Why You Should Consider Travel Insurance

More than 30 million family travelers will go abroad this year. That’s a 9 percent increase from just two years ago. AAA has also seen its domestic and international insurance and travel sales go up by more than 20 percent. But is investing in travel insurance worth it?

Thirty-eight percent of travelers in the latest AAA Travel survey think so. Plus, 13 percent more AAA members have purchased travel insurance last year, compared to 2016. They also insured trips that were about 18 percent more expensive than in 2016. Read on to find out their reasons and why you should also consider travel insurance for that next big trip.

Complete refund for trip cancellations

The first and most important reason cited is travelers want all of their money back should they have to cancel a trip. Travel insurance can reimburse expenses such as rebooking fees, meals and accommodations in the event that the airline doesn’t cover all costs dealing with a delayed or canceled flight.

Eight-eight percent of those interested said getting a full refund was their top priority.

Health concerns

Nobody plans on being sick, but it’s always best to keep your health in mind when it comes to traveling and what you can do in case you become ill. Sixty-nine percent of travelers said they’re concerned about their personal health as well as the health of family members while on the trip.

Travel insurance, unlike most health insurance policies, can help cover medical expenses and costly medical evacuation back to the United States in case of emergencies. AAA members can also specifically take advantage of TripAssist Family Care, courtesy of Allianz Global Assistance, which also offers free coverage to children 17 and under.

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How far in advance a trip is booked

It’s also important to keep in mind what your insurance company’s policy is when it comes to getting travel insurance. Sixty-one percent indicated that they take into account how far in advance they book a trip when deciding.

While you can purchase travel insurance as late as a day before the trip, you might not get all the coverage you need. It’s important to check with your insurance provider beforehand.

Family or friends recommend it

Word of mouth is still a considerable factor, especially when it comes from trusted sources. If a friend or a family friend recommends travel insurance, 57 percent say that they’re more likely to buy it.

Lost bags and tickets

In 2017, airlines mishandled more than 22 million bags. With travel insurance, however, you can be assured that something will be done about it. Travel insurance provides coverage in the event luggage is damaged, stolen or late in returning to the traveler.

But, that’s not all. If you purchase Global Assistance Travel Insurance, you can also take advantage of a 24-hour emergency assistance hotline. This hotline is staffed with multilingual representatives who can help to replace lost tickets and travel documents, like passports. You can also make an emergency cash transfer and receive assistance during medical or legal emergencies.

Whether you’re going on an international or a domestic trip or you’re going on a cruise, it’s important to protect what’s important to you and be prepared for anything while traveling.

Has travel insurance helped you out on a trip before? Let us know in the comments!

The AAA Northeast Travel Protection Plan offers members protection and the best in travel insurance. For more information or to get a quote, visit AAA Travel.