travel insurance unexpected events

June 1, 2020

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

What is a "reasonably foreseeable" event?

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

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

Unforeseen severe weather: What does travel insurance cover?

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

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

How does travel insurance work for existing medical conditions?

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

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

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

Unforeseen pregnancy complications: What does travel insurance cover?

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

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

Unforeseen events that travel insurance does not cover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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• Travel Advice
• General Information

What Are Unforeseen Events in Travel Insurance?

Last Updated: July 6, 2023 June 18, 2024

Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events that happen before you leave for your trip and once you’re abroad. These unforeseen events can be defined as events that impact travel that cannot reasonably be predicted or controlled. 

When it comes to travel, there’s obviously a lot of factors outside of our control, so the list of potential unforeseen events is extensive. 

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies may provide coverage for unforeseen events that happen before a trip, while a traveler is in transit, and during a trip. We explore examples of some of the more common events below: 

Unforeseen Events Before A Trip

Under most single-trip policies , a traveler can cancel their trip and be reimbursed their prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if an unexpected event forces them to cancel their trip. These cancellations may be covered under a policies Trip Cancellation benefit. 

The most common covered event is a traveler unexpectedly getting sick or injured leading up to a trip. Other common pre-trip unforeseen events typically covered by Trip Cancellation include: 

• Accommodations made inhabitable by natural disasters or Inclement weather 
• Terrorism attack in or near a city on a traveler’s itinerary
• Involuntary layoff from an employer 
• A hurricane warning or mandatory evacuation issues at a traveler’s home or destination

Unforeseen Events During Transit

Most travel insurance policies, including annual plans , provide coverage for unexpected events that can impact a policyholders travel schedule on their departure date. This most commonly includes flight and baggage delays. 

Travel Delay is a travel insurance benefit that covers travelers when their flight schedule is unexpectedly pushed back. This is usually due to inclement weather impacting air travel, airline labor strikes, or mechanical breakdowns. Travel Delay insurance can reimburse travelers for expenses incurred for significant delays, including meals and overnight accommodations. 

While rare, it’s possible for an airline to mistakenly misplace or misdirect your checked luggage. This unforeseen event is usually covered by the Baggage Delay benefit, which can reimburse travelers for toiletries, clothes, and other necessities while they await for their luggage to arrive at their destination. 

Unforeseen Events During A Trip

The primary reason most travelers purchase travel insurance is for protection from the unexpected while traveling. Luckily, travel insurance can protect against unforeseen injuries, illnesses, and events that may force a traveler to cut their trip short. 

The most commonly covered unforeseen events that occur during a trip are: 

Medical Emergencies

Getting sick or injured during a trip is a common fear among travelers. Not only does it take away from the enjoyment of the trip, but seeking medical treatment overseas can be extremely expensive. 

Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of hospital bills, ambulance rides, and other expenses related to an unexpected medical emergency. This may also include the cost to evacuate you to another medical facility if needed. 

Trip Interruptions 

Travel insurance may also cover unforeseen events that force you to end your trip early under the Trip Interruption benefit. This can be due to an unexpected medical emergency, death of a family member, inclement weather, terrorist attack, or any other covered reason. 

In the event you need to end your trip early, travel insurance policies will typically cover unused trip expenses, such as nights in a hotel and other bookings that are no longer needed. Some policies will also reimburse the additional cost of airfare needed to return home early. 

Baggage & Personal Belongings

Losing your luggage during your trip is an unexpected event often covered by travel insurance. If your bags get lost, stolen, or damaged at any point during your trip, a policy’s Baggage and Personal Item Loss benefit may reimburse you for the cost of the damaged or lost items up to a specified amount. 

Understanding What’s Not Covered

It’s important to understand that travel insurance does not cover every unexpected event. Providers will outline policy exclusions in their Policy Certificates. The wording can vary from one policy to the next, but most providers will exclude coverage for similar events. 

Common unforeseen events excluded from coverage include: 

• Illness or injuries resulting from a pre-existing condition 
• Illness or injuries sustained while taking place in hazardous sport or activity. Travelers with more adventurous activities should consider a Adventure & Sports travel insurance plan .
• Medical complications resulting from pregnancies 
• Cancellations or interruptions relating to a known event (be sure to check your destination’s travel advisory before you depart).

For specific questions regarding covered or uncovered unforeseen events, please review the information found on your policy certificate. If you have questions about a specific policy, please contact us directly at 800-240-0369. Our customer service representatives are available from 8am to 10pm ET seven days a week and are delighted to help!

Trip Interruption Benefits

What is trip interruption .

Trip Interruption Coverage is there to offer protection against your trip in the event that it falls short due to unforeseen circumstances—if it gets interrupted. Interruption Coverage covers events that may cause a premature trip home:  

• Serious sickness 
• Severe weather 
• Family emergency 
• Quarantine 
• Evacuation 
• Military duty 
• An early departure 

Think of Trip Interruption Coverage as coverage against an outside event that prevents you from continuing your trip as intended.  If you have to cut things short unexpectedly, Trip Interruption Coverage is here to offset that. 

Trip Interruption Coverage typically covers expenses such as the cost of unused transportation, accommodation (hotels, etc.), and other expenses incurred because of the interruption. The exact coverage and benefits vary depending on the policy: some cover 100-200% of the total trip cost, while others cap coverage at a set amount. Most policies require a 72-hour notification window to let the parties (including your insurance provider) know that you will be employing the interruption benefits.   

Why Get Trip Interruption Coverage? 

Think of it this way: you’re on a week-long romantic getaway. You have active excursions planned during the day, and poolside relaxation on the schedule for the evening -- but two days in, you sprain your ankle. You can’t safely do any of the snorkeling, swimming, hiking, or strolling that you had planned. Even after a day off, taking it easy, you see your ankle is worse, and you’d like to get home for treatment before it becomes too serious. Here, Trip Interruption Insurance can offer reimbursement for your unused lodging, original flight cost, and transportation costs – because your trip was interrupted and was not able to be fulfilled according to schedule. 

Reimbursement requires a few careful steps, which we’ll outline below, but that is the essence of trip interruption coverage.  

