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Forbes
24-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Don't Skip A Travel Insurance Agent — Here's Why
After a horrifying ski accident, the author learned a lesson about the importance of a good insurance agent. I discovered the importance of having a good travel insurance agent on an icy slope in the Swiss Alps. My painful accident happened in a split second, but it took more than two years for me to learn my lesson. I'm an experienced skier, but I seriously misjudged my first run of the season at Arosa, a resort in the picturesque Graubünden region. I slipped on a patch of ice buried under a dusting of fresh snow, faceplanted, and couldn't get up. The next 48 hours were a blur. I remember a helicopter, and a doctor jumping out and asking me if I could still feel my legs. Lots of painkillers. And a horrifying diagnosis: A broken pelvis and three broken ribs. At the end of my stay in the hospital, a young man from the accounting department appeared at my bedside and asked for my insurance information. I also remember calling GeoBlue, my travel medical insurance provider, to let them know where I was and that the hospital would be contacting them soon. I was on crutches for a few weeks, and I hobbled around for the next five months. Paracetamol was my best friend. I focused on getting better and assumed that between the guy from accounting and my call to GeoBlue, everything was settled. It was not. More than two years later, the hospital sent me a bill for $14,543. GeoBlue refused to pay the claim because it said that I waited too long. "Travel insurance isn't a small decision for a big trip," says James Nuttall, vice president of operations at Insubuy. "It makes sense to consult with an expert." Whether you're working with an insurance agent for travel medical insurance or a travel advisor for trip insurance, an expert can guide you in several key ways: Pro tip: If you're doing something exotic — like technical diving, mountain climbing, or um, skiing — an agent is a must, says Mark Whitman, an insurance specialist with Rise & Shield. "If your trip includes altitude, reefs, or any other potential curveballs, talk to an expert," he advises. "Get a policy designed for your idea of fun — before you end up facing a claim no one saw coming." Of course, you can buy travel insurance directly, and you might end up with a great policy. But purchasing one through an expert — either a travel agent or an insurance agent — adds an important benefit. "While it's possible to buy travel insurance on your own, a travel advisor can help you find the best product for your specific itinerary and feel confident that your travel investment is protected," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association. "When it comes time to file a claim, they can also help tremendously with documentation." It's important to distinguish between insurance agents and travel agents, notes Louise Norris, a health policy analyst for "Insurance agents are licensed by the insurance department of any state in which they sell coverage," she says. "Travel agents are subject to different registration requirements that vary by state." She says some travel agents offer travel insurance as part of the packages they provide, but they may not be as well-versed in the nuances of the insurance coverage provisions as a licensed insurance agent would be. But the bottom line, according to experts, is that having any agent can really help. "Buying travel insurance through an agent ensures travelers don't miss critical details, like understanding medical exclusions or knowing which parts of their trip costs should be covered," says Nicole Perreault, chief operating officer of AXA Partners US. I asked Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, a travel advisor with Live Well, Travel Often, to run through the list of things she does for her clients if they have to file a claim. "We walk them through the entire claims process, beginning to end," she explains. "So, when the claim is initially filed, we gather all of the paperwork, and help them navigate through exactly what is required by the claim analysts." But it doesn't end there. While most travel insurance claims are paid quickly, some drag on. That's where the Live Well, Travel Often team comes in. "We follow up with the analysts throughout the process, until the claim is resolved," she says. Note: Some travel advisors don't offer this service, so it's worth asking before you hire a travel advisor. If they say "yes," it may be worth giving them your business. Rachel Wagner used an agent to buy her travel insurance policy for a recent transatlantic cruise. Her