travel insurance what does it cover

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Is travel insurance worth it?

The right policy can protect your belongings, your bank account and your peace of mind..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

On April 24, 2024, the White House established new rules for airlines , mandating automatic and timely refunds for passengers whose flights had been changed, delayed or canceled . That's a big relief to travelers, but there are still many unexpected situations where travel insurance can be a lifesaver before or during your trip.

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

A policy doesn't have to be expensive, according to Godlin, to add a layer of protection and security.

Getting travel insurance

How do i get travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover.

• New airline regulations in 2024

How much does travel insurance cost?

• Bottom line

There are many options in the travel insurance marketplace: Aggregator site Squaremouth lets you get price quotes from different carriers and, because it receives a commission from the insurance companies on its site, users aren't charged any additional fees.

Allianz has both single-trip and annual plans, with a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy that reimburses up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable expenses. That's more than most similar plans on the market.

In addition to trip cancellation, Allianz's popular OneTrip Prime plan includes travel interruption, emergency medical care and emergency transportation. Children 17 and under are covered for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

AIG's Travel Guard® plans are great if you need to customize coverage: The mid-range Travel Guard Preferred plan pays out 100% for trip cancellation and 150% for trip interruption, with up to $50,000 in coverage for medical expenses and up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation. There's even a payout of up to $1,000 if you miss your connection.

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

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

Policy highlights

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.

24/7 assistance available

If you're booking a trip with an aggregator site like Expedia , review the details of any travel policy that's offered. Plans are usually based on the elements of the trip (hotel, flight, rental car, etc.) and can differ every time you book.

Travel insurance generally covers your expenses, your belongings and your well-being. When shopping for a policy, look for these benefits:

Trip cancellation

If your trip is canceled for a covered reason, a policy will often reimburse airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours, cruises and other prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Covered situations can include illness or injury, the death of a family member or traveling companion, job loss, military deployment and even unplanned jury duty, according to Allianz's Daniel Durazo.

Cancellations can also be covered if a natural disaster, severe weather or airline strike prevents your carrier from getting you to your destination for at least 24 hours.

CFAR plans provide a lot more flexibility and typically reimburse 50% to 75% of your expenses. But they can bump up the cost by about 40%, said Durazo. Policyholders are also still usually required to cancel no later than 48 hours before their scheduled departure. 

Trip delay 

Should you experience a hiccup in your plans, your policy can provide some relief: Food, lodging and local transportation are usually covered if a delay is due to severe weather, airline maintenance or civil unrest.

"For a traveler to be eligible, they must be delayed for the minimum amount of time listed on their policy," said Squaremouth spokesperson Megan Moncrief. "Some policies are very lenient and provide benefits for any length delay, while others list a length requirement — usually somewhere between three to 12 hours."

Daily payout limits range from $150 to $250 per traveler, according to Moncrief, while the total policy limit can be anywhere from $500 to $2,000. Save any receipts to submit with your reimbursement claim.

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

Trip interruption

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

It may also cover the cost of a one-way economy airline ticket home.

Baggage loss

Airlines are required to compensate passengers for luggage lost in transit, but a travel insurance policy may have a higher benefit limit. It could also cover you if your bags, passport or other possessions are lost, damaged or stolen once you've gotten to your destination., The Platinum plan from AXA Assistance USA has a $3,000 benefit limit for lost luggage, well beyond the $1,700 that airlines are required to provide on international flights. AXA has offices in more than 50 countries, with multilingual operators available 24 hours a day to help reschedule flights, book hotels and make other arrangements.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

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

Travel insurance doesn't cover every loss: Cash is not reimbursable and many policies won't reimburse for expensive jewelry or heirloom items. Read your policy carefully to see what is included.

Medical expenses and emergency evacuation

If you travel within the U.S., your health insurance should cover any illness or injury you sustain. If you're traveling abroad, though, your plan may provide little or no coverage. The right travel insurance should cover doctors' fees and hospital bills, Durazo said. 

The provider can also help coordinate care and ensure you're at a medical facility that's up to U.S. standards.

An emergency medical evacuation can cost anywhere from $15,000 to over $200,000, Durazo added.

New airline regulations in April 2024

The Biden administration announced on April 24, 2024 , that it had finalized new rules requiring airlines to issue cash refunds to passengers if their flights were canceled or significantly changed, their checked luggage was significantly delayed or if purchased services, like Wi-Fi, were not provided.

Refunds must be automatic and made via the same form of payment as the original purchase. Travelers must be reimbursed within seven business days if the refund is going to a credit card. (Other forms of payment can take 20 calendar days to be reimbursed.)   The new Department of Transportation regulations also require airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront any fees for changing or canceling your reservation, seat selection, checked bags or carry-ons. The Biden administration has targeted junk fees across numerous industries, including credit card companies. It said the rule will help consumers avoid unneeded or surprise charges that can quickly add up and obscure the real cost of a seemingly inexpensive ticket.

A travel insurance policy typically costs between 4 and 10% of the overall price of your trip. The cost can vary:

• Plans with higher limits and more optional coverage cost more.
• A plan with a CFAR benefit can cost up to 40% more.
• Older travelers typically pay more because there's more of a likelihood of a claim being filed. 

Whichever plan you choose, read the fine print so you understand what you're paying for.

While regulations on airlines are becoming increasingly stringent about reimbursing travelers for delayed or canceled flights, that doesn't do you any good if it wasn't the airline that put a kink in your plans. Travel insurance covers numerous scenarios, from medical emergencies to tropical storms. It could be particularly useful if:

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

"When deciding if travel insurance is right for you, ask yourself how much you could stand to lose if you had to cancel at the last minute," said Godlin.

If you're not as concerned about risk, your credit card may offer built-in travel protection if you book with that card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® , Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card and the  *American Express® Gold Card all come with trip cancellation and interruption coverage, among other benefits.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

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.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; 2X points on internet, cable and phone services; select streaming. 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.49% - 28.49% variable

Foreign transaction fees

Excellent/Good

American Express® Gold Card

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

Research your card's travel benefits before making any purchases related to your trip.

Policies vary, but most comprehensive plans cover travel cancellation and interruption, baggage loss, medical care and emergency transportation.

While the price for coverage varies, most policies cost between 4% and 10% of the trip's prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

When should I get travel insurance?

It's best to take out a policy within days of making your reservations.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 before or on your trip, it may be covered by your policy's trip cancellation/interruption benefit . You'll likely have to confirm your test results with a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

Bottom line 

Travel can be a wonderful experience, but it involves a lot of time, planning and money. Missing a single connection can have a cascade effect that impacts your flight, hotel room, dinner reservations and more. A good travel insurance policy can provide peace of mind so you can focus on your vacation.

Compare and find the best life insurance

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Meet our experts

At CNBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority. For this story, we interviewed Beth Godlin, president of Aon, which provides custom travel insurance for tour operators, cruise lines, travel websites and others. We also spoke with former Squaremouth Megan Moncrief and Allianz communications director Daniel Durazo.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card , click here .

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Travel insurance

What is travel insurance?

Erica Lamberg

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 4:48 a.m. UTC Jan. 31, 2024

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• Travel insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, both before and during your trip.
• You can expect to pay 4% to 6% of the cost of your trip for travel insurance.
• Adding “cancel for any reason” coverage gives you greater flexiblity with your travel plans.  
• Medical expense benefits are particularly important for international travel.

The best travel insurance provides a significant safety net to protect your trip investment, your well-being and your possessions while you’re traveling. 

A robust policy will provide pre-departure benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, and post-departure coverage if you experience travel difficulties like delays, severe weather, lost luggage, stolen personal belongings, illness or injury. 

“Designed to cover unforeseeable events, travel insurance comes in the form of various plans to protect you from certain financial risks and losses that can occur while traveling,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA. 

“These losses can be minor, like delayed luggage, or more significant, like a last-minute trip cancellation or an international medical emergency,” he said. “Finding the right plan is the first step in securing insurance for upcoming travels.”

Pros and cons of travel insurance

The exact benefits of travel insurance vary by plan, but according to Durazo the biggest perk is the peace of mind that is included with every policy.

Specifically, two main travel insurance benefits — trip cancellation insurance and post-departure benefits — protect travelers financially. 

“Trip cancellation may reimburse lost prepaid, nonrefundable trip deposits for things like airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours and cruises before you leave, while post-departure benefits may help cover expenses for baggage loss and travel delays,” explained Durazo. 

The one con of travel insurance is that no policy will cover every possible situation. “It’s important to read your policy to understand what is covered and not covered so that your specific needs are met,” said Durazo. 

The coverage of your plan will be outlined in your policy documents. Most travel insurance companies offer a “free look” period, so you can read your policy carefully and ask for a refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. 

When should you consider travel insurance?

When spending more on prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses than you would feel comfortable losing, travel insurance is worth considering. 

Say you’ve booked nonrefundable flights and accommodations but need to cancel your trip at the last minute because a doctor says you’re too sick to travel. Travel insurance can reimburse you for up to 100% of those expenses.  

When traveling outside of the country, travel insurance becomes even more important as there’s a good chance your U.S. health insurance won’t work internationally, and Medicare generally isn’t accepted in foreign countries. A travel insurance policy with excellent medical expense benefits and emergency evacuation coverage can cover your medical emergencies. 

Want to compare travel insurance companies? Best travel insurance companies

Travel insurance cost

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your nonrefundable trip costs. How much you’ll pay will depend in part on the plan you choose, the cost of your trip and the ages of the travelers you’re insuring. 

“Travel can be expensive,” said Durazo, “and most of us can’t afford to lose the money we’ve spent if we’re forced to cancel a trip at the last minute.” 

Compare the best travel insurance offers

Travel insured.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Covers COVID?

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

Atlas Journey Preferred

Seven Corners

RoundTrip Basic

$500,000/$1 million

Trip cancellation insurance

“Trip cancellation is coverage — included in most comprehensive travel insurance plans — that can permit you, as a traveler, to be reimbursed for covered unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you have to cancel your trip after you have booked it, but before you depart,” said Scott Adamski, a spokesperson with AIG Travel.

There are several scenarios where a traveler might be covered for trip cancellation, said Adamski. “AIG Travel recognizes numerous ‘covered perils,’ that would allow you to cancel your trip — even last-minute — and still be covered, subject to the terms of the insurance policy,” he said. 

A medical emergency is one such scenario. “For example, the traveler got in an auto accident and suffered a broken leg the day before scheduled departure,” he said. Other examples include a hurricane or being suddenly required to work during your trip. 

Acceptable reasons for trip cancellation typically include: 

• Death of the policyholder, an immediate family member or travel companion.
• Serious illness or injury to you, a travel companion or close family member.
• Family emergency.
• Severe weather.
• Your travel supplier going out of business.
• Sudden job loss.
• Unplanned jury duty.
• Military orders.
• National transportation strike.

Most basic travel insurance plans will not reimburse you if you cancel your trip for a reason not listed in your policy, like fear of traveling or concern about getting sick.

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage

If you want the highest level of flexibility regarding your travel plans, “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage is an optional upgrade offered by many comprehensive travel insurance plans. 

“The decision to purchase CFAR coverage is closely connected to the traveler’s risk tolerance, the value of the trip and circumstances that may arise that may not be covered under the terms and conditions of the base travel insurance plan,” said Adamski.

The stand-out advantage of CFAR coverage is that it may provide reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs in circumstances where no other coverage might apply.

“If a traveler has purchased the optional CFAR coverage and needs to cancel for a non-covered reason under their AIG Travel insurance plan, for example, they may be reimbursed up to 50% of their prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost,” said Adamski. “Please note that the traveler must cancel the trip, under the terms of CFAR, more than 48 hours prior to departure.” 

This flexibility comes at a cost. Adding on CFAR coverage can bump up the cost of your basic travel insurance plan by about 50%. Also, “cancel for any reason” coverage typically must be purchased at the same time you buy your travel insurance plan, and within 15 days of placing your initial deposit on your trip, said Adamski. 

Trip delay insurance

Many travel insurance policies include trip delay benefits. This can cover additional expenses like an airport dinner or a last-minute hotel stay if you start your journey and encounter a significant delay such as a canceled flight. 

Once again, the key is that the delay must be caused by a problem listed in your policy in order to qualify for coverage. These covered reasons typically include a maintenance issue with a plane, severe weather or a highway being closed due to an emergency that causes you to miss a flight. 

Not all travel insurance plans include coverage for delays caused by missed connections, and some only offer missed connection coverage for cruises and tours. 

Planning a cruise? Find the best cruise travel insurance .

Your travel insurance policy will outline what qualifying criteria, including the number of hours you need to be delayed before your coverage applies. It’s common for this waiting period to be three to 12 hours.  

If you experience a long delay, be sure to keep any receipts for expenses you incur like transportation costs, a hotel room or meals. You will be asked to submit this documentation when you file a claim.

Trip interruption insurance

Trip interruption is coverage that’s included in most comprehensive travel insurance plans that can provide benefits if you have to end your trip early. 

“The most common reasons for trip interruption are injury or sudden illness — to you or a traveling companion — during the trip,” Adamski said. “The next most common reasons are inclement weather en route or at your destination, a death in the family or a life-threatening situation back home.”

According to Adamski, there are two ways trip interruption benefits can apply when you have to end a trip early:

• If your trip is unexpectedly interrupted, trip interruption benefits may reimburse you for covered unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, such as airfare, hotel nights and tours or excursions that were booked in advance and can no longer be used.
• If you are already at your destination and have to return home for a covered reason, trip interruption benefits may cover the additional transportation costs incurred to return home early. This will typically be an economy one-way ticket. 

“Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage

“Interruption for any reason” coverage is an upgrade available with some travel insurance plans. Similar to CFAR, it lets you end your trip early for any reason, not only those listed in your policy.

“The decision to purchase IFAR coverage is closely connected to the traveler’s risk tolerance, the value of the trip and circumstances that may arise that may not be covered under the terms and conditions of the base travel insurance plan,” Adamski explained. 

If you have a fight with your travel companion, miss your pet at home or just decide you want to cut your trip short, you can rely on IFAR benefits to pay your way home and receive a percentage of the prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs you will forfeit by returning home early.

Travel medical insurance

Travel medical is a benefit in a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for medical expenses should you need medical care while traveling. If you become ill or injured, your policy can cover the cost of medical treatment, imaging, hospitalization and prescription medication.

It’s especially important to make sure your policy includes a high limit for medical expense coverage when traveling outside of the U.S. Otherwise, you could end up personally responsible for paying expensive doctor and hospital bills. 

Emergency medical evacuation coverage

Medical issues can escalate and if your medical treatment requires more specialized care, emergency evacuation insurance can be life-saving. 

Medical evacuation and transport costs can be tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on your location and the condition of the patient. If your vacation destination is remote and you suffer an illness or injury, emergency evacuation coverage will be even more vital. 

If you’re traveling internationally, the emergency evacuation coverage in your travel insurance policy may also cover the cost of returning you to the U.S. if deemed medically necessary. Without this coverage, you would have to pay out of pocket for these costs. 

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver

“A pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver is a type of insurance provision that eliminates the pre-existing condition exclusion that is usually associated with certain types of health insurance policies,” said Lynn Pina, a spokesperson with GeoBlue.

When you buy travel insurance, the insurer will typically exclude coverage for any medical condition that you had before you signed up for the policy. “This is done to prevent people from signing up for insurance only after they become sick, which would create a financial burden for the insurance company,” said Pena.

But you can often get a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver with your travel insurance as long as you meet specific requirements, such as buying the policy within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, insuring the full value of your trip and being medically able to travel at the time of your departure. 

Older travelers with health issues may want to look for plans with this waiver when shopping for senior travel insurance .

Baggage and personal effects coverage

Travel insurance can help if your baggage and personal effects are damaged, lost or stolen while you’re on a trip. 

Your policy also protects other possessions while in transit. So if your cellphone is stolen you can be covered for that loss. “You’ll need to get police reports for stolen items,” said Christina Tunnah, a spokesperson with World Nomads. You will be asked to submit this documentation when you file an insurance claim. 

Your travel insurance policy will list exclusions, per-item and total reimbursement limits and how depreciation affects the value of your items. It’s also important to note that this coverage is often secondary, meaning you may have to file a claim with your common carrier (such as the airline, if your bag is lost) or your homeowners insurance (if your personal belongings are stolen). 

Tunnah recommends you take a photo of your bag and its contents, save receipts for your items and travel without valuables. “Insurance policies have per-item and total limits, and often exclude high-value items, so it might be a good idea to leave the designer gear at home, and note that stolen cash is not covered,” she said. 

Baggage delay coverage

If an airline delays your bags en route to your destination by a certain number of hours, usually six or 12, travel insurance may provide reimbursement for the essentials you need to tide you over, like new toiletries and a change of clothes, said Tunnah. 

Be sure to keep your receipts and check your policy so you understand how waiting times will affect your reimbursement eligibility.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

“ Cancel for any reason” coverage is just what it sounds like but with caveats. “While travelers can cancel for any reason, there are usually limits to the amount of money that can be claimed, often between 50% to 75% of the nonrefundable trip costs,” said Tunnah. 

This upgrade can add 50% to the cost of travel insurance and in order to take advantage of the benefit, you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Travel medical insurance can cover you if you get sick or injured while traveling. So if you need to see a doctor, need medication, lab tests, X-rays or even surgery while on your trip, travel insurance may cover your expenses, said Tunnah from World Nomads.

If a medical condition warrants more specialized or escalated care, and if you need to be medically evacuated or even repatriated home, emergency medical evacuation insurance can cover these expenses as well. 

“It’s important to check with your insurer’s emergency assistance team, as they will be able to verify coverage, and in some cases provide advance payment to the hospital to secure your care,” said Tunnah. “Some insurers require their own emergency assistance team to organize evacuations and repatriations, so always check with them first.”

All of the companies in our best COVID travel insurance rating include coverage for COVID-19. But it’s not universally covered by travel insurance plans. 

“It’s very important to read policy terms and conditions to understand how COVID coverage works,” said Tunnah. “World Nomads policies for U.S. residents offer COVID coverage. If, for example, you get COVID before your trip, as certified by a physician or medical facility (e.g. not a home test), and you’re unable to travel, you may claim for reimbursement of nonrefundable trip costs. And while traveling, if you get COVID, you’d have coverage under your emergency medical benefits.”

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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What is Travel Insurance and How Does it Work?

Most people have some experience with car, home or health insurance, but not everyone is familiar with travel insurance and how it works. With interest in travel insurance at an all time high after the COVID pandemic, we thought it would be a good idea to explain what it really is.

To help you understand and educate yourself, we’ve answered common questions that people who are new to travel insurance often ask, like “ what is travel insurance? ,” “ what does travel insurance cover? ” and “ how does travel insurance work? ” 

What is Travel Insurance: The Basics

We’ve all heard about canceled flights and lost baggage, but most of us don’t automatically think “do we have insurance and are we covered?” Travel insurance helps protect you from certain kinds of unexpected events that can occur before or during your trip.

Unlike auto insurance, travel insurance is elective, which means it’s up to you to decide if you want it. Ultimately, it’s meant to help you travel with more peace of mind so you can worry less and focus on having a great trip.

Learn more about travel insurance: •  How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? •  Top 5 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance •  Travel Insurance Comparison: How to Choose the Right Plan

What does travel insurance cover?

The coverage that most people are aware of is  trip cancellation , which provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, prepaid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a  covered reason , such as sickness, job loss,  flight cancellations  due to adverse weather and more. Similarly, with  coverage for trip interruption  you can recoup trip costs if you can’t continue your trip due to a covered event, and our plans provide reimbursement for additional transportation costs to return home or rejoin your group.

See our full list of travel insurance coverage details and covered reasons

Travel insurance can also include lesser known elements including travel delay, lost, damaged and delayed baggage, medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Different providers offer different plans with a mix of these coverages and more, so be sure to  educate yourself about all the options  before choosing one. One way to tackle this is to determine your specific needs and  find a plan that fits . Don’t be afraid to  ask  your travel insurance provider if you have questions.

Let’s use an example. If you are taking your family on vacation to Paris, then you would probably want a plan that included coverage for trip cancellation and  post-departure coverages  during your trip. These may include Baggage, Travel Delay, Medical and Dental, and Emergency Assistance and Transportation.

Generali Global Assistance offers a  variety of plans  and add-on coverages that will help protect your trip, whether it’s a weekend vacation rental stay or a month-long trek across Europe. Additionally, our  24-Hour Emergency Services, Concierge and ID Theft Resolution services  are included with our plans. These services round out the travel protection plans, so not only can you be reimbursed for certain costs if something goes wrong with your trip, but you can get assistance in real-time when you need it on your trip.

Read more about what travel insurance covers  and what it doesn't cover

How does travel insurance work?

The process for filing a travel insurance claim is similar to car or home insurance. If you get in a car accident or have a water leak in your bathroom, you file a claim.

If something happens during your trip and you need to use your travel insurance, you’ll need to file a claim to be reimbursed. We have a page that explains how to start a claim , a great resource for learning more about the claims process.

Let’s say your baggage is delayed and you need to buy clothes and toiletries, you would submit a claim to seek reimbursement. Travel insurance comes in handy in scenarios like this.

When you’re ready to buy a plan, you can purchase directly from the travel insurance company online . Oftentimes, travel insurance is offered when buying a cruise, airfare or booking a vacation rental . We encourage customers to pay attention to the fine print. For example, a cruise line’s travel insurance may not pay cash to cover a cancelled or interrupted cruise, but instead, offer credit towards a future cruise. If you prefer cash reimbursement, that’s reason to consider purchasing direct from a travel insurance provider instead. Also consider the type of trip you are taking. If you are taking a cruise, then you may want a plan that includes Missed Connection coverage, as our plans do.

Also read:  Why Travel Insurance is Crucial for Cruise Trips

Be sure to bring a print out of your plan documents with you. If you are affected by a storm and can’t get internet or lose power, you still know what number to call and what instructions to follow. 

  Learn more about: How does travel insurance work?

When to buy travel insurance

As with all things in life, timing is everything, especially when it comes to deciding when to buy travel insurance . Travel insurance is designed to protect you against unforeseen events, which means it is meant to be bought before an event occurs. For example, you would not want to buy travel insurance after you decided to cancel a trip, for the same reason that you can’t buy car insurance to cover an accident that has already occurred.

It’s best to buy your plan when you book your trip so you are eligible for coverages that apply prior to departure. For example, if you break your leg and need to postpone hiking in the Alps, then you could be covered. 

Get the right travel protection plan for you

Should you buy travel insurance?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, we can tackle the big question. Should you buy travel insurance? There are a few major factors to consider before determining if travel insurance is right for you: cost, destination and who is traveling.

If you can’t afford to lose the amount you’ve invested in your trip, then you should probably consider travel insurance. If you’re traveling far , maybe around the world, or to a remote area where the nearest hospital is many miles away, then a travel protection plan could help save the day. It’s impossible to know what might happen to you or a traveling companion that could throw a wrench in your travel plans, especially if travelers include children or the elderly , who might be more vulnerable, travel insurance may help you rest easier before and during your trip. 

Also read:  Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance Questions Answered

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• Travel Insurance Comparison: How to Choose the Right Plan
• When to Buy Travel Insurance: Timing is Everything
• How Travel Insurance Covers You and Your Belongings While Away

Travel Resources

1.   U.S. Travel Insurance Association

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

This simple guide will show you exactly how travel insurance protects you and your money

So, what does travel insurance cover? That’s exactly what we’re here to discuss today. Here’s the very short answer:

Travel insurance covers lost money from canceled trips, emergency medical expenses, evacuation costs, baggage & delays, and 24/7 assistance.

This is a simple overview of the coverage you get with comprehensive travel insurance . The long answer is that your specific travel plan will dictate the coverage you get. For a more in-depth explanation you can read our complete guide to travel insurance coverage . Meanwhile, we’re going to explain the 5 things most travel insurance plans cover. Towards the end, we’ll recommend your next steps in securing the best possible travel insurance coverage.

So, What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 5 Common Coverages

We’re going to start by explaining what travel insurance covers. From canceled trips to medical emergencies, evacuations to delays – most of your concerns are covered by the insurance company you get your plan through. However, the degree of coverage you have is dictated by your specific plan – so read carefully when comparing travel insurance plans . Oh – and after we finish up this section, we’ll answer an equally important question: what does travel insurance not cover? First things first – let’s talk about trip cancellation coverage.

1. Cancelled Trips

This is the #1 concern with most travelers.

When planning a trip you pre-pay for many expenses like airline tickets, hotel rooms, cruise fare, Disney tickets, tour packages, and more.

If these expenses are pre-paid and non-refundable, you risk losing it if something goes wrong. Your child could get sick, a parent could pass away, a hurricane could strike. Any of these events could cause you to cancel your trip and lose all of that money.

Travel insurance reimburses your costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason

Trip Cancellation Coverage reimburses you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip before you depart . Insurance companies provide a l ist of covered reasons for trip cancellatio n , but here is an overview of the most common reasons travelers need to cancel.

Covered reasons to cancel your trip include:

• Sickness, injury, or death of you, a family member, or a traveling companion
• Hurricane damages your destination or cancels your flight
• Terrorist incident in your destination city
• Laid off from work or required to work
• Bankruptcy of your travel supplier
• Called for jury duty

By far, the most common reason someone getting sick or a family member passing away. This is especially common now with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Note: There is also an optional upgrade called Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which will allow you to call off your trip for any reason, as long as you meet the plan criteria.

Trip Interruption Coverage is similar to cancellation coverage, but covers you while you are on your trip 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 to get back home.

2. Medical emergencies

This is crucial, and often overlooked.

Most people think they are covered for medical emergencies if they already have existing health care insurance. Within the United States, that will likely be true.

But when you travel abroad, your health insurance from home might not travel with you. Most providers do not provide coverage, and Medicare never covers you abroad.

Would you feel comfortable having a family member risk inadequate medical care in a foreign country?

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

Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses

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

Even if your plan from home covers basic emergency care overseas, your current health insurance provider will almost certainly NOT pay to evacuate you and repatriate you back to the U.S.

3. Emergency evacuations

Medical emergencies can be scary, and the travel medical coverage explained above covers the medical costs.

But how do you get home? What if you need a special medical flight, or a rescue from a remote location?

Travel insurance covers emergency evacuations and medical transportation

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 a more adequate hospital, getting you back home on board a medically-staffed flight afterwards…evacuation expenses can easily cost $100,000.

4. Lost bags, delayed bags, delayed flights

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

Travel insurance covers lost baggage and flight delays

Baggage Coverage can reimburse you for your personal belongings if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged not just on your flight, but on your entire trip.

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

Travel Delay Coverage provides reimbursement for additional expenses if your flight is delayed , such as an extra night in a hotel or a meal at a restaurant.

5. Phone assistance 24/7 worldwide

This is about having a ‘lifeline’ to call when something happens.

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

This service is most important when you have a medical issue. It can be scary to have medical issues abroad where language and customs are completely different than at home.

24/7 Travel Assistance Services can help you:

• Locate the nearest adequate hospital if needed
• Organize medical transportation
• Arrange for treatment and overcome any language barriers with translators
• 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

Travel insurance can also provides coverage for:

• Life Insurance coverage for accidental death or dismemberment.
• Hazardous Sports extends the medical coverage to cover activities like SCUBA.
• Rental Car Collision replaces your personal insurance or the rental company policy.
• Identity Theft provides services to help in the event of identity theft while traveling.

What does travel insurance NOT cover?

We’ve explained what travel insurance covers – but it is just as important to ask the question of what does travel insurance not cover? Like any insurance policy, travel insurance cannot cover “everything”, after all.

For cancellations, there is a list of covered reasons for cancellation . We recently wrote a complete guide on this topic. Anything not on this list would not be covered. The list of covered reasons for cancellation includes the most common events like sickness, an accident, death, hurricane, terrorism, house fire, jury duty, needing to work, and more.

For complete peace-of-mind, Cancel For Any Reason coverage is available to extend that coverage. As we just mentioned above, this is an upgrade worth considering.

Other exclusions include losses caused by drug use, suicide, professional sports, hazardous sports (like rock climbing), and more. Again, there is a list of excluded items that would not be covered.

What does travel medical insurance cover?

The coverage above related to comprehensive travel insurance. This is the most popular type of insurance travelers buy, because it covers all parts of their trip.

If you are not concerned with cancelled trips, baggage, or delays there is a type of plan called Travel Medical insurance . Travel Medical is just focused on the medical emergency coverage, and evacuation coverage.

Travel Medical only insurance is popular with expatriates, business travelers, or those going overseas for an extended trip. You can purchase it for a year at a time, and can be renewed for several years.

What does COVID travel insurance cover?

We’ve covered what travel insurance covers – and you know the five most common coverages now. However, we want to take the time to answer another common question we’ve been asked: what does COVID travel insurance cover? At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of confusion about how trip insurance would cover Covid-related issues.

Most travel insurance companies treat Coronavirus like any other illness. This means it would cover if you get sick with Covid and need to cancel. It would also cover medical expenses if you get Covid abroad and need care.

It does not cover you if you are simply concerned about getting Covid . Many travelers thought a global pandemic would be a covered reason for cancellation, but this is excluded in many policies.

The best way to cover this concern would be a plan with the optional Cancel For Any Reason upgrade . This coverage extends your covered reasons for cancellation and would allow you to cancel the trip for Covid concerns.

What expenses does travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance covers your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs. Travelers buy travel insurance for $300 airline tickets, or for an African safari costing $70,000.

Insurable trip costs can include:

• Shore excursions
• Event tickets
• and any other pre-paid, non-refundable expense

Final Thoughts On What Travel Insurance Covers

As you can see, travel insurance covers most of the concerns travelers have. You’ll enjoy peace of mind by upgrading to cancel for any reason coverage, though. Here is a quick summary of the different things travel insurance covers:

• Canceled trips
• Medical emergencies along your trip
• Emergency evacuations
• Lost bags and travel delays
• Phone assistance

The company you ultimately end up choosing and your specific insurance plan will dictate the degree of coverage you have in these different areas. It is important to do ample research to make sure you actually have the coverage you want – and for the best price. Looking for a recommendation? We compiled a guide of the best travel insurance plans of 2022 for you.

Looking to learn more about trip insurance? Here are some of the most important related articles we’ve written. These resources will help you get the best bang for your buck with trip insurance and ensure you’ve covered all your bases:

• What is NOT covered by travel insurance?
• How much does travel insurance cost
• How do I buy travel insurance?

DamianTysdal

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.

What Travel Insurance Does Not Cover

• 30 March 2022

“Loopholes” of Travel Insurance and How to Avoid Them

• 11 February 2022

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage

• 17 October 2021

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What Is Travel Insurance and What Does It Cover?

By understanding what travel insurance is and what it covers, you can decide whether to buy it for your upcoming trips.

in under 2 minutes

with our comparison partner, Squaremouth

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Travel insurance is a type of financial protection you can buy to reimburse a portion of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if your trip gets interrupted or canceled. Travel insurance may cover medical bills incurred abroad, lost baggage, lost airline fare and more.

Read on to learn more about travel insurance and what it covers, and explore a few of our top-rated providers .

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects you from financial loss when you travel. Depending on the type of policy you purchase, travel insurance usually covers emergency situations such as trip cancellation or interruption, accidents, illnesses and trip delays . 

Since your primary health insurance is not applicable abroad, many travelers will purchase travel health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

The cost of a travel insurance policy depends on the age of the travelers, duration of the trip, location of the trip, how much the trip costs, policy tier selected and more. If you’re planning a trip and you’ve made a significant investment that you can’t afford to lose, you might need travel insurance.

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How Does Travel Insurance Work?

Like most types of insurance, travel insurance works on a reimbursement model. You pay for your travel first and if you experience a covered loss, apply for a reimbursement with your insurance provider later. For this reason, it is important to understand what a plan does and does not cover and how it works before you buy a policy. 

Primary vs. Secondary Insurance Coverage

If you purchase a travel insurance policy to supplement your standard health insurance, it is important to determine which policy will serve as the primary insurance. If your travel insurance provides the primary medical coverage, it will act as the first source of payment for eligible medical expenses. So if you incur medical bills abroad, primary medical insurance will cover your expenses without requiring you first to file a claim with your standard health insurance.

If your travel insurance offers secondary medical coverage, it will only kick in after other applicable insurance policies. In most cases, you must file a claim with your standard health insurance provider first before filing one with your travel insurance provider. Your travel medical coverage would then cover any remaining eligible expenses not covered by your primary insurance.

If you do not have health insurance, having travel insurance with secondary medical coverage is likely not as beneficial. Travel insurance policies are usually more affordable than primary medical coverage, and because you do not have backup insurance, can act as immediate primary coverage. 

However, some policies offering secondary coverage outline a minimum health insurance requirement for claim validity. So, read all the terms of your proposed travel policy before purchasing.

Coverage Limits and Requirements

Travel insurance policies have financial caps or dollar limits on covered situations. For example, if your policy offers $150,000 in emergency medical expenses, your provider will pay out a maximum of $150,000 toward covered expenses. If your expenses exceed $150,000, you are responsible for the extra costs. 

For trip interruption and cancellation protection, insurers usually calculate coverage as a percentage of your total trip cost. So, if interruption benefits include 125% coverage reimbursement on a trip with a total value of $5,000, you can claim up to $6,250 in benefits. For reference, most travel insurance plans include 100% trip cancellation coverage and a minimum of 125% trip interruption coverage to compensate for extra charges such as unexpected flight changes.

In addition to knowing coverage limits, noting any policy use restrictions before buying a plan is good practice. Your provider will likely require you to document all expenses incurred when you file a claim, such as if you buy clothing and cosmetics to replace lost baggage . Most travel insurers also ask you to contact a representative to request authorization before using a medical evacuation benefit, even after being hospitalized.  

