We're having more car accidents

More jobs, more driving, more crashes

While it's impossible to say precisely what's causing more traffic deaths and injuries, the NSC says a stronger economy, lower gas prices and lower unemployment rate are leading to more people on the road. "More people can afford to drive, and many travel longer distances and take vacations," the NSC said in a news release. The increase in driving has been accompanied by 18,630 motor vehicle deaths for the first six months of the year, according to the NSC. That compares with 16,400 deaths during the same period last year. If the rate of fatalities continues, the number of deaths would exceed 40,000 for the first time since 2007.

The number of injuries from motor vehicle accidents in the first six months of the year that resulted in a medical consultation jumped to 2.25 million, up 30 percent from 2014. "Traffic deaths rise and fall with the economy. We had record low numbers during the recession, so it's not surprising that deaths would increase as the economy slowly recovers," says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In reality, you’re safer than ever

Motor vehicle deaths peaked at more than 51,000 in 1979 and 1980. At that time there were more than 3 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, according to the IIHS. For the first half of this year, there were 1.3 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The enhanced safety features in today's vehicles have led to the sharp decline in deaths per vehicle miles traveled, Rader says.

Why your insurance rates are rising

The cumulative cost of the accidents so far this year has totaled $152 billion, up 24 percent from last year. That figure includes things such as medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, and property damage. Those soaring costs can affect all drivers, even if you've never been in an auto accident.

Both Allstate and Geico reported that they planned to boost rates because they have been handling more frequent auto insurance claims and more severe claims. Allstate reported an increase in property damage and bodily injury claims among both high-risk and preferred drivers, across state lines, and from customers old and new.

“We are broadly increasing rates to catch up, and then keep pace, with increased loss costs,” Allstate President Matt Winter said during a conference call with analysts on Aug. 4. Geico, announcing a 7.7 percent increase in rates for new Illinois customers, reported more frequent and more costly property damage, collision, bodily injury and personal injury protection claims.

The high costs of high-tech gadgetry

The cost of auto insurance claims has been on the rise for a number of years, driven by the increasing costs of medical care and the rising costs of repairing today's vehicles, which are equipped with so much more technology, says Robert Passmore, assistant vice president of personal lines policy at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

On the other hand, the average vehicle on the road is 11.5 years old, and older cars are more likely to be considered a total loss if they're involved in a wreck, Passmore says.

New-car sales are expected to top 17 million this year, McChristian says. While new vehicles are much safer because of the extra equipment and technology, the technology can be a double-edged sword and be a distraction to drivers. And cell phone usage has a major role to play. The NSC says one-quarter of traffic accidents involve someone using a cell phone.

Long-term trend points to fewer crashes, not more

Even if the economy continues to strengthen, Passmore doesn't think that will necessarily continue to impact traffic fatality and injury rates. The number of vehicles on the road hasn't risen much in recent years, and millennials are less likely than their parents to even get their driver's licenses. Autonomous cars are being tested on public roads in several states. At the same time, public transportation usage is on the rise, and people are turning to ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, Passmore says.

"I don't know that it (the increasing number of traffic fatalities) is going to be an ever-rising trend," he says. Reports from think tanks and industry trade groups suggest a dramatic drop in both accidents and insurance costs will become evident a generation from now.

What is long-term care insurance?

How long-term care insurance has changed

Policies issued a generation ago typically paid for nursing home care. Today, most policies are comprehensive and cover a wide range of services in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, adult day care centers, Alzheimer's special care centers and your own home. As coverage has expanded, prices have increased. For help in understanding how to get the best coverage at the lowest price read our article.

You can also choose from a variety of riders - or add-on benefits - such as inflation protection, which allows the value of coverage to increase with inflation. The cost of an inflation protection rider is built into the premium from the beginning.

Many policies also pay for services and equipment to help you live at home, such as electronic monitoring systems, wheelchair ramps, transportation to medical appointments, and training for a friend or relative to provide care.

Some policies even provide payment to family members or friends who care for you, according to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. Another common benefit pays for the service of a care coordinator, who meets with you and then arranges for and monitors care.

