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5 things to know before you buy travel insurance

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance guide: Everything you need to know

Travel insurance is designed to protect travelers by giving them a way to get their money back in the event their plans are canceled or interrupted.

It can provide a full or partial refund in the case of illness or death of a member of the traveling party or close relative, if a tour operator or airline defaults, or in several other cases. Money expert Clark Howard, who once owned his own travel agencies, says that nearly everyone should consider buying travel insurance:

"I never like for people to buy narrow insurance. That's why I advise people not to buy appliance warranties . Trip insurance is an exception and the reason why is because trips can be incredibly expensive and fully non-refundable."

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • Clark's advice on who needs travel insurance
  • What does travel insurance cover?
  • How much does travel insurance cost?
  • Where should you buy travel insurance?
  • Do you also need travel medical insurance?

1. Travel insurance: When do you need it?

Clark says these policies should always be purchased when you are:

  • Taking a cruise
  • Booking special tours as part of your trip
  • Traveling on an itinerary that requires prepayment of thousands of dollars

“If you book a tour or you book a cruise — those two in particular — if you’re going to lose all your money regardless of why you can’t come, then you need to get insurance,” Clark says.

Cases when you may not need travel insurance include when your trip consists of flights and hotel stays that are fully refundable, or if the cost of making changes to your itinerary is less than it would cost to re-book your trip.

2. What does travel insurance cover?

Policies for travel insurance generally reimburse you if your trip is interrupted or canceled due to a variety of reasons that would typically be considered outside of your control. Travel Insurance Review lays out some of the most common things that would be covered by trip insurance :

  • Injury or illness of insured, travel companion, family member, or business partner
  • Hurricane or natural disaster strikes destination
  • Bankruptcy or financial default of travel company
  • Terrorism or mandatory evacuation at destination
  • Death or hospitalization of destination host
  • Home or business damaged, vandalized, or burglarized
  • Jury duty, a required court appearance, or military redeployment
  • Required to work, terminated, or transferred
  • Victim of felonious assault prior to trip
  • Traffic accident prior to trip
  • Theft of passport or visa prior to trip
  • Legal separation or divorce
  • Loss of accommodations abroad due to an illness or death of host family or friends

Of course, policies will vary, so be sure you check the fine print of any policy you are considering before you buy it.

3. How much does travel insurance cost?

Once you are comfortable with what’s covered and not covered, you should know that travel insurance policies generally cost about 5% of the total amount of a trip.

Example: If you are booking an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica for you and a guest that costs a total of $2,000, you should expect to pay around $100 for travel insurance for both of you.

But, this is important: Never purchase the travel protection plan from the trip organizer or online travel agent . They are designed to protect the company and not the consumer. This includes when you are booking on a site like Expedia or Travelocity.

4. Where should you get travel insurance?

So, if you’re not supposed to buy travel insurance from the place where you book the trip, where should you buy it?

Clark Howard recommends that you comparison shop for travel insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com .

“The reason why I like InsureMytrip is because it’s like an aggregation service, or comparison site, and you can see all the different choices available,” he says.

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

InsureMyTrip.com

When you visit InsureMyTrip, you’ll be asked for the following information:

  • Destination country
  • Dates of travel
  • Traveler age and residence information
  • Trip details (flights, hotels, accommodations, etc.)

The site will then recommend travel insurance plans for you and show you the cost, plan details and consumer ratings.

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

InsureMyTrip results

You can compare the available plans and select the one that best suits your needs.

In addition, Clark says, “There are a number of travel credit cards that include travel insurance with them if you use them to buy the travel.”

Some major credit cards with travel insurance are:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
  • United Explorer Card
  • United MileagePlus Club Card

It’s likely that coverage from these cards is less comprehensive than you will find in many of the plans from InsureMyTrip, so make sure you’re comfortable with that before you decide to rely solely on the card coverage.

