Whether you’re planning a beach trip, a mountain retreat, or an overseas adventure, one crucial element to consider is travel insurance.
Shauna McGallian and her husband are avid travelers, drawn to destinations featuring water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. However, a specific journey from Corpus Christi to Seattle marked a significant turning point for them. When a snowstorm in Denver caused them to miss their connecting flight, they learned the hard way about the importance of travel insurance — something they had neglected. McGallian reflected on her previous decision, saying, “I opted out because I was like, oh this is an easy flight.”
This experience prompted her to become a travel agent, emphasizing the importance of travel insurance as a must-have rule: “You have to have it because I can give you a lot of stories of nightmares that have happened,” she stated.
But what exactly is travel insurance? It’s an additional cost that covers essentials including medical care, lost luggage, missed flights, and weather delays. McGallian explained that even if a hotel or flight is non-refundable, travel insurance can recoup those expenses. She likened it to car insurance, explaining that while it may seem unnecessary at times, it provides an essential safety net should something go wrong.
It’s recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you’re covered. Typically, it costs about 5 to 10 percent of the total trip expense, depending on the coverage chosen. For short, direct flights, such as between Corpus Christi and Houston, one might forgo insurance, as the proximity to home offers a certain peace of mind. However, for more extensive trips, having insurance can alleviate potential worries.
It’s vital to note that basic travel insurance doesn’t cover changes of mind; rather, it kicks in for legitimate reasons like illness or emergencies.
For those seeking assistance with travel planning or information on travel insurance options, Shauna McGallian, owner of McGallian Adventures LLC, can be reached at 361-290-6772 or via email at Shauna@letsdoadventure.com.
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