Do you have to buy travel insurance?

(Some of this may apply to people who live in countries other than the United States.) Unless you're traveling to a country that requires foreigners to show proof of medical insurance when entering, most independent travelers are not required to buy insurance. Some tour operators require medical and evacuation insurance as a prerequisite for participation in group tours. However, the Peruvian government doesn't require insurance to hike the official Inca Trail.  And after covid-19, Chile and Bolivia do not require visitors to have insurance to enter the country, but it's up to each tour operator to determine their own company policy. After covid-19, it's possible that more DMCs and tour operators will require travelers to buy comprehensive travel insurance. CLICK HERE to get a free quote for SQUAREMOUTH TRAVEL INSURANCE. (or call the toll-free number to speak with a trained agent)

I'm not a travel insurance expert. But I have heard lots of stories! Some with good outcomes. Others not so much. My intention is to share tips and suggestions to help travelers find the best policy to protect their travel investment. 

What kinds of trips should travelers buy travel insurance for?

This is a subjective question and there may be more than one answer. I look at variables like the total cost for the trip, where I'm going, and the total out of pocket expenses at risk if the trip is cancelled or interrupted at the last minute. I also consider things like the kinds of activities I'm doing. Another factor affecting the risk of financial loss is whether or not I have the flexibility to reschedule for a later date. The bottom line is, how much money am I willing to risk? That amount may differ for everyone.

Each travel insurance company has their own guidelines and policies for when the insurance plan should be purchased. Usually this is within 2-3 weeks of your first payment. It's worth it to review the travel insurance payment instructions before you book your trip. 

My list of questions to ask a travel agent: 

• if I reschedule my trip, can I reschedule the trip protection policy without penalty? If so, is there a time limit to do this?
• is there a limit to the altitude for any activities? By car? On foot?
• if I'm traveling to Galapagos Islands, is snorkeling and boating covered? (ir you're planning to scuba dive, also ask about this)
• if I'm traveling to Patagonia, is boating covered?
• Are ATV rentals covered?
• are domestic flight interruptions and cancellations in foreign countries covered?

Will the insurance offered by the airline when I book my flight online cover the cost of my entire trip?

When you book flights online you may see a button to select travel insurance for a small extra cost. It's usually very affordable and easy to include in your package. Before you click that button, don't assume it covers everything. Generally, those cheap add-on insurance plans are designed to cover flight delays and interruptions for the flight you're booking. However, some airlines offer full insurance coverage. Delta Airlines offers plans with full coverage for delays, interruptions and 24/7 emergency medical care. But they only offer it in for travel to select locations in South America and several countries in Europe. Check with specific airlines to see what each offers. Don't assume that the travel insurance offered when you book your flight will cover your entire trip. If you want protection for your entire trip, you may need the services of a company that offers a choice of plans to meet various needs.

Who should we buy our travel protection policy from?

One of the best ways to compare travel protection policies and the coverage of each, is on a website that displays multiple travel insurance plans. Researching travel insurance plans is often viewed as one of the least desireable tasks for some people because it involves reading and understanding insurance policies! I like SQUAREMOUTH because they have a reputation for offering good customer service and they have trained agents available by phone. For various reasons, many travelers may choose to use the same travel insurance company every time they travel. Once you have done your research and find a travel insurance provider you trust, it will save you time if you use them for every trip. But don't assume that policies can't change. I would at least review the terms before each trip if you plan to use the same provider. When travelers engage in hikes, treks and activities in remote areas, at altitude, as well as under the water (even SCUBA-DIVING in Galapagos Islands), they need a provider who offers plans to fit every budget and various activities. We strongly recommend that everyone buy comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers all expenses related to ground and air travel. Here's a link to our cancellation and refund information. 

Many credit cards offer travel insurance benefits. After covid hit, travelers found out the hard way that those benefits have exclusions. If your credit card has a travel insurance benefit please, please find out just what it covers and even more importantly, what it doesn't cover.

Allianz Travel Smart App (it's free!)

This looks like a useful tool for travelers, especially those going to foreign destinations where they don't know anyone, and may not speak the language. A variety of functions can be stored in one convenient app:
Find local medical services, get translations for medical terms, and file and manage insurance claims, (although in foreign countries you may be asked to pay for your medical service at the time it's rendered), Retain Emergency and Hotline info at your fingertips. Have the option to receive push notifications for safety and security. Track your flights. Get automatic $100 payment when flights are delayed. Get no receipt claim payment for delayed luggage. 

Link to Allianz webpage with links to the app for iphone and android devices.

