay: Look for the amount, and the time delay before it kicks in.
Baggage loss: Look for the amount
Missed connection: Look for the amount, and the time delay.
Go to www.squaremouth.com and enter:
Travel dates
State of residence The price of your trip (air and land); estimate if you are not sure
Country to be visited
Your birthdate (or age … as of the date of insurance purchase)
Date of deposit
See what selections it automatically gives you, but then use the filters if you want to customize your needs. The most common one would be if you want to waive excluding pre-existing condition(s). There are certain benefits that are only available if you purchase the insurance within 10-15 days after you make an initial deposit/payment.
Select several policies for comparison, and click on “compare”.
Expand the headings for Ratings, Cancellation, Medical, Evacuation and Loss or Delay.
Scroll down through them and see how they differ.
Prices will be based on the person’s age … and change frequently, so don’t wait!
I chose Tin Leg Luxury for my last trip. It has Medical coverage that is Primary, which is a big advantage.
