Buying travel insurance is a smart move, but only if you understand what you’re getting. For first-time buyers, reading a policy document can feel overwhelming. It may be full of unfamiliar covered benefits, limitations and detailed exclusions.

But understanding your travel insurance policy is key to knowing what’s covered, and what isn’t. Here’s a breakdown of how to read a policy with confidence, and how Arch RoamRight makes the process more transparent.

📄 Step 1: Start With the Plan Summary

Every Arch RoamRight plan includes a benefit summary, which outlines the major categories of coverage, including:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Emergency medical expenses
• Baggage loss or delay
• Trip delay
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• 24/7 travel assistance services

This summary gives you a high-level overview of what the plan offers and is a great place to begin comparing policies.

🔍 Step 2: Review the Coverage Limits

Each benefit listed in your plan comes with a coverage limit, the maximum amount the insurer may reimburse for that specific item. For example:

• Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of your unused, prepaid, non-refundable trip costs
• Emergency medical: Up to $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the plan
• Baggage loss: Often limited to $750 to $1,500 per person

These limits matter, especially for travelers with high-value trips or expensive equipment. Arch RoamRight clearly displays these limits during the quote process and in the policy documents.

⚖️ Step 3: Understand Covered Reasons

Most standard travel insurance benefits only apply if your situation meets a covered reason. For trip cancellation or interruption, common covered reasons include:

• Illness or injury (you, a travel companion or a family member)
• Severe weather or natural disasters
• Involuntary job loss
• Military or jury duty
• Terrorist incident at your destination

These reasons are detailed in your Description of Coverage (DOC). Arch RoamRight provides these documents upfront so you can read before you buy.

🚫 Step 4: Read the Exclusions Section

Equally important are the exclusions — situations that are not covered under your policy. Examples may include:

• Pre-existing conditions (unless a waiver applies)
• Traveling against medical advice
• Voluntary cancellations for non-covered reasons
• High-risk activities without an add-on
• Cosmetic or elective procedures abroad

Understanding what’s not covered helps set realistic expectations and avoid surprises during a claim.

🧠 Step 5: Check for Time-Sensitive Provisions

Some provisions, like the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver or Cancel for Work Reasons  coverage, are only available if you:

• Purchase the travel insurance policy within a specific window (usually 14 – 21 days of your initial trip deposit)
• Insure 100% of your non-refundable trip costs
• Meet other stated conditions

Arch RoamRight discloses these time-sensitive options during the quote process and outlines requirements in your plan documents.

📞 Step 6: Know Where to Find Help

If you’re confused or unsure about what something means, Arch RoamRight offers support from licensed travel insurance representatives who can explain the policy in plain terms, before or after purchase.

You’ll also find contact details for our 24/7 travel assistance team, who can help during emergencies while you’re traveling.

📝 What to Look for When Comparing Policies

Arch RoamRight’s quote experience allows for side-by-side comparisons, so you can make a more informed decision.

✅ The Bottom Line: Don’t Skip the Fine Print

Travel insurance is designed to support you when things go wrong, but only if your situation falls within the terms of the policy. Taking 15 minutes to review your plan documents can make a major difference in how confident you feel while traveling.

Arch RoamRight provides documentation before purchase, so you’re never left guessing about what you’re getting.

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