Just booked a trip for September to Istanbul and Bucharest, but need to get trip insurance in case my father in law is close to dying. Have never purchased it before. Any suggestions? Companies to use? Appreciate any guidance at all.

I USUALLY FIND TRAVELGUARD OFFERS THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY. HOWEVER, I JUST BOUGHT AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL INSURANCE AND IT MIGHT BE BETTER FOR YOU - ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE YOUNG. YOU CAN PICK AND CHOOSE WHAT PHASES OF COVERAGE YOU WANT AND NOT PAY FOR UNNECCESARY COVERAGE.

Use www.insuremytrip.com to compare companies and coverage. It's a very useful site.

Lee Ann

One caveat: be sure any insurance that you purchase will cover the situation you describe. Some is written to cover only the traveler's own state of health, not that of others'.

We have used CSA, TravelGuard, and one other I can't remember--all through insuremytrip.com. Their agents are very helpful, especially at explaining the small print in policies.

NOTE: most companies require that you puchase insurance 10-15 days after your flight if pre-existing causes are to be covered.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will have to be sure of the coverage issue as it's the health of a relative, not one of us. I noticed a link to insuremytrip.com so glad to know it's the site to try. What age is "young'?