Common Travel Insurance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Travel insurance is often seen as an unnecessary expense, but for many travelers, it can be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, the Strickers’ experience highlights how easily things can go wrong if you don’t understand your policy. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about four critical mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.
Mistake No. 1: Not Reading or Understanding the Policy
The Strickers began planning their Globus tour of Croatia nearly a year in advance and purchased a comprehensive travel insurance policy from Tin Leg. The Gold plan cost $1,024 and included a 14-day lookover period. During this time, customers are encouraged to review the policy thoroughly. However, the couple didn’t take advantage of this period and instead assumed they were fully protected.
Their assumption was partially correct—the policy offered up to $500,000 in medical and evacuation coverage. But when Linda was injured on the first day of their trip, they quickly realized they had missed key details. Without understanding what was covered and what wasn’t, they were unprepared for the challenges ahead.
Mistake No. 2: Not Calling Tin Leg for Guidance
After Linda collapsed during their flight to Zagreb, the couple rushed her to an emergency care facility. The doctor prescribed muscle relaxants and recommended bed rest. Instead of contacting Tin Leg for assistance, they decided Linda should fly home to see their regular doctor. This decision led to complications, as they weren’t aware of the 24-hour helpline or the benefits available through the policy.
Tin Leg’s agents can help with flight arrangements and even provide medical escorts if necessary. By not involving the company early on, the Strickers missed out on crucial support and ended up paying more for their return trip.
Mistake No. 3: Not Asking for Covered Expenses or Benefits
Another major mistake was not seeking the covered expenses outlined in the policy. The Strickers assumed their travel insurance would cover everything, including medical evaluations after they returned home and reimbursement for missed tours. However, travel insurance typically covers medical treatment only during the trip, not after the traveler returns home.
They also requested reimbursement for gratuities, which are never covered by travel insurance. These misunderstandings led to a complete denial of their claim.
Mistake No. 4: Asking for Things the Policy Doesn’t Cover
The final blow came when the couple submitted a claim for the missed Croatian tour. They were denied because the policy required a doctor’s note stating that Linda couldn’t continue the trip. The doctor in Croatia had recommended bed rest, but he didn’t explicitly say she shouldn’t travel. Without this documentation, the claim was rejected.
This detail was clearly outlined in the policy, but the couple hadn’t read it. Had they understood the requirements, they might have sought the necessary medical clearance before deciding to return home.
The Good News
Despite the initial denial, the Strickers’ story has a positive ending. After reviewing the case, Squaremouth (the parent company of Tin Leg) and the underwriter, Starr Indemnity Insurance Company, agreed that the doctor’s recommendation implied Linda shouldn’t continue the trip. As a result, the claim was reevaluated and approved for the full $2,999 reimbursement.
This outcome shows that not all travel insurance mistakes are irreversible. If you encounter issues with your provider, there are steps you can take:
- File a formal appealwith the insurance company.
- Contact your state’s insurance regulatorfor assistance.
- Seek help from independent organizations or experts.
Key Takeaways
Travel insurance is only effective if you understand it. Before purchasing a policy, make sure you know:
- What is covered (named perils)
- What isn’t covered (exclusions)
- Coverage limits (monetary)
- Under what circumstances you’re covered
- The steps needed to file a successful claim
If you face problems with your travel insurance, don’t give up. There are options available to help you resolve disputes. Always review your policy carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. A little preparation can save you from costly mistakes.
