Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Trip and Travel Insurance

What is it?
Travel insurance is a policy that will protect you if your vacation is interrupted, and in some cases if you have to cancel your vacation. The insurance can be purchased from a variety of companies, including the cruise lines.

What does it do for me?
Depending on the policy purchased, travel insurance can cover many things including, emergency evacuation off the ship, airfare home, hospital bills, reimbursement of the cost of the vacation, and accidental death. The key is to make sure the policy has what you need, and you understand the policy.

How much is it?
Price depends on a few factors, including but not limited to, ages of insured, options of the package, overall cost of the vacation, and any predetermined health issues. Most base packages start at around 7 - 20% of the cost of the vacation (cruise, airfare, hotel etc.).

How do I get it?
When booking a cruise, many cruise lines will offer their insurance policy. Usually cruise line policies are only trip interruption policies and reimburse the cost of the vacation. For more detailed policies, there are plenty of insurance companies that offer something that may fit your needs. A great place to start looking is Insuremytrip which is a travel insurance comparison site.

What else should I know?
Travel agencies are rated based on performance (called the A.M. Rating). The rating system is alphabetical A, B, C with + and - as well Making A+ the rating to look for is you ask me.

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