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Title: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Dothedamthing on April 02, 2021, 10:26:44 PM
I was talking to one of my partners about the merits of purchasing travel insurance. I have always purchased trip protection plus medical insurance everytime I travel outside the US. Over the years I have used the trip protection several times especially with lost luggage and flight issues. Hope I never need the medical side, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I would not want to be stranded in another country and not be able to get home until I could pay medical bills. What are your thoughts and do you get insurance?
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Travelguy90 on April 03, 2021, 07:19:42 AM
Just turned 30 and no I don’t. Have about 10 international trips between Thailand Colombia and DR with no issues. Peace of mind may make it worth it, but for me the money saved can contribute towards an emergency
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: PapiViejo-Dark Lord on April 03, 2021, 10:06:16 AM
I love f--king them raw! And at my age, I ain't got shit to lose medically. No medical insurance needed! If my card don't cover it, just close the casket...I'm good and had a great life!  I'd rather deal without paying for travel or medical insurance. Those are just tricks to get more money out of you...betting that nothing goes wrong with your trip.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: crazy_canuck on April 03, 2021, 10:26:26 AM
Before covid, I had the Blue Cross annual travel insurance ... peace of mind for cheap IMHO
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Dothedamthing on April 03, 2021, 11:33:59 AM
Im not just talking about if you just get I'll. It only takes one accident(which may not kill you) to make the trip go from a dream to a nightmare. The insurance cost is usually about $30-$75 per trip. This will cover medical bills and emergency evacuations to a modern medical facility and the US if needed. I know one of my cousins on a family vacation got stuck in the Bahamas back in the early 90's after being in a car accident. He had over $45k in medical procedures to just get him stabilized and a daily cost to recuperate in the hospital. Upon being taken to the hospital my aunt paid 10k on credit cards just to get the hospital to even start treating him. She had to do wire transfers on the rest before they would even release his passport. That accident literally wiped out his savings. He still had to have another procedure when he got back to the states. $45k was a large sum of money then and still is now. Every since then I have purchased insurance.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: BLAZEBOY on April 03, 2021, 12:37:21 PM
Im not just talking about if you just get I'll. It only takes one accident(which may not kill you) to make the trip go from a dream to a nightmare. The insurance cost is usually about $30-$75 per trip. This will cover medical bills and emergency evacuations to a modern medical facility and the US if needed. I know one of my cousins on a family vacation got stuck in the Bahamas back in the early 90's after being in a car accident. He had over $45k in medical procedures to just get him stabilized and a daily cost to recuperate in the hospital. Upon being taken to the hospital my aunt paid 10k on credit cards just to get the hospital to even start treating him. She had to do wire transfers on the rest before they would even release his passport. That accident literally wiped out his savings. He still had to have another procedure when he got back to the states. $45k was a large sum of money then and still is now. Every since then I have purchased insurance.
I never took travel insurance seriously until recently with this Covid thing. I've had a few close calls while on vacation and thankfully I never had to go to the hospital. Seems like its a no brainer now with how cheap it is since you really never know and may regret not having it.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: mvagusta16 on April 03, 2021, 03:24:03 PM
Is there one that you guys recommend? I usually take the insurance offered with the Jetblue flight but does that cover health too?
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: stinqu on April 03, 2021, 06:33:01 PM
If you have nothing of value, then do not get insurance . I am 65 and have 6 figure assets, I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Hoosier on April 03, 2021, 06:42:33 PM
I have TRICARE from the military but the problem with TRICARE overseas is that you have to pay in full and then apply to TRICARE for a 75% reimbursement. So, beginning with this current trip I'm on, I purchased a straight $100,000 travel medical insurance policy from Tokio Marine Insurance Company that includes COVID-19. It also has a $100 deductible.

I'm 55 and it's costing me about $67 a month. Great piece of mind.

Here's the link to the website where I purchased the policy:

https://www.visitorscoverage.com/
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Viva La Vega on April 03, 2021, 07:00:27 PM
I have TRICARE from the military but the problem with TRICARE overseas is that you have to pay in full and then apply to TRICARE for a 75% reimbursement. So, beginning with this current trip I'm on, I purchased a straight $100,000 travel medical insurance policy from Tokio Marine Insurance Company that includes COVID-19. It also has a $100 deductible.

I'm 55 and it's costing me about $67 a month. Great piece of mind.

