You work hard and you’ve spent the past months planning your dream vacation.  Flights are booked, hotels reserved, non-refundable deposits made, and daydreaming has begun.  Days before you’re set to leave, disaster strikes: a medical emergency, a death in the immediate family, a natural disaster, or terrorist attack at your destination.  If your vacation is canceled, you will not only be upset about not going, but frustration compounded by the fact that you will most likely lose all the money you’ve spent on reservations.  Travel insurance seeks to mitigate those losses, so you don’t lose your money as well as your vacation. 

Emergencies Arise

Travel insurance covers a number of common problems that could arise and cancel or disrupt your plans. A small investment can pay for itself many times over if you find yourself in any of these situations.

1. A Major Illness – If you find yourself in need of medical care while on vacation, your U.S. health insurance policy may not cover your necessary care. Additional expenses such as emergency evacuation and flying you home for medical treatment can run into the thousands of dollars. This will not likely be covered by health insurance, but may be covered under travel insurance or travel medical insurance.

2. Death in the Family – Similarly, a death of a member of the travelling party, or their immediate family, could cause the cancellation of the trip.

3. Trip Disruption – If an emergency causes you to cut your trip short, you may think it’s too late to get your money back.  Most travel coverage will cover your cancellation expenses and help you rebook your flights to come home early in case someone in your party is needed immediately at home.

4. Storm Damage or Terrorism – If your dream destination suddenly turns into a nightmare, insurance can help you cancel that trip without incurring additional expenses. 

5. Injury from Activity – Vacation is often a time to venture out beyond your comfort zone.  For those who thrive on adventure like hang gliding in South America, skiing in the Alps, or swimming with sharks off the coast of South Africa, odds are that your standard health insurance policy may not cover you if injured outside the U.S. doing such an activity.  

You Are Covered Further

Travel coverage brings great peace of mind in knowing that the many risks faced when traveling can be covered.  In addition to illnesses, death, and damage to your destination, your plan can be used to refund your trip expenses if you lose your job, are required to work, called to active military duty, or jury duty. Additionally, if your travel vendor suddenly goes out of business or declares bankruptcy, they won’t just get away with your money. Your policy can refund your expenses so you can book with another vendor. 

Lose Your Bags without Losing Your Cool

Lost bags and travel delays can put a serious damper on your trip. Perhaps you assume that your homeowner’s policy will cover this, but refer to a prior HPM blog about the details of lost luggage called: Is My Lost Luggage Covered by my NH Homeowners Policy? If your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, travel coverage can help pay to replace the costs of the contents. If your baggage is delayed, requiring you to purchase additional clothing or supplies, this may also be reimbursed through your policy. Flight delays can be inconvenient and expensive, but insurance can help cover the cost of a night in a hotel, meals, and re-booked flights.

Help When You Need It

It can be difficult and stressful to find help when an emergency arises, especially in a foreign country where English is not spoken.  If at any time during your trip you find yourself in need of assistance finding a hospital, doctor, prescription medications, or you have lost your passport, your insurance company can be there to help. With a 24/7 helpline, you are never on your own. 

No one wants to think about their vacation being ruined, but when emergencies arise, travel insurance is there to help. 

To get a quote or more information about the coverage available, review the HPM Insurance Travel Insurance page.

Bon Voyage!

This material is for informational purposes only.  All statements herein are subject to the provision, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy.  For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, refer to the insurance policy.