In light of the recent news reports concerning the sale of travel insurance from unauthorized companies, it is important to explain some specifics about travel insurance.
What is travel insurance? Section 626.321(1)(c), Florida Statutes, states that travel policies and certificates of travel insurance may provide coverage “ . . . for risks incidental to travel, planned travel, or accommodations while traveling, including, but not limited to, accidental death and dismemberment of a traveler; trip cancellation, interruption, or delay; loss of or damage to personal effects or travel documents; baggage delay; emergency medical travel or evacuation of a traveler; or medical, surgical, and hospital expenses related to an illness or emergency of a traveler.”
What does travel insurance cover? Most often, consumers buy travel insurance when they are planning an overseas trip or lengthy cruise and want to protect their financial investment in the event that an emergency arises that would necessitate a change in plans. As with any insurance, the specific coverages being offered and the premiums being charged for these coverages will vary from one company to another.
I recommend that you obtain a schedule of benefits and a certificate of coverage when you purchase travel insurance, and that you read the “fine print” to make sure the coverage being offered will meet your needs.
Finally, before you purchase travel coverage, please verify that the agent selling the policy is properly licensed and that the insurance company that will be underwriting your policy is authorized to write travel insurance in Florida. Call the Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Help Line at 1-877-MyFLCFO (1-877-693-5236).
Have a safe trip.