Another way to plan for long-term care expenses is through a policy that combines life insurance with long-term care insurance. The popularity of these policies has taken off in recent years, with nearly 100,000 sold in 2014, which was a 4 percent increase over the previous year, according to LIMRA, a global life insurance research and consulting firm. The policies provide long-term care benefits and pay out a death benefit to life insurance beneficiaries if not all of the long-term care coverage is used.

5 mistakes that kill life insurance claims

1. Lying on your life insurance application

They say the truth hurts, but it can hurt even more if you lie on your life insurance application. While it may be tempting to deny that you're a smoker, or that you've been treated for a particular disease or medical condition, you could find your policy null and void. Life insurance companies consider these factors when setting rates -- or determining whether to insure you at all.


If your life insurer finds out you lied, it's considered "material misrepresentation," and your application for life insurance will probably be denied. If the policy has already been issued, there's typically a two-year contestability period.

2. Failing to pay and letting your policy lapse

Just because you miss a payment doesn't mean your policy is dead in the water. Life insurance companies typically offer policyholders a 30-day grace period for payment, and some companies extend that to 60 days. During that time your policy will still be in effect.

Even after the grace period is up, you usually can get your term policy reinstated, but if the lapse has been lengthy you may need to undergo another medical examination. If you have a permanent life insurance policy, the insurer might use the cash value in the policy to cover the premiums and prevent a lapse in coverage. 

3. Failing to tell loved ones about your life insurance policy

If you never tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy, it doesn't mean the insurer won't pay them after your death, but it does make it a more difficult process. While most life insurance companies conduct database checks for the death of policyholders so beneficiaries will get paid, not all of insurers do so in a timely manner. That's why it's wise to be sure your loved ones know about your policy and where to find it after you're gone.

In some cases beneficiaries are unaware they are named on a policy, and proceeds go uncollected for years because some insurers are not diligent about tracking down survivors of policyholders. Several large companies, including Prudential, AIG,

4. Not naming a secondary and final beneficiary

It is important to name secondary and final beneficiaries. If your primary beneficiary dies before you, policy proceeds will go to the second beneficiary you have listed. If the secondary beneficiary has passed away when you die, then the death benefit goes to the final beneficiary. If you don't have anyone waiting in the wings, it doesn't mean the money disappears. In that case the proceeds will go to your estate.

5. In some cases, death due to risky behavior and suicide

Life insurance policies typically have a two-year exclusionary period for suicide, so your beneficiary typically would receive whatever you paid in premiums, but not the policy's face amount. So-called "suicide clauses" vary by insurer and are designed to discourage people from buying life insurance when contemplating suicide. If you're involved in criminal activity, and you're killed while committing a crime, your beneficiary will still receive the proceeds from your policy. 

7 types of homes that are hard to insure

Homes in disaster-prone areas

Each year the United States gets hit with dozens of disasters, from hurricanes to earthquakes to tornadoes to wildfires. And while you probably adore your beachfront home or secluded nature retreat, because of the risks tied to the location, you're probably paying big bucks for homeowners insurance. But you can take steps to decrease those risks. If you live in area that's prone to wildfires, you can clear brush from around your home or make sure your roof is made from non-combustible materials.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you might want to add hurricane shutters or install straps to secure your roof to your home. "The standard market will be more likely to insure you if you've taken certain appropriate measures to mitigate the likelihood of wind damage," says Chris Hackett, director of personal lines policy for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

Older homes

You love the charm of your 1920s bungalow or Victorian-era home, but the age and style make them harder to insure. Interesting architectural features can make older homes unique, but they also can make them more costly to repair, McChristian says. Insurers also are likely to shy away from insuring your home if the electrical system and plumbing haven't been updated or the roof hasn't been replaced.

"If a consumer owns an older home, insurers will be interested in learning about any upgrades, remodeling and updates that may have occurred over the years," says Mario Menesse, head of home and umbrella insurance for Farmers Insurance. It helps if you can provide your insurer with blueprints, receipts, photographs and other documentation to show the remodeling and upgrades that you've made, Menesse says.

