Travel Insurance

This letter is to inform ITN readers of the utmost necessity of taking out travel insurance before any trip, especially with regard to interruption of a tour and, of course, reimbursement of medical expenses.

My husband, Robert, always used to fight me before our trips about the cost of this insurance, but I always won out, and it certainly paid off during one miserable episode in our travels.

Because my husband and I travel extensively, we are paying out exorbitant amounts of money on comprehensive travel insurance when we only require to be covered for certain risks.

I would be interested in hearing from others concerning their rental car insurance experiences.

(Part one of two parts)

As I was making a reservation for a rental car in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in January ’04, I asked the agent, “Will there be any hidden charges?”

Panama is offering all travelers arriving through Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport free medical insurance in case of emergency during the first 30 days of their stay.

(Part 4 of 4, Go to part 1, part 2 or part 3)

This month, I will conclude my discussion on doing research for a trip overseas, based on the steps shown in the box below.

Step 10: Travel Insurance

Here is a brief outline of three types of travel insurance.

1. TRIP-CANCELLATION INSURANCE

I read the subscriber’s recounting of her lost-luggage experience (Dec. ’11, pg. 27). A few years ago, my wife’s bag never showed up after being checked onto a flight to California from Spain via Mexico City. Dealing with the airline was an extended nightmare, beyond just the issues discussed in the subscriber’s letter. I will spare you those details, but I have suggestions that may be useful. My homeowner’s insurance policy covers personal property that is lost outside of the home.

The competitive world of travel insurance just got more competitive. Two more travel insurance providers switched their medical benefits to primary-payer coverage.