Arch RoamRight vs Insured Nomads

Planning the vacation of a lifetime, or your next cross-country road trip? Whether you're hopping on a plane to a distant country or just crossing state lines for a family reunion, it's worthwhile to consider the importance of protecting yourself and your belongings. Travel insurance is a helpful safety net designed to safeguard you against any risks or losses you might worry about while traveling.

You can find protection for everything from minor issues like missed connecting flights and lost luggage to more serious concerns like injuries while abroad. So, what's the benefit of getting travel insurance? No matter where you're going, travel insurance can help you cover medical expenses. This is especially helpful for those traveling outside their home country where normal medical insurance may not apply.

Travel insurance can also help you with lost or stolen luggage. While the US Department of Transportation requires airlines to reimburse customers for lost items, you must have receipts proving the value of the lost items to get payment. Travel insurance can help you protect your items for the full amount without having to haggle with the airlines to get your money. Travel insurance will also help you if there is a last-minute cancellation for your trip. This way, if something comes up, you won't be required to pay hefty fees.

Travel insurance is usually based on the price of the individual trip and your age. Older travelers might expect to pay 5%-6% more than younger travelers. There are also different levels of coverage. You can choose cancellation coverage only or comprehensive coverage which usually includes delays, lost luggage, and some emergency medical care. In general, most coverage options cost between 4%-10% of your total trip cost.

Keep in mind, there are some restrictions. You don't want to add insurance at the last minute or travel to a known dangerous location. For example, if you're booking a trip to Florida during hurricane season, make sure to get your travel insurance well in advance. Your travel insurance may not help you with any damages incurred during that trip if you try to purchase it after a storm is named. The best approach is to always read your policy thoroughly to be sure that any concerns you have about your next trip are covered.

If you're ready to get jet-setting, we're right there with you. To help you find the best provider for travel insurance, we've put together a list of factors to help you narrow the field:

• Cost. A lot of insurance providers seem like they're throwing extra fees or upcharges at you. Make sure you check the prices and percentages offered by your ideal provider and make sure you're getting the most value for your money.
• Types of coverage. Not all travel insurance is the same. Some types only offer cancellation protection. Others offer more complete coverage for your luggage, belongings, or medical. Some even cover severe injury or death. Make sure you find a provider that has a full suite of coverage options so you don't need to shop around.
• Reputation. Make sure you check out your preferred insurer on trusted third-party review sites and the Better Business Bureau. This way you can see what other travelers think of their coverage and customer service experience.

With your travel insurance at the ready, you can start booking your next getaway ASAP. To help you get going on your well-deserved vacay, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the top travel insurance providers out there today. This way you can see all your favorite sights, try out some new cuisine, and pack as heavy as you need with the knowledge that your travel insurance will protect you every step of the way. Bon voyage!