Should you insure your dream vacation? - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Should you insure your dream vacation?

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July 1, 2003

Albany - What happens when bad weather washes out your vacation plans? You could lose thousands of dollars if weather or an emergency forces you to cancel a cruise, flight, or other trip. But just as you can insure you personal health, you can insure the health of your vacation.

Veteran travel agent Elizabeth Nichols, of Albany Travel Agency, says buying travel insurance is a good idea if you've spent more than you can stand to lose on your vacation.

You can buy insurance from the cruise or tour line or from your travel agent. Buying it directly from the vacation company costs less, but the coverage isn't always as good. "Most cruise lines will only give you back 90% of the total cost, if you cancel your plans," said Nichols.

Most airlines now have non-refundable tickets, a change since 9-11. Even if you die, you family will still have to pay for your flight unless you buy insurance. "If you pay $200 for a plane ticket, it may not be worth insuring. But, if you pay $1,000 to fly to Europe or beyond, I would suggest insurance."

Insuring a $300 airline ticket cost anywhere between $15 and $30, depending on your age. Older people will pay more from travel insurance, since they're more likely to cancel because of health problems.

So, is it worth the extra cost to by insurance in case of bad weather or an emergency? Nichols says its like gambling don't bet more than you can stand to lose.

Posted at 5:15PM by kathryn.murchison@walb.com