Buying Direct vs Airline Travel Insurance

Spend Your Money Wisely. Learn Why You Should Purchase Travel Insurance Directly From a Travel Insurance Provider.

Travelers today are looking to protect their vacation with travel insurance more than years passed. A recent survey conducted by the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), found that before 9/11, only 10% of leisure travelers purchased travel insurance, while today, more than 30% of leisure travelers buy it. When asked why, the top three reasons are: peace of mind, protection against the unexpected, and concern over losing the financial investment in a trip.

In the COVID-19 world that we are living in today, many things are uncertain, especially for someone or a family looking to travel during these times. As noted in the UStiA survey, protection against the unexpected is a significant factor in why travel insurance is being purchased. Travelers have the option of buying insurance from the airlines or from a travel insurance provider.

The airlines make it simple and convenient to get insurance when purchasing flights. This seems like an added benefit; however, the customer must be aware that the convenience they are receiving by working with the airlines doesn't provide them with the best travel protection. Working with a travel insurance provider offers a variety of plans that will provide enhanced protection that the airline coverage does not match.

The below chart represents what a customer will get when they purchase Trawick International’s (a travel insurance provider) Safe Travels Voyager policy. 

Coverages	Safe Travels Voyager
Trip Cancellation	Up to 100% of Trip Cost Insured
Trip Interruption	Up to 125% of Trip Cost Insured
Travel Delay	$750 ($150 per day) / 6 hours
Missed Connection	$750
Airline Ticket Exchange Fee	$100
Baggage Coverage	N/A
Baggage Delay Coverage	$2,000
Medical Coverage	$400 / 12 hours
Dental Coverage	$150,000
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation	$750
Accidental Death & Dismemberment - Air Flight Accident	$500,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment - 24 Hour	$25,000
Rental Car Damage	Optional
Pet Coverage	Optional
Financial Default	N/A
Pre-Existing Coverage	Included Within 14 Days of Deposit
Coverage Type	Included Within 14 Days of Deposit

Now compare that to Delta’s Deluxe Domestic Trip Protector II Policy (an airline’s travel insurance policy) below.

Coverages	Deluxe Domestic Trip Protector II
Trip Cancellation Coverage	Up to 100% of trip cost ($8,000 max.)
Trip Interruption Coverage	Up to 100% of trip cost ($8,000 max.)
Travel Delay Coverage	$300 (Daily max.:$150 with receipts; $75 without receipts) - Minimum Required Delay - 6 hours
Baggage Coverage	$750 ($500 High-Value Item max.)
Baggage Delay Coverage	$500 ($100 no receipts max.) - Minimum Required Delay - 24 hours
Concierge	Included
24 Hour Assistance	Included
Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver	Available
Coverage Type	Secondary

After comparing the two policies, one from Trawick International and Delta. You can see a significant difference between the policies in what they offer and the coverage that they provide. Working with a travel insurance provider, you receive higher reimbursement for baggage coverage and no max amount of coverage for trip cancellation coverage and trip interruption coverage. 

When working with a travel insurance provider, the customer can obtain customized coverage for their entire trip where the airlines have a one size fits all. So what does that mean for the customer? This means the customer is stuck with a policy that the airlines have created for everyone with no flexibility to customize their coverage based on their individual needs. 

The below chart shows the optional coverage a customer can purchase when working with Trawick International.

Additional Coverage	Safe Travels Voyager
Trip Cancellation for Any Reason	N/A
Rental Car Damage	$35,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment - Air Flight Accident	$100,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment - 24 Hour	$25,000
Baggage & Personal Effects	Included
Pet Coverage	N/A

As noted in the chart above, the customer can customize the policy to meet their specific needs when traveling. These added features allow the customer to receive the best possible protection when traveling and mitigates against unforeseen circumstances.

With uncertainty becoming the norm, it’s crucial to have the best possible coverage. That is why you should purchase insurance with a travel insurance provider. Taking that extra step will allow you to have peace of mind when traveling. To obtain a Safe Travels Voyager quote and purchase this product, please visit the Trawick International Safe Travels Voyager product page or one of our independent representatives for a quote today.