Why you need travel insurance?
Taking out travel insurance can cover you against things that could go wrong when you’re abroad. Having travel insurance is important as it can help you out if you lose your possessions, if your flights and accommodation are delayed or canceled, or if you become ill or injured while on holiday or a business trip.
Typical travel insurance covers the costs of medical expenses and lost income if you’re sick in the country, if you travel with more than one person, if you’re working, or if you’re traveling outside the country.
Tourist Travel insurance includes all of the benefits of your trip (including hotel accommodation) for free. In addition, all of the hotel rooms you stay in and hotel transportation you use may be covered as well.
In cases where you’re traveling through airports, hotels or trains, insurance policies may only cover the expenses for travel on trains or planes.
Tourist Travel expenses may be covered by the insurance companies, but if you go to a vacation or a hotel without using the train you will need to take insurance with the hotel.
Another type of Travel insurance is Accident Insurance. This kind of policy is the insurance that covers loss of money due to any accidents caused by travelers or your friends or family, and the total value of loss, including loss of earnings, personal property, personal effects, or income from employment and other income sources.
You need to check if your travel insurance covers the fact loss of property, personal belongings, and personal injury.
Cancellation cover – why bother ?
Cancellation cover is an important part of travel insurance, as while it might seem unlikely and no fun to think about, there are a few possible reasons for having to cancel your plans – for example, you could be chosen for jury duty or you might fall unexpectedly ill.
Without the right policy in place, you might be forced to cancel your holiday without being compensated for the cost – but with cancellation cover you’ll be able to reclaim at least some of it.
It is important to remember that some countries’ cancellation policies can differ from your country’s. You will not need to cancel your insurance if your holiday is to be in another country.
How to get you money back from insurer when your flight was canceled?
The number of delayed flights is increasing every year. In 2018, over 300 million passengers did not depart on time.
However, not everyone is aware that carriers have an obligation to pay compensation if the customer submits a relevant complaint.
In addition, each passenger can insure himself individually and receive additional compensation.
If you want to get your money back you need to make the following:
- Call the carrier you have bought from and ask for the details of your flight and the number of people in it.
- Get a lawyer or an agent to go to the airport and take the following documents: 2) Your passport (you may need to bring it with you as you will be asked to produce it)
- A copy of a letter from the airline asking for a refund.
- The airline’s official written statement (this document must be signed by the airline).
- A copy of the statement from your employer (if you have one).
- Copies of the following documents (you may want to take them, just be aware that your employer has to send them with the letter).
The amount of compensation that must be paid depends on a number of factors. This is why it is important to know what your specific situation is and how you are able to pay.
The following are some things to consider: Your travel itinerary, the type of flight you went on, the date, time, price and destination (this can also determine the amount of the compensation).
How to get you money back from airline if your flight was canceled?
A few weeks after cancelling your flight, call the carrier for confirmation and get in touch with him.
If you have been informed that the airlines have canceled your flight (due to a “technical issue” like your laptop, or a problem with the plane’s flight control systems) you may have to submit a claim under the airline’s “Fee for Cancellation – Cancellation” policy.
Here is the procedure of money back
Please note that the airline may decide to compensate you in full or in part. You will need to submit the following documents:
- The airline’s written statement (this document must be signed by the airline)
- A copy of the letter from your employer (if you have your own company – you can click here)
Insurer don’t want give your money back – why?
When you try to make a claim on your insurance policy, you may find that your insurer refuses your claim or does not pay out the full amount you are asking for.
The insurer might refuse your claim because it is an “improper claim” from your previous health condition. The insurer may also reject you have asked your insurer to reimburse you for your medical expenses and now you have received a statement of reimbursement, which is not sufficient to cover your medical expenses.
You also want to include all the medical expenses in the statement you send to your insurer so that the insurer will be able to determine the correct amount for payment, if any, of your medical expenses.
If you are not comfortable writing a letter in a specific language, write them directly to your health insurer, rather than in an invoice. Your insurer may be able to send you a letter that will explain why it refuses to reimburse you.If you do write your insurer a letter, please make sure to include a copy of your current medical record as well as the date the letter was completed.
If you have a medical history that is not well-documented, your insurer will probably need to verify your medical history and/or your insurance coverage before making any payments.
Your insurer can also check if you are still covered, and you may need to pay the full amount.If the letter is for an amount greater than the original amount you requested to pay, you will not be able to claim an amount from your insurance policy for the original amount you are asking for as long as your insurer continues to refuse the payment.
How to complain for the issuer – do I need a lawyer ?
The claiming procedure for US Citizens
If you’re having serious concerns with how the insurer is handling your claim, call your state insurance department and file a complaint. They may be able to assist with a resolution.
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.naic.org.
The claiming procedure for the United Kingdom citizens
First please remember that there may be a good reason why your insurer has made their decision about your claim. Before you do anything more formal, check your policy document to make sure that what you want to complain about is covered by your policy.
If you have problem with the regulations interpretation – you can always contact us for advice – free of charge.
If you’re not satisfied with your insurer’s reply you can make a formal complaint using your insurer’s official complaints process. To find out how the complaints process works, look at your policy documents or on your insurer’s website.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of this complaint, you can then complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
The Financial Ombudsman Service is an ombudsman in the United Kingdom. It was established in 2000, and given statutory powers in 2001 by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, to help settle disputes between consumers and UK-based businesses providing financial services, such as banks, building societies, insurance companies, investment firms, financial advisers and finance companies.
