Frequently Asked Questions
General
ENROLLMENT

Claims

Definitions/Exclusions

General Section Answers
Why should I purchase Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan?

You’ve saved, you’ve waited, and now you’re all set to go on the vacation of your life – a Trafalgar Tour. Preparing for your vacation includes protecting yourself from unfortunate occurrences that threaten to interfere with even your best-laid plans. By purchasing Trafalgar Tours Travel  Protection Plan, you can protect yourself against cancellation penalties, medical costs, baggage loss, and delays, as well as gain access to a wide range of traveler’s assistance services.

Did you know that Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan could protect you if:

  • Someone in your immediate family has an illness or injury, even if they aren’t scheduled to travel with you
  • You become ill and can’t travel because your child comes down with the chicken pox and you are quarantined
  • Your house becomes flooded due to a hurricane
  • A family member back home passes away and you must return from your vacation early
  • Your luggage is lost by the airline
  • You twist your ankle and must visit a doctor while traveling
  • Many other unforeseeable events as listed in the Description of Coverage.

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What does it cover?

Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan includes pre and post-departure coverage for the following:

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
If you must cancel or interrupt your Trip for a covered reason, the plan provides coverage up to your TOTAL TRIP COST.

Covered reasons include illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or a covered family member.  Additional covered reasons for cancellation include jury duty, subpoena, having a home made uninhabitable by a natural disaster, hijacking, quarantine and being involved in a documented traffic accident en route to departure.  Please refer to the Description of Coverage for full details.

Trip Delay
If you should miss the departure of your tour due to carrier-caused delays or other covered reasons, the plan reimburses you up to $1,000 for costs such as accommodations, meals, and transportation expenses in order to catch up to the trip or to return home.

Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation
If an injury or illness requires emergency medical transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, the plan will pre-pay up to $25,000 for covered transportation expenses.  In addition, in the event of your death, the plan pays up to $25,000 toward the expenses associated with transporting your remains.

Medical Protection
 If you become ill or injured while on your tour, the plan will reimburse you up to $5,000 in medical expenses.  Medical coverage while traveling overseas is particularly important as Medicare and HMO’s may not cover medical expenses incurred outside the U.S.

Baggage Protection
If your baggage and/or personal effects should become lost, stolen or damaged during or while in transit to or from your Trip, the plan will reimburse you up to $2,500.  The plan also includes baggage delay protection, covering you up to $250 for the purchase of necessary items in the event your luggage is delayed by a common carrier for more than 24 hours during your trip.

24-Hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance
24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline provided by On-Call International to help with travel-related emergencies ranging from cash transfer, legal, dental, or medical referral, lost travel documents assistance as well as medical consultation and monitoring.

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Are my airline tickets covered?

The insurance portion of the Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan covers your airfare regardless  of whether or not your air was booked through Trafalgar, provided that the total reimbursement cannot exceed the total trip cost you paid to Trafalgar Tours.

 

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Will my current home, renters, credit card, or health insurance policies cover me during my trip?

Other insurance policies may not offer protection while you travel due to benefit limits, territory restrictions, and deductibles. Most people don’t have any insurance coverage at all if they must cancel their trip. Trafalgar’s program has a wide range of travel benefits which credit card, homeowners, and renters insurance policies most likely do not offer. The medical coverage included in Trafalgar's program is absolutely vital for most people whose health insurance policies do not pay for covered medical expenses incurred outside of the United States (e.g., Medicare, certain HMO's, etc.)

 

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Is there help while I'm traveling?

One of the valued benefits offered in Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan is the 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Service. On-Call International is a leader in this field. With On-Call International, you have access to the services of a highly trained, multi-lingual staff around the clock to assist you with such emergencies as cash transfers, lost documents, medical or legal monitoring, or referrals. They are also equipped to respond in many unexpected circumstances, such as providing potentially costly air ambulance transportation in medical emergencies.

If an emergency should arise during your trip, call On-Call International immediately and give the details of your problem or medical emergency. (Description of Coverage)

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What is the Pre-Existing Condition Limitation?

The Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan does have a pre-existing condition exclusion which is quite liberal. The pre-existing condition limitation precludes coverage only for those medical conditions that manifested themselves, became acute, or were being treated in the 90 days before coverage goes into effect (date of coverage purchased).

You may have a chronic condition that requires that you take medication and still be covered by the plan. Only if the condition is unstable and/or if there has been a change in the required prescription would your condition be considered pre-existing.

In addition, you can waive the pre-existing condition exclusion by purchasing the plan early. (For more information on waiving pre-existing condition, Click Here).  Please see the Description of Coverage for complete details or call BerkelyCare, the plan administrator at 1-(866) 580-4869 with any questions.