If you do not have trip interruption coverage, any cancellations for lodging/hotels, transportation, or flights are done at your own risk—and the mercy of the merchant you are working with. Whether hotels allow last-minute cancellations or refunds will be on a case-by-case basis, and most flight transfers will involve change fees and high costs. Trip Interruption Coverage could help mitigate these fees, so that you can get reimbursed and return home safely. 

The Most Common Reasons People Have to Cut Trips Short 

The three most common reasons people cut trips short are because of sudden illness/injury, severe weather, and family emergencies.   These are also the most common reasons to opt for Interruption Coverage. 

What Does it Not Cover? 

Trip Interruption Insurance does not cover every unexpected incident. Exclusions will vary by each policy, but in general, it does not cover: 

• Injury caused by being intoxicated or under the influence  
• Committing an illegal or criminal act 
• Injury related to certain extreme activities (think skydiving, mountaineering, or deep-sea scuba diving) 
• Pre-existing medical conditions 

Trip Interruption Vs. Other Travel Coverage? 

There are several types of travel insurance coverage plans on the market, so let’s clear up some terms for you: 

Trip Interruption vs. Trip Cancellation Insurance 

Trip Cancellation Coverage is for situations when you have to cancel your trip before you leave. Usually, the benefits of cancellation coverage are in the form of refunds (airfare, tour booking, or hotel reservations). It is similar to interruption coverage but often has additional stipulations about when and what applies.  

Many insurance plans offer “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) op-ins, but these usually only provide 75% reimbursement and are only valid if your trip is canceled before you leave. 

Trip Interruption vs. Trip Delay Insurance 

Trip Interruption Coverage is different from Trip Delay coverage. Trip Delay coverage helps off-set costs associated with a short pause in your travel plans. The length of the “pause” depends on each plan, but in general, think of it like this:  

Your flight out of Denver is scheduled for 6pm, but a massive storm comes in, and the next available flight is not until 8am the next morning. Trip delay coverage would generally cover things like your meals for the duration, hotel for the night, and the cost of the hotel room you had booked but did not use (if the hotel won’t refund you).   Here, your trip didn’t stop prematurely, it was just delayed a bit. 

Trip Interruption Coverage, instead, would come into play if you are already on your trip, but severe weather causes evacuation, or you incur an illness (like that sprained ankle) that prevents you from continuing.  

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But Do I Need Trip Interruption Coverage? 

• Type of trip you are taking  
• Total trip cost 
• Your personal risk tolerance 

For trips lasting multiple days, international, and/or active excursions (such as cruises, tour guided activities), trip interruption insurance may be recommended, since the longer duration the trip, the greater room for problems to pop up. 

The Trip Interruption benefit can provide coverage for unexpected events such as sickness, weather-related cancellations, and other eligible events that can cause you to interrupt your trip.    Trip Interruption also allows travelers to rejoin their trip after an interruption has occurred. 

  When Does Trip Interruption Coverage Begin? 

Requirements before coverage may begin: 

• When a specific travel package has been selected 
• On the day after the required premium for such coverage is received by the authorized representative 

Once requirements are met, your coverage will begin on the scheduled departure date.    

When Does Trip Interruption Coverage End? 

Coverages will end the earliest of the following: 

• The scheduled return date as stated on the travel tickets 
• The date and time you return to your origination point is prior to the scheduled return date 
• The date and time you deviate from, leave, or change the original trip itinerary (unless due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances covered by the policy) 
• If you extend the return date, coverage will terminate at 11:59 P.M., local time, at your location on the scheduled return date unless authorized in advance by our travel agent. 
• When your trip exceeds 90 days 
• The return date as stated on your purchase confirmation 

Travel plan benefits vary by selection. Explore our  Silver ,  Gold , and  Platinum  plans.   

How to get Trip Interruption Coverage 

Receive a  free quote  online within minutes. You can also call us to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors: 

Call 855-327-1441 

Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-7 PM Central Time  Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics of trip interruption will depend on the date of purchase and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have. 

What Qualifies as Trip Interruption? 

Okay, what exactly qualifies under trip interruption protection? AXA Travel Protection coverage can provide travelers with coverage when they face situations that force them to interrupt their travel schedule:   

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Get covered against Trip Delays, Medical Emergencies, Lost Baggage, and more!

How Much Does Trip Interruption Coverage Cost? 

All three of AXA’s Travel Protection plans include Trip Interruption coverage; maximum coverage per person is up to: 

Silver  

Maximum Benefit: 100% of Trip Cost  Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100 

  Gold  

Maximum Benefit: 150% of Trip Cost  Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100    

Platinum  

Maximum Benefit: 150% of Trip Cost  Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100 

How to get a Travel Protection Quote? 

Receive a  free quote  within minutes, or call us at 855-327-1441 Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-7 PM Central Time to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors.  

  Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics of trip interruption will depend on the date of purchase and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have  

Other Things to Know 

Filing a claim.

If your trip gets delayed or interrupted, you must show that you’ve done everything you can to still continue with your scheduled plans. A common example is this: Let’s say you’re taking a 5-day cruise, but a storm grounds your plane for 2 days. By the time you get to your cruise destination, the ship has literally already sailed, and you can’t find a flight to your next port. This may be a good case where you may get interruption coverage. 

Just remember that you still have to show that you did everything you could to make those original plans: most plans require that demonstrate that you still tried to reconnect with your cruise or tour group, that this was, in fact, an “interruption” that caused you to miss your trip. To do this, it’s generally a good precaution to keep your receipts, document your efforts, document your experience, and keep all required documentation. Most coverage also abides by a 72-hour notification rule, but make sure you know the ins-and-outs of your specific plan beforehand. 

Interruption coverage usually provides a percentage reimbursement for covered scenarios. The amount of reimbursement and coverage will depend on which plan you select.  

If you need assistance, you can always contact AXA’s Travel Support Line at: 855-327-1441 . 

Why choose AXA Travel Protection? 

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA provides assistance with a wide range of features that include:  

• Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency 
• 24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling 

For more information, contact us by phone at 855-327-1441 or here for online help options.  

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• Best for adventure traveling
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in July 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.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024 Summary

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for Adventure Sports :  World Nomads Travel Insurance

Top Travel Insurance Companies Comparison

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up

Axa assistance usa.

