3 Easy Mistakes To Make When Buying Trip Insurance

Trip insurance is an essential item for all trips. However, common insurance buying mistakes can prevent policyholders from getting the most out of their policies. In the worst case, simple insurance buying mistakes can result in claims being denied. Understanding coverage terms, exclusions and limitations is a critical part of comparing travel insurance plans. Before buying travel insurance, learn how to analyze your requirements, avoid common mistakes and select the best plan and provider for a worry-free vacation.

Failing to select a reputable travel insurance company is one of the easiest mistakes to make as well as one of the easiest to avoid. Signs of a reputable travel insurance company include emergency assistance, 24/7 access to toll-free travel assistance services anywhere in the world and clear policy terms. Major travel insurance companies are backed by affiliated underwriters, so it’s important to know who the underwriters are and how their current financial rating could affect your policy. Agencies like Standard and Poor’s, J.D. Power and A.M. Best Company rate the financial stability of insurance underwriters, including those who back major travel insurance providers. Information about underwriters and their financial rating should be readily accessible indicating the overall reliability of a travel insurance company and their backers.

Purchasing policies that have too much coverage or not enough coverage is the second most common problem when buying travel insurance. Because benefits vary by provider and coverage plan, it’s imperative to compare benefits thoroughly and ask questions before you leave. Tiered coverage plans typically include individual limits for emergency cash reimbursement, medical evacuation coverage and other benefits. High-limits on medical evacuation are essential for all travel while high-limit deductibles on personal items and luggage are imperative for travelers who carry professional equipment, valuable electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment and other items. If necessary, invest in a policy endorsement to cover these valuable items.

When buying travel insurance, one of the most common mistakes is failing to ask questions about policy exclusions and limitations. Policy exclusions range from automatic claim denials for adventure sports, risky or illegal behavior and benefits clauses that prevent policyholders from recovering benefits if luggage has been left unattended in areas that are considered non-secure. Some plans require items to be stored in a secure safe to be eligible for benefits, so it’s good to know about these exclusions before you leave on your trip.

Asking questions and reviewing the summary of benefits and exclusions is extremely important to avoid insurance buying mistakes that could potentially result in claims being denied. Buying travel insurance can be simple, but it’s important to be thorough to ensure you get the most out of your policy.