Here's the link to the website where I purchased the policy:

https://www.visitorscoverage.com/

This looks like great value.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: crazy_canuck on April 04, 2021, 12:36:46 PM
Blue Cross is one of the most recognised travel insurance all over the world.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: crazy_canuck on April 05, 2021, 10:22:09 AM
Blue Cross is one of the most recognised travel insurance all over the world.

GeoBlue, right?

Not bad.  A little pricey compared to the others.  But I would go with it.

I just saw that blue cross seems to be more a canadian insurance company ... maybe blue cross blue shield in the usa?
Anyways, I had to use it once in Thaïland and service was A1 and easy ...
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: stinqu on April 05, 2021, 03:36:26 PM
I'm 65, the coverage I get for 4 months in the DR. cost the same as one month rent where I stay. It covers up $10,000/ DAY in the hospital for 60 days, and up to $500,000 for air ambulance to bring me home. I am a VISA AVION CARD MEMBER FOR OVER 10 YEARS.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: stinqu on April 05, 2021, 03:50:17 PM
Alot of Canadian travelers forget about coverage when the leave home, because we have universal coverage at home. I know some one who went broke from a vacation accident
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: IP-JD on April 05, 2021, 04:07:37 PM
No. Dont see the value and have found it to be more of a hassle when its time to for reimbursements. Also, there are many premium credit cards that cover travel insurance for the trip and medical needs.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: mikec on April 06, 2021, 11:41:33 AM
yes geoblue, that's what I get.  when I researched companies like travel nomads and others I liked geoblue overall.  good deal and highly recognized, contracted with many hospitals etc.  they sell it per trip or an annual multi trip which I do for only 175 a year covering several months overall I'm overseas.  very cheap.  only a hundred deductible.  i didnt used to bother considering how cheap medical care is in these countries but I realized as said in this post if you get in any kind of accident or seriously ill they will rake you across the coals.  just imagine if something happened in Canada or europe.  but also I've read that in DR if you dont have insurance they'll let you die on the floor.  you have to have it there I've heard if you're in serious need of a doctor.  shit can happen to you at any age.  get it. 
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: MrNavigator on April 06, 2021, 12:02:01 PM
Here's the question tho.....how many have actually used the medical insurance for an emergency in the DR or any 3rd world country?? Like someone said how was the hassle, did you have to get reimbursed, was you on the phone all day on hold or talking to a mf who didn't speak good English? Has it been worth it so far?
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: lazy_monger on April 06, 2021, 12:21:51 PM
Rolled the dice when I was younger but now that I can afford it, I travel with insurance.  In the DR I think most dudes on here can cover most medical costs if it arises and especially if you are only going once or twice a year.   My boy injured himself f--king a chick in the shower(lol) in Costa Rica and I took him to the ER and they didn't even charge him.  I have heard some horror stories about some DR public hospitals though and I am all about taking me to the rich people hospital until you can fly my ass to Miami. 
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: PapiViejo-Dark Lord on April 06, 2021, 12:28:26 PM
I got sick in Scotland and my card covered it.  It was no big whoop and looking back, I could have ridden it out in the hotel. Of course you know I'm not big on giant meteors hitting the earth.  Shit does happen, but as a standard...I'm ok with leaving my doc dentons open in the back.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: yaadman on April 06, 2021, 01:04:02 PM
Lol
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Raul67 on April 06, 2021, 03:18:12 PM
Lol

Is this picture real? 
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: yaadman on April 06, 2021, 03:58:42 PM
Its a old pic, honestly im not sure if its real.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: crazy_canuck on April 06, 2021, 06:16:21 PM
Here's the question tho.....how many have actually used the medical insurance for an emergency in the DR or any 3rd world country?? Like someone said how was the hassle, did you have to get reimbursed, was you on the phone all day on hold or talking to a mf who didn't speak good English? Has it been worth it so far?

I had to use it in Thaïland and as I said, A1 service ... I never needed to pull 1 single baht out of my pockets ... insurance took care of everything fast. Never needed it in DR though ... but 1 thing I know for sure is to never use any public hospital in DR ... geez even my favoritas don't want to go there.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Henny White on April 06, 2021, 06:39:59 PM
I book everything with my Chase Saphire Card. 20k per person travel insurance str8t complimentary. Several Amex cards do the same. It aint much, but it feel nice declining what Expedia & Jetblue offer ????????????
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: IP-JD on April 07, 2021, 02:38:38 AM
Here's the question tho.....how many have actually used the medical insurance for an emergency in the DR or any 3rd world country?? Like someone said how was the hassle, did you have to get reimbursed, was you on the phone all day on hold or talking to a mf who didn't speak good English? Has it been worth it so far?

