tips for travel insurance

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Everything you need to know about travel insurance before you book your next trip

With more and more people traveling , travel disruptions have increased. You might be ready to book your next vacation, but it's smart to consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will protect you from financial losses you may incur due to unexpected issues both before you travel and during your trip.

"Travel insurance is often an overlooked investment until the unforeseen happens," says Beth Godlin, a spokesperson with Aon Affinity Travel Practice . "It's designed to give travelers peace of mind and financial protection against the risks of travel."

While some travelers decline purchasing travel insurance because they think it will be costly, Godlin says it doesn't have to be expensive and notes "purchasing it adds an extra layer of protection and security." 

Travel insurance is obviously valuable for big-ticket trips, such as a luxury cruise, safari or multi-city international vacation, but it can even be helpful when you're staying closer to home. "When deciding if travel insurance is right for you, I suggest asking yourself what you could stand to lose if you had to cancel last-minute," says Godlin.

CNBC Select spoke to experts in the travel insurance space to get their best advice on everything consumers need to know about travel insurance.

How to find an insurance carrier

Purchasing travel insurance is relatively easy, and there are lots of different options in the marketplace. If you have never purchased a travel insurance plan, a good place to start is sites like InsureMyTrip.com , CoverTrip or Squaremouth , which let you compare different carriers based on both price and coverage. You simply fill out a brief questionnaire about the trip and the traveler.

The benefit of using aggregator sites is shoppers have the ability to view the entire travel insurance marketplace and compare policies all in one place. Squaremouth also provides verified customer reviews to help travelers feel confident about the policy they are purchasing. 

There is no charge to use Squaremouth, as they receive commission on every sale directly from the provider, and do not charge any type of fee to consumers.

Beyond comparison sites, you can always visit a specific travel insurance carrier's website for a quote or call the company's toll-free customer service number for information.

CNBC Select has reviewed many of the top travel insurance companies and named AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance as the best choice overall with three tiers of coverage to choose from and a high financial strength rating. Our runner-up was Travel Guard® Travel Insurance for its offerings available online and coverage for one related child age 17 or younger.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

If you're using a site like Expedia , for example, to book your reservations, you usually have the option to purchase travel insurance, too, through a third-party provider. You should make sure to carefully review the full details of the policy, because the plans are based around the trip elements (hotel, flight, rental car) and could differ every time you book, and you want to make sure you understand what you're getting.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can vary, but policies generally provide coverage for three things: protection for your financial expenses, protection for your well-being and protection for your personal belongings.

When shopping for a policy, look for these benefits:

Trip cancellation coverage  

Your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip deposits if a trip is canceled for a covered reason. These outlays can include airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours and cruises, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Travel Insurance .  

Examples of acceptable reasons to cancel a trip include illness, injury or death of the traveler, a close family member or a traveling companion; military deployment or civil unrest; a serious family emergency, even unplanned jury duty.

Other reasons include: your travel supplier stops offering services for 24 hours due to a natural disaster, severe weather or a strike, your home or destination becomes uninhabitable or you or a traveling companion lose your job after you purchase your policy.

You typically can't cancel your trip for any reason and expect to be reimbursed just because you have travel insurance. For example, if you have a fight with your friend and don't want to travel with her, or you change your mind about taking a long-haul flight to Hawaii, these are not covered reasons. 

If you want the highest level of flexibility to make changes to your trip, consider adding "cancel for any coverage" to your policy. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) plans will bump up the cost of your travel insurance by about 40%, but it gives you the latitude to cancel your trip if you need to as long as you meet certain requirements like canceling no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

You won't be reimbursed for 100% of your trip costs. Typically, CFAR coverage will reimburse between 50 to 75% of trip expenses.

Trip delay coverage 

Should you experience a hiccup in your travel itinerary, your travel insurance policy can provide some financial relief. 

"Travel delay coverage provides reimbursement if a traveler is delayed for one of the policy's covered reasons," says Megan Moncrief, a spokesperson with Squaremouth. "This benefit will typically reimburse for expenses such as food, lodging and local transportation that are incurred during the delay."

Covered reasons will generally include severe weather, airline maintenance or civil unrest.

There's often a waiting period before your benefits kick in.

"In order for a traveler to become eligible for this benefit, they must be delayed for the amount of time listed on their policy," says Moncrief. "Some policies are very lenient and provide benefits available for any length delay, while other policies will specifically list a length requirement. This typically ranges from three to 12 hours. All travel delay policies will come with a daily limit, as well as a policy limit ranging from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars."

Daily limits typically range from $150 to $250 per traveler, while the policy limit can range from $500 to $2,000, Moncrief says. It's very important to save all your receipts as you will be required to submit them with your reimbursement claim.

Don't miss: The best credit cards with trip delay insurance

Trip interruption coverage

Should you need to cut your trip short due to illness or injury you experience during your trip, or if there's a family emergency back home, your policy may reimburse non-refundable expenses you forfeit if you return home early.

Your policy may also cover the cost of a one-way economy airline ticket home. Not all reasons are covered, however. For example, if your beach vacation is a washout or you miss your new puppy, your trip interruption benefits won't apply.

Medical expenses and emergency-evacuation benefits

If you're traveling within the U.S., your personal health insurance should cover any illness or injury you sustain while you are on a trip. But if you're traveling to a foreign country, your U.S.-based health plan will provide zero or very little coverage, and Medicare isn't accepted abroad, so it's good to sign up for additional coverage. 

"Domestic healthcare plans are usually not accepted outside the U.S., so it's especially important to get travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency medical transportation when traveling internationally," says Durazo. "If you do become ill or injured while traveling, these benefits can cover your medical costs including doctors' fees and hospital costs." 

In addition, your travel carrier's customer support hotline can help. "Allianz's 24/7 assistance team can coordinate your care with the doctors treating you in your destination, as well as ensure you're at an appropriate medical facility up to U.S. standards," he says.

Even more expensive than medical treatment is an emergency medical evacuation, something the right travel insurance policy can arrange and cover. "Medical evacuation and transport costs range from $15,000 to $200,000+, depending on the traveler's health condition and their location in the world," says Durazo.

"If you're heading overseas, you'll need the additional protection of emergency medical benefits and emergency medical transportation benefits," he adds. "And if you're visiting more remote areas, there's always a chance you may need emergency medical transportation to get you to an appropriate health care facility."

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Baggage loss

Should your checked baggage take a detour and not arrive at your destination, your travel insurance policy could be a saving grace. 

"If your travel insurance plan includes baggage benefits, your insurer can reimburse you, up to the maximum shown on the Confirmation of Coverage, for covered loss, theft or damage to your baggage and personal items," says Durazo. "Every plan has specific coverage limits for each benefit, which are outlined in the plan documents."

For example, Allianz Partners' OneTrip Prime plan , covers baggage loss up to $1,000 and baggage delay up to $300 while the OneTrip Premier includes up to $2,000 in baggage loss/damage and up to $600 for baggage delay.  

Your personal possessions are also covered if lost or stolen while you're traveling. "Travel insurance can reimburse you for the actual cash value, repair or replacement — whichever is less, based on the limits in your insurance policy's letter of confirmation," says Durazo.

You must report losses to your airline, airport, police or other relevant authority like a tour operator or hotel manager. You will need this documentation when you file a claim.

Not all items are covered by your travel insurance policy. For example, cash is not reimbursable, and many policies won't cover very expensive jewelry, art, antiques or heirloom items. To reduce the risk of losing irreplaceable items, don't bring these items on vacation. And make sure to read your policy carefully to see what is covered.

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What you should know about Covid-19 and travel insurance

When it comes to Covid coverage , travel insurance plans can vary from one another, so you should read your policy carefully and ask your insurance provider if you have questions, says Godlin.

Also, regulations around travel have evolved during the pandemic, with some countries requiring specific travel insurance coverage for entry. "As a result, we're seeing new policies emerge to directly meet those needs," she says. 

How much is travel insurance?

Travel insurance can vary a lot depending on how much coverage you're getting and how expensive your trip is. CoverTrip advises its customers that travel insurance plans cost between 4 to 10% of the total trip cost. So if you're spending $5,000 on a European tour, your insurance could be anywhere from $200 to $500.

Of course, there are budget plans out there that could cost (and cover) less. And you could also shell out for premium coverage so you can take advantage of a "cancel for any reason" policy. Whichever plan you choose, make sure you read the fine print so you understand what you're paying for.

Your credit card may offer built-in travel protection

You may have a credit card in your wallet that offers travel insurance . "Travel insurance is a common benefit for credit cards that often comes at no additional cost to the cardholder," says Francis Hondal, president of loyalty and engagement with MasterCard. "It can also be extremely easy to take advantage of it—the key is knowing what coverage you have so you don't waste money on additional coverage you don't need."

Coverage is automatic when you make a relevant purchase, she says. "So, for instance, if you have trip cancellation insurance on a card, you're covered when you book a flight using that card. Same goes for checking your bag and activating your lost luggage protection," Hondal says. 

It's important to know if and how you're covered when making travel-related purchasing decisions. Mastercard offers a digital insurance platform, mycardbenefits.com . You can usually find more information on your credit card's website.

To ensure you reap the travel insurance benefits your card offers, you must charge the trip expenses on your card.

"Where credit card travel insurance can shine is if you run into weather problems or mechanical delays, or if you get sick while traveling or even if your luggage gets lost or delayed," says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst, Bankrate.com. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an industry leader in these areas, he says. It offers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip in the form of trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage. If you run into a flight delay lasting at least six hours, you can get up to $500 per ticket to book a different flight, stay in a hotel, buy food, etc. 

If your luggage is late, you can get up to $100 per day for up to five days to buy necessities. 

"If something really bad happens while you're abroad, [Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance] will pay for up to $100,000 of emergency evacuation and transportation coverage," says Rossman. "And the Sapphire Reserve also gives primary rental car insurance benefits, meaning that you can decline the rental car company's expensive coverage, and you won't need to go through your personal car insurance if you get into an accident while renting a car."

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Rossman says another good pick is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card which also has very good coverage although slightly less coverage than the Sapphire Reserve card, in line with a lower annual fee. Even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ gives up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip in trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage, Says Rossman.

For more information on cards that offer travel insurance, check out CNBC Select's round-up of the best travel credit cards .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance can be useful in many scenarios, from a medical emergency forcing you to cut your trip short to a tropical storm ravaging your destination. If you've spent a lot of non-refundable money on your trip, you could be at a loss if something goes awry.

There are several scenarios where travel insurance could be worth it , including if:

• You're traveling internationally where your US-based health insurance won't apply
• You've spent a lot on prepaid, non-refundable expenses
• You're traveling to a remote area
• Your flight involves multiple connections or destinations

For those who have spent a good amount of money on their trip, getting trip insurance generally makes sense whether that's through a separate policy or through a credit card you booked the trip with.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Money-Saving Strategies for Buying Travel Insurance

5 tips for navigating to the right choice for your trip, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

If you're planning a summer vacation , thinking about what could go wrong is probably the last thing you want to do.

But travel insurance could come in handy if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or another unforeseen event. And deciding whether you need it—and if so, what kind—means planning for the worst.

The first question is whether you need a policy at all. The answer? Not always, according to Jeffrey Miller, a travel law attorney and professor at Florida Atlantic University, who says that much depends on your personal situation as well as the type of trip.

