Have you considered buying a flight insurance policy, but figured the odds of being in a plane crash were so remote that you did not need it? As passengers on a recent flight from Washington D.C. found out, there is more than one way for injuries to occur on a flight, which means there is more than one reason to buy flight insurance.

The flight in question was a United Airlines flight headed for Los Angeles. Around the halfway point of the flight, severe weather lead to a bout with some rather extreme turbulence, causing injuries to passengers who were moving about the plane and others who were not buckled in.

In all, 21 passengers suffered injuries from the incident. And research shows that this is no isolated incident. Many other passengers on other flights have also fell victim to injuries caused by turbulence, and the results have been as serious as paralysis.

Clearly turbulence can lead to much bigger health problems than a temporary upset stomach. Be careful on any flight you are on, stay buckled in unless you must use the restroom or must stretch your legs on an extremely long international flight, and never leave home without flight insurance.

One of the greatest things about the Internet is it has made it easier than ever for anyone to make an educated purchase online by comparison shopping between different products, services, and providers. Even if we know nothing about a product, we can quickly and easily research, review, and make a purchase of nearly any product online. International health insurance is no exception, however there are some tips you should follow to be sure you make the smartest possible decision.

First off, make sure you are comparing similar products. If you are looking at two plans and one is drastically more expensive than the other, it may be because the more expensive option has more features. Determine if this is the case, and if so whether you need those features. It is always important to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison when making a purchase decision online.

Second, research the companies you are considering. In addition to comparing products and prices, it is important to know that the company you are buying from is reputable and trustworthy. Googling their brand name is one easy way to find out more information. There is typically a wealth of consumer review data about every company available online, it simply takes a little searching to find it. Read the good and the bad and make the right decision for yourself./

Finally, check to make sure the product itself has all the features and benefits you are looking for. Will this international health insurance plan be accepted in the country you are visiting in? Does it come with additional options to make your travel easier? Can it help locate lost luggage and does it come at a cost-effective rate? At the end of the day, only you know exactly what kind of coverage you need for your trip, so you should make a list of what those elements are so that any policy you review online will be properly equipped.

Even the best laid plans go for a toss sometimes—we’ve all probably experienced this. When it comes to international travel, this can prove expensive, and this is where trip cancellation insurance can come in very handy. For example, you really cannot take any action against unforeseen circumstances such as a terrorist attack at your destination. For the discerning traveler, travel cancellation insurance is a wise investment.

Often, a trip cancellation or interruption clause in the travel insurance ensures that you can get back the maximum amount shown in the Confirmation of Coverage if the planned trip is cancelled due to the reasons that are spelled out in the travel insurance policy document.

For example, the plan might reimburse the non-refundable costs of your trip if you are transferred by the company to a different location before the plan period, and you need to relocate or if you are laid off by your employer. There can be accidents involving you, or your travel companion, which requires hospitalization. You may cancel the trip due to the death of your host in the destination country too.

Other common covered causes include natural disasters which result in flights being cancelled for at least 48 hours, or natural disasters occurring at the destination city which makes it impossible to go there. A strike that causes cancelling of all flights for an extended period can make it impossible to travel. As always, it is best to check the particular coverage that your plan offers.

You’re planning a trip to the U.S., and want to buy visitors health insurance for your trip. Realistically, how do you really go about it? Searching for companies that provide insurance may be too time-consuming, and calling an agent, too confusing.

With the internet, looking for insurance plans such as visitors insurance and international student health insurance plans, comparing the different features and rates, and also purchasing plans has become easier. But here too, there’s a catch! There are several comparison web sites; which one do you go for?

First things first: Remember that the rates are not going to be too different between the different sites, unless the sites are doing something fishy. The main difference is in the choice available, and the customer service you receive. So, how do you choose a site to work with? One of the things you want to look for is the range of plans a website offers. If a site only offers a couple of plans, you are losing out on the choice available to you.

Next, you might want to look for their expertise. A web site focused on homeowner’s insurance, for example, may not work well for travel insurance needs. Also, ask around and look at customer reviews—the experience of prior customers can tell you a lot about the company. Finally, check that the company is legitimate, and whether they are accredited by the Better Business Bureau or any such entity.