Travel With Confidence

Americans spent more than $1 billion on travel insurance in 2004, more than 80% of it on per-trip policies that included cancellation coverage. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association says the top misconception consumers have about the need for travel insurance is that credit card companies or travel suppliers such as airlines or cruise lines will reimburse those who have to cancel trips. Despite this, more leisure travelers taking cruises, air/tour vacations and international trips last year did choose to protect their travel investment. An association survey showed 30% of them purchased travel insurance coveragea significant increase from the estimated 8% to 10% of travelers who did so before September 11, 2001.