Vacation homes

Your vacation home may be your own personal retreat, but because it's unoccupied much of the year, it can be a challenge to insure. Because you probably only visit your vacation home or second home for a few weeks or months each year, a problem such as a water leak can go undetected and cause major damage while you're away, Menesse says.

It also can become a magnet for thieves. "Homes that are known to be unoccupied for a period of time could catch the attention of unscrupulous individuals, who may view the home as an attractive target," he says. He recommends installing a burglar and fire alarm to help decrease your risks, and asking neighbors to help keep an eye on your property.

Homes with a trampoline or pool

Having a swimming pool or trampoline might make for good summertime fun, but your homeowners insurance company may see them as an "attractive nuisance" that can tempt children to come into your yard when you're not home, Hackett says. You also run the risk of someone being injured on your trampoline or hurt or killed in your pool, and you could be sued.

Some insurers may refuse to insure your home if it has a pool or trampoline, or charge you higher rates. Putting a locked fence around your pool and having a net around your trampoline could help reduce risks.

Homes with certain pets

Americans love their dogs, sharing their roofs with more than 56 million of them in 2013. Certain breeds can be expensive, not in terms of what you pay for them, but in terms of insurance liability. Last year there were more than 17,000 dog-bite claims, according to the III and State Farm, with payouts surpassing $483 million. The average claim paid out $29,396, III says.

You may find your insurer will set limits on the amount it will pay for a dog-bite liability claim, with you having to pay the rest out of pocket, or even deny you coverage if you own certain breeds, such as a pit bull. In some cases you can only get coverage if you take your dog to obedience classes or make sure he's restrained.

Vacant homes

You've gotten a great deal on a vacant foreclosed home, but insuring it could cost you. You'll need to have a home inspection to determine the extent of the problems - and the length of time the home might need to remain vacant while it's undergoing repairs. Homes that have been vacant for long periods of time deteriorate faster than those that are occupied. And they can draw unwanted attention from bad guys.

"All kinds of things could go wrong if no one is minding the property," McChristian says. Even a major remodeling project on your current home - regardless of whether you need to move out or not - can cause additional insurance concerns, such as liability and workers compensation insurance, Menesse says.

Farmers, for example, offers coverage to protect you from vandalism and coverage for certain perils, such as fire or wind damage, if your home is unoccupied.

Homes with a lengthy claims history

It may not even be your fault, but owning a home with a lengthy claims history can drive up your rates. You can purchase a C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) Home Seller's Disclosure Report, which has information on the insurance claims filed at the home over the past five years. A history of multiple claims could indicate major maintenance problems with the home, McChristian says.

When you can't find homeowners insurance

When all else fails and you can't find insurance with a private company, you can look to the residual market. In fiscal year 2013, these policies covered about 3.2 million homes, with a value of $639 billion, according to the III.

Most states have Fair Access to Insurance (FAIR) Plans, five coastal Southern states have Beach and Windstorm Plans, and Florida and Louisiana have state-run insurance companies. Florida had by far the most policies covered under these plans, with 1.4 million, followed by Texas, with more than 400,000 policies, and North Carolina, with almost 400,000

Term life insurance vs permanent life insurance: Is cash value the best value?

How do term and cash value life insurance work?

Term life insurance generally offers the most amount of coverage for the least amount of money, and is the appropriate choice for most people. The most common reason to buy life insurance is to replace a person's income in case of early death, and term life insurance is the cheapest and best way to do that. Term life insurance is also an especially good choice for people and families who are just starting out, because it's relatively cheap and provides a lot of protection when replacing income is most important.

Cash value life insurance, also called permanent or whole life insurance, offers protection for your entire life (as long as you pay your premiums) and more flexibility than term life insurance. However, it usually comes at a much higher price. For example, the premium for a cash value policy can easily be 10 or more times higher than a term policy with the same level of coverage. The feature that makes permanent life insurance different is its ability to gain cash value. A portion of the money you pay into your premium goes into a cash value portion that grows over time, and becomes available for your use after a certain period.

