You work hard for your well-earned vacation time. Shouldn't you protect it? Yes, you should. As with any other financial investment of your time and money, it's wise to be proactive and prepared for the "what-ifs" that may occur before, during, or after a vacation-and have a plan of action so you're not caught off guard.That's where travel insurance comes in. Sometimes people are quick to dismiss it as unnecessary, but until you really know what's offered-it's best to consider your options and weigh them carefully.Here are a few questions you'll want to have answers to before deciding on whether or not travel insurance is right for you.
Why Travel Insurance?
First things first. Why should you consider buying travel insurance in the first place? Travel insurance is insurance. It's put in place to help you financially (and otherwise) when stressful, unexpected situations arise. It's simply a means of protecting your vacation from unseen circumstances.Travel insurance is designed to protect those who elect coverage with financial safeguards in the case of events ranging from inconveniences to calamities. Coverage may include costs incurred before your trip, such as nonrefundable event tickets or your accommodation fees, and during your trip, including travel interruptions and medical expenses. Like other insurance products, there are specific provisions tied to these travel insurance policies that outline when and how reimbursements are given, and how much insured travelers are eligible to receive.Buying travel insurance is a very personal decision, as every vacation is unique.
What Does It Cover?
Each travel insurance policy is different and has its own set of inclusions and exclusions, but most travel insurance policies include many commonalities. Before you review your travel insurance policy options, it's best to first look at what and where you are already covered elsewhere. Credit card companies often offer you travel benefits so it's good to know what kind of coverage you already may have. Know what your health insurance covers when you're away from home. Check any benefits you may have from other groups or associations you belong to. From there, you can fill in the necessary gaps.Here are a few of the major categories of protection most travel insurance policies provide:
Trip Cancellation Protection: This is the big one, and includes reimbursement for non-refundable trip payments and deposits.
Trip Interruption Protection: Sometimes trips start on time and end prematurely due to forces of nature and other circumstances beyond your control. This benefit includes reimbursement for unused costs and transportation costs to return home.
Travel Delay: Provides reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred such as accommodations, meals, and local transportation if you are delayed during your trip due to a covered reason.
24-Hour Hotline Assistance: While this doesn't come with a dollar amount, getting real-time help when you're in a pickle is priceless. This can include the arrangement of evacuations for medical emergencies, pre-trip assistance, etc.
Emergency Assistance and Transportation: If you or someone in your family gets sick or injured during your vacation, benefits that help you get where you need to go, whether to a hospital or back home, are invaluable.
Lost, Damaged, Stolen, or Delayed Luggage: If you're flying to your vacation destination, these things are valid concerns. Lost or damaged bags at the airport is the #2 complaint issued to the Department of Transportation, so having this little added coverage can save you big headaches.
Travel Accidents: No one wants to think about these things when planning a vacation, but it is a potential risk and one that needs to be considered carefully.
Here are Access Realty, we offer travel insurance coverage through CSA Travel Protection. CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing valuable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and by offering products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience, and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.You can view CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance Policy here.
Are There Any Other Travel Perks?
We're so glad you asked! Yes, there are plenty of travel perks that accompany travel insurance coverage. Here are a few offered by CSA Travel Protection.
24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services: On-call anytime you need them! Emergency Assistance Services include Medical and Legal Referral, Traveling Companion Assistance, Locating Lost or Stolen Items, Replacement of Medication and Eyeglasses, Emergency Message Relay, and Pet Return.
Concierge Services: Provides assistance with arranging golf tee times,locating pet services, the purchase of sporting, amusement park or entertainment ticketing, even securing fine dining reservations.
Identity Theft Resolution Services: This is a real concern in this day and age but CSA has you covered by including this service for six months starting on the scheduled departure date. (Identity Theft Resolution does not provide assistance for thefts involving non-US bank accounts.)
