allianz travel insurance trip interruption

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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OneTrip Cancellation Plus

Our most affordable travel insurance plan, OneTrip Cancellation Plus protects your travel investment if you have to cancel, interrupt or delay your trip due to a covered emergency. Travel worry-free, knowing you’re protected with benefits for trip cancellation, trip interruption and travel delay. You can be reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable expenses — such as vacation rental costs, transportation costs, even campground reservations — if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason. If you’re renting a car for your trip, you can upgrade your plan to include the affordable OneTrip Rental Car Protector.

All benefits are  per insured traveler  unless otherwise noted.

Benefits/Coverage

Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply. Please see your plan for full details.

Epidemic Coverage

Adds certain epidemic-related covered reasons for Trip Cancellation/Interruption. For example, you may be reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable, unused trip costs if you must cancel your trip because you, a travel companion, or a family member are diagnosed with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19.

Trip Cancellation

Up to $5,000

Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason.

Benefit is per insured traveler.

Trip Interruption

Reimburses you for the unused, non-refundable portion of your trip and for the increased transportation costs it takes for you to return home due to a covered reason.

Benefit is  per insured traveler.

Travel Delay

$150 (Daily Limit $150)

Reimburses you to cover additional accommodation/travel expenses and lost prepaid expenses due to a covered departure delay of six or more hours.

24-Hr Hotline Assistance

With Allianz Global Assistance, you'll never travel alone. Our multilingual assistance team is available 24 hours a day to help you handle all kinds of travel emergencies. We can help you find local medical and legal professionals, arrange to send a message home, help with missed connections and lost/stolen travel documents, and much more.

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

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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Allianz Travel Insurance review: Is it a good option for your next trip?

With plenty of options to choose from, allianz likely has the right coverage for your trip..

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind — and financial protection — when you travel. Whether you want minimal coverage for emergencies or are looking for a more comprehensive plan, Allianz Travel Insurance probably has an option that will work for your situation.

CNBC Select breaks down the types of coverage Allianz includes in its policies, the features it offers and other providers you should consider.

Allianz Travel Insurance review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, allianz travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

24/7 assistance available

• Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
• Limited coverage for risky sports

Allianz Travel Insurance is a global insurance provider. It partners with airlines, travel agencies, resorts, credit card issuers and other companies to offer worldwide travel coverage. The insurer currently offers 10 trip coverage plans, giving travelers plenty of options that range from single-trip plans to plans that cover all your travel for a year.

For example, OneTrip Prime provides trip cancellation/interruption, emergency transportation, baggage loss or delay and other key benefits for a single trip up to 180 days. AllTrips Executive, on the other hand, is a multi-trip plan designed for business travel with higher trip cancellation and interruption limits and coverage for business equipment. You can also opt for OneTrip Rental Car Protector if you need primary car rental coverage against collision, loss and damage.

These plans let you easily tailor your insurance to your situation. Here are the types of coverage that Allianz Travel can include in your plan:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Emergency medical (this covers medical and dental emergencies that happen during your trip)
• Emergency medical transportation
• Baggage loss/damage
• Baggage delay
• Travel delay
• Travel accident
• SmartBenefits℠ (this includes automatic and no-receipts payments for trip delays and no-receipts claims for baggage delays)
• Change fees (this coverage can reimburse you for the fees the airline charges when you have to change the dates of your flight)
• Loyalty program redeposit fee coverage (with this coverage, you can get reimbursement for frequent flyer mile redeposit fees if your trip is canceled or interrupted)
• 24/7 hotline assistance
• Concierge services
• Rental car collision damage waiver
• Existing medical condition (this benefit waives the pre-existing medical condition coverage exclusion)

The types and limits of coverage benefits you can get vary by plan.

Many travel cards provide travel insurance benefits . To avoid duplicate coverage, go through your card's terms and conditions and see what your issuer already offers.

One of the features that helped Allianz Travel land a spot on our list of the best travel insurance is the Cancel Anytime benefit. Included with OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans, Cancel Anytime can reimburse 80% of your unused, pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip for just about any unexpected reason.

Additionally, the insurer offers 24/7 global assistance to refer you to a prescreened hospital during your trip.

Policyholders can also use the TravelSmart TM  app and check for flight status updates, the latest travel advisories and restrictions for their destination, local emergency services and hospitals and more. The app allows travelers to pull up their protection plan whenever they need and file a claim online.

As of writing, Allianz Travel doesn't advertise any discounts. That said, discounts aren't as common with this type of coverage, especially compared to home and auto insurance .

Allianz is a large global company offering a wide range of financial products and services. In the U.S., that includes travel insurance, life insurance and business insurance.

Allianz Travel can be a solid choice if you're looking to purchase travel insurance. However, it's always a wise idea to compare multiple options to ensure you're getting a good deal.

For instance, AXA Assistance USA travel insurance is also a good provider. You can pick from three plans with the most affordable one starting at just $16, according to the company's website. The most comprehensive option is the Platinum plan which comes with the option to cancel for any reason.

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 Guard® Travel Insurance also offers a selection of plans, ranging from last-minute options to an annual travel plan. Or you can request a specialty plan, but you'll need to speak to a representative to do so.

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

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

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 .

With 10 available plans to choose from, Allianz Travel makes it easy to get the right travel insurance coverage for your upcoming trip. Multi-trip plans are also available for those who frequently travel, including for business. Still, we recommend gathering several quotes and comparing plans before you purchase travel insurance. Just like with any financial product, it pays to shop around for this type of coverage.

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 travel insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products . 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.

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Allianz Travel Insurance Coverage Review — Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

311 Published Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

Why purchase travel insurance, travel insurance and the covid-19 virus, types of travel insurance policies available with allianz, how to obtain a quote with allianz, additional travel insurance offered by allianz, how allianz compares, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to travel insurance companies , so narrowing your selection to those that have a solid financial rating, offer products that provide good value, and receive high customer ratings should be baseline criteria.

Allianz Global Assistance company ( Allianz Travel) checks all of those boxes. Its parent company, Allianz SE, receives an A+ rating from A.M. Best (a leading insurance financial rating firm), and the company offers competitive individual trip and annual travel insurance products. It also serves over 45 million customers in the U.S. each year with 84% of those customers giving the company a 5-star rating.

Allianz has also been around a long time. In fact, the company was there to insure the Wright Brothers’ first flight and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge — so you know you’re working with an established organization. You’ll also find that Allianz does business in more than 35 countries.

Let’s take a look specifically at Allianz Travel’s insurance products, show you how to obtain a quote, and give you some tips on purchasing and comparing travel insurance policies.

