If you're working with a travel agent to plan a trip abroad, one of the options they'll offer you is travel insurance. While some travelers see this as an unnecessary expense, there are a few smart reasons to invest in it for your comfort, safety, finances, and peace of mind. Below is what you need to know about travel insurance to aid in your vacation planning. 

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a small insurance policy that will help you receive refunds if your travel plans change. You pay a small fee, and then if something unexpected happens, you can recover purchases and deposits that would normally be non-refundable. These can include transportation costs, hotel bookings, cruises, excursions, and other activity expenses. As long as you're canceling for a covered reason, like illnesses and emergencies, you should be able to receive money back. 

What Are the Benefits of Travel Insurance?

With travel insurance, your plans remain flexible. If you need to reschedule your vacation because you're injured, or because of an unexpected disaster at your destination, you won't lose money. You'll have more freedom to change your plans, more protection from financial loss, and less stress about missing a connection or getting ill. Travel insurance even means that if something does go wrong on your trip, you can recover and salvage the rest of the vacation instead of having one missed bus or change in itinerary ruin the whole plan.

What Happens Without It?

If you refuse your travel agent's offer of travel insurance, you're on the hook for your planned expenses. If you or a family member is too sick to travel, you won't be entitled to a refund from any of the companies you booked with or from the travel agency. If there's a sudden disaster that makes your destination unsafe, you'll forfeit your money, as well. Even if someone dies and can't go on the trip, their estate will still have to pay. You're also more vulnerable while traveling. If something goes wrong with a hotel booking, for example, you may not have the money to make alternate plans. With travel insurance in place, you can ensure your vacation will go off without a hitch. 

At N & K Travel Service in Honolulu, HI, your travel agent will help you find the best deals on travel insurance to protect your investment on your trip. For over 30 years, this family-owned agency has put together quality trips, specializing in vacations to Okinawa, Japan. Call (808) 739-9010 or visit their website to get started.