Category: TRAVEL INSURANCE CONSUMER

Stolen and lost baggage can throw a monkey wrench into your trip in the blink of an eye. Here are a few tips to keep your travel bags and valuables safe on your trip:

What if you encounter an emergency on vacation and need a translator, medical referral or cash transfer? Many people know the value of travel insurance, which can reimburse you for certain unforeseen mishaps such as baggage loss, flight delays or a covered situation that could require you to cancel your trip. But do you know that our travel insurance plans include services that allow travelers to get help with certain emergency situations that could come up during their trip, or even just help finding a good restaurant at your destination?

Look below for a list of the travel assistance services included with our Standard, Preferred and Premium travel insurance plans and how they can help you before, during and after your trip. If you buy a Generali travel insurance plan, it’s good to know what travel assistance services are at your fingertips, just in case you need them.

Generali policyholders that need emergency help from an available service can call 877-243-4135 toll-free 24 hours a day from within the United States, or call collect to 240-330-1529 from around the world.

You may choose to insure your trip in case you encounter a medical emergency or you’re forced to cancel your trip due to a covered event, but Generali travel insurance plans aren’t just about the insurance coverages. When you purchase one of our plans, you get access to dozens of different travel assistance services at your fingertips when you need them most.

*Services are provided by Generali’s designated provider.

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With Generali travel insurance, you get access to dozens of different travel assistance services at your fingertips when you need them most.

With nearly 500 ski resorts in the U.S., choosing your next ski trip can be overwhelming as there’s a lot to choose from. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family-friendly ski trip, it can be difficult to decide where to go. From remote luxury, top notch après-ski options, to easy access, and early season destinations—we’ve taken popular “must haves” into consideration and curated some of the best ski resorts in the U.S. 

Ski trips take a lot of planning and coordination; you’ve waxed your skis, booked your trip to one the best ski resorts in the U.S., and are ready to hit the slopes. The last thing you want to worry about is what could go wrong. Helping to protect yourself, your trip and your belongings with travel insurance can help you travel—and ski—with more peace of mind.

International travel can be expensive, so having a lifeline can come in handy when you’re visiting another country. You might not speak the language or be familiar with your surroundings. You might need help making an additional flight arrangement or you might fall ill. In any of these cases, it doesn’t hurt to have a little help, such as international travel insurance and access to global travel assistance services.

We hope that your travels (especially with one of our travel insurance plans) will let you enjoy every lasting moment.

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If you’re thinking of traveling to Spain, you’re probably familiar with the country’s highlights. From coastal Barcelona to stunning Seville, there are a number of must-see attractions that await your visit. You could easily spend a month exploring this kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula—how to narrow it down?

Here are answers to some of your key questions about traveling to Spain:

Whatever you decide to do when traveling to Spain, keep in mind that the cultural rhythm is slow, so embrace the siesta. Long leisurely meals are common and some dinners may last for hours. Your trip to Spain could be the most relaxing vacation you’ve had in a decade!

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Summer vacation often means spending a week enjoying the sand and surf at the beach. While it may seem like “a day at the beach” is all sunshine and happiness, there are some hidden dangers to avoid. When planning your summer trip to the shore, make sure you consider beach safety as part of your preparation, especially if you aren’t familiar with the beach you’re traveling to.

Review these beach safety tips with everyone in your group before heading for the water’s edge. Doing your best to prepare for a fabulous summer vacation also means accounting for things that could go wrong. Keep your group safe and healthy so they can return to the beach again next year. 

Enjoying the magical time before your little one arrives is important, and taking a babymoon might be the best way to indulge. Or perhaps you’ve been asked to be in a wedding which just happens to be in Europe. Whatever the reason you’re flying while pregnant, it’s good to be prepared.

Here are some thought starters to help you plan:

Whether you’re planning a much-needed getaway or a business trip, may your travel during pregnancy take you to a happy place.

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Fall is an ideal time to travel for those who enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper fares. In the travel industry this time is known as shoulder season, a time when you’re more likely to find a trip to many popular destinations for less money than the peak travel seasons.

For fall trips, most people purchased travel insurance roughly three months in advance of their trip departure date, while the average trip length was 9 days. While it’s good to plan ahead, this season is also a great time to get a last-minute travel deal.

