Is travel insurance a rip-off? That is a simple question with a complicated answer. To properly understand this issue, you should first understand what travel insurance is. The definition of travel insurance is fairly straightforward -it's short term insurance that covers you while you are on vacation. Travel insurance coverage depends on the parameters of the policy, but in general it extends to lost or broken luggage, thefts that happen during your vacation, medical needs that might arise during your vacation and lost personal items.
There have been many documented occasions of travel insurers being downright fraudulent. The internet is rife with examples. Many people have complained about travel insurance that travel agencies or airlines recommend for them being absurdly expensive, difficult or impossible to use, or even non-existent. In some cases, class-action lawsuits have been filed and have been paid to fraud victims. Many people have claimed that exploitative travel agents offered them vacation packages at seemingly steep discounts, only to force them to purchase overpriced travel insurance packages.
That said, not all travel insurers are bad, and buying travel insurance is not always a bad idea. There are many reputable, well-organized, established travel insurers out there. The best thing you can do if you are considering travel insurance is do your homework. Compare different travel insurers' rates and coverage packages. Read the fine print. Check consumer reports and fraud awareness websites.
Here is a brief list of circumstances in which you might find yourself where traveler's insurance can be a big help. If you suspect you might run into one or more of these problems during your trip, then traveler's insurance is probably a good idea.
Your flight is canceled. If you are flying during a very high-volume holiday season and the weather is predicted to be particularly bad, traveler's insurance might come in handy.
Your bags are lost and you have prescription medication. You need to have an emergency prescription filled. If you have critical medical needs, then traveler's insurance is absolutely a good idea. You will want to be sure and have a quality, proven insurer with strong medical coverage. Regardless, you will want to put any prescription medications in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.
Your passport and wallet are stolen and you need emergency cash and a new passport. It isn't easy to predict a theft, but if you are traveling to an area where you are at greater risk of having your wallet stolen, insurance is a good idea.
A hurricane forces you to evacuate your hotel, resort or cruise. Certain areas of the world are more susceptible to hurricanes, especially during a few months of the year. If you are traveling to one of these volatile locations during hurricane season, insurance could bail you out if a storm comes.
A terrorist incident occurs in the city you're planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip. Terrorism is a horrific, tremendously unfortunate reality in today's complicated world. It's horrible to think about, but if you are traveling in a particularly volatile part of the world, travel insurance might ease your mind.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Overweight
By: irish | 11-09-2008
health insurance and discrimination,is it legal for a health insurance company not to insure you because you are overweight?
How to find peoples personal health insurance ...
By: amsm2 | 08-09-2008
how to find peoples personal health insurance information
Cheated Out of Health Insurance
By: Don | 04-09-2008
hawaii mandatory health insurance. Can my employer legally threaten to
cut my hours to disqualify me from coverage. I was asked to falsely state
that I had obtained coverage thru my spouse.
Health insurance????
By: coriandermay | 26-08-2008
my parents have been asking me and telling me so often about health insurance it gets quite aggrivating cause they ask about it so often.........right now I am working at a daycare and am really getting like 30 or less hours a week which isn't much for minimun wage of 7.25/hour....... I wanted to know if it is possible to work 2 jobs working about part time hours for both or at least one of them and be able to get health insurance especially with working a daycare job. I had looked a little online to see what was out there but havn't gotten far and not exactly sure what to look for but I do not want to pay alot for it either if I have to pay for it myself since I am not getting a big paycheck.......... what do u guys suggest??
Comments on United Benefits of America
By: Vickie | 25-08-2008
I'd like any comments on a health care company called United Benefits of America. They have been calling me several times each day and I'm not getting a good feeling about this company.
US health insurance optio sec 125
By: IanSalter | 18-08-2008
Your employer is a small business and does not offer pretax health insurance premium payments under sec 125 what can you do to pay premiums pretax?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Travel Articles
London is Well-known for Its Exciting Museums
By: Gerlinda Cimeno | 07/10/2008
London boasts 4 World Heritage Sites, which are the palace of westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church, the Tower of London, considerable Greenwich, and kew's royal botanic gardens.
