Travel insurance cancels when you return home?
Hey,
So I know policies differ greatly for everyone based on their home state which is probably why there isn't more information about each of the various underwriters, but I also know there are a lot of Washington state riders out there, and others who have looked into it so I figure I'd post here.
Primary question: most insurance seems to cover a 365 single trip. Does that mean if I come home for a visit I will end my coverage? tied to that - what if I don't come back to my state of residence or origin of the trip? Obviously I know I need to get it in writing from an agent, but I was wondering if there is some general knowledge about this. Also, as its holiday time, all the offices are closed :-(
I've been doing hours and hours of fine print reading these past few days inspecting various underwriters. I figured Id share a bit of info, just in case it helps anyone else. This pertains to a 30-39 year old Washington, USA resident.
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Ripcord - super responsive staff, very friendly, but mostly just emergency recovery (not medical) for longer trips. I'm already covered with Spot
World Nomad - looks good, covers all that I need EXCEPT - seems to end if I come back home for a visit. Also significantly more expensive than others (~$1250/year), but I got a response in writing that they cover on and off road motorcycling of any cc. Just not damage that is caused by the motorcycle.
Spot GEOS - Get you out of a rough spot insurance. seemed very straight forward.
Medjet Assist - Get you home insurance. Ive heard nothing but amazing things. that said - over $600 for a year. almost makes it worth it to break up my trips.
HCC - Atlas: Seem to have great coverage including home country coverage for an extra fee. Concerned about coverage if return to US. Haven't heard back from agent about on/off road motorcycle travel, but they say sporting activities (which I don't think this would be) need to be adequately supervised...also they have a 1 star yelp review from all of the 30+ people who rated them. They allow you to customize your payout benefits so its hard to nail a price but about $600-900 depending. All that said there is a line in Article 3(6) in the Personal Liability Benefit Endorsement which says they aren't liable to you if you have "6. Ownership, possession, control or use of any automobile, motorcycle, ATV, off-road vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, parachute, parasail, glider or any other motorized, gravity-induced, or self-propelled vehicle or craft of any kind....sounds like a deal killer?
STA Travel - Seems to be both the cheapest and offer the highest payouts BUT - though I'd be covered for a year, just for 90 day trips. That may be just because I'm from Washington. I had chosen this one but had to back out as I'll be gone for more than 90 days. Cost was just $289
Global Underwriters. Similar to HCC in legal jargon. on their website it says coverage ends upon permanent return to your home country, but the fine print doesn't have the same language. They let you renew on the road up to 3 years. also in the 6-900 range but a bit more than HCC.
IMG - seems to be slightly cheaper than HCC/GU, but about on par as it seems you have to add the adventure sports rider for motorcycle. also seem to have coverage for 14 day trip homes.
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