The Importance of Travel Insurance C
hildren and their parents often believe that youth means there won’t be problems that require insurance. Even if there is a problem, the youth traveler will probably be covered by the insurance of a family member. This thought process generally, but not always, relates to medical problems – and many people think medical problems occur only as one ages, not with young adults.
Listed below are a few examples of claims paid during the past two years to youth who were lucky enough to have purchased travel insurance: Tonsillitis Grandfather passed away Broken left hand Mental health (hospitalized) Mononucleosis Severe separation anxiety (hospitalized) Dislocated knee Fall - minor brain injury, severe mouth trauma
$5,300 11,600 6,100 6,800 8,200 5,900 7,300 5,500
Organizers of student & youth travel can provide examples where tour members experienced a problem, but had not purchased travel insurance. They thought they were covered under the insurance plan of a family member. Only after realizing the need for insurance did the student and his family find there was no coverage because the child was not living at home, was traveling out of the geographic range covered by the family insurance plan or for another reason spelled out in the family policy. It is most important to not assume there is medical coverage for the traveling participant. Reputable travel insurance policies cover medical care while travelling and should purchased as a component of any extended motorcoach trip.
Trip Cancellation Benefit Even if there is medical insurance coverage, there are other problems that result in financial cost to the youth traveler and his family. After the trip has been paid in full, the child may have to cancel for a reason that is not covered by medical insurance but is covered by something called the Travel Insurance Trip Cancellation benefit. Without travel insurance, the child could lose part or all of the amount paid for the trip. If the child has started the trip and then must cancel, he loses whatever has been invested in the balance of the trip and must pay to return home – generally a lot of money because the travel arrangements are made at the last minute. An example of this type of trip interruption is the $11,600 payment listed above where the grandfather passed away and the child had to immediately return home. There are low cost insurance policies available for student and youth groups with easy online enrollment and low cost premiums that are simply added to the cost of the trip, like an included meal meal. Protect your student traveler’s investment by offering group travel insurance.
OCTOBER 2011
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