The First Time You Venture Into London, Go to the Art Galleries
By: Gerlinda Cimeno | 07/10/2008
London's theatres cater to every funds & taste. From cheap eats like Pizza Express, Pizza Hut & Bella Italia, to high end theatres, you will be spoilt for choice. The city also has a vast range of Michelin starred theatres, including Tom Aikens, Umu & G
Loire Valley, France, Holiday Property Rentals
By: Karen Waller | 07/10/2008
The Loire Valley in France is famous for its chateaux and its beautiful landscapes. It's an area rich in history and is a perfect destination for a self catering holiday for all the family.
The Loire Valley is also known as the Garden of France and has a wealth of...
Naples: The City of Historical Edifices
By: Christa Kowalczyk | 07/10/2008
Naples is one of the oldest cities in Italy, which holds many historical destinations, attracting many tourists around the world. This makes tourism as one of the major sources of the country's economy.
Naples is a city of beauty and abounds in history, culture, and arts. This city belongs to southern...
Travel Guide to San Sebastian
By: Christa Kowalczyk | 07/10/2008
San Sebastian is a historical place and offers many great places to visit, discover, and enjoy.
San Sebastian in Spain is a place full of beautiful sceneries for travelers and visitors. It offers broad variety of options one desires. The place is like a paradise full of adorable beaches, fun packed...
Benefits of Travel-related Social Networking Sites
By: Art G. | 07/10/2008
Social networking websites were made for socializing and networking. They were made for like minded people to connect all across the entire world. Most social networking sites are made strictly for people to meet and connect, not to be sold stuff. For those of you that like to travel just...
Tips For Making Connections Online With Other People Who Love To Travel
By: Art G. | 07/10/2008
Traveling is one of the best ways to relax, meet new people, and visit beautiful places you have seen in movies. Many people can only dream of traveling to exotic places and seeing breathtaking views. Traveling has become quite expensive due to the high gas prices and a recession type...
Holiday Property Rentals In Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
By: Karen Waller | 07/10/2008
If you're looking for a holiday filled with sun and sand, then why not head to the beautiful island of Fuerteventura? It is the second largest of the Canary Islands and is the closest Canary Island to the African coast.
This island is ideal for a holiday property rental, as it...
More from Amy Nutt
Will EMS Devices Help That Post-Baby Tummy?
By: Amy Nutt | 07/10/2008 | Equipment
Being pregnant definitely changes the tummy of a woman, and some women feel it will never be the same. The baby is born, the tummy is not as tight as it used to be, and mom is looking for ways to get back her figure.
Holding the Ultimate Retirement Party: A Chartered Cruise
By: Amy Nutt | 07/10/2008 | Cruising
Retirement is something that comes around once in a lifetime and you should definitely enjoy it. The best way to say adios to your career is to put on the celebration of a lifetime and what better way to do this than hold your retirement party on a chartered cruise?
What Are the Benefits of Infrared Saunas?
By: Amy Nutt | 06/10/2008 | Health
Steam saunas have been around for centuries, but infrared saunas are a relatively new invention that blows them out the water. The list of infrared sauna benefits is huge and many people really enjoy the addition of this technology to their daily routines.
Get An Award for Training Excellence in the Work Place
By: Amy Nutt | 06/10/2008 | Self Improvement
The Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the profession of training, workplace learning and human resources development.
What to do if Your Employer Does Not Provide Health Coverage
By: Amy Nutt | 05/10/2008 | Travel
It is painful to not have medical insurance because you know that you are not going to be able to afford the health care you need if you become sick or injured.
Custom Mascots Put the Fun Into Parties
By: Amy Nutt | 05/10/2008 | Art and Entertainment
When it comes to children's birthday parties, parents want to provide their kids with the best birthday possible. This involves designing and hosting a party that everyone enjoys, from the games to the cake.
What are the Benefits of a Properly Insulated Attic?
By: Amy Nutt | 04/10/2008 | Home Improvement
There are quite a few different choices available to you when it comes to methods of insulation - in fact the process can become a little confusing if you don't have any knowledge of what the suggested levels of insulating for your area are, or if you don-t have access to the advice of a qualified professional.
ADHD in Adults: Coping with Social Gatherings
By: Amy Nutt | 04/10/2008 | Health
Social gatherings and meetings can cause a lot of anxiety in someone who suffers from ADHD and this can even cause them to avoid social situations. It doesn't have to be this way, though.
Travel 
| Posted: 08-02-2008 | Comments: 
