Given the apparent increased uncertainty in travel these days due to illness, natural disasters, or other risks, more people today are turning to travel insurance, sometimes called trip insurance.
Typical costs:
Travel insurance that covers the cost of your trip can cost 4-8% of the value of your trip, and typically covers medical expenses, as well. Insurance can cost at the higher end of this range if you want the option to "Cancel for Any Reason." Your travel agent and various online insurers such as Insure My Trip[1] . Be aware that if you do not get coverage to cancel a trip for any reason, not all events will be covered, and even if you do get such coverage, you may only be reimbursed 75% of your costs.
Travel medical insurance (that may cover a few other events, such as lost luggage) is usually priced by the duration and extent of coverage. An 8 day trip may cost only $30-$50; a one-year round the globe coverage could cost $300-$800.
Most plans cover emergency medical or dental coverage, emergency medical transportations, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays and missed connections.
Higher end medical travel insurers have lists of English-speaking doctors available in most countries.
Additional costs:
Cancel for any reason coverage may cost extra.
Discounts:
Shop around for the right plan for you; you may see higher-priced plans that cover things you don't need. For example, if you are traveling within the United States and already have medical insurance, you may not need a strong medical supplement.
Shopping for travel insurance:
For overall travel insurance, InsureMyTrip.com[2] and QuoteWright[3] provides travel insurance quotes online.
For travel medical insurance, Worldwide Medical.com[4] and InsureMyTrip both offer travel medical insurance quotes online.
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