View from the highest of a skyscraper in Mexico City.
Dave Paisley is traveling to Mexico City for a month in the autumn to take a Spanish language course. But he doesn’t need to take any risks. He needs travel insurance.
“My main concerns are hospitalizations and safety,” says Paisley, a retired executive from Seattle. “So I’m looking at a few things.”
Travelers like him have been in search of latest destinations rather a lot recently. This fall guarantees to be an interesting one for travelers. It follows a record summer for travel in North America and guarantees to bring challenges like we have never seen before.
“This autumn is unique,” says Anna Redmond, founding father of Bravea security consulting firm. “We have two major conflicts – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Hamas and Israel – that are creating massive instability and impacting Europe and the Middle East. In addition, it is an election year in the US with a highly contentious election that may draw even more attention to US travelers.”
Add to that the same old problems, including hurricanes, a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the beginning of flu season, and now we have all of the makings of a fall travel disaster worthy of a sequel to “The Big One.”
It will likely be a “very busy” autumn for travel
None of that is prone to stop people from traveling. Based on The According to sales figures, the record summer travel trend is about to proceed into the autumn. Travel insurance purchases for October and November trips have increased by almost 20 percent overall. However, popular destinations akin to France and Greece have seen a rise of virtually 50 percent and Spain by over 68 percent.
“Travelers should also prepare for a very busy fall travel season,” says Stan Sandberg, co-founder Travelinsurance.com.
There can be the next: Squaremouth.com reports that travel costs have skyrocketed this fall. The average trip cost has increased by over 50 percent in a yr, from $4,325 in fall 2023 to a staggering $8,898 this fall. (The hottest destination amongst Squaremouth customers is Italy, with 14 percent of travelers heading there this fall, up from 8 percent a yr ago.)
“When planning a fall trip, it is important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers a range of potential problems,” says Deanna Caffrey, director of Redpoint resolutions. “I recommend policies that cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies and evacuation. With unpredictable weather and ongoing global health concerns, having a policy that covers unforeseen circumstances is critical.”
How a traveller protects his autumn trip
Paisley, the retired executive who’s going to Mexico, says his principal fear is getting sick or injured.
“I’ve read that there’s a traffic fatality every seven hours and that the drivers there are a bit crazy,” he says. “Plus there are the usual concerns about getting sick from unfamiliar food, water and viruses while far away from home.”
He is in search of regular travel insurance policies with a term of 30 days that cover no less than $50,000 in medical expenses.
“So far I’m wavering between an Allianz policy and the Trawick policy recommended by a friend,” he says.
His other concern? Being stuck in a hospital in Mexico. All the policies he’s considered include medical evacuation, but all only to the closest acceptable hospital.
“I’m not sure there would be anything acceptable for me down there, especially if it was something serious,” he says.
So Paisley also selected a MedjetHorizon Membership that may cover him if he must be transferred to a hospital within the United States. It also offers a security profit: “So if I get kidnapped or disappear, my children will have someone to call for help.”
But for other travelers, there’s more to think about this fall.
What do you should know for those who’re traveling this fall?
So what do you should know for those who’re planning a visit in September, October or November? Here’s what the experts say.
It will likely be a hyperactive hurricane season
When planning any fall trip to the Caribbean and even domestic travel—especially within the southern United States—it will be important to keep in mind that the Atlantic hurricane season peaks in the autumn, causing weather-related travel delays or interruptions.
“For 2024 in particular, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted above-average hurricane activity at all levels,” notes Scott Adamski, head of world product development at Travel protection“We experienced a Category 5 hurricane with Beryl very early in the year, so we can expect a robust hurricane season.”
Pro tip: You have to be sure your travel insurance adequately covers delays and disruptions. If you are unsure about your insurance needs, consider cancellation insurance for any reason, which can reimburse you between 50 and 75 percent of your prepaid, non-refundable costs for those who cancel for any reason.
Staff shortages at airlines are still an issue
Another issue that’s prone to impact fall travel is airline staffing issues. Jason Block, CEO of WorldVia Travel Groupsays that while some airlines have filled staffing gaps, the industry continues to be recovering from pandemic-related layoffs.
Another problem is the brand new passenger protection regulations that got here into force this summer.
“New regulations requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers in the event of cancellations could prompt airlines to be more cautious and potentially lead to preemptive cancellations,” he says. “Given these uncertainties, purchasing travel insurance to protect against potential trip disruption and financial loss has become more important.”
Flu season is upon us
Even for those who manage to avoid bad weather and the odd aircraft breakdown, your health still stays. Jeremy Murchland, President of Seven Cornersall the time recommends travel insurance for trips abroad, as your domestic medical health insurance may not cover you abroad.
“And it’s important to remember that travel insurance isn’t just for major medical emergencies,” he adds. “This coverage can help you get treatment for seasonal illnesses. Whether it’s the flu or a particularly bad cold, you may need to see a doctor while abroad. Not only can your travel insurance cover the cost of that visit and any necessary medications, but a good insurance company can also help you find a doctor and navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system.”
This may appear to be a small problem, but in accordance with Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens InsuranceThese diseases are the principal explanation for travel cancellations and interruptions.
His advice? “Check with your health insurance company to see if you are already covered under your current health plan,” he says. “Medicare does not provide coverage for people traveling abroad, but many U.S. insurance companies do.”
But how should you are taking out insurance in your autumn trip? And do you really want it for each trip?
Research rigorously, but don’t wait too long
Travel insurance primarily covers cancellations, losses, delays, medical expenses and essential assistance.
“Before you rely on any insurance coverage – whether it’s your credit card’s travel benefits or your cruise line’s policy – read your policy carefully to make sure you are adequately protected for your trip,” advises Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Every policy has different benefits and exclusions or limitations, and you don’t want to be surprised when filing a claim.”
If you’re traveling to a spot where you’re covered by your medical health insurance and haven’t paid any costs up front, you possibly can safely forgo insurance. Experts also say that selecting insurance ought to be based on common sense, not panic.
“The biggest mistake many travelers make is getting too much insurance because they end up paying for things that are already insured,” notes Mahmood Khan, professor of hospitality and tourism at Virginia Tech.
For example, many bank cards offer only limited insurance against cancellations, delays or losses. Likewise, some employers offer adequate health or travel insurance. Find out about this before you book your fall trip, quite than rushing to purchase a policy after you have booked tickets and a hotel.
“Buying travel insurance immediately after booking flights and hotels is not just an item on your to-do list,” says Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at Allianz Partners USA“but it can also calm you down.”