5. Do you also need travel medical insurance?

Now that we’ve gone over travel insurance, you might be wondering if you need any extra insurance like travel medical insurance or medical evacuation insurance.

Most travel insurance policies include various aspects of medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance, but again, it’s important to read the fine print to help you decide if that coverage alone will be enough should you have a medical emergency on your trip.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

We’ll have more on travel medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance in an upcoming article.

In the meantime, if you have further questions on trip insurance or any other consumer issue, contact our FREE Consumer Action Center helpline at 404-892-8277, Monday-Thursday 10am -7pm ET and Friday 10am-4pm ET.

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Travel alert: The best day and time to book a hotel room
  • The best day and time to book a cheap flight
  • 18 things you forget on your vacation packing list

The post 5 things to know before you buy travel insurance appeared first on Clark Howard .

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Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

The year 2018 is on track to see a record number of Americans traveling outside the United States. With fare wars and deep discounters expanding routes, that means many who never or seldom travel abroad will be taking to the skies this year.

About one in seven people will end up injured or ill requiring medical attention while outside of our borders, according to Consumer Reports. For many of us, our health insurance does not travel with us — or if yours does, it may only cover you at a higher “out of network” provider rate.

So the first thing to do is to find out if yours covers you abroad and at what rate. This is key info you need to research before you take a trip.

If you find you are covered, be sure to consider possible exclusions (war, terrorism, natural disasters and adventure sports) and to determine if pre-authorizations will be required for medical treatment abroad.

Often, you’ll find your own insurer’s coverage isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be. That’s when you start to consider supplemental travel coverage.

Here are the basics of trip and travel insurance

When do you need it.

These policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

What kind of coverage does it offer?

Policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default. However, some policies won’t cover preexisting conditions, so be sure to find out about that point if it’s relevant to you.

How much does it cost?

Policies generally cost about 5% of the total cost of a trip, but it can be worth it. But note this well: Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner.

Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. They are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer. Always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or personal check.

Meanwhile, if you get a policy, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay if you need medical care abroad. “Most foreign healthcare providers require payment in cash or by credit card when you receive treatment,” Consumer Reports says.

Where should you get it?

You can comparison shop for trip insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com . I've long talked about this insurance broker as a good shopping option, and Consumer Reports says they sell more than 1,178 plans from 30 insurance companies.

In addition, the magazine recommends that you check out the oddly named SquareMouth.com , which offers access to a smaller number of plans and providers.

Should I pay extra for medical evacuation insurance?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted out of there to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

Medical evacuation insurance will also help foot the bill for getting you back to the U.S. The cost of that can range $10,000 to $50,000 if you need to travel with medical equipment and a nurse, according to Consumer Reports.

Other good things to remember when traveling

Remember to keep a cool head.

Flight delays are sometimes an unavoidable fact of life when you’re traveling. Yet so often, they’re more of an annoyance or a nuisance, not a disaster. My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can.

If you miss a connection or are delayed with a flight cancellation, do not stand in line at the airport. People will queue up for a tenth of a mile to talk to a “customer no-service” representative and it does no good. Get on the phone or online and see what you can accomplish instead.

Know your rights when bumped from a flight

Have you ever been bumped from a flight? There are some things you should know in order to maximize your compensation. Airlines will typically offer a guaranteed seat on any flight to the highest level members of their frequent flyer program. That means they are going to be asking for volunteers willing to give up a seat.

The offers vary by airline. If you are a volunteer, it will be free tickets or a voucher for a dollar amount like a gift certificate. But many airlines restrict the way you can redeem those vouchers. So if it’s a choice between a voucher and a certificate for future travel, take the certificate.

If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, they are required to give you cold, hard cash if you ask. It will be up to 400% of what you paid for your ticket, with a hard cap of $1,350. That’s if you are forced off the flight to accommodate a frequent flier. That’s when it’s a case of, “Show me the money!”

Read more about your rights as an airline passenger at Transportation.gov .

