5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Insurance Plan

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Insurance Plan

By: Sharon L. Broo, CTA, P&C and L&H Licensed, Vice President, USI Travel Insurance Services 

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

It’s 2022 and travel looks a lot different than it did in 2019. As people feel the comfort offered by vaccines and reduced Covid spread, the travel bug is taking root and offering joy, inspiration and adventure as people embark on trip planning once again. In our new post-Covid world, travelers are more aware of the need to protect their trip with a travel insurance plan. But with so many options on the market today, it’s hard to know what coverage you need, and which plan is best for you. Below are five considerations to keep in mind as you shop and compare travel insurance plans. 

1. Does your destination have insurance requirements for entry? 

Many destinations have added new travel insurance requirements because of the pandemic, including minimum coverage for Trip Delay (in case of mandatory quarantine) and Emergency Medical. Research your destination and make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage to enter the country. 

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

2. Does the plan cover Covid-19-related disruptions? 

You’ll want to ensure that your plan covers many of the common Covid-19 related trip disruptions. For example, would you have Trip Cancellation coverage in the event that you test positive for Covid-19 before your trip and cannot travel? If you are diagnosed while on your trip and require treatment, will the plan cover your expenses? If you test positive just prior to your return to the U.S. and must quarantine, will your plan cover expenses such as additional lodging and meals? In general, keep in mind that no travel insurance covers cancellation because of fear of travel or closed borders. Additionally, travel insurance generally will not cover the costs of Covid testing required for travel, unless the test is ordered by a physician. 

3. Are there any pandemic exclusions? 

Some plans exclude any coverage related to a pandemic. If this is the case, the plan may be more limited in scope than a plan without this exclusion. Every insurance plan has a section listing plan exclusions. Be sure to read that section (and the whole plan) carefully. 

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

4. Do you have any special activities or equipment that need to be covered? 

Perhaps you’re going on a golf or ski vacation. Does your plan have adequate coverage for your expensive equipment? If you will be renting a car, seek out a plan that includes some rental car coverage. If you plan to scuba dive, ensure that activity will be covered by your plan. 

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage available? 

Now more than ever, travelers are seeking the flexibility and peace of mind offered by Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades. If you’d like to have this option, make sure your plan offers it and that you fall within the eligibility criteria. Most plans require you to buy your plan within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit to be eligible for the CFAR upgrade, so act early. Expect to pay about 50% more in premium for this upgrade. If you do cancel your trip, you’ll receive anywhere from 50-75% of your non-refundable trip costs, depending on your plan. Other conditions may apply for CFAR – read your plan carefully to understand the benefit. Due to state regulations, CFAR is not available to residents of New York state. 

If you’re still unsure which plan is best for you, contact some travel insurance providers for assistance. And before you buy your plan, we recommend that you always read through the plan document to fully understand the coverage included, plus any terms, conditions and exclusions. Once you have an appropriate travel insurance plan in place, you’ll be able to enjoy your next trip to its fullest! 

About the author: As Vice President of Travel Insurance Services, Sharon Broo is responsible for the national execution of strategies and formation of business relationships promoting travel insurance sales and company growth in the tour operator, cruise line and travel agency marketplace. Sharon has a strong professional history with more than 25 years of building and working for first class selling organizations in the global travel insurance and travel assistance arena. Sharon has always been involved in professional associations related to her career such as ASTA, USTOA, USTIA and WIFS. She holds a certification of CTA (Certified Travel Advisor) from ICTA. In addition, she holds her Life & Health and Property & Casualty licenses in the State of Georgia. 

Established in 1973, Travel Insurance Services (TIS) is a national insurance agency/brokerage providing travel-related insurance solutions for individuals, groups, organizations and businesses worldwide. TIS is located in Newtown Square, PA. 

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: Ancient culture waiting to be explored

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: Ancient culture waiting to be explored 

By: Jason Z. Cohen of Pleasant Holidays

From the pyramids that rise above the remnants of ancient Mesoamerican cities such as Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam and Tulum, to the cenotes that lie underfoot, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to this day reflects the continuing influence of the Maya civilization that once dominated its lands.  

