Resolution 1: Make sure you qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage. The biggest “gotcha” is the exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Many plans offer a “waiver of pre-existing conditions” provided you buy the insurance early, within the required time period – usually 10 to 30 days depending on the plan following your first trip payment date. We recommend shopping for coverage within 10 days of your first trip payment in order to have the most options.
Resolution 2: shop around for travel insurance. There can be over a 300% difference in price between reputable plans for the same trip. Buy the one that is right for you at the right price.
Resolution 3: Remember the ABC’s of travel insurance;
Always shop around for insurance. Find the plan that is right for you.
Be aware of policy limitations and exclusions. Travel Insurance plans have limitation and exclusions – make sure you understand them.
Coverage for most travel insurance plans is “named peril”. It is call “named peril” because it only covers those perils and hazards specifically listed in the policy. So make sure the risk you need covered is listed. Some plans offer “cancel for any reason” as an augmentation to the trip cancellation coverage however, unless you have a special need that isn’t covered by the basic trip cancellation perils than you should avoid this option.
Resolution 4: Read and understand the plan before you buy it. Ask a knowledgeable source If you have a question. Best place to ask is with a travel insurance professional at a comparison web site.
Resolution 5: Be aware of plans that seem too good to be true – because they probably are. Plans are priced according to insurance company experience and expenses. When you see a plan that is priced substantially less than other plans and it appears to have the same coverage than something is probably wrong.
Resolution 6: Be aware of “opt-out” travel insurance offerings through airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, or travel agents when buying any type of travel that contains airfare. The Federal Department of Transportation, beginning on January 24, 2012, will no longer allows airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, or travel agents to follow that questionable marketing practice which they believe to be “unfair and deceptive”.