Is travel insurance necessary?

In short, yes! But there are so many variations and options with travel insurance, so it’s important to work with a qualified professional who understands the intricacies of different plans. That’s where we can help!

We have countless stories to share about how travel insurance has ‘saved the day’ with clients as any number of issues can arise while traveling. At Global Citizen Journeys, we plan for most scenarios, but the unexpected can arise. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a security threat or a medical issue, travel insurance can literally save your life. Plus you have 24-hour concierge, medical and travel assistance while traveling!

In fact, we’ve even been thanked in a book called If Something Should Happen in which our client’s credit card insurance left her stranded in Tibet after a series of random events including an earthquake and appendix rupture. With the additional coverage that Joshua arranged, she made it home safely and continues to explore the world to this day.

Our strategy is quite different than most in that it is rarely necessary to purchase the top tier policy, rather it completely depends on your reasons and needs in having travel insurance. Will you be driving a car? Has your health declined? Are you an adventure-seeker who will try anything once? Do you have pets? Do you have a close friend who you consider family and has medical issues? These are all questions that can impact which policy and potential add-ons are best for you!

As a foundation, we recommend the Travel Guard Annual Policy as it covers any trips within the course of a year that are at least an overnight and 100 miles from your residence. If the benefits aren’t used on your first trip, the coverage simply rolls into your following trips over the course of a year until the maximum limit is met. You can feel safe knowing you’re covered with support in categories of trip interruption, missed connection, baggage, medical and emergency evacuation.

If you’re not a frequent traveler or want to insure the financial investment of traveling, you can purchase trip specific coverage. We’ll assess the areas of concern which could be based on the destination, the time of year, trip inclusions, the cost and any extenuating personal circumstances. There are multiple levels of coverage, but there are also add-ons depending on your needs such as: Medical Bundle, Adventure Sports Bundle, Security Bundle, Pet Bundle, Inconvenience Bundle, Baggage Bundle, Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage, Wedding Bundle, Name Your Family Member Bundle, Lodging Expense Bundle and even Cancel for ANY reason.

With most travel insurance policies if you or family member has a policy-inclusive unforseen event, you can be reimbursed for your trip, however with some policies you can add on ‘Name Your Family Member’ to includes anyone (perhaps a friend who is ill?). What happens if you travel all the way to India to visit the Taj Mahal and they’re closed because of a storm. Did you know you can be reimbursed up to $250 for a closed attraction? What happens if your traveling companion is not able to go with you after booking? You shouldn’t have to pay for their half of the room, transfers and other shared costs! Single-supplement coverage is available with some policies.

Fully comprehensive travel insurance is available and includes a long list of potential issues that can arise while traveling and includes the travel inconvenience package for added benefits. Keep in mind that your insurance must be secured within 15 days of deposit in order for pre-existing conditions to be waived (21-days with Plus coverage). If you’ve booked your trip with Global Citizen Journeys, we’re at your side the entire time and will help navigate any resolutions with your trip including the submission of claims. Otherwise, you have a dedicated team of other travel professionals to help you continue with your journey and home safely through the purchase of travel insurance.

It’s not about having travel insurance, it’s about having the right kind of travel insurance!

We’re happy to provide a quote to you, so feel free to reach out at travel@globalcitizenjourneys.com. 

State laws dictate the type of travel insurance coverage that is available and the premium for each policy is determined by the trip cost. Below is a list of example policies from Travel Guard for a California resident (as of December 18, 2024):

Due to state law, at this time, we are unable to answer questions regarding Travel Guard policies for residents of Hawaii, New York, Iowa, Washington and Michigan, however we can facilitate a conference call directly with the company.

We also are licensed to see Travelex Travel Insurance, which has both Basic coverage (for insured amounts under $10,000 per person) & Select coverage as well as Travel Insured International which has a Worldwide Trip Protector.