What does it cover and is it worth the cost?

Best Buy’s Geek Squad program offers a variety of tech support solutions, including product installation, protection (extended warranties), and repairs. Best Buy offers the Geek Squad program as a subscription service or on a product-by-product basis for a range of electronics, from appliances to computers to cell phones to TVs.

If you’re about to make an electronics purchase, is it worth it to get a Geek Squad protection plan or go with a Best Buy Totaltech membership? Or go with another warranty provider like Mulberry? If you want comprehensive product protection that can cover all your Best Buy purchases and more, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited. It provides more value and coverage than both Geek Squad and Totaltech, complete with unlimited claims, 24/7 customer support, and no deductibles or hidden fees.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in the Best Buy Geek Squad services and how they compare to other warranty options on the market.

Geek Squad protection plans: Overview of options

Geek Squad’s protection plans and extended warranties vary in coverage and duration. They are usually offered at competitive rates, especially when compared to similar offerings from AppleCare+ and SquareTrade. At a high level, there are three types of Geek Squad protection plans: product replacement / standard protection, accidental protection, and TotalTech subscription plans.

Product replacement / Standard protection plans

Geek Squad product replacement and standard protection plans cover mechanical issues after the basic manufacturer warranty ends. That means you’ll be covered for issues like malfunctioning screens, batteries no longer holding a charge, and normal wear and tear. For electronics purchases where you’re most concerned about mechanical issues, this type of plan could provide enough coverage at a lower cost than some of the other available options.

This type of coverage is typically offered for:

• TVs and home theater products
• Smart home and Wi-Fi devices
• Appliances
• Portable audio devices
• Scooters, bikes, and fitness equipment

Accident protection plans

Geek Squad accident protection plans cover mechanical issues, like the standard plans, but also include coverage for accidental damage. This is particularly helpful for items that get carried around, like cell phones, smart watches, or cameras.

This type of coverage is typically offered for:

• Computers and tablets
• Cell phones
• Cameras and video equipment
• Gaming and VR equipment
• Car electronics
• Wearable tech like smartwatches
• Drones

Keep in mind, a Mulberry Unlimited subscription already includes accidental damage coverage for your electronics – you don’t need to pay more like you will with the Geek Squad accident protection plan.

Best Buy Totaltech membership

Best Buy also offers a subscription plan that includes product protection along with other benefits. A Totaltech membership costs $199.99/year and includes Geek Squad tech support on all of your tech devices (even if you didn’t buy them at Best Buy), free delivery and standard installation for new items like TVs and dishwashers, and up to 24 months of product protection on select products.

At this hefty annual price, this likely only makes financial sense if you have a lot of electronics and are in frequent need of tech support. Otherwise it will be much more affordable to pay for protection or delivery (which may often be free anyway) as needed.

Geek Squad FAQs

Let’s take a look at some of the FAQs that come with Geek Squad protection plans.

What makes Geek Squad protection different from manufacturer warranties?

Geek Squad plans usually cover issues like wear and tear or accidental damage, plus workmanship defects and issues with materials. Manufacturer warranties only cover issues with their workmanship and materials.

Is there a time limit to get a Geek Squad protection plan?

Yes. You must purchase the protection plan within 30 days of buying the original item.

How do I know what’s covered in my plan?

Best Buy has a wide range of Geek Squad plans – the above descriptions provide just a high level overview. To get the exact details of what’s covered and what’s not, you’ll want to read through to the terms and conditions and find the type of plan you’re considering. Pay attention to the restrictions and exclusions for each type of Geek Squad protection plan.

Why can’t I get a Geek Squad plan for Apple products?

When you purchase an Apple product through Best Buy, such as an iPad or MacBook, it doesn’t qualify for Geek Squad protection. You’ll still get the standard AppleCare limited warranty, but you’ll have to find extended warranty coverage elsewhere. Luckily, Mulberry offers coverage for all Apple devices.

When you shop online at Best Buy, you can subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited coverage for your Apple device purchase. You can learn more about how Mulberry Unlimited and AppleCare+ stack up here.

How does Geek Squad protection compare to other extended warranties?

Luckily, you have options when it comes to choosing where to get your extended warranty, even if you purchase your product from Best Buy. You can buy protection for your electronics from Apple, SquareTrade, or Mulberry directly. Each provider may offer different plans or terms, including:

• Longer or shorter plan durations.
• Different deductible costs and service fees (or no deductibles if you choose Mulberry Unlimited).
• Different or zero claim limits.
• Other variables.

