Travel insurance: trip interruption and delay
Going on vacation is fun. Packing your bags and getting away for a few days is something to look forward to. Visiting exotic places around the world is always an adventure. While you're making a list of all the items you need to bring on vacation – and checking it twice – be sure to include trip interruption insurance and trip delay travel insurance because you'll need them while away from home.
Could you imagine arriving at the airport for your connecting flight only to find out that you have to turn around and go home? Could you imagine getting to the airport, being ready to jet off on your next vacation only to have your flight delayed? That could completely ruin a trip and add extra costs in the form of hotel rooms and meals that you may not be able to afford. I think we can all agree that it would be a huge disappointment. That's where trip interruption and trip delay travel insurance can help keep you protected.
How does trip interruption insurance help travellers?
Trip interruption insurance covers the costs of expenses if you are unable to continue on with the voyage after departure (prior to departure is covered by trip cancellation insurance). If you need to cancel your vacation for a number of reasons such as unexpected sickness, injury or death of you, your travelling companion, or your immediate family.
It can also help reimburse costs for hotel accommodations and flights (or other means of transportation) if your vacation is interrupted after departure due to a natural disaster, travel advisory warning, or involuntary job loss.
Trip delay insurance includes almost the exact same circumstances, except that it covers the costs if your travels are delayed not cancelled and interrupted. It provides reimbursement for additional meals and hotel accommodations if your departure or return is delayed for a reason that's covered under the policy.
How you can purchase travel insurance
If you're planning a trip for yourself or your family find out if you have travel insurance before you leave. If you try and do it afterward, it may be too late. Shop around and compare travel insurance quotes to find the best price for the coverage you need. But before you do that, find out if you already have coverage somewhere else.
The first place to call and inquire about travel insurance is your employer. If you have a group health insurance plan at your workplace, contact the benefits provider to see if you (and your family members) are already covered when travelling out of the province or country.
The next place to look is in your credit card agreement. Often, travel rewards cards (especially gold and platinum credit cards) offer trip interruption and trip delay travel insurance as a part of your cardholder benefits. Check online or contact your credit card provider and ask about travel insurance coverage.
It's always better to double check before buying travel insurance. Why would you pay for it if you can get it for free?