Travel insurance

[NikkiV]

nikkiv- thats a great deal! i never travel without it and i think the most important part is the medi-vac.

PWJ - living in Florida & traveling to Mex & the Caribbean a lot, having insurance for Hurricane/inclement weather has helped me a several times, never had a problem getting refunds. So I guess according to Blake, I've beaten the lottery odds numerous times by having insurance , if only I had had it when I got hurt.

[Homebrewer]

I personally don't worry about trip cancellation insurance because of the relatively small loss severity. Insurance is something I buy when the potential loss is severe. That includes serious illness or injury when away from home. However, you need to be VERY careful to answer all application questions truthfully and to fully disclose all material facts. Failing that, the contract is void and you'll be stuck with a potentially large bill.

Be very very very careful in the application process. Even a change in the amount of medication will often create an "unstable pre-existing condition" that will exclude coverage for the condition being treated.

I've never had to answer any medical questions when buying trip insurance (which includes medical coverage and emergency evac etc.)

[plongdin]

I would not be without trip insurance. I go to insuremytrip.com to compare features and select the best package for my needs. The approx 150 bucks buys me a great deal of peace of mind

[Craig123]

I've never had to answer any medical questions when buying trip insurance (which includes medical coverage and emergency evac etc.)

Check the policy wording related to pre-existing conditions. Although the company may not have asked any questions related to pre-existing conditions, there are almost certainly exclusions and or limitations relating to them. Make sure you clearly understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy. At least you'll know where you stand before a large loss occurs.

[Jamerican1]

Speaking as an adjuster for the evil empire known as Insurance (currently Commercial Specialty, with 10+ years of Auto and BI adjusting) do double check your existing policies, you might be surprised to find that Foreign Voluntary Compensation coverage (which almost always includes repatriation) is included in many health insurance policies and 9 times out of 10 the cc you used to purchase your airline tickets/and or hotel has automatic trip insurance included.

This is not to say that all carriers provide the same coverage, but it is worth checking out before buying a separate policy, it's kind of like renting a car, you don't need to buy that extra insurance... ever...

[Flipadelphia26]

Thanks for the tip!

[Craig123]

it's kind of like renting a car, you don't need to buy that extra insurance... ever...

I can only speak from the Canadian insurance perspective. When you consider the territorial limits of most Canadian auto insurance being within Canada and the United States,ther is NO coverage in other jurasdictions including Jamaica. Although the rental company insurance may be questionable and full of loop holes, don't think your existing insurance covers you while in Jamaica. That may be true of some insurance but it's certainly not the norm for Canadian policies.

Always check with your insurer or insurance broker for details on out of country coverage.

[Melody]

I do have international health benefits through work, and my credit card covers baggage loss/delay and a few small items, but I am not covered for cancellation/interruption or hurricane/weather. B/c I'm travelling the end of Nov., I purchased cancellation/interruption and an ad-on for hurricane. This insurance "throws in" some additional medical, baggage etc.

It cost me $66, it sounds like there's some cheaper options available....US residents or maybe different trip particulars. My trip is not expensive - $1400. The trip cost plays a big factor (of course) in the case of cancellation. Perhaps mine was more expensive due to it being in Nov. as well.

[Jamerican1]

I can only speak from the Canadian insurance perspective. When you consider the territorial limits of most Canadian auto insurance being within Canada and the United States,ther is NO coverage in other jurasdictions including Jamaica. Although the rental company insurance may be questionable and full of loop holes, don't think your existing insurance covers you while in Jamaica. That may be true of some insurance but it's certainly not the norm for Canadian policies.

Always check with your insurer or insurance broker for details on out of country coverage.

Sorry, I should have clarified that comment.. I was referring to renting a vehicle within the US. Just using it as an example to check your existing insurance policies as you may not need a seperate policy to have the coverage you desire. (Health, etc..)

[Craig123]

check your existing insurance policies as you may not need a seperate policy to have the coverage you desire. (Health, etc..)

That's very true and good advice. Even when coverage exists, take the time to understand the limitations and exclusions. If your not sure, always check with your broker or insurance provider. Many people discover gaps in coverage after a severe loss has occured. It's best to know beforehand.