• 11
  Jun
  2010

• With Insurance, Missed Connections Need Not Mean Missing Money

  
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Recently, as everyone is probably aware, several flights from Europe to different parts of the world were delayed, due to the earthquake and the high concentration of ash in the atmosphere. Travelers who had taken an international travel insurance plan with Travel Guard’s Pack n Go did not worry at all.

These travelers waited out the delay in the comfort of hotels near the airport, carefully preserving their bills for the stay and the food, which they later submitted and got reimbursement for.

Some of the travelers with the Pack N Go travel insurance had to change their flights once the flight services were resumed. This meant that they had to go to a different airport and buy new tickets at another airline services. They were given the cost of the transportation and also the cost of the new tickets, which were of the same class as the earlier tickets.

There was the inevitable confusion about the baggage and some of it was misplaced in the delay and the missed flights and transportation. The coverage of all the baggage that was lost or misplaced continued till the issue was resolved and the baggage was restored. If the baggage was lost, the compensation was also given. Apart from the loss of time, the travelers did not suffer anything else.

Travel tip: Before assuming that your flight is delayed, though, always check that it is indeed the case. Even if all airlines are cancelling flights, your airline may offer you an alternate route, which means that you cannot always claim reimbursement.

• 10
  Jun
  2010

• Sam’s Insurance Escapades-IV: Include Exclusions in Your Travel Plan

  
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Sam Traveler, our traveler who never leaves home without adequate travel insurance, was visiting India, where the filling of his tooth cavity was lost. He ignored it and his tooth got infected, and within a week, he required root canal treatment. He thought that the international travel insurance he had bought before traveling, would cover it.

While he was getting his tooth fixed, he was informed of some innovative capping options and he decided to have it done as the cost was considerably less than what it would have cost him back home. Since it was for the same tooth, he assumed that it would be covered under the travel insurance policy too.

After his return, he was dismayed to find that not only could he not get money for the capping, but the first visit to have his cavity filling fixed was also not covered in the policy. He went through a frustrating phase when he argued with the insurance company till he realized that he had not understood the conditions before getting the work done on his tooth. The treatment of the tooth was due to normal wear and tear that was not covered in the international travel insurance policy.

There are several such conditions not covered, including travelling against the advice of a physician, piloting or learning to fly an aircraft, emotional, psychological, mental or nervous disorder, and traveling to seek medication for a fatal condition.

Travel tip: If in doubt, call the insurance assistance service to find out if your treatment will be covered by your plan.

• 08
  Jun
  2010

• Know Your Travel Insurance Services

  
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Different travel insurance packages offer different services and it makes good sense to know all the services offered before deciding on a trip because one never knows what kind of situation can arise during an international trip.

Most international travel insurance plans offer a standard package, which includes a 24-hour medical assistance helpline where you are assisted with references and recommendations about the medical facilities available. Conference calls are also organized between the attending physician and home physicians.

Second opinions are arranged if required, as are relaying messages to family during times of medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is organized if the area is not medically suitable to treat an illness. Medical or travel escorts are organized for minors if they are unaccompanied. Medical records are also transferred to specified location. There is also usually a ticketing service, which ensures that your family can visit, if required, during a medical emergency.

Many plans also offer information on visas and immunizations that need to be done before a trip. Weather information and embassy referrals are also part of the insurance plan services. Hotel accommodations and assistance of an interpreter are also available.

Travel tip: Even if insurance companies offer these services, remember that these are not included in the benefits, and the companies are not obliged to provide these services to a plan holder.

• 07
  Jun
  2010

• Jane’s Adventures with Travel Insurance-III: Covering Pre-Existing Conditions

  
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There is a tendency to take an existing illness for granted. You have it under control and there is nothing to worry about. That is what Jane Wanderlust’s father David thought about his diabetes when he was travelling to Europe on a vacation with his family. Fortunately, the international travel insurance plan included the coverage of pre-existing clause.

It was quite impossible to follow his careful routine which kept his diabetes under control and the novelty of the rich food that they enjoyed, resulted in an increase in his sugar level which required hospitalization.

Fortunately, the Travel Gap Single Trip plan covered the hospitalization costs entirely, including the ambulance charges and the post-hospitalization medication. The family was relieved that they did not have to dip into the funds meant for holiday shopping.

There are few insurance plans which offer coverage of pre-existing conditions where travel insurance is concerned and this coverage is something that the Travel Gap Single Trip plan covers.

Travel tip: Always carry extra supplies of your prescription medication when traveling.