• 16
  Dec
  2009

• Strike Out Worries with Trip Protection Insurance

  
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The recent 12-day strike announced by British Airways staff will throw the travel plans of a million passengers off track, with the exception of passengers with trip cancellation insurance, who will breathe a bit easy.

A typical issue that arises when airline employees go on strike is: What will happen to my travel plans? Usually, the airline will make alternate travel arrangements. However, if the number of travelers is large, that may not be possible. Moreover, most airlines will not cancel flights until the last minute, and that is when they offer some compensation. Hotel bookings are also not compensated for by the airline.

With a trip cancellation plan such as the Air Ticket Protection plan, your ticket costs are covered 100% for situations such as the insolvency of an airline, and for flight cancellations due to a strike resulting in the complete cessation of flights.

However, in this case, most insurers will not reimburse costs of tickets purchased after the strike was announced. Some will not reimburse tickets purchased after the unions and management met on November 2, to sort out the wage issue. If you have trip cancellation insurance, and are planning travel on a British Airways flight between December 22 and January 2, call your insurer.

Travel tip: If reaching your destination on time is very important (as during Christmas), book a flight to reach the destination a day early. Delays and strikes are less likely to hurt you.

• 11
  Dec
  2009

• Dive in to Close the Insurance Gap

  
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You’re excited about your upcoming scuba diving trip to the Caribbean. However, the nuber of international travel insurance plans has you confused. Since a major part of your trip will include scuba diving, you’re looking for a plan that already covers it. TravelGap’s insurance plans may just be perfect for you.

TravelGap’s Voyager and Excursion plans come prepackaged with coverage of $10,000 for “claims resulting from downhill alpine skiing and scuba diving.” To avail of the scuba diving benefit, the plan holder must be certified by a professional scuba diving association, or the dive should have been under the supervision of a certified instructor.

Other benefits of the TravelGap plans include hospitalization and consultation, and dental care resulting from injury, and pain. The Excursion plan offers better benefits, covering pre-existing conditions. The Excursion plan also offers 100% coverage for prescription drugs outside the United States, compared to 50% of the Voyager plan.

However, the Excursion plan requires the applicant to have a valid primary health insurance plan during purchase, while the Voyager plan has no such restrictions. Choose the plan that works for you best, and go ahead and enjoy that dive!

Travel tip: Always, always scuba dive with a buddy. Keep and eye on your dive buddy, and check on him/her often. It could be the difference between life and death.

• 09
  Dec
  2009

• Even the Amazing Amazon Needs Insurance!

  
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Travel insurance is a must when you undertake adventure trips. If you are the type who watched “The Land That Time Forgot” or “McKenna’s Gold” wide-eyed as a kid, and are still mesmerized by “Madagascar,” you may possess that adventure streak. Why not make that ultimate adventure trip, then—to the Amazon?

The Amazon rain forest is one of the last remaining places on Earth with amazing biodiversity, unique flora and fauna, relatively untouched by man. But before making that trip to Ecuador or Peru, purchase a suitable travel and medical insurance policy.

Most adventure tour operators insist on travel insurance before you register for the trip and some recommend their own providers. The policy that you choose should cover air emergency evacuation and expenses, trip cancellation, loss of baggage, flight delays and medical treatment. Some providers cover pre-existing conditions if you opt for early purchase.

Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory. Keep copies of your passport with relatives back home. Malaria and diarrhea are also rampant in the rainforest as the weather is hot and humid. Carry your own malarial drugs and drink safe water. Last but definitely not the least – have a blast!

Travel tip: If you plan on traversing the Amazon Basin by passenger boat, bring along a basic phrasebook to help communicate with the locals. You will have a great time discovering their way of life!

• 04
  Dec
  2009

• Basic Insurance Options for Tom the Cruiser

  
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Cruise insurance may be the last thing on your mind when you’re thinking of a trip to the Caribbean. However, remember that a cruise to any place outside the United States will require cruise insurance. Remember that if your cruise does not make a port of call, you must check if you will be in international waters. Your coverage might depend on the answer.

Often, your cruise operator will offer insurance as part of the package. Be aware that such insurance is usually more expensive and offers fewer benefits than specialized cruise insurance purchased from reputed companies. Be sure to compare prices and coverage before choosing a plan that works for you.

Some of the benefits you want to look for are medical evacuation, some coverage for pre-existing conditions if applicable, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Newer cruise insurance plans offer reimbursement if a traveler cancels the cruise because of the loss of his job. Of these, emergency medical evacuation is a must-have benefit.

It is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as you feel ill. Cruise insurance typically does not cover minor ailments such as motion sickness, unless it turns serious. Most popular cruises have a medical team on board.

Travel Tip: If you want to travel aboard a ship, but without the hordes of people you will invariably meet during a cruise, you can also consider traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship.