Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider purchasing the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan?
Will the plan protect me if a sickness or injury prevents me from attending my program?
What if I need to cancel my program for a reason that is not covered by insurance?
What are the terms of the Cancel for Any Reason Credit Feature?
Is my airfare covered, even if I purchase it on my own?
If a sickness or injury prevents my Traveling Companion from attending the program, am I covered?
Will I be protected if my Traveling Companion decides to cancel his or her enrollment for a reason not covered by insurance?
If Road Scholar cancels my program prior to the start date, is the cost of the Trip Protection Plan refundable?
If I choose not to protect my program payment and then must cancel my enrollment, will Road Scholar consider waiving my cancellation fee?
What if I am delayed and miss the start of my program?
If I interrupt my trip and return home early, what expenses are covered?
Would I be reimbursed if I need to cancel or interrupt my program due to a family member’s illness or injury?
Who is considered a “Family Member” under the plan?
I have a family member who is not traveling with me who has a pre-existing condition. Does the protection plan cover my program payment?
Does the plan have a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion?
Are there other exclusions?
When does the plan take effect?
Will I receive a confirmation notice or some other proof that I have purchased the protection plan?
Where can I review plan details?
How can I buy a plan for my program?
When can I buy the plan?
Who can I call to get more information?
What do I do if I have a claim?
If I purchase a plan and need to cancel for a reason that I know isn’t covered by insurance, do I need to submit a claim in order to receive a Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature?

  
Q: Why should I consider purchasing the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan?

A: To help protect your program payment. Even at the great value that Road Scholar provides, purchasing an educational adventure can represent a significant monetary expenditure. The Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your program payment in the event you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness, injury or death to you, your traveling companion, a family member of you, your traveling companion or business partner. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not otherwise eligible for cash reimbursement under the plan, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar. See below for more details on this exceptional benefit.

Q: Will the plan protect me if a sickness or injury prevents me from attending my program?

A: Yes. Should you need to cancel for a reason covered by insurance, such as an injury or illness, your Road Scholar cancellation penalty amount will be refunded.

For example: If a covered medical problem suddenly arises causing you to cancel your program and you have purchased Road Scholar’s Trip Protection Plan, you will receive a full refund of your program payment and any non-refundable airline tickets.

Q:  What if I need to cancel my program for a reason that is not covered by insurance?

A:  As the world’s largest educational and travel organization for older adults, Road Scholar knows all too well how travel plans can change at the very last moment. We also realize that all travel protection plans have limitations and exclusions.

That’s why Road Scholar’s Trip Protection Plan also includes a Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature which allows you to cancel your program no later than the day the program begins for any reason not otherwise covered by insurance, and receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar, equal to the amount of the program cancellation fee.

For example: A few months after enrolling in a program you learn that your granddaughter’s high school graduation ceremony has been scheduled to occur while the program is operating. You certainly don’t want to miss such an important day in you granddaughter’s life, but canceling a program due to a scheduling conflict is not covered by insurance. However, because Road Scholar’s Trip Protection Plan includes a Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature, you can cancel your enrollment and receive a credit for the amount of the program cancellation fee.

Whether the cancellation is due to scheduling conflict, a sick pet, uncertainty given recent world events, or any other reason not otherwise covered by insurance, the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature ensures that you will be able to use the value of your program payment toward a future Road Scholar program by providing a credit good for future travel (valid for travel within 15 months of the date of issue, but no later than 18 months from the date your trip was cancelled) for the amount of the program cancellation fee.

Note: The Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature is a non-insurance feature provided by Road Scholar. Notice to Minnesota, Missouri and New York Residents: The Cancel For Any Reason feature may be purchased separately from the Travel Insurance. Contact 1-888-722-2195 for details.

Q:  What are the terms of the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature?

A:  The terms of the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature are as follows:

In the event that you choose to cancel your trip for a non-covered reason at any time up until the day your Road Scholar program begins, and you have purchased the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan and are eligible for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature, you will receive a Road Scholar credit equal to 100% of the pre-paid non-refundable cancellation fees imposed for your use toward a future Road Scholar program.