"The millennial going to Las Vegas doesn't need travel insurance," he says. "But if you're in your 40s and have elderly parents who might fall ill and cause you to cut short your holiday, then yes, you should definitely get coverage." 

In general, it's probably prudent to protect any trip that's valued at more than a few thousand dollars. Beyond that, other factors to consider might be the age and health of the travelers and whether your itinerary takes you into remote or risky territory.

"Our No. 1 claim type is trip cancellation," says Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vice president Carol Mueller. So bear in mind that you don't always need a Cadillac plan that covers everything from lost baggage to medical evacuation costs.

There are, of course, a multitude of plans to choose from, and you can narrow it down with the help of a travel agent or an online aggregator. Generally, policies fall into three categories—basic, midlevel, and premium—with coverage and prices rising accordingly.

Typically, premiums for comprehensive coverage range from 4 to 10 percent of the total tab of your trip. In recent years, however, travel insurers have come out with tailored policies at lower prices. For example, Berkshire Hathaway has a no-frills "Air Care" plan that just covers flight mishaps like delays or lost bags, starting at $26 for a simple round trip.

If you do decide you need to cover all bases, however, you might want a broad-based policy. Just bear in mind that it's important to know exactly what's covered.

Inquiries to travel insurance companies typically soar after high-profile events like acts of terrorism, or an outbreak of a disease like the  Zika virus.   For example, calls to insurers spiked after the recent grounding of the  Boeing 737 Max , according to the comparison site Insure My Trip. But as anxiety-provoking as events like these may be, under most travel insurance plans, they're not considered valid grounds to get a full refund if you cancel your trip.

Here, five guidelines to make sure you get what you need without overpaying.

Check Your Existing Insurance Coverage

You may already have some travel insurance as a perk of your credit card, but you'll need to check.

Some credit card issuers offer coverage for car rental damage, lost luggage , or trip cancellation, but any protection they do offer is likely to come with some limits on the ultimate payout. For rental cars, your personal auto insurance may cover you, too.

Nonetheless, if you have credit card coverage, you may be able to get by with a less expensive general trip protection plan. And when it comes to baggage , know that coverage from travel insurers is typically considered secondary, meaning it will pay only for anything in excess of what you're entitled to if you file a claim with your airline .

It's also worthwhile to look into your health insurance and whether it will cover you when you're on the road. Medicare, for example, won't help if you're not in the U.S., but other insurers might.

Aetna, for instance, covers policyholders on international trips, but the care is reimbursed as "out of network," which means higher out-of-pocket costs. And if you have an accident and need to be airlifted to a hospital, the costs of care can skyrocket .

If you're buying travel medical insurance, be aware, too, that some policies won't cover pre-existing conditions. Even when they do, they're often dependent on your purchasing the policy close to the date when you bought the trip. (Some have a "look back" clause that can search your health records for as long as a year prior.)

Comparison Shop

If your trip planning begins with booking an airplane ticket, you'll almost certainly be prompted to buy trip protection from the airline before you hit the purchase button. Don't rise to the bait, says Miller. "It's better to seek out all the options before you buy."  

Whether or not you buy through them, websites like InsureMyTrip and SquareMouth provide free quotes from multiple insurers and make it easy to filter search results by your customized needs.

In many states, travel agents who sell trip insurance are licensed for that purpose, and their knowledge and experience can also help narrow your choices appropriately. Whatever source you use, think carefully about what benefits you actually need before putting your money down.

Be Aware of Timing Provisions

Perhaps it's hurricane season, and you're having second thoughts about having paid in full for that upcoming beach holiday in the tropics. Can you take out an insurance policy to ease your worries?

You might be able to, but don't wait until a particular storm threatening your vacation is powerful enough to have been christened, advises Berkshire Hathaway's Mueller.

"When a hurricane is named, it is no longer an unknown event and no longer covered as a reason for cancellation" if you haven't already purchased the policy, she says. 

That's not the only timing factor to consider. A terrorist attack in your intended destination could be grounds to cancel under some policies with a terrorism clause. But usually that coverage applies only if you're traveling within 30 days of the event. If your trip is still six months away, the insurance won't pay out simply because you no longer want to go.

In general, you may be able to buy some types of trip protection up to 24 hours before your departure, but waiting until that point might mean you can get only basic coverage like baggage loss or damage protection and emergency medical coverage, according to Allianz Travel Insurance .

For more comprehensive coverage that includes benefits like a pre-existing medical condition waiver or protection if a trip is canceled because of a terrorist attack or an airline bankruptcy, a policy typically must be purchased within 14 days of making the initial trip deposit.  

Look Into Annual Plans

If you're taking more than two major trips per year, an annual plan could be a better deal than paying as you go with single-trip policies, according to Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com . Both types of plan can cover the same occurrences (trip cancellation, medical emergencies), but the year-long coverage could bring your pro-rated costs down. 

For example, insurance provider April Travel Protection recently launched a customizable annual plan that covers an unlimited number of trips per year, both in the U.S. and abroad. Customers can choose their level of coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, medical care, evacuation, and other events.

Prices start at $75 for those under 30, rising up to $179 for those 60 years or older. This policy isn't sold in all states, however, and the state of Washington doesn't permit annual plans of any type to be sold there. 

Be Careful About CFAR Insurance

Every insurance policy has sits own specific rules about what triggers coverage. That's why you should be skeptical of "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) insurance, which sounds appealing but is pricey, frequently running 40 percent more than basic insurance. What's more, this coverage often pays out only from 50 percent to 75 percent of your total expenses vs. the full cost paid by regular travel insurance.

Some states, such as New York, may limit or prohibit sales of CFAR policies. (The New York Department of Financial Services explains that because insurance is intended to protect against unforeseen events, CFAR can't be considered real insurance since it allows the buyer to control the reasons for filing a claim.)

So keep in mind that trip insurance, like all other protection policies, is subject to state regulation, which can vary widely around the country. Check with your own state's regulator if you're concerned whether you can buy a particular type of coverage.

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Travel Insurance: What It Covers and When to Buy It

By Elaine Glusac

In the wake of Covid, travel insurance sales have spiked with the rebound in travel as people seek to protect their investments against flight delays and cancellations, extreme weather events and the persistence of the virus. But travel insurance is complicated with a range of benefits, inclusions and prices. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Know what’s covered

Generally speaking, travel insurance covers unforeseen events, like an illness in the family, the loss of a job or a natural disaster, that force you to cancel or interrupt a trip. It can also apply in the event of a strike at a transportation company, a terrorist attack in your destination or when your travel provider goes bankrupt. These are known as covered reasons . Most polices also include medical coverage, which is useful abroad where your health insurance may not cover you.

While policy prices vary based on age, length of travel and type of coverage, expect to pay between 4 to 10 percent of your entire trip cost to get insured.

Insure nonrefundable expenses

Travel insurance was designed to protect expenses you can’t get back any other way when things go wrong. Think of nonrefundable Airbnb reservations or the cost of a cruise to the Galápagos.

If your hotel is refundable and you can get the value of your flights back in credits, you can skip travel insurance.

Buy close to booking

Travel insurers say the best time to buy travel insurance — which usually takes effect within a day of purchase — is just after making your travel plans to have the largest possible coverage window. A lot can happen between booking a Christmas market cruise in Europe in June and going in December.

With many plans, purchasing travel insurance 10 to 14 days from your first trip payment entitles you to “early purchase” benefits such as a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions that impact travel. If such a waiver is included, it is usually prominent in a summary of benefits, so read it carefully.

“Not all plans have a pre-existing condition waiver,” said Suzanne Morrow, the senior vice president of InsureMyTrip.com , an online insurance marketplace. “If I have a heart condition and if something occurs, I don’t want it excluded, so I would need to buy a policy within 14 days of the first dollar spent.”

Hedge against the weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can insure against its unexpected disruptions. For example, if you’re ready to jump on great rates in the Caribbean during the height of hurricane season, buy your insurance immediately after booking so that if a hurricane develops and your destination is evacuated, you’ll be covered.

“That’s probably the biggest use case for travel insurance,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of TravelInsurance.com , an online marketplace. He counsels travelers to buy early — if you wait and the storm is named it will be too late to insure against it, because it is no longer an unforeseen event.

Similarly, with winter travel, if you’ve purchased nonrefundable ski lift tickets and a storm prevents you from reaching the resort, you may be able to claim the unused portion of your ski pass.

This coverage may prove more valuable as climate change exacerbates weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, which are considered “natural disasters” and are covered by most policies.

Pick up the phone

With the proliferation of automated insurance offers when you buy airline tickets or tours, travel insurance can feel like a one-size-fits-all product. It is not. Many policies, for example, exclude extreme sports like skydiving and mountain climbing, though there are specialty policies that include them.

If you have a specific concern — a family member is sick or you’re going heli-skiing — the best way to know if a travel insurance policy will cover you is to call an insurer or the help line at a travel insurance marketplace to get advice.

“Tell them the what-if scenario and then you can get professional and accurate advice,” Ms. Morrow said. “Thinking you’re covered and then having your claim denied is salt in the wound.”

Travel insurance does not cover ‘unpleasantries’

What if you’re dreading spending a week in an un-air-conditioned rental in England during a heat wave and decide you don’t want to go? Most standard travel insurance will not cover a change of heart.

“Travel insurance doesn’t cover you for unpleasantries,” said Carol Mueller, the vice president for strategic marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

A policy upgrade, Cancel for Any Reason coverage, which is not available in every state, will cover a change of heart, usually up until a few days before departure. Most only reimburse 50 to 75 percent of your costs and the purchase must be made within weeks of your initial trip payment. It will bump your insurance premium up 40 to 50 percent, according to the insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com , which only recommends C.F.A.R. for travelers with specific concerns not included under covered reasons for trip cancellation.

A relatively new twist in trip protection, Interruption for Any Reason , works like C.F.A.R. in that it reimburses a portion of your expenses and can be invoked if you decide to bail while you’re on a trip for a reason that isn’t covered by standard trip insurance. Normally, you must buy it within weeks of your initial trip payment and be 72 hours into a trip before you can use it.

Keep records

If something goes wrong and you need to make a claim, you’ll need proof in the form of a paper trail. That could be receipts for clothing you purchased when your bags went missing, a hotel room required when your flight was canceled (along with flight cancellation notices from the airline) or a doctor’s note stating that you have Covid — or another illness — and are unable to travel. (With Covid, a positive test taken at home is not considered official documentation for the purposes of a claim.)

Resist pressure to buy flight insurance

When purchasing an airline ticket online, most carriers offer travel insurance to cover the cost with some version of vaguely menacing language like, “Do you really want to risk your investment?” when you decline.

Don’t fall for it. You may want to insure that ticket, but price out the policy elsewhere. A recent offer to insure a $428 flight for nearly $28 on an airline website cost $12 to $96 with a range of options at InsureMyTrip.com.

The $12 option was closest to the airline’s offer. Caveat emptor.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the first name of the senior vice president of InsureMyTrip.com , an online insurance marketplace. It is Suzanne Morrow, not Suzanna.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be the difference between a huge medical bill or a modest copay. use these tips to find the best policy for your trip..

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It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

For many, travel insurance can seem like an unnecessary, additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly feels like a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her month-long $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be covered for some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but it’s usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service .