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance is a holistic insurance that covers you in multiple areas. Let’s look at the most common coverages you’re likely to find on your travel insurance policy. 

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Most travel insurance plans include trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if your trip is canceled or delayed for a reason outlined in your policy. Valid reasons for cancellation usually involve extreme personal or financial hardship, such as:

• An illness, injury or hospitalization that prevents you from traveling
• Death of a family member or travel companion 
• Legal obligations, such as jury duty
• Natural disasters
• Acts of terrorism or war 

Trip interruption coverage offers financial protection if you must return home earlier than originally planned. If a family member gets sick back home while you’re abroad, your trip interruption coverage may cover a sudden return flight and reimburse unused trip expenses.

Specific reasons that qualify the use of trip cancellation and interruption benefits vary by insurance company. If you want to extend your benefits to cover more situations, consider buying cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage , which lets you claim a partial reimbursement no matter why you cancel.

Baggage Loss or Delay

Benefits for lost or delayed baggage pay for the cost of belongings if an airline temporarily or permanently loses your luggage. However, baggage delay coverage usually has more limited benefits for temporary needs — such as clothing and toiletries — if a travel carrier sends your luggage to the wrong location. This coverage will also typically reimburse you for stolen belongings during a trip. 

To prove a loss or delay to your insurer, you usually need to provide documentation, such as receipts and a property irregularity report (PIR) from an airline. It is also important to note the financial limits on eligible claim items. For example, while most baggage loss policies cover jewelry, you may face a limitation of $100 or less for each lost piece of jewelry. You can also consider additional coverage riders for exceptionally high-value items, such as musical instruments and sporting equipment. 

Auto Rental Damage Coverage

If you plan to rent a vehicle while away, consider adding rental car coverage to your travel insurance policy. Travel insurance usually includes auto collision coverage, which usually pays for damage to a rental car. So if you total your rental car in an accident, collision insurance helps pay the cost of repairs.

Depending on your rental car provider and where you’re visiting, you may need liability coverage to drive legally. In the U.S., for example, each state sets liability requirements for drivers. Travel insurance with auto coverage usually does not supply the necessary liability insurance to drive, so consult with your rental car company to learn more about meeting local requirements.

Vacation Rental Coverage

Some insurance companies also have vacation rental coverage that pays for the cost of any damage done to a short-term rental property. For example, if you rent an Airbnb and your pet urinates on the carpet, the rental owner might charge you for the cost of cleaning or replacing the rug. Depending on your policy coverage, vacation rental insurance would cover this charge.

Travel insurers typically classify auto rental and vacation rental coverage as add-ons, meaning coverage is not included under most standard plans. If you select either add-on, your premium will increase. 

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

If you’re visiting a remote area or taking a cruise , you might consider insurance to cover medical transportation. Emergency medical evacuation coverage can help you pay for the cost of transportation services if you are far from a local facility equipped to treat your injuries. 

Some policies also offer the ability to use emergency evacuation services because of civil unrest or a political emergency.

Travel Medical Insurance Coverage

Travel medical insurance helps cover medical bills you might incur while on a trip away from home. Many health insurance policies, including government-sponsored policies like Medicare , do not cover injuries and illnesses incurred abroad. A travel medical insurance plan can help you pay the medical bills if you need healthcare while traveling outside your primary health insurance plan’s service area. 

“Find out what, if anything, your domestic health insurance covers when you travel. Even if you do, it could be only for emergencies, and your health insurance company’s definition of an emergency might not be the same as yours. Because of this, we always recommend travel medical insurance for international travel.”

– Angela Borden, Product Marketing Specialist at Seven Corners

Travel Insurance Additional Benefits

Some travel insurance providers offer benefits beyond the above-listed standard inclusions, such as:

• Document replacement: If you lose your passport or personal ID card while abroad, you may need to visit a local consulate for a replacement. Travel insurance with document replacement coverage can help you cover the associated cost.
• Flight departure delay: Some insurers, such as Berkshire Hathaway , give you a credit if your flight gets delayed by more than two hours. You can use the credit to pay for refreshments or entertainment, such as Wi-Fi, during a delay.
• Tarmac delay: Some companies provide a set benefit if your flight is stuck on the tarmac for a specific number of hours. 
• Other benefits : Some insurance providers include additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or identity theft coverage.

What’s Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Each travel insurance company creates its own policy packages, meaning exclusions vary from company to company. You should assume that any services not listed in your contract are excluded from coverage. Some of the most common circumstances when you cannot use your travel insurance coverage include the following:

Most travel insurance policies cover sudden travel expenses resulting from unexpected natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. However, your coverage won’t apply to losses caused by storms that were already named when you booked your insurance.

If you’re traveling abroad to seek medical treatments, there’s always the chance of complications increasing the cost of your services. Medical tourism expenses are not covered under travel insurance policies.

Even if you purchase trip cancellation coverage, you cannot cancel your travel for any reason and still claim a refund. If you change your mind and don’t want to travel anymore, your travel insurance will not reimburse you for your expenses

Other standard exclusions include:

• Fear of flying
• Injuries incurred during extreme sports
• Preexisting conditions (on medical policies)
• Travel to high-risk destinations

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

The price you pay for travel insurance depends on several factors, including:

• Your total trip cost: The amount you pay for your trip will impact your travel insurance quote, with more expensive trips usually costing more to insure due to the risk of higher payouts.
• Destination: Some countries have more robust government and healthcare infrastructures than others. The quality and average cost of medical services in the country you’re visiting will typically influence your insurance cost.
• Length of your vacation: The longer the duration of your trip, the more you will typically pay for travel insurance.
• Your age: Older travelers usually pay more for travel insurance because insurance companies assume they are more likely to get hurt, sick or experience an accident, such as a fall, while abroad.

To help give you an idea of what you might pay for travel insurance, the MarketWatch Guide team gathered a series of quotes for several sample trips. Here is the pricing for popular plans with our recommended providers. 

What Is the Cheapest Travel Insurance?

After extensive review, our team found the average cost of a basic travel insurance policy is between $91 and $108 . The least expensive travel insurance companies are Travelex, Faye and Nationwide, according to our review. 

Read more about the cheapest travel insurance providers in our review. 

How Do I Get Travel Insurance?

Are you thinking about buying a travel insurance policy for your upcoming trip ? Here’s how to start comparing policies to get the coverage you need.

Check Current Coverage

If you’re primarily concerned about buying travel insurance for medical expenses and already have health insurance, travel insurance might not be a necessary expense. Employer-sponsored medical coverage, for example, will provide health care coverage anywhere you travel within the United States. Companies that provide ACA-compliant health insurance plans are also legally required to cover emergency services administered at any medical facility in the United States.

If you’re traveling internationally, your health plan will likely have exclusions or limitations on treatments you receive abroad. For example, most Medicare plans don’t offer coverage for international treatments. Contact your health insurance provider to learn what, if anything, your plan will cover abroad.

You might also have additional protections you’re unaware of. Some credit card companies offer limited coverage for airline baggage delays, and life insurance coverage for accidental death and dismemberment still applies abroad.

Assess all your household coverages and consult with insurance providers you’re currently working with to see how much extra trip insurance you need.

Consider Individual Needs

The best travel protection for your upcoming trip will depend on what you’ve spent on the trip, where you’re going and how often you travel. You’ll also need to consider the types of coverage you might need, especially if you’re headed abroad. For example, if you have a chronic condition that requires regular medical care in professional settings, you should consider coverage for a medical evacuation.

Like every other type of insurance, no single travel insurance policy will cover all expenses you might incur. Coverage limits apply to every trip, with the upper limit as the maximum amount that your insurance will compensate you. The higher your coverage limit, the more you’ll pay for your travel insurance plan — but it’s essential to tell the truth about your trip cost to be sure that you have adequate coverage. 

You can often save money on your coverage by selecting a policy with a lower deductible .

Now that you understand the multiple travel insurance types available, it’s time to begin claiming free quotes from competing insurance providers. Though most travel insurance providers allow you to claim a quote online, you can also contact most companies’ representatives via phone or email if you prefer personal assistance.

Remember to get a free quote from multiple insurance providers before choosing the right policy.

How Do I Use My Travel Insurance?

If you’ve ever needed to file a claim with your car insurance or pet insurance provider, you’re already familiar with the process of filing a travel insurance claim. While you’ll need to cover any emergency expenses on your own at the time of service, you can file a claim with proof of your loss or expense to your insurance company. Your insurance company will then assess your claim to ensure that your situation is covered before reimbursing you according to your policy.

You’ll need to incur a travel cost or expense that’s specifically covered by your insurance policy to claim a reimbursement. Make sure you read the fine print on your insurance contract before signing up for coverage, and save all receipts from your trip to maximize your benefits.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

While some countries or visa requirements require travel insurance, many countries do not require U.S. travelers to purchase a policy as a condition of entry. You also do not need travel insurance to travel within the U.S. or visit Canada. 

Whether you should purchase travel insurance depends on your circumstances. Travel insurance is typically most valuable for expensive trips because you can recoup a higher value of expenses. In other words, reimbursement eligibility scales with vacation value. You may find insurance for low-cost trips tougher to justify financially — especially if part of the trip is refundable or you already have some insurance benefits through a travel credit card . 

Travel insurance is potentially of value if your regular health insurance is limited or you’re traveling to an area with a limited medical infrastructure. Getting sick or hurt abroad often comes at a high expense, especially if you require medical evacuation services to a hospital. Travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuations can help cover these costs, especially if your primary health insurance does not extend abroad.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

If you’re preparing for a trip, is it worth purchasing travel insurance ? The answer to this question will vary depending on your unique circumstances. If you’re preparing for an expensive international vacation, it’s likely worth the money to insure your trip against cancellation. This is especially true for long-distance trips that require expensive airfare. 

You might also want to consider travel insurance if you have known medical conditions that might cause you to need last-minute trip adjustments. 

Even if you don’t think you’ll buy travel insurance, getting a free quote or two takes only a few minutes — coverage might be more affordable than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

Is it necessary to have travel insurance.

No law mandates purchasing travel insurance when you go abroad. However, you will be financially liable for any money lost due to travel delays or cancellations if you don’t have insurance. If you’ve prepaid for your upcoming trip, you should at least consider a trip cancellation coverage package to recoup a portion of your funds in an emergency.

What are the benefits of travel insurance?

Travel insurance benefits can include reimbursement for lost baggage, medical expenses and other costs incurred when you cancel a trip or encounter a delay. Travel insurance can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can recover a portion of the cost of your trip if something goes wrong or you have an emergency.

Where can I purchase travel insurance?

You can purchase travel insurance through independent insurance companies, many of which offer a range of insurance products. Some of the most well-known names in travel insurance include Allianz, Nationwide and AIG. If you booked your vacation through a travel agency, your agent might also be able to recommend and book travel insurance for your journey.

What is the difference between travel insurance and a medical plan?

Travel medical insurance is a limited type of health insurance coverage that can help you pay for treatments and emergency services you require abroad. While you likely have a medical plan in the form of health insurance through your employer, most insurance companies don’t extend benefits to international services. Travel insurance covers medical expenses like a domestic medical plan but allows you to file claims for specific services and treatments received abroad.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

• What Does It Not Cover?
• Travel Insurance Requirements
• When Insurance Is Not Necessary
• Travel Insurance Costs
• When Is It Worth It?

The Bottom Line

• Personal Finance

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

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Travel insurance can offer financial protection if you cancel an expensive, nonrefundable vacation for an approved reason. Travel insurance can also cover your medical bills if you experience a medical emergency while traveling. However, sometimes you can get away with not purchasing it.

“Ultimately, the decision to purchase travel insurance should be based on your individual circumstances, including your destination, planned activities, health condition, and financial situation,” Rajeev Shrivastava, founder and CEO of insurance marketplace VisitorsCoverage, told Investopedia via email.

Key Takeaways

• Travel insurance typically covers a variety of situations, such as trip cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• A travel insurance policy generally costs 4% to 10% of the cost of a trip.
• Seriously consider buying travel insurance if you’re taking a nonrefundable trip or traveling internationally.
• Existing coverage from homeowners, health insurance, and credit cards might mean you don’t need to buy a separate travel insurance policy, but it's still smart to look at the best travel insurance companies before your trip.

Travel insurance policies typically cover these five financial and health risks:

Trip Cancellations, Interruptions, and Delays

Illness, the death of a traveler’s family member, bad weather, job loss, or a natural disaster are a few circumstances that might trigger reimbursement of prepaid travel costs, such as plane tickets or emergency expenses. However, only reasons outlined by the insurance policy are covered, so review exclusions.

Luggage and Rental Car Damage or Loss

A travel insurance policy might cover lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, personal items, or auto rentals. In some cases, the coverage might include reimbursement of purchases (such as clothing) you needed to make because you didn’t have your luggage. An auto rental damage waiver covers a rental vehicle’s damage or theft.

Travel Health Insurance 

Travel insurance kicks in for medical or dental emergencies when your regular U.S. health insurance doesn’t apply. Remember that even if a country has a low-cost or free nationalized health system, you’ll pay out of pocket if you are not a citizen.

Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation coverage reimburses you if you must be evacuated from a remote area to a hospital. For example, if you become seriously ill while trekking in the Swiss Alps, travel insurance may pay for you to be airlifted to a big-city hospital for treatment. Medical evacuation from a remote location can cost as much as $250,000. This insurance may be part of travel health insurance or a stand-alone policy.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

This type of coverage pays benefits to your survivors if you get injured or die while on a trip. Injuries are typically limited to losing an eye, hand, foot, or limb.

Many travel insurance policies provide 24/7 assistance to help you find medical care, make travel arrangements, and contact loved ones in an emergency.

What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover? 

A standard travel insurance policy won’t cover some cancellation reasons. For example, a standard travel insurance policy won’t provide coverage if you decide to back out of a trip because you need to cut back on spending. You would need to purchase “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . Even CFAR has its own rules, such as canceling within a specific time frame.

Other losses that traditional travel insurance may or may not cover include:

• Costs associated with preexisting health conditions, pregnancy complications, or mental health issues
• Injury costs after participating in higher-risk activities such as rock climbing or skydiving
• Trip interruption, cancellation, or other losses due to health and disease outbreaks or natural disasters
• Cancellations due to terrorism, civil unrest, or any U.S. State Department warnings

Ask the insurer about exclusions to find out which exclusions apply, or review documentation. You may be able to find travel health insurance coverage that won’t exclude your mountain-climbing injuries, for example. 

Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?

Many countries don’t require travel or health insurance now that the COVID-19 pandemic is in retreat. However, future disease outbreaks can influence requirements. Check the U.S. State Department’s website and destination government sites for the most current information on health requirements and recommendations.

For example, Thailand still requires visitors to carry $10,000 in travel medical insurance if they’re coming from a country with pre-departure COVID tests. However, the United States doesn’t require pre-departure COVID testing, making the insurance unnecessary for Americans.

Some nations have blanket requirements for coverage. Cuba requires U.S. airlines leaving from the U.S. to pay for each passenger’s health insurance. Every international traveler entering Saudi Arabia receives government-supplied travel medical insurance for emergencies.

Travelers entering Qatar must purchase emergency and accident services health insurance from a Qatar-registered insurer.

In some countries, you must apply for a visa to visit, even for a few days. In Nepal, U.S. visitors applying for the required six-month visa must demonstrate proof of a six-month international health insurance policy.  

When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary?

Suppose you’re taking a short trip in your own country and have adequate health insurance. In that case, you might not need travel insurance, according to Jason Eckhoff , founder and CEO of the BusinessClass.com travel website, as told to Investopedia via email.]

In addition, if you’re taking a trip with refundable costs—such as airfare—and can cancel it without being financially penalized, then travel insurance may not be necessary.

You may not need travel insurance if your credit card offers robust benefits. Travel credit cards and other credit cards may provide the following coverages: 

• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Emergency evacuation and transportation
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Lost or delayed luggage reimbursement
• Auto damage waivers
• Roadside emergency assistance

However, Jiten Puri, founder and CEO of insurance marketplace PolicyAdvisor.com, noted that this coverage might be limited, such as providing only basic medical care or not covering trip cancellation or interruption.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Generally, travel insurance costs 4% to 10% of the total prepaid, nonrefundable expenses for your trip. If you buy travel insurance for a cruise with a $6,000 price tag, you might pay anywhere from $240 to $600 for a policy.

The cost of travel insurance varies by insurer. Investopedia reviewed six insurers’ travel insurance plans offering trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical/evacuation, and baggage loss/damage found the following ranges:

Factors that affect the cost of travel insurance include:

• Age : This is the largest factor in rates charged for travel insurance. Older travelers and travelers with preexisting medical conditions might find travel insurance costs more than it does for other travelers.
• Coverage type and dollar amount : A policy with fewer coverage types and where your trip expenses are lower typically costs less than coverage for higher dollar amounts or extra benefits, such as CFAR insurance .
• Trip length : The more days you travel, the more risks you might encounter.
• Number of travelers : A trip with six people might be riskier (and cost more) than a trip with two people.

Remember that an insurer may turn you down or charge you more after reviewing your application based on the insurer’s risk standards. 

When Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

David Leiter , publisher of The World Travel Guy blog, said it’s generally a good idea to buy travel insurance with appropriate coverages if you’re:

• Taking a pricey trip with nonrefundable costs
• Traveling internationally
• Visiting a remote location without easy access to medical care

Eckhoff suggested considering buying travel insurance if you:

• Have a preexisting medical condition, as long as the policy covers your needs
• Are visiting a country threatened by political instability, natural disasters, or health risks
• Participate in higher-risk activities, increasing the odds of becoming injured or ill

In addition to the above, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends buying supplemental travel health insurance if you’re traveling for more than six months.

The U.S. State Department suggests buying insurance before you travel and reviewing the country information page of your destination before you travel.

The CDC recommends seeking a travel health insurance policy that makes payments directly to the provider or hospital, provides 24-hour physician support, offers emergency medical transport to the U.S. or equivalent, and covers high-risk activities.

“If you’re shopping for travel insurance, make sure you get something that fits you, your destination, and your style of travel. Think of what’s most likely to go wrong in your situation, and then pick a plan that will cover it,” Leiter recommended.

Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Have Health Insurance?

Your existing health insurance may cover emergency care during international travel. However, only some health insurance plans kick in when traveling abroad. Before buying extra travel insurance, check with your health insurance company about on-the-go coverage; ask if you must seek preauthorization and which exclusions apply.

Do I Need Travel Insurance if My Credit Card Has Built-in Travel Protection?

Built-in travel protection from one of your credit cards may be all you need for your trip. For instance, if your primary goal is to obtain trip cancellation coverage, then your credit card benefits might be adequate. However, you may want to buy travel insurance if your credit card lacks sufficient medical coverage—or offers no medical coverage.

Is Travel Insurance the Same as Cancellation Insurance?

Travel insurance is not the same as cancellation insurance. However, cancellation insurance is often one component of travel insurance. So, your travel insurance policy may offer reimbursement for a cancellation due to specific circumstances, such as a death. But travel insurance can also cover medical expenses, lost baggage, and auto rental damage.

Does Travel Insurance Protect My Possessions?

Homeowners and renters insurance can cover your possessions when you’re traveling. However, that coverage might not be enough to protect valuable items such as jewelry or may not cover the total cost for replacement. Furthermore, filing a homeowners or renters insurance claim might increase your premium.

How Can I Save Money on Travel Insurance?

Don’t go with the first travel insurance policy you come across. Instead, shop around to make sure you’re getting the most coverage at the best price. Also, if you’re booking a trip through a travel agency or tour operator, ask for a package deal, including travel insurance.

Buying travel insurance might not be necessary if you’re traveling domestically or going on a refundable trip, or if you carry adequate coverage through a credit card. “We would always recommend getting travel insurance. But if you are extremely elderly or in very poor health, your travel insurance premiums may be expensive,” Puri said.

Travel insurance generally provides “invaluable peace of mind,” Puri said. For instance, travel insurance can be a smart investment if you’re traveling internationally and purchased a high-cost, nonrefundable trip.

Mass.gov (Commonwealth of Massachusetts). “ Travel Insurance .”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “ Travel Insurance .”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “ Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance: CDC Yellow Book 2024 .”

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. “ Travel Insurance .”

Tourism Authority of Thailand. “ Health Insurance Instruction and Requirements .”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “ CDC Rescinds Order Requiring Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Prior to Flight to the U.S. ”

U.S. Department of State, Travel. “ Cuba International Travel Information .”

Saudi Arabia Health Insurance Council. “​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Tourists Health Insurance .”

State of Qatar, Ministry of Public Health. “ Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme .”

Government of Nepal, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Immigration. “ Information Regarding Visa Reciprocity .”

U.S. Department of State, Travel. “ Insurance Coverage Overseas .”

The Hartford, Extra Mile Blog. “ Traveling? Are You Covered by Insurance? ”

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What is travel insurance?

What is travel protection.

• Travel insurance vs. Travel protection

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Travel protection conclusion and recommendations, travel insurance vs. travel protection faqs, travel insurance vs travel protection: understanding the differences.

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• Travel protection covers trip cancellations, while travel insurance covers cancellations and medical costs.
• Travel insurance is usually more expensive than travel protection, as it provides more coverage.
• Travel insurance typically costs 4-8% of your total trip costs, more with CFAR protection.

In high school geometry class, you likely learned all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. The same can be said for the perceived connection between travel insurance and travel protection. The two similar-sounding terms describe entirely different products if you're researching how to protect your trip. While all travel protection plans are considered travel insurance, but not all travel insurance provides travel protection.

Suffice it to say the confusion surrounding this topic, even among savvy travelers, is all-too-common.

"Travel protection and travel insurance are sometimes used interchangeably, but these two products are quite different and work best when they complement one another," says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, who cuts to the root of the problem. Understanding the difference between the two products is essential to ensure you have the right coverage for your next trip

Coverage and Benefits

Travel insurance is a regulated product purchased by the consumer from a third party and underwritten by a reputable insurance company. Depending on the policy purchased, travel insurance can help cover losses associated with travel delays, lost luggage, medical expenses, or trip cancellations. In addition, many travel insurance plans have added specialty coverage from sports equipment to pets and roadside service. 

You can buy travel insurance exclusively for trip cancellations, flights, or other individual service. Or you can expand your coverage by purchasing a cancel for any reason (CFAR) policy .