“Before booking their next vacation, travelers shooting for off-peak season need to do their homework or talk to a travel professional to be sure they’re nailing down the right travel window,” said Lea Nielsen, vice president of sales and business development at CruiseDirect.com. “If they are going on a cruise on the other side of the world, then the off-peak season could be different than what they expect. Working with a seasoned travel expert like one of our personal cruise advisors can save you time and money.”

Whether you consult an expert or research your trip online, it’s important to be aware of the many factors that can affect a fall vacation. Be sure to check for weather and travel alerts before departing. After all, it’s still hurricane season through November, so if a storm is forming before you depart, you’re going to want to know.

In addition to considering when to take a trip and if booking during shoulder season is right for you, be sure to consider whether travel insurance is right for your trip. You can compare our plans side-by-side to see which might be the best fit.

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There’s a good reason people buy travel insurance. They know their trip could be delayed, interrupted or even canceled because of factors that are simply out of their control. Bad weather and mechanical problems on your plane are two examples. While Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption are two of the most common reasons for filing a travel insurance claim, Travel Delay is a close third. 

Travel insurance with travel delay coverage helps to reimburse you for hotel stays and meals if your trip or flight is delayed.

While trip cancellation is one of the most common reasons travelers might start thinking about buying travel insurance to help protect their prepaid trip costs, making sure you purchase a well-rounded insurance plan that also includes trip interruption coverage can be equally important in helping to protect your hard-earned vacation investment. 

Protecting your travel expenses from covered mishaps that can occur during your trip is an important component of all of our well-rounded travel protection plans. Each of our three different plans includes a different Trip Interruption coverage limit: up to 125%, 150% and 175% of your insured trip cost. Depending upon how long you’re traveling for and where you’re heading, our Standard, Preferred or Premium plan could have the right coverage level for your next trip.

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Your home is being renovated and you suddenly need to clear out for a few days. Your kids were invited to grandma’s house for an unexpected week-long stay. Or maybe you’ve simply reached your breaking point at work and need to get away – quickly!

No matter the reason, consumers often plan last-minute vacations during the summer. And with so many options for travelers – from deal hunter apps to package aggregator websites to destination-specific booking engines – planning an inexpensive, spur-of-the-moment trip can be a little overwhelming.

It doesn’t have to be, though. Travelers who follow a few basic recommendations are sure to enjoy an impromptu summer trip at a great price. 

So, go ahead and take that unexpected trip before the end of summer. The last-minute travel deals are out there for the taking! And don’t forget to add a well-rounded travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance.

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Identifying what types of activities, environments or feelings cause you the most stress could be the key to enjoying a relaxing vacation this summer. Consider a few of the most common causes of stress and how you can structure your relaxing vacation to minimize stressors and make the most out of your summer time away.

Take this advice about how to relax on vacation to unlock a refreshing, memorable and relaxing vacation this season complete with added peace of mind provided by a Generali travel protection plan. 

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If you’re looking for tropical beaches, jungles and wildlife during your next vacation, then traveling to Costa Rica is the perfect choice. From birders to surfers, Costa Rica’s rich terrain and biodiversity offers something amazing for everyone. But if this is your first time traveling to this Central American gem, then here are a few nuggets of wisdom to consider before your trip.

Costa Rica is one of those destinations where you go on vacation and fall in love with its beauty. Whether it’s a great once-in-a-lifetime vacation that you remember forever or a place that you frequent time and again, each adventure you have there will be as unique as a grain of sand. And, when it comes to any vacation—whether domestic or abroad—we highly recommend you help protect your non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs with a Standard, Preferred or Premium travel insurance plan from Generali Global Assistance.

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From choosing your destination and settling on an itinerary, to booking your travel arrangements and packing your suitcase, preparing to travel outside of the country is no small task. Leaving the comforts of home and familiar cultural norms, navigating new landscapes or facing language barriers introduces new challenges to daily life that travelers might not immediately consider while planning sight-seeing tours or local activities.

To help travelers in need of a traveling abroad checklist prepare to head overseas, we’ve compiled an essential checklist for international travel, including an international travel packing list. 

Try out this checklist for international travel for your next trip abroad and depart for your preferred destination knowing you’re prepared. Did you know purchasing a Generali travel protection plan can help complete some of the items listed on this traveling abroad checklist? Learn more about our plans to find out how. Safe travels!

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A travel checklist to help you fully prepare for a trip abroad, from planning to booking and even an international travel packing list.

Tips from the experts about when to buy travel insurance to get the most value. Tip #1: Insure your trip right away for maximum trip cancellation coverage.

