okoshi2002

Hello- have never bought travel insurance before. Can you recommend several companies you have had a good experience with ? How much should you buy- cover the exact cost of the trip ? When should you buy it - after all the arrangements, air, hotel, etc is confirmed ? Thank you.

Patty

A good place to compare prices and policies is www.insuremytrip.com - you enter the amount of your PREPAID trip costs for the quote. If you need a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to buy the policy within 7-14 days (depends on the carrier) of making your initial deposit. If not, you can buy it anytime. I can't tell you which insurance carriers are best as I've only bought travel insurance twice in the past, and neither time resulted in a claim.

ira

Hi ok,

You might want to consider evacuation insurance:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/me...p/benefits.asp
Basic membership gives you 100k worth of evacuation insurance (not medical coverage- but just to get you home) for diving or non-diving accidents or injuries from anywhere 50 miles from your home or farther. The family membership is $44.

crefloors

Personally, in this day and age I would not travel without trip insurance. I was scheduled to leave for London on Sept. 15, 2001. Well, as you know, that was NOT a convenient day. I got all my money back. Don't know all the details, but there were postings on several boards from people who's trips had been cancelled, or they cancelled, and they were having a horrible time getting refunds. Be sure you purchase it in a timely fashion and only you can judge how far you want to go with it. Different policies cover different things. My brother was insistant on getting medical evac with his, only because a friend of his had to be evaced from London for some reason and the cost was close to 50,000. I had never worried about that, and still don't WORRY about it, but I guess if you know a personal story it makes it more real. The last policy I had was less than 200.00. My older brother and sister-in-law have never purchased trip insurance and just before they were to head for Italy last year my brother had a horrible bike accident. Broke some ribs and his collar bone. It was close enough to the start of their trip that they would loose everything if they had cancelled. Well, they went, but my brother was still not healed, in quite a bit of pain, and although he did enjoy, it would have been better for him if he had postponed and gone at another time. So, just check it out and do what makes you comfortable.

Grandma

We've had good experiences with Access America. I always buy the insurance immediately if we've contracted for a tour, cruise, etc. (Also, immediate purchase is necessary to cover pre existing conditions.) Have had to file claims twice. Just last month we had to cancel a wonderful trip. Last week (less than a month's time) I received full reimbursement from Access America.
Older people should know that Medicare provides no coverage outside the US.

jame

I always use Travel Guard and have been very pleased with them. I also had to cancel a trip shortly after September 11, and was able to get all my money back. The president of Travel Guard decided that they would refund money for trips cancelled for any reason (including just not wanting to go) for a month after September 11. I was very impressed by that.

You would usually insure the amount covering anything you have pre-paid for a trip.

Clifton

We've also used Travel Guard.

We've gone without before as we're fairly fit and not getting on just yet. After reading some of the stories on the other thread though, I can see the potential for problems in not having it. It's not really that expensive overall. To Western Europe or Australia I might still way the choice as we have in the past. On this upcoming trip to Romania though, we thought it would be best to get it.

Clifton

Sheesh. "weigh" the choice, not "way". I swear I'm only selectively illiterate.

Traveler863

Of note, Travelguard was one that honored 9/11 claims where written policies did not cover such an event....albeit good business policy given the aftermath and foresight for the upcoming travel insurance needs.

I have used both Travelguard and Access America, both were great. However, I did not fortunatly have any claims, so cannot comment on that part, the important part!

Recommend those interested in insuring their trip, do cover airfare...hotels, rental car are can generally be cancellened, just be smart on that with dates. For us, sometimes we collectively rent a villa...which too can be insured, keep in the name of the main insurer and you should be fine.