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Airline baggage fees: What you'll pay on United, Delta, American, Spirit & more
  • Report: Hotel tubs, hot tubs may be swimming with harmful bacteria
  • Clark's secret to finding the cheapest flights possible

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  • 7 things to know before you buy gas at Costco Wholesale Read More
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clark howard travel insurance recommendations

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104.5 WOKV

Clark Howard: Read the fine print on ‘free’ travel insurance

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Studies show flying may be safer than grocery stores for COVID-19 exposures

Jacksonville, FL — If you’re looking to book a vacation, WOKV’s Consumer Warrior Clark Howard says there’s a new trend you should be aware of.

“So, what’s happened is everybody in the travel industry is having a hard time getting people to click to purchase, because people are worried about the ‘what if’ that they pay this money, they’re gonna lose it all. So, a lot of travel suppliers are offering free trip insurance now,” says Howard.

But he warns that when you read the fine print, the coverages are very limited and that it won’t cover all the money you have at risk.

“So, it’s a partial band aid. It’s not the real deal. Because think about it, when they offer you something for free, how much is it really going to be worth?” explains Howard.

Howard instead says you need to buy travel insurance.

He recommends using insuremytrip.com to compare different providers. On average, Howard says real travel insurance will cost you about six cents on the dollar of the cost of your total trip.

Get more consumer news and advice from Clark Howard in his latest on-demand podcasts.

Cox Media Group

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clark howard travel insurance recommendations

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Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

The year 2018 is on track to see a record number of Americans traveling outside the United States. With fare wars and deep discounters expanding routes, that means many who never or seldom travel abroad will be taking to the skies this year.

About one in seven people will end up injured or ill requiring medical attention while outside of our borders, according to Consumer Reports. For many of us, our health insurance does not travel with us — or if yours does, it may only cover you at a higher “out of network” provider rate.

So the first thing to do is to find out if yours covers you abroad and at what rate. This is key info you need to research before you take a trip.

If you find you are covered, be sure to consider possible exclusions (war, terrorism, natural disasters and adventure sports) and to determine if pre-authorizations will be required for medical treatment abroad.

Often, you’ll find your own insurer’s coverage isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be. That’s when you start to consider supplemental travel coverage.

Here are the basics of trip and travel insurance

When do you need it.

These policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

What kind of coverage does it offer?

Policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default. However, some policies won’t cover preexisting conditions, so be sure to find out about that point if it’s relevant to you.

How much does it cost?

Policies generally cost about 5% of the total cost of a trip, but it can be worth it. But note this well: Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner.

Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. They are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer. Always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or personal check.

Meanwhile, if you get a policy, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay if you need medical care abroad. “Most foreign healthcare providers require payment in cash or by credit card when you receive treatment,” Consumer Reports says.

Where should you get it?

You can comparison shop for trip insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com . I've long talked about this insurance broker as a good shopping option, and Consumer Reports says they sell more than 1,178 plans from 30 insurance companies.

In addition, the magazine recommends that you check out the oddly named SquareMouth.com , which offers access to a smaller number of plans and providers.

Should I pay extra for medical evacuation insurance?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted out of there to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

Medical evacuation insurance will also help foot the bill for getting you back to the U.S. The cost of that can range $10,000 to $50,000 if you need to travel with medical equipment and a nurse, according to Consumer Reports.

Other good things to remember when traveling

Remember to keep a cool head.

Flight delays are sometimes an unavoidable fact of life when you’re traveling. Yet so often, they’re more of an annoyance or a nuisance, not a disaster. My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can.

If you miss a connection or are delayed with a flight cancellation, do not stand in line at the airport. People will queue up for a tenth of a mile to talk to a “customer no-service” representative and it does no good. Get on the phone or online and see what you can accomplish instead.

Know your rights when bumped from a flight

Have you ever been bumped from a flight? There are some things you should know in order to maximize your compensation. Airlines will typically offer a guaranteed seat on any flight to the highest level members of their frequent flyer program. That means they are going to be asking for volunteers willing to give up a seat.