One of the great things about the 4^th of July is celebrating the holiday can be simple and relatively inexpensive while remaining memorable and fun. If you’re looking to make this year’s festivities a little more special, then Independence Day is also a great occasion for a summer vacation. We’ve put together a list of the best 4^th of July events, best 4^th of July fireworks and the overall best places to go for 4^th of July. 

We wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July wherever your travels take you. Don’t forget to protect your trip investment with travel insurance and consider if you need medical or emergency medical transportation coverage before you depart.

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4th of July is a great occasion for a summer vacation. See our list of the best 4th of July events, firework shows and the overall best places to go.

If you’re trying to determine where to go for 4th of July – we can help. Discover top events, fireworks shows and more from our travel experts.

Visiting Europe can be one of the most memorable experiences for any traveler. From the continent’s history and culture to its cities and countryside, the region is home to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.

But if things go wrong on your dream European vacation, the trip of a lifetime can quickly turn into your worst travel nightmare.

Europe is a must-see destination, so be sure to book that dream European vacation—and that you and your traveling companions have a travel insurance plan that will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

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A European vacation is no small investment. Learn why you should consider a travel insurance plan that will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

When exploring travel insurance options, travelers may find that while travel insurance is the most commonly used term, plans are also frequently referred to as travel protection or trip insurance. You may find yourself asking, “What is travel protection?” “What is trip insurance?” or “What’s the difference?”

Whether they’re referred to as travel insurance, travel protection or trip insurance, travel protection plans provide assistance services in addition to insurance coverages. Generali Global Assistance travel protection plans include valuable insurance coverages if travelers lose their prepaid trip costs or incur certain unplanned expenses due to a covered reason. Travelers insured by our plans also receive worldwide services provided by our designated travel protection service provider, also Generali Global Assistance.

When weighing their travel insurance options and exploring the questions, “What is travel protection?” and “What is trip insurance?” travelers will note travel insurance, travel protection and trip insurance plans can help when they’re faced with a variety of stressful circumstances, time-consuming inconveniences and financial losses. Including both valuable coverages and useful services, well-rounded travel protection products can help you travel with more peace of mind on domestic or international getaways.

If you are traveling a long distance, or overseas, chances are you need travel protection. Find out how our travel protection plans differ from basic travel insurance.

From the bottom of the ocean to the top of the world, people have been seeking unusual places to pop the question for quite some time. If you’re looking for an interesting place to propose to your sweetheart, we’ve selected some perfect spots around the world for companions of all types.

If you’re planning a surprise trip to the perfect proposal location, you don’t want any mishaps to mar your vacation – consider travel insurance from Generali. 

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So much of the fun of going on vacation is in the anticipation and planning. Maybe you have a milestone anniversary or a major birthday on the horizon? This might be your chance to finally take that dream vacation to the South Pacific or book an African Safari.

Planning dream vacations can be as simple as identifying the number one item on your bucket list and calling your travel agent. But with the entire world open to you, how do you select from a multitude of wonderful options?  

Whether your world travel wish-list includes an African safari, world cruise or a sunrise hike, pluck your dream vacation out of your slumber and put it on your calendar! And don’t forget to protect your dream vacation with a travel insurance plan from Generali Global Assistance.

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A list of the most romantic places in the world that are perfect for a proposal, grouped by interests such as “for the foodie” or “for nature-lovers.”

Planning a dream vacation can get overwhelming fast. Get some ideas to help pick a destination, from the South Pacific, an African safari, a second honeymoon and beyond.

Packing well for a trip can be just as important as choosing the right destination. Forgetting key items on vacation can be a nightmare, and depending on the type of trip, replacing those items can be expensive and difficult. Following is a list of travel packing tips, including what to pack for a trip and the best methods for packing. And, always remember the #1 packing tip from travel experts: pack light.

If you run through these travel packing tips before your next trip, you should be well on your way to a breezy vacation with much less hassle.

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Get your vacation started the right way with these handy travel packing tips. Save time and money and start your vacation relaxed and stress free.

Summer is finally here and the beach vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months is just around the corner. The chance to unwind and make new memories has kept you going for weeks.

Unfortunately, however, there is an ever-present summertime danger that has the capacity to derail your well-thought-out vacation plans: hurricane season. And with some of the most popular places to visit in the U.S. – Florida, South Carolina and the coastlines of Hawaii – prone to hurricanes, preparing for hurricane-related travel risks are a great way to protect your travel investment.