To help you make a decision, we’ve compared the prices of a Geek Squad plan alongside MulberryCare. For this example, we looked at protection plans for this Dell laptop at Best Buy costing around $430. Even the 5-year MulberryCare extended warranty costs less than half of a 3-year Geek Squad Protection plan. This is why it pays to do your research, and install the Mulberry extension so we can make it easy for you to compare prices.

	Accidental Geek Squad Protection	MulberryCare
Cost 1-yr plan	$109.99	N/A
Cost 2-yr plan	$159.99	N/A
Cost 3-yr plan	$199. 99	$43.99
Cost 5-yr plan	Not available	$86.99

Should You Get a Geek Squad protection plan?

In deciding whether or not to purchase a Geek Squad protection plan, you’ll need to ask yourself whether the plan includes the coverage you need at a price that delivers enough value. Your options include:

• Pay for your own repairs or replacements. If you don’t purchase a protection plan, you can pay out of pocket if any issues arise, either paying for the item to be repaired or to replace the item altogether.
• Purchase a Geek Squad protection plan. If one of the Best Buy plans provides the coverage you want and you don’t mind paying a premium, you can go ahead and get the plan when you purchase your product.
• Get a Best Buy Totaltech membership. If you have a lot of electronics and foresee yourself needing ongoing tech support for various devices, this expensive but comprehensive subscription might make sense for you. If you do invest in this subscription, be sure to maximize the value you receive and rely heavily on the Geek Squad instead of trying to figure out the issue yourself! 
• Purchase a plan from another provider. Keep in mind that even if you buy a product from Best Buy, you can purchase a protection plan directly from another warranty company, like Mulberry. As you can see in the cost comparison above, you can often benefit from additional savings just by doing a little comparative shopping.

Are Best Buy’s Geek Squad plans worth the cost?

Geek Squad plans range in price and coverage, but are generally pretty comprehensive if you’re willing to pay for it. That coverage, of course, comes at a premium, so whether or not a plan is worth it to you depends on the product, the plan cost, and whether you end up having an issue, either mechanical or accidental. If you do end up having an issue, the cost of the protection plan will be less than paying for a repair or fully replacing a damaged item.  

If you don’t end up filing a claim or using the Geek Squad services during your plan’s coverage period, it can be a hefty cost without much benefit. With other cost-effective options like Mulberry Unlimited available to you, which provides comparable coverage that cover the same types of products, it’s helpful to evaluate your alternatives before purchasing an extended warranty.

Subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited for market-leading product protection that doesn’t break the bank. You’ll get coverage for all your Best Buy purchases and more under the same product protection plan, for just $9.99 a month. It’s the ultimate peace of mind for online shoppers everywhere.

 

The 3 Best iPad Pro Cases of 2023

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1. Electronics
2. Accessories

Photo: Michael Hession

FYI

We have a new pick, the Speck Balance Folio, which we feel provides a good amount of protection for an expensive tablet.

April 2023

After spending at least $800 on an 11-inch iPad Pro or $1,100 on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you would be wise to protect your investment.

You can find plenty of cheap cases, but if you can afford to spend a little more, it’s worth it to safeguard your extremely expensive tablet and its scratch-prone aluminum body.

We’ve tested a number of cases for Apple’s newest iPad Pros, and we’ve found a few great options that offer a better balance of protection and price than Apple’s official cases do.

The research

• Our pick: Speck Balance Folio
• The best cheap case: ESR Rebound Magnetic Case
• Also great: Zugu Case
• What about the Apple Smart Folio?
• How we picked and tested
• The competition

Our pick: Speck Balance Folio

Photo: Michael Hession

Our pick

Also available for these iPads:

Why it’s great: Speck’s Balance Folio resembles a planner that hides your iPad Pro inside. The case provides excellent coverage, a storage slot for your Apple Pencil, and a protective interior liner. It also supports multiple viewing angles, has cutouts for all of your tablet’s ports, and protects against drops as far as 4 feet. The Balance Folio isn’t the cheapest iPad case you can buy, but its design and functionality make it the best option.

