With this recent hurricane in Louisiana and probably more on the way during this current hurricane season, insurance companies offer some timely tips and reminders on travel insurance and hurricanes, tropical storms, or any bad weather.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to travel insurance:
- Purchase insurance as soon as you put down your initial trip deposit.
- Read your Description of Coverage and understand what your policy covers.
- Be flexible with your travel schedule, if possible.
- Make sure your home is in order just in case your trip is extended.
- Contact your insurer if you’re traveling and a hurricane strikes.
Remember that airlines, cruise ships, hotels, etc. are not required to reimburse you for any weather related issues. While most will do what they can to accommodate you, it may not be enough in your eyes.
Travel insurance may help you with any of those additional costs (or cancellations) you may have. For example, airlines may allow you to reschedule a trip for the same city, but you may not be able to change your vacation dates. This means you need to fully cancel.
How much will travel insurance cost? There are several factors that go into the cost of an insurance plan, but typically travel insurance plans cost between 4 percent and 10 percent of the total trip costs. The biggest factors that affect the policy price are the age of travelers and the amount of trip costs. Travel insurance can also include medical coverage, which is necessary if you are out of the country (most medical insurance does not cover you outside the United States).
Be prepared by purchasing travel insurance. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it sure is nice to know you have it if you need it.