Outdoor Vacation – Taking A Beach Trip

Author: Jeffery Gulleson
Source: ezinearticles.com

My credit card company sent me a new card that promises me 3 times the amount of frequent flyer miles on my credit card purchases. I like to fly so that sounded like a good deal. Overlooking the fact that I have to pay an annual fee to get these miles and the credit limit was lowered, I went ahead and signed up for the card.

So I am looking at the Travel Benefits my card gives me and the question becomes obvious: why would I need to purchase additional travel insurance?

Here are my benefits:

travel and emergency assistance
auto rental collision damage waiver
lost luggage reimbursement
travel accident insurance
concierge service
roadside dispatch
signature dining
Remember that these benefits are only applicable if you use your credit card for the purchase of all your travel needs. So if you use cash to pay for a taxi upon exiting the airport, and you get injured in an accident, you will not be covered.

SIMILARITIES between credit card travel benefits and travel insurance

Lost Luggage Reimbursement. This type of insurance reimburses you up to a certain limit per trip for loss or damage to either your checked or carry-on luggage. However, always read the exclusions section. Not all loss or damage is covered or covered adequately. For example, on my Visa card travelers get reimbursed only $200 for any furs or jewelry lost or stolen. The best advice is to leave expensive items at home, and to read the exclusions for what will and will not be covered.

Travel Accident Insurance. This covers you for “accidental death and dismemberment,” more commonly referred to as AD&D coverage. This is what it covers: “Any accidental injury that is the sole cause of accidental loss of life, limb, sight, speech or hearing while riding as a passenger in, entering or exiting any Common Carrier,” as well as covering you while you are in the airport and in the airplane. Note that this insurance covers you only if you are riding to or from the airport or other travel terminals, such as bus or train.

DIFFERENCES between credit card travel benefits and travel insurance

There are significant differences.

When the credit card company says it covers travel and emergency assistance, note carefully the word “assistance.” They assist by providing services only, not financial benefits.

So, what is missing in card services that is covered in purchased travel insurance?

Medical coverage and Medical Evacuation. Purchased travel insurance will finance all your medical related expenditures on your trip, including exorbitantly expensive medical or political evacuation costs.

Repatriation of Remains. This sounds grim, but if you should die on your trip, your family will want to have your remains brought home.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. This is a nice benefit of travel insurance and covers financial reimbursement for costs related to cancellation and interruption, such as hotel bill or re-issuing of a new travel ticket. Check with your insurance company for benefits and exclusions.

Terrorism. Certain companies will cover you in any country, regardless of location and regardless of whether or not the US government has issued a travel advisory. There is no added cost for this coverage.

Should I buy travel insurance?

Yes. It is very inexpensive, and covers a lot more than what your credit card company does.

It is rewarding to hear stories of travelers who benefit from their travel insurance. One young man avoided a hefty $20,000 medical evacuation fee when he was trampled by an elephant in a parade in Thailand because he bought $50 trip insurance.

By purchasing travel insurance and having other benefits from your credit card company such as concierge service and signature dining, you can enjoy yourself and have peace of mind on your next travel.

Good Neighbor Insurance represents 10 international health insurance companies and provides international health and travel insurance for every country in the world. http://www.gninsurance.com

Author: Lilly L Fry
Source: ezinearticles.com

If you’re planning a trip away, whether it’s for business or for pleasure, you need to be sure that you have the right insurance cover in case anything happens while you are away.

Arranging travel insurance used to be an expensive and frustrating process; however, like many other kinds of insurance, you can get travel insurance quotes, and arrange your coverage all online.

Different holidays and trips will require different kinds of cover. Most websites will have tick boxes or drop down menus for options when it comes to coverage, meaning you can customize your quote completely with nothing more than a few clicks of a mouse!

Your quote will be based on the number of people you require cover for. Many sites will offer free child travel insurance, but there is usually terms and conditions that apply to this free offer, so be sure to find out what you need to qualify for free insurance for your children.