How does cash value work?

The cash value component of a policy can work differently and be used for different things depending on the type of permanent life insurance you choose. There are four main variations: whole (or ordinary) life, universal (or adjustable) life, variable life, and variable universal life.

Whole life insurance is a predictable policy that provides a guaranteed benefit, a guaranteed earnings rate on your cash value, and a level premium. You may also earn dividends based on how well the company performs. Whole life is the most basic kind of permanent life insurance.

Universal life insurance is a flexible option that lets you vary your premium payments. After the first premium, you can usually make payments at any time. If you have extra money, you can pay more. If you can't afford to make a payment, you can skip it or pay less. The cash value portion usually operates in a similar manner as with whole life insurance. A problem with universal life is that if you don't make enough payments, or the company does not perform as expected, your policy could lapse. Newer types of universal life policies include guarantees that this will not happen, so be sure that you explore this option. Universal life can be one of the cheapest forms of permanent life insurance.

Variable life insurance allows you to invest your policy premiums. The problem with this is that if the investments perform poorly, the death benefit and cash value will decrease. On the other hand, if the investments perform well, the death benefit and cash value can greatly exceed those of a normal policy. Variable life is one of the most risky forms of permanent insurance, although its rewards can be great as well.

Variable universal life insurance, as its name implies, is a combination of variable and universal life insurance. It allows you to vary your payments, invest your policy premiums, and vary your coverage amount. Variable universal life insurance is the most flexible type of permanent life insurance, and can be either risky or predictable, depending on how you use it

Understanding the difference between HMO, PPO and POS

Health maintenance organizations (HMO)

When your health care coverage is provided by an HMO, you typically must select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider.

This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists, such as a dermatologist, cardiologist or surgeon. If you choose to seek treatment from an out-of-network physician, you will generally be required to pay most of the cost yourself. By law, an HMO cannot require referrals for emergency care, so an HMO will pay for emergency room treatment without a referral.

Due to the restriction of choosing from mostly HMO network services, it's important to check the physician listing and hospital affiliations for the HMO you are considering. If the list is extensive and you are satisfied with the hospitals used by the HMO network, an HMO may be a good choice.

On average, HMOs are the least expensive health option for employers and employees. Doctor visits, preventive care and medical treatment are covered by your monthly insurance premium, and there is usually no individual or family deductible to meet. There is generally a co-payment for each visit that varies based on the type of service provided and the plan you select, but typically no co-insurance.

Most standard HMO plans do not have a lifetime maximum benefit amount. Some HMOs are starting to offer more choices in plan configuration, allowing their members to visit preferred providers outside of the network. This gives their members access to an HMO network and a PPO network at the same time, although the PPO portion usually involves deductibles and co-insurance.

Preferred provider organizations (PPO)

A PPO is more flexible than a traditional HMO insurance plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are considered "within the PPO network."

With a PPO plan, you may visit an out-of-network provider and still receive some coverage for their services. However, because the insurance company has not negotiated discounted rates with these providers, you will usually have to pay co-insurance or the difference between the network and out-of-network prices. The co-payment amounts for office visits and other services are also smaller if you see a doctor in the PPO network than if you see an out-of-network doctor.

If you do choose to stray from your PPO network, you may need to pay for the treatment and submit the receipt to your PPO insurance provider for a partial reimbursement. Last, you do not need a referral if you wish to see a specialist, nor do you usually need to select a primary care physician.

Point-of-service plan (POS)

The POS plan is like a combination of the HMO and PPO plans. You are required to designate an in-network physician to be your primary health care provider. You may go out-of-network if you choose, but in doing so, you will have to pay most of the cost yourself, unless a primary care physician refers you to that specific doctor. In that instance, the health plan will pay all or most of your bill.

Multi-car insurance

What are the requirements for a multi-car policy?

To obtain a multiple-car policy, you need to insure two or more passenger vehicles on the same auto insurance policy. It’s that simple.

