When planning a vacation, many people buy travel insurance to cover the unexpected—canceled flights, lost luggage, sudden illness. It’s a smart move.
But here’s the question most travelers don’t think to ask:
If something serious happens to you while you’re away, who’s legally able to step in for your family?
Travel insurance can refund the cost of a missed flight. It can’t speak to doctors on your behalf, manage your finances, or care for your children in an emergency.
That’s where legal planning comes in.
What Travel Insurance Can’t Do
Travel insurance is designed to protect your trip—not your life. It doesn’t give anyone legal authority to:
- Make medical decisions for you
- Access your accounts to pay bills
- Care for your minor children
- Manage your business or property
- Navigate a medical emergency across state or international lines
If you become incapacitated while traveling—and you haven’t set up the right legal documents—your family could be left helpless in a crisis, no matter how much insurance you’ve purchased.
The Legal Documents That Do Cover Your Family
Here’s what provides true protection when it counts:
1. Power of Attorney (POA)
This document allows someone you trust to handle financial and legal matters if you’re unable to—whether you’re stuck overseas or in a hospital bed.
2. Advance Healthcare Directive
Also known as a medical power of attorney or living will, this gives someone legal authority to speak with doctors and make healthcare decisions in line with your wishes.
3. Temporary Guardianship Authorization
If you have minor children staying home or with family while you travel, a signed guardianship form allows their caregiver to make decisions in your absence.
4. Revocable Living Trust
A trust helps manage your assets and ensure continuity—especially if you become incapacitated during travel or experience a long-term emergency. It also provides a clear plan for your loved ones if something more permanent were to happen.
One Complements the Other
It’s not about choosing travel insurance or legal planning. Both serve a purpose.
But only one ensures your loved ones are legally protected—and empowered to act on your behalf—if the unthinkable happens while you’re away.
Travel prepared. Legally protected.
Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your legal documents. We’re happy to help make sure everything’s in place so your family is covered, too.
Schedule a pre-travel planning session and travel with true peace of mind.
