Travel and Supplementary Medical Insurance

We were suspicious the first time we were offered the option to purchase travel insurance. Perhaps it was a gimmick to add to the company bottom line. After all, we had traveled extensively without travel insurance and somehow survived.

Then we began to realize two things: (1) our trip represented more than a casual investment; and (2) we could lose all or most of this money if for some reason we needed to cancel the trip. Times had changed. For economic reasons, full and even partial refunds of pre-purchased travel-related services were no longer the norm.

So we began to research travel insurance. To our surprise, we found it to be a very economical way to protect our investment. It also covered other items including lost or damaged baggage, overnight stays as a result of trip delays exceeding a certain number of hours, emergency medical expenses and evacuation to more appropriate medical facilities if needed, and even financial default (heaven forbid!) of the tour operators.

Now when we travel on trips involving more than a small amount of up-front investment, we purchase travel insurance and enjoy our journey with peace of mind. We have also learned that travel insurance is good business ... customers who have it are less likely to be upset if cancellation or trip interruption becomes necessary, or if out-of-country medical assistance is needed.

You'll find three well-known travel insurance options listed here. Others also exist - for instance check www.insuremytrip.com (please contact us before taking any action on this). It is important to check the amount of your fee that becomes non-refundable as the sailing date approaches. In the unlikely event that you would have to cancel and miss this wonderful seminar and cruise experience, you will be secure in knowing that the bulk of your investment is protected.