Travel Insurance

Only people who plan on bringing down the plane buy travel insurance.

That was in a movie.

Yes for the trains and planes.

R2 what about for automobiles?

I usually don't, but sometimes it's required. I had to have traveler's insurance for Morocco and due to the pandemic, Aruba. The only other time I got it was for a 2-week road trip in the Balkans.

Traveler's insurance is back to being a waste of money now that generous COVID terms are being dropped. If you're going someplace dangerous or engaging in risky activities, it might be worth considering.

I buy it to come back to America. The health care costs are too scary to believe my European insurance would cover it.

Only for international travel. Mainly for medical emergencies. Your regular health insurance likely won't cover the costs incurred abroad and if you need a medical flight home, you will be wiped out financially. I started buying insurance when adventure trips required it. Now I just do it for every international trip.

Friend's father had a medical emergency in London. He got great care at very low cost due to their health system. The travel insurance was worth it when he needed to be flown back to the US in first class and with a nurse.

[quote] If you're going someplace dangerous or engaging in risky activities, it might be worth considering.

London. So I’m thinking no. But I don’t want to get stuck there due to the winds of Covid restrictions change. My credit card only has so much room on it and I’m too old to turn tricks for cash.

I bought travel insurance before my South Africa trip in the beginning of 2020 right before the pandemic. It was a total waste because I couldn't file a claim for anything because surprise, surprise - PANDEMICS ARE NOT COVERED.

However most countries will require you to purchase medical travel insurance in order to board the plane. Insubuy will give you full coverage for about $35 dollars and COVID is covered.

All insurance is a scam.

If you are traveling outside of the US, consider health insurance and possibly a type of medavac coverage. Travel insurance with medical coverage will only cover you for care in a local hospital. If you're injured in Mexico for example, basic coverage will not cover getting you back to the US for medical care. If you fractured your leg or had a serious head injury, your care in a local hospital (which is the carrier's choosing, not your's) is all that's is covered. If you or your family want you moved to a private hospital, or flown to the US, you are responsible for the transfer costs.

Most private hospitals abroad require payment upfront, and require that you, not the hospital, collect from your insurance company. Unless you have a high credit limit on your credit cards, you could be refused treatment for expensive treatment. Keep in mind that public hospitals in many countries lack private rooms and many are overflowing with covid type cases.

Before traveling outside the US, check with your insurance carrier to see what is covered. If you are on Medicare, you definitely need travel insurance. Read the fine print of any travel policy you buy and make sure things like pre-existing conditions are covered, as well as covid-related hospitalization.

Good information here!

I never have. But I'm a "it'll never happen to me" kinda guy. Even tho I've banked lotsa karma, I know it's gonna be my turn sooner or later. I'm just hoping for later.

I used to rely on my credit card to cover insurance when I rented cars. But having read stories about how credit cards do not cover everything and how stressful it was if the car was wrecked or stolen, in recent years, I just pay for full coverage. I don't own a car so I don't have my own insurance. I recall being really stressed out about nicks and dings previously. Sure the cost sucks, but it really helps with relaxing and enjoying a trip. If something happens to the car, I return it and walk away.

My brother is car insurance claims adjuster and he advised me to buy coverage from the rental car companies. He does it too even though he has car insurance.

R10 here. I forgot to mention another benefit of travel insurance when going abroad. If you're traveling outside the US, you will be required to get tested before flying home. If you should test positive you will likely be required to quarantine for a fixed period of time. The amount of time is dependent on the country you're traveling from, the airline you are flying, etc. If you are required to quarantine, some of the better insurance policies will cover the cost of lodging while in quarantine. If not, you are on the hook for lodging, food, etc for those extra days. (Be prepared for the unexpected by bringing extras of any meds you take since it's unlikely you can get your prescriptions filled outside the US.)

Any of you recommend a specific travel insurance provider? I’m seeing a lot of Allianz, HTH, and AXA in my research.

I bought it via Expedia for an upcoming trip to Mexico. I have no idea what it actually covers, though.

Most credit cards have it built in if you check your travel protections. I used it last year when our flight got canceled due to the hurricane. I lost half of my 2000 on a VRBO and filed a claim. No muss no fuss I got it all back.