Looking for recommendations for trip insurance
 

I need trip insurance to cover non-refundable outlays for my upcoming trip to Eastern Europe, in the event that I or others should need to cancel for any reason. I've already booked my plane trip and some travel arrangements through a travel agent, so I guess the clock is ticking on how long I can wait to purchase insurance.
I'd welcome any recommendations for which company to go with (or not go with), based on your personnel experience.

Thanks.

check out insuremytrip.com

What country do you live in?

TAW, Sher,
Thanks for those links, both look good. I guess I have some research to do.

dreamon, I live in the United States.

You will need to purchase insurance called 'cancel for any reason' specifically. A tiny bit more but worth it.

We have used both Access America and Travel Guard. Access America paid quickly on a claim we had. Haven't had a claim against Travel Guard. You usually get the best coverage when purchased within 14 days of trip booking.

We have used Access America and they paid very quickly after I was injured and had to fly home from a trip to Europe.

Michele, thank you, I will definitely do that.

crckwc1 and Cali, based on your experience with Access America, I looked for them online. It appears that they are now re-branded as Allianz. When I entered my information, I got this message:

"We apologize for the inconvenience but we are unable to offer you a travel insurance plan that meets the specified criteria. Please contact us at 1-800-284-8300 to talk with an agent about products available in your state."

I don't know what that's all about, but I'll call them on Monday.

Thanks for the info.

michele, I'm curious about the cancel for any reason insurance. Does that mean that it's not just cover for defined events but they pay out regardless of the reason you cancel? I've never heard of that but I don't live in the USA. I'd like to know more.

@ dreamon -- I'm not michele, but will offer the following info: It depends on the insurance company and policy. Details are available on insuremytrip.com and squaremouth.com; one is well advised to read the small print before purchasing.

I should have added: most cancel-for-any-reason policies pay only a portion of the costs incurred in advance, rather than the full costs. There may be conditions or limits. Electing for this option - when it is available - generally adds substantially to the cost of the insurance policy, but depending on one's individual circumstances, it can be well worth considering IMO. And yes, the clock is very limited for this option.

Most travel insurance policies provide cover if the insured is too ill to travel and if other travellers in the party and/or close relatives become seriously ill or die.

I've never heard of a "cancel for any reason" policy and would think that it would be VERY expensive.

Good luck Les in finding the policy you need.

My advise is to call either Squaremouth or Insure my trip and talk to an agent.

I say this because on one trip, when I had already decided on a policy for myself and my husband , I found out that it did not cover our traveling companions because all of us were not related.

I am not saying that this is the norm but it was the case on that particular policy.

I don't think we are that equipped to understand all of the fine print on a product we are not familiar with. I have found agents on these websites to be very helpful and are better able to explain all of the details.

The policy costs the same if you purchase it yourself or if they put the policy through for you. They also will tell you in a flash which policies are time sensitive, etc.

Good luck.

We purchased the 'cancel for any reason' insurance and it was not that much more cost wise. The catch is, most of the policies will only reimburse 75% in the event you have to cancel. It was worth it to us and the peace of mind that came with it.

I do urge you to read the fine print so you know the details. There is a strict time frame for purchase, so again, compare all the policies on Insure my Trip and then you can make an educated decision. Not very many companies carry this type of insurance.

Thank you all for your help. It was very much appreciated.

After much review and discussion, we purchased the Tin Leg Luxury policy from Squaremouth. Seemed to be reasonably priced and covered most of what we wanted (although not "Cancel for Any Reason"). Looked to be similar to the Allianz Classic policy, for significantly less money.

It is essential that you understand the exclusions as well as the coverages, including the date purchased relative to the date of the first payment for the trip. Additionally the price varies considerably depending on the age of travelers, the countries visited, length of stay, and of course the extent of the coverages themselves.

Price can be misleading as the policy should be purchased to cover you major concerns for the dollar amounts required rather than an arbitrary price comparison.

I'm glad you found something that seems to meet your needs. I sincerely hope you don't need to use it!

IMDonehere, did all that.

kja, Thanks.