The offers vary by airline. If you are a volunteer, it will be free tickets or a voucher for a dollar amount like a gift certificate. But many airlines restrict the way you can redeem those vouchers. So if it’s a choice between a voucher and a certificate for future travel, take the certificate.

If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, they are required to give you cold, hard cash if you ask. It will be up to 400% of what you paid for your ticket, with a hard cap of $1,350. That’s if you are forced off the flight to accommodate a frequent flier. That’s when it’s a case of, “Show me the money!”

Read more about your rights as an airline passenger at Transportation.gov .

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Airline baggage fees: What you'll pay on United, Delta, American, Spirit & more
  • Report: Hotel tubs, hot tubs may be swimming with harmful bacteria
  • Clark's secret to finding the cheapest flights possible

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  • 7 things to know before you buy gas at Costco Wholesale Read More
  • FBI warning: Why you should reboot your router now Read More
  • The best live TV streaming plans and deals in 2018 Read More

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

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Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

The year 2018 is on track to see a record number of Americans traveling outside the United States. With fare wars and deep discounters expanding routes, that means many who never or seldom travel abroad will be taking to the skies this year.

About one in seven people will end up injured or ill requiring medical attention while outside of our borders, according to Consumer Reports. For many of us, our health insurance does not travel with us — or if yours does, it may only cover you at a higher “out of network” provider rate.

So the first thing to do is to find out if yours covers you abroad and at what rate. This is key info you need to research before you take a trip.

If you find you are covered, be sure to consider possible exclusions (war, terrorism, natural disasters and adventure sports) and to determine if pre-authorizations will be required for medical treatment abroad.

Often, you’ll find your own insurer’s coverage isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be. That’s when you start to consider supplemental travel coverage.

Here are the basics of trip and travel insurance

When do you need it.

These policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

What kind of coverage does it offer?

Policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default. However, some policies won’t cover preexisting conditions, so be sure to find out about that point if it’s relevant to you.

How much does it cost?

Policies generally cost about 5% of the total cost of a trip, but it can be worth it. But note this well: Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner.

Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. They are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer. Always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or personal check.

Meanwhile, if you get a policy, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay if you need medical care abroad. “Most foreign healthcare providers require payment in cash or by credit card when you receive treatment,” Consumer Reports says.

Where should you get it?

You can comparison shop for trip insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com . I've long talked about this insurance broker as a good shopping option, and Consumer Reports says they sell more than 1,178 plans from 30 insurance companies.

In addition, the magazine recommends that you check out the oddly named SquareMouth.com , which offers access to a smaller number of plans and providers.

Should I pay extra for medical evacuation insurance?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted out of there to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

Medical evacuation insurance will also help foot the bill for getting you back to the U.S. The cost of that can range $10,000 to $50,000 if you need to travel with medical equipment and a nurse, according to Consumer Reports.

Other good things to remember when traveling

Remember to keep a cool head.

Flight delays are sometimes an unavoidable fact of life when you’re traveling. Yet so often, they’re more of an annoyance or a nuisance, not a disaster. My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can.

If you miss a connection or are delayed with a flight cancellation, do not stand in line at the airport. People will queue up for a tenth of a mile to talk to a “customer no-service” representative and it does no good. Get on the phone or online and see what you can accomplish instead.

Know your rights when bumped from a flight

Have you ever been bumped from a flight? There are some things you should know in order to maximize your compensation. Airlines will typically offer a guaranteed seat on any flight to the highest level members of their frequent flyer program. That means they are going to be asking for volunteers willing to give up a seat.

The offers vary by airline. If you are a volunteer, it will be free tickets or a voucher for a dollar amount like a gift certificate. But many airlines restrict the way you can redeem those vouchers. So if it’s a choice between a voucher and a certificate for future travel, take the certificate.