AXA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel guard.

AIG is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review .

Best Travel Insurance for Reputation

C&f travel insured.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Worldtrips travel insurance.

WorldTrips has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Affordability

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

Best for Adventure Traveling

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Additionally, its one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.

That said, World Nomads doesn't have the highest coverage limits compared to its competitors on this list. It also doesn't have the most customization, only providing two plans to choose from with no options for pre-existing condition coverage. Yet, World Nomads still stands out for its sports coverage and post-departure coverage.

Read our World Nomads review .

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

For adventure sports coverage, you'll want to look at World Nomads , which covers over 300 sports.

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

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

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What is Travel Insurance and How Does it Work?

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

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

What is Travel Insurance: The Basics

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

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

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

What does travel insurance cover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does travel insurance work?

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

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

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

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

Also read:  Why Travel Insurance is Crucial for Cruise Trips

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

  Learn more about: How does travel insurance work?

When to buy travel insurance

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

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

Get the right travel protection plan for you

Should you buy travel insurance?

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

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

Also read:  Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance Questions Answered

What is travel insurance?

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It? 3 Examples Where it Pays Off
• Guide to Understand, Purchase and Use Trip Insurance
• How Travel Insurance Can Help When You Fly
• See detailed answers to your travel insurance coverage questions
• Are You Protected? How Travel Insurance Can Help During Your Trip
• Travel insurance in the USA: Why insure your trip even if you're not leaving the country
• Does Travel Insurance Cover the Flu or Other Illness?
• Travel Insurance Comparison: How to Choose the Right Plan
• When to Buy Travel Insurance: Timing is Everything
• How Travel Insurance Covers You and Your Belongings While Away

Travel Resources

1.   U.S. Travel Insurance Association

Average Customer Rating:

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6 best travel insurance companies of July 2024

Travel insurance can protect you against a range of unforeseen events, from lost bags to medical emergencies..

Whether you're taking a family vacation to Disney World or a romantic cruise through the Mediterranean, travel insurance could help protect your trip from the unexpected. From trip cancellations and flight delays to medical emergencies, travel insurance could protect you financially and give you peace of mind.

There are several different types of travel insurance plans to choose from when shopping for a policy. Here are a few of the common coverage types:

• Trip cancellation coverage : Helps recoup travel expenses if you can't travel, though generally limited to specific reasons.  
• Travel delay coverage: Helps cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. 
• Trip interruption coverage: Helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons may include an injury or illness on the trip, or a family emergency at home. 
• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage: This covers unforeseen medical expenses when traveling outside the U.S. where your health insurance may not work. Emergency evacuation could help get you home if medically needed while overseas. 
• Baggage loss: Covers baggage lost, damaged or stolen during your trip.

You'll also want to consider the prospective insurer's epidemic-related coverage. Each insurance company covers epidemic-related issues, such as Covid-19, differently, so check the fine print on a policy you're considering.  

CNBC Select analyzed dozens of different U.S. travel insurance products and narrowed down the top six for all sorts of travelers. (Read more about our methodology below.)

Best travel insurance companies

• Best for lost baggage and personal belongings: AXA Assistance USA travel insurance  
• Best for customization: Travel Guard travel insurance
• Best for cancellation coverage: Allianz travel insurance
• Best for travel medical plans: USI Affinity travel insurance
• Best for cruise insurance: Nationwide travel insurance
• Best for luxury travel: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Best for lost baggage and personal belongings 

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

AXA Assistance USA ’s travel insurance offers three different plans for travelers to choose from, with the most basic plans including trip interruption and cancellation and baggage and personal effects coverage. The platinum plan offers coverage for lost ski days and golf rounds, ideal for trips centering around those activities. 

Best for customization

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.

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

For those wanting to cover an upcoming trip, Travel Guard is a strong option because of its variety of coverage types. With three base packages available online and more options available through a representative, there are a variety of ways to customize your policy. The deluxe, preferred and essential plans include coverage for one related child age 17 or younger.

Best for trip cancellation coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

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.

• 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

Travelers who want the ability to cancel their trips will find 10 different travel insurance policies through Allianz . You can either purchase coverage for a specific trip or purchase an annual plan that covers an entire year's worth of trips. Instead of basic cancel for any reason coverage, Allianz offers a Cancel Anytime policy that can reimburse up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, while many other companies we reviewed cap "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage at 75%. 

Best for travel medical plans

Usi affinity travel insurance.

USI Affinity has travel medical policies in addition to trip cancellation policies. Travel medical plans include an option for frequent travelers to cover multiple trips. Trip cancellation options include coverage for road trips and group travel.

• Wide variety of plans for both trip cancellation coverage and travel medical insurance
• CFAR only covers up to 70% of non-refundable trip costs

People who are traveling out of the country can find medical plans from USI Affinity to cover them during their travels. Frequent travelers can get an annual medical plan that covers them on multiple trips of 30 days or less. This company also has trip cancellation insurance policies in addition to global travel medical plans. 

Best for cruise insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

• 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
• Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Those planning a cruise in the future might find cruise-specific travel insurance helpful. Nationwide offers cruise-specific insurance that can cover things like emergency accidents, sicknesses, itinerary changes and trip interruptions to start. Nationwide offers three tiers of cruise insurance (universal, choice and luxury) to get the right level of coverage for every type of trip. Nationwide offers a 10-day review period on its cruise policies (though unavailable in NY or WA), giving you extra time to look over the policy and ensure it’s a good fit. 

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

• Wide variety of policies available
• Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
• Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Since a luxury vacation is a large investment, insuring it could ensure that cost is covered if you have to cancel or have your trip interrupted. Berkshire Hathaway ’s LuxuryCare travel insurance has high limits of coverage for trip interruption coverage, medical expenses, and coverage for things like sporting equipment. Berkshire Hathaway also covers cruises and adventure travel with other separate plans. 

Travel insurance FAQs

How do i choose the best travel insurance .

The best travel insurance is one that will meet your needs, cover the type of travel you’re doing (and the experiences you’re planning) and will give you the peace of mind you need. 

