Travel insurance is
a special category of insurance which should be considered for the same reasons
as all other insurances: risks, unforeseen circumstances and emergency needs.
Good Reasons to purchase travel insurance:
- Need to cover all non-recoverable costs when a trip is cancelled due to medical or other emergency reasons. Medical issues can be with the insured, travel companions or family members back home.
- Cover costs associated with trip interruption or travel delays (e.g. flight cancellations)
- Cover for lost baggage or costs incurred with baggage delays (e.g. having to purchase replaced prescriptions or clothes).
- Require medical treatment on the trip due to accident or illness. To ensure getting proper treatment at the right facility.
- Require medical evacuation in emergencies. This can normally cost anywhere from $10k-$100k.
- Cost to return you and accompanying dependents back home post-medical incidents.
- Need assistance if you lose your passport, prescriptions, etc.
- Peace of mind - that you have the support of me and the insurance company in any trip situation.
If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition that can be the cause of your cancellation, let me know and be sure to
purchase the insurance within 2 weeks of making a deposit on a travel booking.
Note that all policies are not equal. How much is protected and under what conditions varies. I can determine what is best for you in any given situation.
For my protection, you will need to tell me if you choose not to purchase the insurance.
If you do purchase it, then be sure to keep your final confirmations from travel suppliers in case you need to make a claim.
Documentation
For nearly all travel outside the U.S., you will need a
valid passport.
Exception: a closed-loop cruise – beginning and ending in
the same U.S. city.
Here, you will need an official copy of your birth
certificate (with a raised/embossed seal and registrar's signature) and a photo ID.
But beware: if something happens in a foreign location that leads
to delay, travel to another location or emergency air travel, you will still likely
need a passport.
A passport is valid if it expires after the conclusion of
your trip, and in some cases up to 6 months after your trip. If yours is close
to expiration, I can tell you the appropriate rule.
Some countries require a separate visa. Again, just ask if
in doubt.
Traveling with
children
Do not lose your children on a trip! Trust me, it’s
happened!
Where there are activities that separate them from you, know
that they will be supervised.
E.g. cruise lines often offer a wide variety of activities
for children; I can help you determine which might be best.
If you are married, living with a partner or the child is in
the care of a guardian, and you are taking the child out or country by
yourself, be aware that you may be questioned by authorities re your right to
do so. To be safe, take a notarized statement by that other person authorizing
you to take the child.
High risk activities
If your travel involves activities with high risk, and you
are unsure of your physical capability of performing them, please check with
your doctor(s) to determine whether or not you have said capability.
Let me know if you have other suggestions that I can add to
this post. Safe travel!