Travel Protection: Keeping Spring Breakers Safe and Secure

Advice from the US Travel Insurance Association. Reshared with permission.

As spring approaches, students across the country are gearing up for a much-needed break from their studies. While spring break can be a time of excitement and fun, it can also be stressful if things don’t go according to plan. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt travel plans, The US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) advises travelers to protect their investments with a travel protection plan.

Whether you’re planning a road trip, a beach vacation, or an international adventure, travel protection can help give you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered if something unexpected happens. A travel protection plan can help cover the costs of trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen luggage, and more. Here are a few scenarios that can happen during spring break and how travel protection can help:

Scenario 1: You’re planning a beach getaway but get the flu before your vacation even begins. With travel protection, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable portions of your trip.

Scenario 2: You’re on a ski trip and injure yourself on the slopes. With travel protection, you can receive coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruption if you need to return home early.

Scenario 3: You’re traveling internationally, and your passport is stolen. With travel protection, you can receive coverage for emergency passport replacement, as well as coverage for expenses related to the theft.

While spring break can be a time of excitement and fun, it can also be stressful if things don’t go according to plan. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt travel plans, The US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) advises travelers to protect their investments with a travel protection plan.

In addition to purchasing travel protection, there are other steps parents and children can take to stay safe during spring break:

Research your destination. Check for travel advisories and other important information before you go.
Practice social distancing if Covid-19 is a threat in your destination. Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Use sunscreen. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

“Spring break is a time for fun and adventure, but it’s important to plan for the unexpected,” said Susan Silfen, President, UStiA . “Travel protection can provide peace of mind and financial protection for travelers in the event of unforeseen circumstances.”

UStiA recommends that travelers carefully review the policy and ensure they understand exactly what is covered when purchasing traveling insurance. There are many different protection plans, so the UStiA urges consumers to compare benefits and pricing to find a plan most suitable for their individual travel needs. 

Travelers should always:

Review policy. Before leaving for your trip be sure to review your policy and understand exactly what it covers. Always carry your policy number and the 24-hour hotline number with you during your trip.
Keep all records. Receipts from travel arrangements, such as airline flights or hotel accommodations, are required when filing your insurance claim.
Obtain medical proof. If you become ill before or during a trip you will need a doctor’s statement claiming that you were not fit to travel or medical records to substantiate your claim.

About The US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA)

UStiA is a nonprofit association of insurance carriers and allied businesses involved in the development, administration, and marketing of travel insurance and assistance services. UStiA promotes fairness, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in the travel insurance industry, with a mission to educate the public on travel insurance while maintaining high industry standards. For more information on UStiA and travel insurance, visit www.ustia.org.