Who Else Wants to Understand Travel Insurance Policy Language?
Aren't all travel insurance plans basically the same?
No. When you read travel insurance policy language, remember that as with any legal document, the definition of the terms is what governs the working of the policy (including payment of the claim). I create hypothetical travel scenarios for training purposes. This includes contacting our travel insurance suppliers' claims departments to see how they handle a given scenario.
A common concern of travelers are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions. In some cases, you can cancel, interrupt your trip or receive medical treatment if you (or a non-traveling family member) has a pre-existing condition. It has to do with the policy's wording.
All travel insurance excludes claims due to pre-existing medical conditions. Some travel insurance plans will waive the pre-existing condition exclusion if you get your travel insurance in the first 10, 14 or 21 days after your first trip payment date (ie - before the end of these 10, 14 or 21 days).
Any payment on your trip is considered the first payment. This includes the tax you pay when you redeem frequent flyer tickets, refundable deposits or even a trip planning consultation fee if that fee is later credited toward your trip costs.
You'll protect yourself if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip because of that pre-existing medical condition. There are three primary rules to keep in mind:
- You have to insure your trip's full prepaid, non-refundable cost and
- The person with the medical condition has to be medically stable when you get your insurance and
- You must get your travel insurance in the first 10, 14 or 21 days after your first trip payment date.
You can cancel or interrupt your trip or receive medical treatment even if you have a pre-existing condition - if you follow these rules.
This seems simple enough, doesn't it?
Yes. Except there are companies that interpret this wording slightly different from what you expect. Be on the lookout for a clause in policies that states, "General exclusions include any expected or foreseeable events".
What this means to you is this: If you buy a travel insurance policy that includes the words "General exclusions include any expected or foreseeable events", here's what you need to do:
No Surprises
If you are told, "No, that wouldn't be covered because it's not unforeseen", I strongly suggest you steer clear of those companies - you don't want an unexpected surprise.
We do not offer policies from companies that play this semantics game. Like you, I want to be sure a travel insurance plan will work just like I expected it to.
Steven Dasseos is the founder and CEO of TripInsuranceStore.com. You can compare reputable travel insurance plans at this website. Contact Steve Dasseos here.
Related Articles:
Travel insurance: pregnant and protected?
Travel insurance should be considered essential. Wherever you are going, whatever you are doing, unfortunately, there is always a chance something could go wrong. Getting the right cover is especially important when you are pregnant.
Single Travel Insurance
Are you leaving the country for a vacation or holiday Do you travel once a year and want to make sure you have insurance to cover anything that can go wrong
Journeys Travel Insurance Announce Partnership with The Global Travel Group
The Global Travel Group have appointed Journeys Travel Insurance, the parent company behind insuremore.co.uk as their preferred supplier for international travel insurance. Amongst other reasons, they were said to be impressed with the automatically included terrorism insurance and the ability to settle a claim over the internet for an instant decision. The partnership follows Journeys Travel winning the coveted "Best travel insurer" at this year's Globe Awards.
Travel Insurance - Insure Your Trip
You may think that travel insurance isn?t necessary, and that you have planned your vacation perfectly. Things like when to board the flight, where to stay, and when to come back would have been included in your plan; but what if you have to change your plan and get back early? Or what if you met with an accident or fell ill, which of course you were not prepared for? You would end up paying all the medical expenses that are not covered by your health insurance. This is when having travel insurance could save you. It is important that you purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment.
Leading Travel Insurance Comparison Site launches Plans From Travel Insurance Services
Squaremouth, the industry leader in travel insurance comparison shopping today adds Travel Insurance Services products to its lineup.
Insuremore's Travel Insurance Website Turns Heads at Travolution Awards
Beating many more established brands, Insuremore won the much coveted "best travel insurance" award at Travolution's annual travel website awards ceremony in London last Thursday night. The "clean" travel website design was the work of online marketing agency LeadGenerators. For more information, please visit http://www.insuremore.co.uk and http://www.leadgenerators.co.uk
Travel Insurance - Insurers Discriminate Against Those Who Battle Cancer
Dealing with the ugly disease cancer is one of the most distressing things anyone can face in their lifetime. First the person has to come to terms with the fact that they have the life threatening illness, then they undergo a long and grueling process of chemotherapy which takes its toll not just on themselves but on their entire family. And then, once their chemotherapy treatment is over, there is always the chance that the cancer will again resurface.
How to Identify a Fraudulent Health and Medical Insurance Company in Indiana
One reason why a fraudulent health and medical insurance company in Indiana finds it easy to deceive consumers is because most people think they already know everything, when in reality they know far less. Reading this guide will only take minutes of your time, but those minutes are enough to save you thousands of dollars from insurance fraud.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance, sometimes called travel health insurance or travel medical insurance is available from a number of sources besides from your travel agent. In fact, it's to your advantage to buy travel insurance online because you have more companies and products to choose from and you can save a lot of money.You can purchase travel medical insurance from your travel agent when you buy your tickets. While that may be convenient, it may not get you the most value for your money. The travel agency will offer you one or two travel health insurance policies sold by one company. The products offered may or may not be appropriate to your circumstances.Also, some basic travel insurance is often available through credit cards. However, that insu...
An Overview on the Medical Insurance System in United States
The medical insurance system in the United States is considered to be one of the most important insurance systems available in the country. It is a well-known fact that the costs of medical care in the United States are steep. Hence, it is best to purchase a medical insurance plan and have your medical care expenses covered by the medical insurance company.