The holidays are a joyous time of year and present an opportunity to enjoy a well-earned getaway. Unfortunately, for thousands of travelers across the nation this past year, the only destination was a crowded airport.
Just after Christmas, Southwest Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, had what can only be labeled as a total meltdown. Thousands of flights were canceled and thousands more delayed due to technical problems as travelers found themselves stranded during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Weeks later, an FAA computer outage downed thousands of flights and an Amtrak train departing from Washington D.C. bound for Florida was delayed over 20 hours mid-trip.
From weddings spent apart to celebrating Christmas night in an airport, every traveler impacted by these events has a unique story. While the emotional toll on those affected is high, so too is the potential financial toll.
Missed or delayed trips can cost thousands. At least in the case of Southwest, it appears that they are attempting to reimburse some of the costs from its slew of delays and cancellations, but we know from experience that many costs will never be recovered. Should this happen again with a less brand-conscious provider, recovering costs could be even more painful. This brings the topic of travel insurance into the spotlight.
What Is Travel Insurance?
RCM&D defines travel coverage as protection against risks and financial losses that could occur while traveling, which may include flight delay due inclement weather or unannounced strikes of an airline.
Depending on the coverage plan you choose, travel insurance can cover a wide variety of issues. Plan benefits include but not limited to:
- Trip Cancellation
- Cancel for Any Reason (subject to the terms of the plan)
- Trip Interruption
- Baggage Delay
- Accident and Sickness Medical Expenses
- Baggage and Personal Effects
- Pre-Existing Conditions
- Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Remains
Travel Insurance Options from RCM&D
RCM&D, through our partner InsureMyTrip, is proud to offer tailored travel insurance coverage options to help ensure you are covered during your next getaway.
Travel insurance can also help protect you and your family when you reach your destination, providing coverage for things like medical emergencies and evacuations due to natural or political disasters. From border closures due to local conflict, broad ranging political violence or trepidation over communicable diseases, we have seen several years of significant, frequent and costly travel disruptions.
The comprehensive coverage can help reimburse some of those non-refundable costs caused by these unexpected events.
Want to Learn More?
As we plan our trips, whether it be to different states or countries, we have to face the reality that travel still remains somewhat uncertain post-pandemic. The unexpected cancellation of a trip can be challenging, but we can help provide you with the peace of mind that you are covered in the event an interruption occurs. Reach out to a trusted RCM&D advisor today to help select a coverage that is best for your next adventure.