As someone who often finds themselves traveling regularly, I’ve seen firsthand the uncertainties that come with travel. I finally did the damn thing and bought myself the gift of peace of mind: an annual travel insurance plan. Here’s how I chose the right one for my family:
1. Recognizing the Need for Frequent Travel Insurance
If you cover more than two trips a year, the annual plan is almost always cheaper than covering individual trips. It also took one more decision out of the equation with each trip I plan, knowing that I’m already covered.
2. Tailoring the Coverage to My Needs
One of the most crucial aspects of choosing travel insurance is ensuring that the coverage aligns with your specific needs. In my case, I opted for a policy that focuses less on high cancellation coverage – as trip cancellation isn’t a significant concern for me – and more on aspects that matter most:
- Hotel Coverage for Flight Delays:
Given the unpredictability of flights, having a policy that covers hotel stays in case of delays is a lifesaver because I just find it infuriating to have to pay for a hotel when it’s the airline’s fault that I’m stuck. - Rental Car Coverage:
As someone who often rents cars while traveling, having this included in my policy offers both convenience and protection against potential damages or accidents. It again is one less decision to make while at the rental car office and eliminates the upsell conversation with the office. - Reimbursement for Lost or Delayed Baggage:
This is crucial, especially when traveling with kids. The policy ensures that if our bags are lost or delayed, we can purchase necessary clothes and essentials without worrying about the extra expense. - Emergency Medical Expenses:
This is perhaps the most important aspect for me, especially when traveling with children. Knowing that medical emergencies will be covered gives me so much peace of mind. (Just this week while traveling for Christmas, my cousin broke her foot and her insurance wouldn’t cover an x-ray, so she had to drive home before getting treatment. So infuriating! A travel policy would have helped her out!!)
3. The Cost Breakdown
After comparing various options, I settled on a plan that costs $485 annually for coverage for myself and my two children through Allianz. All in all, this felt pretty cheap for a year of freedom and peace of mind. Knowing that my children and I are covered for a multitude of potential travel mishaps allows us to enjoy our travels more fully.
For anyone who travels frequently, especially with family, I highly recommend considering an annual travel insurance plan. Tailor it to your specific needs and travel patterns, and you’ll find that it not only saves money but also provides a safety net that makes traveling a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Send me a message and I’d be glad to help you find the right plan for your family! Travel safely!!
