Saturday 19 May 2012

Travel Insurance - Protect Your Belongings While You Travel


When people think of the insurance coverages that they need, they rarely think about the need for travel insurance. However, if you have been planning and saving for a big family vacation for a long time it is important that you take measures to protect the time and money that you have invested in your trip. After all, it can take only one accident or unfortunate event to bring your trip to a halt and you will want to be covered by an insurance plan specifically designed for the hazards and losses that can occur while on vacation.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance generally covers cancellation or interruption of your trip, lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies and general trip assistance services. Generally speaking, travel insurance policies are designed cover those hazards and losses that are not covered by a general insurance policy, although certain exclusions such as an act of God, intentional loss, or actions of the government still apply to travel insurance policies. Restrictions and conditions differ on each policy so it is best to educate yourself on such terms for each policy that you consider.
How Much Coverage Will I Need?
The amount of coverage that you will need for each will vary depending on your destination, the total cost of the trip and the frequency with which you travel. If you have booked an expensive trip, for example, you will want to make sure you insure your trip against involuntary cancellation or interruption for most if not all of the total amount you paid for your trip. If you are transporting expensive items in your luggage, you will also need to take consider that when choosing coverage limits. Emergency medical expense coverage is generally provided as an excess amount over your primary health care coverage.
Doesn't My Home, Auto, Health or Life Insurance Cover Me While on Vacation?
Your home, auto, health or life insurance coverages may cover you for certain losses while you are on vacation, although many policies will limit that coverage to certain limits and coverages and have a specified territory in which you are covered. If you find yourself vacationing outside of the territory of your policy, you will no longer be covered under the terms of your insurance contract during the time that you are there. You should ask your insurance agent or a representative from your carrier about the specifics of your policies as they relate to coverage provided while traveling.
Conclusion
Purchasing travel insurance is a great way to give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment of time and money is protected. Please remember that the conditions, coverage amounts and covered losses will differ from policy to policy and that this article is intended only to provide a general overview of travel insurance. Consult with your insurance agent or representative when considering and choosing insurance policies so that you are fully informed of all of the applicable terms and conditions.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about travel insurance [http://myluxurytravel.info/travel-insurance-protect-your-belongings-while-you-travel/], please visit My Luxury Travel [http://myluxurytravel.info/] for current articles and discussions.


Friday 18 May 2012

Cruise Travel Insurance: So Your Dream Travel Is Insured


After careful planning and cost-cutting over 10 long years, Keith and Donna finally managed to save up enough money to book their luxury cruise trip to Galapagos. It was to be their second honeymoon amidst the scenic islands. Just as their anticipation about the trip was about to hit its peak, they got the unfortunate news of Keith's mother being diagnosed with a terminal illness that gave her very few days to live.
The news was double-disaster—not only were they extremely saddened by the prospect of losing his mother to a grave illness, but they also discovered that their cruise booking, like most other cruise bookings, was 100 percent non-refundable: a large proportion of their saving was bound to be wasted when they cancelled the trip. Keith bitterly regretted not taking his wife's advice on purchasing cruise travel insurance.
You can use cruise travel insurance plans to reimburse trip costs if you cancel the trip before it starts. If one of the travelers is ill or injured and the trip needs to be abandoned midway, you recover your money through cruise travel insurance. Some added benefits that are part of this plan include reimbursement of medical expenses and evacuation of sick or injured travelers.
There are several types of cruise insurance plans and they essentially differ in the reasons they consider valid for trip cancellation and the people covered by the plan. In some cases, they cover only the travelers and in other cases, travelers as well as family members are covered.
Plans that offer evacuation cover may pay for evacuation only to fixed local hospitals, or they may allow for evacuation to a hospital of the insured person's choice, within their home country. It may be possible to get a medical upgrade for the plan so that it covers medical expenses as well.
If you're interested in adventure sports and are planning to indulge in some of them, then do confirm whether the cruise insurance plan you intend to purchase covers any of the activities you're interested in. Some policies cover adventure sports like scuba diving and jet skiing and some don't.
The plans may or may not insure against pre-existing conditions or financial insolvency of the travel provider. In the cases where financial insolvency is covered, the eligible plan purchase date may vary such that some plans would protect against the insolvency only if purchased within 21 days from the initial trip deposit, while others would cover it even if purchased within 24 hours of the final trip payment.
If your trip is cancelled because of bad weather, then you don't need to worry. Most cruise insurance plans list bad weather as a condition under which cancellation charges are covered. However, if your trip suffers because of terrorism, then it is unlikely that the plan will consider it. Some plans, however, do cover medical expenses ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, whereas evacuation and repatriation cover can range from $100,000 to $1 million.
Adele Pitt frequently writes about travel and travel insurance.


