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4 of the most common misconceptions about travel insurance

Many view travel insurance as a forgettable add-on to protect parts of their trip, but in reality, it’s a must-have advantage that can cover your flights, your stuff and your health – even before your trip starts. With Faye’s whole trip travel insurance, you can protect every aspect of your trip, no matter if you’re heading on a long weekend getaway or looking for a lavish escape. 

And with many having felt confused rather than well-informed after purchasing travel insurance (other than from Faye of course), we’ve compiled a list of common misconceptions to stop the head spinning and set the record straight.

1. I should only purchase travel insurance if my trip is expensive

Missed flights and lost luggage are more common than you think, no matter the price point of your adventure. In fact, U.S. airlines mishandled 1.9 million bags in 2021

We all know someone with a less than ideal story of going on vacation and landing with their luggage nowhere to be found – which is – not the surprise we want (c’mon, we want a free room upgrade). Mishaps of all sizes happen and ones like this are exactly why you need coverage, no matter the cost of your trip. 

Faye lets you adjust your estimated total trip cost along with your destinations and the size of your travel party and then provides a custom price and coverage plan. This means you can protect those short staycations and your month-long getaways.

2. I don’t need extra coverage because my health insurance covers my trip abroad

We hear this misconception thrown around quite a bit. It’s important to know that most health insurance providers do not fully cover illness or treatment when you’re abroad or even out of state. And what about your flights, hotels, bags, and pre-paid activities? They definitely don’t cover those. 

Faye travel insurance is built to cover all of these and more. For example: if you get sick pre-trip (including if you contract COVID-19), and need to cancel or change your plans, we can cover your non-refundable trip expenses – health insurance, unfortunately, cannot.

To make a well-informed decision about whether or not you should purchase travel insurance in addition to your health insurance, call your health insurance provider and ask them the following questions about their coverage: 

  • Does my plan cover emergency expenses abroad such as bringing me back to the U.S. if I become seriously ill?
  • Do you require pre-authorizations or second opinions before emergency treatment can start?
  • Can you guarantee medical payments abroad?

Obviously, you always should do your research and pick a reliable travel insurance company, as explained in greater detail by our own VP of Claims, Jeff Rolander.

3. My credit card will protect my trip

Some credit card companies include various travel protections but in comparison to whole-trip travel insurance, benefits are limited. To receive reimbursements you must book everything on your credit card, and though some inconveniences can be reimbursed (such as lost baggage, roadside assistance and flight cancellations), you may have to wait a while to see the refunds.

4. I’m flying domestically, and I only need it when I’m far from home

Anyone traveling domestically or internationally will benefit from travel insurance as it can cover unexpected events resulting in medical emergencies, cancellations or interruptions – all of which are important considering the current airline and airport staffing shortage happening worldwide. 

So if you’re honeymooning in Hawaii, going on a water ski trip in Big Bear, California, or planning to snowboard in Colorado, best to be protected as accidents can happen anywhere.

Go with Faye

Whether you’re going near or far, staying in hostels or 5-star hotels, travel insurance should always be “packed” safely in your carry-on (or simply through an app on your phone in Faye’s case). Enjoy peace of mind with travel insurance that goes the distance to protect you anytime, anywhere. Check out our coverage and get your upcoming adventures covered.

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