While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like Squaremouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings, as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Phil Sylvester, head of PR and Media Communications for World Nomads, says that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even less risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit—that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are only covered up to a certain level of intensity—any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the current coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on. During the current coronavirus outbreak, getting the CFAR add-on is definitely a good idea.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have pre-existing conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with pre-existing conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Seven Corners

Best for: Traveling during the COVID-19 outbreak

Although most travel insurance plans don’t cover travelers in the current coronavirus pandemic without a CFAR add-on, Seven Corners has designed a plan specifically for travelers planning a domestic road trip in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, called Armor . Its Liaison Travel Plus and Wander Frequent Traveler Plus plans also include medical coverage should you need medical attention due to COVID-19. Seven Corners has been providing high-quality travel insurance coverage since 1993 and, pandemic or no, is one of our top choices.

Get a quote: sevencorners.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios, but rather just provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500 but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you feel like you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the insurance for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day, but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

• $98 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
• $188 for a basic plan with Allianz
• $214 for a basic plan with AIG
• $226 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency Smart Flyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

• Travelinsurance.com
• Squaremouth
• Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website elliot.org is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with pre-existing conditions need to take other factors into consideration. Most insurers will only cover expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with pre-existing conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame—usually between 14 and 21 days—following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please), and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out of state, or international. Some destinations are higher risk than others so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

• Health insurance: Many U.S. healthcare policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
• Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
• Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
• Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay nonemergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able—it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase—it can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes a routine and necessary part of every trip. And once it does, you can travel worry-free, calm in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

>>Next: Everything You Need to Know About Getting a New U.S. Passport

The Beginner’s Guide to Travel Insurance

This ‘Travel Insurance 101’ tutorial is a good starting point for most travelers.

Travel insurance can be confusing…this guide will walk you through the steps of understanding and buying the best travel insurance .

Over 124 million travelers in the US are covered by travel insurance or emergency services every year. 

Travelers list 3 top reasons for buying travel insurance: 

• Peace of mind
• Protection against the unexpected
• Protecting their trip investment

Let’s get started!

1. Examples of “Real Life” Travel Risks

“What can really happen, right?”

Did you ask yourself this question when you started considering  travel insurance coverage ?

You face several risks when you travel. Some are small, like having a rainy beach day or leaving an umbrella in a cab.

Others are big, like a costly cancelled trip or getting sick abroad.

Planning a trip means pre-paid expenses like plane tickets, cruise fare, or tour packages.

These expenses are at risk if you need to cancel, but you also risk additional expenses from medical emergencies while traveling.

Here are common “Real Life” examples of the risks you face when you travel:

Someone gets sick and you need to cancel your trip… losing your entire vacation investment

The family cruise on Disney departs in a few days.

Getting sick within 2 weeks of departure will cost you 100%

Disney offers no refund for cruise cancellations less than 14 days before the trip.

You lose the full cost of the trip, totalling almost $8,000 in pre-paid cash.

A hurricane damages your resort and you need to cancel

You’ve planned the perfect trip to Cancun.

Plane tickets, all-inclusive resort, a charter boat for fishing. You have invested over $4,000.

The day before you are supposed to leave a hurricane hits the island and renders your resort uninhabitable… the hotel has serious damage and the whole area is in shambles.

You lose your $4,000. How will you afford to re-book your vacation?

A family emergency cuts your vacation short and you lose the remaining travel arrangements

Your family just started a two week tour of Italy.

Two days into the trip, your father suffers a heart attack and is in critical condition.

You want to get home as soon as possible to see him, so you call off the rest of the trip and buy tickets on the first plane back home. Your father pulls through after two weeks in the hospital which is excellent news.

What happens to the Italy trip? You would have losses such as:

• Pre-paid expenses you didn’t get to use for rest of the trip
• Cost of the last-minute plane tickets to get home
• The expense of re-joining the trip if you are able to

You lose almost $11,000… and it could be a while before you can afford to go again.

A visit to a foreign hospital leaves you with a big bill

Your family trip to Switzerland is finally underway.

Your husband is struck by a taxi while crossing the street. He needs immediate care and is taken to the closest hospital where he is treated for internal bleeding and spends 2 nights.

Upon checking out, you are given a bill for the hospital expenses.

Your health insurance from home doesn’t travel with you, so you are stuck with paying the bill.

A medical airlift leaves you with a crippling debt

A hiking trip to Chile has quickly turned for the worse.

You slip on a rock and suffer fractures in both legs and a punctured lung. The nearest hospital is completely inadequate to treat you properly so you need to be airlifted 200 miles.

Your injuries are not life threatening and you receive a week of treatment. You are ready to check out of the hospital and get back home.

The bill for the emergency helicopter airlift totals over $45,000, which you need to pay somehow.

Plus, you are in double casts and need a nurse to accompany you home on a special medical flight, which will cost another $12,000.

An emergency abroad leaves you looking for a ‘lifeline’

Who do you call if there’s an accident abroad?

How do you locate a hospital? How do you arrange an ambulance, medical payments, or transportation home after receiving care?

What if you don’t speak the language…how do you know you are getting the best care?

How do you replace a missing passport or lost credit cards?

Stolen luggage leaves you without your prescription medications

Airlines lose bags, bags get stolen, and bags get damaged.

What if you lose your baggage and all the contents? How much would it cost to replace it?

And what if your prescription medications were inside…how do you get a replacement?

The list above only mentioned the common risks travelers face, but there are many more that we will discuss in this tutorial.

Summary: Travel exposes you to the risk of losing money due to cancellation, losing personal possessions, and expensive emergency medical bills.

2. What is the coverage?

There are five basic types of coverage provided with trip insurance.

Cancelled or interrupted trips

This is the #1 concern with most travelers.

Plane tickets, cruise fare, tour packages, hotel rooms, charter fishing boats, golf greens fees — these get expensive.

If the trip expenses are pre-paid and non-refundable, you risk losing the money you invested if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance covers expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.

Need to cancel your trip before you depart? Trip Cancellation Coverage reimburses you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses covered by the plan.

Insurance companies must provide a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation , and here’s an overview of typical covered reasons.

These are the covered reasons for canceling your trip:

• Sickness, injury, or death of you, a family member, or a traveling companion
• Hurricane damage to your destination or flights canceled due to hurricane
• Laid off from work or required to work
• Terrorist incident at your destination city
• Bankruptcy of your travel supplier
• Called for jury duty

This is only a partial list, but you can see it covers very common situations for cancelling.

The most common reason is the first one…someone gets sick or a family member passes away.

Tip : Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage will allow you to call off your trip for any reason, as long as you meet the plan criteria.

Need to cancel your trip after you depart? Trip Interruption Coverage is similar to cancellation coverage, and it covers you while you are traveling for the same list of covered reasons.

If something happens and you are required to return home, insurance will reimburse you for the lost portion of your trip…as well as any additional expenses for the last-minute changes in your travel plans (like flight change fees).

Medical emergencies abroad

This is crucial, and often overlooked.

Travelers often think they are covered for medical emergencies abroad if they already have health care insurance. Within the United States, that will be true.

Outside the US, however, cover for medical mishaps is a big IF. Most domestic health insurance plans do not provide coverage. And Medicare never covers a traveler abroad.

Would you feel comfortable having a family member risk inadequate medical care in a foreign country? What if they don’t have enough money on hand to pay for the care they need?

For cruises, your health insurance from home may not cover you if you’re traveling on a foreign-flagged ship (which is true of most cruise ships).

Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses when a traveler is outside their health insurance coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage will cover you for accidents, illnesses, injuries, and emergency medical and dental care when you travel abroad.

Even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas (again, a big IF), your current health insurance provider will almost certainly NOT pay for evacuation or to repatriate your body back to the US.

• Emergency evacuations

Medical emergencies can be scary, and the travel medical coverage explained above helps you get care.

But how do you get to a hospital that can treat you? And how do you get home?

Emergency Evacuation Coverage will pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically equipped flights back home, and oftentimes will transport you to the hospital of your choice for care.

Evacuation expenses can be devastating.

An ambulance to the hospital, an airlift to an adequately equipped hospital, getting you back home on board a medically-staffed flight afterwards…evacuation expenses can easily cost $50,000 for starters.

Lost bags, delayed bags, delayed flights

These coverage are the “smaller things” that are nice to have. Again, this list is not complete but it will give you an idea of some additional coverages found in trip insurance.

Baggage Coverage can reimburse you for your personal belongings if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged.

Baggage Delay Coverage provides money to buy essential items until your delayed bags arrive, such as a toiletry kit, a swimsuit, or a change of clothes.

Travel Delay Coverage provides reimbursement for unexpected expenses, like an extra night in a hotel or a meal for your family, if your flight is delayed.

Phone assistance 24/7 worldwide

This is about having someone to call when things happen.

Medical emergencies, stolen baggage, lost passports, cancelled flights. Every travel insurance company provides 24/7 support for those needs.

And it’s most important when you have a medical issue.

24/7 Travel Assistance Services can help you:

• Locate the nearest adequate hospital
• Coordinate medical transportation
• Arrange for treatment and overcome any language barriers
• Organize transportation home
• Replace prescriptions in an emergency

In addition, non-medical assistance may include:

• Lost baggage search; stolen luggage replacement assistance
• Lost passport/travel documents assistance
• Travel information including visa/passport requirements
• Emergency telephone interpretation assistance

Additional coverage with travel insurance

Trip insurance can also provide:

Life Insurance coverage for accidental death or dismemberment.

Hazardous Sports medical coverage for activities like SCUBA.

Rental Car Collision to replace your personal insurance or rental company policy.

Identity Theft services to help if your identity is stolen while traveling.

Summary : Travel insurance covers cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, losses or delays, and 24/7 assistance plus a few additional benefits.

3. The 2 Most Popular Types of Travel Insurance

There are only two types of travel insurance that most travelers buy.

(In fact, one type of plan is so common…it represents over 94% of travel insurance sales)

Even though there are specialty plans designed for unique needs, they are too specialized for the majority of travelers taking a vacation. The vast majority of travel insurance customers fit into these two areas.

The two basic types of travel insurance are:

Trip insurance

Provides the most coverage (including trip cancellation)

When people think of ‘travel insurance’, they are thinking of a Trip Insurance.

Trip Insurance is also called a Package Plan, Travel Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance, or Vacation Insurance…but they are all referring to a Trip Insurance.

This type of plan provides the most coverage in a single package, including cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuations, loss or delays, luggage,  assistance, and more.

Vacation plans are very popular with travelers because they provide a simple solution to their needs.

Over 94% of travel insurance sales is Trip Insurance

These plans are the top seller because they provide all the coverages that travelers tend to look for.

Trip insurance includes coverage for:

• Canceled trips
• Interrupted trips
• Medical emergencies
• Emergency evacuation
• Delayed baggage or trips
• Lost baggage
• 24/7 Assistance
• and several other coverages

If you are looking for ‘travel insurance’ for your next vacation, you need trip insurance.

Travel medical insurance

Medical coverage while traveling abroad

Regular health insurance plans provide partial or no coverage while you are traveling outside your home country. Travel Medical Insurance plans provide coverage above and beyond your regular health provider.

Travel medical plans are for travelers leaving their home country who are not concerned with cancellation

This type of plan focuses on medical emergencies, evacuation, and sometimes life insurance. A travel medical insurance plan are perfect if you are traveling outside your home country and are not concerned with cancellation, interruption, delays, and baggage.

Travel medical plans focus on coverage for:

• Medical expenses

Some types of travel medical plans provide benefits such as medical coverage for pre-existing conditions, multi-trip and renewable protection, emergency medical evacuation, and coverage for long-term travel abroad.

