Travel Insurance

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Travel+insurance&utf8=%E2%9C%93

This is a weekly topic here, and there are so many variables between folks. Hopefully the above Search will yield helpful info. Check in particularly the above post from 9/3/2024. safe travels!

I think it depends on how often you fly. If you only take one or maybe two trips a year, it’s probably cheaper to buy the insurance policy separate. But if you travel a lot or are gone for a long period of time, it might be better to get an annual policy.

Really, only you can determine that by your habits and by checking the cost for various companies.

Does an annual policy offer cancellation protection for expensive tours like RS tours? How does that work? Do you have to list the cost of tours you will do in that year?

"Does an annual policy offer cancellation protection for expensive tours like RS tours? How does that work? Do you have to list the cost of tours you will do in that year?"

They work exactly the same way as single trip insurance, except that it's a full year rather than a short period. People's travel arrangements vary in cost - class of travel, number of flights etc. The only time the insurer will ask is if you make a claim.

I have an annual policy covering the whole family. I would make about 15 trips a year so it's great value. Period of cover per trip varies - mine is up to 90 days per trip.

Does an annual policy offer cancellation protection for expensive tours like RS tours?

The policy would have an annual limit for trip cancellation coverage, if offered. Some policies will allow you to pay additional premium up front for a greater amount of coverage.

Sasha,

Some annual policies cover tour costs, some do not. I've had RoamRight annual with tour costs covered, but never had a claim.

With RoamRight, when purchasing you select the dollar amount you want covered. There are four options. I chose the $5000 option. Each trip would be covered up to $5000. until used (included evac and medical have different higher limits). My thoughts were if I had used that amount, I could then buy another policy (from different company) to insure future trips during the remainder of the year.

Note this is a rough description.....check details on your own.

Depending upon the type of trip I am taking, I determine the type of insurance I need. If I am traveling on my own with cancellable hotels and airfare purchased with frequent flyer miles, then I only purchase medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance, and an annual plan provides for that. I do go ahead and purchase the reasonably priced Allianz coverage that is offered when I make an airline purchase using my AA frequent flyer points. If I am taking a RS tour which is pre-paid, then I purchase another insurance policy that will specifically cover the costs of that trip.