Your quote will also be based on your age, as well as where in the world you are traveling to. Some insurers will not provide insurance for trips to countries that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised against traveling to.

Buy having travel insurance, you can be sure that you and your family will get the cover you need for any accidents or illnesses that may occur on your trip, and will ensure you get the treatment you need, no matter where in the world you are.

You can get additional extras for your insurance, such as baggage cover, and winter sports cover, for those that love to ski and snowboard. If you are backpacking, you will need to mention this in your enquiry, as this requires specialised insurance. You can often get cancellation protection on your holiday down payment, and this extra can also be purchased with some travel insurance providers.

If you think you will only be looking at taking one trip this year, with the family finances being a little tight, then purchase single trip travel insurance. Many sites will provide a discount for purchasing this kind of insurance online, however many online quotes are discounted anyway, making sure you’re always getting a great deal online.

Once your travel insurance booking has been organized, your documents will arrive in the post. Be sure to keep these safe, and to read the small print to be completely aware of what you and your family are covered for.

Make sure you speak to your insurer to check exactly what your policy covers.

Lilly L Fry writes for Theidol.com who specialize in travel insurance. The company deal with UK’s best known insurance brands is now synonymous with some of the lowest premiums for travel insurance in the industry. Visit http://www.theidol.com for more information.

Author: Nadav Snirbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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These days, people are traveling more than ever before. An increasing number of Americans are spending more time out of the country for both business purposes and vacations. Frequent travelers are beginning to realize, though, that their trips arent complete without annual travel insurance.

An entire year worth of traveling is covered under such a policy, which means that travelers can stay gone for a lengthy period of time and still remain covered. There are different companies that offer annual travel insurance policies, and some have more restrictions than others.

However, when it comes down to it, the most important issues that need to be covered by annual travel insurance include: trip cancellation, interruption, luggage and/or passport loss, accidental death, and international medical insurance. Any insurance plan that doesnt offer coverage for any of these should never be considered a viable option.

There are other types of coverage associated with annual travel insurance, however not all policies offer these coverage. Travelers who need to take their pets with them should get a plan that offers pet coverage. Families who travel frequently to golf tournaments can obtain golf travel insurance, wherein the policies will cover the loss of any golf equipment.

Travelers should also bear in mind that the flight isnt the only form of transportation theyll encounter over an entire year. Some annual travel insurance plans also cover train and/or cruise delays and cancellations. Families that plan on cruising a lot for the duration of the year need to have this type of insurance coverage.

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pIf youre trying to find some good a target=_new href=http://www.great-info-products.com/Insurance/travel-insurance.html rel=nofollowannual travel insurance/a plans, make sure you choose one that covers everything that youll be needing and doing. Dont let yourself becoming overwhelmed with all the choices. If you do the right research and read all about all the different companies and what they have to offer, then you should be able to find the best annual travel insurance plan to suit your needs./ppbAbout the author:/b/ppNadav Snir operates a website which includes the cheapest insurance providers. To get the best insurance rates possible, visit: a target=_new href=http://www.great-info-products.com/Insurance/index.html rel=nofollowhttp://Great-Info-Products.com/Insurance/index.html/a/pbr
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Author: Graeme Knightsbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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If the rumours are to be believed, then global warming means the chances of enjoying a traditional white Christmas are receding further with each passing year. However, even though youre just as likely to be watching the children ride their new bike in warm sunshine as through slushy snow, its a fair bet that a number of you will still be leaving these shores for the festive break.

Some like the unpredictability of the weather to keep them on their toes, but others like to know whether theyll be requiring snowshoes or shorts. Whether youre jetting off in search of guaranteed sunshine on your back or looking to indulge in a spot of skiing, a significant amount of preparation for the trip is sure to take place. Swimsuits and suntan lotion (or maybe a bobble hat and a scarf) will be ticked off the list, while the neighbour will have been tasked with feeding the cat.

