Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 11/11/2006

Question
marv alpert
which company would you recommend for travel insurance
what has been your experience with Travel Impressions Insurance?
marv alpert@mail.com

Answer
Hi Marv:
One of my very favorite topics. Here is a Free copy of our most recent Newsletter: http://www.fall2006ctn.blogspot.com/
The variety of travel $$$$$ Saving related articles is my
'Best Travel Insurance' article.

This was my 'first impression' of Travel Impressions. One of the 'strangest' descriptions I've seen. Buried somewhere on the site I did find some details, not many. Personal possessions covered for $800 (Travel Inter'l (TA) offers 25% more coverate to $1000. OH, yes, if I drop my DVD player on the plane it seems TI covers ONLY LOST OR STOLEN. The KEY to all policies are their EXCLUSIONS...and TI tells me almost nothing. Must also purchase at: The plan must be purchased at the time you make your trip deposit. So assume it is only avaialble to Travel Impression customers. NG for most. ZERO for emergency evacuation as in, you get ill and need to come home ASAP like emergency. My coverage includes $500,000 which will cover all super expensive plane tickets etc. etc.
Emergency medical..mine $50,000 yours...$5,000
Finally, our next trip is 76days. Most policies are priced on cost of trip and length of trip. Travel Impressions makes no mention of length of trip and I question any policy that says premium is the same for all over $1000....One rate for a $1000 trip versus a $20,000 trip? I don't think so.

I'll end with ' the Devil is in the Details'...Travel Impressions notes that neither their ad nor their Terms and Conditions (click on very bottom of page and scroll to insurance) explain the exclusions in the actual policy. I have no idea what further EXCLUSIONS are found in their policy.

Oh, VERY IMPORTANT...I know Travel Insured has paid our two claims on average per year these past 20 years, even under the new ownership and new policy these past two years.

ex. Patty's expensive scissors accidentally put in her carry  on and confiscated...COVERED AS LOST
ex. Arrived in Scotland and learned that Patty's $40 perfume stolen from our last hotel room in Italy. COVERED just on  our word.
Ex. Many claims, like NIKE jacket I left on tour bus, PAID even though I was UNABLE TO SUMBIT PURCHASE RECEIPTS.

We LOVE TRAVEL INSURED! AND WE KNOW HOW TO FILE PERFECT AND ALWAYS LEGITIMATE CLAIMS. (EXPLAINED AT DEPTH IN OUR NEWSLETTER)

Thanks for allowing me an opportunity to check out another policy. Always looking for a better one, have yet to find one.
Happy and Safe TRAVELS. Do let me know if you have any further questions.
Steve T.
PS: Since I gave you this issue here is the prior issue which permits us all to obtain FREE airline tickets and/or
MAUI $45 each way.... www.CTNspring2006.blogspot.com