
Insurance Advice from the Armchair Advisor
We are not paranoid but we have heard and read more horror stories
than most. Our idea in travelling is to plan for problems and obstacles before
they occur. That way you can concentrate on the adventure and know that you
have tried to cover your tail feathers to the best of your ability in case a
problem should arise.
- Before going on a trip and especially when traveling to
third-world nations and to locales off-the-beaten-track, we advise you to check
over your personal health insurance policy to see what you are covered for while
on your trip.
- If you plan to drive, you should check to see whether your
driver's insurance policy covers you when traveling outside the United States.
It is almost a certainty that if you intend to drive, you should obtain car
insurance in the country (or countries) you are visiting as your U.S. insurance
may not be recognized.
- Read over your homeowners policy to determine what is covered
while you are traveling. Your policy might cover lost or stolen possessions.
- Never be afraid to ask questions. What you may consider a "dumb
question" now, could save you more than money in the future.
Armchair World feels, that if for no other reasons, travel
insurance possibly supplemented with major medical coverage should be considered
for the following:
- the possibility of tour company, cruise company, hotel and/or
airline bankruptcy. You should be aware that bankruptcy insurance has many
technicalities and loopholes. So ask detailed questions and read the coverage
and exclusions carefully.
- the possibility that you will get ill or injured and need
emergency medical evacuation: Remember that if you need to be evacuated and
don't have insurance, you will have to pay for the evacuation. This can run U.S.
$10,000 and up.
- the availability of call-in services such as emergency medical
referral, emergency cash advance, emergency message relay, and medication
replacement: Having one number that you can call to arrange emergency services
can give tremendous peace of mind. Make sure that if you are going
off-the-beaten-track, that these services will be available in the particular
country you are visiting.
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