If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, they are required to give you cold, hard cash if you ask. It will be up to 400% of what you paid for your ticket, with a hard cap of $1,350. That’s if you are forced off the flight to accommodate a frequent flier. That’s when it’s a case of, “Show me the money!”

Read more about your rights as an airline passenger at Transportation.gov .

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Airline baggage fees: What you'll pay on United, Delta, American, Spirit & more
  • Report: Hotel tubs, hot tubs may be swimming with harmful bacteria
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Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

The year 2018 is on track to see a record number of Americans traveling outside the United States. With fare wars and deep discounters expanding routes, that means many who never or seldom travel abroad will be taking to the skies this year.

About one in seven people will end up injured or ill requiring medical attention while outside of our borders, according to Consumer Reports. For many of us, our health insurance does not travel with us — or if yours does, it may only cover you at a higher “out of network” provider rate.

So the first thing to do is to find out if yours covers you abroad and at what rate. This is key info you need to research before you take a trip.

If you find you are covered, be sure to consider possible exclusions (war, terrorism, natural disasters and adventure sports) and to determine if pre-authorizations will be required for medical treatment abroad.

Often, you’ll find your own insurer’s coverage isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be. That’s when you start to consider supplemental travel coverage.

Here are the basics of trip and travel insurance

When do you need it.

These policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

What kind of coverage does it offer?

Policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default. However, some policies won’t cover preexisting conditions, so be sure to find out about that point if it’s relevant to you.

How much does it cost?

Policies generally cost about 5% of the total cost of a trip, but it can be worth it. But note this well: Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner.

Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. They are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer. Always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or personal check.

Meanwhile, if you get a policy, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay if you need medical care abroad. “Most foreign healthcare providers require payment in cash or by credit card when you receive treatment,” Consumer Reports says.

Where should you get it?

You can comparison shop for trip insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com . I've long talked about this insurance broker as a good shopping option, and Consumer Reports says they sell more than 1,178 plans from 30 insurance companies.

In addition, the magazine recommends that you check out the oddly named SquareMouth.com , which offers access to a smaller number of plans and providers.

Should I pay extra for medical evacuation insurance?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted out of there to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

Medical evacuation insurance will also help foot the bill for getting you back to the U.S. The cost of that can range $10,000 to $50,000 if you need to travel with medical equipment and a nurse, according to Consumer Reports.

Other good things to remember when traveling

Remember to keep a cool head.

Flight delays are sometimes an unavoidable fact of life when you’re traveling. Yet so often, they’re more of an annoyance or a nuisance, not a disaster. My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can.

If you miss a connection or are delayed with a flight cancellation, do not stand in line at the airport. People will queue up for a tenth of a mile to talk to a “customer no-service” representative and it does no good. Get on the phone or online and see what you can accomplish instead.

Know your rights when bumped from a flight

Have you ever been bumped from a flight? There are some things you should know in order to maximize your compensation. Airlines will typically offer a guaranteed seat on any flight to the highest level members of their frequent flyer program. That means they are going to be asking for volunteers willing to give up a seat.

The offers vary by airline. If you are a volunteer, it will be free tickets or a voucher for a dollar amount like a gift certificate. But many airlines restrict the way you can redeem those vouchers. So if it’s a choice between a voucher and a certificate for future travel, take the certificate.

If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, they are required to give you cold, hard cash if you ask. It will be up to 400% of what you paid for your ticket, with a hard cap of $1,350. That’s if you are forced off the flight to accommodate a frequent flier. That’s when it’s a case of, “Show me the money!”

Read more about your rights as an airline passenger at Transportation.gov .

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Airline baggage fees: What you'll pay on United, Delta, American, Spirit & more
  • Report: Hotel tubs, hot tubs may be swimming with harmful bacteria
  • Clark's secret to finding the cheapest flights possible

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  • 7 things to know before you buy gas at Costco Wholesale Read More
  • FBI warning: Why you should reboot your router now Read More
  • The best live TV streaming plans and deals in 2018 Read More

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Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World

Clark howard travel insurance recommendations.

