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With trip cancellation/interruption insurance, find out precisely who is covered. Must the insured be traveling with you or could coverage include someone at home who becomes ill? Similarly, determine exactly when coverage starts and ends. In the event of medical evacuation, see if the policy means an evacuation only to the nearest medical facility or all the way to your home. Does the insurer have a 24-hour hotline to provide emergency travel advice and assistance?

Excluded from coverage may be individual acts of terrorism and hijacking, as the result of declared or undeclared war, under war-risk provisions. There may be variations in interpretation, so check the wording carefully (especially if you are traveling to troubled areas). Find out if there are any countries where the insurer declines coverage.

Although travel agents sell travel insurance and receive commissions, they are not insurance agents and they may not understand all the ramifications of a policy, especially when you get to the small print. Your best bet is to ask your travel agent to check out any or all questions you have or call the insurance company yourself.

Increasingly, cruise lines and tour operators offer optional programs covering such items as trip cancellation/interruption and baggage loss. These plans may have nothing to do with an insurance company, but they still offer some protection. Some cruise lines/tour operators, however, offer similar coverage that is underwritten by an insurance company and this would provide a greater degree of security.

Overall, travelers should read all the fine print and ask a lot of questions. The more you know up front, the fewer hassles you will encounter if you need to file a claim.