However, although the insect repellent will be packed along with five spare pairs of socks, just in case, one important precaution that should be taken is often overlooked. Recent research suggests more than 11 million people went on holiday without travel insurance this summer, while one in eight skiers will to take to the slopes this Christmas uninsured. Some people said they felt they did not need it, while others said they could not afford it. Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen and it almost always hits your pocket harder than the cost of paying for travel insurance.

Medical treatment for accidents and illness can run into thousands of pounds, while cancelling your trip or perhaps having to fly home early could cost a pretty penny too. On top of this, travel insurance can cover the loss of your luggage or holiday money too. So if youre planning to jet off somewhere this Christmas, my advice is to add travel insurance to your list of things to do. If the unfortunate should happen, it might just save you enough money to go away again next year.

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pMoneyfacts.co.uk is the leading independent financial information provider in the UK. Since 1988, weve been providing impartial information to financial services professionals which has helped thousands of customers get the best deal on their mortgages, savings accounts, credit cards, loans and other personal finance products./ppa target=_new href=http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk rel=nofollowhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/a Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)./pbr
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Author: Susan Kehanbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Taking a holiday in the UK or surrounding EU area should involve a thorough safety check of the motor vehicle before setting out. If you do not have a checklist, use the tips here to create one that you can use each time you plan to set out on a journey.

One of the first strategies that you should use is to purchase maps of the area where you will be travelling. After all, no one likes to become lost while travelling about in an unfamiliar area, and they like it even less when no maps are available to help them get out of the situation. If you have access to the Internet, consider printing out a travel route with clear instructions as well as a map that includes all of your turns along the journey.

If the car is equipped with a satellite navigation system, check to make sure that it includes maps of the area whilst you will be travelling. In fact, this step should be taken well in advance of the trip and not the day before. This way, if the satellite navigation system or GPS does not include maps of the area, you can purchase special software that does include them so that you can add the maps on. Knowing exactly which roads you need to take should be one of the first strategies that you plan.

Minimizing the possibility of a breakdown is another good strategy to ensure an enjoyable holiday. Give your motor vehicle a thorough going over and make sure that every component is in proper working order. Check your spare tyre and replace it if the tread is too low. Check the condition of your other tyres as well and replace any that are not up to par for the road trip. If you prefer, you can always take the car to a reputable auto mechanic and have him give it a thorough check.

Before leaving your home, contact your insurer and review the details of your car insurance cover. Make sure that you understand the terms of your car insurance regarding accidents or theft. While an accident is less likely to occur if you follow safe driving habits and prepare your motor vehicle for travel, it is important to understand the policy that you should follow if an accident does occur. This is especially true if you will be travelling to EU countries. Some types of car insurance cover do not feature Comprehensive or Third Party, Fire, and Theft cover. If you only have Third Party insurance cover when travelling in the EU area, you should understand exactly what this means for you.

Take your insurance certificate and your vehicle registration (V5) with you whenever travelling outside of the UK area. Contact your insurer and ask whether or not you should carry your insurance green card with you.

Travelling on holiday through the UK or the surrounding EU area should involve a thorough check of the motor vehicle that you will be driving. Not only will you help to minimize your risk of an auto accident, but also, you will keep your passengers safe and reduce the risk of having to pay additional charges on your car insurance cover.

Intro: Minimizing the possibility of a breakdown whilst travelling on holiday through the UK or the surrounding EU area is one way to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your passengers. Are there any other strategies that you should know about before setting out on your holiday?

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pSusan Kehan is a keen writer about a target=_new href=http://www.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk/car rel=nofollowcar insurance/a and a target=_new href=http://www.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk/home rel=nofollowhome insurance/a products./pbr
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Author: Amy Nutt
Source: ezinearticles.com

The prospect of traveling, whether within the country or abroad, can be very exciting. There are so many places to go and things to do! It’s a little easy to get carried away with planning events and there may be a need to adjust the budget a time or two accordingly. When preparing for travel, it is wise to keep in mind ways to keep the costs down. There are many ways to decrease expenses and have a pleasant trip.

