“I am scheduled for future travel and purchased my insurance policy prior to this volcanic event. If this volcano subsides and then erupts again, causing my future travel plans to be disrupted, will this be considered unforeseen and could coverage apply?”

Answer: Under most of our US products, you would be covered based on your purchase date being prior to April 14, 2010, subject to policy terms and conditions.

*****

“I am scheduled to travel this summer and have not yet purchased a policy. If I purchase a policy today and a future eruption of the Iceland volcano occurs would I be covered?”

Answer:  If the current Iceland Volcano situation subsides and commercial airlines resume normal schedules prior to your trip, any new eruption would be considered a new event under our US policies.  Coverage would be administered according to the product purchased (based on limits and exclusions).

*****

“I have insurance and am scheduled to fly out later this week. What should I do if my flight is cancelled?”

Answer:  The first call you should make is to your air carrier as all airlines have made rebooking passengers impacted by this event a priority.  That said, please contact us for additional assistance, both for flight rebooking and to initiate a claim if applicable.

*****

“What is the coverage cut-off date for the current Iceland volcano event?”

Answer:  Eligible US plans would need to have been purchased before April 14, 2010.

*****

“My relatives are stranded away from home. What can you do to help them?”

Answer: Our 24/7 assistance centers stand ready to help you and your customers. Our services include flight rebooking, hotel rebooking, cash wire transfers, translation services, message relay and more. Our worldwide reach has also helped our insureds avoid spending nights in airports, as we have helped get them accommodated in hotels during their delays.

Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

This is the question most people ask before shopping around for budget travel insurance. Well to be honest it is not always necessary. You do not need travel insurance if you can guarantee that;

-You won’t have an accident

-You won’t get sick on vacation

-You won’t lose anything while you are away

-You won’t have anything stolen

-You and your plane will be perfectly on time

-Your set accommodations will be perfect.

However if you are not ready to make all of these guarantees then you need to start shopping around for a travel insurance plan that meets your needs. Just remember that budget travel insurance will be a lot more affordable then $100,000 medical bill you may have to pay off if you come down with an unexpected medical problem in a foreign country.

Comparison Shopping

When looking for budget travel insurance you should definitely compare and analyze all of your options. The internet is a great tool that you can use to easily and quickly compare different plans, different prices and all the benefits that coincide with them. After paying a few thousand dollars for your plane tickets, accommodations and visits to attractions it may seem easy to fork over a few hundred extra dollars on travel insurance. This is where most travel agents make their big money. The best way to find budget travel insurance is to weigh all your options and find the best deal for you and your family.

Look into the details

Surely your focus may be on saving money when looking for budget travel insurance but you should also ensure you are covered in all cases of emergency. Is it really worth it to save a couple of dollars only to find out that you are not protected in a serious situation? Make sure that you read the small print. This area is usually where all the important details of where you are covered and what you are covered for is described. Some budget travel insurance is well, budget, and for good reason. Some plans will not actually cover you in the case of a medical emergency or may not extend to the certain destination that you are traveling to. In the end, saving money is important but make sure that you do all your research and choose a budget travel insurance plan that will keep your wallet full and your vacation safe.

The Inherent Beauty of Ecuador

Ecuador isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when you are thinking about planning an ideal vacation or a unique getaway. With that said, it really should be. Ecuador is located in the Andes and is full of unique experiences, idyllic attractions and offers intrigue and excitement for all kinds of travelers. You can trek through the Amazon, lay back on pristine beaches and climb your way to the top of volcanoes. While there is no end to the places you can visit in Ecuador, you would regret not visiting the historic and world famous Galapagos Islands. Here are some of the best places to visit and a few reasons why you should put Ecuador on your list of possible vacation destinations.

Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is full of culture and majestic architecture. It is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America and is covered in awe-inspiring white houses with red roofs. If you are used to living in a large city you will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of lights, bustle and concrete design in Quito.

The climate in the area is considered to be eternally spring as it is surrounded by snow covered mountains, yet warm enough to enjoy the beaches. Quito is referred to as the gateway to the Amazon and is full of lively outdoor cafes and entertainment. There are economic problems in the area, so be sure to keep your cash hidden and be weary of pick pockets.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands can be found approximately 600 miles off of the mainland of Ecuador and are home to some of the most mystifying creatures and inherent natural beauty. There are 13 different islands that you can tour and there will be no shortage of experiences and wildlife that you will come across. The best way to get there is via boat and you will have to purchase an affordable entry permit, but it will be well worth it.

