Travel Insurance Question

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We are going to the Grand Caymans in April and want to purchase travel insurance for the trip. How do you value the timeshare and if you have to cancel how do your document the cost (I did purchase RCI insurance, but the unit I used expires in June and I wouldn't be able to reuse it by then)? I figured I would claim the reticketing cost on the plane tickets and I should be able to cancel the rental car at the last moment. I have only purchased travel insurance before for cruises and it was with them, so not sure how to calculate cost on the timeshare.

I am mainly interested in the medical coverage since my wife is on Medicare, but it shouldn't cost a lot to get some additional coverage.

[bellesgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bellesgirl]

I don't think most travel insurance policies cover timeshares. I bought a Vacation Guard policy, because I read here or on TUG that it is the only policy that actually covers MF fees, but it depends on when the original maintenance fees were due and how long you have had the plocy. VacationGuard They also cover medical and emergency evacuation. I don't know if anyone has actually needed to use the coverage. I would be interested in knowing how responsive they are. We are going to the Caribbean next month and it is the only insurance I have right now. My husband, like your wife, is also on Medicare.

I have used Travel Insurance - InsureMyTrip.com to shop for travel insurance. American Express also offers a medical only policy that is very reasonable. It is a monthly policy but can be started and stopped as needed.

[Berkeley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Berkeley]

Here is a good website for comparing travel insurance:

Cruise, Travel, Trip Insurance | Avoid the Traps With Personal Advice, Side-By-Side Comparisons I have purchased insurance through them in the past and have since purchased insurance directly from travelex or travel guard.

Be sure to buy insurance that is "primary" insurance if you are on medicare since you are not covered out of country. When I buy travel insurance, I am mainly interested in medical coverage. When I fill out their forms I only put that my trip costs are $50. That keeps the cost to insure low and also I am covered with all their medical coverage. I figure that I can cover the cost of the trip, but medical expenses could get high, especially if one needs to be evacuated for some reason.

The last couple of trips I have used travelex insurance: Travelex World Wide Money

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Travel Insurance - InsureMyTrip.com is a good online broker for travel insurance.. You can select services a la carte from a number of underwriters. You can probably call or email in and get an answer to your question quickly.

CSA is likely the underwriter that handles the most timeshare related travel, but get prices from a few different underwriters. I think their base rate is around $65. for the first $1,000, and then they have a cancel for any reason policy that is another $35.

Most basic policies cost about 5% of the total cost of the trip. More coverage costs more.. I always recommend a policy that is NOT underwritten by the cruiseline, tour operator, or travel company (part of the coverage for most plans insures you in the event the travel provider defaults- which would not apply if your underwriter is the travel provider themselves).

For a little added protection, always pay deposits and final payments by a real credit card and never by debit card or check.

[Berkeley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Berkeley]

Here is the correct link to Travelex Trip Insurance:

Travel Insurance: Travelex - Cancellation, Medical, Delay, Business, Flight, Weather

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Does it usually state in the information on computer if it is primary medical coverage?

[mpizza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mpizza]

Check-out Vacation Guard they have special plans for timeshare owners VacationGuard I purchase a yearly plan - it covers up to 90 days' of timeshare use per year; however, it does not cover Extra Vacation, Getaways, or other bonus time.

If you need to file a claim, you must provide proof of payment of the maintenance fee, exchange fee and other expenses and they reimburse actual amounts expended.

Maria

[bellesgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bellesgirl]

Be sure to buy insurance that is "primary" insurance if you are on medicare since you are not covered out of country. When I buy travel insurance, I am mainly interested in medical coverage. When I fill out their forms I only put that my trip costs are $50. That keeps the cost to insure low and also I am covered with all their medical coverage. I figure that I can cover the cost of the trip, but medical expenses could get high, especially if one needs to be evacuated for some reason.

Travelex World Wide Money

Thanks for the tip about primary medical coverage. But, in using the InsureMyTrip website, I did not see much difference in $50 trip cost coverage and $1000; usually less than 10% savings (0-$10) on most plans. Am I missing something?

[bellesgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bellesgirl]

Check-out Vacation Guard they have special plans for timeshare owners VacationGuard I purchase a yearly plan - it covers up to 90 days' of timeshare use per year; however, it does not cover Extra Vacation, Getaways, or other bonus time.

If you need to file a claim, you must provide proof of payment of the maintenance fee, exchange fee and other expenses and they reimburse actual amounts expended.

Maria

I wonder, under RCI's new system, how you provide proof of maintenance fee. If you only use 50% of your TPU value, or you have a combined credit, how do you prove the value of that to the insurance? I hope I won't need to find out.

[Berkeley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Berkeley]

Thanks for the tip about primary medical coverage. But, in using the InsureMyTrip website, I did not see much difference in $50 trip cost coverage and $1000; usually less than 10% savings (0-$10) on most plans. Am I missing something?

You are right. There is not much difference. Just insure for the highest trip coverage at the lowest cost. Many insurances will only cover trip cancellation for death in family or a major medical problem. Also, pre-existing condition look back might be an issue for some.

Trip Insurance Store Cruise, Travel, Trip Insurance | Avoid the Traps With Personal Advice, Side-By-Side Comparisons comparison chart will show you which insurance is primary and which is secondary. You can call them if you have further questions. They are very helpful.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Check-out Vacation Guard they have special plans for timeshare owners VacationGuard I purchase a yearly plan - it covers up to 90 days' of timeshare use per year; however, it does not cover Extra Vacation, Getaways, or other bonus time.

If you need to file a claim, you must provide proof of payment of the maintenance fee, exchange fee and other expenses and they reimburse actual amounts expended.

Maria

Thanks so much for this reminder! I had applied a year or so ago - and was rejected as a NY state resident.
I applied just now and it accepted me!

They cover 90 days of ownership - thinking I should get a second policy under DHs name to cover everything we own.....

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

What insurance policy have you used and if you had a claim, did they pay off? What others things are important as one tries to compare various plans?

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

For timeshare related claims, I have seen a First American Title Policy enforced for an undiscovered title issue (they refunded the buyer's purchase price and deeded the ownership in question out of the buyer's name) and I've seen several CSA travel insurance policies enforced.

None of these were my personal claim, but were for clients. None reported any many headaches, but they did have to properly file the claim and provide supporting documents. I don't think any insurance agent is ever happy about paying a claim!

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Thanks so much for this reminder! I had applied a year or so ago - and was rejected as a NY state resident.
I applied just now and it accepted me!

They cover 90 days of ownership - thinking I should get a second policy under DHs name to cover everything we own.....

Just got a call last week and an email today that my policy was cancelled.

The NY State insurance comission does not approve this type of policy in NY State.
I received a full refund.