The two-part case’s exterior is made of a polyester-like material that can help reduce scratches and dents, and it also has an antibacterial coating that promises to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

It’s well designed for the price: The exterior cover flips open to reveal a solid plastic shell, which does the heavy lifting when it comes to actually protecting your iPad Pro. The hard interior has cutouts for the speakers, the USB-C port, the power button, and the volume buttons, as well as an Apple Pencil charging area. The plastic shell also houses the case’s stand, which lets you position the Balance Folio at eight different angles, seven for viewing and one for writing.

The built-in camera shield is a nice touch: The shield, which is made of the same polyester-like material as the case to protect the iPad Pro’s lenses, is a flap with a magnetic closure that allows you to capture photos and videos without removing the case altogether.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because the Apple Pencil has to snap magnetically to the right side, where the volume buttons are, the right edge of the iPad Pro is always exposed.

Readers also like

The best cheap case: ESR Rebound Magnetic Case

Photo: Michael Hession

Budget pick

Also available for these iPads:

Why it’s great: The ESR Rebound Magnetic Case is an Apple Smart Folio–like option available for half the price of that official case. It includes an Apple Pencil holder, too. If you’re on a budget, it’s a great way to cover your iPad Pro.

The Rebound Magnetic Case is basically a generic version of Apple’s Smart Folio for the iPad Pro. The front trifold cover can put your iPad Pro in sleep/wake mode, and it can fold into two stand modes, one for viewing and one for writing. Unlike Apple’s entry-level case, this ESR case has a magnetic flap on the side that holds and charges your Apple Pencil while you’re on the go. The Rebound Magnetic Case is made entirely of TPU (a flexible, rubber-like plastic), and the pretty strong magnets keep an iPad Pro securely intact. It doesn’t feel like the most premium case, but it is lightweight and solid. It also grants you easy access to your tablet’s ports, buttons, and speakers.

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: In build and coverage, the ESR Rebound Magnetic Case is on a par with Apple’s Smart Folio. However, it doesn’t provide the complete protection offered by our previous pick, the ESR Rebound Slim Case, which is no longer available. This case is open at the iPad Pro’s top and bottom, as well as along a chunk of the right aluminum side, leaving it exposed and unprotected from spills and potential drops at those areas.

Also great: Zugu Case

Photo: Michael Hession

Also great

Zugu Case for 11-inch iPad Pro

This case offers lots of angles, great protection, and Apple Pencil support, with a distinct design.

Also available for these iPads:

Why it’s great: The Zugu Case (formerly known as the Alpha Case) offers more viewing angles than any other iPad Pro case we’ve seen, and it’s just as functional. This case is very protective, and it holds an Apple Pencil and allows the stylus to sync and charge. It makes the buttons especially clicky and pleasant to use, too. Though this case’s design is utilitarian, its features are unmatched.

It works in a variety of viewing modes: The Zugu Case has a slim, standard folio-style design, with a faux-leather exterior and a rubber bumper around the outside edges. What sets this case apart from others is a series of recessed ridges on the front cover—eight on the 10.9- and 11-inch versions, and 10 on the 12.9-inch model. These ridges, in conjunction with a foldout stand on the back, serve to hold the iPad Pro at various angles, ranging from just shy of perpendicular (which is great for movie watching) to about 30 degrees off your desk (which works well for typing). In our tests, each stand angle was stronger than we expected, thanks to the feet fitting into the ridges as well as the magnets in both, which helped them snap into the right position.

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

The Zugu Case lets you use your iPad at more angles than almost any other case and holds the Apple Pencil without exposing the aluminum edge. Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

Photo: Michael Hession

The case has a unique Apple Pencil feature: Though the Zugu Case allows an Apple Pencil to magnetically stick to the iPad Pro’s side, unlike many cases it doesn’t leave the tablet’s metal edge exposed. Instead, the case’s rubber is thin enough that it doesn’t block the wireless connection, so you can still sync and charge your stylus without risking damage to your iPad Pro’s aluminum. Instead of securing the Pencil in place with a magnetic flap, the case has an elastic pocket on the back that firmly holds the Pencil while you’re traveling. This design works well, but it’s not elegant.

One additional small touch we like is how the cover nestles neatly into the lip around the tablet’s screen—and stays in place—thanks to magnets. A small tab above the right speaker makes it easy to lift out, but the lid otherwise stays put.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: You may not love the way the Zugu Case looks—instead of the clean, flat surfaces you might be used to with most cases, there’s a lot going on here. From the ridges to the pockets to the foldout stand, the case’s functional features are quite obvious. If you’re more concerned about having useful features in your case than about showcasing the simplest design, you likely won’t mind. But if you prioritize aesthetics, this may not be the case for you.

