lorijv

Any recommendations for a reliable company providing trip insurance. We are traveling in the winter from Virginia to Europe.

Thank you!

Nikki

You can compare companies and policies at www.insuremytrip.com

thursdaysd

What sort of insurance?

Trip cancellation/interruption?

Medical?

Medical evacuation/repatriation?

I never bother with the first kind, I would start with Seven Corners for the third.

Jean

If you buy a policy, whatever kind of policy, make sure you understand exactly what it covers and doesn't cover (esp. pre-existing medical conditions), when coverage 'kicks in,' how disputes are resolved (both during and after travel), etc.

Several years ago, I bought medical evacuation insurance for a trip to China and Nepal and was uncomfortable that I/spouse had no official standing in the decision on whether/when to medically evacuate. We were assured we'd have input in the decision, but that language was not part of the policy so in my mind it was not guaranteed.

Check your credit card agreements as I think most of them cover lost, delayed or damaged luggage.

Christina

Re having "input" to a decision, sure, they may listen to you but that doesn't really mean anything, anyway, if they aren't required to do what you want.

I just use insuremytrip and get the best price for what I want. It shows you the financial ratings and you can read reviews if you want. I think any of the main names should be fine (Travelex, CSA, etc.).

eagermike93

I have to echo what Jean said above. Make sure you understand exactly what is covered (specifically: how long can you stay in a hospital if needed? are ambulance services covered - often they are not!)

Hopefully you will never have to use it, but one can never be too careful. Blue Cross is generally a good company, but before buying any time of insurance, check with your employer to see what kind of travel insurance (if any) is covered under your company benefit plan. My company offers medical and cancellation insurance for travel under the existing package, so I didn't pay a penny extra.

Something to think about. Best of luck!

kja

I usually use insuremytrip to compare options, but have also used squaremouth on occasion:
https://www.squaremouth.com

crckwc1

We have used both Travelguard and Access America. Had one claim on Access America which paid promptly after submitting required information. In order to cover pre-existing medical conditions, most insuring companies require you to purchase a policy within a given time period after making your first travel purchase (air tickets, hotel, whatever). Some require within 7 days, other within 14 days. Read policy terms carefully.