Are you planning your next vacation and wondering if you should purchase travel insurance? Look no further than financial guru Clark Howard for his expert advice on the best travel insurance options. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Clark Howard has become a trusted source for all things money-related, including travel insurance recommendations.

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for unexpected events that may occur before or during a trip. This can include trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. The purpose of travel insurance is to provide peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong during your travels.

Travel Insurance

Why Should You Consider Travel Insurance?

While travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can be incredibly beneficial in case of an emergency. Here are a few reasons why you should consider purchasing travel insurance:

  • Protection from unexpected events
  • Peace of mind during your trip
  • Financial reimbursement for cancelled trips or lost luggage
  • Coverage for medical emergencies while abroad

Clark Howard’s Travel Insurance Recommendations

Clark Howard recommends purchasing travel insurance from a third-party provider rather than opting for the insurance offered by the travel company. This is because third-party providers typically offer more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost.

Some of Clark Howard’s top travel insurance recommendations include:

  • Allianz Global Assistance
  • World Nomads
  • Travel Guard
  • Travelex Insurance Services

Travel Insurance Companies

Each of these providers offers a range of policies to fit different travel needs and budgets. Be sure to research your options and read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

When it comes to travel insurance, it’s important to do your research and choose a policy that fits your specific travel needs and budget. Clark Howard’s travel insurance recommendations are a great place to start, but be sure to read the fine print and compare policies before making a final decision. With the right travel insurance policy, you can enjoy a worry-free vacation and travel with peace of mind.

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Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

The year 2018 is on track to see a record number of Americans traveling outside the United States. With fare wars and deep discounters expanding routes, that means many who never or seldom travel abroad will be taking to the skies this year.

About one in seven people will end up injured or ill requiring medical attention while outside of our borders, according to Consumer Reports. For many of us, our health insurance does not travel with us — or if yours does, it may only cover you at a higher “out of network” provider rate.

So the first thing to do is to find out if yours covers you abroad and at what rate. This is key info you need to research before you take a trip.

If you find you are covered, be sure to consider possible exclusions (war, terrorism, natural disasters and adventure sports) and to determine if pre-authorizations will be required for medical treatment abroad.

Often, you’ll find your own insurer’s coverage isn’t as robust as you’d like it to be. That’s when you start to consider supplemental travel coverage.

Here are the basics of trip and travel insurance

When do you need it.

These policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

What kind of coverage does it offer?

Policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or immediate family member, or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default. However, some policies won’t cover preexisting conditions, so be sure to find out about that point if it’s relevant to you.

How much does it cost?

Policies generally cost about 5% of the total cost of a trip, but it can be worth it. But note this well: Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner.

Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. They are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer. Always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or personal check.

Meanwhile, if you get a policy, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay if you need medical care abroad. “Most foreign healthcare providers require payment in cash or by credit card when you receive treatment,” Consumer Reports says.

Where should you get it?

You can comparison shop for trip insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip.com . I've long talked about this insurance broker as a good shopping option, and Consumer Reports says they sell more than 1,178 plans from 30 insurance companies.

In addition, the magazine recommends that you check out the oddly named SquareMouth.com , which offers access to a smaller number of plans and providers.

Should I pay extra for medical evacuation insurance?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the cost of medical evacuation in excess of $100,000. If you're traveling to a developing country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill should you need to be airlifted out of there to a nearby nation with better medical facilities.

Medical evacuation insurance will also help foot the bill for getting you back to the U.S. The cost of that can range $10,000 to $50,000 if you need to travel with medical equipment and a nurse, according to Consumer Reports.

Other good things to remember when traveling

Remember to keep a cool head.

Flight delays are sometimes an unavoidable fact of life when you’re traveling. Yet so often, they’re more of an annoyance or a nuisance, not a disaster. My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can.