Specialty plans (evacuation-only, travel accident, rental car)

Beyond the two basic types, there are specialized plans to meet unique needs, and we want to at least mention them here.

Evacuation plans focus on emergency evacuations, and are often sold on an annual basis as a membership. With an evacuation plan, the company arranges transport, and you won’t lose your savings to a costly emergency medical evacuation

Accident plans provide life insurance style coverage for travelers. It pays benefits if you should have a serious injury that results in dismemberment or loss of life. Benefits paid by these accident plans are in addition to any benefits paid by separate life insurance plans.

Trip insurance plans are best because they combine the most coverage in a single plan

The vast majority of travelers choose a vacation plan because they provide the most coverage in a single plan.

4. How to select a plan based on your needs

We have discussed how the right travel insurance coverage can protect your vacation and give you peace of mind.

You’ve also learned about the 2 most popular types of travel insurance, and how trip insurance plans are by far the most popular choice for travelers.

The next step is to pick a plan, but first we need to get back to the topic of coverage.

Each travel insurance company has a variety of plans to choose from. These plans will each have varying coverage, which makes some plans more affordable and other plans higher priced.

Start by identifying your most important coverages

When you start comparing plans, you will need some criteria to help you prioritize and narrow down your choices.

Use a list of coverages that you think are the most important for your trip. You might also factor in minimum coverage amounts on certain coverages like medical expenses.

For example:  A family taking a Disney cruise in September might have the following coverage criteria:

• Hurricane & Weather coverage for cancellations is a must
• Medical Evacuation coverage of at least $100,000 is necessary as well
• Missed Connection coverage would be nice since there is a connecting flight

This list of coverage criteria will help the family choose a plan that meets their needs. They will be able to filter out plans that do not have these minimum criteria, making the choice easier.

This is not a complete list of coverage, but simply a prioritized list of the most important coverages for their trip.

How to determine the key coverages for your trip:

• Browse the list below to find the most important coverages for your trip
• Start with the 2 or 3 key coverages to get started
• When you’re ready to compare plans use our comparison tool 

Most Popular Coverage Criteria

• Emergency Medical (at least $50,000)
• Medical Evacuation (at least $100,000)
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions
• Cancel For Any Reason
• Hazardous Sports
• Hurricanes & Weather
• Employment Layoffs
• Missed Connections
• Rental Car Coverage

Cancellations

• Trip Interruption
• Hurricane & Weather
• Financial Default
• Employment Layoff
• Cancel For Work Reasons

Medical Related

• Primary Medical
• Emergency Medical
• Pre-existing Medical
• Medical Deductible

Evacuations

• Medical Evacuation
• Non-Medical Evacuation

Loss or Delays

• Travel Delay
• Baggage Delay
• Baggage Loss
• Missed Connection

Life Insurance

• Accidental Death
• Air Flight Accident
• Common Carrier

Other Benefits

• Money Back Guarantee
• 24 Hour Assistance Service
• Identity Theft
• Renewable Policy
• All Events Upgrade

5. Five “Loopholes” and How to Avoid Them

Loopholes and ‘small print’ drive people crazy.

An insurance policy is a legal contract. The coverage, exclusions, and ‘small print’ of the insurance plan are available to read in something called the policy, certificate, or description of coverage.

Many travelers buy insurance and assume ‘everything’ is covered, but as with all insurance plans that’s not the case.

Travelers get frustrated if a claim is delayed or denied, and assume that they have been cheated because of a ‘loophole’.

These frustrations could be avoided by understanding the policy, knowing what is covered, and what is not covered.

Here are the most common ‘loopholes’, and how to avoid them:

1. Not a Covered Reason for Cancellation

No insurance plan can cover ‘everything’.

When we discussed travel insurance coverage earlier, we mentioned a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation.

This list includes reasons like someone getting sick, a hurricane, being laid off, a terrorist incident, and more.

Companies list the covered reasons in the plan’s policy, certificate, or description of coverage. If it is not on the list, it will not be covered. If insurance companies covered ‘everything’, some people would take advantage by buying insurance for a trip they already know they need to cancel, and then make up a reason.

Want to be covered no matter what the reason?

Get the optional “Cancel for any reason” rider available with many plans, which costs more money but will let you cancel a trip for any reason including simply not wanting to go. Some plans include this coverage if the plan is purchased within a certain time frame.

The bottom line: Read and understand the list of covered reasons in the policy, and if in doubt select the optional “Cancel for any reason” rider or a plan that includes that coverage.

2. Pre-Existing Conditions

This one is complicated, but there is a simple solution.

A pre-existing condition is something that happened (or started to happen) before you were insured. Insurance is meant to cover sudden and unexpected events, which excludes any event that has already taken place.

Insurance companies need to exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage; otherwise you could buy insurance coverage after you know you cannot travel. That would be like a casino taking a bet after the cards are turned over.

Companies do provide a way to get coverage for pre-existing conditions.

The solution?

A waiver to the pre-existing condition exclusion can be included with many plans.

The conditions are typically 1) you need to buy insurance soon after your first trip payment, 2) you need to be healthy when you buy insurance, and 3) you need to insure the full amount of your trip.

The bottom line: Only buy a plan that offers a waiver to the pre-existing condition exclusion, and make sure you meet the requirements for it to apply.

3. Coverage Exclusions

Every insurance plan has exclusions.

The plan’s policy, certificate, or description of coverage has a section entitled General Policy Exclusions (or something similar).

This section gives you a list of the situation in which they will not cover you, and they are very specific.

For example: You will not be covered for loss caused by ‘self-inflicted injury’, ‘driving in a motor competition’, ‘’bungee cord jumping’, ‘any criminal acts committed by you’…you get the idea.

Some exclusions are more common than others, for instance, pregnancy-related issues or loss resulting from intoxication.

The bottom line: Read and understand the list of exclusions in the policy, certificate, or description of coverage.

4. Incomplete Documentation

When a claim is filed, there is paperwork that needs to be submitted.

If a claim is delayed it is often because the company does not have the required paperwork from the insured, or from a doctor, a hospital, etc. The faster they get the required paperwork, the faster your claim can be reviewed.

Also, it’s vital to remember that cancellations must be recommended by a doctor in writing. Coverage for cancellation does not include a parent thinking their child’s cold will make the trip unpleasant for them.

The injury or sickness needs to result in a doctor recommending the trip be canceled. The policy certificate outlines the various documents that will be needed for coverage.

The bottom line: Contact the insurance company as soon as you have any issue, and start saving all receipts and documentation

5. Enrolling Too Late

If you are already sick, it’s too late to buy insurance.

If the hurricane is already named, it’s too late as well.

Insurance cannot be purchased after something has happened. Otherwise it couldn’t work for the company. Again, it’s like a casino taking a bet after the cards are turned over.

Also, certain coverage depends on you enrolling sooner rather than later.

Not only will you will have the longest period of coverage for cancellations, but you could also be eligible for benefits like a waiver for pre-existing conditions, ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage, hurricane coverage, and more.

The bottom line: Get your travel insurance as soon as you make a trip payment

6. Top 10 Travel Insurance FAQs

These are the travel insurance questions that every traveler asks.

Travelers make assumptions about their coverage, or they completely misunderstand their coverage.

We have compiled a list of the questions most commonly asked by travelers looking for travel insurance.

Here they are:

1. Doesn’t my credit card have travel insurance?

No, not in the way most travelers want it to.

Credit cards that have ‘travel insurance’ provide little coverage, but nothing in comparison to a separate policy from a travel insurance company.

Some cards provide cancellation coverage, but with an annual limit ($1,500-$2,500 per 12 month period), and the list of covered reasons is limited. Interruption coverage is limited as well, as is travel delay coverage.

Most importantly though, is that almost no credit cards provide medical expense or evacuation coverage.

2. Won’t my regular health insurance cover me abroad?

Not completely. Most regular health insurance plans provide partial or no coverage while you are traveling in another country. For Medicare, there is never coverage abroad.

Countries with ‘universal health care’ might assist with minor needs, but they are under no obligation to do so. In the event of major or ongoing medical expenses, they would cease to help, and they would never pay to evacuate you or help you return home.

3. Will my cruise line refund me?

A little. It depends on when you cancel, but generally you won’t get much back.

Most cruise companies have a declining refund schedule where they refund less and less the closer to the departure date, until they refund nothing at all. Generally within 2 weeks there is zero refund, and even canceling a month before will usually only get you a 25% refund.

We have a list of the best cruise travel insurance plans that compare all of the different coverage and pricing.

4. Are hurricanes covered?

Yes, many plans cover hurricanes and weather under trip cancellation coverage.

To be covered you need to 1) make sure it is listed as a covered reason, 2) buy before the storm is named, 3) insure for the full trip cost, and 4) some plans require that you buy soon after your trip payment to avoid the waiting period.

5. Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Yes, many plans offer a waiver that removes the pre-existing condition exclusion.

To be covered you need to 1) buy your plan soon after your first trip payment, 2) insure for the full trip cost, 3) be medically cleared for travel at the time of purchase.

6. What does travel insurance cost?

Insurance costs 4-8% of the trip cost (pre-paid, non-refundable expenses).

Basic plans can be very budget-minded at less than 4%, and premium vacation plans can be over 12%. Travel medical insurance is sold on a trip=length basis, and can be as little as dollars per day.

7. When should I purchase my plan?

Within days of making your initial trip deposit.

There are many benefits to purchasing the plan sooner, including maximizing the period of cancellation coverage, and being eligible for pre-existing condition coverage and hurricane coverage.

8. How do I know I can trust the company?

The companies featured here are companies that have years of experience with solid AM Best ratings of financial stability, and they comply with a Zero Complaint Policy.

9. What is the refund policy?

A 100% refund of premium within the Free Look Period is guaranteed by all companies. This allows travelers to review their policy and return it for any reason with the allowed time period (sometimes less a small administration fee $5-$8) as long as the traveler has not filed a claim or left on their trip.

10. How do I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be quoted and purchased instantly online using a credit card.

Since travel insurance is a temporary insurance product, there is generally no underwriting period or medical examination required. You can get a quote online, buy with a credit card, print your email confirmation, and you’re all done.

7. Four Steps After You Purchase Travel Insurance

What happens after you purchase travel insurance?

You have seen how to pick the right plan based on your needs, and discovered the common ‘loopholes’ of travel insurance and how to avoid them.

This is a continuation on that theme…making sure you have the coverage you need for your trip.

Here’s what to do after you purchase a plan:

1. Print your confirmation email

You will receive an email confirmation after your purchase your travel insurance plan.

This is your confirmation of coverage, and will include general information about your plan including the policy number and effective dates.

Most importantly, it includes emergency contact numbers so you can call the insurance company with any issues during your trip.

Print it out and carry it with you, and it is a good idea to carry an extra copy in a different bag.

Keep another copy in the ‘cloud’ on your email server or Google Docs so you can access it from anywhere in the world.

2. Review your policy, certificate, or description of coverage to verify the coverage

All travel insurance companies provides a Free Look period, which is a set number of days after purchase where you can review your plan and return it for a full refund if you are not satisfied as long as you have not filed a claim or left on your trip.

Take advantage of this time to read the policy, certificate, or description of coverage and make sure you fully understand the coverage in the plan.

3. Read the Exclusions section

This is another part of using your Free Look period wisely. The policy, certificate, or description of coverage will have a section of Exclusions that lists cases in which coverage is not provided.

Read this section and make sure you understand the coverage fully.