You will need the VIN and lienholder information (if applicable) for all vehicles along with the driver’s license numbers for all drivers. This doesn’t vary from a single-car policy other than you are listing more than one vehicle on the policy.

Some insurance companies cap how many vehicles you can have on a multi-car policy at four or five.

Car insurance companies’ rules vary. Some car insurance companies offer a discount only if the insured autos are in the same household and insured by related parties. Other insurers only require you to be at the same address and don’t care if you’re related or not.

You can qualify for the discount mid-term if you place an additional car on your policy. Conversely, if you delete a car mid-policy and are insuring a single vehicle, your discount would stop

Does the coverage need to be the same on each vehicle?

Yes and no. Most insurance companies require that you have the same amount of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage on each vehicle, so there is no confusion as to how much liability coverage each vehicle has.

You can, however, carry collision and comprehensive on one car and not another. The same is true for add-on coverages, such as rental reimbursement or custom car and equipment coverage.

In general, the optional coverages that protect vehicles – such as comp and collision, rental reimbursement and custom equipment coverage -- can be different on each vehicle, but your liability, uninsured motorist and other required coverage limits must be the same on all vehicles. That means if you have liability limits of 100/300/50 on the first car, you need those same limits on the second vehicle as well.

Car insurance companies, and state laws, normally require that liability limits on all vehicles on your policy are the same, so there is no confusion as what your liability limits are on any of your vehicles if you’re in an accident. Use our car insurance coverage calculator for a recommendation of an appropriate coverage package.

Remember that it’s the car that is insured, not the person.

If the driver of the second car on the policy, the one with full coverage, were to drive the primary vehicle, he would have only liability coverage if in an accident, since that is the only coverage purchased for that vehicle.

And, whoever drives the second vehicle would have collision and comprehensive coverages available as well as liability if in an accident since those are the coverages on that particular car.

When adding another car, driver or both to your car insurance policy it’s a great time to compare car insurance rates. Your present car insurance company may no longer have the best rates when you factor in the additional car and driver

What are the benefits of a multi-car policy?

Besides any discount, you can insure all the vehicles with one policy with one renewal date and one payment date.

If you get a separate insurance policy for each vehicle you not only miss out on the discount but you also have to keep track of multiple bills and due dates each month.

How big is a multi-car discount?

The discount runs from 10 to 25 percent off of your liability, collision and comprehensive parts of your car insurance policy.

Each vehicle gets this discount, but the discount doesn't compound with each car you add. So, if the discount is 10 percent, your first car will get 10 percent off no matter if you add two or four other cars to the policy.

This is How Much Sex Is Normal In Long Term Relationships, according to experts

"When we are falling in love, we can’t fall out of bed," says Watson. "But at some point, we feel the need to get stuff done." Though a new relationship sex-glow is irresistible, being exhausted at work all day every day is not. "Closeness and separateness must be balanced for happiness, and each takes time," Watson says. "So when our needs for individuality emerge, there is simply less time for the quicksand of the bed."

1. Less Sex Is OK

When we are falling in love, we can’t fall out of bed," says Watson. "But at some point, we feel the need to get stuff done." Though a new relationship sex-glow is irresistible, being exhausted at work all day every day is not. "Closeness and separateness must be balanced for happiness, and each takes time," Watson says. "So when our needs for individuality emerge, there is simply less time for the quicksand of the bed."

2. Just Do It, Though

Most of us aren't champing at the bit for sex at all times. We all feel tired, bummed out, or just plain not sexy now and again. And although that is totally OK, there are also times when a little sex might be just what the doctor ordered, even if you think you're not in the mood. "It’s normal to feel more desire after you get started than when you first begin" to have sex, Watson says. "Many women feel little physiological 'hunger' for sex at the beginning of an encounter."

