The Question of Travel Insurance

A common concern of travellers these days is if they should get travellers insurance.

It really is a personal decision depending on what is happening in your own life and what you could loose if you have to change your plans OR if they get changed for you.

Most people will recommend travel insurance to you to help protect your travel investment from any unforeseen emergencies that may interrupt or cancel your plans. Medical reasons is another reason -usually more important if you are travelling outside of the states - will your current medical coverage be enough?

Questions to ask yourself:

If you or the people you are travelling with become ill or injured while you are travelling does your current health insurance cover emergency expenses while you are travelling (don't forget to think about ambulance service and prescriptions or transportation to get you to a hospital closer to home or for family to travel to you where you may be hospitalized).

If you have to cancel your trip before travelling because of injury would you receive a refund?

If you need to cancel because of family who become ill or die is your cancellation covered for this reason?

If your flight to your destination is delayed and you miss your night stay at a hotel can you cancel the hotel reservation for this reason or is the stay covered by your current insurance?

If you are delayed and need to stay at a destination longer then you planned does your current insurance cover this additional hotel stay?

And, if your luggage is delayed can you manage at your destination for more then a day if your luggage is not with you?

For some travellers it may be they only get travel insurance for a small part of their overall experience (i.e. your airline tickets which may have big penalties for cancellation) but leave other components to fall under their regular cancellation policy.

For others they may have medical concerns or family health concerns that could easily change their plans getting as much covered as possible is a good idea.

A trip to Alaska can be a great experience. Getting travel insurance may add to the overal east of mind knowing you will be looked after in most unforeseen circumstances. Talk to the company (companies) you are making your reservations with and know what their cancellation policy is so you can make the best decision for your.

Happy Travels!