Hi everyone!
We are getting ready to book flights for our RS BOE 14 trip next spring. Since I usually get the cheapest fares and travel on my own, I'm unfamiliar with travel insurance, where to purchase it, what it covers, and about the wisdom in paying for refundable flights rather than transferable ones which are a bit less expensive. I definitely don't want to lose money in case of unforeseen events.
Thanks for any tips or suggestions! The responses I received with my last question were so kind and helpful. Cheers!
Posted by
Chicago
8181 posts
All of the airlines will offer you a travel insurance option when you book the flight. The standard insurance usually covers the biggest expense: medical evacuation (up to $50k). It is your responsibility to read the fine print everything it covers.
Refundable tickets that you can cancel and change for free are always the most expensive.
Non refundable tickets are the least expensive; usually there is a $200 fee if you change your flight or you get a voucher if you cancel your flight.
But if the airline changes are cancels your original flight they have to give you your money back if you don't accept their changes.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14825 posts
To me the biggest reason to get travel insurance is to cover the cost of the tour if you need to cancel. However....Rick's company is one of the best in working with people to reschedule in some way in case something happens.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Step #1: Find out what coverage you already have. Find out what your medical coverage is overseas and what coverage (if any) is included with your credit cards. You may be surprised by what you already have.
Step #2: Decide which expenses you need to cover from your trip and what additional coverages you may want to have.
For example: If I purchased my airfare with airline mileage points, then I don't worry about insuring it. If I had paid for a non-refundable, non-changable fare, I would be more likely to cover this. Only cover non-refundable expenses that you can't afford to lose the money on.
Step #3: Choose a provider. Many on the forum suggest going to sites such as "Insure My Trip" or " Squaremouth" to compare. We have heard of positive results in claims being paid for both Travel Guard and Allianz on the forum this summer. The claims process has not always been smooth, but claim have been paid. There are other companies as well that are often recommended by forum members.
Step #4: Know what you are buying. Read through what is covered and what is not. Pay attention on how to file a claim and what sort of documentation would be required.
Finally, put this process behind you and get ready to enjoy your trip!!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2066 posts
As Carol says, it is best to insure the value of the non-refundable portion of your trip. If that only applies to airfares, and they add up to $2,500, then just insure your trip for $ 2,500. If you additionally have $500 of non-refundable accommodations then insure your trip
for $3,000. The cost of the policy is based partly on the amount you’re insuring and your age. The greatest financial risk of not buying any insurance is if you have an accident or a medical issue requiring immediate emergency care in Europe and then being forced to buy an earlier airfare to fly home at a steep cost. (Generali Travel Insurance which I buy has coverage for this in all the policies they offer.) While it’s not a likely event, I nevertheless have family members who had this happen to them while in Europe. In some cases, passengers with medical issues can be required to buy a first-class return ticket at the last minute. Be sure the policy covers this along with medical evacuation, and— heaven forbid—repatriation, as these are the potential deep costs that really can put you at financial risk for years after your trip if you don’t have coverage.
Posted by
Wisconsin
15 posts
I am currently on (or rather, was on) a BOE14 trip. My husband tested positive and we had to leave the tour on day 5. We are among at least 8 that have left the tour due to COVID. Travel insurance is absolutely necessary- but what has been more priceless than gold for us is the TravelGuard 24/7 assistance line provided by Rick Steves to all tour members. Italy is quite strict and we are now on a mandatory 7-21 day quarantine. Our travel insurance (got a policy on SquareMouth) will hopefully pay our claim. But figuring out what to do when COVID strikes was much more challenging than we thought. Thank goodness for the assistance. But, I just want to point out that even though your unused tour payment may be refunded, all of your extra costs to rebook flights and arrange/pay for extra lodging and food and what not will be on your own. Highly recommend insurance.