Shopping around for travel insurance can help you make sure that you get the best deal possible. Since policies and coverage can vary by company, it could be helpful to get several quotes and compare the coverage limits and types available from several companies to find the best deal for your specific needs and trip. 

To simplify the shopping process, a travel insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth could help you understand how much you’ll spend and what types of insurance coverage are available for your trip. 

Is travel insurance worth it? 

Whether or not travel insurance is worth it could depend on the types of coverage you already have, including whether or not an existing travel credit card you hold could provide similar coverage, and whether that would cover your concerns. 

Some travel credit cards offer car rental insurance , baggage insurance, trip delay insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. In addition, others offer more coverage like travel accident insurance. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, offers travel accident insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, and coverage for baggage delays and lost luggage reimbursement. Several of CNBC Select’s top travel credit cards also offer some credit card travel insurance that could cover potential travel issues.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The average travel insurance costs between 4% and 10% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, according to travel insurance marketplace InsureMyTrip . 

However, travel insurance costs vary based on the cost of the travel you’re insuring, as well as the age of the travelers and any extra coverage that’s added to the policy. 

Bottom line

Travel insurance can cover a range unexpected events on your trip, from lost baggage to emergency medical expenses. While costs vary based on age, type of coverage and trip costs, it can be useful if you need to cancel or cut your trip short.

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 .

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. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance.

Our methodology 

To determine the best travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of U.S. travel insurance companies that come with a wide variety of policies and offer coverage for many situations. 

When narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on the coverage available, including the number of plans available, 24/7 assistance availability and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage availability. We also considered financial strength ratings from AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings for customer satisfaction. 

From there, we sorted our recommendations by the best overall and runner-up, best for cancellation coverage, best for travel medical plans, best for cruise insurance and best for luxury travel.

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate per the company’s policies.

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

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Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

More than a quarter of the population of the U.S. has received at least one COVID-19 vaccination as of this week, and all those shots in arms seem to be directly correlating to a surge in travel.

In fact, the number of passengers in U.S. airports reached their highest numbers in more than a year last week according to the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ). Whether you're vaccinated or not, concerns about new strains of the coronavirus are high, so it's not surprising to hear that inquiries about travel insurance have also hit their highest level since the pandemic began, according to InsureMyTrip .

However, "there is a big misconception about what travel insurance does — and doesn't — cover," said Meghan Walch, pandemic travel insurance expert for InsureMyTrip . In the company's latest poll of travel insurance agents, the vast majority of questions (a whopping 97%) from would-be travelers are regarding how travel insurance may or may not cover COVID-19 related travel concerns.

So, does your travel insurance cover a pandemic? Here's everything you need to know.

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Why travel insurance usually doesn't cover epidemics and pandemics

In general terms, regular travel insurance policies cover the "unknowns" — for example, an accident you couldn't have anticipated in advance, such as falling while you were hiking and breaking your leg — and not losses caused directly or indirectly by known or foreseeable events (in this case, an epidemic complete with government travel advisories).

Similar to a weather event , once something becomes "known" it may not be a covered reason for cancellation if a traveler purchases insurance after that date.

In other words, if you purchased travel after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, you've entered "known" territory, the same as deciding to fly into the eye of a hurricane.

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

What travel insurance normally covers

"Essentially, travel insurance covers unexpected events during your travels and pre-departure starting the effective date of your policy," said Christina Tunnah, general manager of the Americas of travel insurance company World Nomads.

According to Tunnah, regular travel insurance breaks down into three main categories:

• The protection of your pocketbook (investment in flights, delays, interruption, cancellation)
• The protection of yourself (emergency medical and evacuation)
• The protection of your belongings ( delayed and lost bags , theft)

Many credit cards also offer travel protection. Covered situations, maximum coverage amounts and eligible expenses vary across the cards that offer this benefit. Covered situations typically include accidental bodily injury; loss of life or sickness; severe weather; terrorist action or hijacking and jury duty or a court subpoena that can't be postponed or waived.

Related: The best credit cards with complimentary travel protection

Are some insurers covering COVID-19?

Not all the news on the COVID-19 insurance front is negative. According to Walch, many traditional travel insurance policies will cover your COVID-19 related travel concerns if you meet regular guidelines.

Examples of COVID-19 coverage in traditional plans include:

• If you must visit a doctor or hospital during a trip due to a COVID-19 illness
• If you get sick with COVID-19 and must cancel a trip
• If a physician orders you to quarantine before a trip
• If you lost a job during the coronavirus pandemic by no fault of your own

In addition, some plans are now offering higher travel delay limits in order to help with additional accommodation expenses due to a covered quarantine, adds Walch.

And, there are also some individual insurers that are simply covering COVID-19 outright. For example, World Nomads' plans cover the diagnosis of COVID-19 the same as any other illness with benefits that could include emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation, trip delay and trip interruption coverage if you contract COVID-19 while traveling.

How to find a plan that covers COVID-19

First of all, you should look in the exclusion section to see if pandemics or epidemics are mentioned. If so, you'll need to shop around for a different policy, said Tunnah.

Even though travel insurance companies may offer COVID-19 sickness coverage, they typically don't offer benefits for every circumstance.

"Every policy is different, so you'll want to get a good grasp of a plan's coverage before you purchase it," Tunnah explained. Some of the questions you should ask yourself are: Does the plan cover emergency medical and evacuation expenses if I contract COVID-19? What are covered reasons for cancellation? What if my trip is delayed or interrupted because of a COVID-19 event?

If you're getting confused from reading the legal jargon of a policy, you can contact the customer service department of your travel insurance company, Tunnah advised. Representatives should be able to provide plain English explanations of coverage and help you identify a plan that meets your specific trip needs.

To see multiple options in one place, InsureMyTrip has a COVID-19 coverage tool that allows you to compare different policies.

Here's what you should be looking for according to the company:

• Trip cancellation coverage: While traditional trip cancellation does not allow a traveler to cancel a trip due to COVID-19 fears, it may cover a traveler in the event they get sick from COVID-19 and must cancel a trip.
• Trip interruption coverage: In the event a traveler gets sick from COVID-19 and the trip is interrupted, this coverage may apply.
• Cancel for any reason coverage : If eligible, this protection allows travelers the option to cancel a trip due to concerns over COVID-19, whereas traditional trip cancellation coverage does not (see below for more details).

