Do you always get Trip Insurance - yes or no, and why? (Did you ever have to use it? or wished you had it?)
Sep 6th, 2000, 07:43 AM
#1
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Do you always get Trip Insurance - yes or no, and why? (Did you ever have to use it? or wished you had it?)
We are going to Europe soon and just bought the trip cancellation and medical insurance from the tour company (who sells it for the ins. company). Am just wondering your thoughts on this, and if it is a real necessity?
Sep 6th, 2000, 07:53 AM
#2
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Maureen <BR>Since you're going on a tour, and tours and cruises have such strict policies about cancellations/refunds, I do think the trip cancellation portion of the insurance is a good idea. <BR>As to the medical insurance, did you check with your own company about what you would already be covered for while traveling abroad? Most major companies will cover conventional medical expenses while traveling. <BR>There are other companies like <BR>TEN (Travelers' Emergency Network) that do not provide medical insurance per se but do coordinate and arrange emergency services like evacuations, MD specialists, ambulances, last-minute flight arrangements, etc. <BR>I also know it's important with cancellation and extra medical insurance to read the disclaimers about "pre-existing conditions". <BR>Insurance is never a "necessity", it's just a back-up for things that we hope won't happen. I mostly travel independently and don't purchase any additional insurance. I'm not advocating that, it's just my choice (or my gamble). In case of dire emergency airlines will allow for cancellations and changes (if scads of documentation are provided) and the most I would lose at the average hotel for a last-minute cancellation would be one night's fee. However, if I or my companion did have a health or age issue to consider, my choice might be different.
Sep 6th, 2000, 07:55 AM
#3
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Hi Maureen: <BR>I always purchase it. Picture three days in Ireland on the move on a tour with my suitcase still in the USA. I was reimbursed for the essentials I needed and received compensation for my inconvinence. Never book a trip wothout it now. Enjoy your trip!
Sep 6th, 2000, 08:10 AM
#4
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We always buy trip insurance. First, my wife broke her wrist on a trip to South America, and the policy paid all her medical costs (less a deductible) including her physical therapy expenses. Second, we had a family member who was very ill (cancer) and had to cancel our trip or faced the prospect of cancellation during an eight-year period of illness. Peace of mind is worth the price.
Sep 6th, 2000, 08:17 AM
#5
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Good Question. The other posters have already raised interesting scenarios/issues. We struggle w/it each trip. Our final analysis goes something like this: If we had to cancel, what would it cost us? Usually it would cost us something to change our plane tickets and it might cost us the price of a nights' lodging. That has typically come close to the cost of the insurance itself, so we have decided against the insurance. I'm not saying this is a perfect analysis, but it is an analysis. Note: we travel independently, too. The previous comments re: tours is a good one. <BR>
Sep 6th, 2000, 08:29 AM
#6
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I always get insurance - in fact, I now have an annual policy, so I don't have to keep getting new insurance. I was once laughed at by some colleagues for getting insurance for a 3 day trip to Prague (from the UK). I was very glad I ignored them - my purse (as in wallet, not handbag) was stolen with all my credit cards and a substantial quantity of cash (150 pounds). My insurance reimbursed me, all but the first 20 pounds of my loss - worth the 18 pounds the insurance cost!
Sep 6th, 2000, 09:15 AM
#7
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We always buy trip insurance, cancellation insurance, etc. and unfortunately had to make use of it: last winter we had booked a tour in Sri Lanka and a diving holiday in the Maldives. Two days before we were supposed to leave I have become so ill that we had to cancel the whole vacation. The insurance company has refunded us for the total amount. <BR>
Sep 6th, 2000, 09:19 AM
#8
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What companies do you recommend insurance be purchased from? Would it cover my son, 22 years old, who is spending three months in Europe this fall? We were just notified that he is no longer covered (as of Nov. 1)under our HMO since he graduated from college in May. Do these companies have web sites? Thanks for your help.
Sep 6th, 2000, 12:13 PM
#9
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How's this for a nightmare--the week before our trip to Ixtapa, Mexico, my travelling companion found out that her father has stage 3 cancer that required emergency surgery. My grandmother died 12 hours before we were scheduled to leave. Here's the kicker--we didn't think we'd ever in a million years need trip insurance and didn't buy it--BIG MISTAKE! However, keep in mind that we were booked on an Apple Vacation and everything was pre-paid. The earlier post that stated "Ask yourself how much money you would lose if you cancelled?" is the key to deciding if you should buy it (in my opinion). My husband and I contemplated cancelling our trip to Spain this summer at the last minute--we would have lost a few hundred dollars at the most--tickets were on miles, and hotel reservations can be cancelled with 24 hours notice. <BR> <BR>good luck!
Sep 7th, 2000, 12:29 PM
#11
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Never got Trip Insurance. I have cancelled because of illness. The airline gave us vouchers that we used at a later date. We were able to cancel hotel in time. We use a Merrill Lynch Signature card. Part of their Program Benefits is Travel accident Insurance, hotel/motel Burglary insurance, lost luggage insurance, etc. it even has Medical Evacuation Coverage. Have not had to use any of the above yet.
