Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind for Your Journeys

Travel insurance is surging in popularity, providing the peace of mind travelers need to embark on their adventures confidently.

1. Increased Interest in Travel Insurance

Leslie Wahlgren, a seasoned travel advisor with nearly 20 years of experience, has witnessed a remarkable uptick in client interest regarding travel insurance. She notes, “Never before have my clients been more interested in travel insurance than they are right now.”

2. Common Concerns Leading to Purchase

According to Squaremouth, many travelers today are not only concerned about COVID-19; they are also increasingly worried about flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, and lost luggage. While travel insurance traditionally serves to protect against trip cancellations, numerous policies offer compensation for a variety of less serious issues.

3. Affordable Travel Insurance Options

Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer at Squaremouth, emphasizes that even budget-friendly plans often include valuable coverages such as medical expenses, travel delays, and baggage protection. “I personally insure almost all of my travels — not necessarily for cancellation benefits, but for delay and baggage coverage,” she remarks.

Travelers can find affordable policies from well-known providers including AIG Travel, Allianz Partners USA, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Nationwide, and Seven Corners.

4. Types of Coverage Available

Depending on the policy, these comprehensive insurance plans generally cover a range of scenarios, returning prepaid expenses when problems arise such as pre-departure injuries or flight cancellations due to unexpected weather events. Meredith Mangan, senior insurance editor at Investopedia, advises travelers to ensure that they understand policy limits for coverage. Some plans may only provide limited coverage, which might not be sufficient for significant disruptions.

More expensive, full-coverage policies offer higher payouts and are ideal for extravagant trips like safaris and luxury cruises. (In fact, some operators require insurance for participation.)

5. Niche Travel Insurance Policies

Furthermore, specific insurance providers cater to unique travel needs. For instance, World Nomads focuses on adventure-based trips, providing coverage for exhilarating activities such as rock climbing, scuba diving, and hang gliding—activities generally excluded from standard plans.

On the other hand, Medjet specializes in medical evacuations, offering coverage for policyholders who find themselves 150 miles or further from home. Unlike some travel insurance, MedjetAssist plans cover the expenses to transport travelers back home for medical treatment. Additionally, the MedjetHorizon plan includes crisis response features for situations like natural disasters or civil unrest.

This particular option has proven to be beneficial for Wahlgren’s clients. “One of my clients was hospitalized the night before his return. Once he was stable, they airlifted him home with a doctor accompanying him on the flight, all covered under his policy,” she recalls.

This surge in interest around travel insurance reflects travelers’ desire for reassurance and protection as they navigate the unpredictable nature of travel. With the variety of options available, travelers can find a plan that best suits their individual needs, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.