So, go ahead and book that dream seashore vacation, even during hurricane season. There’s nothing as relaxing as lounging at the beach. Just be aware of the possibility of hurricane-related snafus and the peace of mind that comes from preparing for them.

Sources:

1.   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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Tips to prepare if you’re traveling to a hurricane zone during hurricane season, including how travel insurance can cover a number of weather-related events.

Tips to prepare if you’re traveling to a hurricane zone during hurricane season, including how travel insurance can cover a number of weather-related events.

Family vacations offer a chance to reunite with extended family members and to relax from the hectic weekday pace. Some of the more popular vacation types for families include theme parks, beach trips, tours and even family reunion cruises.

When taking a family vacation, consider a travel insurance plan that can cover your group. Our plans can cover up to 10 people on the same trip. So, if the worst-case scenario strikes you could have the budget to try a family vacation again next summer.

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Italy remains a perennial vacation favorite because it offers so much for visitors. There’s no way to see and do everything in a single trip, so it’s best to pick your absolute must-sees when planning a trip to Italy, and resolve to return.

Your approach to Italy could be to hop across the country hitting up the major cities like Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan. Or you could dedicate your trip to a certain region like the Alps, the blissfully serene Amalfi coast or the Lake Country in the north. Travelers who want to base a trip around food and wine will find no shortage of culinary delights in Italian cuisine. Whatever method you take to planning a trip to Italy, you are certain to have a wonderful journey!

Italy enjoys a position atop many vacation wish lists. These tips should help you focus on what you really want to do when planning a trip to Italy. Whether it’s an art appreciation tour of Rome, historic studies, or a search for the country’s most charming villages that inspire your trip to Italy, enjoy your time living La Dolce Vita!

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Get the most out of your trip to Italy with tips about what to see and do, from Rome to Venice and beyond.

When flying, there are very few details you want to leave up in the air. Travel insurance for flights, which may also be called flight insurance or airline insurance, can help you travel with more peace of mind in case something unexpected happens. We’ve all heard about flight cancellations and delays, but how can travel insurance for flights help? And what other benefits does a more robust plan offer in addition to just protecting your flight?

Travel protection offers coverages and services that include benefits not found with many airline or flight-only insurance plans. If you become unexpectedly ill, get laid off from work or the plane has mechanical difficulties, then a robust travel protection plan can help.

For example, if you buy flight insurance through an airline, then it may compensate for the flight cancellation, but it may be credit towards a new flight. Airlines are not required to reimburse for missed hotel stays or transportation.  However, you can seek reimbursement from a travel protection provider for all three expenses.

Flight insurance only plans cover mishaps that have to do with your flight, and that’s it. If you want a more robust plan that includes Trip Cancellation or Travel Delay coverages, then look for a plan that offers these as well as other pre- and post-departure coverages. But keep in mind, all travel protection plans have limitations about what kind of events are covered.

Whatever your plans are at 30-thousand feet, be sure to consider buying a robust travel protection plan from a reputable provider such as Generali Global Assistance well before heading to the airport. That way, the only thing that will be left up in the air is your feet on the footstool in front of you.

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A record breaking 1.2 billion tourists travelled abroad in 2015, and 191 million of them arrived in the Americas. That’s about a 5% increase year over year according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization in its latest World Tourism Barometer.

With more travelers come longer airport lines and more tourists, making it increasingly difficult to find peace and solitude while on vacation. It can be even more challenging to find a quiet vacation destination when traveling during a holiday break, especially during college spring break season.

For travelers that are looking to vacation during the popular spring break timeframe but want to avoid crowds, there are alternative spring break destinations worth checking out. 

While some travelers seek alternative spring break destinations, there are still many who will gravitate toward popular spring break hot spots. This includes college spring breakers looking to experience spring break at its fullest.

"For many college-age students, this may be the first time they’ve traveled without their parents," said Bob Chambers, travel insurance expert and vice president of operations Generali Global Assistance. "It’s natural for parents to worry about their kids, and having travel insurance can help both the students and their parents rest easier."

So why buy travel insurance? Chambers added that, "Unfortunate things can happen to anyone while traveling, and even people in their 20s could become injured or ill, lose their passport or luggage, or face travel disruptions from weather events, flight delays, or other unforeseeable events."

