United States Traveler Insurance Guide

                  Travel Insurance in U.S.A

Travelers thinking ahead are smart to consider purchasing "travel insurance." The term travel insurance is a bit of misnomer though because it's not really insurance per the law, it's actually trip protection and there are a few things you need to know about it.

Trip protection is considered a type of limited duration "insurance."  It begins when you purchase the policy and ends when your vacation ends.  The premium is based solely on the amount you spent on your trip. You get so much coverage for so many dollars you spend.  The more you spend for your vacation, the higher the premium.

What is the cost of travel insurance offered by your travel agent (TA)? It makes a difference if you are after travel insurance for a single trip or an annual policy to cover a number of international trips (business and or pleasure).

Always start by asking your credit card provider whether your credit card provides complimentary travel insurance if you purchase your airline ticket with that credit card. Inquire about upgrading your credit card from bronze to silver, gold or platinum to gain complimentary travel insurance. What is the cost of the credit card upgrade? Is the cost justified in your eyes? Whether you are offered a no fee upgrade or not will depend on your status with your bank, credit history and other factors. You may or may not be charged an annual fee on your existing and on your new upgraded card. Make a list of a few simple questions and phone or visit the credit card provider (bank or credit union or ?) and  ask your questions. Online tool Credit Card Navigator can also help you find out more details about the medical travel insurance available through your credit card.

What is the cost of travel insurance provided by your existing household and or car insurance provider? Are you a member of a road service organization ? These are some examples AAA or CAA or NRMA. What will they charge you for travel insurance? You can also review visitor travel insurance comparison sites online.

Several visitor insurance plans are available from top-rated companies based in USA which offer visitor medical insurance with health coverage protection at affordable premiums. Fixed-benefit  plans limit the medical benefits for each covered service listed in the plan brochure (such as doctor office visits, hospitalization, prescription medication and surgery), while comprehensive plans cover up to the policy maximum selected. Below is a listing of popular plans that are classified as fixed benefit plans or comprehensive, do a Google search on the plan name and you will find them.

Comprehensive coverage plans: 

Atlas America Insurance

Patriot America Insurance

Liaison Continent Insurance

Liaison Majestic Insurance

Diplomat America Insurance

Visit USA Insurance

Fixed benefit plans: 

Inbound USA Insurance

Visitors Care Insurance

Immigrant Secure Insurance

For international travelers - consider carrying an international travel insurance plan that provides coverage for both travel and medical emergencies.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Many policies cover death and loss due to air travel.  The schedule of benefits for what a policy covers will usually be the policy. A typical death benefit is $10,000 for loss of life with varying amounts for other losses.

Travel Advisory & Travel Warning (Limited Coverage)

It is important to be aware that most travel insurance providers do not cover regions or countries which the national government considers to be unsafe.  Thus, if you intend to travel to a foreign destination which has a travel advisory warning by your national government, it is very important to contact your travel insurance provider to understand what coverage you will or will not have if you decide to go there.  Generally speaking, if your government considers it dangerous to be in a certain foreign destination, your travel insurance provider may not cover you for any problems you encounter while there. 

Overall, travelers should purchase a policy that best suit his/her needs taking into account the benefits and the exclusions. Some policies are no-frills offering only limited coverage for the above items. 

It's also important to consider that even for uncommon incidents like a plane crash, providers may not cover unanticipated expenses like diverted flights to a new airport, even though you incur an additional expense, such as rental car fees. Allianz, which is offered in the U.S. by most major airlines, said a rental car extra charge due to traveling to a new airport quite a distance away, would not be covered.