Tell me about trip insurance/refundable fares

[Bungle]

I have a niece graduating from boot camp in November and will be going to her graduation. They recommended I get trip insurance or refundable fares. I'm not really sure how either work or if there is extra cost involved. What is the best way to go about this without spending more than I need to?

 

[libraryfreak]

Yes, it's extra, and I think they recommend it to make money. Is it worth it? Probably not, but some people feel more comfortable with it. How likely are you to use it? (Do you have an ongoing medical condition, or does your loved one?). How much is your fare to begin with? I think its about $150 to change your ticket, if you have to you could do that. Hotels are usually able to be cancelled 24 hours ahead of time. You might already have coverage:

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/what-works/is-travel-insurance-worth-it/304/

 

[MichelleinMaine]

They are recommending it because her graduation date could very well change, it's a little different than just your ordinary trip.

 

[Green Tea]

Trip Insurance typically would not cover that though. It takes care of things like illness, storms. Some will offer a cancel for any reason rider which would help.

Refundable fares are a lot more expensive.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Just wondering, who is the "they" that are making the recommendation?

 

[TinkPirateMom]

You would need cancel for any reason travel insurance. You could price out a policy at travelguard.com.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Booking a refundable fare will likely cost you double the price of a non refundable fare. When we book fares with Continental there is an option to purchase travel insurance and it runs about $15 per person.

 

[Bungle]

Oh man I just can't decide which way to go.

Her recruiter recommended a refundable fare or insurance because the date of her graduation can change. It might actually be cheaper for me to wait until a week or two before hand and then buy a non refundable, but since November is a heavy travel time I'm afraid I won't be able to get a ticket.

Pirate mom thanks I will look into travelgaurd.