I travel a lot. My family does too. Years ago, I didn’t really think about travel insurance. I might throw a quick trip insurance policy into the cart when I bought our international flights, you know, just in case. I wasn’t completely sure what that “just in case” would cover, but people said you should do it, so I did.
I remember my parents getting trip insurance on our one and only trip to Disney World when I was 13 years old. A snow storm delayed us, causing hotel reservations, flights and park tickets to get thrown into the ether. There was some scrambling, but thanks to our travel insurance policy, and a lovely travel agent, balance was restored to the world. Three days later, after the snow had cleared off, we were on our way to the most magical place on earth.
DOES YOUR FAMILY NEED A MULTI TRIP INSURANCE POLICY?
Now, you are thinking, “but I only travel two or three times a year, why do I need an annual travel insurance policy?” I’ll tell you why. If you travel more than twice a year, you will save money and peace of mind if you have multi trip insurance throughout the year. Think about it. If you have kids, you probably go on a summer vacation, somewhere for spring break, and maybe to grandma’s house for the winter holidays. Perhaps you throw in a ski trip (red flags should be flying right here parents!) and a few weekend getaways to the city or beach.
Let’s be honest. Those kids need to be entertained, so we travel with them. They also like to jump off things and try stupid stuff the older they get. This tends to land us parents in the emergency room at least once with each kid, possibly more. Kids don’t wait to be home for this to happen. They like to do it when it is the least convenient. Soccer tournament? Yup! Eiffel Tower tour? You bet!
PRICE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE
Every single one of those trips adds up when you include single trip travel insurance with them. Most of that insurance you buy is when you book your flights and will only cover your plane tickets and maybe cancelled flights. Nothing else! What about the hotel you booked, medical emergencies that pop up, disaster evacuations, and trip delays that may see you sleeping in an airport because you didn’t budget for a hotel.
Protect Your Family Travel Investment
When you are looking at two to ten trips a year, you need a little more than just your basic flight coverage to protect your travel investment. The biggest misconception about travel insurance is that it only protects you when you travel internationally. Nope, it also covers domestic trips.
If you live far from an airport, this can be a lifesaver. When your flight gets cancelled or delayed and you are faced with sleeping at the airport or a four-hour drive home, wouldn’t it be nice to just get a hotel close by? Even better, wouldn’t it be great to know you would get reimbursed for that? Multi trip insurance (AKA an annual travel insurance plan) can do that for you. The airline sure isn’t going to take care of you.
BEST ALLIANZ TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR FAMILIES
I’ve had an annual travel insurance plan with Allianz Travel for over three years now. Thankfully, I’ve never had to use it for major medical evacuations. Knowing this team is in my corner, while I travel across the globe with and without my kids, has given my husband and I a little more breathing space. When I’m on the road, I make sure my husband knows exactly where my policy information is… just in case.
I only had a multi trip insurance plan for myself the first couple of years, but now I have an annual travel insurance protection plan for my entire family. Just like insurance at home, it is a yearly expense I add to our budget. We pay for car insurance just in case of an accident, so why wouldn’t I pay for annual travel insurance just in case we have a medical emergency or need to cancel a trip for unforeseen reasons. Life happens. Insurance is for when it does the unexpected, right?
WHAT ALLIANZ ANNUAL PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Allianz Travel has four main annual travel plans, but three are geared more towards families (the fourth is more for business travelers and can protect your gear as well).
Annual Basic Plan
The Annual Basic plan is designed for the traveler who doesn’t need trip cancellation protection but still wants to feel safe while on the go. For an entire year, it can give you:
- Emergency medical protection
- Emergency medical transportation
- Trip delay protection
- Travel accident coverage
- Baggage benefits
- Rental car damage protection
- 24/7 assistance hotline to help with travel-related emergencies
Annual DeluxePlan
The Annual Deluxe plan gives you affordable protection for a full year’s worth of trips, including
- Benefits for trip cancellation ($2,000 annual maximum) and trip interruption
- Emergency medical protection and transportation
- Lost, stolen or delayed baggage
- Rental car damage protector
- 24/7 assistance hotline to help with travel-related emergencies
Annual Premier Plan
The Annual Premier plan provides an entire year of worldwide travel protection and concierge service. It covers you and your household, whether you’re traveling separately or together. Three levels of annual trip cancellation are offered up to a maximum of $15,000. To learn more, please call 1-866-884-3556.
PEACE OF MIND IN ANNUAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
Yes, there is a lot of confusion surrounding travel insurance and multi trip insurance plans, but there are a lot of basic benefits as well. What you need to know right now is that you need to protect your family against the “what ifs” of this world. With so muc
h upheaval in travel, from cancelled flights, to the scarier possibility of terror threats and attacks, having an annual policy, is the best way to ensure someone will have your back when you need it.
And yes, the plans include rental car accidentprotection for residents of most states. Phew! Now that just saved you a butt load of cash in extra fees at the counter that you can put into your multi trip insurance in the new year.