Cancel for any reason insurance could be your best option

Cancel for any reason, also known as CFAR in the insurance industry, is an add-on to certain traditional trip insurance policies.

While travel insurance policies can offer a range of inclusions (think: medical evacuation, trip cancellation due to foreign or domestic terrorism or rental car damage) not every eventuality is included in all insurance policies. For example, some trip insurance plans cover employment layoffs while others do not. Some policies may have robust emergency medical coverage while competitors don't. That's why it's so important for you to select a plan that meets your specific needs for each trip.

One commonality among insurance policies? A long lists of exclusions. That's where a CFAR policy comes into play.

" InsureMyTrip strongly recommends travelers strongly consider a CFAR upgrade," said Walch. This upgrade offers the most trip cancellation flexibility and is the only option available to cover "fear of travel" (traditional travel insurance does not offer cancellation coverage for "fear of travel," whether related to COVID-19 or not).

If eligibility requirements are met, reimbursement is typically up to 70% of the pre-paid, nonrefundable trip cost. "Just be aware that this add-on will increase the cost of the plan," Walch advised.

Some countries are requiring mandatory insurance for entry

Even in pre-pandemic times, many countries required travelers to have personal medical insurance to visit (although you weren't necessarily required to provide proof). Now, with pandemic concerns, some countries are instituting mandatory COVID-19 insurance for entry.

The Bahamas is one example. Travel health insurance is required for all incoming visitors and the cost for the mandatory insurance is included in the price of the Travel Health Visa all tourists are required to apply for before entry. Aruba is another example where COVID-19 insurance is purchased onsite at arrival and mandatory for entry.

Note that these insurance coverage policies just are for medical coverage, so travelers will still need additional coverage to cover non-health-related expenses such as travel delays or lost baggage.

Bottom line

If you're planning on traveling during a pandemic, don't assume that your usual travel insurance will cover you. Be sure to compare different insurance policies. and strongly consider Cancel For Any Reason insurance if you want to make sure your trip costs are covered.

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How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work?

Few adventures are as exciting as long-distance travel, but it adds an element of uncertainty. Unexpected travel disruptions can happen, causing unnecessary financial loss. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance will cover you for most travel disruptions. Still, you must understand the policy terms and conditions and submit a claim to reimburse nonrefundable expenses. 

In this detailed guide, find out how to submit a trouble-free claim to prevent reimbursement delays. 

Key Takeaways

• Understand your policy benefits, exclusions and limits.
• Keep all receipts and documentation connected to travel disruptions.
• Promptly submit claims and then track your claim online.

Steps for Submitting a Travel Insurance Claim

• Determine if You're Eligible for Coverage

Provide All Necessary Documentation

• See All 16 Items

Submitting a claim is not difficult, but you must meticulously follow each step to avoid delays. 

Determine if You’re Eligible for Coverage

It makes sense to check whether you have coverage before you waste time completing claims. Look through your policy terms and conditions to find out what it covers. Policies are usually quite clear about insured events. Look for benefits, excluded events, and claim limits. If you are still uncertain, contact your insurer via email or telephone. 

Include all required documentation. Many claims are delayed because they arrive without the needed documents. Submit your documents online if your insurer offers this service. It’s a quicker and more reliable way to ensure the travel insurance company receives your claim’s submission.

You’ll need a copy of your insurance policy, proof of payment, and correspondence regarding the claimed occurrence. You may also need a passport and visa. The remaining required documentation will depend on the type of travel insurance claim. 

Trip Cancellation

Submit all the documentation explaining why you had to cancel the trip. Required documents may include a doctor’s note for illness or proof of a family death. Most insurers also cover natural disasters, jury duty or court subpoenas, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, visa or passport theft and serious residential damage from flooding or fire. You will need proof of the event if you cancel for these reasons. 

You must also provide proof that you canceled the trip you are claiming. Your insurer may request that you submit any unused airline tickets. You can claim for transportation, accommodation, tours and vehicle rental up to the limits specified in your policy. 

Provide information about the amount refunded by the travel provider. You may only claim nonrefundable payments. 

Are you looking for more information about trip cancellation insurance? Here's everything you need to know . 

Trip Delay 

Postponed or canceled flights are the most likely cause of trip delays. Check your travel insurance policy to understand the benefits, limits and exclusions. Trip delay coverage takes a while to take effect. Usually, coverage kicks in between six and twelve hours. It covers extra costs incurred for transportation, meals and accommodation. Your insurance may also cover the costs of rescheduled flights, activities and events you miss because of the delay.

Insurers cap the coverage. The limits should appear in your policy. Keep all receipts resulting from trip delays. Use these receipts with airline confirmation of the delay to support your claim. 

Trip Interruption

Trip interruption differs from trip cancellation in that it occurs after your trip has started. The interruption cannot be of your own making. It must be outside of your control. An example might be an outbreak of war or a natural disaster at your destination. It also covers the death of a travel companion, medical evacuation, illness, injury and natural disasters. You will not have coverage for preexisting medical conditions. 

Trip interruption coverage will reimburse you for nonrefundable trip expenses incurred for the canceled portion of the trip. This insurance does not cover trips lasting more than 60 days . 

If you’ve had to interrupt your trip you will need proof of the reason for the cancellation. 

Baggage And Personal Effects 

Immediately report the loss or theft of personal effects. If your personal effects or baggage is stolen, you’ll need a documented police or airline report and receipts proving the value of the lost goods. 

If your goods were lost by a transport company, like an airline, you must prove that the transporter did not reimburse you for your loss. Your insurer will want a list of the bag's contents, including valuables. 

Medical Expense 

If you’re unfortunate enough to become ill while traveling and have travel health insurance , file a medical expense claim for reimbursement as soon after the event as you can. Your submitted claim must include medical reports documenting all procedures and medicines provided when under the care of medical professionals. Also, include any medical receipts or invoices received.

Submit Your Claim with Documentation Promptly

The insurance may have time limits on claims, so submit yours as soon as possible. Keep all receipts and documentation. Throw nothing away. 

