Among the concerns raised by the Frugal Traveler are the cost of travel insurance relative to the cost of a trip; the relative likelihood of misfortune befalling you on your trip (for example, greater for one who is traveling by motorcycle through remote mountains than for one who is visiting Grandma for a week); the coverage already offered to you by your own medical insurance or homeowner’s insurance; and your individual financial tolerance — whether or not you think you’d be able to absorb the cost of a medical evacuation or other major unforeseen expense.  In most cases, the Frugal Traveler recommends using InsureMyTrip as one of the key sources for comparing and purchasing travel insurance options that suit your needs.

The entire column, “Should You Buy Travel Insurance?” can be found on the NY Times website.

Many comprehensive travel insurance policies offer a full complement of benefits including coverage for pre-existing medical conditions that may recur and compel a traveler to cancel their trip. Pre-existing Medical Condition Waivers are a must-have if you have a recent history of health issues, from a heart condition to cancer or concerns about the health of a non-traveling family member. In order to fully take advantage of these waivers however, it’s important to understand some of the purchase requirements and policy terms.

Q.What is a Pre-existing Medical Condition?
A.It is a medical condition, injury, disease, or illness that occurred prior to your date of departure. This condition may apply to you, a traveling companion, family member, or business partner.

Q.What is a ‘look back’ period?
A.This is the number of days that the insurance company will ‘look back’ from the date of your trip departure to see if your claim is related to a pre-existing medical condition.

Q.What is a Pre-existing Medical Condition Waiver?
A.Every insurance policy has a pre-existing medical exclusion, meaning that coverage is not available for pre-existing medical conditions. However, five of the All Inclusive Policies now offered through InsureMyTrip for Canadian travelers have a Pre-existing Medical Condition Waiver which essentially deletes that exclusion and extends your policy to cover pre-existing condition-related risks.

Q.When is the best time to buy travel insurance to obtain a Pre-existing Medical Condition Waiver?
A.To be eligible for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver, you need to purchase your policy within 15 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit and be medically able to travel, regardless of your pre-existing conditions, on the date the policy is purchased. Following these guidelines, pre-existing medical condition waivers become an automatic benefit under the terms of your policy with no additional fees and no separate paper work.

InsureMyTrip.com’s expert Customer Care representatives can help you navigate the complexities of this multi-faceted insurance, whether you simply need one question answered or want step-by-step guidance in selecting a travel insurance policy.  Representatives are available to help seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call (800) 551-1337 to speak with a licensed travel insurance professional, or visit www.insuremytrip.com to learn about protection plans that put you in control of your travels.

For all the latest in travel insurance information, connect with us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@insuremytrip) and take us with you wherever you go.

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About InsureMyTrip:
Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a leading online travel insurance aggregator worldwide.  Featuring insurance comparisons from the top industry providers, InsureMyTrip is a one-stop resource designed to meet travelers’ comprehensive insurance needs all in a secure environment. Enhancing the insurance buying experience, InsureMyTrip features a Customer Ratings & Reviews community forum for traveler feedback, discussion and information exchange. InsureMyTrip also specializes in providing custom retail and wholesale travel insurance solutions in the education and mission travel markets. InsureMyTrip is headquartered in Warwick, R.I., with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon.