Can anybody recommend the name of a company that they have actually used for trip cancellation insurance? Any pitfalls or thing to be aware of or avoid?

SBT, Gracy Travel recommends Sportsmans Travel Insurance. I looked at their site before my Zim trip last month, but didn't buy. Why? I had a really bad experience in 2001 with TravelGuard, the same underwriter Sportsman's uses, concerning a trip to Cuba (legal). They used every weasel tactic they could think of to keep from paying a penny when I made a claim for hurricane delays.

If you book your travel insurance within two weeks of booking your trip, I think you can either save $$ or get some extra coverage...check the site.

SBT, you might check with your local insurance agent. My agent tells me he can write health, medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage insurance, just as soon as I know the dates I will be gone.

Mad Dog

Postdriver,
Sportsman's Travel is the company being put forth by my booking agent and so far, the only company I know about. Thanks for letting me know about you experience.

Mad Dog,
With your suggestion, I called my local agent and learned that they do not provide trip cncellation insurance, only trip health insurance. Good thought.

Just received two quotes on a 21 day Zambian safari.

SCI - $2,692 (Does not include medical evac)

Sportsman's Travel - $1,801 (Above $ 15,000 not include financial default, terrorism, or pre-existing coverage / Does include medical evac, but to hospital of their choice)

This is crazy.

SBT- I wouldn't buy it.Checked the last two trips and it seemed too much for what you get, particularly when going with a reputable outfit. I would consider getting Med Jet. That seems to be a real value.

Scott,

We are not endorsing anybody but you should check out CSA TRAVEL PROTECTION. http://www.csavg40.com
or 800-348-9505.

The insurances you have quoted are expensive but compared to what it would cost if you got seriously injured way up on the Luangwa next year and needed to get out in a hurry it is cheap.

Mark

I have found that the cost for trip cancellation insurance (the part that covers default by the safari company or if you can't make the trip for the reasons covered by the policy) is very expensive and limited in its application. Read the provisions of the policy carefully.

For our last trip, I bought CSA Insurance with coverage for myself and my wife of $100,000 Medical Coverage for $56.00. Of course that doesn't cover you for trip cancellation.

Go to Insure My Trip for quotes from several companies.

You can get the full coverage policy (without the Trip Cancellation portion) by putting 0 (Zero) in the box for the Trip Cost portion. I went with CSA because Keith Atcheson had good luck with them regarding Niki's hospitalization.

So if you want the trip cancellation policy, it is going to cost (in the $2,000 and up range). If you just want the medical coverage and evac, you should be able to get it for less than $100.

Reards,

Terry

Gracias amigos. I really did want both, but I'll definetly get the medical evacuation. I am just worried about something happening to aged parents and thus effecting our trip.

I usedCSA on my trip to Moz. last year. No problems except I had my camera pinched in camp. Since the outfitter wouldn't cover it I turned it into CSA & they paid off w/ little fuss. The cost was worth it to me and about 2/3 of what some others here are quoting.

I used CSA going to Namibia last year, and also recommended it for my son's trip this past year. Price's were very reasonable. My youngest son and daughter-in-law leave for a 14 week vacation to Austrailia this week, and no one would cover that long a period without exorbitant fees. Settled for Med-Jet coverage and the rest covered by their homeowner's policy. Their agent is my hunting partner, so no problems there.

Looking at some of the companies mentioned on this thread, it appears they severely limit the length of time they will cover (18 months or less) and the most they will insure ($20,000 or less). What options for insurance do you have if you exceed either of this limits?

What I'm seeing is if there are two traveling companions (you and wife) you divide the value of the trip between the two of you and it may fall within the alloted value.

I have to agree with Mark Young - CSA.
I had to use my trip insurance when I fell and broke my pelvis 2 weeks before leaving for TZ. Things have gone smoothly (so far) and now am only waiting for my refund of nearly $12k.
Dave
Oh, yeah, I think it cost around $500.

Best price so far is from CSA for $1,106.28 for trip cancelation, interuption, medical evac etc. They are e-mailing the actual policy to look over prior to purchase. Thanks Mark, Terry, Fred, Blank and Groucho.