Do You Need Travel Insurance? How Berkley and Specialty Insurers Fit In [[CHECK]]

Travelers should consider travel medical, trip cancellation, baggage, and evacuation coverage. Travel agencies and tour operators also need E&O (professional liability). Berkley and other specialty insurers have participated in these markets, but product names, durations, and availability change - verify current offerings and policy terms with the insurer or a broker before purchasing

Why travel insurance still matters

If you travel for work, vacation, or run a travel business, insurance reduces financial risk from cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and liability. Individual travelers need travel medical and trip protection. Travel professionals and agencies should consider errors & omissions (E&O) or professional liability cover to protect against claims of negligence.

Common coverages to look for

• Trip cancellation and interruption: reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable costs when covered events force you to cancel or shorten a trip.

• Travel medical and emergency evacuation: covers medical treatment abroad and transport to appropriate care or home if needed.

• Baggage and personal effects: reimbursement for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.

• Travel delay and missed connections: reimbursement for extra expenses caused by delays.

• E&O / professional liability for travel sellers: protects agents and tour operators against negligence claims related to booking and advice.

Berkley and travel insurance - what to verify

Berkley is a well-known name in specialty insurance markets, and historically has offered travel-related products and professional liability capacity for travel agencies and cruise operators . If you consider Berkley specifically, verify current product names, eligibility, and limits. The 2006-era article listed five plans (short-trip, long-term/worldwide health, annual multi-trip for frequent travelers, trip/tour/cruise cancellation, and group travel medical). These plan names, durations, and availability may have changed; confirm current offerings and policy terms with Berkley or an authorized broker before buying ¹.

How to choose the right policy

1. Match coverage to risk: business travelers often need higher liability and E&O protection; leisure travelers may prioritize cancellation and medical coverage.

1. Check exclusions and preexisting condition clauses for medical plans.

1. Confirm emergency evacuation limits and provider networks.

1. For agencies: compare E&O limits, defense costs handling, and whether the policy covers subcontractors or affiliated agents.

1. Get quotes from multiple specialty insurers and brokers; ask for policy wording, not just marketing summaries.

Bottom line

Travel insurance remains a practical safeguard for individuals and businesses. Specialty insurers like Berkley have been involved in travel and professional liability markets, but products and terms evolve. Always verify current product availability, coverage details, and underwriting criteria directly with the insurer or a licensed broker before purchasing ².

1. Confirm the exact corporate entity and brand name under which Berkley currently markets travel insurance products (e.g., W. R. Berkley Corporation subsidiaries) [[CHECK]]
2. Verify current Berkley travel product names, plan durations, and availability (short-trip, long-term/worldwide health, annual multi-trip, trip/tour/cruise cancellation, group travel medical) mentioned in the original article [[CHECK]]
3. Confirm whether Berkley currently offers E&O/professional liability policies specifically for travel agents and tour operators, and document typical limits and common exclusions [[CHECK]]
4. Verify any COVID-19-related policy changes or common exclusions relevant to travel medical and trip cancellation coverage as of 2025 [[CHECK]]