Wednesday 16 May 2012

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance


Whether you are travelling or backpacking, there will be possibilities of problems to arise. As you are on foreign land, if you lose your luggage or get injured, there might be difficulty claiming for your losses. Thus, here are some reasons why you should get travel insurance.
First of all, it is the flexibility of the duration of coverage. Some travelers would want to travel for a year, but some want to travel for a shorter duration. Whichever it is able to cover the trips either by annual or single-trip, allowing travelers pay for their insurance accordingly.
While no one would like to lose their luggage, money and documentation, it happens at times. When such a thing happens, a traveler will find themselves in a difficult situation. Yet, having travel insurance should be able to cover for such losses, so that they will be able to travel back to their own country.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere at all, even in your own country. This makes it important to get travel insurance as it may be able to cover your medical and associated costs like search and rescue should anything happen. However, do check to see if the policies of the travel safety cover the country you are planning to travel at.
Personal liability is another concern. There are times when a traveler themselves cause the damages to property or injury unintentionally. As it is unintentional, you would not be expecting to carry a lot of money to cover such costs. Therefore, it is important that the insurance cover personal liability as well so that travelers can have a worry-free holiday.
There is also the cancellation of trips. There are times when a traveler may have to cancel their holiday due to unforeseen circumstances, and cancellation may result in financial penalty which would be extremely costly. Thus, in such situations, the cost of cancellation of airfares and railway fees may be covered by the travel insurance.
All in all, travel insurance is beneficial for a traveler. When choosing an insurance, go through travel insurance guides to see which suits you best. At the same time, read through their travel safety guide to learn on tips to keep your possessions and self safely, because intentionally putting you in unsafe condition would not be included in the insurance company's coverage.
Chris is the writer of this article, you can visit us for more information on surf travel and travel bags.


Tuesday 15 May 2012

Travel Sickness and How to Deal With It


For those of us that get sick when abroad, it is just typical! You have all year round to be sick and then the one week that you are away from your mundane and boring life you can guarantee that the bugs will bite! There are plenty of common ailments that can strike whilst you are elsewhere, and perhaps travel sickness is the first you have to contend with. Travel sickness can weaken the body and leave you more susceptible to illness. However, because you only get one chance to go away, it is essential that you cope with travel sickness as and when it happens rather than waiting.
Believe it or not, travel sickness actually happens to between 60% and 80% of the world's population at one time or another. Fortunately for those individuals that fly, it happens to most people while travelling in a car, but that is not to say that travel sickness does not apply on a plane! It does. If you start to feel dizzy or sick whilst flying then you are almost certainly experiencing travel sickness. There are things that you can do to prepare yourself in an attempt to avoid travel sickness in advance though:
o Avoid eating heavy, greasy, salty and spicy foods before you go. These will just serve to saturate and unsettle the stomach.
o Avoid drinking the night before flying to ensure that you are in good health when you take off! Getting drunk the night before may be a great way to see you off, but not if it makes you ill on the plane!
o Take some time to relax because anxiety can increase the problem. Your nerves can quite easily cause breathing problems, which could then lead to vomiting so make sure that you take your time and breathe!
o When you are flying and feel as though you are going to be ill, do not read or look downwards in any way because this will serve to disorientate you. However, you should keep moving so take a walk up the aisle every now and again.
o Drink plenty of water. This will keep sickness at bay somewhat because you are replacing the fluid that you are sweating and perhaps vomiting out. Water will also avoid unsettling your stomach, but carbonated drinks and acidic drinks like juices will upset the balance.
If you do happen to experience travel sickness or other illness when abroad, natural cures such as peppermint and ginger root can help you to fight nausea and calm your stomach. There are also some anti-sickness pills that may prove to be effective that you can purchase from a pharmacy. However, you should always drink plenty of water to re-hydrate your body and visit a doctor if symptoms do not abate for upwards of 24 hours.
Sam Serio is a partner in Websketching of Chincoteague, a full service internet marketing firm. He is also a true advocate for Chincoteague Island, Va. tourism. Chincoteague Island is the premier family vacation destination spot on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the home of the world famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies. To learn more about this amazing island please visithttp://www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com and http://www.chincoteagueoutlook.com and Discover Chincoteague Island!


