Cancellation Insurance: To buy or not to buy?
In a word - yes! Many of us are in the 'sandwich' generation and have both seniors and children in our families. Those two groups are most liable to have unexpected health issues that can affect your well laid vacation plans!
A few years ago one of our clients booked a four week vacation. He decided to take insurance as he had an elderly mother. A week before going on vacation he called and said they had to cancel the vacation - not because of his mother however. He had a detached retina and his doctor had said " no stairs, rest quietly'. The cottage he'd rented had forty steps. He was very happy he'd protected his vacation cost!
While we do everything possible to rebook a vacation that's been cancelled, when the cancellation happens close to the start date it's often not possible to rebook. When that happens, the renters lose the entire amount of their vacation cost.
Our insurance carrier - Manulife - has a very good coverage policy for cancellation and interruption coverage. They also have a great policy feature that allows travellers to cancel - for any reason - and obtain 50% of their non refundable costs (renters must purchase the coverage with 48 hours of booking and cancel at least 14 days prior to departure). Of course, full coverage is in effect if you are cancelling for an insured risk (like emergency health reasons).
Too often we've heard the expression "I'm going - no matter what!" But "no matter what" is sometimes just not possible. Protect your travel investment.
~Jan