And while our focus is on Allianz Travel coverage, much of our information can apply to purchasing travel insurance in general.

Travel insurance can protect your trip investment with coverage for disruption due to unforeseen events such as severe weather, should you become ill, for illness in your family, missed connections, medical emergencies, and more.

Deciding whether to purchase travel insurance for your trip is an option each time you make a travel booking. The coverage is commonly offered by airlines, cruise companies, tour operators and other travel providers at the point of sale. If you travel infrequently and the cost is relatively low, you may just opt for the coverage during the booking process.

However, if you’re going to be taking several trips, you may be able to save money and receive better coverage if you compare with other travel insurance policies in the marketplace. Additionally, you’ll want to determine if it makes sense to purchase single insurance coverage for each trip or an annual all-trips-included policy.

Situations where it makes sense to purchase travel insurance include the following:

• You’re booking an expensive trip that includes a lot of non-refundable upfront expenses
• Your trip includes several travel providers (i.e. airlines, hotels, and tour operators)

While travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen events, purchasing Cancel for Any Reason coverage may allow you to cancel your trip for any reason.

Bottom Line: If you’re uncomfortable with the amount of money you have at risk when you travel, securing travel insurance can provide immediate peace of mind . You’ll have solace in knowing that if you needed to cancel your travel plans due to a covered event or if your travel is disrupted, you’ll be able to recoup most, or all, of your investment.

Most travel insurance policies do not provide coverage for trip cancellation due to fear of the coronavirus pandemic . However, COVID-19 is an included illness on many travel insurance policies as it relates to certain coverages such as emergency medical care while traveling and canceling a trip if you become ill with the virus. You may also have coverage if a family member or travel companion contracts the virus and you must cancel your trip as a result.

The only way to cover trip cancellations due to fear of contracting COVID-19 is to purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance. This coverage can be added to a comprehensive travel insurance policy (with limitations) and subsequently allows you to cancel your trip for any reason.

While Allianz does not offer Cancel for Any Reason insurance , it may cover COVID-19 related illness in the following circumstances:

• Emergency medical care while traveling
• Trip cancellation due to becoming ill with the virus

Allianz Epidemic Coverage Endorsement

Allianz recently announced that it is adding a new endorsement to select policies that will offer limited coverage for COVID-19 . Circumstances such as becoming ill with COVID-19 and having to cancel your trip, hospitalization, and trip delays due to such illness while traveling will have coverage.

Emergency transportation coverage has also been expanded to include COVID-19-related illness. Terms and conditions apply and the endorsement is not available on all policies Allianz offers.

You can find policies that offer Cancel for Any Reason insurance at TravelInsurance.com  and Aardy.com .

Bottom Line: Travel insurance policies normally do not cover canceling your trip because of fear you might get ill. However, Cancel for Any Reason insurance allows you to cancel a trip for any reason you determine is necessary. 

Allianz Travel offers 2 core types of travel insurance plans: single trip plans and multi-trip plans . Each plan allows you to select the level of coverage you want and subsequently, the level of premium you prefer to pay.

We’ve used criteria to obtain a quote for a traveler age 35, traveling for 1 week to Mexico on a trip costing $3,000 . All benefits are per person, per trip, unless otherwise noted.

OneTrip Plans — For Affordability and Select Coverages

The single trip option allows you to select from a Basic, Prime, or Premier plan. Premiums vary by plan and coverage levels.  For the example we selected, the premiums ranged from  $116 for the Basic to $192 for the Premier pla n .

OneTrip Basic Plan — the Most Affordable Plan

The OneTrip Basic plan offers basic trip protection at an affordable price.

OneTrip Prime Plan — the Most Popular Plan

Need more coverage but still want your travel insurance protection to be affordable? The OneTrip Prime plan offers higher coverage limits at a reasonable cost.

The following are the maximum coverage limits for OneTrip plans. These coverages can be found under the OneTrip Premier Plan:

• Trip Cancellation —  up to $100,000 reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses; pre-existing medical conditions included
• Trip Interruption —  up to $150,000 reimburses for remaining non-recoverable expenses and increased cost of return transport due to trip interruption as the result of a covered event; pre-existing medical conditions included
• Emergency Medical — up to $25,000
• Emergency Medical Transportation — up to $500,000 for transportation to the nearest medical facility
• Baggage Loss/Damage — up to $1,000 for theft, loss, or damage
• Baggage Delay —  up to $300 for delays 12 hours or more
• Trip Delay — up to $800 ($200/day for 4 days) for delays of 6 hours or more, for eligible expenses; an option to receive $100/day with no receipts required is also available
• Change Fee Coverage — $500
• Loyalty Program Re-deposit Fee Coverage — $500, covers re-deposit of points/miles due to covered trip cancellation
• 24 Hour Hotline Assistance
• Optional coverages include pre-existing medical coverage, rental car coverage, and required to work coverage — restrictions apply

Also worth noting is that kids age 17 and under are covered at no additional charge when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Bottom Line: Allianz offers several levels of single-trip travel insurance plans that can fit every budget and level of coverage needed. 

AllTrips Annual Plans — Cover All of Your Trips for a 12-Month Period

If you’re a frequent traveler and want to ensure all of your trips are covered without having to purchase individual travel insurance policies, one of the AllTrips plans might be an appropriate choice. All of the trips you book within the 12-month policy period are covered automatically.

Coverage limits are per person, per trip, but more than 1 person can be included in the policy. Children 17 and under are covered at no additional charge when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

The AllTrips Executive plan is the most comprehensive policy and includes the maximum coverage limits listed below . AllTrips Prime and AllTrips Basic have less coverage than the Executive plan but may still be appropriate for your situation.

For example, the AllTips Basic plan does not include trip cancellation/interruption insurance but has emergency medical, evacuation, trip delay, baggage insurance, and car rental insurance.

• Trip Cancellation —  up to $10,000 reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses
• Trip Interruption —  up to $10,000 reimburses for remaining non-recoverable expenses and increased cost of return transport due to trip interruption as the result of a covered event
• Emergency Medical — up to$50,000
• Emergency Medical Transportation — up to $250,000 for transportation to the nearest medical facility
• Baggage Loss/Damage —  up to $1,000 for theft, loss, or damage
• Baggage Delay — up to $1,000 for delays 12 hours or more
• Trip Delay —  up to $200 per day for eligible expenses, up to $1,600 in coverage , for delays of 6 hours or more
• Rental Car Damage and Theft — up to $45,000
• Business Equipment Coverage — up to $1,000
• Change Fee Coverage — up to $500
• Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee — up to $500
• Travel Accident Insurance — up to $50,000
• Concierge Services
• Optional Pre-Existing Medical Coverage — restrictions apply

Bottom Line: Allianz’s AllTrips 12-month plans offer affordable options to cover every trip you have booked or have yet to book within a 12-month period. 

