Spring Break Travel
Protect Your Child — Even If They’re Not With You
Parents, you might be getting ready to send your children off on their own for spring break. It can be a worrisome time for you and for them. Whether they’re driving with friends or traveling with a school group, there are insurance details you should address with your children before they leave.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests you review these important tips with your children before they travel without you:
Be Prepared
Before any trip away from home, it is a good idea to review your insurance coverages. When your child is traveling alone, involve them in the review process. First, collect originals and make copies of all pertinent insurance paperwork. When you give this information to your child, explain to them the importance of keeping these documents safe and in a readily accessible location.
If your child will be driving a family car, show them where you keep the insurance information in that vehicle and review emergency procedures with them. Make your child a list of contact numbers and important information for quick reference. Place this with the insurance identification card in the glove box. Include the name and phone number of the insurance company or agent, policy number and your complete contact details.
For health insurance, make sure your child knows the name of the insurance company and provide your child with a list of emergency numbers, including the numbers of your family doctor and your insurance company, in addition to your cell phone number. Also explain to your child the meaning of general insurance terms like “co-pay” and “out-of-network.”
If your child takes medications, you might want to check for in-network pharmacies at their travel destination. Make sure to review the list with your child and put a copy of the list with their important insurance papers.
Auto Insurance
Consider giving your child a copy of the following checklist to keep in their vehicle. Review it with them before they leave home, so the information is fresh in their mind in case of an accident.
- Make sure you have your insurance ID, title and registration in the vehicle at all times.
- Following an accident, call 9-1-1 first. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation on a highway or road.
- Call your parents.
- Make sure to get contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Give them your parents’ contact and insurance information.
- Do not admit fault.
- Other drivers involved might try to convince you to not file an insurance claim. Tell them they should contact your parents to discuss any insurance decisions.
- Take pictures of the scene, including pictures of the other people and vehicles involved, if it is safe to do so.
- Get contact information for the police department that responded to the accident.
- Get a copy of any police report(s) or find out how to get a copy once the report has been filed.
Health Insurance
Getting hurt or sick away from home can be scary, and it will be especially difficult if your child doesn’t have you to take care of them. Help prepare them by reviewing the following checklist with them before they leave home. Send a copy with them so they can refer back to it, if needed.
Keep your health insurance ID card, a list of your drug allergies, a list of drugs you are currently taking and information about any of your other medical conditions with you at all times.
If you need urgent medical treatment or are in an accident, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Have someone who is with you contact your parents. Provide the medical facility with your insurance ID card.
If you need to see a doctor and it is not an emergency, contact the insurance company to find a local physician who is in your coverage network. The phone number for the insurance company, your policy number and co-pay information are located on the insurance ID card.
Keep all paperwork, including receipts from the doctor’s office, the hospital or any pharmacy if you filled any prescription(s).
Obtain the name and contact details of the treating physician to provide your family doctor, in case you require follow-up care once you are home.
International Travel
Neither American auto nor health insurance will generally be accepted outside of the United States. To find out more about the extent of your coverage, speak with your insurance agent or company before you leave home. You can also contact your state insurance department. A link to state insurance department Web pages and contact details can be found at www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm.
Short-term travel insurance can be purchased for your child’s trip if you are concerned about accidents or losses during an international trip. If you are considering the purchase of a short-term travel insurance policy, review the policy terms carefully to make sure you understand all coverages and exclusions before making a purchase.
If you are unsure about the insurance company or agent you are talking with: STOP before signing any paperwork or writing a check for the policy; CALL your state insurance department; and CONFIRM that the company or agent offering insurance to you is legitimate and licensed in your state.
If you purchase a short-term travel insurance policy, review it with your child before he/she leaves, focusing on the process your child would use for getting assistance, if needed.
Group Travel
Group travel is a popular way for kids to travel away from home without a parent for the first time. If your child is traveling in a group with sponsors or chaperones, make sure you provide the group leaders with the same emergency contacts and information you have given your child.
More Information
If you have questions or are confused about your insurance coverage, contact your state insurance department. Visit www.NAIC.org to find contact information for your state insurance department.
Get smart about your insurance needs! For more information about auto, home, life and health insurance options — as well as tips for choosing the coverage that is right for you and your family — visit www.InsureUonline.org.