Why travel insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance for your trips can provide several advantages and benefits, helping to protect you and your investment in various ways. Remember to purchase travel insurance at the time you book a trip.  This avoids insurance company concerns should you need to cancel due to sickness and they argue that it was a pre-existing condition. 

Also ask your travel agent about the best way to calculate travel insurance needs.  If you are responsible for a large group, it is best to divide up the insurance amount the group member ages rather than insurance for a lump sum total.

Here are some key advantages of buying travel insurance:

1. **Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage**:
   - This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unexpected events.

2. **Emergency Medical Expenses**:
   - Travel insurance can cover medical expenses incurred due to illness or injury while traveling, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, and prescription medications.

3. **Evacuation and Repatriation**:
   - In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can arrange and cover the cost of evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation to your home country.

4. **Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage**:
   - Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items during your trip.

5. **Travel Delay Coverage**:
   - If your trip is delayed due to reasons like weather, strikes, or mechanical issues, travel insurance can cover additional expenses incurred during the delay, such as meals and accommodations.

6. **Trip Interruption Benefits**:
   - If your trip is interrupted for reasons beyond your control, travel insurance can help cover the cost of returning home and any additional expenses.

7. **Coverage for Missed Connections**:
   - If you miss a connecting flight or cruise due to a covered delay, travel insurance can assist with rebooking and related expenses.

8. **Protection Against Natural Disasters**:
   - Travel insurance can provide coverage if your trip is disrupted or canceled due to natural disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires.

9. **Coverage for Terrorism and Political Unrest**:
   - Some policies include coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions caused by terrorism or political unrest at your destination.

10. **Emergency Assistance Services**:
    - Travel insurance often includes 24/7 emergency assistance services, such as a helpline to provide support and guidance in case of emergencies.

11. **Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage**:
    - CFAR is an optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard policies, providing more flexibility.

12. **Financial Protection**:
    - Travel insurance can help protect your financial investment in your trip, particularly for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tours.

13. **Peace of Mind**:
    - Travel insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection and assistance when unexpected events occur during your travels.

It's essential to carefully review the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of any travel insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs. Travel insurance can be especially valuable for international trips, cruises, adventure travel, and trips with non-refundable deposits. Before purchasing, consider factors like your health, destination, trip cost, and any existing insurance coverage to determine the right policy for your trip.