Limitations and exclusions

According to the Generali Travel Insurance, most Insurance companies enforce the following limitations and exclusions: 

• Reasonably foreseeable events (i.e., known storms, epidemics, acts of war)
• Travel restrictions by government authorities
• Pre-existing conditions (unless a waiver applies)
• High-risk activities

Coverage Scope

Travel protection (also called trip protection) is an unregulated product purchased directly from the provider (from travel agencies and credit card issuers to airlines and cruise ship companies). This option offers limited trip cancellation coverage in the form of fees waived and credit issued in the case of changes to the itinerary and cancellation, respectively. 

Buyers cannot make travel protection more comprehensive, which means limited, less customizable options. This could be sufficient if you're insuring a short-term, domestic trip. But more extensive trips require more extensive coverage, which travel insurance may be better suited for.

Typical Inclusions

Your coverage options vary by insurance provider, but most will offer trip cancellation and trip interruption. These coverages insurers nonrefundable, prepaid expenses, and additional expenses incurred due to a cancellation or interruption.

Comparing travel insurance and travel protection

Differences in coverage.

Cronin is critical of travel protection, saying it is not "a suitable policy in place of insurance, rather a good add-on if the price is right." He underscores while trip protection policies can be pretty generous, services remain unregulated and rife with exclusions.

Nicholas Imtias, an avid world traveler, learned this the hard way after opting for budget-friendly travel protection for a canceled overseas trip. Unfortunately, he could not utilize the waiver he received for a flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives when the unregulated protection proved nothing but an empty promise.

Additionally, most non-insurance providers offer medical-related coverage. This could be crucial coverage if you're traveling abroad, especially if your health insurance isn't effective at your destination. 

Cost Considerations

As such, when compared side-by-side, the cost of travel protection will invariably be less than the cost of travel insurance, making it an attractive option for many who still need to do their homework.

Trip protection may pop up when booking your flight, whether through a deal site like Expedia or the main airline website. In most cases, premiums are low, totaling as little as $25-$30 for a short flight. But, as mentioned before, it only covers the flight.

The cost of travel insurance, on the other hand, equates to a percentage of the trip's total cost. Typically, premiums equate to an average of 4-8% of trip costs. Of course, a good travel insurance plan can't protect you from the inconvenience and sheer expense of an emergency while traveling abroad (which, depending upon the specifics, could be thousands of dollars or more) or ahead of time. But it can help to make you whole after the fact.

This could mean giving you a claim settlement to cover toiletries and other necessities in the immediate aftermath of a lost bag. It could also mean reimbursing you for a portion of nonrefundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip. For travelers researching "how to protect your trip," travel insurance covers what we forget about until we need it.

The exact costs for travel insurance vary based on the trip and the coverage you want. For example, if you want cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, you should expect a hefty increase in your premiums. But for people canceling trips for excluded reasons with a regular travel insurance plan, CFAR coverage would be well worth it. The general rule is simple: the more protection you want, the more you'll have to pay.

Choosing the right option for your trip

Assessing your travel needs.

Many people have a simple question: how much should I spend on travel insurance? The answer is it depends. So, before making any decisions and signing on the dotted line, consider your travel needs and budget.

"Travel insurance is designed to protect you and your trip from unexpected costs and losses …[and] depending on the plan you choose, the coverage can be very comprehensive," Pamela Bardo, vice president of Customer Service & Delivery at FlightHub Group, says.

"Rather than providing broad coverage, travel protection typically protects the customer's purchase in case they need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness," Bardo explains. She emphasizes that travel protection does not typically cover indirect costs, such as the high costs of an emergency evacuation.

Travelers should look at the specifics of their travel plans and buy the appropriate plan. For example, suppose you're traveling from California to New York. In that case, you should get protection for your flight, and you might want to consider cancel for any reason coverage, depending on many factors. However, getting medical travel insurance wouldn't make sense when your regular health insurance travels with you.

On the other hand, if you're traveling to Thailand, you'll want to protect the most expensive part of your trip (flight). You'll also want to get a robust medical plan in case something goes wrong in a country where you do not have other health insurance.

Factors to consider

Before choosing between travel insurance and protection, consider the following factors: 

• Destination: If you're traveling internationally or to a high-risk area, consider purchasing a policy. Travel protection may be enough if you're taking a domestic trip to see family members. 
• Trip cost: A costlier and longer trip may require higher coverage limits, which travel insurance tends to provide. Travel protection often has limits over what and how much it'll cover. 
• Activities: High-risk activities (i.e., sports, outdoor activities, etc.) increase the risk of injury. Travel protections likely won't cover high-risk events, but travel insurance gives you the option to include a sports and adventures add-on. 

Purchasing tips and best practices

You can buy travel insurance through an insurance provider, comparison site, broker, or travel agency. You can purchase protection through the service provider. For example, hotels, airlines, and large events may protect your purchase if you cancel. But you may find that not all services or events provide this benefit.  

Opting into protection or buying insurance shortly after you make your first trip deposit ensures that all future cancellations are covered. If you choose not to purchase your policy immediately, you must do so within a certain amount of time to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage  — usually 14 days. 

Reading and understanding policy terms

Travel insurance and protection features can overlap, but both come with several exclusions. It's important to know what coverages you require. It's also important to read through your insurance policy or travel protection's terms and conditions to determine which one is right for you. 

Making an Informed Decision

Travel insurance and travel protection are valuable tools designed to help keep travelers safe and protected on their journeys. Both provide peace of mind while en route to destinations around the globe. But it's essential to consider factors unique to your itineraries, such as the length and cost of your trip, potential personal risks or concerns, and any existing insurance coverage. All these things allow travelers to make the right decision for their travel plans.

Whether travel protection is enough for international travel depends on your situation. Travel insurance is generally recommended for more extensive, international trips due to its comprehensive coverage. It includes medical emergencies which travel protection plans don't typically cover.

Yes, especially if the travel protection is free or more cost-effective than specific coverage from travel insurance policies. Before purchasing travel insurance, be sure you don't already have a travel protection benefit.

No, travel protection does not cover medical emergencies. Trip cancellation and interruption are more common benefits.

You should prioritize travel protection if you're taking a domestic trip, as your primary health insurance provider should adequately cover you when you're in the country, reducing your need for travel medical coverage.

Travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions if purchased within a certain timeframe. while travel protection plans typically don't cover medical emergencies and pre-existing conditions.

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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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

What is a "reasonably foreseeable" event?

You don't need a crystal ball to predict a foreseeable event. A foreseeable event is an outcome that a reasonable person in similar circumstances would expect to occur. For instance, if your business partner has been indicted for fraud and you schedule a vacation during his trial, it's foreseeable that you'll be subpoenaed and have to cancel your trip.

Or, suppose your mother has just been hospitalized following a serious fall when you purchase travel insurance for an upcoming business trip. Because of her prognosis, it's foreseeable that you may have to cancel your trip because her condition worsens. In short, if you're buying travel insurance with a specific scenario in mind—"I'll probably have to cancel this trip because of X"—then it's likely to be a foreseeable event. You're better off rescheduling the trip.

Unforeseen severe weather: What does travel insurance cover?

If a hurricane or a winter storm ruins your vacation , travel insurance can be your best friend. Let's say a severe storm slams into the Bahamas and damages the resort where you're staying, rendering it uninhabitable. Travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid trip costs plus the extra cost of flying back home early. If your trip is delayed because the storm canceled your flight, travel insurance can reimburse you for the cost of a hotel room or meals while you wait.

However, timing is everything. Once a storm is named or otherwise identified in one of our Coverage Alerts , or by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or other forecasting entity, it becomes a foreseeable event with known potential to affect your travel. This means that if you buy travel insurance after a storm has been named, you won't be covered for losses related to that storm. You would, however, be covered for other situations—for instance, if you had to interrupt your trip because of a covered illness.

How does travel insurance work for existing medical conditions?

The concept of "reasonably foreseeable events" gets complicated when you're talking about existing medical conditions. For instance, if you've been treated in the past for back problems, and then a slipped disc forces you to cancel your trip, is that something you should have foreseen?

Here's how we look at it. Allianz Travel Insurance plans can cover most existing medical conditions if you insure the full cost of your trip within 14 days of paying your first trip deposit and if you're medically able to travel when you do so. We define an existing medical condition as an illness or injury that you, a traveling companion or family member were seeking or receiving treatment for, or had symptoms of on the day you purchased your plan, or at any time in the 120 days before you purchased it.

Again, timing is everything. To make sure your existing medical condition is covered, get your doctor to certify you're medically able to travel before you buy travel insurance. And don't wait to buy coverage; make sure you purchase your plan within that 14-day window after making your first trip payment (for things such as plane tickets or cruise reservations).

Unforeseen pregnancy complications: What does travel insurance cover?

Allianz Travel Insurance can cover claims resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or pre-term labor. This means if you must cancel or interrupt a trip because of a covered pregnancy complication, your travel insurance may reimburse you for nonrefundable trip costs. Your plan may also reimburse you for the emergency medical care you received for those unforeseen complications while traveling.

However, travel insurance does not cover trip cancellations due to normal pregnancy, unless your plan names normal pregnancy as a covered reason and the pregnancy occurred after the effective date of coverage (usually the date your plan was purchased). Nor does travel insurance cover the costs of normal childbirth while traveling. To learn more, read this quick guide to pregnancy and travel insurance .

Unforeseen events that travel insurance does not cover

While travel insurance specifically excludes losses caused by reasonably foreseeable events, that doesn't mean every unforeseen event is covered, either. When you purchase an Allianz Travel Insurance plan, it names specific covered reasons for trip cancellation or trip interruption. Reasons that aren't named aren't covered. Also, like other travel insurance plans, your Allianz Travel Insurance plan excludes losses caused by things like:

• War (declared or undeclared), acts of war, military duty
• Civil disorder or unrest (unless expressly covered)
• Participation in or training for any professional or amateur sporting competition while on your trip
• Participating in extreme, high-risk sports or activities
• Nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination
• Natural disasters (except when expressly covered)
• Air, water or other pollution or threat of pollutant release
• Terrorist events
• An act of gross negligence by you or a traveling companion
• Travel against the orders or advice of any government or other public authority.
• Epidemic or pandemic (unless expressly covered)

It's important to note that while epidemics are generally excluded, most of our travel insurance plans include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement , which adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. (Benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions). To see if your plan includes this endorsement and what it covers, please look for "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.

Read more: Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

To learn more about your policy's covered reasons, we advise reading your  plan documents .

Have questions? No problem. Call us at 1-866-884-3556, and our travel insurance experts will walk you through the policy documents and explain your benefits. If you’re not satisfied with the coverage, you have 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to request a refund, provided you haven't started your trip or initiated a claim. After this review period, your premium is nonrefundable.

Related Articles

• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works
• Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?
• Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Have Health Insurance?

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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5 Things You Must Know Before Ever Buying Travel Insurance

Whether you are a frequent traveler or someone who only takes one long vacation a year, having travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you plan to go abroad. Travel insurance can help you cover any unexpected expenses like medical care and lost or delayed baggage. 

However, before buying travel insurance there are five key things you should keep in mind to ensure the best coverage for your needs:

Always Understand Properly What You Are Getting 

Not all insurance policies are equal. The coverage usually includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, picking the cheapest insurance may come with certain exclusions and claim limits. For instance, some policies also cover natural disasters, while others don't.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Matter

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions is required for every insurance, including travel. Checking things like whether the policy covers any necessary doctor visit or hospital stay related to a previous condition is included in the policy or not, will help you immensely later.