Volcano Avenue

Just south of Quito you can find the infamous volcanoes that run down the side of the valley. The mountain sides are covered in dormant volcanoes that provide a uniquely beautiful backdrop. There are a number of old fashioned villages dotted throughout the area that really give it a classic, old fashioned feel.

San Lorenzo Railway

If it is adventure and a unique experience that you are after, then grab a ride on the San Lorenzo Railway. It is more than just a train ride as you will be taken through some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery in the world. The truly unique part is that the train is not necessarily a train. It is an old fashioned bus that has been converted into being able to ride the tracks.
Ecuador can best be described as an exotic location, full of unique experiences, that is off the beaten path. The entire country is full of attractions and beauty. The next time you are planning a vacation getaway, it is in your best interest to look into Ecuador and consider the memories that you can create there.

For more information on a vacation to Ecuador and facts you need to know, please visit http://www.fodors.com/community/south-america/ecuador-and-galapagos.cfm

A Sunset you will Never Forget

There has been a lot said about Fiji and the surrounding islands in the last few years, and to be honest, not much of it has been positive. There has been economic turmoil and political instability, along with some severe weather conditions. However, whether you are an adventure seeker or looking for that perfect romantic getaway, Fiji can be the perfect cheap holiday. A lot of the issues have been resolved or were blown out of proportion and you can take advantage of this. There are an abundance of cheap vacation spots in Fiji and it is easy to barter and negotiate for lower prices when it comes to renting villas, booking flights and engaging in daily tours. At present, the islands of Fiji provide the ultimate mix of relaxation, romance and adventure at an affordable price.

Let’s take a look at what your typical cheap holiday in Fiji may look like. For starters, if you have traveled before then you know just how costly resorts and hotels can be. You are looking at easily paying upwards of a couple of hundred dollars per night. If you do your research and look around, especially on websites like www.vrbo.com, you can find a number of villas for rent that will allow you to create the perfect self catered holiday, at a very impressive discounted rate. The longer you stay, the better price you will receive. You may notice that some villas hover around the $900 USD a week mark, but if you inquire about a month stay, the owners will usually give you a considerable discount of sometimes even up to half price. This is why so many people are leaning towards self catered vacations for the perfect cheap holiday in Fiji.

Fiji offers some of the most dazzling and memorable attractions in the world, and you can tour the islands easily and get from place to place quite quickly, especially if you hire a car service or rent a vehicle of your own. You can start out visiting the Naihehe Caves which offer an excellent look into the culture and history of the Fijian people, and then end up on one of the world’s best beaches. Natadola Beach has everything a beach lover could want from shaded trees to endless white sand and even the opportunity to ride a horse along the water.

After that you can make the short trek to Nadi and visit the temples and historic religious sites and simply enjoy the majestic architecture and flavor of Fiji in all its glory. From there it is just a hop, skip and a jump to Suva which is one of the most festive areas of the island. You can enjoy a cheap night out on the town and visit the colorful flea markets around town. It is the perfect place to stock up on souvenirs from your cheap holiday to Fiji.

This is just a small glimpse of some of the things you can enjoy in Fiji while stretching your dollar as far as possible. You also do not want to miss out on Taveuni Island where you can find one of the top natural trails in the world, the Lavena Coastal Walk and the spectacular Tavoro waterfalls.  Possibly the best part about a trip to Fiji is that there are all these options when it comes to entertainment, but you are not forced into any of it. You can simply kick back in your villa, relax in the sun and sip a cocktail if that is what you are into. Fiji is a one place fits all destination and an affordable opportunity that you do not want to let slip away.

For more information on the wonderful activities and opportunities available in Fiji, feel free to visit

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji

Awe Inspiring Beaches and Better Sunsets

It seems that with everyone so focused on low budget travel, that often times some of the most classically romantic destinations are all but forgotten. More and more people are planning trips and hopping on board planes to the Caribbean or South America as they try to stretch their American dollar as far as they can. The truth is, these people are really missing out on a unique experience. There are a lot of destinations that are off the beaten path and if you plan your trip right, can be just as affordable as that cookie cutter all inclusive vacation that so many people opt for out of convenience.