There are, however, some things that should not be skimped on. One of these is travel insurance. It may be fun to frequent a local market a time or to rather than the fancy eatery. But while insurance may seem like an expense that you can forego and the likelihood is great that you won’t have occasion to use it, it is a precaution that you should be prudent to work into your budget.

You’ll want to determine what advantages you’d like to include and locate a reputable agency. There are quote sites available that allow you to enter specific criteria including age. Within a company there are different plans. Determine what amenities you’ll really need. If you are not carrying sports gear or equipment, for example, you will need a smaller amount of coverage. You may be able to rent some of the equipment when you arrive. Take note to the difference in plans- some have cancellation policies that may cause you to lose out depending on the reason. If you have an unexpected event that causes you to cancel your trip, you should be able to re-book when convenient for you without it costing you again. Some plans refund a voucher, some give back cash. Even if you can’t afford the most expense plan, basic coverage will give you a bit of security and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

To keep the cost down, there are many options available. Many travel agencies have discount program available depending on the age of the travelers. There are plans for the over 65. To take advantage of some of these discounts, it may be as simple as a call to your local agency. Or, you might complete some online searches to compare prices from one company to another.

Often, depending on the trip you’d like to take, there are group rates available for the travel itself or for individual events when you arrive. This is an additional savings that means it may benefit your pocket to travel with friends.

By this point in your life, you may have accumulated ‘frequent flier’ miles. These can help with your budget as well so that that you needn’t skimp on the insurance. Be a bit resourceful, do your homework, and you will be able to have the vacation you want.

With a little hunting, on average, the over 65 crowd should be able to arrange at least a 10 or even 15 % discount from their travel insurance costs.

Dan Pucher Insurance is an independent Travel, Health Insurance in Canada Broker offering personal and corporate solutions. When looking for Visitors and information on Canadian Travel Insurance please give us a call

Author: Hugh McInnes
Source: ezinearticles.com

The Government is currently issuing warnings about the results of the September 30th tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and parts of Tonga as well as the earthquake in Sumatra on the same date. Had you suffered the misfortune of visiting these areas during or immediately following these disasters, proper insurance would have covered any losses or damages you might have suffered. Piracy in the Gulf of Aden also presents a danger to those traveling by sea, and tourists planning ocean trips, including vacation cruises, should definitely purchase trip insurance prior to embarking.

As a traveler, you should be aware that if you get into trouble overseas, whether your luggage is lost or stolen or you fall prey to sickness or injury, you are personally liable for all costs unless you’re insured. And few things are as scary as being far from home when things become difficult or dangerous. That’s when a reputable travel insurance company can be your best friend; a good, comprehensive policy will cover everything from lost baggage to accidents and bodily injury.

When purchasing travel insurance, one should become informed in the matters of premiums, excess and claims. Generally speaking, premiums are calculated on the basis of information you provide, such as the number of people in your party, the duration of your itinerary, your destinations, etc. Naturally, it will cost less for a single traveler to buy insurance than an entire family or group, and a long trip will obviously command larger premiums than a short one. As for destinations, some regions are more costly than others. The U.S.A., for instance, charges exorbitant medical fees, a fact which will drive up your premium if you are planning a trip to the States.

Other factors that affect the price of your coverage include the insurance company’s actuarial tables outlining the likelihood of various occurrences, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and armed conflicts happening in the areas you plan to visit.

When shopping for travel insurance, it’s most sensible to buy directly from a reputable company, to avoid paying an agent’s commission. Needless to say, you should always thoroughly investigate a company before buying a policy, to insure not just yourself and your belongings, but your peace of mind as well.

Planning every detail of your holiday or trip will help you be prepared of any eventuality that could occur. The best way to combat a ruined holiday is to purchase an adequate travel insurance policy.

Author: Jean Andrews
Source: ezinearticles.com

Taking out adequate travel insurance should be the first thing on your list after booking a trip. Having insurance in place in caseanything goes wrong between the time you book your holiday and the actual departure date is important.Why risk unwelcome financial losses on top of the disappointment if you have tocancel your holiday.