Travel insurance is one of the easiest policies for which to obtain a quote and subsequently purchase a policy. Unlike auto or home insurance, you simply input some basic information about your trip, your age, where you reside, and your quote is instant.

You can then read through the coverages, select a policy that fits, and hit the purchase button. There is also no risk as you’ll have a free-look period where you can review the policy and decide whether to keep it or not.

If not, you can get a full refund. This period can be 10-14 days after purchase , depending on your plan and state regulations.

In addition to the travel insurance packages offered by Allianz, you can purchase these additional plans and coverages available for single trips:

OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan

If trip interruption/cancellation is not important to you, you’ll find this plan with emergency medical, baggage insurance , emergency transport, travel accident coverage , and trip delay an affordable alternative.

OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan

If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason or your trip is interrupted for a covered event, you’ll have coverage. Trip delay and 24-hour assistance are included.

Rental Car Damage Protector

For $9 per day, receive rental car damage/theft coverage, rental car trip interruption protection, and baggage loss coverage.

Hot Tip: If trip cancellation/interruption or trip delay coverage comes with your credit card is adequate for your trip but you want additional medical coverage, the Allianz’s OneTrip Emergency Medical plan may be a viable and affordable supplement. 

When it comes to comparing travel insurance policies, it’s difficult to match apples to apples. Coverages vary widely, as well as terms and conditions. The lowest-priced policy is not always the best value for your needs. The flip side is possible, too. You may find a policy with plenty of coverage at a price that is more than you want to spend.

The best solution is when you find a balance between coverage and cost.

Here’s how Allianz’s travel insurance offerings compare with other travel insurance options.

Allianz vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

The coverage that comes with your credit card does not compare with a comprehensive travel insurance policy . In addition to the limited travel insurance coverage credit cards offer, if you do have a claim, you’ll have the potential hassle of dealing with a third-party claims administrator.

With that being said, the trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay insurance, and primary rental car insurance coverages found on several credit cards may be more than adequate for your trip.

Here are some of the best credit cards for travel insurance:

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance with a benefit of $10,000 per trip, up to a maximum of $20,000 per account per 12-month period.

Pay for your trip with your eligible card and you, your immediate family, and eligible traveling companions are covered for non-refundable expenses paid to the travel provider. Trip interruption coverage will also reimburse for additional travel expenses incurred due to a covered loss during your trip.

Trip delay coverage is also included on the Amex Platinum card for delays more than 6 hours. Reimbursement for incidentals and eligible incurred expenses is limited to $500 per trip with 2 claims allowed per 12-month period.

The Amex Platinum card also comes with emergency medical evacuation coverage .

For more information, check out our detailed guide to the travel insurance benefits offered by the Amex Platinum card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Pay for your trip with your eligible card for up to $10,000 in coverage per person, $20,000 per trip, and up to $40,000 in a 12-month period. You and your qualifying immediate family are covered.

You’ll also find primary car rental insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® .

To learn more about the travel insurance benefits on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card , you’ll want to review this detailed article.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel SM  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
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass TM  Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  $0

In addition to the same trip cancellation/interruption/delay coverage as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers up to $2,500 in emergency dental and medical coverage , emergency medical evacuation .

For more information check out this guide to all of the travel insurance benefits offered by the Sapphire Reserve.

Allianz vs. Other Travel Insurance Companies

Before purchasing any travel insurance policy, it’s wise to compare — fortunately that’s an easy task to execute. With comparison sites such as the ones listed here, you can compare as many as 100 travel insurance policies very quickly and find a policy that fits your situation and budget.

Keep in mind that insurance rates and coverages are highly regulated by the states . Insurance companies file a certain policy for a certain price with the state insurance commission, then the company is allowed to offer that policy, at that price, in that state.

For this reason, you won’t find the same policy offered at different prices. However, you could find a policy that is a better fit and possibly for less money by comparing several companies’ offerings.

Not all comparison sites include Allianz but when comparing similar policies, you’ll find that the company is competitively priced (a few companies lower and many companies higher). Individual results will vary based on your criteria.

Here are 4 websites that allow you to easily compare travel insurance policies.

• Insure My Trip — With over 60,000 customer reviews, 21 highly-rated travel insurance providers, and a best price guarantee, Insure My Trip makes it easy to find the right travel insurance policy.
• Travelinsurance.com — Compare major top-rated travel insurance company policies easily with this licensed online insurance search engine.
• SquareMouth — This popular travel insurance search engine offers easy comparisons of hundreds of policies offered by dozens of highly-rated insurance companies.
• Aardy — AardvarkCompare is a licensed travel insurance company with agents on staff to help you find the right travel insurance policy. Its website allows you to compare the policies of over 30 travel insurance providers.

There are also specialty companies such as World Nomads  that do a great job providing travel insurance for active individuals. If you’re into outdoor sports, adventure activities, or even more risky activities such as skydiving, you can find coverage through World Nomads.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to purchase a travel insurance policy, you’ll want to compare companies and policies . First, look at companies with a strong financial rating, select a policy with coverages that are a priority to you, then select a premium you’re comfortable paying. 

Allianz vs. Point-of-Sale Travel Insurance and Protection

Allianz is actually one of the companies that provides the travel insurance you’re offered when you book a flight. An example is displayed in the above image of their offerings when you purchase a Delta Air Lines ticket.

Point-of-sale travel insurance, however, can run from inexpensive options that offer little coverage to expensive options that provide greater coverage but still have limitations, similar to stand-along travel insurance policies.

If you fly once or twice a year, the coverage is adequate for your needs, and the cost is reasonable, you may easily choose to go this route and purchase coverage at the point of sale. However, you may fare better by securing a separate travel insurance quote to compare coverage/cost.

Always read the fine print before purchasing any coverage to ensure you’re getting the coverage you expect. For example, one might assume by looking at this example that canceling the trip would be covered, when in reality the covered reasons are limited.

Bottom Line: Even for point-of-sale travel insurance to cover a single travel purchase, it’s good to get a comparison quote. Securing a quote may save you money while offering broader coverage that could cover your entire trip versus just a portion of it. 

Allianz is a solid, established, company offering a nice selection of packaged travel insurance products. Its website is easy to use with a quick quoting function and a simple purchase process. The site is also easy to understand as it is clearly written in plain language rather than legal verbiage.

One downside of Allianz is that the company does not sell Cancel for Any Reason Insurance . This is not an issue if you understand this up front and know that your policy does not allow you to cancel a trip for just any reason. After all, this is the case with most travel insurance — there are specific covered reasons for being able to cancel a trip and have coverage.