What about the Apple Smart Folio?

The Apple Smart Folio (top) and ESR’s Yippee Magnetic Smart Case. Photo: Sarah Kobos

Other than keyboard cases, the only case that Apple makes for the 2022 iPad Pros and the iPad Air are the Smart Folio for iPad Pro 11-inch, the Smart Folio for iPad Pro 12.9-inch, and the Smart Folio for iPad Air (5th generation). But “case” is a generous term here: The Smart Folio consists of a cover that sandwiches the tablet between two thin pieces of polyurethane, using magnets to attach to the back but leaving the top, bottom, and right edges of the tablet exposed. Considering how little protection this case offers, Apple’s pricing is exorbitant, at $80 for the smaller version and $100 for the bigger one at this writing.

If you love the Apple Smart Folio design, we suggest that you save money (a lot, in fact) with our budget pick and choose ESR’s Rebound Magnetic Case for iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, or iPad Air (5th generation). The Rebound Magnetic Case is a nearly identical model that offers the same looks and functionality for a fraction of the price, and it even includes a magnetic flap to hold the case shut. We don’t normally recommend such obvious knockoffs, but this time we think it’s justified considering Apple’s pricing.

How we picked and tested

We’ve tested 27 cases for the iPad Pro using the same criteria we’ve used for other iPad case models. This time around, we ultimately found two designs that we liked, plus an inexpensive basic case.

Here’s what we look for in a great iPad Pro case:

• Protection: The case must cover the iPad’s corners and protect as many edges as possible from scrapes, as well as defend the shiny metallic bits that abrasive surfaces can scratch.
• Front cover: The case should include a front cover that reliably triggers the iPad’s magnetic sleep/wake feature when you open or close it and that won’t shift around when shut. The cover must also stay closed when you’re not using the tablet.
• Stand: The case must provide some sort of stable stand that supports both upright viewing and a lower-angle position for typing.
• Apple Pencil support: The second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro’s right edge; this is how it syncs and charges. We rule out any cases that don’t allow for this connection.
• Size: The case must be unobtrusive—it should add little weight and not make the tablet hard to hold with one hand as you tap and swipe.
• Button coverage: We prefer cases that cover the tablet’s side buttons. But since this feature isn’t especially common, we don’t consider it a requirement. (Because the buttons are usually recessed from the outside surface of the case, a lack of full button coverage isn’t a dealbreaker in terms of protection.)

Once we narrow down a list of competitors, we test each one on both iPad Pro sizes, checking for fit and function.

The competition

The Spigen Tough Armor Pro is a tough TPU case that offers military-grade protection, a built-in kickstand, and an Apple Pencil holder, but Spigen doesn’t specify the drop protection, and the case offers zero protection for the iPad’s screen.

The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro, another tough military-grade TPU case, offers a cover that folds into a kickstand. The rear portion isn’t as sturdy as on the Tough Armor Pro, however, and we wouldn’t trust it in any drops. While the Rugged Armor Pro’s back is made of TPU, it’s thinner and less sturdy than the TPU of the Tough Armor Pro.

A budget synthetic-leather option, the DTTO Case offers an Apple Pencil holder and multiple viewing angles, but we didn’t feel confident enough in its sturdiness to try dropping an iPad Pro covered with it.

The Torro Case is made of beautiful leather and supports multiple viewing angles, and it offers an Apple Pencil holder. Although it’s sturdier than the other leather case we tested, our picks offered more protection.

OtterBox redesigned its Symmetry Series 360 Case, which has been a pick of ours in years past, for the 2021 and 2022 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models; the iPad Air (4th generation) model remains the same. In place of a flap to hold the Apple Pencil, the case now uses a slide-out mechanism that is conceptually kind of cool but introduces an unnecessarily breakable element.

Pitaka’s MagEZ Case is made to work in concert with the Apple Magic Keyboard, providing the protection the keyboard accessory lacks. Unlike our picks, this mostly plastic case doesn’t have a lid; it snaps onto the tablet, leaving the screen and the left edge exposed but covering the other edges and the buttons. Across the back is an inlaid panel of aramid, the same fiber used to make Kevlar. Three metal contacts in the rear panel match up with the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector, which is necessary to connect to the Magic Keyboard. It’s nice to have the extra coverage, whether you’re using the keyboard or using the iPad Pro detached from it. But in light of the MagEZ Case’s price tag, we appreciate the concept more than we do the actual product.

