• 22
  Mar
  2010

• Guard Against British Airways Strike with Trip Cancellation Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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British Airways cabin crew have officially gone on strike, leaving tourists around the world in a difficult situation. If you have trip cancellation insurance, you will be able to cancel British Airways flights you have already booked without losing your entire investment.

The British Airways employees went on strike this past weekend and announced plans to do so March 27-30 as well. This is leading to cancellation for many flights and status questions for many others.

That leaves passengers stuck with very expensive airfare for this week that they have already booked far in advance. Obviously no one wants to lose the significant amount of money they have made in purchasing international airline tickets, and that is where trip cancellation insurance comes in handy. Consumers can buy it in advance of their trip and then should any number of issues (either related o your personal or business life, or in this case a factor beyond your control such as an airline problem or safety concern) arise, you can cancel your trip.

You will receive a refund for most of your initial purchase, so you can then book a new flight on another airline without having paid double the price for a single trip. Trip cancellation insurance even can be applied to non-refundable flights! In an uncertain time when travel concerns and inconveniences are at an all-time high for many different reasons, it is important to protect the hundreds or thousands of dollars you spend on international travel.

• 19
  Mar
  2010

• Don’t Leave for Your Business Trip to China Without International Medical Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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For many businesses, China marks an exciting frontier full of boundless revenue potential. If you are fortunate enough to visit this exciting country with the extent of expanding your professional horizons, be certain that you have purchased international medical insurance in advance.

The size of China's population makes it extremely attractive to businesses, as does its citizens' interest in emerging technologies. Overall it is a very dynamic landscape in which people are finding new voices and re-thinking views on Western products and services. The chance to break through to the Chinese market offers many companies the opportunity to double or even triple their revenue production, making it an important market to break into.

But as you are planning your trip, your preparation should not only include getting travel documentation together and studying up on local business customs, but also buying an international health insurance policy. The insurance policy you currently have in your native country likely does not cover incidents which occur abroad, which can leave you with expensive medical bills if you become ill or injured on your trip.

The long flight to China can leave you more susceptible to illness, and the country's pollution problem could have serious effects on your health while you visit. Not to mention that other types of unforeseen health issues, such as auto accidents and food poisoning, can occur any time in any country. Do not let your opportunity to make money end up costing you money because you wound up in the hospital without the benefit of health insurance.

• 17
  Mar
  2010

• Forecast Looking Up for International Airlines

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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A recent report has suggested that international airlines are projecting stronger financial performance, which is great news for travelers. While the airlines are still not yet posting profits, they are beginning to reduce the rate at which they are losing money.

The report was published by the International Air Transport Association and indicated that losses in 2010 should be half of what had originally been projected. The total losses are projected at $2.8 billion, but $5.6 billion in losses were forecast as recently as December 2009. That would mark a significant improvement over the $9.4 billion lost in 2009.

For travelers, this is encouraging information. Travelers have been plagued by rising travel costs for several years as airlines contend with not only the difficult economy but rising fuel costs. This has led to items which once were included for free, like checking your bags, now resulting in fees. If the airlines can continue to improve their financial performance, perhaps costs might deflate a bit.

While it is likely a long way from providing financial relief to travelers, it is certainly good news to hear that international airlines are projecting a stronger outlook. The recent report published by is encouraging for the world economy in general and international travelers in particular.

• 15
  Mar
  2010

• Booking Through a Third-Party? Protect Yourself with Travel Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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A recent question and answer column on CNN.com detailed the troubling scenario of a customer who was having trouble getting a refund for a cancelled flight after booking their travel through an online travel agency. The travel expert offered explanations as to why this was happening, but the simplest solution to this problem is to buy travel insurance.

The column theorized that the delay was occurring because the airline was being slower in paying back the travel agency than it might have been in paying you back directly. However, travel insurance offers your safest solution overall in the event that you are faced with cancelled flights, delays, or missed connections.

With a small investment, you will be able to be reimbursed quickly for the costs associated with flight scheduling issues, including buying new flights and booking new travel accommodations. So your investment will be protected and recovered no matter how long the airlines and travel agencies take to process refunds.

The cost of flying is constantly increasing as airlines struggle financially. One simple cancelled flight can be a costly loss, even if it is a temporary one. No one wants to be without the few hundred dollars they are owed any longer than they have to be. Take precautions against these sorts of scenarios by purchasing an affordable travel insurance plan.