4. Contact your insurance company immediately with any claims questions

This is very important.

If you have any situations where you think you will have a claim, contact the insurance company immediately.

Think you need to cancel? Call the company. Hurricane heading for your resort? Call the company. Get sick abroad and need a doctor? Call the company.

The insurer will be able to advise on your situation, answer coverage questions, and arrange support if necessary.

24/7 phone support is one of the best coverages provided with travel insurance…you should use it.

8. How to Get Quotes and Compare Plans

We have discussed how to select a plan based on your needs using your coverage criteria, and gone over some of the most commonly asked questions about travel insurance.

Now it is time to get travel insurance quotes and compare plans.

Here are 4 steps to get quotes, narrow your choices, compare plans, and buy:

1. Use a comparison site to get quotes from all companies

The first step is to get quotes from all companies using a comparison tool.

You’ll enter a few trip details and get a list of quotes from all major companies at the same time.

2. Filter plans based on coverages

The next step is to narrow your choices.

On the left side of the results screen, you will see a section for ‘Filters’. Using your coverage criteria, select the filters for coverages that are most important for your trip. There is a list of the most popular filters, as well as a complete list below.

Some selections will allow you to enter a minimum coverage amount (see Emergency Medical to the right for an example).

Checking these boxes will ‘filter out’ plans that do not meet your criteria. You can select as many as you like, but 2-3 is a good start.

You can also remove filters in the Filters Selected section at the top.

3. Sort the plans

Now that we’re looking at plans with the right coverage, we can organize them.

On the top-right of the results screen, you will see a a ‘Sort’ drop-down box.

Click this drop-down to sort by price, company, or coverage. Many travelers like to sort by ‘Price Low to High’, but if you are looking for a particular coverage or company you can select that as well.

4. Compare plans side-by-side

Finally, we’ll compare our final choices side-by-side.

Next to each plan company logo, you will see a ‘Compare’ check-box.

As you look through plans, check these boxes for plans you want to compare side-by-side. You can check as many boxes as you like, but 4-5 fit on a screen nicely.

Once you have selected more than one, a ‘Compare Now’ button will appear next to the check-box.

Click this when you are ready to compare plans. This will display the selected plans side-by-side .

You can compare prices, coverage, coverage amounts, and plan ratings.

See how the plans compare to each other. Look at coverage amounts, paying close attention to your coverage criteria.

At the top is a ‘Remove’ button. Click this as you eliminate plans based on your needs.

The plans will be removed from the comparison, leaving the remaining plans for comparison.

You can also click to see the plan Certificate, Email it, Print it, or add to your Favorites.

Finally, the ‘Buy Now’ button will take you to the product purchase screen.

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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June 1, 2020

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Travel Insurance Tips You Need to Know Before Buying

When Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

Let’s start here: when is the worst time to buy travel insurance?

It’s right after you see your baggage plunge into the harbor as it’s being transported to the cruise ship. Or after you get in a 15-car fender bender on your way to the airport — and when you were already running late.

When it comes to sharing travel insurance tips regarding when to buy a travel insurance plan, here’s our best advice: buy right after you book your trip. This is especially true if you’re buying a plan including a Trip Cancellation benefit. That’s because Trip Cancellation benefits start on the same date as your travel insurance plan’s effective date. In other words, if you purchase a plan two months before your trip, certain events that take place between that effective date and your departure — for example, being laid off from your job at no fault of your own — may activate your benefit.

There’s another, perhaps more obvious reason to buy your plan right after you book your trip: because forgetting is human nature. We get busy and distracted, and before we know it, we’re boarding the plane wishing we bought a travel insurance plan (and hoping our lucky travel pillow does the trick of keeping our travel plans moving smoothly). 1, 2

There’s one more deadline you should be aware of if you’re purchasing a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance and have a pre-existing condition — the 14-day countdown. While travel insurance plans may limit eligibility for those with pre-existing conditions, travelers may earn a pre-existing condition exclusion. And one of the conditions that needs to be met is purchasing the travel insurance plan within 14 days of making your first trip payment or deposit. Be sure to check your plan for other eligibility requirements. 3

Single Trip Plans Vs. Annual Plans: Which Type of Plan is Right for Me?

Are you lucky to take one trip the entire calendar year or are you here today, gone tomorrow?

This is an important question to answer as you choose between a one-time travel insurance plan, which Allianz Global Assistance calls OneTrip plans, vs. annual travel insurance plans, or AllTrips plans.

Before you answer this question, know that you don’t need to be a digital nomad who spends more days on the road than at home to reap benefits of an AllTrips plan. In fact, of all the travel insurance tips we’re sharing in this article, this may be the biggest no-brainer: if you’re taking three or more trips in a year — or even if you think you might — choose an AllTrips plan.

We’ve crunched the numbers and “3” is the magic number when purchasing an AllTrips plan becomes more cost-effective than purchasing three separate OneTrip plans.

And cost isn’t the only consideration here. Just imagine the time you’ll save by purchasing one plan vs. multiple plans. Then there’s the convenience of only having to keep track of one plan’s benefits and other details — a task that the handy TravelSmart app further simplifies. 4

How Much Travel Insurance Do I Need?

We’re not here to tell you how much to spend on travel insurance, but we’d like you to consider some travel insurance tips that may seem counterintuitive on the surface.

Here’s one: if you’re traveling on a budget, buy more travel insurance.

Right now you may be shouting at your screen, “But I just said I’m on a budget!”

We know, we get it. However, traveling on a budget likely means that some of the more  costly mishaps and unexpected events that travel insurance can help with could be a lot more problematic for your bottom line. In other words, in addition to considering what you can afford to pay, also think about how much you can afford to lose. While losing a bag of T-shirts and Old Navy jeans might not break the bank, the cost of emergency medical transportation can easily cost more than $100,000. 5, 6

It’s important to add up your trip costs when weighing different travel insurance plans, right-sizing your selection to meet your itinerary. Odds are a weekend trip to Nashville isn’t going to need the same benefit limits as a two-week safari taken first class all the way. Allianz Global Assistance’s single-trip plans max out between $5,000 and $100,000 for Trip Cancellation benefits, so find your sweet spot and enjoy the peace of mind that all is not lost if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason . (And in the event that your trip cost eclipses that $100,000 mark, give us a call and we can help.) 7

We’ve all been there — traversing the learning curve of travel insurance while buying our first plan (or just our first plan in a while).

By doing your research, you can avoid being that traveler who didn’t know their health plan probably won’t work abroad (and won’t cover prescriptions, either.) 8 You also understand that Trip Cancellation isn’t a guarantee, but rather needs to meet a covered reason, which we’ve spelled out clearly and carefully for travelers. 9 And now you know that if you’re traveling to certain countries, you’re actually required to have travel insurance. 10

We think you’re ready to get begin shopping for a travel insurance plan. Start here — and happy trails!

Related Articles

• Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Booking?
• Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained
• The Comprehensive Guide to Travel Insurance Benefits
• AllianzTravelInsurance.com
• ConsumerReports.org

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• Travel Tips

The Best Travel Insurance Policies Right Now — and How to Choose One During the Pandemic

With new variants coming and going during the pandemic, there’s renewed interest in being protected while making travel plans.

When COVID-19 first brought travel to an abrupt halt in 2020, travelers were shocked to learn that their insurance didn't cover changes due to an epidemic or pandemic, even one on a global scale. Many who were in the midst of their travels ended up having to shell out their own money, while those with future plans suddenly lost out on non-refundable bookings. Nearly two years into the new reality with variants spreading and ebbing, travel bookings are being made with more caution — with a major uptick in protecting those plans with travel insurance.

"We can't predict every new variant that arises, so for the foreseeable future, you have to expect some sort of COVID-related effect on your travel plans," NerdWallet 's credit card and travel expert Sara Rathner tells Travel + Leisure . "Not every vacation needs travel insurance — refundable flights and hotel bookings you can easily back out of can be enough for you. But for very expensive trips, especially if you're going abroad, you'll want to think of additional ways to protect your investment."

Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer of insurance comparison company Squaremouth , says news of the omicron variant in recent weeks has already resulted in a shift in insurance purchases. "With news of a new highly transmittable variant, and in light of some countries already closing their borders, travelers may have less confidence about the likelihood of their borders remaining open and their travel being possible," she tells T+L. "Likewise, new and evolving requirements may complicate international travel more than travelers are willing to coordinate."

Those factors make travel insurance a more important consideration now. But navigating various offerings can be a challenge, especially when there may already be embedded coverage when booking through certain companies or certain credit cards. "We caution travelers to make sure they aren't overspending on a policy that doesn't cover their concerns, or if they can have adequate coverage elsewhere," Moncrief adds. "Due to the very specific nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and related concerns, we urge travelers to do their due diligence to understand what type of refunds are available to them elsewhere, and then do some research before investing in a travel insurance policy."

Here, we outline the major types of travel insurance — but no matter the policy you choose, make sure to read the fine print carefully and speak with your provider about any concerns.

1. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance

If you're worried about losing money on your trip, CFAR insurance is likely the best plan for you. "With it, you can recoup most of what you paid no matter the reason you back out of your trip," Rathner says. "If standard policies don't offer the level of coverage you want, this could be an option."

While the policy can typically be added 14 to 21 days after the initial trip deposit date, the major downside of CFAR insurance is that it's expensive and doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'll get all your money back. Moncrief says that CFAR plans are typically 40 to 50% more expensive than standard travel insurance policies, and they often only cover up to a 75% reimbursement of non-refundable trip costs, with others only covering 50%. But if border closures or last-minute cancellations due to variants or new travel requirements are a concern, this may be the way to go. Bottom line: This kind of policy might only be worth it if you're taking a really expensive trip.

2. Pandemic-specific Insurance

While many insurance providers have kept their policies pretty much the same (i.e. they still exclude the pandemic as a reason for coverage), a select few are offering new plans designed specifically for pandemic-concurrent travel. Seven Corners, for instance, has an option that includes COVID-19 medical coverage , which is valid for up to $100,000 in coronavirus-related medical expenses. Meanwhile, Allianz has added a special COVID-19 provision into some of its policies that cover cancellations, interruptions, and emergency medical expenses arising from contracting the virus before or during a trip. Again, reading the fine print is key.

"The biggest mistake we are seeing now is travelers simply assuming a policy can cover any inconvenience or change related to the pandemic," Moncrief says. "In reality, an insurance policy will only cover a very specific list of 'perils.' While this is typically a comprehensive list, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront concerns that had never before been considered a threat to travel." She reiterates that border closures are one of the big examples that have come to light over the last two years with pandemic travel.

There are also travel insurance policies that have been developed specifically for the new ways in which people are traveling — namely, domestic road trips. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection launched its ExactCare Lite policy for that reason. Also, if you are traveling domestically, keep in mind that your health insurance will likely cover you during your trip.

3. Provider-offered Travel Insurance

In order to win back travelers, a number of airlines, hotels, and cruise lines started offering specific COVID-19 travel insurance policies, which might even be free. Cathay Pacific includes free COVID-19 travel insurance with every booking through the end of the year; Japan Airlines through Jan. 10, 2022; and Etihad through March 31, 2022. Hotel groups like Club Med , Iberostar , and Shangri-La are also providing similar programs. Cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages has also implemented emergency evacuation and return-to-home insurance policies for all guests.

