Three Questions to Consider When Buying Family Vacation Insurance

Today, buying family vacation insurance has become one of the staples of travel, as has having GPS cameras, 3G-enabled phones, or luggage with RFID trackers. While these items once seemed frivolous and unnecessary expenses, over time they have shown that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Most importantly, they greatly enhance the travel experience, making it safer, simpler and more enjoyable, from the moment you go on a trip until long after you have returned home.

Like the devices mentioned above, family vacation insurance has gone from being a luxury to an essential travel standard. The benefits of having it are multiple and incontrovertible; However, like these devices, the benefits are best enjoyed by those who know what they need before making their purchases (research) and those who take the time to learn the capabilities of their gadgets (read the manual).

Buying family vacation insurance, like all group purchases, can be simpler and cheaper than buying a single-person policy. Here are some questions to consider when negotiating a suitable policy.

Who are the members of your family?

The definition of “family” has evolved in the modern era. Gone are the days when the unit was automatically Mom, Dad and the kids. Today the term can mean everything from stepparents and stepbrothers, to adoptive family, extended family, found families, and even family pets. Unfortunately, however, the definition of the law is not as broad as that of society in general. For example, in some standard contracts, ‘family members’ are limited to legally married parents and children residing at the same address, which can present some problems for children of divorced parents or grandparents who live somewhere else. The good news is that a reputable company will help you customize a specific policy for the needs of your particular situation.

What are the ages of your family members?

As with most group services, family vacation insurance can mean savings in the form of discounts. However, one of the bases of these discounts are the ages of the group members. For example, airlines often have promotions where children under a certain age travel with their parents for free or at a large discount. Similarly, seniors are also subject to special rates. Be sure to discuss the ages of your group members and how they affect your rates when purchasing a policy.

What is your health status and existing medical conditions?

Because emergency and medical coverage is one of the cornerstones of insurance, it is imperative to ensure that you have clearly and accurately stated the existing health conditions of your family members. Having your family reviewed and cleared by your doctor for your trip will not only give you added peace of mind (especially if you are traveling with children or seniors), it can also greatly simplify the process of finding reimbursements or claims. if necessary.