<p>We just planned a family trip overseas for later this summer. We are worried that my 90 year old FIL could have some very serious medical issues before we are scheduled to leave (or while we are away) that would require us to cancel. So we are interested in obtaining trip cancellation insurance. I have checked a couple of companies and can compare policy coverage and prices, but my biggest concern is reputation of the company. With the economy so poor, I would like to know how I would go about finding a financially secure company. </p>
<p>Can anyone give advice? This is new for us. Thanks.</p>
<p>When I sent my elderly mother and MIL on a cruise I purchased the travel insurance since health problems had a relatively high likelihood of occuring. Luckily they didn’t use it on that trip. However, I also purchased another cruise for mother and she ended up having to cancel due to a health issue and it made it quite easy.</p>
<p>I booked those trips through AAA and used whatever trip insurance was offered at that time. </p>
<p>An English friend of mine and his W traveled from the UK to here on vacation once and the day after they arrived her father passed away so they had to pack up and get on the next flight back. I’m sure that cost them plenty if they didn’t have travel insurance (I don’t know whether they did or not).</p>
<p>You’d need to read all of the details of the insurance to make sure it’d cover the cost to your family if something were to happen to your FIL. Maybe see what AAA might have. I also noticed when I just booked a flight through US Airways you have to accept or decline their travel insurance. That’s the first airline where I’d seen that requirement.</p>
<p>When booking, the airline we are using stated that it did not offer trip cancellation insurance. I have checked with AAA and the premium seemed high, but I’m glad to hear that their company was easy to deal with.</p>
<p>I generally purchase travel insurance for our major family trips. Via the cruise critic website I’d heard good things about Travelex, and that’s who I’ve purchased from. Never had to use it, though. Read the fine print carefully – I know if you purchase it close to the time you made your reservation, pre-exisisting conditions are covered–otherwise, not. Important when dealing with an elderly relative. Also – in these swine-flu days, check to see if cancellation due to a “declared epidemic” is covered.</p>
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