Most holidays result in wonderful memories. But, on occasion, unexpected events or accidents can leave you with cancelled plans and significant unbudgeted expenses. Travel insurance can help you protect yourself, your belongings and your travel investment against unwelcome surprises.

Insurance should be purchased at the time you confirm your trip as coverage is provided not only when you are traveling but for the period before you travel as the examples below show:

"I have become sick and am not able to travel"
If you become sick and are unable to travel non-refundable payments you have made for land and air ticket arrangements are covered by travel insurance.

"My father-in-law fell and injured himself – I normally care for him"
The illness or injury of family members is included under covered reasons to cancel. It’s important to remember that even if you are fit to travel, other events may make departing on your trip unthinkable.

"A terrorist act has occurred in a city through which my flight will be connecting"
Both domestic and international terrorist acts are covered reasons to cancel your trip provided the act occurs in the insured’s city of destination and you must be scheduled to arrive in that city within 30 days following the terrorist incident.

Other covered events include pregnancy, divorce, military obligations, jury duty and more...

Insider's tip: 1 in 6 travelers, who purchase travel insurance end up filing a claim (according to the Insurance Information Institute). Trip cancellation makes up 75% of all claims. Of these 60% are related to injury or illness suffered by the traveler, traveling companion or immediate family.

All Ultimate Africa clients are required to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan upon booking. This should cover you for events that may occur before, or during travel, such as tour operator bankruptcy / financial default, trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, terrorism, lost stolen or delayed baggage, emergency accident (before or during travel), sickness and evacuation up to US $200,000, 24 hour medical assistance, traveler's assistance, and emergency cash transfer.

Ultimate Africa works very closely with Access America Travel Insurance. Access America has 2 comprehensive travel insurance options to help you enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind (see below). To give you an idea of insurance costs please find a sample quotes below. Note: trip insurance premiums are based on each traveler’s age and total land / air costs. As a traveler’s age and trip cost increases so do premiums. The sample quotes are based on October 2007 premiums.

> Access America Classic Comprehensive: “Classic Comprehensive” is the most popular travel insurance option as it is the “best fit” for most travelers. The limits aren’t too high nor are they too low. Most claims fit into the boundaries of this policy – perfect for travel to Africa (or any international destination). This is the “common sense” policy. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (up to US $10,000 per person), terrorism and tour operator bankruptcy are only available if purchased within 14 days of your trip deposit. If a couple in their mid 50’s were to insure a trip totaling US $9,000 per person the “Classic Comprehensive” insurance premium would be US $396 per person.

> Access America Deluxe Comprehensive: Access America's premier plan. This policy offers primary medical coverage (it pays before any other coverages you may already have) and has higher benefit levels for travel delay, baggage, baggage delay, and medical/dental, and medical transportation coverage. If purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit coverage includes pre-existing medical conditions (up to US $50,000 per person), terrorism, and tour operator bankruptcy. Overall great for the international traveler who wants the very best. If a couple in their mid 50’s were to insure a trip totaling US $9,000 per person the “Deluxe Comprehensive” insurance premium would be US $636 per person.

You may learn more about each policy and compare costs at www.accessamerica.com

If you would like to speak with a Access America representative they may be reached toll-free on 1 800 284 8300.