I always thought of travel insurance as something for other people. I never get sick or have an accident, so why spend the extra money?
But as a travel industry professional, I have done a one-eighty on this subject. I have seen a vacation saved for a passenger who broke an ankle, had surgery, and was able to rejoin the group a few days later, and I have also seen much-anticipated travel experiences ruined because of the lack of insurance. The ongoing volcano eruption in Iceland, which shut down air travel to and within Europe for days, underscored the value of travel insurance for big and little purchases alike. We all saw the news reports showing skies filled with volcanic ash and exhausted passengers stranded in airports around the world. Many had expended their travel budget already and were unable to afford food or lodging – even it had been available. Nobody wants to risk that nightmare.
So the next step is finding the right insurance company. Ed Perkins of Smarter Travel and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, recommends a policy that covers cancellation for any reason, and so do I. Shebby Lee Tours offers Trip Cancellation Insurance for all of our tour departures. Our company, Trip Mate, has a reputation for its superior service and is among the most recognized and well respected organizations in the travel industry. Through our partnership in Travel Alliance Partners, we are able to offer trip interruption and cancellation policies at a reduced rate to our clients and it includes that all-important “cancellation for any reason” clause. Best of all, your investment is protected from the day your tour deposit is received in our office.
Many companies charge more for pre-existing conditions or have fees based on age. Trip Mate has none of that nonsense. Our comprehensive travel insurance includes accident, hospitalization / medical expense, baggage loss or delay, trip delay, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation / interruption coverage.
For more information or to request a copy of Trip Mate’s travel insurance policy, write to Shebby Lee Tours, or call toll free 800-888-8306.
Shebby Lee is a historian, writer and tour operator specializing in the historic and cultural heritage of the Great American West. Her early training was in the theatre and she served a tour of duty as an entertainer with the USO. She is also an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy.