I’ve been meaning to pen a quick note on the business of insuring one’s trip adequately. As is the way, insurers package their offers in many different ways, some of which suit the kind of trips we put together, some that don’t.
Further, when they do suit, it’s often confusing as to what is and isn’t covered, which is why we are in the process of using an insurance broker to formulate personalised policies for those clients that require it – more of which later. In the meantime, here follows the advice we tend to give our clients when asked.
Things have got a lot better in recent years, but it’s essential that you check that you are insured for trip cancellation, medical repatriation and force majeure. Unfortunately, while some insurers, in certain circumstances, will cover the first and the second of these, many steer clear of force majeure, arguing that natural or extraordinary disasters are beyond their remit. As said, things are improving, but do read that small print.
Also, apologies for stating the obvious, but do check that you are covered for lost or stolen baggage, and for any delays due to either service provider problems or because you’ve missed your flight. It’s rare that an insurer doesn’t cover the first, but it’s worth comparing offers, especially vis-a-vis excess costs. Please note, if travelling form the US, you will have needed to obtained insurance within 21 days of paying your deposit with Journeys by Design.
When asked, we usually refer our US clients to Travel Guard, normally and in our experience excellent – and will continue to do so until we’ve finalised our personalised policy offer. Finally, UK clients are issued standard ATOL insurance certificates, which cover loss of money and repatriation should something adverse happen to the trip provider whilst a client is away.