Considering Your Options: Should I Purchase Traveler's Insurance?

As you are likely aware, the tour company we are traveling with offers an "All-Inclusive Insurance Plan" for travelers. For D-Day Travelers, the deadline to purchase this insurance is April 1, 2009. I do not require travelers to purchase this plan (though some Group Leaders do), because I feel this decision should be up to parents and travelers. Traveling without insurance does involve some additional "risk", though whether the elimination of that potential (minimal) risk is worth the fees charged, is largely a personal decision.

With that in mind, here are some things to consider when making your decision:

• Most U.S. insurance companies do not offer complete coverage while you are traveling abroad. Check with your insurance company to be certain if you believe you already have coverage. Don't assume and then find out later you don't have coverage.


• If your current medical insurance covers care in Europe, you will have to carry with you proof of your coverage. This is because hospitals in our destination countries won't just "take your word for it" if you show up needing care.


• Although traveling in Europe is VERY safe (rates of violent crime are MUCH lower than those of most major US cities), crimes like petty theft and purse-snatching are not uncommon, especially in areas frequented by tourists. You will need to be vigilant in keeping track of your possessions, and it wouldn't hurt to have a "back-up plan" in case you become a victim of theft.


• The cost of EF's All-Inclusive Insurance is $115 for 2009 travelers and $125 for 2010 travelers.

EF does provide insurance to travelers who would like extra protection while on tour. Listed below is what's included in EF's All-Inclusive Insurance Plan:

1. Tour Cancellation & Interruption Service:

• Full refund of Program Fee if canceling or partial refund if leaving tour early due to serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization, financial hardship due to unexpected job loss, jury duty, military call to active duty or severe damage to home. Note: Because of EF's new "Job-Loss Guarantee", all travelers may cancel due to job loss with minimal fees; purchasing the insurance is no longer required for that. For cancellations due to other reasons listed above, the insurance is necessary to get reduced fees.

2. Medical and Accident Insurance:

• Direct payments will be made to the hospital in the event of hospitalization


• Travel and accomodation expenses for a family member to be with you while you are hospitalized


• Combined coverage of up to $35,000 for the above situations.

3. Baggage and Property Insurance

• Coverage of theft of baggage, cash, airline tickets, valuable documents and valuable property in cases of theft or delay.


• Emergency cash on tour of up to $300 within 24 hours in case of theft

If I want to purchase this insurance, what do I do?

You may enroll by 1.) Contacting Mrs. Welle (I can add it to your account) or 2.) logging on to your EF Account and following the links to add insurance, or 3.) calling EF's Customer Service at 1-800-665-5364. Have your account number handy.