Top Ten Things You Should Know About Travel Insurance

When was the last time you knew in advance that you, a traveling companion, or a family member were going to get sick? When the last time you knew a storm was going to close the airport and stop all travel or you would  open the mailbox and find a summons for jury duty the day before your trip? Travel is expensive and it pays to spend a few dollars more to protect your travel investment.

1. Research insurance you already have. Many seniors are unaware that Medicare does not provide coverage anywhere outside the borders of the United States. If your personal health insurance does cover you, call customer service or visit their website out-of-area and international claims procedures. Many companies have an international claims form. Print it and claim procedures and take them with you on trips outside the U.S.

Some homeowner’s policies offer protection for baggage loss or theft. Some credit card providers offer medical benefits or include an accidental death benefit if you charge your trip on their card. Some credit card provider's offer buyer's protection on shopping purchases. It’s critical to know what insurance protection you do and do not have.

2. Medical travel insurance covers you in the event of illness or injury during your trip and, if necessary, for medical evacuation. In developing countries, medical care is limited and you may need medical evacuation to get adequate care. Medical evacuation costs $35,000 or more on average. Check policies carefully to understand criteria for determining the need for evacuation and how evacuation claims are handled.

Published by Travel Wisdom Lynne Christen is an award-winning travel journalist, professional photographer and writing coach. As a former flight attendant and leisure travel addict, she has traveled to 47 countries around the world a...  View profile

View the original article here