Travel Insurance

[kevin_standlee]

Lisa reminded me last night that I needed to get travel insurance for the trip to Chengdu. The main reason for getting such insurance is to cover the possibility of needing emergency medical air transportation home in case of a major medical emergency. All of the other stuff included in such insurance is relatively minor by comparison.

We don't get such insurance when traveling in the USA and Canada, except that due to Tonopah being so far from a hospital, we did get such coverage during Westercon 74. It was something like $25 versus around $100,000 for emergency air transport to Las Vegas or Reno. The odds there seemed pretty good to us, although of course we're glad we never had to redeem it. We've purchased similar policies for our other overseas trips.

The premium for this trip was $98 including up to $500,000 emergency air transportation. Again, the odds seem good here. I don't want to have to use it, but if I need it, I want it to be there.

Comments

[ravan]

As a sometimes travel agent, I agree. When you are traveling outside of your in-network area for medical providers, travel insurance is a must, IMO.

[msconduct]

Good idea getting the medevac cover. I was sicker in China than I've ever been from food poisoning and I was determined not to go to a Chinese hospital (I had been warned against it as they do things like reusing syringes). I didn't need hospital care in the end but it would have been good to know I had medevac cover and could get out to Hong Kong. I've added medevac cover since then as a matter of course. I believe it's often difficult to convince medevac companies that you really do need an airlift, so I'm grateful I've never had to try and use it, but still, better to have it than not.

[petrea_mitchell]

Where do you prefer to get your travel insurance?

[kevin_standlee]

I got it from Allianz because I've bought from them before, although it wasn't a very strong preference. I probably could find a less expensive policy if I did more shopping.