Travelore Tips: TSA Precheck And TSA Global Entry Are A Must-Have, But There’s A Third Critical Program You Should Join ASAP

The STEP program may actually save your life

Traveling should be an adventure — and if your safety is in question when traveling abroad, those adventures might have to come to an abrupt halt. While most international travelers are familiar with programs like TSA Precheck and TSA Global Entry, there’s a third United States government program that helps Americans traveling out of the country called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you’re abroad and the unthinkable happens — injury, illness, a lost passport, or even a global emergency — it’s one step you’ll be glad you took.

What is STEP?

Enrolling in STEP isn’t just about being informed; it’s about staying connected in times of need. And it’s free. When you sign up, you receive real-time updates, country-specific travel advisories, and information about U.S. embassy events. It’s a personalized safety net that also keeps you in the loop about the area where you’re traveling to, whether there’s a safety concern or just an embassy-hosted town hall meeting.

In case of an emergency, STEP has the ability to facilitate communication between you and the nearest U.S. embassy quickly, ensuring that assistance is just a step away. Additionally, it serves as a link so that your family and friends back home can reach you in an emergency situation.

This type of connection is especially essential if your travel destination is in an area of political instability or if violence breaks out nearby — STEP ensures you receive real-time updates from the nearest U.S. consulate. It’s also a lifeline if you’re traveling off the grid or are in a particularly remote area, and can also help you stay safe and well-informed during large-scale events.

Is STEP just like TSA Precheck?

No, it’s not. While TSA Precheck streamlines airport security procedures for domestic flights, STEP, by the U.S. Department of State, focuses on providing real-time safety updates and assistance to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It creates a crucial communication link between American travelers and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate during emergencies.

I know what you’re thinking: What about TSA Global Entry? It’s great, but it’s different. TSA Global Entry expedites international arrivals by facilitating a faster customs process. So, like TSA Precheck, it also focuses mainly on airport efficiency.

STEP is an additional resource that provides an extra layer of security for all travelers, regardless of their destination.

How to register for STEP

Getting started with STEP is easy. Setting up an account takes about five minutes, and registering a trip takes about one minute.

Here’s how it works:

Create your account: On the STEP website, create an account and input your personal details along with emergency contacts.

Register your trip: Log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad.

That’s it. This minimal investment of time will pay off when you find yourself in need of urgent assistance while traveling abroad.

Consider STEP as a kind of travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances. If all goes smoothly, you might not even realize it’s there. But if you find yourself in a tight spot, the notifications from STEP can literally save your life. The goal is simple: ensure you’re safe and accounted for, no matter where your adventures take you.

TSA Precheck and Global Entry may expedite your airport experience, but STEP ensures your safety and peace of mind throughout your entire journey. So, before you embark on your next adventure, take that extra step.

Source: https://www.themanual.com/

InsureMyTrip Reports Increase In Trip Cancellation Requests Due To Travel Alert

 InsureMyTrip, the leading online travel insurance comparison site, reported Tuesday an increase in the number of travelers seeking to postpone or cancel trips abroad in light of the worldwide travel alert. Earlier this week, the Department of State issued a terror alert, citing a continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in North Africa and in the Middle East and possibly the Arabian Peninsula.  As an additional security precaution, dozens of U.S. embassies and consulates remain closed till Saturday and travelers are cautioned to be vigilant.

"Travel safety is always our top priority and the InsureMyTrip customer care center is closely monitoring this situation and working to best assist travelers. Americans are clearly heeding the warnings issued and reevaluating travel plans in response to this latest terror alert," says CEO Jim Grace of InsureMyTrip. "Many Americans – even those planning to travel abroad after the travel alert expires -- are taking extra precautions and requesting travel insurance policies that can offer more protection."

InsureMyTrip recommends that travelers seek clarification on insurance policies prior to leaving the U.S. Travel insurance may not always apply as people expect it will in cases of political and civil unrest that cause instability in different regions around the world. Most basic policies do not cover trip cancellations in response to travel alerts or warnings.

Travelers seeking insurance protection may be eligible for a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option to enable cancellations until 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure. You can take greater personal responsibility for your safety with CFAR, because you will have more flexibility to change your mind about your travel plans for any reason. On average, most CFAR plans reimburse up to 75% of the insured trip cost.  Some offer more, and some offer less depending on the plan.  

For travelers interested in the CFAR plan, It is important to purchase the policy soon after you make a deposit for your trip to get the most benefits from the plan.  Customers need to purchase the CFAR plan usually within 10 to 21 days of their initial deposit and meet all eligibility requirements, to be eligible for the coverage.  

InsureMyTrip recommends all U.S. citizens traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for latest security updates. This program also makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. 

In addition, customer care representatives can also review a customer's policy, even if it was purchased elsewhere. 

About InsureMyTrip:

InsureMyTrip is the leading online travel insurance comparison site featuring top products from the most trusted providers in the industry. A trusted resource that serves millions of customers worldwide, our licensed insurance agents help travelers find the right insurance plan. InsureMyTrip offers one of the industry's largest customer ratings and reviews forum and a unique customer advocacy program that provides one-on-one assistance to travelers before, during, and after their trip. Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a division of IMT Services Corporation and headquartered in Warwick, R.I., with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon. 

In addition to providing one-on-one support in our customer call center, travelers can visit the InsureMyTrip website to compare plans from 27 travel insurance providers.