What Is Travel Insurance?Travel insurance reimburses you for costs related to unexpected events that may arise during your trip. For example, travel insurance can reimburse you for expenses incurred if you are forced to cancel your trip, to cut your trip short, or if you require medical attention during your travels. Do I Need Travel Insurance?Most likely your existing homeowner's insurance or health insurance policies will cover lost luggage and medical costs, both at home and abroad. However you may want to purchase additional trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance to cover any losses that are not covered by your existing homeowner¿s insurance or health insurance plans. What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance covers you for the period of time before you depart on your trip, but not during your travels. If you are forced to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen event that affects you, a close family member or your traveling companion, trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses that you cannot use (e.g., airline tickets or hotel rooms). What Is Trip Interruption Insurance?Trip interruption insurance covers you during your travels and will reimburse you for any costs incurred if an event such as injury or illness forces you to interrupt your travels. Trip interruption insurance will cover your costs for returning home early and will often cover medical evacuation costs. Or, if you are merely delayed during your trip, this type of insurance may cover expenses caused by the delay as well as additional costs incurred to return you to your original itinerary. Do I Need a Lawyer for my Travel Insurance Issue?The language in insurance policies is complicated and ambiguous. For example, you and your insurance company may have different interpretations as to what is an ¿unforeseen event¿ or who is a ¿close family member.¿ An experienced insurance law attorney can help you understand your policy and let you know exactly what kind of benefits and reimbursements you are entitled to. |
