"I can get by without travel insurance, can’t I? It’s just a quick trip overseas." Unlike a passport, travel insurance isn’t mandatory. But there are more reasons than ever to consider buying insurance when you travel:

• You or a family member may become ill, get injured or die, and the trip needs to be cancelled.
• There may be unexpected flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather.
• The tour operator, airline or cruise line may default or declare bankruptcy.
• There could be an airline or transportation strike.
• You may miss connections and have to make alternate plans.
• Your baggage can be lost or stolen.
• The cost of health care, hospitalization or ambulance abroad could be prohibitive.
• Medicare and domestic medical insurance do not cover you.
• A personal emergency may require you to cut short your trip.
• A medical emergency may require evacuation.

There are other circumstances in which travel insurance is especially recommended:

• If you’re driving a car in a foreign country.
• If you’re using a boat or personal watercraft.
• If you have a non-refundable vacation package.
• If you’re traveling with fine art or jewelry, or special equipment.

TripAssist Travel Insurance provides the protection you need to travel with greater peace of mind.* Provided by BCS Insurance Co. for Access America, TripAssist protects your trip investment and provides coverage for unexpected emergencies. Insureds have worldwide access 24/7 to medical and travel specialists in the event of unexpected emergencies or problems.

Access America offers two TripAssist plans:

• Comprehensive — Provides ideal levels of coverage for domestic and international travelers on tours and cruises.
• Standard — Designed for business travelers and others who don’t need coverage against trip cancellations.

Contact a AAA Travel office for more information on obtaining travel insurance.

*AAA Premier® Members receive $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance free when you purchase scheduled airline, ship, bus or train tickets through AAA Travel.