Travel Insurance--Access America and Travelex?

The key is read the fine print and make no assumptions about what is covered or not covered. Both companies are about equal.

I just used Access America for my 10 day car rental in Britain in June. Cost $99.00 , I do not have a claim as I sustained no damage to the vehicle but it was worth about $10 per day for peace of mind of no hassles later.
BTW this is the first time in many european car rentals that I opted for coverage. One ding on windshield can be costly, I read customers where charged $350 for windshield replacement. I know it is hiway robbery but European rental agencies seem to take advantage of their customers in USA for which they have their cc number.

Remember that travel insurance covers things that your HMO obviously will not, e.g., trip cancellation, lost luggage, and the biggie--emergency medical transport if you have to be flown back home due to serious illness (very expensive if you don't have insurance covering this.) I have used Access America but have not needed to place a claim. I have, however, placed a claim for trip cancellation with Travel Guard (and with one other company that I cannot remember the name of now,) and was very pleased at how smoothly the process went. We never travel without travel insurance.

We did not purchase travel insurance and wish we had. KLM lost our luggage and we are on day 3 of a 16 day trip without some of our luggage and have already spent more on clothes than we would have on the insurance premium.

As has been mentioned, your HMO will not cover emergency transportation back home. My medical insurance does not cover me out of the US. Last year I filed a claim for medical treatment I received and Access America reimbursed me promptly. My upcoming trip I opted for Travelex, because their coverage was better for that trip. I doubt you can go wrong either way.

Whatever travel insurance you buy, please review the following: +Check to make see if your current health insurance covers you outside the US. Also for medical evacuation. Still consider purchasing for reasons below. +Read the fine print. +Realize cancellation is ONLY for specified reasons usually related to medical reasons for the traveler, companion, or close relative. Although some now allow loss of job; etc. And there are usually restrictions regarding Pre Existing Conditions. Note: The sooner you purchase after making your first trip purchase, the more likely you are to qualify for Pre Existing Waiver (often available only until 14 days after 1st payment). + Total Cancel for Any Reason Coverage is much more expensive. +Trip Interruption helps if you need to return home in the middle of your trip. Often with same restrictions as Cancellation.
+Medical Coverage of at least $25,000 and Medical Evacuation of $25,000 is critical. And better, the travel insurance hot line number will make all the arrangements for you! Hospital, transportation, medical evacuation, translation, etc. Your US insurance will be no help. NOTE: Anyone receiving Medicare does not receive coverage out of the US! Must purchase travel insurance for coverage. To be Continued Bobbie

Continued from above Example: You break your ankle on your trip to Europe's top cities. You are not going to be able to continue your trip. It is all walking! You will not be able to return home via Coach Air. And do you know how much a 1st class ticket costs at the last minute? Travel insurance will cover this upgrade and make the arrangements. And your traveling companions who also purchased insurance may cancel or choose to continue. Please also note strict interpretations of "terrorist" events or political unrest and cancellation. In other words, although there are many exclusions, it is still very worth while to purchase travel insurance. There are other coverages which are helpful but the ones above are the critical topics to review. Bobbie