February 19, 2006
Examples showing why Americans should buy travel insurance
The Witchita Eagle asks why Europeans buy travel insurance while Americans often don't. They have a long list of things that can go wrong:
We Americans, by contrast, are the eternal optimists. We fling ourselves to Italy and France without the slightest premonition that a transportation strike might hinder our ability to come home on time, as those work stoppages so often do. We clamber over the wet stones of Roman ruins without considering that we might slip and injure ourselves (as so many tourists do). We traipse to Mexico, Egypt or China sensing that we might get sick from the food, but take no steps to assure ourselves of medical care or even emergency evacuation home. And we remain oblivious, in general, to the real possibility that a business or medical emergency, suffered by us or a relative, may require that we either cancel or interrupt a trip, incurring heavy penalties or costs.The article certianly makes a strong case for travel insurance although the one about slipping on some steps in the Roman ruins might not be too bad. My wife cut her finger in Assissi and we went to the Emergency room. The bill came to something lik 17.00 but there was no one there to collect our money (it was late at night) so the doctor sent us to a machine that didn't work. Even if we had been able to pay, it would not have been too bad. Of course it was a very minor injury. Posted by James Trotta at February 19, 2006 8:06 PM
I suggest the reason that Americans don't buy travel insurance is that the industry was dominated by weasels. Outrageous prices, minimal coverage, delays, arguments and nitpicking over claims, requirements to purchase at ticketing and inability to cancel without major penalties to name just a few sins. I don't need the hassle and absolutely refuse to pay for it.
Posted by: steve at February 20, 2006 2:42 AMI think they might suggest a few relaible sources of travel insurance in that article, but I don't ahve any experience with them and I don't know any Americans who regularly use travel insurance...
Posted by: James Trotta at February 20, 2006 6:07 PMUnfortunately accidents may happen no matter where a person(s)travel, not to mention domestic vs international travel. Personally I have not purchased travel insurance simply because I feel it's all a "scam." Fortunately, I have not had an accident nor become ill during my travels and I do travel with the mindset of taking care of myself no matter where I travel, but, especially when in Europe. Just exercise common sense, no matter the travel plan. When one is aware of certain health issues, then appropriate measures should most certainly be taken prior to travel, use discretion with meals and wear appropriate footwear. If you are a traveler, one must educate themselves prior to the trip and meet the expectations.
Posted by: Marilynn Hayes at February 21, 2006 6:41 AMThe cost of travel insurance is low considering the alternative. Travel Guard offers insurance for just under $200 for a $5000 trip and if you get the premium package it's still just over $200 for a $5000 trip. If traveling by yourself or just two people maybe your self reliant. But if your traveling with kids or a big group, family vacation, then spend the extra to make sure it's a vacation. Not a nightmare. Miss a flight sometime like we did and not have insurance. The cost of a ticket home was three times the cost of insurance. And you'll get NO sympathy from the airlines. Believe me.
Posted by: Dan Sallia at February 22, 2006 4:34 PMAmen Dan,
You are on your own when traveling and your medical insurance in the States will not necessarily cover you overseas. Wait until you get the bill for an ambulance ride from Europe to the U.S.! Being careful and educating oneself prior to leaving will not protect you unforseen events. If you are wealthy, it may be worth taking the gamble and paying your way if something happens. But for most travelers it makes sense to have good coverage in case you are injured overseas.
On another issue, most policies cover cancellations for medical issues. Cancellation penalties, which can be the entire cost of your trip, can be painful to swallow. I hear all the time, "We are going no matter what". Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Bottom line, if you can afford to go without and go knowingly, great. If not, go with a reputable company and not with the "cheapest". Thats where the problems come in....