One such place is the awe inspiring island destination Santorini, Greece. If it is beauty, relaxation and culture that you are after, Santorini simply has to be at the top of your list. There are very few places in the world that can match what this lesser known island brings to the table and it is guaranteed to give you a vacation that you will never forget. From the endless white, red and black sandy beeches to the smell of fresh olive oil wafting through the air, this is one place in the world that you simply will not tire of.

Chances are if you have traveled to any popular destination that you have come across those monstrous, overdone resorts and brand name hotels that have taken over. This is where Santorini begins to separate itself from the rest of the pack. Instead of these shapeless monstrosities you will find elegant bed and breakfasts hanging off the edges of cliffs that offer you a view of the sunset that will make you feel like you are in a famous Monet painting.  You will be able to find a number of accommodations that make you feel at home, immersed in the culture yet as if you are in a world of your own all at the same time. Sipping wine and dining on classic Greek food while the sun sets behind you is what memories are built on and will remind you why you inherited such a love for travel in the first place.

Santorini, Greece is the perfect place to get swept away, or carried away, no matter how much time off work you have or how low budget you want to keep your vacation. You can find affordable B and B’s packed tightly in the middle of town or dine out every night at an expensive, yet exquisite Mediterranean restaurant.  In Santorini, the choice is yours. Romance is abundant, culture is everywhere and the flavors are endless. Whisk your lover away for an unexpected weekend straight out of a romance movie or simply take the opportunity to get away and do something you haven’t done before. Save your pennies, haggle on prices and do whatever it takes to get there, it is a decision that you will not regret.

For more information on Santorini, Greece and what you can do there, feel free to visit;

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189433-Activities-Santorini_Cyclades.html

1. www.lastminutespider.com/flights.htm
2. www.smartertravel.com/airfare/search/
3. www.cheaptickets.com

Airline sites are another great way to find extremely cheap last minute flight deals. I found Southwest and American Airlines to have the best deals when I am searching  last minute.

If you are planning to fly on one of the more popular days of the year and possibly to one of the most traveled to destinations in the world, then you will want to make sure you book your trip days in advance. Popular flights that are always packed with people tend to increase in price the closer you get to the trip date. Airlines know this so they will increase the price as a type of penalty for waiting to book your flight. They know they will fill the seat regardless of who pays, so charging more money for it is just more money in their pocket.

Sometimes there are occasions when waiting until the last day can work to your advantage. If you are a spur of the moment type person, that likes to travel on a whim and do not really care about what day you leave, then booking a last minute flight may be the best way for you to to take a budget flight. Flights that are hardly ever packed or are to a less than popular destinations will cause the airlines to drop their rates the closer it gets to the flight date in hopes of filling every seat.

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There are few different types of options when international travel insurance. You can choose from a list of available options or you can invest in a plan that incorporates coverage for every possible mishap that you may run into when traveling. Essentially there are four types including;

1. Emergency Medical or Health Insurance – Provides coverage for medical treatment if a sickness or injury occurs while traveling.
2. Trip Cancellation & Interruption – Insurance in case of cancellation of your trip. Recover prepaid trip cost for the following covered reasons. Sickness, bankruptcy, traffic accident en route, employment termination, felony, terrorist incident, weather, strike, jury duty or military duty.
3. Lost Baggage Insurance – Safeguard personal articles and expenses if bags are lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed for 12 hours or more.
4. Flight Accident Coverage – Insurance that deals with instances of accidents on your flight

When debating which coverage is important for your or your family you should always plan ahead and remember that you can never be too careful. Although it may seem like the right decision to opt out of international travel insurance at the time, saving a few dollars is not worth the risk. For a relatively low cost you can protect yourself, your partner and your family from all sorts of unforeseen problems and mishaps. You can purchase a plan that covers you in severe cases or an all-inclusive plan that covers everything from delayed baggage to missing your flight. The risk you incur when you don’t invest in travel insurance is not worth the relatively low cost.

