Looking to squeeze in a family trip before the end of summer? Seems like there are added risks that you might not have considered several years ago.

Among those: The H1N1 virus, a terrorist attack and natural disasters.

So it might seem as though travel insurance is really worth buying.

But first, examine your coverage with life, credit card, auto or homeowner's insurance. Also, examine your health insurance policy. Most health insurance policies fail to cover you outside the United States.

If you feel you need travel insurance, read the policy's fine print before shelling out money.

You don't want to wind up like the Maryland woman who immediately canceled her prepaid trip to Hawaii upon hearing her father had two to three weeks to live. Despite having travel insurance, her claim was rejected because her father had a "pre-existing condition"-- which the insurer said fell within the 120-day exclusionary period for the policy.

In fact, "pre-existing conditions" often are excluded by travel insurers, according to a report by A.M. Best, an Oldwick, N.J-based research firm.

Travel insurance may cover you for such problems as delays, missed connections, baggage, medical/sickness, medical evacuation and travel assistance services.

The cost for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, covering both domestic and international trips, is generally 4 percent to 8 percent of your total vacation price. So a $5,000 trip would run approximately $200 to $400, reports the Insurance Information Institute.

Examine policy exclusions for war or terrorism, pandemics and injury or illness due to drug and/or alcohol use.

Strive for coverage if you "cancel for any reason."

Also, don't confuse "trip cancellation" insurance coverage with "cancellation waivers" that many cruise and tour operators offer.

A waiver is not insurance and not regulated by state insurance departments.

Trip cancellation insurance may cover you if you become sick, a family member dies, your home becomes uninhabitable and other causes listed in a policy. Plus, many travel insurers are providing travel assistance information and medical referrals to those experiencing H1N1 virus symptoms.

Here is what you may get with travel insurance coverage:

• Travel medical, which provides assistance to travelers who get sick or injured while on vacation as well as coverage for time in a hospital in a foreign country. Evaluate whether the plan you're considering provides for the insurer to make a direct, immediate payment to the medical provider. That's important.

• Emergency evacuation costs can cover you up to about $1 million if you must be airlifted from a remote place.

• Accidental death/flight policy typically provides up to about $50,000 in coverage if you or a family member die on a trip.

• Luggage insurance or personal effects coverage provides coverage if your luggage and or personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Hint: Airlines, too, may provide some reimbursement.

• Trip delay and interruption provides coverage if your flight is delayed due to storms or other weather conditions, or if illness forces you to interrupt your trip.