Top travel advisors do everything in their power to help you plan and book a luxury vacation that is as problem-free as possible. Unfortunately, unanticipated events may transpire that throw a wrench into the best laid plans. Unexpected difficulties can occur before you travel such as a family emergency or sudden illness. Other situations can include cancelled flights, lost luggage, and even medical emergencies or injuries that happen while you are on your trip. Eliminate the worry from your upcoming vacation by purchasing travel insurance to prepare for the unexpected.
Lost Luggage
How many people do you know whose luggage has been lost in transit? In the U. S., an estimated four to six out of every 1,000 travelers files a complaint about their luggage but odds are that temporarily lost luggage primarily goes unreported. Three thousand, three hundred dollars in compensation per passenger is available on U.S. based airlines, although exclusions apply for such items as furs and jewelry. The compensation for lost luggage by airlines, however, varies by country when using non-domestic flights and may not even exist.
When temporarily lost bags, travelers are often without their wardrobe and other items for the first part of their vacation. In some cases, luggage is never located. Compensation amounts do not come close to covering the loss in some cases, especially if the contents include designer clothing and other lost items such as cameras, computers and other treasured valuables.
Skimping on travel insurance for lost baggage can result in hundreds to thousands of dollars spent on replacement items (including new luggage) as well as the loss of valuable time required for shopping for needed items. Now, shopping is a fun activity if it is part of your travel plans but if you are in a remote destination or are on a limited budget, enforced shopping is,well, not so enjoyable. And just think about having to shop for a wardrobe in a non-English speaking country or in the middle of a jungle safari!
Last Minute Trip Cancellations or Trip Interruptions
Whether you have a family emergency, become ill and need emergency surgery, or there is a terrorist incident in your destination city and you no longer want to go, events that are out of your control may mean that you have to cancel your trip. Without travel insurance, trip cancellations can result in the loss of cash you invested in airline reservations, destination deposits, cruises, and more.
Another reason to consider travel insurance is for flight cancellations and missed connections. Imagine a scenario where a couple is flying from Colorado to New York. Their itinerary has them arriving with several hours to spare before their luxury cruise departs the next morning for the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, Denver is hit with a monster snowstorm cancelling all flights for 24 hours which means they will miss their cruise. Travel insurance will jump in to reimburse them so they can schedule another cruise with their trip advisor.
A luxury vacation is expensive, especially if it is a once-in-a-lifetime-trip that you have always wanted to take. When you compare the cost of insurance with the cost of the trip, travel insurance is definitely worth the investment.
Medical Emergencies during Vacation
A medical emergency can take place at any time during your vacation, whether because of an injury other medical condition. While your current health insurance will likely cover illness within the United States, many have exclusions for foreign travel and even for cruises flying under a non-U.S. flag.
Serious medical conditions may require emergency helicopter or jet evacuation back to the states. This type of medical insurance is important for any trip but is essential when traveling to an underdeveloped country where it can mean the difference between life and death. Medical travel insurance also covers issues such as lost medications and treatment for more minor ailments.
Lost or Stolen Wallets and Passports
The sudden loss of important travel papers or credit cards can put a real damper on your vacation. Fortunately, emergency cash is available through travel insurance while you make arrangements with your bank and credit card holders to remedy the problem. Passport and credit card coverage reimburses you for unauthorized credit card purchases, as well as card and passport replacement fees. Your coverage even includes help with the emergency transfer of funds from home, family or friends.
The Bottom Line on Travel Insurance
The amount and type of travel insurance you obtain is a great topic to discuss with your travel advisor. She will know what the best insurance options are for your particular journey. One word of caution: seasoned travelers and travel agencies alike do not recommend purchasing insurance directly from an airline or cruise line as their insurance products will inevitably include language that favors them when there is a problem. Insurance obtained independently from an airline or cruise is the best option for your travel needs.
Whatever insurance products you decide meet your individual needs, have an extraordinarily wonderful and peaceful trip.
Jill Smith is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. This article is written on behalf of Luxe Travel, a travel agency specializing in luxury resorts and luxury cruises around the world. As a luxury travel agency, they also provide travel insurance products to clients.
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