Cancel for Any Reason insurance can also result in a premium as much as 70% more than a standard policy, so many travelers may not consider it due to its cost.

If money is not a concern, you can purchase as much insurance as you’d like to have. However, in reality, purchasing travel insurance that works for you involves finding a balance between the coverage you want and the maximum premium you’re willing to pay.

Allianz is a respected company that offers a variety of policy choices with appropriate coverage for the majority of travelers at price points that fit most budgets.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel insurance worth it.

Yes, it can be worth it. If you are uncomfortable with the amount of money you would lose or be forced to pay in the event you had to cancel your trip or if you incurred disruption while traveling, you should purchase travel insurance.

An inexpensive trip or single flight may not warrant purchasing travel insurance, but insuring an expensive or complicated trip where you have a lot of non-refundable prepaid expenses at risk makes economic sense.

Travel insurance also provides the intangible benefit of peace of mind, knowing you are protected if you have to cancel due to a covered event or your trip is disrupted once in motion.

What is covered for trip cancellation?

There are limited covered reasons for receiving a benefit from trip cancellation insurance. The number 1 reason most travelers cancel their trips, according to InsureMyTrip.com , is the unforeseen illness of the traveler or of family members.

Fortunately, this is a covered reason for trip cancellation, although the level of coverage varies by company and policy.

Additional covered reasons can include death, hospitalization, or accident to you or covered family, legal obligations, your home becomes uninhabitable, the default of the travel provider, or natural disaster.

Deciding not to take a trip is not a covered reason for trip cancellation. Cancel for Any Reason insurance must be purchased in order to cover canceling a trip for a reason you personally deem necessary.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

Yes, travel insurance can cover flight cancellations in certain circumstances and depending on the policy purchased.

However, if an airline cancels your flight, whether prior to travel or during your travels, you would first contact the airline or the agency where you purchased your ticket for rebooking, a refund, or travel credit.

If you are not made whole, you could then look for coverage in your travel insurance policy.

If a flight is canceled due to weather during your travels, for example, and you are forced to incur unexpected expenses as a result, you could have coverage under a travel insurance policy if these expenses are not covered, or insufficiently covered, by the airline.

There could also be coverage under trip interruption/delay insurance if an airline cancels a flight and it causes you to miss ongoing travel which has been prepaid and is non-refundable.

Which is the best travel insurance company?

The best travel insurance company will have a high financial rating from a respected insurance industry rating company such as A.M. Best, offer a selection of coverages that matches your protection priorities, and does this at a price you’re willing to pay.

You should check reviews as well, keeping in mind that most consumers want to pay the least amount of money they can at the time of purchase and by doing so, coverage can be sacrificed. When there’s a claim, it’s natural to want the highest degree of coverage, although that may not have been the level purchased.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Trip Cancellation: covered reasons explained

The planning stages to a vacation or extended trip are often filled with excitement and enthusiasm. When to go, what to see, where to eat? It also isn’t without its share of stress at times. After all, what happens if your trip is interrupted or cancelled? All the time, energy, and non-refundable expenses can be sabotaged in an instant before your journey even begins.

However, depending on which travel insurance plan you purchase, like the ones available from Allianz Global Assistance—you may be eligible for coverage for financial reimbursement.

What are covered reasons?

Covered reasons are certain situations and events that, when they occur, mean you may be eligible to make a claim. At Allianz Global Assistance, we design our travel insurance products to include a broad range of covered reasons, because we want to protect our customers from the most common mishaps that happen while travelling.

No two travel insurance policies are the same, but there are numerous reasons that may be eligible for coverage that generally are included. For example:

Military or Jury Duty | As if getting summoned for active military or jury duty isn’t jarring enough, what if your service term is scheduled for the same period as your trip? Odds are, you are eligible for coverage under trip cancellation coverage. However, for full coverage and reimbursement, the summoned term must likely be after your travel insurance plan’s effective start date.

Natural Disasters | Earthquakes. Flooding. Wildfires. These are the types of Natural Disasters that are typically eligible for coverage with a trip cancellation policy. These scenarios are often completely unforeseen, and therefore unexpected when you make your plans. If you are unable to start your trip or your itinerary is interrupted or delayed because of them, you can make a claim to recoup non-refundable expenses.

Illness, Injury or Death | An unexpected illness, injury, or worse, death to you or a travel companion can be life changing. On top of that, hospital bills or funeral costs can add up quickly. But most trip cancellation policies protect you or your loved ones in this scenario.

Pregnancy | Sometimes life can interrupt you in the most joyful way, like the birth of a child. Fortunately, you may be reimbursed for trip expenses if your departure or return date falls within 8 weeks before the expected delivery date, or if a physician advises against travel, after your plans have been made. This only applies if the pregnancy is confirmed after the booking date or the date the insurance is purchased.

Important Travel Documents | Travelling internationally requires careful planning, and there are often many things you need to be sure of before leaving. One of which is that you have the appropriate travel documents (like valid passport, work visa, etc.) to enter another country. But if you fail to obtain the correct documents, or your passport is stolen—both scenarios may be eligible for coverage if they happen beyond your control. You may receive reimbursement for your interrupted trip, by making a claim. 

Why was my claim denied?

Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits is designed to reimburse you for those prepaid, non-refundable expenses in case you must cancel your trip for a covered reason. But it's not a cure-all. While we understand that everyone's circumstances are unique, not all claims may be eligible. Be sure to read through your policy thoroughly before making any claims and keep track of all receipts for pre-paid expenses for your trip.

To learn more about trip cancellation coverage or covered reasons offered through Allianz Global Assistance,  visit us online .

Related articles

• Five reasons your claim could be denied
• 7 ways trip cancellation & interruption benefits saves you money
• Travel guide: Paris

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Introduction to iTravelInsured Travel Insurance

• Types of Policies Offered
• How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy
• Customer Service and Claims Experience

Compare iTravelInsured Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

iTravelInsured Travel Insurance Review 2024

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

Planning a vacation can be an exciting endeavor. Regardless of where and why you're traveling, it's vital to ensure that you're protected if something goes wrong. And this is why travel insurance is important.

