Travel Insurance: Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Travel insurance- the pesky little extra charge that we did not know we needed. If this pandemic has shown us anything, it is that covid is relentless, and nobody is safe. But after two long years, it is time to get back outside. You wouldn't go out in a storm without rain protection, so don't travel to another country with a viral virus roaming the streets. This is why travel insurance is IMPORTANT in this post-pandemic society. But if travel is a luxury, why not ensure that your luxurious trip stays that way in case of emergency. Don't be out here blindly auditioning to be the next timeline topic.

What is travel insurance, and can I use my medical insurance as a substitute?

- No, you can not use your medical insurance as a substitute. Travel insurance serves as a supplement to your medical insurance. Travel insurance is a specifically curated form of coverage designed to protect against risks and financial losses that could happen while traveling. Think about it: insurance barely wants to pay for coverage here in the United States. You think they will cover you getting ill in another country. With travel insurance, you are protected from inconveniences such as missed airline connections and delayed luggage, catching covid in another country, and having to stay to get medical services.

Granted, what is covered by your insurance provider is dependent on what you decide to pay for but remember- insurance is not one size fits all. Below is a breakdown of the different types of coverages I have come across. While these are all separate, many insurance companies have policies covering multiple areas.

• Travel Medical Insurance (A MUST)- Covers medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip and need emergency care, and your primary insurance will not cover it. However, please note: If you travel to a country that the US Department of State deems high risk, get supplement travel insurance because it may not be covered if something happens.

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance. We all know how inconvenient it is to plan a trip, and at the last minute, life happens. Get coverage to make sure you get your money back. Reimbursement of nonrefundable reservations if you get sick and have to cancel or end a trip early. You'll also be reimbursed if you incur extra costs due to a delay by the airline or other carrier that is out of your control. Please note that: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption are synonymous but not the same. Cancellation- This insurance covers you if you have booked nonrefundable travel and you're unable to take your trip. The interruption coverage will kick in if you have to cut the trip short.

• Baggage Insurance. Baggage insurance covers reasonable expenses incurred if your luggage is merely delayed. If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, baggage insurance will usually cover the cost of replacing your suitcase as well as its contents.

• Rental Car Coverage- We all know people who love to go out of town and get a foreign, and we all know the horror stories about them getting into an accident. Rental car coverage has that handled. This pays for repairing your rental car if it's damaged in a wreck, by vandals, or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible. However please check with the country you are going to.

• All-Inclusive- The name speaks for itself. And it's usually a little pricier, but it covers everything, so that makes sense.

Okay, now costs. I already blew a mini bag trying to plan the trip. I am not trying to spend more than I need.

• Length + cost of the initial trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the more you will pay to cover it.

• Medical conditions you want to be covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage. Just like in America- pre-existing means pay more.

• Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost. All-Inclusive will cost more than just baggage. Naturally.

• Your age: Generally, the older you are, the higher the price. Because like the beginning of covid would have you believe, older people are more susceptible to it all.

• Any optional supplement you add to your policy: Cancel For Any Reason, Interrupt For Any Reason, and more.

How to obtain travel insurance?

• If you use a credit card to book your travel, check with your credit card company as they might offer travel coverage for free. However, you can not customize your package, so you are stuck with whatever they offer.

• You can go through a travel agent and reservation sites like booking/Expedia etc. There is a small fee, but it is not expensive, and it is a simple process. However, similar to when you get coverage through your credit card company, you can not customize your coverage.

• Directly through a travel insurance company. You can book directly through a company like travelinsurance.com, Travelex, Allianz, AIG, etc. You can compare and contrast to get the coverage that fits you through these companies. These sites also offer additional information to ensure that you know what is covered in your policy.

Is it mandatory that I have travel insurance?

It depends on where you are visiting. Countries like Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Costa Rica, etc., require travel insurance. However, if it is mandatory for your destination information on that countries site will tell you where and how to obtain the minimum amount of coverage. Things are constantly changing, so it's best to stay up to date directly from the country. However it is better to be safe than sorry.

Reminder: PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE WHATEVER POLICY YOU PURCHASE WILL COVER COVID RELATED ILLNESS AND STAY. While many policies will, there are requirements that need to be met. You do not want to be up the creek without a paddle when you realize that you may not be covered.

Disclaimer: These are my tips and tricks. You do not have to follow them should you choose not to.