If you miss a connection or are delayed with a flight cancellation, do not stand in line at the airport. People will queue up for a tenth of a mile to talk to a “customer no-service” representative and it does no good. Get on the phone or online and see what you can accomplish instead.

Know your rights when bumped from a flight

Have you ever been bumped from a flight? There are some things you should know in order to maximize your compensation. Airlines will typically offer a guaranteed seat on any flight to the highest level members of their frequent flyer program. That means they are going to be asking for volunteers willing to give up a seat.

The offers vary by airline. If you are a volunteer, it will be free tickets or a voucher for a dollar amount like a gift certificate. But many airlines restrict the way you can redeem those vouchers. So if it’s a choice between a voucher and a certificate for future travel, take the certificate.

If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, they are required to give you cold, hard cash if you ask. It will be up to 400% of what you paid for your ticket, with a hard cap of $1,350. That’s if you are forced off the flight to accommodate a frequent flier. That’s when it’s a case of, “Show me the money!”

Read more about your rights as an airline passenger at Transportation.gov .

More travel stories on Clark.com:

  • Airline baggage fees: What you'll pay on United, Delta, American, Spirit & more
  • Report: Hotel tubs, hot tubs may be swimming with harmful bacteria
  • Clark's secret to finding the cheapest flights possible

clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  • 7 things to know before you buy gas at Costco Wholesale Read More
  • FBI warning: Why you should reboot your router now Read More
  • The best live TV streaming plans and deals in 2018 Read More

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VRBO Travel Insurance

I have a trip booked for a VRBO house and they are asking me if I want to purchase their travel insurance. Should I?

I’m assuming this is to protect you in case you don’t show up? How much is it? What does it cover? Would it hurt you financially if lost the money because you couldn’t go? What’s their cancellation policy?

I’ve never bought travel insurance. Generally, it’s fairly expensive and does not cover 100% of the costs. And I’ve never had a need for it after many trips.

Related Topics

IMAGES

  1. 5 things to know before you buy travel insurance

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  2. 7 Things to Know Before You Buy Travel Insurance

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  3. Clark's trip and travel insurance guide

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  4. Read the fine print on your travel insurance!

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  5. Contact Clark: Help and Advice

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

  6. Travel Insurance Guide

    clark howard travel insurance recommendations

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

    Learn when and why to buy travel insurance, what it covers, how much it costs and where to get it from Clark Howard, a trusted source for financial advice. Find out about cancel for any reason policies and travel medical insurance.

  2. InsureMyTrip Review: Why We Like It and How to Use It

    Call Us For Free Advice (636-492-5275) Clark Deals; Podcast. Podcast. Listen; Watch; Submit an Ask Clark; Submit a Clark Stinks; Guides. Guides. ... Money expert Clark Howard has a recommendation: ... Have you purchased travel insurance using InsureMyTrip? Let us know about your experience in our Clark.com Community!

  3. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Clark Howard Clarks trip and travel insurance guide . By Clark Howard June 11, 2018 at 8:10 pm EDT. ... My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can. ...

  4. 5 things to know before you buy travel insurance

    Traffic accident prior to trip. Theft of passport or visa prior to trip. Legal separation or divorce. Loss of accommodations abroad due to an illness or death of host family or friends. Of course ...

  5. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

  6. Clark Howard: Read the fine print on 'free' travel insurance

    On average, Howard says real travel insurance will cost you about six cents on the dollar of the cost of your total trip. Get more consumer news and advice from Clark Howard in his latest on ...

  7. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

  8. Cancel for Any Reason Trip Insurance: Should You Buy It?

    Clark Howard's 7 Credit Card Rules; ... Call Us For Free Advice (636-492-5275) Clark Deals; Podcast. Podcast. Listen; Watch; Submit an Ask Clark; Submit a Clark Stinks; Guides. ... To make sure your travel insurance covers all your needs, Clark recommends that you consider buying Cancel for Any Reason coverage even though it will increase the ...