• The Road Scholar Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature provides a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar equal to 100% of the pre-paid , non-refundable program cancellation fees imposed if the reason for canceling your enrollment is not covered by insurance.
• To be eligible for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature , participants must purchase the plan on or prior to the program’s Final Payment Date. After the Final Payment Date has passed, while participants may still purchase the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan, they will not be eligible for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature; participants will only be eligible for the plan’s travel insurance benefits (e.g., cancellation for covered reasons such as injury, sickness, death of the insured and immediate family members and traveling companions). If enrolling after the Final Payment Date participants will have up to 5 days from date of enrollment in which to buy the plan and obtain the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature .
• If canceling for a reason not covered by insurance, to qualify for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature, participants must call Road Scholar Participant Services to cancel their enrollment no later than the day their program begins. Business hours are M-F, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET. To cancel, call toll free at (877) 426-8056.
• The entire value of a credit must be used for program(s) that start within 15 months of the date of credit issue, but no later than 18 months from the date the program was cancelled. No refunds will be given for credits which remain unused after this time.
• Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable, and cannot be extended, renewed or redeemed for cash.
• Cancellation Fee Credits can be applied toward:
  • Road Scholar program deposits
  • Road Scholar program price
  • International airfare arranged by Road Scholar for our international programs, with the exception of special or restricted fares
  • Road Scholar cancellation/transfer fees
• Certain restrictions on the use of these credits may apply.

Q:  Is my airfare covered, even if I purchase it on my own?

A: Yes. The coverages under the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan extend to the airfare booked to join or depart your Road Scholar program, whether you purchase your airline tickets with Road Scholar or independently. Even though the plan cost is based on your Program Price, your airfare is protected, too.

For example:  If sickness or injury forces you to cancel your enrollment, the plan provides reimbursement for airline penalties whether air travel is arranged by Road Scholar or booked by you.

Q:  If a sickness or injury prevents my Traveling Companion from attending the program, am I covered?

A:  Yes. If your Traveling Companion must cancel his or her enrollment for a reason covered by the plan, such as an injury or illness, you may also cancel your enrollment and receive a full refund of your program payment and any non-refundable airline tickets.

Q:  Will I be protected if my Traveling Companion decides to cancel his or her enrollment for a reason not covered by insurance?

A:  Yes. If your Traveling Companion cancels their enrollment for a reason not covered by insurance (scheduling conflict, a sick pet, uncertainty given recent world events, etc.), you may also cancel your enrollment and receive a credit for the amount of the program cancellation fee.

Q:  If Road Scholar cancels my program prior to the start date, is the cost of the Trip Protection Plan refundable?

A:  Yes. Although the plan is non-refundable more than 10 days after purchase, on the rare occasion when Road Scholar must cancel a program, your Trip Protection Plan will be cancelled and automatically refunded in full. Participants will not be able to file a claim for any expense related to Road Scholar’s cancellation of the program.

Q:  If I choose not to protect my program payment and then must cancel my enrollment, will Road Scholar consider waiving my cancellation fee?

A:  No. Road Scholar must assess cancellation fees to cover registration, marketing and administrative costs as well as any non-refundable program expenses we pay on behalf of participants. Road Scholar cannot afford to absorb these costs and continue to offer exciting educational experiences at affordable prices. We are a not-for-profit organization and do not seek to make money from the misfortune of our participants. We work very hard to keep our cancellation fees as low as possible. In fact, our fees continue to be significantly lower than those of commercial tour operators and even other non-profit travel organizations. We understand that sometimes it is necessary to cancel due to circumstances that are beyond your control and this is precisely why we offer a way to protect your program payment. Because we cannot and will not waive cancellation fees or otherwise compensate participants who opt not to help their program payment, we highly recommend that participants purchase some form of travel insurance.

Q:  What if I am delayed and miss the start of my program?

A:  In addition to providing cancellation and interruption benefits, this plan also helps reimburse you for some of the expenses you may incur in the event of certain unexpected trip delays, which are becoming more common place.

For example:  If you are faced with inclement weather and are delayed while traveling to your Road Scholar program, you may not be reimbursed or accommodated by the airlines for the additional expenses to catch up to the program, nor would you be reimbursed for any program days missed. Purchasing this Trip Protection Plan will help you to recoup these expenditures. If you miss the departure of your program due to carrier-caused delays or other specified, covered reasons, the plan will reimburse you up to $2,000 per person ($400 per day) for any unused travel arrangements and/or out-of-pocket expenses such as accommodations, meals, and transportation expenses to catch up to the program or to return home.

Q:  If I interrupt my trip and return home early, what expenses are covered?

A:  If you must interrupt your trip or return home early for an eligible reason, the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan includes trip interruption protection which reimburses the unused portion of the program, plus the additional airfare cost to return home.

For example:  On the third day of a week-long program, you trip over a rock while hiking and injure your wrist. After being evaluated by a local doctor he determines that you suffered a severe sprain as well as a possible fracture. After wrapping your wrist and hand, the doctor recommends you return home immediately for further treatment. The Trip Protection Plan would reimburse the unused portion of your program, plus the additional transportation expenses you incur by traveling home early.

Q:  Would I be reimbursed if I need to cancel or interrupt my program due to a family member’s illness or injury?