That said, "after being stimulated, desire kicks in," says Watson. "Most of us assume that we should feel something first to know we want sex, but relying on memory gets us past the gate, so that arousal can whet our appetite." Once things get rolling, it's likely you'll be on board. In other words, if you wait until you're dying to have sex, you might be waiting too long. Though no one should ever feel obligated to have sex, there's something to be said for making like Nike and just doing it. There's a good chance you'll be glad you did

3. People In LTRs Have More Sex Than Single People

"It’s normal to think everyone else is getting more than you," says Watson. But "on balance, people in LTRs have more sex." That's because people who stay together for a long time have sex regularly. "Maybe your buddy can’t stop raving about his hot, hot, hot new lover," Watson says, "but when he’s between lovers, he is often having no sex." In the end, people in LTRs come out on top: "Research shows [that] year in and year out committed lovers have more sex," she says.

4. Great Sex Requires Communication

Like everything else in a healthy relationship, mind-blowing sex is contingent on its own. "Erotic connection is an enormously important, complex part of our life," says Watson, "and needs lots of careful communication, courageous vulnerability, practice and negotiation."

Moreover, an active and fulfilling sex life doesn't usually happen without strong communication. "It’s normal to work at sex," she says. "We believe erroneously that sex should be natural, should happen without instruction, should magically be in sync. But in reality, everyone has sexual problems at one phase or another, most commonly at the beginning." Talk to your partner about what you love — and what's not working for you. It'll give them the courage to bring up their needs and desires as well.

5. A Good Rule Of Thumb: Sex At Least Twice A Week

Sex begets sex. Speaking generally, two orgasms per week result in an "increase of desire" for women, says Watson, producing a higher sex drive overall. If you're with a man, two orgasms per week lead "men to feel less anxious sexually," she says, though the same could also definitely be said for women.

On the flip side, no sex engenders no sex: A low libido can be a side effect of being out of the habit. "Desire in women is suppressed" when there's a "lack of partner connection" and/or a "poor body image," Watson says. To combat both, she prescribes more sex. "Two orgasms a week often means she is naked twice a week and her inhibitions don’t build up," she says. Plus, "her partner is often in a better mood, less apt to be cranky for lack of sex."

If you're with someone who has a high sex drive, "a steady supply of sex, while it may not match their ideal frequency, means they can relax and not have to 'overask'" for sex, says Watson. "With sexual scarcity," she adds, "demand frequently goes way up, drowning a woman in what feels like impossible-to-meet need." Sex twice a week or more will lead to regular release of oxytocin (among other things) and a better body image, as you'll be naked regularly with someone you love, which makes you feel desired and, hopefully, sexier

6. You'll Probably Develop Your Own Sex Vernacular

"Long-time lovers develop shorthand," Watson says. "They know what a look or touch means." People in LTRs don't have to spell it out for their partners: A quick sext dashed off midday or a knowing look after dinner should be enough to convey the message. As time goes on, "a confidence grows between them," says Watson, "giving each the reassurance that their mutual experience will make it satisfying for both."

Insurance Quote Review

Why Insurance Quote Websites?

There was a time when buying insurance was a dreary chore that meant talking to an agent who had only limited insurance company contacts, listening to explanations of mind-numbing policies and costs and then trying to figure out what was best for you.

You now can use online services that are connected to a multitude of agencies to help you search for and compare insurance quotes and find the best coverage. With these services, you have access to literally thousands of insurance agencies in the United States and Canada from which to choose. Online choices give you many benefits, including:

• Time Savings: There are so many insurance agencies in the U.S .and Canada that provide various levels of coverage. It could take hundreds of hours to talk to all the agents involved to find the best plan or get a particular type of insurance coverage. However, most services today can provide insurance quotes the very same day, often within minutes.   
• Convenient Location: You can search by zip code to find the agents near your home or business who offer the kind of coverage you need.
• Multiple Quotes: Most sites can connect you with several agents in your area and many of them can provide several cheap insurance quotes.
• Financial Savings: All of the insurance quote services we've reviewed are free. Most services have access to thousands of agents who can provide a wide range of price structures, so you can search for the lowest rate for the best insurance to suit your needs.
• No Obligation: Each site we reviewed offers quotes with no obligation to buy anything, and an agent will not call you unless you request that service.
• Privacy Protection: The best sites we reviewed give you an extensive privacy policy in writing and also use a secure site protocol to encrypt your personal information so it is safe.