When purchasing Annual Multi-trip travel insurance many people try to save money and ‘extend’ thelength of validity of the policyby making the’start date’ the same as their holiday departure date. This is false economy because it means there is no cover in place in the interim period for any unexpected events which may cause cancellation.

Most travel insurance policies cover cancellation of a trip for a variety of reasons, including unexpected illness, accidental injury, or death relating to you, your travel companion, a business associate, relative, or the person with whom you were planning to stay on your trip.

Other unexpected reasons which might occur to cause cancellation include:

Being called for jury service, called as a witness, or for compulsory quarantine

An accident involving your vehicle occurring within seven days prior to the date of your departure – if going on a self-drive holiday

Being posted overseas or unexpected urgent requirements of duty in the case of those in the armed forces, police, fire service, nursing or ambulance service (Note: does not normally extend to being posted abroad due to an act of terrorism, war, or invasion)

Redundancy – if the event happens during the period of insurance which qualifies for payment under the Redundancy Payments Act

Accidental damage to your residence, making it uninhabitable, or if the police should require your presence after a burglary at your home within seven days prior to the departure date of your trip

Pregnancy:Where the birth is expected within 14 weeks of the departure or return date; or where complications of pregnancy occur prior to the 26th week (if no prior history of complications)

For students and backpackers, those on a gap year, etc. some policies include cover if cancellation of a trip becomes necessary because of having to re-sit exams – but only where the date of the policy being issued is prior to all exam dates relating to any need for a re-sit

If you have not taken out travel insurance, or have delayed the start date of the period of cover, an unexpected cancellation may mean that you will be left to bear any financial losses for flights, transfers, rental car, accommodation, organised tours, ticketed events, etc. As you can see from the above, there are all kinds of problems which could arise,affecting you, or someone close to you. With insurance in place your losses should be confined to payment ofany excess due on the policy, which would be minimal compared to the alternative.

Ensure that you obtain all the necessary visas for your trip, as well as inoculations and vaccinations. There have been reports of travellers arriving in the United States and being denied entry because they did not register with ESTA within 72 hours of travel. If you are travelling to the U.S. under the visa-waiver programme it is vitally important to make sure you comply with the new ESTA requirements. Be warned: Travel insurance does not normally coverclaims forfinancial losses due to failure to obtain necessary visas!

Insurance policies can be daunting in their complexity, but it is worthwhile taking the time to read and understand the terms of your policy to avoid any unexpected or unpleasant surprises. If we could be certain of what the future holds there would be no need to purchase insurance at all – for anything.Unfortunately,that is not the case in the real world! Happily, most holidays go ahead as planned – with no serious problems – but why take a chance?

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.

Author: Alan Rivers
Source: ezinearticles.com

You remember when you were under 25 years old; paying your car insurance was the equivalent of more than a month’s wages. The Army would recruit you alright to go and fight for your country, but you were not safe, according to the insurance companies, to drive on the roads. Why should the insurance companies penalise you for being under 25? Isn’t that age discrimination? Old enough to die but too young to drive! Then when you were 30 years old, the house had to be insured, and the mortgage that was buying the house had to be insured.

Even your income that was paying the mortgage had to be insured. Just when you start to congratulate yourself that you have even survived for 65 years, the insurance companies are trying to get their pound of flesh again. Over 65 travel insurance! When will it all end? Well you know the answer to that – and you have even got that insured!

You are just looking forward to having some time for travelling, just you and the wife. The family have all moved on and are now supporting the insurance companies on their own. Now you have time to relax and enjoy the finer things of life. Now you can complete those plans to visit Singapore, Australia, and all the other places on your “things-to-do-before-I-die” list. But now it’s going to cost an arm and a leg just to get insured.

You think back on all the insurance you have paid over the years. You are probably the only guy in the world with 45 years of no claims. No accidents in the car, the house did not fall down, you never missed a monthly payment on the mortgage. Well, OK, there was just the one claim, when the kids decided to sleigh down the stairs on a mattress and took all the banister rails out and the ceiling collapsed. But apart from that, nothing.

