by Sally Thornton

Created on: October 30, 2008   Last Updated: February 29, 2012

When going on a vacation everything must be planned in order to have a safe and worry free trip. Making a list is helpful, checking the items off as they are completed. One of the most important items on the list is, must I purchase travel insurance? why do I need to? That is extra expense. We could use the money in a more enjoyable way.

For many of us going on holiday is a fun, adventurous and exciting time, however, there are some who aren't that lucky. Every year, Travel insurance.com receives numerous claims as a direct result of holiday disaster. Sickness is one of those disasters. You will probably need to pay for the medical expenses out of your own pocket and claim them back upon your return home. If so, it's imperative that you keep all receipts. That is why travel insurance is important, for those unexpected occurrences. Your insurance also covers loss of luggage and theft of belongings. If either happens, you will need to inform your insurer right away and the police if theft is the issue.Again you will need copies of all personal and police reports to provide evidence to the insurer. You must have tried to prevent the problem from happening. If it seems you were negligent, your claim will be rejected.

Some companies offers different grades of travel insurance, much like homeowners. Depending upon the level of protection that you choose to pay, a lost or stolen bag may bring a reimbursement of $500.00 to a $1000.00. All airlines have reimbursement for lost luggage which has recently been raised to $3000.00 per traveler. The amount of compensation you get from the airlines for lost luggage varies depending on whether it is a domestic flight , an international flight or domestic flight somewhere else in the world.

When making a claim you can't necessarily claim on everything in your luggage once it has been decided it has been lost. You'll have to make an itemized list of what was in your suitcase. Try and be reasonably accurate. Claim the cost of the suitcase, as well.

If there is a delay for your flight, and you have checked in on time and if it is a significant delay in excess of two hours, the airlines is responsible. They must provide you with meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if necessary and communications facilities. the airlines is also obligated to provide you with a written statement about your rights as a passenger.

If there is a cancellation of your flight and it is due to reasons within the airlines control, you should be provided

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