Iris Henry
August 26, 2024 at 3:11 pm
I’m Iris Henry, a dedicated teacher with a passion for inspiring optimism and positivity in my students. As I read this article about the importance of travel insurance, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope and encouragement. The author has done an excellent job of breaking down the various types of travel insurance and highlighting their benefits.
As someone who has traveled extensively throughout my career, I can attest to the fact that accidents can happen at any time. Whether it’s losing your luggage, falling ill, or experiencing flight delays, having travel insurance can be a lifesaver. Not only does it provide financial protection, but it also gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about the what-ifs.
In my experience, tourists often underestimate the importance of travel insurance. They may think that accidents are unlikely or that their airline or hotel will take care of them in case something goes wrong. However, as the article so aptly points out, things don’t always go according to plan. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a good travel insurance policy.
One expert tip I would add is to carefully read and understand your policy before purchasing it. Make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations that could leave you vulnerable if you’re not aware of them.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the cancellation cover. As the article highlights, flight cancellations can be a significant financial blow. Having cancellation cover in place can help mitigate this risk and ensure that you’re reimbursed for any losses.
In my own experience as a teacher, I’ve seen students who have been affected by travel-related issues. One student lost her luggage on a trip to Europe, while another had to cancel their flight due to a family emergency. In both cases, having travel insurance would have made a significant difference in their financial and emotional well-being.
In conclusion, the article is spot on in highlighting the importance of travel insurance. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how it can make all the difference in people’s lives. So, if you’re planning a trip anytime soon, do take the time to research and invest in a good travel insurance policy. It may seem like an added expense, but trust me, it’s worth every penny.
As my students would say, “Hope is not a strategy, but it can be a lifesaver.” So, let’s all hope that we never need to use our travel insurance policies, but if we do, I’m confident that they’ll be there to support us.
Alan Hale
August 31, 2024 at 1:49 am
Iris Henry’s comment is a wonderful example of the importance of travel insurance. As someone who has traveled extensively throughout her career, she has seen firsthand the benefits of having a good travel insurance policy in place.
I particularly appreciate Iris’ point about carefully reading and understanding your policy before purchasing it. This is a crucial aspect that many travelers overlook, often with disastrous consequences. It’s essential to know what’s covered and what’s not, as well as any exclusions or limitations that could leave you vulnerable if you’re not aware of them.
I also agree with Iris’ emphasis on the importance of cancellation cover. Flight cancellations can be a significant financial blow, and having cancellation cover in place can help mitigate this risk. In fact, I would argue that cancellation cover is one of the most critical components of any travel insurance policy.
However, I do have some reservations about Iris’ assertion that tourists often underestimate the importance of travel insurance. While it’s true that many travelers may not fully appreciate the benefits of travel insurance, I think this is largely due to a lack of education and awareness rather than a deliberate underestimation.
As someone who has spent years studying the travel industry, I’ve noticed that many travel companies and tour operators are now actively promoting travel insurance as an essential component of any trip. In fact, some airlines and hotels even offer free travel insurance as part of their packages. This suggests to me that there is a growing recognition of the importance of travel insurance among both travelers and industry professionals.
I also want to take issue with Iris’ statement that having travel insurance is “worth every penny.” While it’s true that travel insurance can provide financial protection in the event of an emergency, I think this is a rather simplistic view of the matter. In reality, the cost of travel insurance can be significant, and not everyone may feel that it’s worth the expense.
For example, suppose you’re planning a budget-conscious trip to Europe and you’re paying for your own flights, accommodation, and activities. If you then purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers all of these expenses, you may find yourself spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on insurance premiums alone. This can be a significant financial burden, especially if you’re not expecting any major issues during your trip.
In my view, travel insurance should be seen as just one component of a broader risk management strategy. By taking steps to minimize your exposure to risks such as flight cancellations and lost luggage, you may find that you don’t need to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at all. Instead, you could opt for a more limited policy or even self-insure against certain types of losses.
In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to Iris Henry for sharing her experiences and insights on the importance of travel insurance. Her comment has provided valuable food for thought, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond in kind. While we may disagree on some points, I believe that our discussion will help to shed more light on this important topic and encourage readers to think more critically about their travel insurance needs.
Evelyn
September 6, 2024 at 1:55 am
Alan, I completely agree with you that education and awareness are key factors in travelers underestimating the importance of travel insurance. Your point about the growing recognition of the value of travel insurance among industry professionals is well-taken. It’s also a great reminder for travelers to do their research and understand what they’re getting from their policy.
However, I would like to add that even with education and awareness, many people still underestimate the potential risks associated with traveling, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies. As you mentioned, travel insurance can be costly, but in my opinion, it’s worth considering if you’re planning a trip that involves high-risk activities or destinations.
I also appreciate your suggestion to view travel insurance as just one component of a broader risk management strategy. By taking steps to minimize your exposure to risks, such as purchasing refundable flights or taking out luggage insurance separately, you can reduce the need for comprehensive travel insurance.
Ultimately, I believe that travel insurance is not just about financial protection, but also about peace of mind and flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. As Alan Hale so aptly put it, our discussion has provided valuable food for thought, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with him on this topic.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alan!