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Claim?

Your travel insurance will have a time limit for filing claims. The limits vary substantially. Most insurers stipulate a limit of between 20 and 90 days, though some may give you as much as a year to claim. 

How Long Does a Travel Insurance Claim Take?

Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, the insurance company should settle your claim in less than two weeks. Claims are generally paid by check or direct deposit. Failure to submit all the documents may cause claim settlement delays. 

What to Do if Your Travel Insurance Claim Gets Denied

You can appeal the insurance company’s decision to deny your claim, but you must follow the correct process. The company's website should provide information on how to submit an appeal. If you can’t find appeal instructions or have questions about the appeal process, contact customer service by phone or email. 

Check your travel insurance policy. Policies usually clearly state covered events. To succeed in an appeal, you must send more substantiating evidence.

What Happens After You File a Travel Insurance Claim?

Filing a claim is the first step toward receiving reimbursement. They may contact you if the insurance company needs more information or documents. Prevent delays by responding to requests for information as soon as you receive them.

Most travel insurance companies have online claims portals where you can track the status of your claim. Check from time to time to keep abreast of the process. The insurer may request information via the portal. 

Review the claim outcome on receipt and ensure it complies with the policy terms and conditions. Understand the reasons for denied claims and appeal if you have more supporting documentation. 

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

If you’re looking for travel insurance, you should find an insurance company to fulfill your needs on the chart below. 

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

Travel with Confidence

Travel disruptions are unpleasant, but you can alleviate the financial burden if you know what to expect. Always keep detailed records and documented proof of expenses and reasons for the claim. Understand exactly what your travel insurance policy covers, and file your claim immediately. Ensure that all the required documents accompany your claim to prevent reimbursement delays. You can’t prevent the unexpected, but you can confidently travel when you insure your trip with the right travel insurance . 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why get travel insurance.

Travel insurance protects you financially from unexpected events that could disrupt your travel arrangements. It is mandatory for Schengen visa travelers to Europe.

Is travel insurance refundable?

Most travel insurance companies will give you a “free look period” during which you can check your terms and conditions. This period lasts between 10 and 15 days, after which the travel insurance is not refundable.

Does travel insurance cover canceled flights?

Travel insurance does cover canceled flights, but it depends on the reason for the cancellation and the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy.

Jul 24, 2023

5 min. read

Smart travellers know about the benefits of having good travel insurance and how it protects you in the event of unexpected medical emergencies, travel advisories, cancelled or missed flights and more.

But what if you wanted to cancel you trip before you even took off … just because you suddenly didn’t feel 100% comfortable travelling? Would your travel insurance cover you? If you had purchased  Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance  or any of the  Vacation Package Plans  from CAA Travel Insurance 1  within 72 hours of booking your trip, then yes, you would be covered.

Cancel for any other reason up to three hours before departure.  

Suppose on the day you’re scheduled to leave for your dream vacation, you’re just feeling unsettled about going. The airport taxi is on its way and you can’t bring yourself to walk out the front door. What then? With  CAA Travel Insurance  in place, you can use your Cancel for Any Other Reason benefit and receive a refund up to 50% of what you spent. Better yet, if you have this coverage and booked your trip with  CAA Travel , you would get back up to 75%!

Book confidently now, knowing that you can cancel later.

Imagine you see a great flight or vacation deal to your dream destination. With CAA’s Cancel for Any Other Reason benefit, you can claim your seat or book your getaway now and change your mind right up to three hours before you’re scheduled to leave, on your departure day.

Relying on your credit card travel insurance? It may not adequately cover you.

Some credit cards include travel insurance coverage as a benefit for using them to pay for travel. Buyer beware, though: sometimes that travel insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost of your trip. Not only that, your credit card likely doesn’t have a Cancel for Any Other Reason benefit. So be sure to review your credit card policy to see what it includes. Not sure? Download our  credit card checklist  to ensure you have adequate coverage. Or, talk to one of CAA Travel Consultants at your  local CAA Store .

Members save 10% 2  on CAA Travel Insurance.

With all that you’ve invested in your trip, travel insurance makes perfect sense. Especially given that Ontario Health Insurance Plan ( OHIP ) may not cover you for any out-of-country medical expenses.

In fact, OHIP strongly recommends purchasing supplementary travel insurance coverage while travelling within Canada or internationally. So the question becomes which travel insurance provider to buy it from. With its Cancel for Any Other Reason benefit, CAA Travel Insurance is a great option. And while you don’t have to be a CAA Member to purchase it, CAA Members do save 10% on it, so that’s another reason to consider it.

The Cancel For Any Other Reason benefit that comes with CAA's Trip Cancellation and Interruption and Vacation Package Plans means you can book your beach getaway, action-packed adventure, or even your trip across Canada confidently … knowing that you can always cancel if you prefer to stay home!

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• Plan Your Trip
• Safety & Insurance

Should I Get Travel Insurance? 10 Stories That Prove You Should!

Published: September 11, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Anetta Lemon

• Travel Essentials & Accessories

Introduction

Traveling is an exhilarating experience that broadens our horizons and allows us to explore new destinations. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that await us. However, amidst the excitement, it’s important to consider the potential risks and uncertainties that come with travel.

This is where travel insurance comes into play. Travel insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that you are covered in case of unforeseen circumstances. While many travelers question whether it’s necessary to invest in travel insurance, numerous stories from experienced travelers attest to its significant benefits.

In this article, we will share 10 real-life stories that highlight the importance of travel insurance. These stories highlight the various situations where travel insurance has made a significant difference in people’s lives. From lost luggage and medical emergencies to trip cancellations and unexpected events, these stories demonstrate the value of being prepared for the unexpected.

By delving into these stories, we hope to provide you with a thoughtful perspective on the value of travel insurance, and ultimately help you make an informed decision on whether to invest in it for your future travels.

Story 1: Lost Luggage and Missed Connections

Jessica, an avid traveler, embarked on a dream vacation to Europe. Excitedly boarding her flight, she couldn’t wait to explore the charming streets of Paris and indulge in the culinary delights of Italy. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when her luggage went missing during a layover.

