Travel insurance can provide valuable protection for families traveling, offering financial reimbursement for unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, and lost or stolen baggage.
However, navigating the world of travel insurance can be confusing, and it can be difficult to know what type of coverage is best for your family.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of travel insurance options for families in the United States, as well as tips for choosing the right coverage.
Why Buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for families traveling, particularly when it comes to unexpected events that can disrupt or derail travel plans. Some of the key benefits of travel insurance include:
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
This can provide reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to a covered reason, such as illness or severe weather.
Medical expense coverage
This can help cover medical expenses incurred while traveling, particularly if your health insurance doesn’t provide coverage outside the U.S.
Emergency evacuation coverage
This can cover the cost of emergency transportation if you or a family member becomes seriously ill or injured while traveling.
Baggage coverage
This can provide reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, as well as reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if your baggage is delayed.
24-hour assistance
Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 assistance services, including medical and travel assistance.
Types of Travel Insurance
There are several types of travel insurance available, each designed to meet different needs and travel scenarios. Some of the most common types of travel insurance include:
Comprehensive travel insurance
This is the most complete form of travel insurance, providing coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss/delay.
Medical travel insurance
This type of insurance is focused solely on providing medical coverage while traveling, particularly if your regular health insurance doesn’t provide coverage outside the U.S.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
This coverage is designed to provide reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to a covered reason.
Baggage insurance
This coverage provides reimbursement for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
Evacuation insurance
This insurance is designed to cover the cost of emergency transportation if you or a family member becomes seriously ill or injured while traveling.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
This coverage provides a lump sum payment if you or a family member is killed or suffers a serious injury while traveling.
Choosing the Right Coverage
When choosing travel insurance, it’s important to consider your specific travel needs and risks. For example, if you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to make sure your policy includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation. If you’ve invested a significant amount of money in your trip, trip cancellation/interruption coverage can provide valuable protection.
Other factors to consider when choosing travel insurance include:
- Deductibles: Some policies have deductibles, which are the amounts you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
- Exclusions: Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions, or may only cover them under certain circumstances.
- Coverage limits: Make sure the policy provides adequate coverage for your needs, particularly when it comes to medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- Cost: Travel insurance premiums can vary widely depending on the type and amount of coverage you need, as well as other factors such as the age of the travelers.
- Provider reputation: Look for a reputable travel insurance provider with a strong track record of customer service and claims handling.
Some popular travel insurance providers for families include:
- Travel Guard
- Allianz Global Assistance
- World Nomads
- Seven Corners
- AIG Travel Guard
- InsureMyTrip
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
When purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to read the policy carefully and ask any questions you may have before making a purchase. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the policy, as well as any limitations or exclusions.
Tips for Buying Travel Insurance
Here are some tips for buying travel insurance as a family:
- Start early: It’s a good idea to start shopping for travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip, to ensure you have adequate coverage in place well before your departure date.
- Compare policies: Shop around and compare policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the best price.
- Understand what’s covered: Make sure you understand what’s covered (and what’s not) by the policy, as well as any exclusions or limitations.
- Consider your specific needs: Think about your specific travel needs and risks, and choose coverage that meets those needs.
- Consider your budget: Travel insurance can be expensive, so be sure to consider your budget when choosing a policy.
- Read reviews: Look for reviews of the travel insurance provider you’re considering, to get a sense of their reputation for customer service and claims handling.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify any details you’re unsure about before purchasing a policy.
Travel insurance can provide valuable protection for families traveling, offering reimbursement for unexpected events that can disrupt or derail travel plans.
When shopping for travel insurance, it’s important to consider your specific needs and risks, and choose coverage that provides adequate protection at a price you can afford.
By following these tips and doing your research, you can find the right travel insurance policy for your family, and enjoy peace of mind while you’re on the road.
Be sure to check out our vlog The Go To Family. Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest !
