I recommend Travel Guard's suite of products. In most cases their Gold policy is adequate however the increased coverage in the platinum policy should be considered in certain circumstances.

I'm often asked why buy travel insurance. Most people think of it in terms of covering lost luggage or recovering the cost of a trip that has to be cancelled. Yes it does cover that but a good travel policy offers much, much more.

I think more important then the cancellation/trip interruption benefits are the medical benefits. You are traveling out of the country. Does your primary medical insurance provide coverage and what exactly does it cover? Travel Guard's Gold and Platinum policies cover medical situations and they act as primary insurance meaning you don't have to submit claims to your personal insurance first. In the years I've traveled I've seen many a person hurt on vacation. Broken arms, legs and worse. Some times they have to be left behind when the ship sails. Believe me you want good insurance coverage if this happens.

You also don't want to pick up the tab if for some reason you have to be airlifted off a cruise ship. I've seen this happen quite a few times. Good travel insurance covers these unexpected costs.

The other benefit that good travel insurance provides is around the clock emergency assistance. If something happens and you have to shorten your trip, who's going to book your return flights, contact relatives, help obtain cash advances or replace lost or stolen travel documents. These are all services that a good travel policy provides and they are available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

We all hate to spend the additional money for travel insurance but believe me when you need it you will be glad you did.

Here's a summary of insurance coverage:

Trip cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Interruption Return Air
Trip Delay
Missed connections
Baggage loss and delay
Medical expenses
Emergency Evacuation
Repatriation of remains
AD&D


Coverage amounts vary by type of policy.

Travel Assistance Services

7X24 Live Travel assistance - Help with emergency or last minute travel changes like rebooking flights, hotels or other transportation.

Emergency medical assistance - Locate English speaking medical specialists or facilities anywhere in the world

Email or phone relay - To family, friends and business associates.

Emergency cash transfers - Help obtain cash advances in local or US currency for medical or other emergencies.

Assist with replacing lost documents - Such as tickets, passports or Visa's.

Bag Tracking - Assist in locating lost luggage

Telephone language interpretation - For medical or other emergencies

Concierge Services

Last Tip - Some Final Thoughts