Feb 18
Hikers in the Swiss Engadine

Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Do I Need Travel Insurance

This is a question that we hear time and time again, and our most simple response is yes. Like most insurance policies, the amount of coverage that you receive is directly proportional to the amount of money that you pay for the policy. You can add as many extras as you like if available. Some comprehensive policies cover everything from rental cars and missed connections to medical evacuations and tour cancellations. We recommend travel insurance for a number of reasons, but unexpected tour cancellation tops our list.

A number of years ago a gentleman asked if we recommended insurance. We said yes, and he wanted to know why. We explained that we don’t refund money for unused portions of a trip if a guest has to leave a trip prematurely for an emergency. The gentleman informed us that he was in good health, had a good job, and didn’t plan on canceling his hike for any reason. Unfortunately, that guest experienced a unexpected family emergency and had to leave the tour on day 2 of a 10-day itinerary. He could have received a full refund had he purchased travel insurance. Cancellation insurance may cover tour interruption due to pre-existing medical conditions, employment lay-offs and/or transfers, family emergencies and more.

We also understand that circumstances can arise prompting a pre-trek cancellation or postponement of an upcoming trip. Therefore, we encourage all participants to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance.

We work with an insurance company called TravelEx (Location # 06-0572 Company Name Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures), and they’ve treated our guests well. Please visit their website for a look at their different policies.

Note: The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800.228.9792 or email customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.

 

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