Why Travel Protection Plans Matter — Especially Now
The devastation Hurricane Melissa brought to Jamaica is a sobering reminder that even the best-planned vacations can face the unexpected. While the island’s recovery is already underway — and the Jamaican Minister of Tourism has shared hopes that Jamaica will be fully up and running by December 15 — the rebuilding process will take time.
Melissa’s impact wasn’t uniform: the Montego Bay region and areas to the south and west saw the most catastrophic damage, while the eastern part of the island fared somewhat better. This means it will be a resort-by-resort reopening, with some properties taking longer to be fully operational.
Most tour operators and travel providers are showing compassion and flexibility, offering concessions for travelers with trips booked through November 15. But beyond that date, those policies will likely return to normal — and that’s where a Travel Protection Plan (TPP) can make all the difference.
TPP doesn’t just protect you from disruptions caused by natural disasters. It also covers many other real-life circumstances that can impact travel, including:
Trip interruptions or cancellations due to illness or the death of a traveler or an immediate family member
Pregnancy, childbirth, or attending a childbirth (for all you proud grandparents out there)
Jury duty, court subpoenas, or unexpected military duty
Major flight disruptions, destination evacuations, or strikes
Theft of passports or loss of employment before travel
Remember: Many travel insurance plans also offer a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on. This upgrade must usually be purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit and allows you to cancel for almost any reason — even if it’s simply a change of heart. It’s an extra layer of flexibility that can protect your investment when life’s unexpected twists arise.
And here’s something many travelers don’t realize — TPP also includes important medical benefits.
Your U.S. healthcare coverage likely won’t extend abroad, and medical emergencies can become incredibly expensive. I recently heard about a friend’s father who became seriously ill while traveling in Canada and had to be medevacked home at a cost of $30,000 out of pocket. They had no idea a travel protection plan could have covered much if not ALL of that.
While we all hope never to need to file a claim, having a TPP in place provides peace of mind. It’s there to protect not just your investment, but your well-being — offering a safety net when the unexpected happens.
So, as you plan your next trip — especially international travel — as a travel advisor I strongly encourage you to think about adding a Travel Protection Plan. Whether purchased through your tour company, travel advisor, or on your own, it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make before you go.
Because travel should be about discovery, joy, and connection — not worry.