  9. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it.

  10. Recommendations for Travel Insurance

    Seeking recommendations for the best international travel insurance to Asia. Both trip insurance and medical insurance. ... Clark Howard Community Recommendations for Travel Insurance - Trip and Medical? Travel. LarryFine August 23, 2023, 2:40am 1. Seeking recommendations for the best international travel insurance to Asia. ...

  11. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Clark Howard Clarks trip and travel insurance guide . By Clark Howard June 11, 2018 at 8:10 pm EDT. ... My advice is to try to keep perspective. Let little hassles roll off your back, if you can. ...

  12. Additional benefit of InsureMyTrip

    Clark Howard Community Additional benefit of InsureMyTrip. Travel. lijoysa January 12, 2024, ... Recommendations for Travel Insurance - Trip and Medical? Travel. 13: 599: September 5, 2023 VRBO Travel Insurance. 1: 175: June 19, 2023 Does medicare pay for ambulance.

  13. clark howard travel insurance recommendations

    Clark Howard recommends purchasing travel insurance from a third-party provider rather than opting for the insurance offered by the travel company. This is because third-party providers typically offer more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost. Some of Clark Howard's top travel insurance recommendations include: Each of these providers ...

  14. Travel

    Share your favorite travel deals, tips, strategies, and more here. Clark Howard Community Travel. Topic Replies Views Activity; About the Travel category. 0: 275: November 30, 2021 Confused about buying travel insurance coverages. 2: 113: February 24, 2024 Great way to pack your bags. 6: 143: February 23, 2024 Travel agency says flight ...

  15. When You Don't Need 'Cancel for Any Reason' Travel Insurance

    With CFAR added to your travel insurance policy, you have a much better chance of getting all of your money back if something goes wrong with the trip. "It's additional," Clark says. "It won't give you back 100% of your money, but usually it will be 50%, 60%, 75% or 80% of the money depending on what level of coverage you buy.". But ...

  16. Clark Howard: Save More, Spend Less

    Clark Howard has been sharing unbiased advice to help people save more and spend less for more than 30 years. As the host of The Clark Howard Show and founde...

  17. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide

    Clarks trip and travel insurance guide - Boston 25 News. Clarks trip and travel insurance guide. June 11, 2018 at 8:10 pm EDT. Trip insurance is something I get so many questions about and there seems to be much confusion surrounding it. The general idea is that policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of ...

  18. The two best insurance companies right now

    There are two insurance companies that rank above the rest in customer service and cost. If you haven't shopped your insurance recently, you better start. Mo...

  19. Travel Archives

    January 29th, 2024 by: Christopher Smith. Most of us want the best deal possible on airfare. Especially if you're traveling internationally, a round-trip ticket can sometimes…. Off-peak-season trips are a great way to save on travel, according to money expert Clark Howard. U.S. News & World….

  20. VRBO Travel Insurance

    Clark Howard Community VRBO Travel Insurance. Tara June 17, 2023, 9:34pm 1. I have a trip booked for a VRBO house and they are asking me if I want to purchase their travel insurance. Should I? rjratnip June 19, 2023, 4:43pm ... Recommendations for Travel Insurance - Trip and Medical? Travel. 13: 710:

  21. How To Plan a Trip: Clark's Best Travel Tips To Save Money

    Read our full article on travel medical insurance here. Travel the Clark Howard Way: Let the Destination Pick You. Over the years, Clark has used a trip-planning strategy that has allowed him to visit 49 states and almost every corner of the globe without spending a lot of money. His secret is surprisingly simple.

  22. Clark Howard Bio: Everything You Need to Know

    Clark Howard Bio. Clark Howard was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1955. He received a B.A. in urban government in 1976 and an MBA from Central Michigan University in 1977. He began working in real estate and launched a travel agency in 1981. It grew into a successful chain with locations across the Atlanta metro area.