Check The Claim Process To Avoid Any Hassle Later 

Before purchasing a policy, check how the claims are processed and the documentation you will require. While some insurers have a straightforward online process, others may need more legwork. To get a better understanding, checking reviews of past customers can be helpful.

Where You Plan To Go Will Affect Your Insurance Needs 

Whether you plan to go to one place or more, your destination will play a role in determining the travel insurance policy needed. For example, if you plan to go to a place with a history of political upheaval or terrorism, choosing a policy with evacuation coverage would be wise.

Don't Settle For The First Policy You Find

Doing research, comparing notes of customer reviews, cost and coverage, and shopping around for different plans, helps you tailor the best policy for your need. Create a checklist of what are your requirements, and then compare policies. Websites with aggregated insurance options can be a good starting point.

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The Guide to Single Trip Travel Insurance

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

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Table of Contents

How single trip travel insurance works

How to choose between travel insurance companies, best plans for single trip travel insurance, other tips for travel insurance for a single trip, travel cards that come with complimentary travel insurance, single travel insurance for a trip recapped.

There are many types of travel insurance, including plans that’ll reimburse you for emergency medical expenses or unexpected travel delays. Along with coverage types, there are also different durations of travel insurance.

Single trip travel insurance will cover you during one vacation, while multitrip or annual travel insurance can last for multiple outings. Let’s take a look at single trip travel insurance, what kind of coverage you can expect and how to choose a plan that works for you.

Purchasing a travel insurance plan is fairly simple, as is making a claim. It generally goes like this:

You gather a few quotes from travel insurance companies.

You pick a plan that suits your needs and customize it to your liking.

You purchase your plan and include a date for it to start.

You go on your trip.

If something happens (such as a flight delay), keep the proof.

You make a claim with your travel insurance company.

The travel insurance company reimburses you. 

There are a few variations in how this can work (for instance, some travel insurance plans can pay a medical provider directly), but for the most part, this is how the process will go. This is the case whether you have one-trip travel insurance or multitrip travel insurance.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

There are several travel insurance companies out there, which can make choosing a plan difficult.

NerdWallet analysis found that some travel insurance providers rise above the rest in terms of breadth and depth of coverage, cost, customizability, and overall customer satisfaction. Jump to see our findings on the bets plans for single trip travel insurance.

However, before choosing a company and purchasing a plan, consider these questions:

How much am I willing to pay?

Do I want trip protection, emergency medical coverage or both?

Do I already have coverage somewhere?

How much customizability does my plan need?

Do I need coverage for preexisting conditions?

Will I be doing any sort of adventure activities?

Once you’ve answered these questions, do your due diligence and get quotes from multiple sources. Different providers will offer differing levels of coverage at varying prices, so it’s in your best interest to generate as many quotes as possible and read the fine print.

To make it simple, travel insurance aggregators such as Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will provide you with multiple quotes at a time.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We considered a wide variety of factors when it comes to selecting the best insurance for your trip. These factors include cost, customizability, coverage maximums, whether preexisting conditions are included and the type of coverage the policy offers.

World Nomads

World Nomads is great for active travelers because of its standard coverage of adventure activities. With just two plans from which to choose, it’s also simple to decide which one you’d like.

Covers 200-plus activities as standard. 

Simple plan options.

Emergency medical coverage included.

Only two choices for policies.

Riskier activities are covered only by the more expensive Explorer plan. 

Fixed-rate reimbursement for trip protection.

» Learn more: Read our full review of World Nomads

With eight plans on offer, Tin Leg has a policy for every type of traveler. Along with standard trip protections, Tin Leg also offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-ons.

Plenty of plans from which to choose. 

Preexisting conditions included in most plans. 

Primary and secondary medical coverage options. 

Cheapest plan doesn’t cover preexisting medical conditions.

Rental car coverage add-on available only on Luxury plan. 

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Seven Corners

Seven Corners is an excellent option for those who really want to customize their plans. Whether you’re looking for medical-only insurance or a more comprehensive policy, Seven Corners has options available.

Preexisting condition coverage available.

Medical-only plans on offer.

Covers missed tours and cruise connections. 

Inexpensive plan offers secondary medical insurance.

Event ticket registration coverage only for expensive plan. 

» Learn more: Is Seven Corners coverage worth the cost?

Our last company on the list is unique in that it covers those who use travel rewards, like purchasing flights or hotels with points and miles . This is fairly uncommon among travel insurance providers and can be really helpful when things go awry during award travel.

Plan options include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) travel life insurance. 

Covers up to $300 in frequent traveler reward costs. 

Worldwide travel assistance included on every policy.

Cancel For Any Reason insurance available only on most expensive plan. 

Just $35,000 in emergency medical for basic plan (low compared to similar policies at other companies).

» Learn more: Our full TravelSafe review

If you’re interested in getting travel insurance, do yourself a favor and consider these tips before making any purchases:

Consult your medical insurance provider to see whether it offers coverage out of country .

Consider an annual plan to save money if you make multiple trips per year.

Check your credit card for complimentary travel insurance . Many offer this benefit, and if its limits are satisfactory, you can book your travels with it and avoid buying a separate policy out-of-pocket altogether. More on this in the next section.

If you're looking to get coverage for a one-off trip, among your best options is to simply pay for your travel with a card that includes travel insurance as a benefit.

Most travel cards will include coverage for things like trip interruption , trip delays and lost luggage .

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

If you’re in the market for single trip travel insurance, there are plenty of options available to you. Before purchasing a plan, grab quotes from multiple companies because the types of coverage and costs are going to vary.

Beyond this, be sure to check whether your credit card offers complimentary travel insurance and reach out to your medical insurance provider to see what type of coverage it offers overseas.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

American Express insurance disclosures

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x 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.

60,000 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℠.

1x-5x 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.

60,000 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℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The best cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

Planning and taking a trip can be exciting, but unexpected events can disrupt even the most meticulously organized vacations. Sudden illness, severe weather and unforeseen circumstances can throw a spanner in the works, forcing you to change your plans and seek compensation.

In this guide, we will explore the best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance . We will explain what these policies cover and provide you with peace of mind for your next adventure.

Best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travelers who want the most travel protections
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for travelers looking for a sub-$100 annual fee
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Capital One loyalists
• United Club℠ Infinite Card : Best for United loyalists
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best for IHG loyalists
• World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hyatt loyalists
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card® : Best for business travelers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best when traveling with non-family companions

The cards listed above are our top picks for trip cancellation and interruption insurance. But many other cards — including some Bank of America and Barclays cards — also offer trip cancellation and interruption protection.

Related: Credit cards with trip cancellation insurance

What is trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may reimburse nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses when you cancel or alter your trip due to a covered situation. In some cases, you may even be covered for select additional costs. But maximum coverage amounts, the types of covered situations and eligible expenses vary from card to card.

Generally, trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursement when you must cancel a trip before its departure date. Meanwhile, trip interruption insurance may refund you if an ongoing trip is interrupted or canceled.

Although you can buy separate travel insurance that will provide a partial refund if you cancel your trip for any reason , trip cancellation and interruption insurance doesn't typically work the same way. Instead, trip cancellation and interruption insurance typically has specific covered losses and exclusions that define the situations in which you can claim reimbursement (and these vary from card to card).

Many different types of cards — including some credit cards with no annual fee — offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance when you purchase travel with your card. The remainder of this guide details some of our favorite cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Of course, benefits frequently change. So, it's best to look at your card's guide to benefits before booking to understand your card's protections.

Related: Why you might actually need road trip travel insurance

What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage?

The main difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is timing. Trip cancellation insurance protects your trip from when you make the initial payment to the time of your scheduled departure. In contrast, trip interruption insurance covers your trip from the day of your scheduled departure to your scheduled return date.

Does credit card insurance cover natural disasters?

Generally, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance will cover nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster. However, credit card insurance policies vary, so check your benefits guide for specific exclusions.

Note that you must book your trip before the natural disaster starts to be covered. If a storm or hurricane is named and you book your trip afterward, you likely won't be covered.

Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won't

Premium Chase credit cards

Chase credit cards offer some of the best credit card travel protections. The Chase cards in the table below provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance with relatively high maximum coverage amounts.

To help you understand this benefit, let's consider the specific protection provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card as described in its guide to benefits . The other Chase cards listed in the above table provide similar benefits, but check your card's guide to benefits to ensure your coverage is the same.

When you use an eligible Chase card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ) to pay for select travel expenses, you and your immediate family may be eligible for trip cancellation and interruption protection. You must charge all or a portion of the cost to your Chase credit card (including bookings made with points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal associated with your account).

Eligible trip cancellation or interruption events

You'll only be eligible for reimbursement if certain events cause the cancellation or interruption of your travel arrangements. For example, Chase may provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage for the following circumstances:

• You or your traveling companion experience accidental bodily injury, death or sickness that prevents travel
• An immediate family member of you or your traveling companion dies or experiences accidental bodily injury or sickness that is life-threatening, requires hospitalization or requires care by you or your traveling companion
• Severe weather that would prevent a reasonable and prudent person from beginning or continuing on a trip (the weather must meet specific requirements regarding timing, location and effect on your trip)
• Named storm warning
• Change in military orders for you or your spouse
• A call to jury duty or a court subpoena that you can't postpone or waive
• Your or your traveling companion's permanent residence is uninhabitable, burglarized or damaged by fire or flood
• Your or your traveling companion's lodging at your destination becomes uninhabitable
• Your or your traveling companion's host at your trip's destination dies or is hospitalized
• A physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction requires you or your traveling companion to quarantine due to health reasons
• You or your traveling companion miss at least 20% of your trip or the departure of a prepaid cruise or tour due to an organized strike affecting public transportation

Related: 6 lesser-known Chase Sapphire Reserve travel and shopping benefits

Additionally, Chase may provide trip cancellation coverage for the following events:

• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 30 days of your scheduled departure date
• U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for the immediate vicinity of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 10 days of your scheduled departure
• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location as listed on your itinerary within 30 days of your scheduled arrival
• U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for a geographic area within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location that's in effect within 30 days of your scheduled departure

Finally, Chase may provide trip interruption coverage for the following events:

• Terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location as listed on your itinerary while on a trip
• A U.S. government travel warning due to terrorism for a geographic area within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or a destination host's location that is issued during your or your traveling companion's trip

Related: Your guide to Chase's trip insurance coverage

Excluded reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

However, you won't be eligible for reimbursement if any of the following directly or indirectly cause (or result from) the trip cancellation or interruption:

• A change in plans, financial circumstances and any business or contractual obligations
• A preexisting condition or any other event that occurs or commences before the trip's initial deposit date or booking date
• Any loss due to voluntarily surrendering unused vouchers, tickets, credits, coupons or travel privileges from the travel supplier before their expiration date
• Travel after the 26th week of pregnancy, travel when any multiple pregnancy occurs before the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip, or travel during any pregnancy associated with an assisted reproductive program
• Any loss for any trip booked while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment or booked to obtain medical treatment
• Disinclination to travel due to civil unrest
• Failure to obtain necessary visas, passports or other documents required for travel
• Commission or attempted commission of any illegal act
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury
• Being under the influence of any narcotic, legal recreational marijuana or other controlled substance at the time of a loss (except if the narcotic or other controlled substance is taken as prescribed by a physician)
• Disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic
• Default of the common carrier resulting from financial insolvency or financial insolvency of a travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier
• War, undeclared war, civil war, insurrection, rebellion, revolution, warlike acts by a military force or personnel, any action taken in hindering or defending against any of these, the destruction or seizure of property for a military purpose or any consequences of any of these acts (war does not include terrorism)

Additionally, Chase won't provide trip cancellation coverage for trips booked to any area associated with terrorist activity. Plus, trip interruption coverage won't be provided for loss caused by or resulting from:

• Travel arrangements that a travel supplier cancels or changes unless the cancellation results from severe weather or an organized strike affecting public transportation
• Any terrorist incident or travel warning within 25 miles of your or your traveling companion's place of permanent residence within 30 days before the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip
• A terrorist incident within 25 miles of an airport, booked lodging or destination host's location within 30 days of your initial deposit date or booking date of the trip

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

What expenses are covered?

