What is Travelers Insurance?

Travelers insurance is a special type of insurance designed to protect travelers when unforeseen problems, such as delayed flights or illness, occur. Travelers insurance works like other insurance policies, reimbursing you for financial losses arising from your travels.

What Does A Travelers Insurance Policy Cover?

Travelers insurance covers many different issues that can occur while traveling. The US Travel Insurance Association states that there are three standard problems that travelers insurance covers: trip cancellation, interruption and delay, baggage loss, and medical insurance and evacuation.

If you have to cancel your trip because a family member gets sick before you leave, travelers insurance will reimburse you for the non-refundable portions of your flight or hotel. This is also true if a natural disaster such as a major storm.

Trip interruption, defined as having to cut your trip short because you or a family member becomes ill or has an accident while on your trip, is also covered by travelers insurance. If your trip is delayed because of a storm or a strike, most travelers insurance policies will reimburse you approximately $100 - $150 a day for taxis, meals, lodging and other expenses. Some travelers insurance policies  will reimburse you for any  pre-paid reservations missed because of the delay.

Should you get sick or hurt while traveling, most travelers insurance policies include medical coverage. Should you be injured, travelers insurance with medical coverage will cover your hospitalization and medical services. Along with medical coverage, travelers insurance usually includes emergency medical transportation and evacuation. This coverage is seen by some insurance experts as the most important part of travelers insurance.

What Is NOT Covered by A Travelers Insurance Policy?

There are some activities and emergencies that travelers insurance do not cover:

• High-risk activities (e.g. rock climbing, skydiving)
• Change of mind cancellations
• Riots/civil disobedience
• War
• Nuclear reactions

You can get a travelers insurance policy that includes cancellations for any reason, but they usually cost more-anywhere from 4% to 8% according to US Travel Insurance Association.

Is Travelers Insurance Worth the Cost?

Travelers insurance ensures that the money you invest in your trip doesn't go to waste should problems arise. With airfare, hotels, baggage and the other expenses involved with a vacation or trip. Travelers insurance gives you peace of mind.

How do I Buy  A Travelers Insurance Policy?

Travelers insurance polices can be purchased through your travel agent, through your air carrier, or online. Make sure to compare your policy options to ensure you are getting the best coverage for a great price.