Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Hawaii Vacation Insurance

One of our biggest categories on Best Hawaii Vacations is the one offering Hawaii Vacation Tips, which does not come as a surprise. This is the main reason why we write this blog. We'd like to share everything we know about Hawaii and Hawaii vacations from our many years as hosts of Kohala Coast vacation rentals, whether it's practical tips for parents about Hawaii Activity Books, the best way to start your Hawaii vacation, where to buy fresh fruits or why deciding for a Hawaii vacation rental instead of staying at a resort or hotel. From seemingly little practical questions to big issues, like when is the best time for a Hawaii vacation or which Hawaiian Island to visit, we try to give you our best answers.

One question we have not covered so far is whether you should buy travel or health insurance for your Hawaii vacation. OK here we go. In all those years as vacation rental hosts, we experienced a few cancellations due to personal accidents or sudden health issues of the traveler or a close family member. A person might suddenly lose his or her job and has to cancel his long planned trip to Hawaii. Even when believing in positive thinking, unexpected things can happen to all of us. You want to protect your money by signing up for a travel insurance. Again it's an insurance. It's taking a precaution. In 90% (or higher) of all the Hawaii travels probably things work out perfectly.

Hawaii Vacation at its best

We noticed that most of our Hawaii visitors from Europe had travel insurance. One of the reasons probably being the much higher costs for air fares from Europe and much longer planning their Hawaii vacation in advance. We had guests booking their rental cottage even up to one year prior to starting their trip to Hawaii. When one had to cancel their Hawaii vacation, it's bad enough after all that planning plus there was big money at stake. Having travel insurance was at least protected them from the financial loss!

Hawaii Travel Insurance

Here are a few recommendations before you buy a Hawaii Travel Insurance. Check your existing insurance policies and credit card coverage before you buy travel insurance. American Express card members enjoy the exceptional travel benefits, including: Global Assist® Hotline , Car Rental Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance Visa card holders enjoy special travel services and benefits when owning Visa Premium Rewards cards. We definitely advise to pay with your credit card as much as possible, especially for air fare tickets to Hawaii. Be protected so you won't lose your money when airlines go out of business like Aloha Airlines and ATA.

Despite of all the above travel benefits through your credit card, you might want to consider trip-cancellation insurance. It will help you get your money back if you have to back out of a trip or if you have to go home early. The cost of travel insurance varies widely mostly between 5 - 8% of the total cost of your vacation. Read the fine print what reasons are allowed for cancellation. Be aware that insurers usually won't cover vague fears!

Travel Insurance Companies

Travel insurance policies vary; so make sure you get what you want for your Hawaii travel. Here are a few travel insurance companies, which we found when searching online. We cannot recommend one or the other. Make your choice which one offers the best coverage for your individual needs for your trip to Hawaii: Travel Guard International tel 800-826-4919, Access America tel. 800-284-8300, Travel Insure tel. 800-937-1387, or Travelex Insurance Services tel. 800-228-9792

Hawaii Travel Health Insurance

Most health insurance policies cover you, when you get sick on vacation but check, particularly if you're insured with an HMO. I had my insurance company mail me the form for health care when going on vacation. In most cases, you can also download this doctor's visit form from your health care company's website. I think it's good to have it with me on my travels. Then you know exactly what my health care insurer needs to reimburse my costs. For additional medical insurance, check with MEDEX Assistance tel. 410-453-6300.

Hawaii Flight Luggage Insurance

Make sure whether your credit card covers your lost luggage and upto what value. Same applies with the airlines. Checked baggage is covered by the Airline you are flying to Hawaii. You might want to check with the airline how much your luggage is covered if/when getting lost. If your luggage is lost, immediately file a lost-luggage claim at the airport, listing all the luggage contents.

Remember, you must report delayed, damaged, or lost baggage within 4 hours of arrival! For your peace of mind, in all the cases when luggage to Hawaii did not arrive with our guests, the airline delivered it at the latest the next day. Good idea to have essentials + your bathing suit in your carry-on, so you can start your vacation in Paradise immediately!

Hoping our recommendations will help plan your Hawaii vacation the best way you can. Have a wonderful vacation in Hawaii! Anything we forgot to mention about Hawaii travel insurance, please, share with our blog visitors. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s
Our Hawaii post girl is beautiful Amber from WahineStyle.

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