In this review of iTravelInsured Travel Insurance , a well-known name in the industry, we'll share the company's insurance offerings, look at premium costs, and let you know how to file a claim. We'll also share a couple of comparisons between iTravelInsured and some of the best travel insurance companies . 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Six different plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason coverage available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Specialized plans for missionaries, seniors, and students in a cultural exchange or study abroad program
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Higher-end plans are on the expensive side
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Travel Essential plan has lower coverage compared to comparable plans through some competitors
• Six travel insurance plans to choose from
• Travel LX plan is the most popular option, and includes up to $2,500 in trip delay coverage and the option to add CFAR insurance
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $500,000 (primary or secondary depending on the plan)
• Coverage for baggage delays, loss, missed connections, and more

iTravelInsured is a collection of travel insurance policies provided by International Medical Group, more commonly known as IMG. One of the industry leaders in travel insurance, IMG provides policies for travel medical insurance , international health insurance, and comprehensive travel insurance. iTravelInsured offers trip protection and medical coverage across six plans.

With six plans to choose from, including a low cost plan and a plan for adventure sports travelers, customers are likely to find a plan that suits their needs. iTravelInsured's Travel Lite plan is particularly interesting, managing to keep its rates relatively low, even for older travelers.

We'll get into more details about iTravelInsured's customer reviews, but it's worth mentioning at the top that the claims process for iTravelInsured isn't great, with many customers reporting unresponsiveness, partial claims payouts, and months-long processing times. 

Types of Policies Offered by iTravelInsured

iTravelInsured offers six primary plans: Travel Lite, Travel SE, Travel LX, Travel LX Basic, Travel Sport, and Travel Essential. Each plan has different coverage limits and various types of protection.

Here's a look at what you'll get with each plan:

Determining which of these plans will best suit your needs will depend on your budget and which coverages matter most to you.

For example, the Travel LX plan offers the highest coverage limits but will also cost the most. In comparison, the Travel Lite plan is designed for budget-conscious travelers. Its coverage limits are lower than the other plans, but you'll also pay less for your policy.

Additional Coverage Options from iTravelInsured

iTravelInsured only offers two optional add-ons to its top-tier Travel LX plan. These include CFAR (cancel for any reason) and IFAR (interruption for any reason) coverage. And these add-ons must be purchased within 20 days of the initial trip deposit.

iTravelInsured Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for iTravelInsured plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate iTravelInsured coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• iTravelInsured Travel Lite: $ 87.77
• iTravelInsured Travel SE: $100.43
• iTravelInsured Travel LX: $183.06
• iTravelInsured Travel Sport: $194.01

Premiums for iTravelInsured plans are between 2.9% and 6.5% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

iTravelInsured provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• iTravelInsured Travel Lite: $117.74
• iTravelInsured Travel SE: $135.36
• iTravelInsured Travel LX: $235.53
• iTravelInsured Travel Sport: $246.91

Once again, premiums for iTravelInsured plans are between 2.9% and 6.2% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• iTravelInsured Travel Lite: $687.18
• iTravelInsured Travel SE: $807.78
• iTravelInsured Travel LX: $1,270.92

Quotes for this trip cost between 3.4% and 6.4%, within and below the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• iTravelInsured Travel Lite: $423.86
• iTravelInsured Travel SE: $449.74
• iTravelInsured Travel LX: $662.28

Quotes for this trip cost between 7.1% and 11%, which is generally higher than the average cost of travel insurance. Older people often pay more for insurance, and iTravelInsured is no exception. That said, its policies for older travelers aren't as high as some of its competitors.

How to Purchase and Manage Your iTravelInsured Policy

You can by iTravelInsured either through the IMG website . You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about yourself and your trip:

• Travel dates
• Primary travel destination 
• Traveler(s) information (age, gender, citizenship, residence, state)

You'll be shown quotes for all of IMG's travel insurance plans that apply to you and your trip. 

How to File a Claim with iTravelInsured

You must submit a claim within 30 days of the loss.

Claims with iTravelInsured will be handled through its claims center . You can contact customer service or the claims center 24 hours a day at 866-347-6673 or 1-866-243-7524, respectively.

Claims forms and information can be mailed to:

IMG iTravelInsured Claims

PO Box 3231

Farmington Hills, Michigan 48333-3231

You can also email claims to [email protected].

iTravelInsured must pay your claim within 30 days of receiving your proof of loss. If you're not paid within 30 days, your claim starts accruing interest at 6% APY until the date of late payment.

iTravelInsured Customer Service and Claims Experience

IMG, the company that operates iTravelInsured, is very well reviewed, receiving an average of 4.6 stars out of five on Trustpilot and a 4.22 on Squaremouth. Many customers spoke highly of the company's buying process, saying that the price was reasonable, the application was easy to complete, and customer service agents were polite and knowledgeable.

That said, customer reviews of IMG's claims don't line up with the volume of outstanding reviews it has. Customers reported claims taking several months to process. Many of the five-star reviews of IMG's claims services are filed by people who have recently filed, but haven't heard back yet. 

In addition to long wait times, customers also reported that claims agents were largely unavailable, and customer service representatives, while polite, were ultimately powerless in escalating a claim. Additionally, multiple customers reported only receiving partial compensation without explanation. One customer mentioned that mental illness was not included as a covered illness, writing, "Almost a medieval view of what constitutes an illness."

While IMG and iTravelInsured aren't alone when it comes to a long, uncommunicative claims process, it's even more concerning that IMG's customer service team doesn't respond to any reviews, which is often a good way to reach your insurance provider. 

Learn more about how iTravelInsured travel insurance compares to top travel insurance providers. 

iTravelInsured vs. AIG Travel Guard

We'll look at a couple of different plans from both iTravelInsured and AIG Travel Guard  to compare and contrast the coverage between the two companies.

We'll start with iTravelInsured's Travel Essential and AIG's Essential plans.

AIG's Essential plan covers trip cancellations with up to $100,0000 in coverage, up to $150,000 in emergency medical evacuation expenses, and up to $100 per day ($500 total) for delays of 12 or more hours, and coverage for lost or delayed baggage.

In comparison, iTravelInsured's Travel Essential offers trip cancellation coverage of 100% of the trip cost, $0 of emergency medical evacuation coverage, up to $2,000 (with a $250 daily limit) for trip delays of 12+ hours, and no lost or delayed baggage coverage.

So in this instance, it's pretty easy to decipher the main differences between these plans. And to see that you'll get much better coverage with AIG's Essential plan.

Now we'll look at both of the highest-tier plans from each provider.

AIG's Deluxe plan, the highest-tier option, provides trip cancellation coverage of up to $150,000, emergency medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000, up to $200 per day ($1,000 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of 12+ hours, and coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

iTravelInsured's Travel LX plan provides trip cancellation coverage of 100% of the trip cost, up to $1,000,000 in emergency medical evacuation, up to $2,500 with a $250 daily limit )reimbursement for travel delays of 6+ hours, and relatively high limits on coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

In this instance, the Travel LX policy provides superior coverage. But it's important to always get quotes for your particular situation to find the policy that best fits your needs and budget.