In general, Chase will only reimburse you for eligible, nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses charged by a travel supplier or redeposit fees imposed by a rewards program administrator. However, for trip interruption, Chase may also reimburse you for the following:

• Change fees
• Costs to return a rental vehicle to the closest rental agency
• Costs to return your vehicle to your closest leased or owned residence
• Ground transportation expenses up to $250 to directly transport you for necessary medical treatment (excluding transportation in vehicles operated by a medical facility or specifically designed to transport sick or injured individuals)
• Prepaid, unused and nonrefundable land, air or sea arrangements (if you must postpone a trip due to a covered loss and set a new departure date)

However, if your trip cancellation or interruption results in a credit from a travel supplier, you will not receive payment for that portion of the eligible travel expenses until the credit expires. Additionally, transportation expenses, including the difference in cost between the original fare and any new fare to return home or rejoin the trip, will not be reimbursed.

Other select Chase credit cards

Several other Chase cards, including the United℠ Explorer Card , Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® , also provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

However, these cards cover far fewer expenses than the Chase cards discussed in the previous section. In particular, they only cover nonrefundable prepaid passenger fares.

The Chase Freedom Flex guide to benefits , for instance, covers you in similar cases as the more premium Chase cards above:

• Nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses charged by a cruise line, airline, railroad or another common carrier
• Change fees to a travel supplier (if you interrupt your travel instead of canceling)
• Redeposit fees to a rewards program administrator
• Ground transportation expenses up to $250 for transport to necessary medical treatment (excluding transportation in vehicles operated by a medical facility or specifically designed to transport sick or injured individuals; only for trip interruption)
• Prepaid unused, nonrefundable land, air or sea arrangements (if you must postpone a trip due to a covered loss and set a new departure date)

Chase may reimburse you up to $1,500 per person per trip. However, the reimbursement cap is $6,000 for all covered persons on the same trip.

Related: Here's why 1 TPG staffer buys an annual travel insurance policy, even though his credit cards offer travel protections

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

You can get up to $2,000 per insured person in trip cancellation and interruption protection when you use the Capital One Venture X to pay for nonrefundable common carrier tickets.

Your spouse or domestic partner and your dependent children are eligible for coverage when you pay for the entire cost of common carrier transportation (less redeemable certificates, vouchers or coupons) with your Venture X account.

The list of eligible trip cancellation or interruption events for coverage is short and simple with the Venture X. You may be covered if one of the following applies:

• You or an immediate family member dies or experiences accidental bodily injury, disease or physical illness that prevents you from traveling (as verified by a physician)
• Your common carrier defaults as a result of financial insolvency

Related: Does paying the taxes and fees on award flights trigger trip protections?

Even if one of the above losses applies, you won't be covered if any of the following caused or led to the loss:

• A preexisting condition
• Accidental bodily injuries from participation in interscholastic or professional sports events, racing or speed contests or uncertified scuba diving
• Cosmetic surgery (unless necessary due to a covered loss)
• Being under the influence of drugs (except as prescribed by a physician) or alcohol
• Traveling against the advice of a physician, while on a waiting list for specified medical treatment, to obtain medical treatment or in the third trimester (seventh month or after) of pregnancy
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injuries
• Declared or undeclared war (war does not include acts of terrorism)
• An insured person's emotional trauma, mental or physical illness, disease, pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage, bacterial or viral infection or bodily malfunctions (except physical illness or disease which prevent travel and bacterial infection caused by accident or from accidental consumption of a substance contaminated by bacteria)

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

The Venture X's trip cancellation and interruption protection won't cover as much as the premium Chase cards discussed above. According to the Venture X guide to benefits , Capital One will only reimburse up to $2,000 per insured person for the following:

• Your nonrefundable common carrier ticket (but only once any unused credit voucher you get from the common carrier expires)
• Change or cancellation fees on common carrier tickets

Learn more: Capital One Venture X

Select American Express cards

Some Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per trip (up to $20,000 per card per 12 consecutive months). Here's a list of some of these cards:

• The Platinum Card from American Express * (including most Amex Platinum varieties )
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card *
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card *
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card *
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

You can find benefit guides for these cards on Amex's website .

You, your family members and your traveling companions may be covered when you charge the full cost of round-trip common carrier transportation to an eligible Amex card. You'll also get coverage when you use an eligible Amex card in combination with Membership Rewards points or redeemable certificates, vouchers, coupons or discounts awarded from a loyalty program.

For coverage purposes, round-trip travel may consist of one-way tickets or a combination of round-trip and one-way tickets.

Related: Which is the best American Express credit card for you?

Based on the benefits guide for the above-mentioned Amex cards, covered losses include trip cancellations or trip interruptions that result from the following:

• Accidental bodily injury, death or sickness (including of a covered traveler's family member)
• Inclement weather that would prevent a reasonable and prudent person from traveling or continuing on a trip
• Change in military orders (including of a covered traveler's spouse)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Call to jury duty or subpoena by the courts that can't be postponed or waived
• A dwelling that becomes uninhabitable
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

Related: Should you purchase travel insurance for your vacation rental?

For Amex's trip cancellation and interruption insurance, coverage does not apply to any accident, accidental bodily injury or loss caused by or resulting directly or indirectly from the following:

• Preexisting conditions
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury by the traveler
• A declared or undeclared war
• Mental or emotional disorders (unless hospitalized)
• Participation in a sporting activity (with a salary or prize money) by the traveler
• Intoxication by the traveler at the time of an accident (as defined by the laws of the location where the accident occurs)
• The traveler is under the influence of any narcotic or other controlled substance at the time of an accident (unless taken as prescribed by a physician)
• Commission or attempted commission of any illegal or criminal act by the traveler
• The traveler parachutes from an aircraft or engages or participates in a motorized vehicular race or speed contest
• Dental treatment, except as a result of accidental bodily injury to sound, natural teeth
• Any nonemergency treatment, surgery or routine physical examination
• Hearing aids, eyeglasses or contact lenses
• The traveler is incarcerated
• Loss due to intentional acts by the traveler
• Financial insolvency of a travel agency, tour operator or travel supplier

Related: Will your travel insurance cover you in case of vendor bankruptcy?

If a covered loss causes you to cancel your trip, Amex may reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount you paid to a travel supplier with your eligible card.

However, suppose a covered loss causes you to interrupt your trip. In that case, Amex may reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount paid to a travel supplier with your eligible card for the following:

• The forfeited, nonrefundable, prepaid land, air and sea transportation arrangements that eligible travelers missed
• Additional transportation expenses incurred by eligible travelers, less any available refunds (not to exceed the cost of an economy-class ticket by the most direct route to rejoin the trip or return to the trip's origin)

Now, suppose a covered loss causes you to temporarily postpone transportation by a common carrier for a covered trip and set a new departure date. In that case, Amex will reimburse you for the following:

• Additional expenses incurred to purchase tickets for the new departure (not to exceed the difference between the original fare and the economy fare for the rescheduled trip by the most direct route)
• Unused, nonrefundable land, air and sea arrangements paid to a travel supplier

Visa Infinite cards

Although some Visa Infinite cards offer their own trip cancellation and interruption insurance, all Visa Infinite credit cards issued by U.S. banks provide a basic level of protection.

Visa Infinite cards offer trip cancellation and interruption protection covering the cardholder (you) and your immediate family when you purchase common carrier travel with your card. This benefit can reimburse up to $2,000 per trip for nonrefundable common carrier fares if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Visa provides a quick overview of the Visa Infinite protections . However, your card's guide to benefits will have the full details.

Related: How to choose the best Visa card for you

Who is covered?

Who is covered by credit card trip cancellation and interruption insurance varies greatly. For example, eligible premium Chase cards cover the cardholder and immediate family members when the cardholder pays for all or a portion of a trip with their card account or rewards associated with their account. For these cards, an immediate family member is someone with any of the following relationships to the cardholder:

Spouse, and parents thereof; sons and daughters, including adopted children and stepchildren; parents, including stepparents; brothers and sisters; grandparents and grandchildren; aunts or uncles; nieces or nephews; and Domestic Partner and parents thereof, including Domestic Partners or Spouses of any individual of this definition.

Immediate family members also include legal guardians or wards for premium Chase cards. The guide to benefits for the Chase Sapphire Preferred notes that immediate family members do not need to travel with the cardholder for benefits to apply.

On the other hand, eligible American Express cards cover the cardholder, their family members and traveling companions. The guide to benefits for eligible Amex cards defines a traveling companion as "an individual who has made advanced arrangements with you or your Family Members to travel together for all or part of a Covered Trip" and family members as:

A spouse, Domestic Partner, or unmarried dependent child up to age 19 (or under age twenty-six (26) if a full time student at an accredited college or university).

So, although Amex will cover traveling companions, you'll need to charge their common carrier fares to your eligible Amex card. On the other hand, Chase doesn't cover traveling companions but does provide a broad interpretation of family and doesn't require round-trip common carrier travel.

Related: Does credit card travel insurance cover authorized users?

How do I file a trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance claim?

• Contact your issuer: Call your credit card's benefits administrator or start a claim online. Even if you believe your insurance will cover you after reading your card's guide to benefits, it is usually a good idea to call the number on the back of your card. Doing so will let you ensure you're covered, learn about deadlines for making your claim and determine what documents you'll need to collect.
• Submit on time: Most claims must be made within 20-60 days of the cancellation to be eligible for reimbursement, depending on your specific card issuer's guidelines.
• Present evidence: A benefits administrator will give you further instructions to file your claim after you present your claim. It'll help to submit physical documentation with your claim (such as receipts, doctor's notes and weather advisories), plus anything else that can help validate your claim.

A benefits administrator can usually walk you through specific steps to make your claim. Luckily, many card issuers also allow you to make claims online, so you may not even need to hop on the phone to send any physical documents.

Related: Comparing travel protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

Bottom line

The trip cancellation and interruption insurance provided by select cards can come in handy when something unexpected forces you to cancel or interrupt a trip.

However, there are many exclusions. So, it pays to read the guide to benefits on your favorite cards. By doing so, you can determine the best card for booking flights and consider whether it's better to rely on the travel insurance provided by your card or purchase travel insurance .

Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do next

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Learn what Medigap Covers

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What's Covered?

Medigap policies help cover out-of-pocket costs associated in Original Medicare, like:

• Coinsurance
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Some Medigap policies cover services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S. (foreign travel emergency care). What's included in foreign travel emergency care?

What's not covered?

Medigap doesn’t cover everything. Medigap plans generally don’t cover:

• Long-term care (like non-skilled care you get in a nursing home)
• Vision or dental care
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Note: You can enroll in a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you want prescription drug coverage. Medigap plans sold after 2005 don’t include prescription drug coverage.  

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