A:  Yes. The Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan provides coverage should your or your traveling companion’s family member have an eligible sickness or injury, even if they aren’t scheduled to travel with you.

For example:  If you have to cancel your program due to your Traveling Companion’s brother’s recent hospitalization for an eligible sickness, or if your spouse has an accident and sustains a serious injury to their leg, the plan will help reimburse you for the monies forfeited, which may include Road Scholar cancellation fees and non-refundable airline tickets.

Q:  Who is considered a “Family Member” under the plan?

A:It’s not just family members who reside with you. “Family Member” includes your or your Traveling Companion’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, domestic partner, caregiver, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews, among others. Please refer to the Definitions section of the plan details.

Q:  I have a family member who is not traveling with me who has a pre-existing condition. Does the protection plan cover my program payment?

A:  Yes. The Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan does not exclude pre-existing conditions of family members who are not traveling with you. Only the conditions of participants traveling with you are subject to the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion.

Q:  Does the plan have a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion?

A:  Yes. As with most travel protection plans, this plan does include a pre-existing condition exclusion.
However if you purchase Road Scholar’s Trip Protection Plan within 14 days of your initial payment/deposit for your program, the Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion will be WAIVED, provided you are not disabled from travel at the time the plan payment is made. We highly encourage you to purchase the plan when you enroll in your program.

Q:  Are there other exclusions?

A:  Yes. As with most travel protection plans, certain benefits are provided for covered reasons, with some limitations and restrictions. In order to offer these benefits at a reasonable cost and without requiring medical exams or questionnaires, certain exclusions do apply for some plan benefits. Please see the plan details for more details about exclusions.

Q:  When does the coverage begin?

A:  The trip cancellation coverage begins when the coverage is elected and the required plan cost for the policy to help cover Your Trip is received by  Aon Affinity Travel Practice.  All other benefits begin when You depart on Your first scheduled Travel Arrangement (or if You must use an alternate travel arrangement after Your Scheduled Departure Date to reach Your Trip destination, on the Scheduled Departure Date) for Your Trip.

Q:  Will I receive a confirmation notice or some other proof that I have purchased the protection plan?

A:  If you purchase the plan, Aon Affinity, the company that administers the plan on behalf of Road Scholar, will email you a confirmation of coverage within a few minutes of completing the enrollment process. A link to the plan details will be attached to the email.

Q:  Where can I review plan details?

A:  To view and download the plan details which include the plan benefits, terms, conditions, and exclusions, please click here.

Q:  How can I buy a plan for my program?

A:  The Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan may be purchased in one of three ways:

1. From a Participant Services Advisor during or after enrollment
2. Online at www.roadscholarinsurance.com
3. Calling  Aon Affinity  toll free at (877) 846-8806

Q:  When can I buy the plan?

A:  The Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan may be purchased up to fifteen days prior to program start date. However keep in mind that if you purchase the plan within 14 days of your initial payment/deposit, the plan’s Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion will be waived. Furthermore, to be eligible for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature , participants must purchase the plan on or prior to the program’s Final Payment Deadline. With these two important deadlines in mind, we encourage you to purchase the plan either at enrollment or shortly thereafter, to help ensure all program payments are protected.

Q:  Who can I call to get more information?

A:  You may call  Aon Affinity  toll free at (877) 846-8806 with any questions regarding Road Scholar’s Trip Protection Plan. Their customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.

Q:  What do I do if I have a claim?

A:  If you must cancel your program, you must call Road Scholar at (877) 426-8056 immediately to notify them of your cancellation. Remember, if you are canceling for a reason that may not be covered by insurance, you must call Road Scholar at least one business day prior to the program start date to qualify for the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Feature . Road Scholar business hours are M-F, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. ET

After notifying Road Scholar, you can then visit AonTravelClaim.com to file a claim and check claim status.

Q:  If I purchase a plan and need to cancel for a reason that I know isn’t covered by insurance, do I need to submit a claim in order to receive a Cancellation Fee Credit?

A:  Yes. Even if your cancellation is due to a reason you are certain is not covered under the travel insurance portion of the plan, in order to receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar, you must still file a claim with Aon Affinity. Once Aon Affinity has completed their examination of the claim and determined that the claim is not payable under the terms of the travel insurance benefits, you will be sent information regarding the travel credit.

Travel insurance benefits are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, with administrative offices in Jersey City, NJ (NAIC #11150), under Policy Form series LTP 2013 and applicable amendatory endorsements. This is a general overview of insurance benefits available. Coverages may vary in certain states and not all benefits are available in all jurisdictions. Please refer to your certificate of benefits or policy of insurance for detailed terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

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