TRAVEL INSURANCE EXPLAINED
Four terms people use when getting travel insurance:
- Travel medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Trip cancelation insurance
- Flight insurance
Travel insurance is the generic term. Most people think it means trip cancellation insurance, but there‘s a difference.
Travel medical = for people going on short-term trips. They want good medical care for short-term traveling, and it usually comes with medical evacuation.
Trip cancellation = “my plan is to go, but if I can’t, I don’t want to lose my money.” Sometimes trip cancellation includes medical coverage and evacuation. The best option would be a trip cancellation plan that includes medical coverage and evacuation.
Flight insurance = accidental death or otherwise; covers you for everything just while on the airplane.
What if you have a really good policy that covers you everywhere?
Most domestic insurance won’t cover you overseas. “The big print giveth, the small print taketh away.” The plan will tell you what you’ll get, but be careful to read the fine print for what’s not covered. Domestic plans do not include emergency evacuation, so even if the domestic plan you have covers you overseas, having an emergency evac option would be important.
Evacuation only = won’t cover any other medical needs except flying you out if needed, and it’s cheaper than if you had medical coverage added.
Decide what you want before you look for insurance. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I just want medical coverage?
- Do I just want trip cancellation coverage?
- Do I just want evacuation coverage?
If you’re part of a group, you might be able to save money with a group plan. The rates will depend on the average age of your group. Call GNI if you need help finding the best plan for you. They will direct you to a plan that meets your needs.