Chris Harvey, Author at Travel Insurance Advice

Will travel insurance cover my timeshare costs in the event of cancellation?

No. Generally, costs associated with ownership of a timeshare are not covered for trip cancellation or trip interruption benefits. You may however purchase travel insurance to cover your additional travel expenses such as airfare, etc.

What is the Emergency Reunion benefit in travel insurance?

The travel insurance benefit for Emergency Reunion means covering the expenses for having a family member transported to the injured or ill insured during a medical emergency. Lodging expenses are generally covered. This is sometimes referred to as “visitor to bedside” and is usually included in the medical evacuation benefit for international travel protection plans.

What is "supplier default" insurance?

The supplier default benefit in travel insurance covers money you lose because of the bankruptcy of an airline, cruise line, tour operator, or other provider of travel services. Some travel insurance companies have eliminated this benefit while others pick and choose which travel suppliers they will and/or will not insure. The bankruptcy must be “unforeseen” […]

My travel insurance policy excludes hazardous sports? What is considered a hazardous sport?

The definition of hazardous sports can vary by travel insurance policy and provider. Generally, it is extreme sports and/or activities. These activities can include mountaineering, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and snow boarding. Always refer to the policy certificates to determine which specific activities are excluded and any conditions that […]

What does "underwritten by" mean when purchasing travel insurance?

“Underwritten by” refers to the Insurance Company standing behind the travel protection plan.

My travel insurance includes a benefit for "common carrier". What is this?

Many travel insurance policies include benefits for Common Carrier and/or Air Flight Accident AD&D. Common Carrier coverage pays in the event of death or dismemberment while you are traveling on ANY form of public transport. This differs from Air Flight Accident which provides coverage ONLY for the flight portion of your trip.

Who would be considered as a "traveling companion" for my travel insurance policy?

The definition for a “Traveling Companion” can vary depending on the company and policy selected. Generally, a traveling companion means a person who is sharing travel arrangements with you. You should note that a group or tour leader is usually not considered a Traveling Companion unless you are sharing room accommodations with them. Always refer to […]

For International Medical Plans, what is the difference between a Scheduled Benefit Plan and a Comprehensive Plan?

Schedule Benefit Plans Schedule Benefit Plans are characterized by various benefit limits for each type of covered medical expense or service provided. These benefit limits typically are not the same as the policy maximum. The maximum amounts for each service provided are detailed in the policy brochure. Typically you are required to pay an initial […]

What is a Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion Waiver?

Most travel insurance policies, whether it’s a single trip policy or an Annual plan, exclude pre-existing conditions, however this exclusion may be waived if certain conditions are met. A Pre-Existing Condition is defined as any medical condition that has worsened or changed during a policy’s look-back period, which is the 60-180 day window prior to […]

What is the "pre-existing condition look-back period"?

The pre-existing look back period for a travel insurance policy is the number of days that the insurance company will “look back” to determine if a claim is related to a pre-existing condition. The look back period is generally between 60 and 180 days, depending on the policy selected. Look back periods for select medical-based […]