I had to purchase it when I traveled to Namibia. While I was there, I had food poisoning and had to go into the doctor. Long story short, no one took the insurance. Called the company to say WTF, to which they replied, send the bill and they'll take care of it. Bill me, was good for some places, others wanted cash upfront. Took roughly 5-6 months after submitting to get fully reimbursed. Conversely, I went to Vienna a couple summers ago and the airline lost my bag. I called the Chase Ink number, they said buy whatever you need (up to 2000), put it on the card, submit receipts. Basically spent the 2000, got 1850 form the airline (bag was lost for 2 months) and eventually got the luggage back. Process is the same for medical needs.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: DrinksOnMe on April 07, 2021, 02:51:42 PM
The problem is very few people actually read the terms. Nothing worse than learning how LITTLE your insurance company will do for you AFTER the event happens.

Most credit cards have shit terms but some of the premium cards have a good deal.

Best to supplement a card's plan with basic independent travel coverage.

The biggest cost is emergency medical transport (unless you plan on staying in country for months anyway).

Too many horror stories of people draining their retirement accounts to cover costs.

Never forget what happened to Charles Tyler (RIP).
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Dothedamthing on April 07, 2021, 07:54:41 PM
Here's the question tho.....how many have actually used the medical insurance for an emergency in the DR or any 3rd world country?? Like someone said how was the hassle, did you have to get reimbursed, was you on the phone all day on hold or talking to a mf who didn't speak good English? Has it been worth it so far?

I had to purchase it when I traveled to Namibia. While I was there, I had food poisoning and had to go into the doctor. Long story short, no one took the insurance. Called the company to say WTF, to which they replied, send the bill and they'll take care of it. Bill me, was good for some places, others wanted cash upfront. Took roughly 5-6 months after submitting to get fully reimbursed. Conversely, I went to Vienna a couple summers ago and the airline lost my bag. I called the Chase Ink number, they said buy whatever you need (up to 2000), put it on the card, submit receipts. Basically spent the 2000, got 1850 form the airline (bag was lost for 2 months) and eventually got the luggage back. Process is the same for medical needs.


I personally have not had to use the medical. But after seeing how my cousin got wiped out financially I can't take that chance. I've seen so many people get wiped out financially here in the US because of no/bad insurance. Even if I have to wait for reimbursement it's reassurance that I wont go bankrupt.

Now I have had to use the travel insurance multiple times over the 30 years and it's been worth every penny. Even if you don't do the medical the travel isn't an option in my opinion. I've gotten paid for trip delays, lost luggage, flight cancellations, missed connections, ect...  For example when covid hit last year and I had my April trip canceled. I got the full value of my flight and Airbnb refunded to me after the lockdown started. The Airline sent me an email stating that my flight was canceled and no refund. I filed a claim for it and my Airbnb which was non refundable. Claim approved the same day. Once approved I contacted the airline and was able to get me a trip voucher good for one year. I contacted my Airbnb host and they gave me a credit good for one year. Used both back in Feb and now I'm traveling on the insurance money I received.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Dothedamthing on April 08, 2021, 06:38:23 AM
An overview of my coverage. This is the same company my last two corporate jobs used for us.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: mikec on April 08, 2021, 10:39:06 PM
Here's the question tho.....how many have actually used the medical insurance for an emergency in the DR or any 3rd world country?? Like someone said how was the hassle, did you have to get reimbursed, was you on the phone all day on hold or talking to a mf who didn't speak good English? Has it been worth it so far?

had insurance one year and already used it once since I spend so much time overseas.  minor illness, a couple visits to a local clinic in costa rica.  geoblue insurance wasn't partnered/accepted there so i paid cash. to my surprise it was very easy to go online and send them the receipts and I was reimbursed in full within 30 days.  easier than I thought.  I won't travel without it again.  like they say imagine if it's a serious accident.  I guess a credit card may pay but they have to be harder to deal with and geoblue has enough partner hospitals often you won't pay anything upfront but good to know how quickly they reimbursed me even if I do.  if you're overseas a short time maybe you take the risk and like they've said sometimes care is cheap out here.  not always though.  surely not if you're injured in another first world country.  I took my chances when young and mostly in 3rd world and I got lucky. 

Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: sosuajefe on April 10, 2021, 12:42:56 AM
I travel insured as I have coverage on two of my credit cards. I just make sure to book the flight with one of those cards. There’s stipulations as to how long you are away and such but there’s good coverage none the less.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: stinqu on April 11, 2021, 06:40:14 PM
Stay off the motos!!
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: PapiViejo-Dark Lord on April 11, 2021, 07:25:27 PM
Rent a car!  Surround yourself with a ton of steel!
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: MrNavigator on April 12, 2021, 11:28:36 AM
Don't drive cars on the MOST DANGEROUS roads in the most dangerous country for car accidents in the Western Hemisphere and you will cut down your need for medical coverage down to very little.....
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: DrinksOnMe on April 12, 2021, 11:48:49 AM
Don't drive cars on the MOST DANGEROUS roads in the most dangerous country for car accidents in the Western Hemisphere and you will cut down your need for medical coverage down to very little.....
...but we're still passengers tho.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: PapiViejo-Dark Lord on April 12, 2021, 12:01:09 PM
Don't drive cars on the MOST DANGEROUS roads in the most dangerous country for car accidents in the Western Hemisphere and you will cut down your need for medical coverage down to very little.....
...but we're still passengers tho.
Well Hell....Might as well spend 2000pesos and keep the car to use all day and all night to go wherever you want, when you want, and for how long you want.  Just drive slow and everyone will go around you. Take your time and drive to stay alive.
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/fbBNEQbLQdXKU/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: crazy_canuck on April 12, 2021, 05:42:01 PM
Don't drive cars on the MOST DANGEROUS roads in the most dangerous country for car accidents in the Western Hemisphere and you will cut down your need for medical coverage down to very little.....

Pussy pussy pussy

(https://i.servimg.com/u/f76/15/84/94/53/funny10.jpg)
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: stinqu on April 13, 2021, 05:28:52 PM
I'M COMIN ELIZABETH!!!LMAO PAPI
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Dothedamthing on April 16, 2021, 06:19:58 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: lazy_monger on April 28, 2021, 09:03:56 AM
Again, if you can afford it do it.  My boy got sick in Colombia and we considered Medievac and it was about $90,000 and the insurance covered it.  It still was $7000. 
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: travelhombre on April 28, 2021, 08:48:54 PM
I do. On my first trip to Sosua, before going, I got it. A chica got over on me and took some of my stuff. So my trip insurance and my renters covered everything. Ever since then I don't think I've ever taken a trip without it. Thankfully I've only used it once for medical, also during my first trip to Sosua, when I burned my leg on a moto's muffler. Got it treated in Santo Domingo. Paid $50 up front and got it reimbursed. It's an added expense for sure, but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: MrNavigator on May 01, 2021, 09:42:13 AM
I think at a minimum one should buy the insurance the major airlines use on their websites. I:-) cheap and I've heard good things from some people who had to use it.

Oh yea......stay outta them f--kin rental cars!
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: Bravo1818 on May 01, 2021, 02:21:37 PM
I do. On my first trip to Sosua, before going, I got it. A chica got over on me and took some of my stuff. So my trip insurance and my renters covered everything. Ever since then I don't think I've ever taken a trip without it. Thankfully I've only used it once for medical, also during my first trip to Sosua, when I burned my leg on a moto's muffler. Got it treated in Santo Domingo. Paid $50 up front and got it reimbursed. It's an added expense for sure, but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

So a girl stole something from your room and your insurance covered it?  What did you have to do?  File a police report?  How much was the items that were stolen?
Title: Re: Do you travel insured?
Post by: travelhombre on May 01, 2021, 04:19:30 PM
I do. On my first trip to Sosua, before going, I got it. A chica got over on me and took some of my stuff. So my trip insurance and my renters covered everything. Ever since then I don't think I've ever taken a trip without it. Thankfully I've only used it once for medical, also during my first trip to Sosua, when I burned my leg on a moto's muffler. Got it treated in Santo Domingo. Paid $50 up front and got it reimbursed. It's an added expense for sure, but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

So a girl stole something from your room and your insurance covered it?  What did you have to do?  File a police report?  How much was the items that were stolen?

I don’t remember. This happened like 6 years ago. I don’t recall if I filed a police report because it happened on a weekend and I was about to leave Sosua for Santo Domingo. I do remember the hotel owner writing a letter backing up what I said. I knew at the time what was stolen (point n’ shoot digital camera, some cash in my wallet, snacks from the mini bar). Also had to fill out the forms the insurance agencies had for me. There may have been other stuff. My renters insurance covered the cash in my wallet that was stolen. So yeah, between my trip insurance and my renters insurance the value of what was taken was returned.
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