Travel insurance: Q&A with Andy Romero
- lisasaperbloom
- Dec 10, 2024
- 3 min read
My dear friend of several years, and travel confidant, Andrew (Andy) Romero is someone I trust implicitly with all things travel, including (but certainly not limited to) booking, consulting, and travel insurance.
While traveling in Paris, and falling while walking, Andy learned the importance of travel insurance through personal experience. It was day 2 of 10 when the incident happened. Andy was not insured. He did not speak French. He did not know how to secure a boot for his foot. And ultimately, he missed connecting flights and was considered a “no show” to hotels, costing him $1,800 US dollars out of pocket.
Learning his lesson, being a seasoned traveler, and having sold travel insurance (but deciding to be arrogant and thinking he didn’t need it!)…. Andy knew it was time to not only truly research his product, but to also become an expert in this sector of travel.
Andy and I sat down at our FAVORITE gluten-free breakfast spot, next to my yoga studio, when I decided to pick his brain in order for my clients and readers to benefit.
Here is what was asked and learned:
Q: Many people speak of Allianz. Why do you choose Travel Insured?
A: They have better customer service follow up when our clients have to tap into benefits. We want a product that is so high quality, our clients will continue to use us.
Q: What are the options covered through Travel Insured?
There are so many options that can be covered with a surcharge. One of the most popular and wisest among them is Cancel for any Reason. This option must be purchased within 21 days of the initial deposit. Flight accident coverage, bed rest coverage, electronic equipment coverage, are also quite popular and important options for travelers to consider.
Q: Like Allianz, is there an annual plan? A: Yes.Please tell us what the pros are of an annual plan. It can help cover lots of travel with smaller value; for example, quick weekend getaways.And the cons of an annual plan?
The annual plan doesn’t cover larger valued trips such as a river cruise through Europe.
Q: If someone needs medical coverage while on vacation, what are the steps they need to take?
A: There are in-country 24/7 emergency numbers to contact to seek help. You will receive a 50-60 page plan document with all the necessary information on it including all pertinent phone numbers.Q: I don’t know that I would like to thumb through a 50-60 page document in an emergency. Are the pertinent phone numbers obvious?
A: Yes, very obvious and easy to locate. The plan documents give you very detailed information regarding your coverage.
Q: If someone misses a flight, what are the steps they need to take?
A: If the missed flight is the fault of the airlines, like a weather exception, then the airline will rebook the passenger. If the passenger misses their flight at their own fault, they will need to call the insurance company to see what steps need to be taken.The phone number will be on the plan documents. Listing the number would be useless to readers without a policy.
Q: Andy, tell our Solo Travelers the type of travel you book for people.
A: I can book anything from a flight and a hotel stay, events such as plays, concerts, and sports, excursions, and most importantly, your dream tour/cruise anywhere on the globe.
Q: With so many group options, what are the advantages of using QTS?
A: QTS alone has 50 seasoned, experienced, and knowledgeable travel consultants who have traveled extensively and specialize in their own niches. In addition, we at QTS are affiliated with over 4,000 more travel professionals. We are connected via social media and go to our network often, especially if there is something that is outside of our wheelhouse. For example, I never book Disney Vacations. Because they are complex and require a certain niche, I always direct my clients to our inhouse pro who visits Disney at least 2-3 times a year. Technically speaking, QTS is a full service travel and tour company.
Q: What else would you like our Solo Travelers to know about you?
A: I am obsessed with travel! Travel is my biggest passion! While it’s not a cheap hobby or passion, I think exploring other countries and cultures is a huge education in life. An experienced, international, traveler understands this life education much more than the average person.Whether people are seasoned travelers, or just starting their travel adventures, I am always happy to help with any questions they have. They can contact me directly to get started!
Andy Romero
Travel Consultant
Quality Travel Solutions (QTS)
623-910-1362
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