I get asked so many times " Do we NEED travel insurance?!" And to be honest before I became a travel agent, I did not get any insurance whenever my husband and I traveled. I was in my 20s and did not think anything in the world will stop me from going on my trip. Until I became a travel agent is when I realized how lucky I was to not have included insurance in my trips and to have nothing happen where I was put in a position and I dont want to be! Especially when it came to my DESTINATION WEDDING and HONEYMOON!
Since becoming a travel agent, I have seen many reasons for relief that some of my clients have decided to put insurance onto their vacation plans. And many reasons why I wished they did but there was nothing else I could do.
I have list 5 reasons why you should rethink about putting insurance on your investment:
#1: It is a BIG investment
Most of us do not have the luxury to simply walk away from a $5,000-10,000 or more trip! This is trip you have been dreaming of and have put all of your hard work into so you can enjoy every bit of it on vacation relaxing or exploring the world. A good trip cost a lot of money, adding insurance insures that if anything happens (make sure you read exactly what they cover), you get your money back or can place it towards another trip. In my experience, it might not be you per say that's stopping you from going to your trip but maybe a family member or any substantial circumstances you are covered.
#2: Medical expenses in other countries are EXPENSIVE
God forbid something happens to you while driving around a foreign country and you get into an accident that leaves you injured, you are covered. Hospital bills can cost just the same as US cost for being in the hospital and we all know what just 1 ambulance ride can cost. Depending on the country, some may not take US insurance and payment is taken by cash only. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies.
#3: Baggage lost? or Delayed/cancelled flight?
Mother nature may not always be on our side the day we are set to board that plane to paradise. Lets face it, there are many many reasons why our flights can be delayed or cancelled. One of the most single annoying sound on the intercom is to hear that message. Flights is delayed until the next day or you have to book another flight that is now a transfer in between cities. Regardless of the countless situations, travel insurance will cover expenses for the extra night in the hotel or the extra cash you have to put out to accommodate you and your family. Travel insurance will pay for these mishaps, including lost baggage. Don't let those mishaps ruin your vacation. Be able to look on the bright side, the end results will be sand in between those toes or the most breathtaking views you've been wanting to see!
#4: Travel Insurance can be affordable
There are many options available for you to chose within your budget. Make sure you read everything on your plan to see what you are covered for. I think we can all agree that spending just a bit more can save you thousands of dollars, literally. Its not worth the headache in a foreign country.
#5: Lastly, A lot of insurance now cover cancel for any reason and some even give cash back.
Again, check every policy carefully, ask your travel agent to give you the full details of your policy and how your money will be reimbursed.
Especially during the times we are all living in, 90% of my clients opted to have insurance, many did not and did not have a say to completely cancel their trip and receive money back.
Hope this helps all of you decide what to do when you are asked if you want insurance. Of course, it is still your decision at the end of the day. But also know that if there becomes a situation where you have to cancel your trip, there is little your agents can do to retrieve your money. It is up to the hotel and airlines to give the money back. No on wants to be in that situation.
Happy Traveling Everyone!
Danice
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