Exploring the pros and cons of travel insurance, you'll find it's a bit like choosing a dance partner for the tango of travel! On the pro side, travel insurance is your knight in shining armor, ready to rescue you from unforeseen misfortunes. It's got your back whether you lose your luggage in Timbuktu, fall sick in San Francisco, or face a flight cancellation in Fiji. Now, the cons! Well, it does add to your travel cost, and you might not even use it. But isn't that the point? It’s like an umbrella on a sunny day—you don’t need it until a rainstorm comes out of nowhere!
Today I will be discussing some of the types and who I prefer. I will focus on the most popular type to buy (the basic), their recommended (classic policy), and a basic annual travel policy. There are so many types of travel insurance, so you should check out all that is available to purchase. From cancellation insurance or medical travel insurance or rental car insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance has it all and is my favorite company to buy from. This blog is the ultimate guide to travel insurance.
Guide to Travel Insurance. Why to buy and what to buy
The importance of travel insurance cannot be overstated. It gives you peace of mind. It's like a safety net for a trapeze artist—there to catch you when you fall. And why buy it separately? Well, dear globetrotter, bundled insurance plans might not cover everything you need. Buying separately allows you to customize and cover all bases. So, whether you're trekking in Tibet or sunbathing in Spain, don't forget to pack your travel insurance. After all, it's your ticket to a worry-free adventure! Sometimes when you buy, for example from the cruise company or travel company like Orbitz or Expedia, it just covers certain pieces of your trip. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance instead.
Strap in, folks, as we embark on a whirlwind tour of the different types of travel insurance that are as diverse as the destinations on your bucket list! Let's start with Trip Cancellation Insurance, your best friend when unexpected events derail your travel plans. Next in line is Travel Health Insurance, your personal health hero, swooping in to cover medical expenses in foreign lands. Then we have Baggage Insurance, ready to soften the blow of lost or damaged baggage. For those adventurous souls who love living on the edge, Adventure Sports Coverage is your go-to, providing insurance for high-risk activities. Finally, for our nomadic friends who can't get enough of jet-setting, there's Annual or Multi-Trip Insurance which covers all your voyages in a year. So, before you pack your bags and set sail on your next adventure, remember to choose the travel insurance that works best for you. There are many different types of travel insurance policies out there, so don't get overwhelmed when looking, but you should look for your specific needs.
The largest Con I hear about buying travel insurance is the additional expenses. True there is an additional cost, and at times depending on the type, length and age of travelers on this vacation it can be pricey. The benefits do outweigh the cost because of the what ifs that can happen when traveling.
My Favorite Travel Insurance
Now, let's shine the spotlight on a real game-changer in the travel insurance industry, none other than Allianz Travel Insurance. This titan of travel protection touts top-tier ratings across the board, garnering glowing reviews from globetrotters galore. Why, you ask? Well, Allianz's offerings are as diverse as the places you'd want to visit! They've got a policy to fit every traveler's tune. Emergency on Everest? Allianz insurance provider has got your back. Luggage lost in London? Allianz to the rescue! With its wide array of options, Allianz has established itself as the DJ that remixes your travel safety tunes! Plus, they have had over 25 years practice in doing so.
Click on the pictures or the links attached to Allianz, it will take you to the page where you can get a quote. Remember the length, where you are traveling to, and your age does affect the quote. As a travel agent I have dealt with other travel insurance companies and have considered Allianz the best, with the best travel insurance.
It's not just about the variety. Allianz prides itself on its super-speedy claims process. Who would want to wait for ages to get their claim processed while they're stuck in an unknown territory? Not to worry, Allianz has got you covered faster than a cheetah chasing its lunch! And let's not forget their world-class customer service – always ready to lend an ear and assist, making you feel at home, even when you're far from it. So, for an uncompromised, top-of-the-charts travel insurance experience, Allianz is your go-to groove. Strap in and let Allianz be the insurance DJ of your travel adventures, spinning safety and security into your journey! Happy Allianz-ing!
Let's talk about my most favorite travel insurance plan. The One Trip Classic is what they tend to recommend, but most affordable is the basic. There are many different coverage options.
Types of Plans by Allianz
Basic- Most common used, and affordable
Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness and individually ordered quarantine.
Trip Cancellation-Up to the price paid for the trip.
Trip Interruption-Up to the price paid for the trip.
Emergency Medical-$10,000 ($500 max for dental emergency).
Emergency Medical Transportation -$50,000 (very important for cruise travel)
Baggage Loss/Damage-$500 (covers loss, damage or theft and personal effects.
Baggage Delay- $200 (Reimburses the reasonable additional purchase of essential items during your trip if your baggage is delayed or misdirected by a common carrier for 12 hours or more. Receipts for emergency purchases are required.