Without her belongings, Jessica felt helpless and anxious. Her carefully planned itinerary was now in disarray. To make matters worse, she missed her connecting flight due to the time-consuming process of reporting the lost luggage. Faced with the prospect of spending the night in an unfamiliar airport, Jessica dialed the emergency hotline provided by her travel insurance company.

The travel insurance representative reassured Jessica that they would take care of her situation. They arranged for her to stay in a nearby hotel and provided her with a daily allowance for essential items until her luggage was found or replaced. Jessica felt immense relief knowing that she had the support and financial protection of her travel insurance.

This story is a prime example of how travel insurance can come to the rescue when unforeseen circumstances occur. Whether it’s lost luggage or missed connections, travel insurance can provide compensation for essential items, accommodation, and additional travel expenses. It ensures that travelers like Jessica can continue their journeys with minimal disruption and stress.

Without travel insurance, Jessica would have been left to navigate the situation on her own, incurring unexpected expenses and potentially ruining her trip. This experience taught Jessica the invaluable lesson of always being prepared with travel insurance, regardless of how well-planned her trip may be.

Story 2: Medical Emergency Abroad

While on a solo adventure in Southeast Asia, Mark found himself exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok. Unfortunately, he was hit by a motorbike while crossing the road, resulting in a serious leg injury that required immediate medical attention.

As a foreigner in a foreign land, Mark was initially overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Thankfully, he had purchased travel insurance before his trip. Mark contacted the emergency assistance hotline provided by his insurance company, and they swiftly arranged for an ambulance to transport him to a reputable hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Mark received the necessary medical treatment, including surgery to repair his fractured leg. His travel insurance covered all the medical expenses, ensuring that he received the best possible care without worrying about the hefty bills.

In addition to covering the medical expenses, Mark’s travel insurance also provided support for his extended stay in Bangkok. It covered the costs of his accommodation, meals, and even arranged for a family member to fly in and be with him during his recovery.

This story showcases the vital role travel insurance plays in emergency situations. Without insurance, Mark would have been left to navigate the complex healthcare system of a foreign country while also dealing with the financial burden of medical expenses. Instead, he received the necessary care and support, allowing him to focus on his recovery.

Mark’s experience highlights the importance of having travel insurance, particularly when venturing to unfamiliar destinations. A medical emergency can occur at any time, and having the financial protection and assistance of travel insurance can make all the difference in receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

Whether it’s a minor illness or a major accident, travel insurance ensures that you have access to the medical resources you need, regardless of where you are in the world. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected in case of unforeseen medical emergencies.

Story 3: Cancelled Trip Due to Unexpected Events

Emily and her family had been eagerly anticipating their long-awaited vacation to the Maldives. They had booked luxury accommodations, planned exciting activities, and couldn’t wait to relax on the pristine beaches. However, just a week before their departure, a natural disaster struck the Maldives, rendering their destination unsafe and forcing the closure of their resort.

Devastated by the cancellation of their trip, Emily’s family faced the prospect of losing a significant amount of money they had already paid for flights, accommodations, and activities. Fortunately, they had travel insurance in place.

Emily contacted the travel insurance company, explaining the situation. The insurance provider reassured her that they would cover the non-refundable expenses and assist in making alternate travel arrangements. They worked closely with Emily to reschedule their trip to a safer and equally desirable destination, all at no additional cost to the family.

Emily’s family was able to salvage their vacation plans, thanks to the comprehensive coverage provided by their travel insurance. Without it, they would have faced a substantial financial loss and the disappointment of not being able to go on their dream vacation. The story serves as a reminder that unexpected events can disrupt travel plans, but with the right insurance coverage, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you won’t be financially burdened by cancellations.

Whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or unforeseen circumstances that lead to the cancellation of your trip, travel insurance can protect your investment. It ensures that you can recover the costs of non-refundable expenses and helps you make alternative arrangements so that your travel dreams aren’t completely dashed.

Emily’s experience is a testament to the value of travel insurance in these situations. By having adequate coverage, you can protect yourself from the financial implications of canceled trips and turn a disappointing situation into a new adventure.

Story 4: Stolen Belongings During Vacation

John and Sarah were enjoying their much-anticipated vacation in Barcelona, immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and exploring the city’s historic landmarks. However, their excitement turned to shock when they discovered that their bag, containing passports, wallets, and valuable personal belongings, had been stolen during a crowded street festival.

Panic set in as John and Sarah realized the implications of losing their identification documents and access to funds. Thankfully, they had travel insurance that covered theft and loss of personal belongings.

They immediately contacted the local authorities to file a police report, which was a necessary step in their insurance claim process. They then reached out to their travel insurance provider, who guided them through the next steps. The insurance company arranged for an emergency cash transfer, enabling John and Sarah to access funds for immediate expenses.

In addition to the financial support, the insurance company also provided assistance in replacing their stolen passports and helped them navigate the local embassy to expedite the process. This ensured that John and Sarah could continue their trip without further disruptions.

This story demonstrates the importance of travel insurance in protecting against theft and loss. The emotional distress of having personal belongings stolen is compounded by the financial implications. Travel insurance provides the much-needed support in these situations, ensuring that you can recover financially and receive the necessary assistance.

Without travel insurance, John and Sarah would have faced countless challenges in replacing their stolen belongings and navigating the bureaucracy involved in obtaining new travel documents. The insurance coverage not only provided them with the financial means to continue their trip but also offered peace of mind during a stressful experience.

When planning your next vacation, it’s essential to consider the potential risks of theft and loss. Travel insurance provides the necessary protection, giving you the confidence to explore new destinations and enjoy your trip without the worry of unexpected theft or loss of personal belongings.

Story 5: Evacuation During Natural Disaster

David and Lisa had embarked on a tropical paradise vacation to Hawaii, looking forward to sun-soaked beaches and breathtaking landscapes. However, their idyllic retreat took an unexpected turn when a powerful hurricane began approaching the islands.

As the storm grew in intensity, the local authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. David and Lisa found themselves in a race against time to secure their safety and seek refuge elsewhere. Thankfully, they had travel insurance that covered emergency evacuation due to natural disasters.