 

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Can I waive the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion

YOU CAN  "WAIVE OUT" OF THE PRE-EXISTING CONDITION EXCLUSION BY ENROLLING IN THE PLAN WITHIN TWO DAYS OF YOUR INITIAL TOUR DEPOSIT OR PAYMENT.  (SEE "WAIVER FEATURE" IN THE DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE). 

 

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I know that I have a pre-existing medical condition, why should I bother with the Travel Protection Plan?

Even if you have a medical condition that has been unstable in the last 90 days, you should still consider enrolling in the Travel Protection plan because:

  • you can waive the pre-existing condition exclusion by simply enrolling in the plan and paying for it within two days of your initial trip payment/deposit.  Doing so will remove the exclusion form the plan so that even pre-existing medical conditions can be covered. So long as you are not already disabled from travel at time of purchase, waiving the pre-existing condition exclusion is the easiest way to alleviate coverage doubts as to chronic medical conditions, and (Description of Coverage)

  • If your claim is denied due to a pre-existing medical condition, Trafalgar Tours will provide you with a Trafalgar Tours Travel Certificate in the amount of the cancellation penalty imposed, provided you purchased the plan within two days of your initial deposit and you cancel your arrangements more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure. (Description of Coverage)

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Where can I call for more information?

You may call BerkelyCare, the plan administrator, with any questions regarding Trafalgar's Travel Protection Plan.  Their CustomerCare representatives will be happy to assist you.

BerkelyCare
P.O. Box 9022
300 Jericho Quadrangle
 Jericho, NY 11753

1-(866) 580-4869
1-(516) 294-0220
Office Hours:
 8 AM – 9PM (EST), Monday-Friday
9 AM - 5 PM (EST), Saturday

IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA License # 0795465.

IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY.

 

 

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Does the plan cover me if I want to cancel my tour due to a terrorist attack?

The insurance portion of the Trafalgar Tours Protection Plan does not provide cash reimbursement should you cancel your trip due to a terrorist attack

You would, however, be eligible for the Trafalgar Tours Pre-Departure Cancellation Waiver which provides a Trafalgar Tours Travel Certificate in the amount of the cancellation penalty if you cancel more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure and you originally purchased the plan within two days of your initial trip payment/deposit.

You can also choose to purchase the optional Trafalgar Tours Preferred Benefits Protection Plan in combination with the Trafalgar Tours Protection Plan.  The Preferred Benefits Plan does provide cash reimbursement of cancellation penalties if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to a terrorist act which takes place in your departure city, or in a city which is a scheduled destination for your trip.  The terrorist act must occur within 30 days of your scheduled trip departure date and you must have originally purchased the plan within two days of your initial trip payment/deposit.   The Preferred Benefits Protection also doubles the medical benefits included in the Travel Protection Plan.

 

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Enrollment Section Answers
When is payment for the plan due and how do I enroll?

The cost of the plan will automatically be reflected in the total amount due on your invoice. You are enrolled upon Trafalgar's receipt of payment for the applicable plan cost (in addition to required tour deposits). The plan must be purchased within two days of your initial trip payment/deposit.

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When does coverage go into effect and will it cover me for the entire length of my trip?

The Trip Cancellation coverage takes effect upon receipt of the required plan cost by Trafalgar Tours. All other benefits will take effect at 12:01 A.M. on your scheduled departure date and location. Your coverage will remain valid until 11:59 P.M. on your scheduled completion date or your return to your origination point as stated on your tickets, whichever is earlier. Please see the Description of Coverage for detailed information.

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I am not a U.S. resident; can I purchase the plan?

Unfortunately, the plan is currently available only to U.S. residents.

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Claims Section Answers
What happens if I need to cancel my tour?

Please contact your travel agent, Trafalgar Tours, and BerkelyCare as soon as possible in the event of a claim, as the plan will not pay benefits for any additional charges incurred due to a delay in notifying your agent or Trafalgar of your cancellation.  BerkelyCare will then forward you the appropriate claim form in order to file a claim.

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What if I need to cancel my trip for a reason that is not covered by the insurance portion of the plan?

The insurance portion of the Trafalgar Tours Protection Plan does not provide cash reimbursement unless you cancel for a reason that is covered by the policy (See trip cancellation section in Description of Coverage).  However, we recognize that sometimes people need to change their travel plans for reasons that aren’t covered – boss cancels your scheduled vacation, babysitter can’t watch your children as planned, etc.  In these instances, you can take advantage of the Trafalgar Tours Pre-Departure Cancellation Waiver feature.  This additional plan feature lets you receive a Trafalgar Tours Travel Certificate in the amount of the cancellation penalty should you need to cancel your trip for any reason that is not covered by the insurance.  To qualify, you must purchase the Travel Protection Plan within two days of your initial trip payment/deposit and, you must cancel your arrangements more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.  The Trafalgar Tours Pre-Departure Cancellation waiver does not apply to air penalties associated with air or other travel arrangements that are not made with Trafalgar Tours. 