Whether college students, families or individuals are traveling during the popular spring break timeframe, they should not only consider travel insurance from a reputable source, such as Generali Global Assistance, but also prepare for a busier travel experience. The UNWTO predicts worldwide travel will continue to grow in 2016 with Asia, the Pacific and the Americas leading the way. Planning for these scenarios before departing can reduce stress and make for a much more relaxing vacation, even if you’re going to one of the bustling spring break destinations.

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In addition to protecting their trip’s financial investment, acquiring medical coverage is another key reason why travelers might want to make buying travel insurance an important part of planning their next trip.

Depending upon their needs, travelers looking for travel medical insurance for domestic trips or international travel medical insurance may find value in our Medical and Dental Coverage, Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage and 24/7/365 emergency assistance services included in our robust travel insurance plan offerings. In combination with Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and other valuable coverages, our plans put well-rounded protection in travelers’ back pockets so they can rest a little more easily while away from home.

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Serious issues while traveling within the United States happen more often than consumers realize. While international travelers are more likely to recognize the importance of securing travel protection for their trip, as traveling abroad certainly seems to be more risky these days, domestic travelers often overlook just how valuable such coverage can be.

In fact, domestic travelers encounter many of the same problems the globetrotting set might have to deal with. And what they may not realize is that the peace of mind that can come with travel insurance could cost much less than expected, in line with less-expensive domestic travel. Further, rather than asking whether a domestic trip costs enough money to warrant travel insurance, consumers might want to consider the possible costs of certain unexpected issues if they don’t have coverage.

We’ve put together some helpful tips on the benefits of travel insurance for both international and domestic travelers:

Whether travelers have trips planned domestically or internationally, travel insurance from a reputable provider, such as Generali Global Assistance, is critical to protecting their trip investment. With the right travel insurance solution in place, travelers can rest easier and focus on what is important – enjoying their trip to the fullest extent possible.

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Serious issues during trips in the U.S. happen more often than most travelers realize. See how travel insurance can help.

Though some Americans may still be clearing remnants of New Year confetti out of furniture and carpets, many are already starting to make their summer vacation plans. In doing so, they are faced with a decision—when to buy travel insurance.

“The financially prudent thing to do is to buy insurance when you have money at risk. If you buy nonrefundable airfare, which most of us do, your money is at risk right away,” said Bob Chambers, vice president of operations at Generali Global Assistance. “For cruises and tours, it may not be an issue until cancellation penalties start to kick in. That could be at six months prior to departure.”

No matter when the plan is purchased, travelers should remember to consider travel insurance from a reputable provider such as Generali Global Assistance. With the right travel insurance plan and a summer vacation already in motion, travelers are poised to enjoy the rest of winter and spring looking forward to their next adventure.

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Travelers might think their credit card will cover them on a trip to the same extent as travel insurance, but, in many cases, this isn’t true. Many credit cards that include some travel protection features often provide coverage for fewer events and tend to offer lower benefit limits than travel insurance.

Here’s the rundown why credit cards are not enough for travelers, especially when it comes to coverage for trip cancellation, medical and evacuation coverages, pre-existing medical conditions, limits and covering other travelers on the same trip.

While planning their next vacation, travelers should consider these tips before crossing off travel insurance from their to-do list. If they have credit cards with travel protection, then they should contact their credit card provider to find out the exact terms and conditions. Remember it’s likely that only purchases made with the credit card will be eligible for coverage. If travelers paid another way, check or cash for example, then they would probably not be covered by the credit card.

Travelers who determine that credit cards aren’t enough should consider purchasing travel insurance from a reputable provider such as Generali Global Assistance. May they have travel insurance, but never have to use it because their vacation was smooth sailing.

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Think your credit card will cover you on a trip to the same extent as travel insurance pros? Think again.

Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time in a day? For those who can relate, there’s good news. There is one day a year that actually has 25 hours, when Daylight Saving Time ends and Daylight Standard Time begins. 

No matter when you’re traveling, investigate your travel insurance options; and if you travel during Daylight Saving time, be sure to know when to set your clocks back or do nothing at all. Most importantly, enjoy your extra hour thanks to Daylight Saving Time. 

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Learn where to travel to avoid the Daylight Saving Time change, when it happens this year and other interesting facts.

Learn where to travel to avoid the Daylight Saving Time change, when it happens this year and other interesting facts.

Learn where to travel to avoid the Daylight Saving Time change, when it happens this year and other interesting facts.

If you’re forced to cancel your trip, how much of that prepaid trip cost could you get back? Trip cancellation insurance can help you get reimbursed.