Until September, 2011, I didn’t focus on travel insurance at all.  In fact, I hated even bringing it up to my clients because most of them didn’t want to spend the extra $50 – $100 insuring for the “What ifs”.  I can’t say as I blamed them, I myself am not a fan of insurance; however, many times, I held my breath for those that declined travel insurance as I wondered—“What If…?”

Not anymore. Since that time, I have been able to confidently bring up the “What ifs” in conversation and it has helped people envision what could happen that would force them to cancel their trips, with the unfortunate possibility of losing every dollar they spent on their dream vacations.  I even got myself in trouble with a bride-to-be when I casually asked one of her attending guests.  “Will you still go on this trip if the wedding doesn’t happen?”  Ouch! It was an uncomfortable subject, but I felt it was my obligation to bring it up.  People don’t think about things like that and I felt I was obligated to inform them of all the possibilities when traveling.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, about 30 percent of Americans purchase travel insurance, an increase from 10 percent before 9/11. The top three reasons are: peace of mind, protection against the unexpected and concern over losing the financial investment in a trip. Some 70 percent of cruise travelers buy travel insurance.

1. Your flight has been cancelled or dramatically delayed. This is particularly important if you’re going on a cruise.  The ship won’t wait for you!

2. Your bags are lost and you have no clothes to wear for part or all of the trip. (I can personally attest to this, as early in my travel career, the charter airline I was flying on to Las Vegas lost my bag…FOREVER!)  Oh, but it was so much fun shopping for new clothes in Las Vegas.

3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.

4. You get a flat tire on the way to the airport and you miss your flight.  The plane won’t wait for you. Travel insurance will cover additional costs you will incur to get you to your destination, or home.

5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness—this includes your illness, the illness of your traveling companion or non-traveling family member (read the restrictions of your policy to make sure you know what is covered).

6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.  Note:  Third party insurance is THE ONLY option that will cover these types of events.

7. You have a medical emergency or accident in a foreign country.  Do you want to be lying in a hospital in Mexico or another 3rd world country? With travel insurance, your needs are met.

8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.

9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise. Make sure you purchase insurance before the hurricane has been given a name, otherwise, you better hope and pray that George, Henry or Isaac doesn’t keep you from enjoying your trip.

10.  Think about this:  Do you have a dog, cat, bird, turtle or hamster?  If your beloved pet got sick, injured, or died the day before your scheduled departure, would you still go?  If your answer is yes…shame on you!  Note:  Traditional policies won’t cover these events.  If you love your pet, add the “Cancel For Any Reason” upgrade to your policy.

For many years, Tumbleweed Travel & Blue Globe Getaways has worked with only one company— Travelex. We proudly offer their travel insurance products.  They are very customer service focused and over the years when we have used their services, my clients have never been dissapointed. You may click the link to visit their site and purchase the plan that’s right for you.