I don’t know when I’ll be back again. OK, that was almost too easy of an intro for this blog. But seriously, living in Iowa in April really has me wanting to pack my bags and head to a nice, warm tropical destination. Are you in the same boat? Are you fed up with all the cold weather? Or maybe, it’s just that time of year you start to think about your summer travel plans. Regardless of your reason, if you’re looking to travel anytime soon…there’s something you should pack alongside your shorts and sunscreen — travel insurance! Why? Well, it can help protect you from financial disaster. And before you say it’s not necessary…I would caution you to simply watch the news. Seems like there is always something going on in some part of the world.

With that said, I’ve highlighted a few things you should consider when shopping for travel coverage.

• What’s covered? Travel insurance covers trip cancellation or delay, including things like the sudden death of a family member prior to leaving, encountering an illness prior to leaving, etc.
• How much will this kind of insurance cost? Travel insurance usually costs about 5-8 percent of your trip’s cost.
• What if there’s sickness while traveling? If you’ve ever come down with a bad stomach bug and gotten frustrated locating a Gastroenterologist in your own hometown, just imagine that search in the jungles of Cambodia. Medical travel insurance can help provide coverage to limit out-of-pocket costs.
• What’s travel assistance? Travel assistance will help you find doctors in the area and contact your family members for you.
• What happens if I need to evacuate? If you’re abroad and must deal with a natural disaster or political unrest, getting to a safe place in a strange land is a harrowing experience. It can also be incredibly expensive. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of getting out of harm’s way.
• What happens if there’s a death or dismemberment? Similar to typical life insurance, this option provides your heirs with a payout should you die during your trip.

I know…some of that isn’t fun to think about, but it’s reality. And, isn’t it better to be prepared versus panicking while something is happening?

Before I end this blog, there are just a couple of additional tips I’d like to provide.

• Purchasing the insurance — Always purchase travel insurance separately from who you booked your trip through.
• Know the coverage — Ensure you always read the fine print on what is and is not covered.

Lastly, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Everyone travels, right? We just have the expertise to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.