Read our AIG Travel Guard insurance review here.

iTravelInsured vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Both iTravelInsured and Allianz offer various plans with varying levels of coverage designed for different types of travelers. These include single-trip plans and policies covering those who take multiple trips per year.

Allianz's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000, trip interruption coverage up to $150,000, emergency medical coverage for $50,000, coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000, and up to $800 in travel delay coverage.

iTravelInsured's most popular plan is the Travel SE plan, which provides trip cancellation coverage of 100% of trip costs, trip interruption coverage of 150% of trip costs, emergency medical coverage for $250,000 (primary coverage), coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,500 ($250 per item), and up to $2,000 ($125 daily limit) in travel delay coverage for delays of 12+ hours. Overall, it offers more coverage than Allianz in this example.

Again, it's best to compare quotes using your personal and trip details to determine which policy is the best for you. Various factors will determine the final cost of any of these policies.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

 iTravelInsured vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

If you have a travel credit card, check its insurance coverages before purchasing a travel insurance plan from iTravelInsured or another company. That way, you won't be paying twice for coverage you might already have! Some basic insurance coverages, like primary rental car insurance, are offered through many travel rewards credit cards.

It's worth considering whether your credit card travel protection is primary or secondary. Secondary coverage will only kick in after any other relevant travel insurance policies you have. And note that insurance provided through a credit card likely won't cover medical issues, just things like trip and baggage delays.

Once you're clear on the coverage you have through your credit cards, you can purchase travel insurance to fill in the gaps.

See our guide to the best credit cards with travel insurance.

iTravelInsured Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, iTravelInsured is great for international trips, offering coverage for medical emergencies, evacuations, and adventure sports.

iTravelInsured offers adventure sports coverage in its Travel Sport plan, with coverage for sports rental equipment, medical emergency coverage for hazardous sports, and search and rescue.

Customer reviews typically indicate that iTravelInsured has an efficient claims processing system, characterized by timely responses and a supportive claims handling team.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the iTravelInsured plan you purchase. Its Travel Lite plan doesn't offer pre-existing condition waivers , but its Travel SE and Travel LX plans do, as long as you purchase your policy within the specified window. You must purchase a Travel SE policy within 20 days of your initial trip payment and your Travel LX within 24 hours of your final trip payment.

iTravelInsured stands out for its variety of plans, long trip lengths, and lower rates.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed iTravelInsured

We looked at a variety of factors in reviewing the travel insurance plans offered by iTravelInsured. We also compared them to plans offered by other reputable travel insurance companies. And considered things like coverage limits, premiums costs, available add-ons, and more. 

Because the costs and available coverage depend primarily on the specific traveler's personal and trip details, it's best to compare a number of different options to determine which fits your needs. That way you'll know you're getting the right amount of coverage aligns with your needs and your budget.

Read more about how Business Insider reviews insurance products here.

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

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

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The Guide to Travel Accident Insurance

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When it comes time to hop on a plane, train or automobile, there’s one thing that can offer some peace of mind: travel insurance. But while lost luggage, delayed flights or interrupted plans may be top-of-mind concerns, coverage for unforeseen circumstances like travel-related accidents should also be considered.

Here’s a breakdown of what travel accident insurance is, what it covers and what to know when purchasing a policy for a vacation.

Keep in mind that specific policy coverage varies by provider, so it is wise to check the terms and conditions of each provider to understand what you’re covered for. Also, you may consider applying for a travel card that offers travel accident insurance benefits .

What is travel accident insurance?

Travel accident coverage is largely what it sounds like — a specific benefit of travel insurance that provides financial protection for accidents that happen while you’re traveling. But there are limitations and variations for not only what’s covered, but also what the term means depending on the plan you select.

Travel accident insurance coverage is sometimes called "Emergency accident coverage" or "Emergency medical coverage," depending on the plan. As well, travel accident insurance may include or be offered separately from accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Jump to learn more about definitions »

Via credit cards

Chase Sapphire cardholders, for example, receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage as part of their travel accident insurance policy. Coverage applies when the cardholder pays for their air, bus, train or cruise transportation with the card.

Via third-party plans

In contrast, most policies purchased from travel insurance providers cover you no matter when or where during your travels an accident strikes (so long as you’re within your originally selected travel dates and actively traveling, but more on that in a minute).

Other policies might offer accident coverage as an optional upgrade on top of a baseline policy.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel accident coverage defined

Because this type of insurance can be presented in a variety of ways, it’s important to understand the differences and read your policy for clarification.

Travel accident insurance: This coverage is often an umbrella term that includes death and dismemberment and/or emergency medical coverage. But some policies don’t use the term at all, while others use it to describe death and dismemberment benefits exclusively. Still others lump the term “accidents” in with emergency medical.

Emergency medical: This term is typically used for just what it sounds like: any sort of emergency medical care required during your travels, accident-related or otherwise. This coverage will reimburse you for any emergency medical costs up to the policy limit.

Accidental death and dismemberment : This benefit is generally a set amount, not a cost-specific reimbursement-related coverage like with emergency medical. This means that if you die as a result of an accident during your travels or have a dismemberment or severe disability, you or your chosen beneficiary will receive the flat amount listed in your policy — usually 100% of the maximum benefit in the case of death and 50% in the case of a lost limb.

Exact verbiage may differ, which can impact the sort of coverage offered versus what you think you’re getting. So always read up on the details.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

What does accident travel insurance cover?

Specific coverage differs from one policy to another.

Generally, though, travel accident insurance or emergency accident coverage, especially when lumped in with death and dismemberment benefits, will cover any sort of loss of life or limb, whether that’s eyesight, a hand or a foot, or an accident that results in required emergency medical attention during your travels.

When it’s presented as emergency medical coverage, it may also reimburse you for expenses like doctor visits, hospitalizations, necessary medication, X-rays or ambulance fees.

What's generally not covered?

Not every injury from all types of accidents is covered by every travel insurance policy.

Adventure sports. Many policies don’t cover injuries that happen as a result of extreme sports or similar activities, so if you plan on bungee jumping, mountain biking or snowboarding, you may need to consider a plan that specifically covers adrenaline-based activities .

Additional care back home. You’re covered only for accidents that occur during your trip and for medical services rendered while you’re still traveling. If you seek additional medical care after you get home, it’s usually not covered by travel insurance.

Alcohol and drugs. As a general rule, travel accident insurance (and travel insurance more broadly) doesn't cover the consequences of being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, especially above legal limits.

Cards with travel accident coverage

Many travel cards offer built-in travel accident coverage when you use them to book a trip.

