The Fine Print
You won't be surprised to learn that--like all insurance--travel insurance policies have a healthy amount of "fine print." That's why you should review your policy carefully and make sure you understand all of its terms and conditions prior to purchasing it.
Pay close attention to any "exclusions" described in the policy. You will not be covered if any of these circumstances or conditions occur. Typical exclusions include, but are not limited to:
- certain pre-existing medical conditions
- participation in high-risk activities, such as skydiving or hang-gliding
- a travel provider going out of business
- natural disasters, war, or terrorist events
Also be sure to note the Effective Date and the Termination Date of your policy. This is especially important if you purchase an annual policy, since these dates will be related to the calendar year--not the dates of a specific trip.
Another thing that may affect your coverage is your state of residence. Some states may provide health insurance or other benefits that may duplicate the coverage in a travel insurance policy. Be sure to verify any existing coverage that you have prior to purchasing a new policy.