Although the Maya civilization was at its greatest size and power in the 9th Century A.D., some of the wonders of this ancient civilization have survived the centuries, and many of them are easy to visit and explore while vacationing in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Within a short drive of the resort areas of the Yucatan coast are dozens of archaeological sites, historic points of interest, and examples of natural beauty and wonder, all influenced in some way by the region’s Maya past. 

The view from atop Ixmoja Pyramid. Photo by Jason Z. Cohen, Pleasant Holidays.

Pay a visit to one of the ancient Maya cities, such as Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam or Tulum to catch a glimpse of what life might have been like centuries ago. While the surviving structures have been partially or fully restored, it’s still possible to see trees growing from the walls, a witness to just how far nature went to claim it as its own. In fact, the growth had to be cut back substantially at these sites in order for people to appreciate their significance, and work continues even now to reverse the encroachment of the forest. At Ek Balam, you may even be able to ascend to the top of the Acropolis pyramid to gain a view previously reserved for Maya elite – a vista of the sprawling Yucatan rainforest from above the treetops.  

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    La Iglesia (The Church), one of the structures at Coba, with a Stela in front, carved with historical information.
  • Trees still grow atop many of the structures at Coba.
Photos by Jason Z. Cohen, Pleasant Holidays.

Another place where the history of the region is celebrated is at Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park, which blends immersive history with aquatic adventure. Visitors can float the length of the park though a series of natural cenotes—subterranean caverns unique to this area that were formed by underground streams and rivers. The Maya people revered cenotes, believing they were passageways between our world and the Underworld, a spiritual realm occupied by mystical beings more powerful than humans. 

  • The Ball Pit at Coba.
  • Performers at Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park portray the area’s past.
Photos by Jason Z. Cohen, Pleasant Holidays

The park is also home to numerous archaeological sites featuring the ruins of buildings dating back to the height of Maya civilization. Each evening, the park puts on a dinner show that highlights the history of Mexico while celebrating its regional differences, from ancient to modern times. Part of the show recreates the ball game contested by players centuries ago, whose playing courts still can be found among the buildings in Coba and Chichen Itza. 

Before the Spanish colonized the land and brought their own flavors and ingredients, the people native to Mexico were already cultivating corn, chili peppers, avocadoes and cacao. The Europeans introduced beef, pork, rice, cheese and spices. The result of the combination is a cuisine that is popular throughout the world, consisting not only of well-known favorites such as tacos and tamales, but regional dishes as well, which are reflections of the history of the area.  

In the Yucatan, you can find chiles rellenos and chilaquiles, but also dishes steeped in tradition including Poc C​​huc – sliced marinated pork in a sour orange and achiote sauce – and the slow-cooked pork specialty known as cochinita pibil. Yucatan cuisine often features some combination of sour citrus, achiote and habanero chile, slowly cooked with smoke in an underground pit. 

Like the cenotes below, the Maya culture runs deep in the Yucatan Peninsula, offering ancient knowledge, customs, recipes and architecture for you to discover. 

Find your dream vacation to Mexico with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/mexico

About Pleasant Holidays: Founded in 1959, Pleasant Holidays is one of the largest tour operators in the United States offering vacation packages, flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, cancel-for-any-reason travel protection and related travel services to the world’s most popular destinations, including Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, Hawaii, Japan & Asia, Mexico, South Pacific (Cook Islands, Fiji and Tahiti), United States and cruise vacations worldwide. The Company’s portfolio of travel brands includes Pleasant Holidays®, Journese®, Pleasant Activities℠ and Air By Pleasant. Pleasant Holidays is headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif. near Los Angeles with regional offices in San Diego and Honolulu and a dedicated team of more than 400 employees. For additional information and reservations, visit www.PleasantAgent.com, www.Journese.com, www.PleasantActivities.com, and www.AirByPleasant.com.