Terms and coverage vary, so make sure you read the fine print, but here's a look at some popular cards and the insurance coverage they offer.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• 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.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• 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.

How to choose trip accident insurance

When planning for travel and choosing accident insurance, make sure to read policy information carefully, as with all travel insurance.

Ensure that you understand the differences in coverage, payout and limitation information between offerings like travel accident insurance, emergency medical coverage, and death and dismemberment benefits. Read detailed policy information before you buy to know what’s covered and what to do if the worst happens.

American Express insurance disclosures

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.

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 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.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

What does cruise travel insurance cover? And does it pay to buy cruise travel insurance?

The answer is not always clear-cut, as we'll discuss in this guide. But consider this: It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising. Even the best-laid plans for a cruise vacation can sometimes be thrown off course by an unexpected event.

You might need to cancel a cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Or, maybe you fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled, and you miss the vessel's departure. Or your ship is late arriving in port at the end of a voyage, and you miss your flight home.

In all of these situations, you might benefit from having cruise travel insurance — keyword "might."

Cruise insurance policies vary widely, and not every policy covers every type of mishap. That's why it always pays to read the fine print in a travel insurance policy before you purchase it to know what you're getting in advance.

It's also why you should read this introduction to everything you need to know about cruise insurance. It has many details, but the next time something unexpected happens on your cruise vacation, you'll be glad to be educated and covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

What does travel insurance cover when you cruise?

The typical cruise insurance policy covers a wide range of circumstances that can go wrong in conjunction with a vacation at sea — both before and during the sailing.

For starters, policies often will reimburse you for the cost of canceling a cruise due to a last-minute crisis. They will also often cover costs related to an interruption of a cruise (maybe your ship breaks down, requiring you to fly home mid-voyage ). These two elements are known as trip-cancellation and trip-interruption insurance, and they are bundled into a typical travel insurance policy.

Some policies will also cover out-of-pocket costs related to a flight delay or cancellation that results in you missing your cruise departure (for instance, the cost of catching up to the ship at its next port). Expenses related to baggage delays and loss are often covered as well.

But perhaps most importantly, many travel insurance policies will cover medical expenses you incur while on a cruise. Some will even cover the cost of evacuating from a foreign destination if you are in the midst of a medical crisis.

Travel insurance giant Allianz Global Assistance reports that 53% of all cruise-related "billing reasons" for claims are because of illness for the insured person, while 14% are for an injury. Another 8% are for the illness of a family member, 4% for the death of a family member and 4% for the illness of a traveling companion, among other reasons.

Those percentages include illness and accidents that happen to cruisers just before a trip, making travel impossible. But, in many cases, such claims result from illness and injuries that occur during voyages.

"People often take risks during vacation that they might not take back home, whether riding a jet ski, zipping around on a motorized scooter in a city they don't know well or hiking unfamiliar terrain," James Page, senior vice president and chief administration officer of AIG Travel, told TPG .

Some policies also cover the financial default of a travel provider. In such cases, if your cruise line goes out of business before you sail, you could get all — or at least some — of your money back.

Cruise travel insurance policies don't cover everything. For instance, standard travel insurers generally will not reimburse you for the cost of a cruise you cancel due to worries about an outbreak of an illness. That's true even if a U.S. government agency such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a recommendation that you don't cruise due to an illness outbreak, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic .

If you want the ultimate flexibility to cancel for such a reason or any other, you'll want to look into a more expensive cancel for any reason travel insurance upgrade.

Related: Avoiding outbreaks isn't covered by most travel insurance policies

Where to find a cruise travel insurance policy

You can buy a travel insurance policy directly from your cruise line when booking your trip or through your travel agent (if you're using one, which often is a good idea when booking a cruise). You also can go directly to a third-party travel insurance provider or a travel-insurance aggregator site, such as InsureMyTrip or TravelInsurance . Your credit card might even give you some travel protections.

Here's what you need to know about each type of cruise travel insurance.

Third-party insurance companies

Third-party insurance companies that specialize in writing travel insurance include AIG Travel, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance and American Express Travel Insurance.

One reason to use a travel agent or a travel aggregator: They can help you find a policy that offers added coverage specific to cruising.

Related: The Points Guy's guide to the best travel insurance companies

"Many plans now offer benefits that will specifically appeal to cruise travelers, such as missed connection, missed port-of-call and cruise disablement coverage," Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com, said.

Missed connection coverage reimburses cruisers for a set dollar amount if they need to rebook travel to catch up with their cruise at the next port. Missed port-of-call coverage pays a benefit if the cruise ship misses a scheduled port of call due to weather, a natural disaster or a mechanical breakdown.

Cruise disablement coverage pays a benefit if the traveler is confined on a ship for more than five hours without power, food, water or restrooms.

As noted, policies vary widely. It's a good idea to compare plans and make sure the one you buy has the elements that are most important to you. One size doesn't fit all.

Credit cards with travel benefits

Some premium credit cards offer valuable travel protections comparable to what you might get from a standard travel insurance plan. For example, the travel insurance provided when you pay for travel with select cards can reimburse you for expenses if your baggage is damaged, you're stranded overnight due to a flight delay or cancellation, or you have to return home to handle a family medical emergency.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, offers trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, emergency medical coverage and even medical evacuation coverage , among other benefits. And yes, cruise lines are considered common carriers just like airlines.

If you're planning to rely on a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express * (among others) for travel insurance, just be sure to recheck your card's benefits and limits carefully against regular travel insurance. You must pay for at least part — and sometimes all — of the trip with that credit card to take advantage of its protections.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Find out if your credit card protection includes travel accident insurance or covers preexisting medical conditions, and figure out when it will pay you back. Other questions to ask: What are the coverage limits? Will you have to pay for a foreign hospital bill upfront and then seek reimbursement later?

Cruise lines

Cruise lines often ask consumers booking a cruise to buy the line's own protection at the time of purchase. If specifics about the coverage are lacking, always ask the line for details in advance, review coverage perks and limits; then, compare those to one or two independent travel insurance policies or your credit card's insurance benefits.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise line travel insurance policies sometimes have quirks. Many cruise companies will only offer a travel voucher or credit for future use in the event of a covered cancellation, not an outright refund.

Also, financial default may not be a covered event in a cruise line-sold policy, but it's typically covered with plans from third-party travel insurance companies.

Cruise line policies also can be more restrictive.

"Cruise line insurance seems to have become better and has more widespread coverage than in the past, but it typically won't cover air or pre- and post-travel [arrangements] unless those elements are purchased through [the line]," said Debra Kerper, a Cruise Planners travel adviser from Carrollton, Texas, who books travel and sells private insurance. "This is when private insurance coverage becomes so very important."

