AAA: More opting to buy travel insurance

Sales are up 20 percent over last year

PHILADELPHIA » Vacation season is at its peak, as travelers look to squeeze in some summer fun before it’s time for back-to-school.

According to travel data from AAA Mid-Atlantic, more Americans are purchasing travel insurance to protect their vacations. So far this year, AAA’s domestic and international travel insurance sales are up 20 percent over the same period last year.

“More than 30 million family travelers are expected to make international travel plans this year, nine percent more than just two years ago,” said Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Nearly four in 10 Americans — or 38 percent — are likely to purchase travel insurance for future international trips, according to the results of a AAA travel survey conducted in June.

Tidwell believes that many travelers are seeing the value of purchasing travel insurance.

“Part of their planning includes minimizing risk,” she said. “Whether you use it or not, it provides great peace of mind without great expense.”

Tidwell added that for many, trip cancellation protection is the most valuable benefit. According to the survey, almost nine in 10 respondents — or 88 percent — said getting their money back if they cancel a trip is a top priority.

According to the survey, the cost of the trip is the leading factor in deciding whether to purchase travel insurance, followed by personal or family health concerns and how far in advance the trip is booked.

“It provides peace of mind with … minimal expenses compared to the rest of the trip expenses,” Tidwell said.

There are many reasons why someone may purchase travel insurance, according

to Tidwell. If a traveler’s bags didn’t arrive with them, for example, “insurance can provide coverage to replace needed items.”

There is also the factor of illness.

“Most health insurances don’t cover international travel,” Tidwell said.

Travel insurance could help cover medical expenses

internationally and domestically.

Tidwell mentioned that world events and the weather can influence the sale of travel insurance. Places such as the Caribbean and Gulf Coast, while popular travel destinations, can also be in the path of hurricanes.

“We cannot control the weather,” Tidwell said. “If

you don’t have something to protect that trip, it makes it very, very difficult to change.”

Tidwell added that travelers would have to pay “out of pocket.” With insurance however, if a hotel doesn’t have electricity or the city is flooded, travelers would not “lose everything.”

Tidwell suggests working with a travel agency to

obtain travel insurance. But added that there are many differences between types of travel insurance.

“It is important that travelers understand their policies as coverage options vary,” Tidwell said.

The purchase, she said, is, “as simple as a phone call and reviewing documents,”

AAA’s travel research findings are the result of a telephone survey — landline and cell phone — consisting of 1003 adults living in the Continental U.S., and was conducted June 21 through 24, according to a press release.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO Travelers walk through baggage claim at O’Hare International airport in Chicago, Ill. More people than ever before are buying travel insurance to protect their vacations. So far this year, AAA’s domestic and international travel insurance sales are up 20 percent over the same period last year. According to a recent AAA travel survey, nearly four in 10 Americans — or 38 percent — are likely to purchase insurance for international trips.