But again, not all provider-offered insurance plans are equal, which is why reading the fine print is crucial. "Most travel insurance policies offered through a travel supplier are mainly designed to provide benefits related to that supplier, meaning other concerns, like illness at the destination, may not be covered," Moncrief says. "Oftentimes, these policies leave off common benefits of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to be competitively priced."

4. Credit Card Travel Insurance

You're probably aware that many credit cards have travel insurance policies built into them. Those often provide enough trip cancellation, travel delays, rental cars, and baggage benefits. "Just remember that you need to use that card to make your bookings in order to get that coverage," Rathner says. "Simply carrying the card while paying with another one isn't enough."

If you're traveling with expensive items that you want covered, the maximum coverage on credit card benefits can help cover them. But in other cases, it may not fit your needs. "These policies rarely include medical coverage, which is a leading driver of travel insurance purchases, and in some cases, may require the trip to be entirely booked on that card for coverage to apply," Moncrief adds.

5. Standard Travel Insurance

Even though standard travel insurance typically excludes coverage for reasons related to a pandemic, many providers like airlines, hotels, and cruises are still offering flexible policies on rebooking and cancellation — which is just the kind of reassurance you need to book your trip. Just note that anything you've paid for outside of your flight, hotel, or cruise will likely not be covered, so you'd still be on the hook for those expenses. Additionally, some providers have very specific time frames for cancellation, while others only offer a credit toward future travels rather than a full refund.

"The worst thing a traveler can do is assume they are covered for anything that could happen," Moncrief says. "Especially now, given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel, it's more important than ever to do some extra research to truly understand your policy's coverage. We never want a traveler to pay the additional expense on an insurance policy on top of their other trip costs if it won't provide the protection they are looking for. Coverage does vary by plan, as does the maximum payout limits per benefit. Policies are also priced differently per demographic. Travelers can use an aggregator, like Squaremouth , to compare coverage and prices to find the best policy for their trip."

• Nationwide Travel Insurance
• AXA Assistance USA
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance Tips

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Affordability
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for Seniors
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

• Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
• Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
• Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
• Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
• Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
• Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
• Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Insurance 2024 – 10 Things You Need to Know – Choosing the Right Policy for International Trips

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its share of uncertainties. Choosing the right travel insurance is one of the most important steps in planning your trip. Travel insurance can protect you from many unexpected circumstances, from medical emergencies and trip cancellations to lost luggage and flight delays. This guide will explore ten different travel insurance offerings, helping you make an informed decision for your next international journey.

World Nomads

World Nomads is widely acclaimed for its flexibility and comprehensive coverage, catering especially to adventurous travelers. Their policies often include activities that other insurers typically exclude, such as scuba diving, skiing, and hiking. Coverage extends to medical emergencies, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss. They also provide tech gear coverage, a bonus for digital nomads. Their 24/7 emergency assistance is a key feature for those traveling to remote destinations.

Insider’s Tip: Check their activity list to ensure your adventure sport is covered.

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers a variety of plans, allowing travelers to choose a policy that best suits the nature and budget of their trip. Their offerings range from basic emergency medical coverage to more comprehensive plans including trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical transportation. Their annual plans are economical for frequent travelers. The 24/7 assistance service is invaluable for dealing with emergencies or unexpected changes in travel plans.

Insider’s Tip: Consider their multi-trip annual plans if you travel frequently.

Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex is renowned for its user-friendly policies, providing essential coverage like trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and evacuation. They have a particular focus on family travel, with children under 17 covered at no extra cost under a parent’s policy. The Travel Select plan stands out for its upgrade options, allowing travelers to add coverage for adventure sports, additional medical coverage, and car rental protection.

Insider’s Tip: Their Travel Select plan is highly customizable with upgrades.

AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance offers a range of plans, including single-trip, multi-trip, and annual plans, each with varying levels of coverage. They cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, and offer additional options like “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage. Their plans are known for high coverage limits and the option to add adventure sports coverage, making them a versatile choice for different types of travelers.

Insider’s Tip: Look into their “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage for ultimate flexibility.

IMG (International Medical Group)

IMG specializes in medical travel insurance, ideal for travelers prioritizing health coverage. Their plans range from basic medical coverage to comprehensive policies that include evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure sports. They also offer unique plans for travelers such as expats and missionaries. The inclusion of pre-existing conditions and their global network of hospitals make them a strong contender in medical travel insurance.

Insider’s Tip: Their global network of hospitals can be particularly useful.

Seven Corners

Seven Corners stands out for its flexibility and range of plan options. They offer medical coverage, trip cancellation, and interruption insurance, with unique features like the ability to choose your medical facility abroad. Their RoundTrip plans are particularly beneficial for trip cancellation, offering reimbursement for trip costs due to unforeseen cancellations.

Insider’s Tip: Their round-trip plans are great for trip cancellation coverage.

Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG offers a comprehensive range of travel insurance plans. Their offerings include medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss, and flight insurance. The Gold Plan is notable for its family-friendly coverage, offering coverage for children at no additional cost, making it an excellent option for family vacations.

Insider’s Tip: Their Gold Plan is ideal for families traveling with children.

HTH Worldwide

HTH Worldwide is known for its high medical coverage limits and extensive network of medical providers worldwide. They cover various medical services, including pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation. Their plans also cater to students and expatriates. The mobile app, which helps find local healthcare providers, is a notable feature for travelers in unfamiliar destinations.

Insider’s Tip: Use their mobile app to find qualified medical care internationally.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global is a leader in international health services, offering extensive medical insurance coverage. Their customizable plans allow travelers to add modules like vision and dental care. Their 24/7 customer support, providing assistance and guidance in medical emergencies, is a critical feature.

Insider’s Tip: They offer 24/7 customer support, which is useful for emergencies.

Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance provides traditional travel insurance coverage along with specialized services. Their plans cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and baggage loss, and offer concierge services. Their premium plans are ideal for sports enthusiasts, offering coverage for sporting equipment and adventure sports activities.

Insider’s Tip: Their premium plans offer coverage for sporting equipment.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right travel insurance policy is crucial for peace of mind on your international travels. Whether you prioritize medical coverage, trip cancellation insurance, or specific needs like adventure sports coverage, there is a policy to suit your travel style. Always read the fine print, understand the extent of the coverage, and consider any pre-existing conditions you might have. With the right travel insurance, you can embark on your international adventures knowing you’re well-protected against the unexpected.

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The post Travel Insurance 2024 – 10 Things You Need to Know – Choosing the Right Policy for International Trips republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Song_about_summer.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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WHAT’S COVERED, COSTS, AND TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR NEEDS

March 28, 2024 | 3 min read.

Travel insurance can be an overwhelming expense to consider atop an already costly vacation. Admittedly, even as a seasoned travel industry professional with three decades of globe-trotting under my belt, I have a moment of pause each time I’m confronted with this. Ultimately, I almost always purchase some travel insurance coverage, especially when it’s a complex international trip. It’s primarily motivated by my aging parents—heaven forbid anything should happen to them—and wanting a safety net to return home at a moment’s notice without incurring massive out-of-pocket costs. This parental paranoia is just a small piece of the greater solace that travel insurance can provide, says AAA Tour Product Manager Randy Osborne. “Everyone can benefit from travel insurance,” he says. “The unexpected happens. It can provide peace of mind and reduce stress during a traumatic situation, as well as a contact to call when traveling abroad.” Osborne has seen it all. He works directly with AAA Travel Advisors and AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider, Allianz . It’s a vantage point that continually provides him with real-life cautionary travel tales. “I’ve never heard of anyone who needed and used travel insurance regretting having purchased it,” Osborne says. He says the biggest mistake people make is this: “Not getting it at all.” Here are some key things to keep in mind when navigating travel insurance   

IT’S A FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR YOUR VACATION INVESTMENT There is no “one-size-fits-all” travel insurance plan, says Osborne, since available plans will be based on the trip cost, vacation destination(s) and age of the traveler(s). Most comprehensive travel insurance plans, however, will include varying degrees of coverage for the following:

• Trip Cancellation: This is a predeparture benefit that provides the ability to recoup travel costs if you cannot travel. It’s typically limited to specific reasons covered in the plan. Osborne advises understanding what these covered reasons are upfront when reviewing plan options.
• Trip Interruption: This helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons typically include an illness or injury during the trip, or a family emergency at home—which, as mentioned earlier, has always been this author’s primary motivator to purchase travel insurance.
• Travel Delays: This helps to cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. Osborne advises understanding what constitutes a “travel delay” within the travel insurance plans you are considering.
• Medical Expenses: This helps to cover unforeseen medical expenses while traveling to destinations where your U.S.-based health insurance may not work. “Frequently, the biggest covered amounts are for medical,” Osborne says.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage: This typically helps to cover the cost of transportation (plus related medical services and supplies) to a medical facility if you’re seriously injured or ill. The best plans will provide up to $1 million per person for medical evacuation. This can seem high, but evacuation costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you’re traveling to a remote destination.
• Baggage Loss or Delays: This helps to recoup costs for lost luggage, as well as damaged or stolen baggage while you are on your trip.

COMPARE PLANS

In some cases, such as when booking a cruise or a guided group tour vacation, the travel provider may require you to purchase a certain level of travel insurance before you can join the excursion. In these situations, representatives often have options that allow you to bundle travel insurance into the cost of the vacation at the time of booking. Even if this is the case, however, Osborne says it pays to shop around and compare travel insurance plans to see if there is a policy that better suits your needs.   

Most travel insurance companies, including Allianz Insurance, have easy-to-use websites that highlight several levels of travel insurance for your trip. These quotes can be used as baselines for building upon or removing elements. Gather a few online quotes, then speak over the phone with a representative to customize.    

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Allow a AAA Travel Advisor to guide you through the process and identify a travel insurance policy that works for your needs, risk tolerance, and budget. The best part: This service is free.

PURCHASE EARLY FOR THE MOST BENEFITS

You’ll get the best and most comprehensive coverage if you purchase travel insurance within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit. (That clock starts ticking once you put a down payment on any part of the vacation.) The biggest benefits include:  

• Trip Cancellation: The earlier you buy travel insurance, the sooner you are protected—even before you step on that plane, train, or cruise ship. “Often I get calls from travelers who didn’t expect to need insurance and then have a [medical] diagnosis before travel that prevents them from going,” Osborne says.
• Better Trip Cancellation Coverage Options: Many travel insurance companies offer more covered reasons for trip cancellation if you purchase it within 14 days of making an initial trip deposit.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, most travel insurance will not cover medical situations due to this condition that arise during your travels— that is, unless you purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit.

ASSESS MEDICAL COVERAGE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans won’t offer medical coverage on non-U.S. soil. Even if you have outstanding health insurance, it may not be very helpful during an international vacation where unexpected medical and health issues arise. This is certainly the case if you’re traveling to more remote areas with limited medical facilities or your vacation includes high-risk excursions and activities. Osborne says it’s important to understand whether travel insurance you’re considering offer primary or secondary medical coverage, and to assess which is best for you.   

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic health problems, medical coverage is an especially critical piece of the policy to scrutinize, Osborne says. He recommends consulting a travel insurance specialist so that you are covered accordingly.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NOT COVERED IN THE POLICY It’s easy to focus on what’s included when comparing trip insurance plans. Osborne recommends paying close attention to what is excluded from coverage, too.

Case and point: I recently read about a couple who booked a return flight home after their original flight had been cancelled. When the couple filed a claim with their insurance provider to recoup this cost of this new flight, they learned that this specific scenario was not covered under the policy. (The flight was cancelled due to crew not arriving on time, and the airline was able to rebook the couple on a less-desirable flight home, which the couple declined.)