Speck’s Balance Folio Clear Case comes only in an 11-inch version, and the case doesn’t offer sync or charge access for the Apple Pencil.

ESR’s Urban Premium Folio Case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generations) has a nice fabric exterior that makes it one of the better-looking inexpensive cases we’ve come across. And it includes full edge protection, save for an Apple Pencil cutout. Unfortunately, it lacks any sort of typing angle, and the two viewing angles aren’t very sturdy.

The Moshi VersaCover for the 11-inch iPad Pro is conceptually similar to the OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Case. This case has a translucent plastic back, rubber around the edges, and room for the Apple Pencil to sync and charge. The origami-like folding lid offers a portrait-viewing angle in addition to the standard landscape typing and viewing positions. But we found that the case’s corners pop away from the tablet during normal use, which is particularly annoying. Though we don’t think the case will just fall off, you should pick one that stays on better.

This article was edited by Arthur Gies and Caitlin McGarry.

Meet your guide

Roderick Scott

Roderick Scott is Wirecutter’s staff writer reporting on smartphones, tablets, and accessories. He is the former publisher of TechGuySmartBuy, where he reviewed everything from phones to headphones to smart speakers to cars. He is also a former aspiring songwriter, music producer, and A&R working with local talent.

Further reading

• Getting Work Done on an iPad

  by Haley Perry

  You can do a surprising amount of work on an iPad with the right gear. These are the best accessories for turning your iPad into a mobile work space.

• The Best iPad Pro Keyboard Cases

  by Nick Guy

  With the right keyboard, your iPad can be a workable laptop replacement, and we’ve picked some great options built into a protective case.

• The Best iPad Keyboard Cases

  by Roderick Scott and Nick Guy

  Apple’s 10th-gen iPads aren’t compatible with previous cases, so if you’re upgrading, you need a new accessory.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

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How to stop making rash and impulsive purchases

5 tips

08/01/22

Turn off emotions and make a rational decision

Irina Postnikova

spends impulsively

Author’s profile

Sometimes we come across something in a store that we can’t look away from.

A pair of shoes, an audio system, a bicycle, a crystal chandelier, a brand new refrigerator, or whatever. We desperately want to buy it, but something stops us: there is always a risk that the thing will lie idle, and it’s a pity for the money.

This is normal. Decision making is a complex and multi-component process. We’ll show you how to make it a little easier.

Why it is important to buy consciously

Reckless purchases are one of the most common financial mistakes. Most often, it is performed under the influence of poor health or emotions – for example, depression, boredom, anxiety, stress, and others. Shopping helps to drown them out for a while and get a dose of dopamine.

But the reverse situation also happens: people are so afraid of spending that they try not to buy anything again. They begin to refuse not only small pleasures that they can afford, but also the necessary.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you be smart about shopping and not go to extremes.

How to get rid of the idea that there is not enough money?

Board No. 1

Check the rationality of the purchase

It will be easier to refuse some purchases if it turns out that you do not really need them. To test this, personal finance experts advise asking yourself these questions:

1. Can I afford this purchase? Is there enough money to pay for it right now? Or will you have to take out a loan and then repay it with interest? If you answered no to the first two questions, and yes to the third, then, with rare exceptions, you should refuse to buy.
2. Will this item improve my quality of life, my level of comfort? Will it help you do household chores faster? Will it make the job easier?
3. Is the purchase in line with my global goals? For example, if you’re saving for repairs or paying off your student loan, it makes sense to hold off on expensive but not essential purchases.
4. Am I buying at the best price? Think about whether the thing you like is not sold cheaper, say, in an online store? Or maybe you or your friends have his discount card?

The answers to these questions will help you quickly analyze the idea of ​​buying something. But sometimes a person is overwhelmed with emotions, and he answers biased or simply does not know the answer to the question. To decide on an important purchase and not regret it, there are a few more steps.

Board No. 2

Pause

One of the reasons why people are prone to impulsive purchases is the basic mechanisms of the brain. When faced with something new – say, a beautiful dress in an online store – we first react emotionally and immediately want to get this thing. And only after some time, the systems responsible for logical information processing and analytics turn on in our head: we realize that the material of the dress is not very good and is not worth the money. The fact is that logical thinking and analytics are energy-intensive and complex processes. The brain takes time to run them.