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 8% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for a travel insurance policy. That's a wide range, we know, but it reflects the wide range of products out there.

You'll also find some basic plans that cost even less than 4% of your trip expenses, while some super-premium plans that cover just about any conceivable issue can cost as much as 12% of your trip expenses.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

All reputable insurance companies will offer a "free-look period" during which you can receive a 100% refund on your premium. This allows you to review the policy you've selected and return it for any reason within the period allotted — usually for a small administration fee of less than $10.

Under normal circumstances, you don't need to purchase a so-called "cancel for any reason" add-on to your cruise travel insurance policy unless you really need the flexibility. The upgrades are significantly more expensive.

You can receive a quote and purchase a policy online in minutes with any credit card. Although you may think travel insurance should code as "travel" when paid on a credit card and thus be eligible for bonus points on certain cards, that isn't always the case. Your points earnings will depend on the individual underwriter's merchant code. When in doubt, expect the purchase to fall under the insurance category for earnings.

Should I buy travel insurance for a cruise?

Whether you buy travel insurance is a personal decision that will depend on many factors. Would you be willing to absorb the loss of canceling a cruise on short notice due to an illness or accident? Could you afford an evacuation flight from a far-off port if you suddenly became seriously ill? Only you can answer those sorts of questions.

Here are some things to consider as you make that decision.

You might not be covered by regular medical insurance while cruising

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling internationally (which will be the case for most cruises), you may find that most private medical insurance plans in the U.S. won't cover you.

Additionally, Original Medicare only covers people traveling outside U.S. borders in limited circumstances.

While certain Medicare Supplement Plans do have some foreign emergency medical benefits, not all do. Be sure to talk to your Medical Supplemental Plan provider to see if you're covered, what's covered, what the limits are and how the bill is paid.

Also note that, in some countries (particularly those in Central and South America), travelers may not be discharged from a hospital until their bill is paid in full.

Related: Trip wrecked: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

Plus, if you have a medical incident overseas, you could find yourself stuck in a shared hospital room without air conditioning or a private bathroom. The level of care may not be what you expect.

"For people traveling internationally, it's crucial to know beforehand where to go for any treatment … and how they're going to pay for that treatment," Page said.

Getting evacuated for a medical condition is expensive

Most airlines won't accept seriously ill passengers, those carrying bulky medical equipment or those requiring a full medical team.

Even a low-cost weekend getaway on a cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami can turn costly if you suffer a serious accident or illness requiring medical treatment or an emergency medical evacuation.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Being flown back to the U.S. from a far-flung overseas location in a private, medically equipped aircraft, with a professional medical team on board, can run between $70,000 and $180,000, according to Mike Hallman, president and CEO of Medjet, a medical transport membership company.

"Domestic transports, which we cover as well, can cost upwards of $30,000," Hallman said.

Without proof of medical evacuation coverage, foreign providers will also want that money upfront. Hallman said that regular travel insurance will typically get you to an acceptable overseas hospital and even to a higher-level care facility if "medically necessary." Alternatively, medical evacuation coverage means you can fly home to your own hospital, doctors and family — without claim forms, cost caps on transports or surprise bills.

The tandem approach — buying both travel insurance and a separate medevac transport membership — is a good option, Hallman said.

"We always recommend travel insurance, as it covers trip interruption, which is important, as well as medical coverage for the hospital and treatment costs," he said. "We pick up where they leave off."

You can't predict the weather

Cruising is a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. But it's good to remember that unexpected delays, interruptions or cancellations due to weather can happen during cruises, particularly during hurricane seasons in places such as the Caribbean and Asia (where hurricanes are called typhoons).

During a typical hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30), Allianz pays about 6,000 claims from customers whose travel plans in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. are affected by the storms, according to a spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance USA.

If you're hoping to insure against a storm-related disaster, it's good to buy travel insurance as early as possible. Once a storm or hurricane is named, it's too late to buy travel insurance to cover it.

Of course, cruise lines will move ships away from a weather threat. When the port lineup is adjusted or the cruise shortened, the company will offer the guest an onboard credit, onboard gift or future cruise credit rather than any refund. It depends on the circumstances of that specific voyage. You won't be able to make a claim on your cruise travel insurance policy just for a minor itinerary change .

Related: Everything you need to know about cruising during hurricane season

Costs can mount quickly when things go wrong

Even if the cruise line does provide a full or partial refund or cruise credit for an itinerary change or some other interruption, travelers could have to swallow the cost of other travel elements not purchased through the line. That could include nonrefundable flights , prepaid resort or hotel nights, nonrefundable tour fees and more.

Travel insurance can cover those, plus help with flight delays or cancellations, baggage loss or theft.

If a winter storm causes you to miss your flight to where the ship is boarding , "travel insurance could help you get to the next port to join the cruise, so you don't miss your entire trip," Page said.

In fact, 13% of "billing reasons" for claims to Allianz are for common carrier delays (such as a flight delay), while weather and natural disaster-related claims account for about 3%.

The government probably won't bail you out

While cruise ships have medical facilities, they're usually not equipped to treat serious illnesses. If you experience a serious medical problem on a vessel, you may have to get off the ship in a foreign port to seek treatment at a hospital. In such a case, if you don't have medical evacuation insurance, you may then find yourself stranded in that port awaiting a medical evacuation.

Don't expect Uncle Sam to step in and help foot the bill.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs clearly states the importance of buying travel insurance.

"The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas," the bureau says on the website. "We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel."

You may need more assistance than you think

If you're injured or become severely ill during a cruise, especially in a foreign country, it may be difficult to access help without the assistance of trained professionals that comes with many insurance plans.

Many travel insurance companies provide around-the-clock assistance with locating overseas clinics and pharmacies, getting to a doctor or hospital, refilling lost or depleted prescriptions, assisting with up-front payments to hospitals, and arranging flight changes so you can get home.

Travel insurance companies also can arrange for an air ambulance, a nurse escort, oxygen and a lie-flat seat on a flight home if your medical condition warrants it.

You want to be careful if you have preexisting conditions

When you cruise, it's important to be fully covered, which means having comprehensive medical coverage that includes any preexisting conditions. Otherwise, if you head into a doctor's office overseas, have any tests completed, or visit an urgent care center or emergency room, you might not be covered.

Here, timing is extremely important. Cruisers seeking coverage of preexisting conditions, as well as cancel for any reason insurance, generally must book within seven to 21 days of the first payment they make for a trip. The timing varies by insurer.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance isn't for every traveler — or even for every sailing. It's not inexpensive. However, it can bring a lot of peace of mind if you're about to head out to sea. Do your homework, compare plans and always assess the risks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.