how serious are the health issues and are they chronic...many insurances will not cover existing conditions.

I have never used trip insurance.. If you were doing a cruise wher you loose 100% of the fare..maybe but hotels and air...you talkins just a few hundred dollars in change fees.... not worth it .

I usually only buy trip insurance for cruises or trips out of the country where my health insurance would be iffy. Trip insurance can also cover emergency transport ... sometime to a hospital of your choosing.

Also - if you have prepaid non-refundable hotel or expensive excursions, insurance is good ... and given the state of the airline industry, so may want to take a looks at their refund policies (if any!).

Travel Guard/AIG is widely-used and highly-regarded. They have lots of options so you can pick and choose. It can get a little overwhelming, but their process makes you think about what you really need and don't need coverage-wise. Keep in mind that the age of the passengers make a great deal of difference on the cost of the insurance.

A travel agent may encourage you to buy a package (like Pleasant Holidays) for air, car, hotel ... and these packages can save you money and most are very flexible with lots of options. Also - if you run into a problem with your bookings, it's nice to have a travel agent behind you. They have business relationships that really come in handy. Downside of SOME travel agents is that they promote the places and companies that give them the best commissions. The upside is that most travel agencies are members of larger organizations of travel agencies ... and they can offer some great bargains because of their clout.

If you are uncomfortable with making your own bookings, then don't. (Check out AAA.)

i have never booked insurance for my trips to maui-- crusises are a differnt thing

check out www.insuremytrip.com for everything you would need to know including prices

i would book everythng bymyself but thats just me

you can get a lot of help from this board --just ask-

if you are a costco member check out budget and alamo thru their site

airfares have gone thru the roof but you may get a deal from www.airtohawaii.com

lougee-

I smile when I see your posts, because I pronounce your ID as in "hock a lougie" rather than LouG.

Thanks for the response. Been checking Hawaiian from Portland and the non-stop for my dates in September have come down $40 a ticket this week and is cheaper than the link you mention ($506 each).

But I'm always open for new, cheaper links. Thanks for looking out for us.

On the car, I'm considering low-bidding on priceline for a convertible, but have also been looking at Costco based on your earlier frequent posts.

Thanks!

Are you renting one car for 4 adults? A convertible will be tight, tight, tight. Teeny little trunks, too.

Just my wife and I . . . our 25th anniversary. Splurged for 2 weeks at Four Seasons in a Mountainside.

To clarify my original question. Just my wife and I going to Maui . . . . parents stay at home. Perhaps insurance doesn't cover having to cancel the trip if we have to stay home because of family health of someone not on the trip.

OH....

Gotta head for home in a hurry insurance. Again, take a look at TravelGuard/AIG.

Betty Lou

Some credit card companies also have travel insurance as a benefit. I know some also offer car rental insurance if you pay with the card and decline the collision coverage from the rental agency.

dynatone

To clarify my original question. Just my wife and I going to Maui . . . . parents stay at home. Perhaps insurance doesn't cover having to cancel the trip if we have to stay home because of family health of someone not on the trip.>>

you can find insur that will allow you to cancel if an immediate family member gets sick and there is no prexisting condition clause if you buy the insur within a certain number of days of your airline tix

as posted earler- www.insuremytrip. com