10 cognitive distortions that interfere with life

Those who are trying to minimize the number of impulsive purchases should wait at least 24 hours. Usually, after a day, the desire to buy a product weakens, or even disappears altogether. If this does not happen, and you have reasonable arguments in favor of the purchase, take a chance and complete the payment. Most likely, in the future you will not regret it.

Another way to turn on the rational part of the brain is to take the time to study the product description. Not so long ago, online marketers noticed a pattern: users who most often made purchases in online stores did not spend much time studying product information. And vice versa: those who spent a lot of time on product pages, carefully reading the description, made purchases less frequently. Psychologist Liraz Margalit explains this by saying that learning new information is another way to force the brain to turn on the rational part.

6 cognitive biases that make us spend more

Board No. 3

Determine your mental state

This method is recommended for those who are prone to overeating – another type of impulsive behavior. Every time they have an unbearable desire to eat something, they should ask themselves what they feel at the moment: hunger, anger, loneliness or fatigue. If it turns out that there is no hunger, but negative emotions go off scale, it is better to delay eating and try to regulate your condition.

How to understand that you need to change your attitude towards food: 7 signs

Since impulsive purchases are also a reaction to negative emotions, the method can be applied in this case as well.

The easiest way to understand what is happening to you is to take a few deep and slow breaths in and out. And then, after calming down a bit, listen to your inner feelings. You will not always be able to give an exact name to your condition, but you will understand if you are psychologically unwell. And your brain is probably trying to fix it by persuading you to buy something you don’t really need.

Fortunately, besides shopping and eating, there are other things that can make the body produce dopamine. These are available to almost everyone:

• any kind of physical activity, such as a light jog or walk in the fresh air;
• communication with friends and relatives;
• watching your favorite series;
• hugs with loved ones.

How to quickly relax: 9 breathing practices

Board No. 4

Don’t Forget About Marketing Tricks

Quite often marketplaces themselves try to use the peculiarities of the brain to arouse in visitors an irresistible desire to buy something. Various tricks are used, the purpose of which is to make a person act quickly and without thinking. Here are some popular ones:

• short-term sales;
• false claims that the quantity of goods is limited;
• notifications about how many users are currently viewing the product page with you.

These techniques usually evoke a strong emotional response: increase anxiety levels, increase the desire to gain. And at the same time, they make it difficult to properly analyze everything and understand how much this or that thing is really necessary. As a result, sales of stores grow, and people increase the number of unnecessary things.

In order to get into such situations less often, you should not forget about these tricks and every time you want to buy something, ask yourself: have I become a victim of one of them.

The dark patterns of the internet: 10 tricks of online shopping

Board No. 5

Spend money on something that will please you for a long time

It is important not to limit yourself in everything, but to spend money in such a way that it brings joy and pleasure. Scientists have been studying for decades what expenses bring people the most joy: as a rule, these are intangible things. Gadgets, clothes, cars stop bringing emotions faster than other purchases: this is due to hedonistic adaptation. This is a mechanism of the psyche, due to which we eventually get used to everything that at first is incredibly pleasing, and stop receiving positive emotions from possession.

“If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, You’re Probably Spending It” – Harvard University Electronic Press PDF, 337KB

But there are spending categories that are more resistant to hedonic adaptation. For example, this is everything related to travel and gaining positive experience, as well as self-development: master classes and courses, going to concerts, exhibitions and restaurants.

In some cases, small pleasures like coffee on the way to work are also good. They play the role of a ritual that sets you up for work and at the same time adds positive emotions to everyday life. To keep such expenses under control, you can allocate a certain amount for them every month and try not to go beyond it.

5 purchases that can really make you happier

Knowledge about psychology and brain function that will help you survive in this crazy world – in our telegram channel. Subscribe to keep abreast of what is happening: @t_dopamine.

Travel insurance to Turkey 2022: insure your trip

Updated: July 7, 2023

≈ 5 minutes

27939

How to protect yourself from financial losses in case of trip cancellation? In this case, a special insurance against non-departure abroad has been developed.

What is travel cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is provided in case the planned trip does not take place. The insurance company in this situation pays the insured person the money that he spent on buying a tour or organizing a trip on his own (air tickets, hotel, excursions).

But there are many nuances in this type of insurance that should be taken into account. It is important to choose insurance that will actually cover expenses for real reasons (illness or other circumstances) and not for unlikely situations (natural disasters, denied entry into the country, etc.).

