Travel Insurance-Why You Should Purchase It!

Travel Insurance-Why You Should Purchase It!

Travel Insurance is what I refer to as “peace of mind money”. Imagine you have saved for a year or years for this once in a lifetime trip, then the unthinkable happens, you are not able to go. What do you do now? In most cases, your savings are lost! Granted some airlines, tour companies, etc. may be feeling nice on the day you have to cancel, but for the most part you are out not only your trip, but everything you invested in it.

What does Travel Insurance Cover?

Most insurances have coverage for the following items:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Delay
Baggage Loss/Delay
Medical Expenses
Emergency Evacuation

Coverages will vary depending on the policy purchased. It is good to ask questions of the policy coverage. Also, most travel insurance policies will cover things that your credit card, medical or homeowner’s insurances do not. And, it is always best to purchase sooner than later from the time of booking your trip. In most cases we recommend the insurance be purchased within 14 days of your trip deposit. If you add onto your trip, or make changes, insurance policies can be modified to cover the cost changes.

How do I purchase it?

Begin by speaking with your travel consultant. Coverage is typically obtained either via the tour operator/cruise line or through a travel insurance company such as Travel Guard. Our preferred coverage is using a third party such as Travel Guard because they deal with and only with insurance. We will send you a quote directly from their offices. They are available to speak with you to go over the quote we send, so you can make an educated decision if the coverage is right for you. Which route you choose to go will often depend on your destination, the policy coverages, cost of trip and the ages of passengers.

While travel consultants are not insurance agents, we can steer you in the right direction. As a travel consultant myself, I can tell you I never pack my bags without it! I even purchase it for my flight only reservations.

Don’t want to purchase? If you choose to go against our advice, that’s ok, but be prepared to sign a form saying you have declined coverage.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.