Insurance Quote Website: What to Look For

There are many services from which to choose, but finding the one that best fits your needs can be a challenge. We picked the most reputable online insurance quotes services available and rated them based on the following criteria:

Types of Insurance Quotes
The most comprehensive services offer many coverage options and have access to thousands of agencies. Some services offer only basic policies such as auto or home insurance, whereas others have access to special coverage like professional liability or medical malpractice.

Ease of Use
These sites should be easy to navigate from the start, and the quote request form should take only a few minutes to fill out.

Number & Type of Quotes 

The more auto, home and health insurance quotes you receive, the more choices you'll have regarding policy options and pricing. A good service will offer up to four or five quotes as well as alternative links to agencies that may be able to help if you have a special need. It also helps if the quotes present different policies and plans so you can study them and see what will work best for you.

Help & Support Options

Insurance quote websites should offer a variety of contact methods for customer support including telephone, email, mail or instant message. Online support may range from help menus to FAQs pages to glossaries.

What Happens if I have a Medical Emergency Abroad ?

Should something happen requiring medical care and you are not incapacitated, call your insurance company right away. In most cases they'll connect you with local medical services and might even provide you with a stateside medical consultant to help you acquire the best care.

If you require a medical evacuation, you may need to work with your insurance provider since many trip insurance companies require that you use your travel insurance services to arrange evacuation services. If you are traveling alone, many trip insurance plans will pay to fly a friend or family member to you if you are hospitalized, and will arrange for someone to assist you if you need medical evacuation.

It is best to thoroughly review your insurance plan before your trip and carry a copy of your policy. Some travel insurance services do not act the same as traditional U.S. medical insurance, and you may be required to pay for medical treatment up front before being reimbursed later by your travel insurance carrier.

It's also a good idea to have a cash reserve or an available credit card balance to pay for services should you need them. Should an emergency arise, you also want to gather as much documentation as you can to submit with your claims.

Additional International Travel Insurance Support Options

Traveling abroad can be intimidating, especially if there is a language barrier, political unrest or crime. Travel insurance offers some benefit in that it can help you with these types of potentially scary situations. Some of these services cost more than the standard plan price, but may be worth looking into depending on your travel destination.

Assistance with Lost IDs, Money & Passports
If you lose or have your ID, money, credit cards or passports stolen, some companies offer assistance in these situations. Some can even provide you with cash until you can get assistance. While you'll need to contact credit card companies as well, some insurance companies can help you file a local police report and locate the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Translation Services
If you are faced with a serious medical, legal or personal situation, some travel insurance services can connect you with translation services to help you communicate with medical personnel and law enforcement authorities. Some can even provide you with a translator to relay communications.

Transportation Assistance
While many insurance plans cover emergency evacuation assistance, some can also help you with less desperate transportation needs. For example, you may want assistance leaving a foreign country, even though there is no apparent imminent danger. Travel insurance services can help you, in your own language, navigate transportation options in foreign countries.

What Protection Does Travel Insurance Provide ?

Travel insurance provides financial compensation for canceled travel plans, emergency medical assistance, lost luggage and trip delay reimbursements. Additional services that are available include emergency medical evacuation, translations services, prescription medicine replacements and rental car insurance. If you experience significant delays on your trip, you may be able to recoup some food and hotel expenses that result from uncontrollable delays.

We compared several trip insurance plans that provide U.S. and international travel benefits. Some offer packages specifically created for cruises and high adventure vacations. Many insurances offer individual trip plans as well as yearly, group, family and business plans. While most offer group and family plans, some plans cover children without adding to the cost of the premium. If you travel often for business, you may want to look into business or yearly plans.

While your travel agent may attempt to sell you trip insurance, we recommend that you shop around, since your agent may only offer plans from one or two companies (which they may receive commission incentives from). It is also recommended that you avoid purchasing insurance from the same company that owns the cruise line or resort location you plan to use or stay at in the event the company becomes financially compromised.