husband contracted COVID and pneumonia and spent three days in the ship's medical center and another two weeks in the hospital. Her adviser held her hand through the entire experience, explaining the claims process and guiding her through the steps. "Ours was a complicated claim and I'm so thankful that we didn't have to wade through this daunting process alone," says Wagner, a consultant from Bixby, Okla. Lucky her. But could an agent rescue me from a $14,543 bill? I wasn't surprised by GeoBlue's denial of my claim. Most major insurance companies give you 12 months from the date of service to file your paperwork. But these were special circumstances. It turns out the hospital had obtained a guarantee of payment from GeoBlue, but instead of following through, it decided to bill me two years later. Worse, the hospital had sent me a bill that claimed this was their second notice and had already applied some late fees. But it was the first notice I had received. After getting a rejection from GeoBlue, I called the company to inquire about an appeal. A representative walked me through the steps in a phone call but didn't give me much hope. Too much time had elapsed. Still, I filed an appeal, in which I carefully explained what happened. I hoped GeoBlue would grant an exception to its 12-month limit on filing claims. I honestly believed that the hospital was working directly with my insurance company. Looking back, that was a mistake. I should have called the insurance company after my discharge to ensure that they were actively working on my claim. Nothing is automatic. A few weeks later, I got a random email from my insurance agent, Joe Cronin at International Citizens Insurance, asking how I was doing. Cronin hadn't sold me the GeoBlue policy, but he helped me find my current travel medical policy. I mentioned that I was having trouble with a medical claim. Two weeks later, a senior claims adjuster at GeoBlue called me. They had heard from Cronin, found my appeal, listened to the phone calls and reviewed the paperwork — and decided to pay the claim in full. It's unclear if GeoBlue would have eventually considered my appeal, but I know that Cronin's advocacy on my behalf gave the insurance company a little nudge. "An agent is there to advocate for you in emergencies and to navigate some of the more complicated processes involved in a claim," Cronin explained. "This is a big part of our value." I'm forever grateful for that. And I'm also grateful that GeoBlue decided to honor my claim. "In an industry where fine print can make or break a trip, having a knowledgeable travel insurance agent is essential," says Ned Tadic, a spokesman for Squaremouth. "A knowledgeable agent can help provide clarity, ensure travelers are truly protected, and serve as an advocate when unexpected events disrupt plans — and we've been seeing a lot of disruptions happen as of late." So my lesson, two years in the making, is this: Choose your insurance agent as carefully as you would your policy. Good agents won't just help you select the right policy for you. They'll also ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- The Independent
The most underrated spots to visit for anyone inspired by Eurovision's host country
Switzerland, renowned for its chocolate, cheese, and stunning landscapes, is preparing to host Eurovision 2025 in the vibrant city of Basel. As the picturesque city along the Rhine gears up for the 69th edition of the song contest, let's explore some of Switzerland's lesser-known treasures beyond the Eurovision buzz. These hidden gems offer a tranquil escape from the crowds, showcasing the country's diverse beauty. Here are 4 of the most underrated destinations to explore in this beautiful Alpine nation: 1. Jaun, Fribourg Nestled in the mountainous region of Fribourg is the idyllic municipality of Jaun. Charming houses that look like they have been plucked from the pages of a fairytale surround a magnificent waterfall that draws all eyes to its commanding presence. This honeypot for hikers and nature lovers encompasses plenty of different walking routes which vary in difficulty and time. The Gastlosen four-hour circular route in particular offers a magnificent view of the Bernese Alps, according to Switzerland Tourism. Plus, if you are looking to get a richer knowledge of the culture and history of this rural area, The Cantorama, also known as 'the house of Fribourg choral singing' (which is located in the former Romanesque church of Jaun), and the unique cemetery behind the church of St. Stephan are both worth a visit. 