In this year when tickets have been purchased and travel insurance are being debated. It usually does not make sense to me because I'm old-fashioned when it went by the same company every year mainly because of a big price difference between what I have been using and what I have chosen in the past. However, this year, I thought I would do some checking before I went again to Asia. (I'm in the U.S.A.).
Why second-guess? Well, I also refuse to do some comparison shopping after a good friend and fellow world-travelers have touted her insurance provider that I was using before Travel Guard. Although my friend usually travel only 1-2 months at a time, where I tend to travel 5-11 months at a time, I thought I would check the price just to be sure (and wrote a blog on the outcome). In conclusion we were both right. I found that Travel Guard has better rates for short-term travel, where the World Nomad outstanding for long term travel.
But, there is more to a policy of price. What happens when you need to file a claim?
years ago when I was a nomad-ing through Thailand I started to get a bit of a pain in my chest. I'm not sure if it was because I had worked out extensively month in Bangkok "Prison Park" (the old Bangkok prison that was converted into a public park is really nice that promote all kinds of sports: Tai Chi for weight training). Anyway, I thought it prudent to go visit the doctor Nick at Mission Hospital (if you get sick in Thailand, which hospital to visit) for a check-up. After a series of tests (x-ray chest, blood, ECG, some pointed questions by doctors) determined that I am in a state of fine and diseases that feel it is because muscle stress.
Wah!
So the next day I make a claim to my world Nomads travel insurance providers. As I just mentioned I have used insurance in recent years, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to file a medical claim. (BTW, I have used two insurance providers namely Travel Guard and STA. Travel in the past and have made a claim with the respective insurance they have. None of them made it difficult for me to make a claim and I am happy with their service overall.) Anyway, after I contacted World Nomads they directed me to their on-line claim form. It is simple and fast. As for their response, it was too fast; and they assured me that I was covered. Very good. But then they reminded me that they were the medical coverage of any additional major medical coverage I might own.
Hah? I do not remember seeing that when I booked the provisions of the insurance policy on-line.
After it was pointed out to me, I found it eventually. It was buried in the "What We Cover" section of the website, as well as in the fine print of the policy itself. After the claims agent has shown that an exception to me, I assured him that I have not had Others such as travel insurance, health, life, auto or other insurance. No problem, the answer initially. However, I was then told that I must submit a written notarized statement made to that effect (that I did not have any other travel insurance) before they can proceed with the claim.
What The Fuck?
Not only is their policy not to make the provisions of this disorder is clear (I've still yet to find any mention of the requirements of a notary public on their website) but the whole process of claiming the whole there is no such requirement to have a statement the same notary to claim the more important questions such as: cost, and if the event medical has actually happened! (Heck, if lied about not having a primary insurance policy, they may be lying even more about the injury itself.) Anyway, after complaining to several officials at the company World Nomads they finally relented and let me send my claim without a notary.
That being said, does this make World Nomads trustworthy or bad value? Absolutely not. After researching and comparing the World Nomads Travel Guard and STA Travel, I found that only Travel Guard offer their health coverage as the primary insurance. As for the issue notary, which seems at the whim of the provider and the materials at hand. And after I compared the policy between the three, I feel that the real problem is now down to the basics:
price and coverage limits
For example, by Travel Guard, as I just mentioned, the medical coverage they are not secondary but primary. You will not have to prove that you are not covered by some other companies. The STA Travel's edge, in the category of Damaged Goods. They are not there to limit the use of electronics, such as notebook computers somebody, it's just $ 500. So, there are some important differences between companies other than the cost.
Below is the result of my comparison between the three major travel insurance companies. But, I would remind the reader to read the fine print of any policy of travel insurance he / she can choose. This could make a big difference between replacement and get nothing.
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