Do you need travel insurance?

Thinking about getting travel insurance, but you’re not sure if you need it? That’s a pretty common concern for travelers trying to weigh what can be considerable benefits against the extra expense.

In addition to covering at least part of your costs if you have to cancel your trip, travel insurance also can cover emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation expenses.

Orbitz employee Paul Rattin got travel insurance before his recent trip to Tanzania.

“The whole time there it just felt comforting knowing if something happens there’s someone looking out for me,” he says.

Travel insurance fees are typically calculated as a percentage of your total trip or airline ticket cost. Orbitz provides travel insurance through

Allianz Global Assistance, which offers several levels of coverage.

Airline Ticket Protector, for example, is designed specifically for travelers purchasing airline tickets. It covers non-refundable ticket costs for up to $3,000 if you have to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency, bad weather, strikes and more. You also have access to a 24-hour hotline.

Ticket Protector Plus is designed for international airline travelers, with trip cancellation coverage, emergency medical coverage, medical transportation and concierge service — which offers help with restaurant tips, theater tickets and booking golf tee times.

Trip Protector Plus covers trip cancellation or interruptionbut also includes emergency medical or dental care, emergency medical transportation, coverage for lost, delayed or damaged baggage and rental car coverage.

Allianz Global Assistance also preauthorizes hospitals across the globe, so you’ll know you’re going to receive quality care while traveling abroad.

Those are just a few of the travel insurance options. Visit Orbitz.com for more information. You can purchase insurance here or while booking a trip on Orbitz.

Related Orbitz resources:

• Rental cars
• Flights

Tagged: Uncategorized