FREE Travel Insurance

Do yourself a favor and check out Hostelling International USA's membership!
Last week, Sandi Smith, one of my Facebook Friends and a kindred spirit, told me about this option.

I just rejoined Hostelling International USA and got FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE!
It is a basic policy but for the $18 I paid for my senior membership, well worth the cost.
You can upgrade if you wish.

I wish I had known this earlier - they have just begun the travel insurance program.
Go here to see detailed description of the travel insurance.
If I'd had this last year, I would have been able to get home for my sister in law's death.

HostelCare Basic coverage includes:

• $1400 Medical Expense coverage
• $3500 Repatriation of Remains
• $1250 Trip Interruption
• $2000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment

For my $18, here is what I got:

• Access to more than 4,000 hostels in over 80 countries worldwide.
• Access to nearly 60 hostel locations in the United States.
• Savings up to 70% on international phone calls, free e-mail access, voicemail and travel information through eKit.
• HI-USA members now get basic international travel insurance coverage and discounts on optional upgrades
• Discounted currency exchange.
  
  

  Travelex offers Hostelling International members a discount on currency purchases at retail locations. Members save 50% off Commission at Travelex retail locations throughout the US when members show their Hostelling International cards. Discounts vary at Travelex locations worldwide. Click here for international discount information.
• A free second night stay offer at participating HI-USA hostels. Second Night
• Discounts on Trek America - Valid for bookings made directly with TrekAmerica, HI offer must be mentioned at time of booking and can not be used in conjunction with any other promotional discount. This offer is valid only for the Hostelling International member.
• Discounts available across the USA.
• Worldwide discounts in restaurants, retail stores, and attractions and more.
• An online newsletter, HI-USA Travelbytes, emphasizing travel tips.
• Access to programs and activities at local hostels and councils (local chapters).

Insurance & American Embassy in Spain

While it's easy in Spain to walk into any pharmacy

and get a prescription for cold, flu, diahhrea,

or other minor illnesses,

more serious injuries may mean surgery and a hospital stay

or even transport back to your home country.

And though there are many anecdotal stories

about people receiving kind and free medical treatment in Spain

(mine included)

it is a good idea to be sure major medical expenses

are covered

by a policy you can purchase before leaving home.

There are two types of insurance you will need

to consider when traveling to walk the Camino.

The first is medical coverage.

The second is trip coverage.

Sometimes, you might find a policy covering both.

My experience in not being able to get home last year

when my sister in law passed away

has changed my mind about trip coverage insurance,

which never before was a priority.

One of my Camino acquaintances, Johnnywalker, 

who lives in Spain and works in the Pilgrim Office 

recently posted regarding medical insurance

while on the Camino:

"It may be helpful to note the advice given 

by the US Government on this matter: 

Important: American Citizens living or traveling abroad 

should be sure they have adequate medical insurance 

that will cover expenses incurred abroad. 

Medicare and Medicaid are only valid in the United States. 

Some private American medical insurance companies 

will pay for expenses abroad, 

but most require that the patient pay the bill first, 

then file for reimbursement. 

Hospitals and health care providers will expect payment 

if you are not covered by the Spanish health care system. 

The United States Embassy does not have funding 

to help cover medical expenses of American citizens in Spain. 

You may find it useful to look into the possibility 

of obtaining a policy that specifically covers expenses 

incurred overseas."

Places to check for both types of coverage include:

Your personal medical plan

Your credit card companies

The airlines you purchase your ticket from

AAA

REI

Private travel insurance companies online

Here is an important link

to the American Embassy in Spain.

There, you will find information about travel in Spain

as well as important emergency telephone numbers

that will connect you with English speaking doctors

and other officials.

US EMBASSY LINK

Please go there 

and read the information.

You may want to jot down the web address

and important telephone numbers

for yourself and for your family.