2. Arosa, Graubünden Arosa, a picturesque Alpine resort village nestled in the Schanfigg Valley in Switzerland's canton of Graubünden, is famous for its ski slopes during winter, but it truly comes alive in summer with its scenic lakes and hiking trails. One of the most popular walking routes is the Squirrel Trail, where hikers can enjoy close encounters with the friendly local squirrels – which are often bold enough to climb onto hikers' shoes or up trouser legs. The trail begins at the Vita Parcours in Arosa and winds its way to the Maran bus stop, with ten beautifully illustrated panels along the route telling the story of the squirrel. Switzerland Tourism recommends visiting Weisshorn, the highest peak in the Arosa region accessible by cable car – a memorable experience which offers breathtaking views of hundreds of mountain peaks. Travellers seeking a truly unique experience should consider adding the Arosa Bear Sanctuary to their itinerary – an exceptional wildlife conservation project created in partnership with Arosa Tourism and FOUR PAWS. 3. Sion, Valais Renowned for its two iconic landmarks – the 13th-century ruins of Tourbillon Castle and the impressive Valère Castle complex – Sion is a historic gem within in the southwestern Swiss canton of Valais. Visitors can reach the striking hilltop fortifications by meandering through charming, winding alleyways that pass by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sion and the intriguing Witches' Tower, according to Switzerland Tourism's website. Set in the sun-drenched Rhône Valley, Sion is also celebrated for its rich culinary heritage, featuring regional specialities such as raclette, apricots, saffron, dried meats, and, most notably, wines from its abundant vineyards. Holidaymakers looking to cool off this summer should head towards the Domaine des Îles. This sublime recreational area features a refreshing lake, perfect for swimming and unwinding with the whole family. 4. Spiez, Bern Spiez is one of Switzerland's most stunning yet often overlooked lakeside towns. Tucked away in the canton of Bern, along the serene shores of Lake Thun, it offers an idyllic summer escape – whether you're sailing across the lake in the afternoon or unwinding with a glass of local wine among the vineyards by evening. The town's crowning jewel is the magical Spiez Castle, which invites visitors to transport back in time to the medieval era. And don't miss out on the early Romanesque castle church and the pretty grounds that surround it, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Mint
10-05-2025
- Mint
How to holiday with kids, pots and pans in tow
Who carries a granite pan and a silicone spatula in their check-in luggage for a three-day trip? The same parent who tucks steel bowls and small spoons into cabin luggage, so that their primary-schoolgoing kids have familiar, child-sized cutlery to eat with during the journey. As parents of three children—one aged 9 and two 7—with three persistent and very varied appetites, my spouse and I plan snacks for holidays before we make schedules. A few months ago, in a little apartment at a ski resort in Switzerland, while I sliced Swiss cheese and stirred homemade, pre-roasted, ready-to-cook buttery millet khichdi, I glanced at my phone. My spouse was walking through the cold aisle at the alpine town's supermarket, sending me photos of local spiced ham and salami. We were exchanging notes about which one seemed least processed. He's always been vegetarian, the sole herbivore in our family of five. However, if our kids want to sample some meat products, he'll dispassionately, albeit briefly, tolerate handling animal parts. A short while later, we were all sitting around the warmly lit dining table, snowflakes fluttering past our street-level picture windows, eating a meal that to anyone in India or Switzerland would be utterly peculiar: Swiss-butter-finished millet khichdi spiked with curry leaves, turmeric and Guntur chillies, frozen petit pois straight from the bag (they tasted like sweet vegetal popsicle balls), and slices of Emmentaler and Graubünden cold cuts. In cold weather, fledglings need constant fortification. Through the last 24 hours, our kids had snacked on all these: banana chips, walnuts and pistachios from a Khar market in Mumbai, some macadamias via Amazon, shards of supermarket schüttelbrot from South Tyrol, homey masala kurmura made by their grandmother, caramelly Mejdool dates bought D2C, rajma chips from a supplier in Mumbai, Granny Smiths from the local supermarket, Cosmix hot chocolate mix in cups of delicious full-fat Swiss milk, and freshly fallen snow a few metres up from our temporary home. Also read: Home chefs bring global cuisines inspired by their travels I have found that as they visit spots in India and across the planet during school