By HEATHER BAUGHMAN

baughman@crescent-news.com

After planning and booking her vacation to Aruba this past winter, Defiance resident Margie Russ found out that her work schedule had changed and she could no longer take her trip. While many people would be infuriated to cancel their trip, Russ was covered. She simply called her travel agent to reschedule -- reassured that her trip would be reimbursed because she purchased travel insurance.

"I always get travel insurance," Russ said. "With my job (at Campbell Soup Supply Co.), I never know when they're going to change my schedule." By spending a few more dollars on her trip, Russ has the peace of mind knowing that her trip will be refunded if she should have to cancel.

"These trips don't come cheap," she added, which is why she doesn't plan a trip without purchasing travel insurance.

Sherry Kaufman, manager of Central Travel located inside the Northtowne Mall, said about 80 percent of her customers who purchase travel packages also opt to purchase travel insurance. "Personally, I take it out every time I travel," Kaufman said.

And she urges her customers to do the same. "Everyone should purchase it," she said.

The advantages, she believes, far outweigh the disadvantages.

Many people who have purchased travel insurance when booking their trips with Kaufman have realized the benefits, just as Russ did.

In fact, even after Russ rescheduled her trip to Aruba, she became ill the day before she was to leave. While her doctor gave her permission to go on her trip, her purchase would have been refunded if she were unable to go.

"It's been well worth it for people," Kaufman said. "There are just so many circumstances that can prevent people from traveling," she said.

"You just don't know what can happen."

While there are many different forms of travel insurance, Kaufman said she offers her customers Travelex insurance, which covers trip cancellation/interruption, trip interruption, trip delays/missed connections, itinerary changes, and emergency medical benefits, rental vehicle damage protection and more.

Kaufman explained that this insurance will cover trip cancellations for sickness, injury or death of the traveler, traveling companion, business partner or family member.

It also covers inclement weather, employer termination or layoff, jury duty, even if the traveler's home has been burglarized.

Medical issues are covered for emergency expenses that occur as a result of sickness or injury during the trip.

Kaufman noted, however, that most, but not all, private company insurance does cover people who become ill or injured while on vacation in the United States.

But, she said, "definitely purchase (travel insurance) if you are traveling internationally. Most insurance companies don't cover you outside the U.S."

The cost of travel insurance depends on the age of the traveler and the cost of the trip.

Through Travelex, a 34-year-old (or younger) customer could purchase insurance for $25 for a trip costing up to $500. A traveler age 35-60 could purchase travel insurance for $36 for a trip costing up to $500.

That insurance would cover, for example, emergency medical expenses up to $50,000 and up to $1,000 for the loss of baggage.

Upgrading to Travelex's premium insurance package would cost a traveler with a package costing up to $500 an additional $35 for people up to 34 years old and $41 for someone age 35-60.

That insurance would cover, for example, emergency medical expenses up to $500,000 and up to $2,500 for the loss of baggage.

Purchasing travel insurance is a personal decision each person must make, however, "If something does happen, it's good to know that you are covered," Kaufman said.