Travel Insurance & the Covid Virus 

Let's agree that the perfect travel insurance company doesn't exist. But which one is the best? One of the most important questions on the mind of virtually every international traveler is, "Are expenses due to covid-19 or any other pandemic illness covered?" Since the covid pandemic hit the world, the rules regarding coverage for health problems, including covid, have likely change.. Some travel insurance providers and credit card companies may not cover trip cancellations or refunds due to international or local epidemic or pandemics. It's important for consumers to read the fine print regarding the benefits specified in the policy you choose. One of the best ways to upgrade your insurance policy is to consider buying CFAR (cancel for any reason). There are limitations to this policy. Ask your travel insurance agent for details. It's my understanding that the policy is valid up to 48 hours prior to your date of departure for your trip. Don't quote me. Just keep that in mind and find out when you buy your policy.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Cancellation Due to Fear of Traveling?

I've never heard of anyone who was able to buy a travel protection policy that offers coverage for traveler fear. I'm not aware of any instance where a traveler was reimbursed for canceling their trip because they were worried about the covid virus, civil unrest or any other global or regional event that could affect safety or continuity.. Perhaps you’ve already booked your trip months ahead and the uncertainty of the current situation makes you nervous? Coverage for trip cancellation usually would not apply in this case. (Please keep reading to learn about CFAR "cancel for any reason.")

Everyone has questions. Tour operators and agencies are not responsible for the policy you choose. Affiliate links on Adios Adventure Travel are for your convenience.

What about travel membership organizations that provide evacuations, field rescues and medical services?

Before you invest in that membership, it's worth it to compare the coverage offered with SQUAREMOUTH, or another plan of your choosing. Unless you're a government employee, or work in diplomatic service, you may be overpaying for a service that is equivalent to what is offered by other standard travel insurance carriers. One thing to note is that some membership organizations do not cover SEARCHES.  If you're lost, they will not come and find you. But as with most outfits that offer rescue, if you can get in touch, they will come and get you.  

How does travel insurance work if I need to use it while traveling?

Your travel insurance provider will give you instructions about what to do if you need assistance or services that may be covered by your travel protection policy while you're traveling. If you need medical assistance while traveling, you will likely have to pay the full cost for treatment in cash or with credit card at the time the service is rendered. Keep your copy of the official receipt to submit a claim to your insurance provider when you get home. Additional expenses may include hotels, flights or medications. How much extra funds should you bring? Costs vary but it's generally more affordable than the US. For instance, the total cost for 1 broken arm including surgery, x-rays and casting came to a mere $650 USD. Travelers need to carry enough cash or credit card with high enough limit to cover unplanned expenses. But a visit to a rural hospital emergency room in the Peru Andes Mountains came to a total of $4.73.

Almost everyone has something that qualifies as a pre-existing condition. Unless you have a waiver excluding you for a pre-existing condition, don't expect your travel insurance policy to cover it. Conditions like diabetes and food allergies may be covered, but not cancers or heart conditions. Know before you buy.

Can anyone buy a travel insurance policy that covers "Cancellation for any reason?"

What if you're planning to get pregnant and don't want to do that high altitude hike (a wise decision) if you become pregnant after you book the trip? Or what if you have a family member with a chronic illness and need the flexibility to cancel your trip last minute? There are policies that will cover just about anything. It's called "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR). Some policies have age limits, but now it is possible to purchase coverage for adults of any age. However some insurance companies do not offer this upgrade. You'll have to search for other sources.

If I file a claim with my travel insurance company, will I get reimbursed for all my travel expenses?

Typically no. If you have to cancel your entire trip before traveling you can expect to get reimbursed an average of 50-75%. But keep in mind that after covid-19, we have seen airlines and other travel - related services relax their refund policies. Flexible refund policies combined with partial insurance reimbursements could result in higher percentage of coverage for your overall expenses. CFAR policies typically reimburse more expenses that the standard travel insurance policy. That's why they cost more. Keep in mind that engaging in illegal activities, ayahuasca ceremonies and medical tourism procedures are definitely not covered.

Can I change my policy effective date if I reschedule my trip?

Yes, maybe, no. What this means is that you need to contact your agent. If you're rescheduling due to covid, you may be able to change your policy dates. If there are other circumstances like civil unrest, or excessive flight interruptions, there's no way for anyone other than your licensed agent to give you an accurate answer. And keep in mind, that many companies have been updating and changing their policies as time moves on. The list of exclusions is subject to change. If you tend to go with the same travel insurance provider for every trip, it's worth it to review their terms every time you travel.