After weeks or even months of planning and saving, you finally booked your dream vacation with Expedia. You can’t wait to explore new places, try new foods, and create unforgettable memories. But what if something unexpected happens before or during your trip?
Travel insurance can provide financial protection against various risks such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings, and more. Expedia offers travel insurance policies through its partner, Allianz Global Assistance, to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trip to the fullest.
What is Expedia Travel Insurance?
Expedia travel insurance is an optional add-on that you can purchase when you book your flight, hotel, car rental, or vacation package on Expedia.com. The insurance coverage and cost vary depending on the type of plan you choose, your destination, the duration of your trip, and other factors.
Allianz Global Assistance, which underwrites and administers Expedia travel insurance, offers several plans that cater to different needs and budgets. They include:
Plan Name | Benefits |
---|---|
Basic Plan | Trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and dental, travel delay, baggage loss and delay, 24/7 travel assistance |
Prime Plan | All the Basic Plan benefits plus accidental death and dismemberment, trip interruption for any reason, and more generous coverage limits |
Elite Plan | All the Prime Plan benefits plus higher coverage limits, identity theft resolution, concierge services, and more |
You can also customize your plan by adding optional coverages such as rental car damage protector, flight accident insurance, and adventure sports coverage.
Why Should You Buy Expedia Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance may not be the most exciting part of your trip planning, but it can be a lifesaver in case of unforeseen circumstances. Here are some reasons why buying Expedia travel insurance can be a good idea:
Protection against trip cancellation or interruption: If you or a covered travel companion get sick, injured, or face certain other unexpected events that force you to cancel or cut short your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel bookings, and tours.
Medical coverage abroad: If you fall ill or get injured while traveling outside your country, your health insurance may not cover you or may offer limited benefits. Travel insurance can pay for emergency medical and dental treatment, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains, among other expenses.
Lost or stolen belongings: If your luggage gets lost, delayed, or stolen, or your passport and other travel documents are stolen, travel insurance can provide reimbursement and assistance to help you get back on track.
24/7 travel assistance: If you encounter any travel-related problems or emergencies, such as flight delays, missed connections, or lost reservations, you can contact the travel assistance hotline of Allianz Global Assistance for help.
How Much Does Expedia Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of Expedia travel insurance depends on several factors, including your age, trip cost, destination, duration, and selected coverage. Generally, you can expect to pay around 5-10% of your trip cost for travel insurance. For example, if your trip cost $1,000, your insurance premium may range from $50 to $100.
It’s important to review the policy details and exclusions carefully before you purchase travel insurance, and to choose a plan that meets your specific needs and concerns. You can also compare the benefits and prices of different travel insurance providers and plans online or through a travel agent.
How to Buy Expedia Travel Insurance
To buy Expedia travel insurance, simply follow these steps:
- Select your flight, hotel, car rental, or vacation package on Expedia.com as usual.
- On the checkout page, you’ll see a box that says “Add travel protection”. Click on “See details” to view the available plans and prices.
- Select the plan that suits your needs and click “Continue”.
- Enter your personal and payment information to complete the purchase.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with your policy documents and contact information for Allianz Global Assistance.
You can also purchase travel insurance separately from your Expedia booking by visiting the Allianz Global Assistance website or calling their customer service.
Conclusion
Expedia travel insurance can be a smart investment for anyone who wants to protect their trip against unexpected events and enjoy peace of mind while traveling. By choosing a plan that suits your needs and budget, you can avoid financial losses, stress, and inconvenience that could ruin your vacation. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get travel insurance today and focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
1. Is Expedia travel insurance worth it?
It depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you’re traveling abroad, have non-refundable expenses, or are concerned about medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings, or trip interruptions, travel insurance can provide valuable coverage and peace of mind. However, if you have a flexible schedule, don’t mind taking risks, or have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers you abroad, you may not need travel insurance.
2. What does Expedia travel insurance cover?
Expedia travel insurance covers a range of risks such as trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical and dental treatment, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, 24/7 travel assistance, and more. The specific benefits and limits depend on the plan you choose and the policy terms and conditions.
3. Can I buy Expedia travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase Expedia travel insurance up to 24 hours before your trip departure, subject to some limitations and conditions. It’s always better to buy travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip to maximize your coverage and avoid any surprises.
4. How do I file a claim with Expedia travel insurance?
If you need to file a claim with Expedia travel insurance, you should contact Allianz Global Assistance as soon as possible and provide all the necessary documentation and information, such as your policy number, travel itinerary, receipts, medical reports, and police reports. Allianz Global Assistance will review your claim and determine the eligibility and amount of any benefits.