Travel Delay-$300 (Daily Limit $150)-additional accommodation/travel expenses and lost prepaid expenses due to a covered departure delay of six or more hours.
24-Hr Hotline Assistance-Included
Pre-Existing Medical Condition-Available for trip interruption or cancellation, (limit $10,000) but special terms apply (look on website) Previous Medical conditions are a common cause for trip cancellation.
Classic Plan
Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness and individually ordered quarantine.
Trip Cancellation-Up to price paid for trip.
Trip Interruption-Up to 150% of price paid for trip.
Emergency Medical-$50,000 ($750 max for dental emergency).
Emergency Medical Transportation -$500,000 (very important for cruise travel).
Baggage Loss/Damage-$1,000 (covers loss, damage or theft and personal effects. Baggage Delay- $300 (Reimburses the reasonable additional purchase of essential items during your trip if your baggage is delayed or misdirected by a common carrier for 12 hours or more. Receipts for emergency purchases are required.
Travel Delay-$800
Trip change protector- $500
24-Hr Hotline Assistance-Included
Pre-Existing Medical Condition-Available for trip interruption or cancelation, (limit $50,000) but special terms apply (look on website)
Travel Concierge-Included
Annual or Multi trip coverage
Allianz offers 7 different levels for Annual/ Multi trip travel, so you can choose exactly what is best for you.
Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness and individually ordered quarantine.
Trip Cancellation $2,000 / $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000-Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason. Multiple benefit levels available.
Trip Interruption$2,000 / $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000-Reimburses you for the unused, non-refundable portion of your trip and for the increased transportation costs it takes for you to return home due to a covered reason. Multiple benefit levels available. This includes natural disasters such as hurricanes too.
Emergency Medical-$50,000-Provides benefits for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies that occur during your trip. Depending on your plan, there is a $500 or $750 maximum for all covered dental expenses. Medical emergencies are something you should be prepared for on a cruise.
Emergency Medical Transportation-$500,000-Provides reimbursement for medically necessary transportation to the nearest hospital or appropriate facility following a covered illness or injury. Medical evacuations are extremely expensive from a cruise ship.
Baggage Loss/Damage-$2,000-Covers loss, damage or theft of baggage and personal effects.
Baggage Delay-$2,000-Covers the purchase of essential items during your trip if your baggage is delayed or misdirected by a common carrier for 12 hours or more. Receipts for emergency purchases required.
Travel Delay-1,500 (Daily Limit $300)
Rental Car Damage and Theft Coverage-$45,000-Covers costs if a car you're renting is stolen or is damaged in an accident or while it's left unattended (not available to residents of KS, TX, and NY).
24-Hr Hotline Assistance-Included-With Allianz Global Assistance, you'll never travel alone.
Concierge-Included-Provides personalized information about your destination and assists you with obtaining restaurant reservations, tee times and tickets to events.
Pre-Existing Medical Condition-Available- Special terms apply, check website
Claims filed
As a travel agent selling Allianz insurance, I have heard the unfortunate stories of vacations where the right travel insurance was needed. My clients who have reached out to me with interruptions during their vacation, Allianz has taken care of them.
I have also heard from people I booked on cruises that did not buy the insurance and wish they should have. For example, a lady bought a cruise that left from Miami. After the cruise ship left the port of Miami, she dropped a glass of wine and it shattered, cutting her foot open. The medical treatment on board was able to get her stitched up, so she was fine to continue with her cruise. But the bill was over $600 from the cruise ship, and her medical insurance didn't cover it. This was where Allianz could have stepped in and helped with the bill. Medical care on cruise ships is expensive.
While taking cruises I have seen medical evacuations by helicopter and by boat. The Helicopter evacuated a man that had a heart attack. We were on our way to Bermuda, but the island was not in sight as it was a sea day. I heard after the fact the helicopter was taking him back to the United States, which was very expensive. The woman that was taken off on a boat was brought back to Bermuda, after we left the port. Both being emergency evacuations by boat or helicopter were expensive, and if it was you, you would want insurance coverage. A Medical emergency is something you cannot plan for.
Conclusion
Travel insurance is a must, especially for cruises, hurricane season, or anyone who has health issues, but honestly it is needed for everyone. It is the one thing you have to buy and hope you never have to use. Whichever Allianz plan you buy, or if you buy from a different insurance company my advice is to read the fine print, and to always buy from a known and authorized travel insurance company.
So, if you are taking a cruise, or traveling to an all-inclusive resort during hurricane season, or taking any vacation really, look into buying a travel insurance policy. It is always a good idea to be prepared.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog post, and it has helped you decide that travel insurance is definitely worth it. Just buy the right type of insurance that dances to your travel tune! Happy globetrotting!
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