Clearly understanding the exclusions—and this could be achieved with a simple phone call to the insurance provider’s customer service—could have prevented this financial oops. BE

Find An Agent

AAA Travel Advisors can provide vacation planning guidance to make your next trip unforgettable. Find a Travel Advisor       

CAREFUL RELYING ON CREDIT CARD TRAVEL INSURANCE Just as you should not rely on your U.S.-based health insurance to cover you while traveling internationally, it’s wise to not make assumptions about a credit card that offers travel insurance as one of its perks. Osborne advises reviewing the credit card’s travel insurance coverage amount; the medical coverage policy; whether all trip purchases need to be made with that credit card; and if approved claims results in a cash refund or a travel credit.  

   EPIDEMIC AND PANDEMIC COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE The events of 2020 turned travel on its head, and also impacted the travel insurance industry. As a result, travel insurance companies evolved and most now offer epidemic and pandemic coverage options. “Having coverage for quarantine is at the forefront of people’s minds now,” says Osborne, pointing to the out-of-pocket costs that came with many travelers having to quarantine in a vacation destination when Covid-19 was at a peak.    BUDGET FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE The average cost of travel insurance is 5% – 6% of your trip costs, according to Forbes Advisors’ analysis of travel insurance rates. If you’re planning an international, bucket-list vacation—and want to protect your investment in the unfortunate event that things go sideways—it’s wise to keep this cost in mind when creating your trip budget. “As much as we don’t want to think about the unexpected, things happen and having the coverage you need when you need it can be a huge benefit,” says Osborne. “If you need it, you will never regret having it.

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SINGAPORE – When engineer Dave Peh, 30, retrieved his luggage from the baggage claim carousel at London’s Heathrow Airport in January, the last thing he expected to see was a giant dent in its side.

This is what he thought he had hedged against by purchasing travel insurance, especially since it was his first time taking the luggage for a spin.

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• Law & Insurance

Travel insurance is a crucial element of smart trip planning. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your travels. To make the best choice for your travel insurance, consider the following tips and advice.

When it comes to travel insurance, it’s important to understand the importance of coverage and how it can benefit you. Travel insurance provides protection for various risks such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and more. By securing travel insurance, you can enjoy your trip knowing that you are financially protected.

Choosing travel insurance based on your destination is essential. Each journey comes with its own unique set of risks, so it’s crucial to match your coverage to the specific risks associated with your destination. Additionally, assessing the risks involved in your trip helps you select the right policy that provides adequate coverage.

Understanding the coverage provided by travel insurance is crucial in making an informed decision. Travel insurance typically covers expenses for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical situations, baggage loss, and other unexpected circumstances. Knowing the benefits and limitations of your policy helps you choose the best coverage for your needs.

Comparing different travel insurance policies is a smart approach. By comparing the benefits and limitations of each policy, you can identify the one that offers the most comprehensive coverage for your specific needs. Reading the fine print and understanding exclusions and limitations is also vital to ensure there are no surprises when making a claim.

The timing of purchasing travel insurance is important. Buying travel insurance right after booking your trip ensures that you have coverage in case of any unforeseen events that may arise before your departure. Purchasing travel insurance early also provides advantages such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and the option for “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Evaluating cost factors is crucial in selecting the right travel insurance. The cost can vary based on factors such as trip duration, destination, age, and coverage limits. Understanding these cost factors and following travel insurance dos and don’ts helps you make an informed decision while avoiding unnecessary expenses.

There are several top travel insurance providers in the market, each with its own set of policies and coverage options. Comparing the leading policies helps you identify the providers that offer the most comprehensive coverage. It’s also beneficial to read provider ratings and customer reviews to gain insights into their reputation and reliability.

Travel insurance tips offer valuable advice to help you navigate the process of buying travel insurance. These tips cover various aspects such as choosing coverage, understanding policy terms and conditions, and maximizing the benefits of your travel insurance.

Specialized travel insurance is essential if you plan to participate in adventure or high-risk activities during your trip. Understanding adventure travel insurance and the inclusions and exclusions for high-risk activities ensures that you have adequate coverage for these specific situations.

Protecting your trip with travel insurance provides peace of mind. By selecting the appropriate coverage and understanding the policy terms and conditions, you can safeguard your trip investment and ensure financial protection against unexpected events.

Managing travel insurance is made easier with the help of tools and mobile apps. Travel insurance management apps offer benefits such as easy access to policy details, claims filing, and emergency assistance. Technology simplifies the process of filing travel insurance claims, making it a smoother experience during unexpected situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing travel insurance based on your destination and matching coverage to your journey’s specific risks is crucial.
• Understanding the coverage provided by travel insurance helps you select the best policy for your needs.
• Comparing different travel insurance policies and reading the fine print is essential.
• Buying travel insurance right after booking your trip offers advantages such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Evaluating cost factors and following travel insurance dos and don’ts helps make an informed decision.

Understanding the Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plays a vital role in ensuring a secure and worry-free trip. It offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of potential risks that can occur during your travels. By understanding the importance of travel insurance , you can better appreciate the value it brings to your overall travel experience.

One of the key benefits of travel insurance is its ability to provide protection in the event of trip cancellation or interruption. Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters can force you to cancel or cut short your trip. With travel insurance, you can recover your prepaid expenses and minimize financial losses.

In addition to trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance also offers valuable support in the case of medical emergencies. When traveling abroad, you may experience unexpected illnesses or injuries that require medical attention. Travel insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and medication.

Losing or having your baggage damaged during travel can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, travel insurance also includes coverage for lost or damaged baggage. This ensures that you are compensated for the value of your belongings, allowing you to replace essential items and continue your trip without major disruptions.

Furthermore, travel insurance offers additional benefits such as trip delay coverage, emergency evacuation coverage, and assistance services. These provisions provide peace of mind, knowing that you have support and protection in various unforeseen situations that may arise during your travels.

By obtaining travel insurance, you are safeguarding your trip investment and ensuring financial protection against unexpected events. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost luggage, travel insurance provides the necessary coverage to mitigate the financial burden and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.

How to Choose Travel Insurance Based on Destination

When planning your trip, it is crucial to choose the right travel insurance to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your journey. A key factor to consider when selecting travel insurance is your destination and the specific risks associated with it. By matching the coverage to your journey and destination, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected against the most relevant risks.

Match Coverage to Your Journey and Destination

Every destination has its own set of risks and potential challenges. It is essential to choose a travel insurance plan that provides coverage for these specific risks. For example, if you are traveling to a country known for its high medical costs, it is important to have adequate medical coverage in your travel insurance plan. Similarly, if you are planning a trip that involves adventure sports or activities, you should ensure that your policy covers such activities.

Assessing the potential risks involved in your trip helps you determine the level of coverage you need. If you are traveling to a remote location with limited access to medical facilities, you may want to consider a policy that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. On the other hand, if you are traveling to a city with excellent healthcare facilities, you may not need that level of coverage.

Assessing Risks and Choosing the Right Policy for Your Trip

To choose the right travel insurance policy for your trip, you need to assess the risks involved and consider your individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating travel insurance options:

1. Trip duration: If you are taking a short trip, you may opt for a basic insurance plan. However, if you are planning an extended journey, you might want to consider a comprehensive policy that offers coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage for the entire duration of your trip.

2. Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is important to disclose them when purchasing travel insurance. Some policies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others may exclude them. Make sure to review the policy details and choose a plan that suits your healthcare needs.

3. Additional coverage: Depending on your travel plans, you may require additional coverage such as rental car protection, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, or identity theft protection. Assess your needs and select a policy that includes the necessary add-ons.

Remember to read the policy terms and conditions carefully to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and any specific requirements for making a claim. Taking the time to research and compare different travel insurance plans will enable you to choose the right policy that provides comprehensive coverage based on your destination and journey.

By carefully considering your destination and the risks involved, you can select the best travel insurance plan that suits your needs. The right travel insurance coverage will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection during your journey.

Travel Insurance Coverage Explained

Travel insurance coverage provides various benefits and protections tailored to the policy you select. It is designed to safeguard you against unexpected events and mitigate financial risks during your trip. By understanding the different aspects of travel insurance coverage, you can make an informed decision and choose the best policy for your needs.

Travel insurance typically offers coverage for:

• Trip cancellation or interruption: In the event that you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or a natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses.
• Emergency medical expenses: If you require emergency medical treatment while traveling, travel insurance can cover the costs, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, medication, and emergency medical evacuation.
• Baggage loss or delay: Should your baggage be lost, stolen, or delayed during your trip, travel insurance can provide compensation for the loss, or reimburse you for essential items purchased during the delay.
• Travel delays: If you experience significant delays due to circumstances beyond your control, such as flight cancellations, travel insurance can reimburse you for additional expenses, such as meals and accommodations.
• Emergency assistance: Travel insurance often includes access to 24/7 emergency assistance services. These services can provide support in emergencies, such as arranging medical services or helping with travel arrangements to return home in case of an unforeseen event.
• Other unforeseen situations: Depending on the policy, travel insurance may offer additional coverage for personal liability, legal assistance, and other unexpected events.

By carefully reviewing the coverage options and limitations of different travel insurance policies, you can select the one that offers the best protection for your specific travel needs. Consider the potential risks and unforeseen circumstances that could arise during your trip to ensure you have adequate coverage in place.

Next, we will compare different travel insurance policies and provide tips on how to evaluate and select the policy that suits you best.

Travel Insurance Policy Comparison: What to Look For

When it comes to purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to compare policies to ensure you find the best coverage for your specific needs. Comparing the benefits and limitations of different policies allows you to make an informed decision and select the one that offers the most comprehensive protection.

Comparing Benefits and Limitations of Different Policies

When comparing travel insurance policies, you should carefully review the benefits and limitations of each option. Consider the following factors:

• Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption
• Emergency medical expenses coverage
• Lost or delayed baggage coverage
• Personal liability coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage

By comparing these aspects, you can determine which policy aligns with your specific travel needs. Pay close attention to the coverage limits and any applicable deductibles to ensure they meet your expectations.

Read the Fine Print: Understanding Exclusions and Limitations

While comparing policies, it is crucial to read the fine print and carefully understand the exclusions and limitations of each policy. Travel insurance policies often have specific situations and conditions that are not covered. Some common exclusions may include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Extreme sports and high-risk activities
• Acts of terrorism or war
• Non-refundable event tickets
• Pandemics or epidemics

By familiarizing yourself with the exclusions and limitations, you can avoid surprises and ensure that you have appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

This table provides a comparison of different insurance providers, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each policy. It can assist you in making an informed decision based on your specific travel requirements.

The Best Time to Purchase Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance right after booking your trip is the best time to secure coverage and protect yourself against any unforeseen events that may occur before your departure. By purchasing travel insurance early, you can take advantage of several benefits that can enhance your travel experience.