Just as with all other types of insurance, international travel insurance works by incorporating all possible risks that you and your family may be facing. While the insurance company will consider all risks and options, it is up to you to decipher which protection you need and what you can afford. For example, if you are older and have some current health issues or are traveling with your family then it is best to invest in a plan with full and complete coverage. On the other hand if you are traveling alone and are young and healthy then you may consider opting out of full coverage protection.

Does this mean that you should forego choosing travel insurance protection altogether? Absolutely not. There is still a chance that your plane may be delayed or your baggage could get lost. Is it really worth investing all your hard earned money in the perfect trip only to have things go by the wayside because you wanted to save a few dollars? You have heard those travel horror stories. Don’t become one of the statistics. Protect your trip just the way you would protect a new car or your home.

Can you imagine saving up for and planning a trip for months only to have it cancelled at the last minute? As horrifying as a scenario as this is, it is something that does happen on occasion. The last thing you want is to lose all your hard earned cash because you passed on the protection offered by travel insurance. Sure it may seem like an extra expense when you purchase your trip, but it will prove to be extremely helpful in the long run.

Picture this, you have worked overtime for months, saving and pinching pennies so that you can give yourself or your family that perfect vacation. Yet, you neglected to accept travel insurance because you wanted to cut the cost of a few dollars of the price of your trip. Well what if your plane gets cancelled, your schedule changes and you miss or flight or, knock on wood, you get sick while traveling abroad? Is leaving yourself completely unprotected in all of these scenarios really worth saving a few extra dollars by foregoing travel insurance? You have invested inordinate amounts of time and money into the trip already; there is no need to start cutting corners when it comes to travel insurance.

 If you are taking a road trip three hours from your home town to see a fireworks show, then you can probably get away without travel insurance. However if you are planning a getaway style vacation to a different country or even an expensive paradise in your own country, travel insurance can save you money, stress and hassle in a number of invaluable ways. How can you put a price on the safety and protection of your money and also your family?

The benefits that coincide with an investment in travel insurance are infinite. You can cover yourself in emergencies, cases of lost luggage, sickness and even sudden evacuation from a country. Not everywhere that you are willing to travel can be deemed a safe and healthy atmosphere. Would you consider riding a motorcycle without a helmet? Or would you be willing to feed your children unhealthy food just because it came at a low cost? Probably not. Then why would you neglect the benefits offered by travel insurance? When you compare the staggering benefits of travel insurance to the relatively low cost you really have nothing to lose.  Take the opportunity to protect your time, your money, your health and your family all in one convenient offer.

Medical complications during pregnancy are a possibility. While most instances are less severe, the need for urgent care can become a reality and a great necessity for some women. In order to best prepare for such a potential medical need during a trip, you should be sure that the right type of care will be available to you if so needed. This will prevent unwanted health risks, ensuring both the protection of your baby’s health as well as your own and providing you with the peace of mind to enjoy your trip knowing that you will be taken care of.  Although pregnancy and child birth are generally excluded in most travel insurance plans, pregnant women who are traveling can be assured of receiving medical care from complications from pregnancy through purchasing travel insurance.

Travel insurance includes health insurance coverage that will protect you when you are away from home on a trip. This type of insurance coverage will allow you to obtain sufficient health care no matter where you are in the world and is recognized by most hospitals and health care providers. This extra level of protection is a welcome security blanket for expectant mothers as they can feel more comfortable knowing that if anything does go wrong, they and their baby will be well cared for. Some of these policies have provisions for what is known as “medical evacuation,” which means that you will be taken to the nearest facility that will provide the type of care specified by your travel insurance plan. This is extremely helpful as some countries do not offer the same base standard of care as is available in the U.S., such as those pertaining to hygiene, re-using needles, etc.

Women who are pregnant and are looking for travel insurance should keep in mind a few key points. First, most companies providing this type of coverage may not provide a policy to a woman who is in her 28th week of pregnancy. This is because the possibility of complications becomes more likely in later stages of pregnancy. You can obtain the most comprehensive and least expensive travel insurance plan when in the earliest stages of your pregnancy. In addition, if there are any known existing complications, these complications will be excluded from the travel insurance coverage. Finally,  going into labor while traveling is excluded from coverage, so it is best to check with your doctor and insurance provider to secure these details before you take your trip.

Travel insurance for women who are pregnant can provide a great way for women to obtain a great level of health care should the need for it arises.