 

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What happens if my traveling companion cancels their tour but I still want to travel?

If your traveling companion cancels for a covered reason under Trafalgar Tours Travel Protection Plan and you must pay a “change in occupancy” fee (or single supplement charge), the plan will reimburse you for this expense. A traveling companion is defined as one person booked to share accommodations with you.

 

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What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is canceled due to inclement weather, mechanical breakdown or an organized labor strike, so long as your flight connections are ninety minutes or longer and you are scheduled to arrive at your tour departure city at least four hours before the scheduled land/cruise departure, you can either:

  • arrange a later flight.  You would be reimbursed for the additional transportation expenses (less  any refunds paid or payable for your original tickets) to join your trip in progress.  The cost cannot exceed the cost of a one-way economy airfare, or first class if your original tickets were first class) and for the cost of any unused prepaid land or sea arrangements (Description of Coverage); and/or;

  • you will be reimbursed up to $100 per day (up to a maximum of $1,000) for the cost of additional accommodations and travel expenses if your trip is delayed 12 hours or move for a covered reason. (Description of Coverage).

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How do I get reimbursement if my bags and/or personal items are damaged/stolen/lost while I am traveling?

First, obtain verification from the appropriate authority to whom you reported the loss (for example, airline, Trip, hotel, transportation official, police, etc.).  The baggage portion of the plan will reimburse the cost of repair or replacement for the luggage and covered contents inside the luggage.  Upon your return home, simply request a claim form by calling BerkelyCare or visiting www.travelclaim.com.  You will be asked to complete the form and submit copies of this information along with your claim form, in addition to any response you may have received from your homeowners or renters insurance in regard to this loss.

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If I require medical care while on my trip, are my medical bills covered?

Yes.  The plan reimburses your co-payments or deductibles, up to $5,000 for a covered accident and up to $5,000 for a covered illness that occurs during your trip.  In order to be reimbursed, save any receipts and statements from the treating physician.  Upon your return home, simply request a claim form by calling BerkelyCare or visiting www.travelclaim.com.  You will be asked to forward copies of your medical bills, as well as any explanation of benefit forms you may receive from your regular health insurer in regard to this loss.  Please also note that should you require follow up care for your illness or injury once you return home, the plan continues to provide you with this medical coverage for up to 52 weeks from the onset of the illness or injury, or until you have exhausted the coverage limit. In the event of a medical emergency while traveling, the plan provides emergency assistance services through On-Call International.   Should your medical condition necessitate your medical evacuation to another facility or home, these arrangements are made and pre-paid by On-Call International. 

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How do I file a claim?

In the event of a claim, please call BerkelyCare, the plan administrator, at 1-866-580-4869 from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm (EST) Monday - Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST) Saturday, or visit www.travelclaim.com. Please note that you may want to have a copy of your Trafalgar Tours invoice handy when you call (or go online) as there are some details that will be needed in order to initiate your claim.  This information includes your travel dates, date of cancellation, Trafalgar booking number, and some brief information regarding your reason for cancellation, or other type of loss (i.e., trip delays, baggage loss or delay, medical claims, etc.).  Important: If you are canceling your vacation, be sure to also contact your travel agent and/or Trafalgar to notify them of the cancellation, as well as to avoid additional expenses due to late reporting.

For covered emergencies during your trip which require evacuation, interruption, or other travel-related emergencies, call On-Call International at the telephone number provided with your travel documents and provide them with your policy number and emergency details.

This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.

IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA License # 0795465.

IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY.

 

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Definitions/Exclusions Section Answers
Who is considered an "Immediate Family" member under the plan?

Our definition of "Immediate Family" is quite broad. It’s not just the family members who reside with you. "Immediate Family" includes: parents, grandparents, siblings, siblings-in-law, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, among others. See the Definitions section of the Description of Coverage for a full listing.

 

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Are there exclusions?

In order to provide this package of benefits, certain restrictions do apply. For example, the plan does not provide duplicate payments if there are other sources of reimbursement available. Exclusions are standard in virtually every travel insurance product. Please see the Description of Coverage for a full list of exclusions.

 

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For BerkelyCare Privacy Policy and Insurance Licensing Information, please visit TravelClaim.com