Why should the insurance companies penalise you for being over 65? Isn’t that age discrimination? Travel insurance should not be just for the wealthy. After all, It is the holiday that is supposed to be the luxury! You may protest that you are as fit as a fiddle. You can jog five miles and swing the grandchildren around. You have just finished digging your garden and you can still play a good game of chess. That is not going to impress the insurance companies. You are too old to travel and too young to die!

Maybe you could skip the insurance. You have got the best track record in the world for no claims. Just save that money, or perhaps, use it to upgrade the hotel rooms, or get a limo to the airport. But somehow that does not sit right. Maybe it is time for the averages to work out? What if your baggage ends up in Mumbai when you are visiting Kuala Lumpur? It would be just your luck if you fall over and break a leg, or maybe worse. What if you had to sell the house to pay for the medical bills?

Let’s look on the bright side. Most of those premiums you have paid out over the years have been re-distributed to all the people who made claims. It looks like the insurance companies have done a better job of re-distributing your wealth than the government has done through the tax system.

Being over 65 is not the end of the world – it is a new beginning. There must be some affordable over 65 travel insurance out there somewhere. There are so many people looking for travel insurance for over 65s, that there must be a few good rates available with all that competition. Why not book that trip now, take the insurance (make it an annual multi-trip insurance), and cross another item off your ‘to do’ list!

Alan Rivers (who is over 60 – and loving it) has been online since 1998 with Rivers Travel http://www.riverstravel.co.uk If you are a resident of the UK or the European Union, then check here for good value over 65 travel insurance

Author: Paul Stokes
Source: ezinearticles.com

Let’s be honest: Most of us have heard enough about insurance. And when we’re thinking vacation or travel, insurance is probably the last thing on our mind. But should it be? Following is a summary of the five most common travel insurance policies to help you decide if it’s a good investment in the event an unexpected crisis happens while traveling.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance — This policy covers cancellations due to unforeseen situations such as illness or injury, inclement weather, military or jury duty, a death in the family, and bankruptcy of the cruise line, airline or tour company. There is even terrorism insurance which covers costs associated with your trip being canceled due to terrorism warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State. Some companies offer an option that allows you to cancel for any reason whatsoever.

Medical Emergency Insurance — If you or your travel companion has a chronic illness, or if you’re traveling to a foreign country that may not have modern health facilities, travel medical coverage or emergency medical evacuation insurance should be considered. This insurance is designed to reimburse you for any medication, doctor and hospital bills, and costs incurred to evacuate or transport you to your home country or hospital of choice.

Missed Connection Insurance — This policy is designed to cover expenses necessary to get you caught up with a departed cruise or trip due to a canceled or delayed airline flight.

Flight Accident Insurance — This policy is a form of accidental death insurance designed to cover the traveler for one flight.

Personal Property/Lost Luggage Insurance — Your home policy may or may not cover personal items while traveling. Check. If you have to bring an expensive item along, spend a little extra to make sure it’s covered in case it gets lost, misplaced or stolen. It’s usually better to just leave it at home, however.

This represents only a few of the available insurance policies. As with all insurance, check with your travel or insurance agent to fully understand your coverage, as travel insurance policies, options and reimbursement amounts vary greatly. Also, if you’re purchasing an expensive flight, tour or travel package, insurance probably makes more sense. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might consider buying a comprehensive package that provides coverage for multiple trips and offers protection on a wide range of coverage, such as trip cancellation, identify theft protection, lost luggage, theft, concierge services and more.

Paul C. Stokes has more than 15 years article writing and nearly 10 years online marketing experience, including email newsletter marketing. Topics of special interest and experience include email newsletter marketing, sailing, boating, fishing, travel, writing, family, health and fitness, home improvement, wine and technology. Mr. Stokes is the founder of http://www.eNewsletterSolutions.com and http://www.PCScontent.com