Please tell me about trip insurance

[DVCTigger]

i am planning on taking my parents on a couple of trips in 2016 and want them to have trip insurance. We haven't traveled with trip insurance before and really have no idea where to start. We will be going on a cruise leaving Jan 6 and a trip to Hawaii in October. Dad turns 80 in March and I think it would be wise to have things covered. Do I need this prior to booking anything? Not sure if I'm able to ask this here, but can I get anyone's opinion on certain companies? TIA

 

[Jestocost]

I'd recommend going to insuremytripdotcom (replace dot with an actual "."), which will allow you to compare a number of different options. You likely will want to look at comprehensive packages that cover trip cancellation, medical, baggage loss/damage, etc. In general, you are going to be better off purchasing the insurance within about 14 days of when you make the first payment on the trip in question as that may allow you to get things like a pre-existing condition waiver or "cancel for any reason" coverage at no additional charge (or at all).

 

[erionm]

If you use points for any of the reservations, your only option for those points reservations will probably be the travel insurance offered thru DVC.

 

[IAMASTITCHER]

Two other options, if you are a COSTCO member, there are insurance options you can pursue there. Also, if you are a USAA member, they too have trip insurance.

 

[DVCTigger]

Two other options, if you are a COSTCO member, there are insurance options you can pursue there. Also, if you are a USAA member, they too have trip insurance.

I am a Costco member, but my parents are not. Would I be able to cover them?

 

[TandLMommy28]

I had my TA book insurance for me. She gave options with a couple different companies and I picked. I think we went with Travel Guard but I can't remember now. I typically skip the insurance but a cruise in hurricane season definitely seemed like the time to purchase it.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Did you book with a travel agent? I told mine I wanted cancel for any reason insurance and she gave me 3 choices and explained what would happen if I did cancel for various reasons.

 

[Uncleromulus]

There seem to be a gazillion options for trip insurance--some policies seeming to cost as much as the trip itself if you get "everything".

I guess you should first decide if you want to get a full coverage package, or assume some risk yourself and just cover what might be major issues--medical evacuation, etc.

 

[lanejudy]

Since you have 2 big trips planned, you might want to look into an annual policy. Most of us in the U.S. get travel insurance per-trip, and the premium is based on the cost of the trip. I'm not sure how an annual policy is priced. I suggest you check out one of the trip insurance comparison websites for the various options available, and then contact the actual insurer before purchasing to answer any questions and feel confident you know what you are getting.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[DVCTigger]

I appreciate all the answers, thank you. I obviously have some work to do. We didn't go through a travel agent, I am assuming that role for my parents

 

[Jestocost]

Since you have 2 big trips planned, you might want to look into an annual policy. Most of us in the U.S. get travel insurance per-trip, and the premium is based on the cost of the trip. I'm not sure how an annual policy is priced. I suggest you check out one of the trip insurance comparison websites for the various options available, and then contact the actual insurer before purchasing to answer any questions and feel confident you know what you are getting.

Enjoy your vacation!

It's worth looking into, but be advised that the annual policies are only travel medical and/or evacuation policies and don't cover trip delays and cancellations. Unfortunately, comprehensive coverage only is available on a trip-by-trip basis.

 

[lanejudy]

It's worth looking into, but be advised that the annual policies are only travel medical and/or evacuation policies and don't cover trip delays and cancellations. Unfortunately, comprehensive coverage only is available on a trip-by-trip basis.

Good info, thanks!

 

[IAMASTITCHER]

I am a Costco member, but my parents are not. Would I be able to cover them?

I am not sure about that. If you are not traveling with them, probably will not be able to. Take a look at the site and the cost is free to call the company and find out.

 

[DVCTigger]

I am not sure about that. If you are not traveling with them, probably will not be able to. Take a look at the site and the cost is free to call the company and find out.

Ok, I will be traveling with them. So I will take a look and see what it says. As well as looking into the other info I have received here! Thanks again