holidays and long weekends, nothing makes kids more adventurous diners than the anchor of some familiar flavours. When the marginal utility of tuna maki starts diminishing, a masala khakhra session makes the segue to the next conveyor belt meal thrilling again. For me, as their mother, as their (I'd like to think) permanent snack charmer, and as a food and travel writer, I see this as win-win times five. On holiday, when it comes to filling grocery bags, we let the kids lead. Renting apartments instead of hotel rooms helps us eat one meal out each day and cook two. We're are typically at a local market within 24 hours of the start of our vacation, stocking up on basics and novelties, and plenty of local flavour all via grocery shopping. We might ration the Toblerone and the taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake) but there are no bounds at the fruit and vegetable sections. In Tokyo, we got white daikon radishes that made bhaji gully bottle gourds look minuscule, and found kaki persimmons that were somehow cuboid. The radish was as juicy as a melon, sweet and un-pungent, and we ate thick slices of the nutritional powerhouse with our meals, marvelling at it being the most kid-friendly radish we had encountered. Luckily, persimmons are also grown by Indian farmers, so they are now a regular feature in our winter fruit basket in Mumbai. In our Grisons kitchen earlier this year, my son, who had developed an aversion to cheese, decided to sample the local Swiss supermarket staple Rolotini L'Etivaz à Rebibes, translucent double-layered rolls of slightly funky aged cow cheese. Since then, at home, he's open to the idea of Kodai Parmesan and mozzarella in family meals. Sometimes, just like grown-ups, being hungry elsewhere in the world can make youngsters become more adventurous eaters at home. Market visits are key, but we also know we've had an exceptionally successful holiday if the kids ask when we will go back for a meal to a restaurant where they tried something for the first time. We've had success with kaiten-zushi in Japan—it is fun for kids to pick from a selection of endlessly moving colourful plastic plates on a conveyor belt until they're stuffed and sliding off their stools. Six years ago, in Dubai, we went to an Ethiopian restaurant where the kids enjoyed the ätk lt bäyaynät, Ethiopian injera (fermented teff flatbread) with wots (spiced Ethiopian stews made with veggies, lentils or meat) that taste close enough to dosa and sabzi and dals made at home. In Singapore, we tossed tender cuts of meat, springy tofu skin, mushrooms and glass-like slithery sweet potato noodles into vats of bubbling broth and made a sport of fishing them out. Hotpot can count as family game night, if you play it right. In Delhi, last month, we wound through lanes in Humayunpur to meet unfamiliar cousins of beloved dishes at a tiny Korean restaurant, including sushi-adjacent spicy tuna gimbap and ramen-ish ramyun. In Goa, towards the end of the pandemic, we hiked to a hidden waterfall, and after a sun-dappled swim in a lake in the middle of a forest, ate a Gomantak thali in a tarp-covered bamboo shack. Hunger is the best sauce, even when you are a five-year-old trying masaledar rawa fried fish for the first time. In Fort Kochi, years ago, one of the rare times we chose a hotel instead of an apartment with a kitchenette, we had the breakfast buffet. Sweet coconut milk alongside that textural marvel better known as appam made the vegetables in the ishtew go down much easier. On a small village island in the Maldives, over New Year's Eve last year, we were suddenly hit by a terrifying thunderstorm that made our windowless apartment's roof rattle. We'd grown to love coconutty, lemony mas huni over the week we were there, but in the absence of being able to order the local flaked tuna salad, it was time to make the most of my trusty granite pan and silicone spatula. We'd carried a pancake mix with sattu and flaxseed powder and we had eggs, milk and ripe bananas, thanks to our supermarket run a few days ago. We made a dinner of pancakes with chunks of local sweet, aromatic mangoes and freshly shucked coconut flesh from the trees outside our door. We ate the fruit from those same palm-sized steel bowls we had carried from home. The apartment's kitchen was wanly stocked with beaten-up non-stick pans and half-melted black plastic ladles. I looked at my pan with fondness. On tough travel days, even parents need something easy and familiar to hold on to at meal times. Also read: How restaurants plan child-friendly menus Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi writes on food, travel, and design. She posts @roshnibajaj on X and Instagram.
