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The last thing anyone wants is to cancel their vacation at the last minute because of an illness or other unforeseen circumstance. However, your plans can change at a moment's notice. That's why trip cancellation insurance is so important. Learn more about this insurance coverage and when you can use it, as well as how much it will cost to insure your trip.
This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about cancellation trip insurance and the possible consequences of not carrying it. Discover how you can safeguard your upcoming vacations with this valuable piece of travel insurance.
Picture this scenario: after a series of staycations and months of saving money, you finally book your dream vacation to an exotic place. You pay for your airfare, make a deposit for your accommodations, and arrange your transportation to and from the airport. Just when you're about to start packing for your trip, you come down with the stomach flu and are in no condition to travel.
Without trip cancellation protection, you'll lose all of the money you already put toward your vacation. Missing out on the trip of a lifetime because you become sick is terrible. Having to throw your hard-earned money down the drain in the process is even worse.
You need a travel plan safeguard that will reimburse you for your expenses when you're unable to take a trip. Most basic travel insurance policies include coverage for canceled trips. You'll be able to recoup a portion of the money you already spent on your travels, including:
Don't let hundreds or even thousands of dollars go to waste because you must cancel a trip. Invest in a vacation protection plan that promises to cover your expenses in case you're unable to travel.
Having cancellation protection is essential for any traveler who needs to call off their plans, but sometimes trips get cut short because of unforeseen circumstances. In this case, it's worth having trip delay or interruption coverage.
Say you're unable to reach your destination on time because of weather-related flight cancellations and/or delays. If you end up reaching your destination two days later than expected, your insurance policy can cover most of the costs related to your unexpected delay.
You may also have to end a trip early either due to sickness, family emergencies, or other events. With trip interruption insurance, your insurance provider can help offset the costs of your shortened trip.
Given some of the examples above, you're probably wondering, "Do I have to be sick to get reimbursed for my upcoming trip?" Every trip cancellation policy is different so it's important to look at the coverage details and exclusions. Some of the most common travel issues that insurers provide refunds for include:
Most of these issues can apply to you or your travel companion, including young children who become sick. If you're booking a trip for multiple people, it's best to safeguard your finances and invest in trip cancellation insurance. A report from the U.S. Travel Insurance Association finds that 89% of all travel insurance purchases include a vacation cancellation policy.
What happens if you're no longer given time off from work to go on vacation? Or maybe you no longer feel comfortable traveling to a region with high infection rates? You could benefit from purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason package.
This aptly named insurance option means that you'll receive reimbursement for a trip you don't take regardless of the reason for skipping it. Since CFAR packages have no exclusions, they tend to cost more than the basic trip cancellation package. Consider your needs and overall confidence in traveling when deciding whether you need this type of coverage.
With any luck, you'll be able to make it to your destination without any issues and can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. However, you can't predict what will happen and could end up losing money as a result. Having a comprehensive trip delay, interruption, and cancellation insurance package protects the expenses made toward your trip.
If you purchase a plane ticket 24 hours before the flight takes off, chances are high that you'll be able to take your seat and make it to your destination. However, most travelers book their plane tickets well ahead of time. Data from Statista shows that 42% of people traveling for personal reasons book domestic flights between three weeks and three months before, while 31% of international travelers make plans at least three months in advance.
The earlier you make your travel plans, the harder it becomes to navigate any unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, it's wise to purchase a trip cancellation policy that frees you from any financial strain if you're no longer able to travel.
While cancellation policies are the most popular kind of travel insurance packages, they aren't the only ways you can protect yourself during a trip. Below are some other travel insurance components that you can supplement your trip cancellation package to cast a wider safety net.
If you hold valid U.S. health insurance, you can get treatment without worry when you travel domestically. However, going on trips abroad can cause financial worries should you need emergency care. That's where travel medical insurance comes in handy.
Your insurance provider will cover the costs associated with certain healthcare services while traveling internationally, such as hospitalizations or emergency medical evacuations. Requiring healthcare on vacation is more prevalent than you might think, as medical claims are the most common type of travel insurance claim.
Say you stow a laptop in your suitcase and it ends up getting damaged after a flight. Perhaps the airline loses your luggage altogether, forcing you to purchase new clothes and necessities for your trip. Comprehensive travel insurance plans will reimburse you for replacing lost and damaged luggage.
To make a claim, let your provider know how much you had to spend on new items as a result of missing or being unable to use your personal belongings. Keep in mind that your policy could have a limit on how much the insurance company offers for luggage reimbursement. Check the details closely before opting into a plan.
The benefits of travel insurance make it a worthwhile investment for any traveler. Exactly how much can you expect to spend on a policy that includes trip cancellation refunds, luggage protection, and medical coverage?
According to a Forbes report, travel insurance costs between 5% and 10% of the trip's booking expenses. A short trip that costs $1,000 between your transportation and accommodations will only require around $50 to $100 for an insurance policy. The more your travel expenses add up, the more you can expect to pay for coverage.
Other factors that influence the cost of your insurance policy include:
Overall, the cost of travel insurance largely depends on each traveler and their provider. You can save money by choosing a plan with basic coverage but may face more exclusions when it comes to making a claim. Consider the risks and all of your travel needs before purchasing a protection package for your next vacation.
Insurdinary is your go-to source for finding affordable travel insurance policies that meet your coverage needs. Submit our online information form to receive quotes from trusted insurance providers. Request a quote today.