Is travel insurance required for my retreat?
Yes, it is SolSeed Retreats standard policy that travel insurance is required for all international retreat participants, and leaders. While we do not enforce a minimum threshold for insurance, we strongly recommend a policy which includes Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, and Trip Interruption.
Why is travel insurance required?
We require travel insurance for a number of important reasons, all to protect you. Here are the top 3, in our humble opinion:
- Protection of your non-refundable trip expenses: If you need to cancel out of this retreat for any covered reason (loss of job, death in your family, personal injury, sickness or medical emergency, or the injury, sickness or medical emergency of a family member or travel companion, etc.) your non-refundable retreat expenses and airline expenses will be covered by most standard travel insurance plans. Travel Insurance is the only means to recover deposits paid in case of trip cancellation or interruption, as all deposits paid as part of your retreat package are non-refundable.
- Medical protection / insurance while abroad: Most US health insurance providers will not cover up front medical expenses if you have an accident or require medical care or hospitalization while traveling abroad, although best to check with your provider. Most standard travel insurance packages have a minimum level of medical coverage, that will protect you should you need medical attention, hospitalization or emergency services while on your retreat, or worst case, need to leave the retreat early and fly home to receive medical care.
- Protection against airline delays, loss of baggage, etc.: In this day and age, we unfortunately see more airline delays, missed flight connections, and baggage delay / loss than ever before. Most standard travel insurance plans provide a level of coverage for trip interruption (ie – you miss your connecting flight and therefore, miss the first day of the retreat and incur more travel expenses), airline delays, and loss or delay of your baggage. Many of our travelers have been very happy that they had the required travel insurance when these unforeseen situations arise!
How do I buy travel insurance?
There are online marketplaces, such as www.insuremytrip.com, one can Google “travel insurance by XYZ company” to find plans related to their existing insurance providers (think Allianz, Nationwide, even Geico), some credit cards offer travel insurance packages, and AAA has a good reputation in the industry as well.
We strongly recommend calling a travel insurance agent, and discussing your specific needs. You will need to call prepared with the following information:
- Your name and full demographic information
- The dates of your planned travel
- The destinations you plan to visit
- The total of your non-refundable deposits paid (airline tickets, retreat package price, other travel arrangements you may have prior to or following your retreat)
- The date of purchase of the above non-refundable deposits
- All possible life events that might cause you to cancel your travel; such as, the need to care for children, parents, or spouses, the possibility of job/income changes, upcoming court appearances, etc.
When do you recommend that I purchase my travel insurance?
We recommend purchasing your travel insurance package once you know, or have a good estimate of, the total non-refundable cost of your trip. This typically includes the entire cost of your retreat package + the cost of your flight(s) + any other non-refundable travel expenses you expect to incur as part of your overall trip (ie – extra nights in hotels, etc.). We always release flight parameters once retreat minimums are hit, so as a best practice, hold off on buying your flights and your travel insurance package until then.
How much does travel insurance cost?
The cost of travel insurance policies vary depending on the demographics of the person purchasing it, the circumstances the buyer wishes to ensure against, the length of time spent traveling, the locations the buyer is traveling to, and the cost of the non-refundable deposits that the buyer wishes to insure.
Thus, a buyer with demographic risk factors; such as, advanced age, existing medical conditions, etc, will spend more. Someone wishing to be able to cancel their trip for any reason, and file an insurance claim to recuperate their non-refundable deposits, will spend a lot more. A person traveling for a long period of time, participating in risky behavior while traveling, and traveling to a risky destination, will have a higher premium. And finally, insuring a $10,000 round-the-world trip will cost more than insuring a $3,000 getaway to Europe.
Historically, participants insuring their 5 to 8 day retreats will spend between $80 and $250 on travel insurance. Although, it is possible to spend far more, depending on the buyer’s risk tolerance and unique personal circumstances.
What should I be sure to insure?
The major areas of concern are Cancellation Coverage, and Supplemental Health Coverage, both of which are typically covered in a standard Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan. Make sure to select a plan that provides coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Medical / Health Coverage.
Does buying travel protection for my airline ticket meet SolSeed’s requirements?
This depends on the plan you purchased while buying your airline ticket. The cheap, point-of-purchase “protection” offered via most travel sites, only allows for airline ticket changes, or even refunds. It is not supplementary health insurance, nor does it insure the other non-refundable deposits the buyer has paid for their retreat in case of cancellation.
Does SolSeed sell travel insurance?
No. SolSeed is not a licensed travel insurance provider, nor is SolSeed affiliated with any particular policy provider.
I have additional questions, who should I speak to?
A travel insurance representative. Select a company that sells travel insurance, and call them. The licensed insurance agents at the company can answer all your travel insurance questions.