Buying Travel Insurance Right After Booking Your Trip

Once you have finalized your travel plans and made the necessary bookings, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance without delay. Doing so ensures that you have coverage from the moment you book your trip, providing financial protection in case your plans change or unexpected events arise. By securing travel insurance right after booking, you can:

• Have coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances
• Protect your investment by receiving reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses
• Benefit from coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, if applicable
• Take advantage of “cancel for any reason” coverage options, providing added flexibility and peace of mind

Reasons to Secure Travel Insurance Early

Securing travel insurance early offers several advantages that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are the key reasons why buying travel insurance early is beneficial:

• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: By purchasing travel insurance early, you can ensure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Many policies have waiting periods before they cover such conditions, and buying early helps you fulfill these waiting periods.
• Booking Travel Activities: If your trip includes booking various travel activities and tours, such as adventure sports or excursions, having travel insurance early can protect you if these activities are canceled or interrupted.
• Unexpected Events and Emergencies: Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen events can occur before your trip. By purchasing travel insurance early, you will be covered for unexpected events such as illness, injury, or emergencies that may prevent you from traveling.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have travel insurance in place early on can provide peace of mind throughout the planning process and during your trip. You can relax and enjoy your travels, knowing that you have financial protection.

Buying travel insurance right after booking your trip and securing it early is the smartest choice to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your travels. By taking this proactive approach, you can enjoy your trip with the confidence of knowing that you are protected against any potential risks.

Evaluating Cost Factors in Travel Insurance

When considering travel insurance, the cost is an important factor to evaluate. The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Trip duration: Longer trips may require higher coverage and therefore have a higher premium.
• Destination: Some destinations may have higher associated risks, leading to higher insurance costs.
• Age: Younger travelers may have lower premiums, while older travelers may face higher costs due to increased health risks.
• Coverage limits: The level of coverage you choose can impact the cost of your travel insurance.

Evaluating these cost factors will help you understand the potential expenses associated with travel insurance and make an informed decision about the level of coverage you need. It’s important to strike a balance between coverage and cost to ensure you have adequate protection without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.

Additionally, it’s crucial to follow travel insurance dos and don’ts to avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary expenses. Some dos and don’ts to keep in mind include:

• Do: Compare travel insurance policies to find the best coverage at a competitive price.
• Do: Read the policy terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Don’t: Settle for the cheapest policy without considering the coverage it provides.
• Don’t: Overlook the importance of pre-existing medical conditions and the coverage they require.

By evaluating the cost factors and following the dos and don’ts of travel insurance, you can make a well-informed decision that provides the necessary coverage while staying within your budget.

Top Travel Insurance Providers Reviewed

When it comes to choosing the right travel insurance policy, having access to reliable information is crucial. With so many providers in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best option for your specific needs. That’s why we have reviewed and compared the leading travel insurance providers to help you make an informed decision.

Comparing the market’s top travel insurance policies allows you to evaluate their coverage options, benefits, and limitations. By understanding what each provider offers, you can determine which policy aligns best with your travel requirements.

Furthermore, reading provider ratings and customer reviews offers valuable insights into their reputation and reliability. Real experiences shared by policyholders can provide a deeper understanding of the level of service and support offered by each provider.

Provider Ratings and Customer Reviews

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a travel insurance provider is their overall ratings from reputable sources. Websites and organizations that specialize in consumer reviews, such as Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau, can provide valuable information regarding the customer experience and satisfaction with a particular provider.

Customer reviews give you a glimpse into the claims process, customer service quality, and overall satisfaction levels. By considering the experiences of other travelers, you can gain a better understanding of the provider’s strengths and potential areas for improvement.

When comparing travel insurance providers, it’s important to look for consistent positive ratings and reviews that reflect their commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service.

Comparison of Leading Travel Insurance Providers

Note: The table above provides a general comparison of leading travel insurance providers based on the coverage options, policy benefits, and average customer ratings. Please refer to each provider’s website for the most up-to-date information and specific details regarding their policies.

Travel Insurance Tips

When buying travel insurance, it’s important to consider some key tips to ensure you make informed decisions and choose the best coverage for your needs. Here are some valuable travel insurance tips :

• Assess your needs: Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully assess your travel plans and consider the specific risks associated with your trip. This will help you determine the type and level of coverage you require.
• Compare policies: Take the time to compare different travel insurance policies from reputable providers. Look into the benefits, coverage limits, exclusions, and premiums to find the policy that offers the best value for your money.
• Read the fine print: Don’t forget to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of your chosen policy. Pay close attention to any exclusions, limitations, and requirements. Understanding the fine print will help you avoid any surprises or gaps in coverage.
• Consider additional coverage: Depending on your travel plans, you may want to consider additional coverage options. These may include coverage for high-value items, rental car protection, or coverage for activities such as adventure sports.
• Take note of claim procedures: Familiarize yourself with the claim procedures of your travel insurance provider. Understand what documentation is required and the necessary steps to take in case you need to file a claim during your trip.
• Keep copies of important documents: Make copies of your travel insurance policy, passport, and other essential documents. Keep these copies in a separate location from the originals in case of loss or theft.
• Stay informed: Stay up to date with any changes to your travel plans, destination, or travel advisories. This will help ensure that your travel insurance coverage remains adequate and relevant.
• Maximize your benefits: Make the most of your travel insurance benefits by understanding what they cover and how to use them. Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services provided by your insurance provider, as well as any additional perks or benefits that may be available to you.

By following these travel insurance tips , you can make confident decisions when purchasing travel insurance and enjoy your trip with the knowledge that you’re adequately protected.

Specialized Travel Insurance: Adventure and High-Risk Activities

If you’re planning to engage in adventure or high-risk activities during your trip, specialized travel insurance is essential. Understanding adventure travel insurance and its coverage for activities such as extreme sports, hiking, and skiing helps ensure you have the right protection. Additionally, knowing the inclusions and exclusions for high-risk activities prevents any gaps in your coverage.

Understanding Adventure Travel Insurance

Adventure travel insurance provides coverage specifically tailored to the risks associated with adventurous activities. Whether you’re planning to go bungee jumping, scuba diving, or mountain climbing, this type of insurance ensures that you are protected in case of accidents, injuries, or emergency medical expenses. It offers added peace of mind, knowing that you can participate in these activities without worrying about the financial implications.

Inclusions and Exclusions for High-Risk Activities

When considering adventure travel insurance, it’s important to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions for high-risk activities. Different insurance providers may have different coverage options and limitations. Be sure to check whether your preferred activities are covered and if there are any restrictions or additional requirements. This will help you determine if the insurance policy aligns with your specific adventure plans and provides the necessary protection.

Protecting Your Trip With Travel Insurance

When planning your trip, it’s essential to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind by choosing the right travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events that can disrupt or cancel your trip, providing you with the necessary support and assistance. By understanding the policy terms and conditions and selecting the appropriate coverage, you can safeguard your trip from start to finish.

Travel insurance acts as a safety net, offering coverage for a range of situations such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and more. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a natural disaster, or a flight cancellation, travel insurance provides the necessary financial support to help you recover and minimize the impact on your travel plans.

Choosing the right travel insurance plan is crucial. Consider factors such as the duration of your trip, your destination, and the activities you plan to engage in. Look for policies that offer comprehensive coverage and include benefits that align with your specific needs. It’s important to carefully review the policy terms, exclusions, and limitations to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t covered.

By protecting your trip with travel insurance , you can travel with confidence, knowing that you have a safety net in place. In the unfortunate event of an unforeseen circumstance, travel insurance provides valuable assistance and financial reimbursement, helping you navigate through unexpected challenges and ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Managing Travel Insurance: Helpful Tools and Mobile Apps

Managing travel insurance can be a complex task, but thankfully, there are tools and mobile apps available to simplify the process. These innovative solutions provide various benefits, making it easier for travelers to navigate their insurance coverage and handle claims efficiently.

Benefits of Travel Insurance Management Apps

Travel insurance management apps offer a range of advantages for policyholders. Here are some key benefits:

• Access to Policy Details: With these apps, you can conveniently access all the essential details of your travel insurance policy, including coverage limits, exclusions, and emergency contact information. This information is readily available at your fingertips, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your policy.
• Claims Filing: Filing a travel insurance claim can be a time-consuming and confusing process. However, these apps provide a seamless and user-friendly interface to file claims directly from your smartphone. You can upload supporting documents, track the progress of your claim, and receive notifications regarding the status of your reimbursement.
• Emergency Assistance: During an unforeseen event or medical emergency, travel insurance management apps connect you with the necessary assistance. They provide emergency contact numbers and facilitate direct communication with the insurer’s emergency response team, ensuring prompt and efficient support when you need it most.
• Policy Reminders: It’s easy to forget important deadlines and renewal dates for your travel insurance. These apps send timely reminders, ensuring you stay up-to-date and never miss a crucial deadline. This feature eliminates the risk of policy lapses, ensuring continuous coverage throughout your travels.

How Technology Can Simplify Travel Insurance Claims

Technology plays a vital role in simplifying the travel insurance claim process, enabling a smoother experience for travelers. Here’s how:

• Efficient Documentation: Traditional claim processes often require extensive paperwork and physical documentation. However, technological advancements have made it possible to submit digital copies of supporting documents through online portals or mobile apps. This eliminates the hassle of physical paperwork and speeds up the claim evaluation process.
• Real-Time Updates: Technology enables insurers to provide real-time updates on the status of your claim. You can easily track the progress of your claim, receive notifications about any additional information required, and stay informed throughout the entire process. This transparency enhances customer satisfaction and ensures a smoother claims experience.
• Streamlined Communication: With the help of technology, insurers can streamline communication with policyholders during the claims process. This includes sending notifications, updates, and requests for information through email, SMS, or mobile app notifications. This efficient communication reduces delays and enables timely resolution of claims.
• Data Analytics: Insurance companies leverage data analytics to assess claims more accurately and efficiently. Advanced algorithms analyze historical data to identify patterns, fraud indicators, and potential risks. This data-driven approach ensures fair and thorough evaluation of claims, reducing the chances of delays or disputes.

By leveraging travel insurance management apps and the power of technology, policyholders can simplify their insurance management and enjoy a seamless claims experience. These tools provide easy access to policy information, streamline claims filing, and enhance communication with insurers, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.

In conclusion , travel insurance is an essential component of smart trip planning. It provides both financial protection and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your travels without worrying about unexpected events. By following the tips and advice shared in this article, you can make an informed decision when purchasing travel insurance, ensuring that you choose the coverage that best suits your needs.

One crucial aspect when buying travel insurance is to compare different policies. Take the time to evaluate the benefits and limitations, considering factors such as trip duration, destination, and age. Additionally, read the fine print carefully to understand any exclusions and limitations in the policy. This will ensure that you have a clear understanding of the coverage and avoid any surprises.

When selecting travel insurance, it’s vital to consider the specific risks associated with your destination and activities. Each trip is unique, and understanding the risks involved will help you choose a policy that provides adequate coverage. By taking these factors into account and securing the right travel insurance, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you’re protected against unforeseen circumstances.

In conclusion , travel insurance offers valuable protection and peace of mind throughout your trip. By carefully considering your options, comparing policies, and understanding the fine print, you can make a well-informed decision when purchasing travel insurance. So whether you’re embarking on an exciting adventure or simply enjoying a relaxing vacation, travel insurance ensures that you’re covered for any unexpected events, allowing you to make the most of your travel experience.

What is travel insurance?

Why is travel insurance important, what does travel insurance cover, how do i compare travel insurance policies, when should i purchase travel insurance, how much does travel insurance cost, how do i choose the best travel insurance provider, what are some travel insurance tips, do i need specialized travel insurance for adventure activities, how does travel insurance protect my trip, are there any tools or apps to help manage travel insurance, source links.

• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/top-travel-insurance/
• https://www.cnbc.com/select/travel-insurance-guide/
• https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/travel-insurance-tips

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