Monday 14 May 2012

Travel Insurance - Don't Go Abroad Without It


Your choice of a travel insurance policy is probably the most important decision you will make in planning your holiday. You will enjoy peace of mind on your vacation knowing that any unforeseen circumstances, such as a hospital stay due to sickness or accident will be taken care of.
In addition, while many travelers have health insurance, it sometimes does not cover them outside of their network or outside of the United States. Most medical plans will not cover medical expenses abroad, which is why travel insurance coverage is vital to avoid financial disaster. Always check the details of your insurance coverage before you travel. Additionally, with out the proper medical insurance, you will not have a say on where you will be treated if you were in an accident.
Generally, comprehensive travel insurance policy costs 5 to 7 percent of the price of your trip. Your policy may also provide reimbursement for lost luggage, some degree of medical evacuation insurance, accidental death coverage, medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, loss of baggage and theft. Your policy should also include all the details of how to make a claim.
Not all travel insurance plans are created equal. The cost varies from company and policy to policy. Policies may be purchased for individual trips or as an annual policy for all trips taken in the year of insurance. If you purchase an annual travel insurance policy, it will cover you for one year from the start date you choose. In some cases, it might be your best option to purchase a trip cancellation waiver and a third party travel insurance policy.
Credit card companies usually provide what is called travel accident insurance, which covers accidents but not incidents of serious illness. When you travel abroad, you should always consider buying insurance that includes medical care.
If you are willing to assume a financial risk (the cost of your trip), you can probably forego insurance for your domestic travel. Since 9/11, many are looking to travel insurance to safeguard their trip against any unforeseen terrorist attacks at their destination. Traveling abroad without insurance can be risky and impose long-term financial hardships if an accident or illness occurred.
For more information about travel insurance, visit Travel Insurance [http://www.travelinsuranceinfoguide.com]


Sunday 13 May 2012

What Is Travel Insurance?


Should travel insurance play a role in your planning for this year's vacation? Ideally. You need to look carefully at just how much protection travel insurance can actually provide you while you are away on vacation. In addition, you need to give it some thought to what kind of insurance you should buy and what kind you can safely ignore. Trip cancellation coverage, accident and sickness coverage, baggage insurance and, life insurance are some of the many kinds of insurance people have to consider.
Trip cancellation coverage, probably the most important element for most travelers, will reimburse you for money lost if you've paid for a trip and then must cancel it because of a death in the family or an accident or illness involving you, a traveling companion or a family member. If you get sick before you are scheduled to leave you will get most or all of your money back. You will also be entitled to reimbursement if you get sick on your travel since you have to spend extra for going back home.
Having the Traveler's life insurance will grant person coverage when death happens as they are on a trip. Prior to buying travel insurance be sure to ask question concerning who will be covered and the like. The trip cancellations policies will also take into account your family and traveling companions. Coverage of illness or injury will even extend to business partners.
What are the countries the honor this coverage? Some policies exclude some specific countries. When will the coverage take effect? Most likely the start is when you take it out and ends when you come home.
In case someone gets sick or meets an accident will you have to pay first or will the coverage take care of it for you? Do you already have coverage that duplicates some of all of the coverage under a travel policy?
It pays to check if your health insurance already has you covered for medical expenses. Getting life insurance is also good for addition protection even until death. Dying at home now, will cost more then dying while traveling.
Some card companies provide you with insurance already like extra life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance granted you charge your tickets to their country. Is travel insurance really necessary? The Trip cancellation coverage will be the one thing you want to get if you have the life and health and homeowner's insurance already.
Be sure to consult people regarding this. Is there a possibility of getting a full refund? How much will tour companies give you back? In case problems arise, say with your charter flight or a non refundable tour then you will still be covered with the trip cancellation insurance.
More expert travel insurance and cover information is located at travel insurance yearly. Further your knowledge on travel insurance and cover at long trip travel insurance.


Friday 11 May 2012

Preparations Before Traveling To Asia


For those planning to travel to Asia, you are in for a great visit. To ensure your trip is a memorable one, there are several things you will want to take care of prior to you leaving. Regardless of your destination in Asia, it is advised that you register with the US Embassy's Consular. This is for your protection. If an emergency arises, no one can help you if they don't know where you are.
You will to have a valid passport. Check to see if a visa will also be required for where you are going. Read the Consular information sheets for the areas you are traveling to prior to leaving. This will provide you with up to date information of anything taking place in that region that you should be aware of. If you do find yourself in any type of legal trouble, immediately contact the US Embassy for assistance.
Rules, regulations, and laws are different in Asia than in the United States. It is wise to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of that area. You don't want to find yourself in legal trouble out of the country because you weren't aware of how things are done there. Follow there rules set by all airports of not leaving your bags unattended or attending any type of package from someone you don't know for any reason.
Basic rules that apply anywhere including wearing expensive jewelry and clothing and showing large amounts of cash. These are indicators that you have items of value. It can lead you to being the victim of a robbery or worse crime. To avoid being the victim of a scam don't exchange currency with anyone except an authorized agent. Fully investigate prior to making purchases such as jewelry, art, and antiques.
Traveling to Asia can be a great experience. If you take the time to follow these basic tips, you will be more likely to enjoy your trip as well as return safely. By being prepared, you will be able to avoid surprises that will ruin your trip. By registering with the US Embassy, you will have an ally in the case something does take place. Having all these things in place will help you be able to focus on the beauty of Asia.
Criss manages Travel Asia and Angkor Wat.Criss is also the author of Asia Travel Guide.