Next, we will analyze all the reasons why travel cancellation insurance may work, and also choose the best program for Turkey.

Travel insurance for Turkey due to coronavirus

If you buy a tour to Turkey a few weeks before your trip, then there is a reason to think about your travel insurance. During such a period of time, various unforeseen situations can happen. Most often, this is a disease, so insurance is relevant during a covid pandemic.

When travel cancellation insurance is needed:

• Turkey trip cancellation insurance may be valid when traveling with children or for the elderly. These categories of tourists get sick most often, and insured events are most often noted among them. Therefore, if a child gets sick, the insurance will fully cover the cost of your trip.
• If you buy an expensive tour , you should also pay attention to this option. Losing a large amount of money due to the cancellation of a trip to Turkey is not the most pleasant prospect. Expensive trips are always recommended to be insured.
• In case of health problems it is also better to insure your trip. But it is worth considering that a planned operation or treatment that the insured knew about is not included in the insurance coverage.

What is included in the travel insurance for Turkey

Insurance conditions differ depending on the selected program. The main risks that will be covered by “trip cancellation” are:

• Hospitalization or outpatient treatment of the insured. But only insurance policies on our website Polis812 work with SARS and coronavirus. Other programs record these risks as exceptions, and they are among the most common.
• Summons to court.
• Delay or early return from travel.
• Getting injured.
• Death or illness of close relatives.

The option “Insurance against non-departure” in the tour package and insurance

Let’s figure out where this option is and how best to arrange it. There are three options to get the trip cancellation option:

1. The trip cancellation option may already be included in the insurance that comes with the package tour.
2. The option may be included in the insurance that you arrange yourself.
3. Trip cancellation insurance can be taken out as a separate policy.

Which of the following is better? We note right away that the insurance that comes with the ticket from your tour operator is absolutely useless. Travel companies, first of all, need to make a tour at the most favorable price, which is why it includes the cheapest insurance programs.

A travel policy that you take out yourself will actually cover losses in case of trip cancellation or other insured events.

Is it possible to receive payments under the travel cancellation insurance for Turkey in case of coronavirus

If a tourist who has taken out travel cancellation insurance for Turkey falls ill with coronavirus, the insurer will compensate for all losses. Given that such insurance is inexpensive, the option is very useful and can really save you from big financial losses.

How to get travel insurance money

If the insured person falls ill or is injured, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Since the insurance risks include home treatment, it is enough for the insured to take a certificate from the hospital with a diagnosis and contact the insurance company.

To apply, you will need to draw up an application and attach evidence of the cancellation of the trip.

Travel insurance

Tourist insurance against all unforeseen situations during the trip

Issue

Trip cancellation

Travel insurance in case of not traveling abroad and unforeseen situations

Issue 9000 3

What kind of insurance against not leaving for Turkey to choose

Consider two insurance programs from Euroins (formerly ERV). One of them goes on a package tour of many vouchers – “No Departure 1000”, and the second you can independently issue only on Polis812 – “Trip Cancellation Plus”.

It would seem that Euroins is the best company in travel insurance and both programs should work well, but in reality they are not.

Program differences

Program conditions	Euroins (formerly ERV) program “No travel 1000” from tour package	Euroins (formerly ERV) Trip Cancellation Plus at Polis812
Risk of trip cancellation due to illness	Covered only if you are admitted or treated in a hospital.	Covers outpatient (home) care.
Sum insured	Insurance is only available for a fixed amount of $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000.	You can choose the amount yourself depending on your expenses for the trip and pay exactly as much as you spent on the trip and no more.
Deductible (mandatory part of the expenses covered by the insured himself, that is, those funds that the company does not reimburse)	15%, that is, the insurance reimburses only 85% of losses.	No deductible, insurance pays 100%.

In addition to the key differences between these insurance programs, there is another important condition. Euroins trip cancellation insurance from tour package cannot be purchased separately. She’s on Full Cover (holiday insurance), which is also a bad option for travel.

Trip Cancellation Plus you can issue both separately , and together with Euroins insurance. For example, for a trip to Turkey, you can insure your trip with Euroins, and get basic travel insurance from AlfaStrakhovanie.

Rating of medical insurance for a trip to Turkey: TOP-5

See how much insurance to Turkey costs, which one is suitable for checking at the airport and will help in case of an insured event

When to get travel insurance for Turkey

Each company sets its own terms for trip cancellation insurance.