Travel Insurance Recommendations for Travel to Israel – Forbes Advisor

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As the epicenter of religious history, Israel is a popular year-round destination. Many of the hotels, tours and excursions need to be paid for in advance. These deposits and travel expenses are often non-refundable. Faith alone cannot prevent unexpected travel problems, so it is advisable to have travel insurance to protect the money you have invested in your trip to Israel.

“Israel is a country of religious importance and offers the traveler both natural beauty and wonderful museums, temples and religious tours for all to enjoy,” says Scott Adamski, spokesman for AIG Travel Guard. “Grab a pair of comfortable shoes and explore the many wonders that make Israel such an important and enjoyable destination.”

The best travel insurance companies offer policies with trip cancellation, trip delay and interruption, travel medical expenses and luggage coverage. Consider these benefits when purchasing a travel insurance policy.

Trip cancellation insurance to put the holy city on hold

A trip to Israel can take months to plan and years to save, but something could happen that prevents you from going. Trip cancellation benefits apply if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen reasons listed on the policy, such as illness, injury or death of a close family member. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.

Not all reasons for canceling your trip will be covered by a basic travel insurance policy. For example, if you decide to stay home because your grandson is starring in the high school play, you will not be eligible to file a trip cancellation claim.

“Cancel for any reason” travel insurance

To file a trip cancellation claim, no matter the reason, add “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance to your policy. This upgrade usually adds 50% to the cost of travel insurance. But the CFAR allows you to cancel no matter what happens and a claim is made as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure time. CFAR insurance typically reimburses 75% of the cost of your insured trip and you generally need to purchase it within 14 days of booking your trip.

Security Considerations in Israel and the Middle East

Civil unrest — a concern for many visitors to Israel — is often not covered by travel insurance, says Meghan Walch, a spokeswoman for InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison provider. If you’re worried that reports of civil disorder will make you feel insecure, Walch says purchasing a CFAR upgrade might be a good idea. “CFAR gives you the most flexibility to cancel a trip, at least two days in advance, for anything other than a covered reason,” says Walch.

Terrorist attacks are covered by most travel insurance plans, as long as you purchase the policy before the incident becomes foreseeable. This is one of the advantages of purchasing travel insurance when booking your trip. You get the maximum amount of time for cancellation benefits. You also don’t miss out on the allotted time window to buy CFAR and other time-sensitive benefits.

Hi Vei! Travel delay insurance for travel to Israel

Travel delay insurance within a comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover the cost of a hotel, meals and other out-of-pocket expenses if your flight is delayed by an unexpected event such as bad weather or plane mechanical problems. You can also be reimbursed for non-refundable travel costs for parts of your trip that you missed. Let’s say a delay causes you to arrive in Israel a day late. If you prepaid for a Tel Aviv tour, you can file a claim to get your money back.

Please note that travel delay benefits have a mandatory waiting time specified in the policy. For example, you may have to be six or 12 hours late for delay benefits to apply. In addition, travel delay coverage will have a benefit limit per day and maximum total per person.

Trip interruption insurance for a hiatus in the Golan Heights

No one goes on a trip expecting to be back sooner than planned, but an emergency at home can cause you to cut short your trip. In that case, trip interruption insurance can be a boon. You’ll find this coverage in a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Travel interruption travel insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home from Israel if you have to leave early due to a reason covered by your policy. For example, illness, injury or death of a traveling companion or immediate family member is covered under most policies. You can also file a claim for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses you will miss.

Not all problems and incidents are covered by standard trip interruption insurance. For example, if you discover that there are ongoing protest clashes on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and you decide to skip that portion of your tour, you will not be eligible to file a travel interruption claim.

“Interruption for any reason” travel insurance

If you want the freedom to cut your trip short no matter what, you can purchase an “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) travel insurance upgrade. Purchasing an IFAR upgrade adds 3% to 10% to the cost of travel insurance, but refunds 50% or 75% of the costs of the insured trip, depending on your policy. IFAR benefits generally apply after 48 or 72 hours of travel. Not all travel insurance companies offer an IFAR upgrade.

Medical issues while traveling to Israel

When you travel abroad, travel medical insurance is among the most important considerations. Your US-based health insurance may not travel with you, so it’s best to contact your health insurance company to see if you have global coverage, if any. Senior travelers should know that Medicare is not accepted outside the US.

That is why it is very important to have travel medical insurance. It pays up to the policy limits for medical and hospital expenses, laboratory tests, drugs and X-rays, among other necessary medical expenses due to illness or injury. The best travel insurance plans have coverage worth up to $500,000, but many plans offer less if you don’t think you need that much.

Emergency Evacuation Travel Insurance

Adamski of AIG Travel says that while adequate medical care is available in Israel’s big cities, your journey can take you to more remote regions of the country. If you are injured or very ill while there, you may need immediate air travel to reach a properly equipped medical facility.

Adamski says medical evacuations can be costly — anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on your location and condition. That’s why it’s smart to buy a travel insurance plan that includes medical evacuation insurance. He pays up to his policy limits for medical evacuation services to the nearest suitable treatment center.

Non-medical evacuation travel insurance

What if political or civil unrest breaks out while you’re in Israel and you feel unsafe? Some travel insurance policies include non-medical evacuation benefits that transport you to a safe location, says Megan Moncrief, spokeswoman for travel insurance comparison provider Squaremouth.

If you are concerned about civil unrest, consider purchasing a policy with non-medical evacuation coverage. For example, Travel Guard Deluxe from AIG Travel includes security evacuation coverage of up to $100,000.

Baggage insurance for travel to Israel

In case of loss or theft of bags, luggage insurance can reimburse you up to the limits of your policy for the depreciated value of your bags and what is inside them. Be sure to read your policy for coverage limits and exclusions by item.

Also check whether your luggage insurance is primary or secondary. If it’s primary, you first file a baggage insurance claim. If it is minor, you first file a claim with home insurance or renters insurance and then with travel insurance.

Baggage insurance also extends to your personal belongings once you are at your destination. If your backpack is stolen, you can file a claim for a refund. Be sure to get a theft report from your local police or tour leader. You will need this report when you make a claim.

How much does travel insurance cost for a trip to Israel?

The average cost of travel insurance for Israel is $456, based on data from Squaremouth. Travelers insure an average of $6,349 for trips to Israel.

In general, the average cost of travel insurance is 6% of the cost of the trip, according to Forbes Advisor. The cost of travel insurance is usually based primarily on the cost of travel and age.