Travel insurance

It is still this time of year when the sun smiles on us, school ends and the growing world of travel is only a flight away.

Then you do your research on vacation options. You book a flight. You book a hotel room. Finally, call an insurance agent to get an appropriate travel policy.

"Ah," you think. "I'm covered from all angles."

Not so fast, sir or madam!

While others like you may see the insurance they purchased as a ticket for peace of mind, this is not always the case.

All of the loss scenarios you can imagine will occur will not be covered.

This article discusses the problems that can arise from poor planning or adequate information about insurance problems.

Some cases where travel insurance does not cover losses

1. If you think you are smart when you buy travel insurance when you hear the radio alerting you to a future storm, think again. A travel policy will not cover the cancellation of your trip after the published storm information.

2. If you imagine travel insurance will compensate for common problems, stop dreaming. Your insurance will not compensate you for the common inconveniences or lack of pleasure.

3. Do not plan to cover losses that you cannot prove. You must present a sales receipt so that your loss can be corroborated.

4. Remember that your insurance policy is unlikely to cover incidents that occur while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. Involve your doctor before starting your trip or you may not receive medical coverage under your travel insurance. If you cannot prove that you were in good health before subscribing to the plan, you may have coverage problems if you need medical care while on vacation.

6. Don't assume that all of the activities you participate in are covered by your travel plan. If you injure yourself by participating in something that the insurance company considers unsafe, you may not see a refund. Check your policy to determine which activities your insurer understands and which are considered unsafe.

As with any form of compensation, travel insurance has limits and deductibles, as well as exclusions. You owe it to yourself and your vacation to do the proper research before the game. Speaking with an experienced independent agent will help you decide which policy is best for you and how to avoid being denied a related claim.