With their insurance policy in place, David and Lisa reached out to the emergency assistance hotline provided by their insurance company. They were immediately connected to a support team who guided them through the evacuation process. The insurance company quickly arranged for their safe transportation to the mainland, coordinating flights and securing accommodation until it was safe to return to Hawaii.

The comprehensive coverage of their travel insurance not only ensured their physical safety but also protected their financial investment. The insurance company reimbursed them for the unused portion of their trip, including prepaid accommodations and activities that were affected by the natural disaster.

This story underscores the significance of travel insurance in situations where natural disasters disrupt travel plans. It offers a safety net, ensuring that you can evacuate to a place of safety and receive the necessary support during trying times. Without it, David and Lisa would have been left scrambling to make emergency arrangements and potentially facing significant financial losses.

When planning your next trip to a destination prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, consider the importance of travel insurance. It provides the peace of mind and financial protection needed to navigate through unforeseen circumstances and ensures that your well-being and investment are safeguarded.

Story 6: Travel Companion Falls Ill

Lucy and Rebecca embarked on a thrilling adventure, backpacking through Southeast Asia. They were enjoying their time exploring the exotic landscapes and immersing themselves in different cultures. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when Rebecca fell seriously ill.

As Rebecca’s health deteriorated, Lucy knew that immediate medical attention was critical. Fortunately, both Lucy and Rebecca had travel insurance that covered medical emergencies. Lucy quickly contacted the emergency assistance hotline provided by their insurance company.

The insurance company sprang into action, coordinating with local medical facilities and arranging for Rebecca to receive the necessary medical care. Medical professionals diagnosed Rebecca with a severe infection and provided appropriate treatment, including hospitalization and medication.

Lucy was relieved that they had travel insurance to support them during this challenging time. The insurance company assisted with the payment of medical bills and even covered the additional expenses for Lucy’s accommodation and meals while Rebecca was hospitalized.

This story emphasizes the importance of travel insurance when a travel companion falls ill. It provides not only financial assistance but also essential support during difficult circumstances. Without travel insurance, Lucy would have been left to navigate the complexities of accessing medical care in a foreign country while shouldering the burden of excessive medical expenses.

Travel insurance ensures that you have access to quality healthcare and the peace of mind that you won’t be financially overwhelmed by unexpected medical situations. It allows you to focus on the well-being of your travel companion and provides the necessary support to make informed decisions about their medical care.

Lucy and Rebecca’s experience serves as a reminder that travel insurance is not only for personal protection but also for the well-being of your travel companions. Having travel insurance can make all the difference in ensuring that everyone’s health and safety are prioritized, even in challenging circumstances.

Story 7: Trip Delay and Additional Expenses

Matthew had meticulously planned a much-anticipated trip to attend his best friend’s wedding in a picturesque countryside setting. However, as he arrived at the airport ready to embark on his journey, he faced an unforeseen obstacle – his flight was delayed by a severe weather condition.

The delay meant that Matthew would miss the wedding ceremony and incur additional expenses due to the extended stay. Thankfully, Matthew had travel insurance that provided coverage for trip delays.

Matthew immediately contacted the travel insurance company to notify them of the situation. The insurance provider reassured him that they would cover the additional expenses incurred as a result of the trip delay. They helped arrange alternative flight options and reimbursed him for the unexpected costs of accommodation, meals, and transportation.

Having travel insurance proved to be invaluable for Matthew. It allowed him to make the necessary arrangements without bearing the financial burden of the prolonged trip delay. While he may have missed the wedding ceremony, he was able to attend the reception and celebrate with his friends.

This story exemplifies the importance of travel insurance in situations where trip delays result in additional expenses. It provides the necessary financial protection, ensuring that you aren’t left out of pocket when unforeseen circumstances disrupt your travel plans.

Whether it’s due to severe weather, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen events, trip delays can be frustrating and costly. Travel insurance offers coverage for additional expenses, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation, incurred as a result of the delay. It allows you to adapt to the changes in your travel itinerary without breaking the bank.

Matthew’s experience highlights the peace of mind that travel insurance brings during unexpected trip delays. It ensures that you can navigate through the challenges of disrupted travel plans without experiencing unnecessary financial stress.

Story 8: Trip Interruption for Unforeseen Circumstances

Sarah and Michael embarked on a dream vacation to a remote island destination, looking forward to a week of relaxation and rejuvenation. Unfortunately, halfway through their trip, they received devastating news – a family member had fallen seriously ill and required immediate care.

Faced with the sudden urgency to return home, Sarah and Michael relied on their travel insurance for assistance. They contacted their insurance provider to explain the situation, and the company promptly assisted them with arranging their early return.

The travel insurance covered the costs of their new flight tickets and even reimbursed them for the unused portion of their trip. This allowed Sarah and Michael to focus on their family member’s well-being without the added stress of financial burdens.

This story illustrates the importance of travel insurance in situations where unforeseen circumstances force a trip interruption. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or other unexpected events, travel insurance provides the necessary coverage and support to navigate through challenging situations.

Without travel insurance, Sarah and Michael would have been left to handle the logistics and costs of changing their travel plans on their own. The insurance coverage not only provided financial protection but also allowed them to prioritize their family’s needs during a difficult time.

When planning your next trip, it’s crucial to consider the potential for unexpected disruptions. Travel insurance provides the peace of mind and financial security that you need to handle unforeseen circumstances that may interrupt your travel plans.

Sarah and Michael’s experience serves as a reminder that life can be unpredictable, and having travel insurance ensures that you are prepared for any eventuality. It allows you to make necessary changes to your itinerary and tend to urgent matters without being burdened by financial concerns.

Story 9: Emergency Medical Evacuation

Emma, an adventurous traveler, embarked on a solo hiking expedition in the remote mountains of Nepal. While enjoying the breathtaking views and challenging trails, she unfortunately suffered a serious injury that left her unable to move.

Realizing the severity of her situation and the need for urgent medical attention, Emma activated the emergency evacuation coverage provided by her travel insurance. The insurance company sprang into action, arranging for an emergency helicopter rescue to transport Emma to a nearby hospital equipped to handle her injury.

The swift response and assistance of the travel insurance company potentially saved Emma’s life. The cost of the emergency evacuation, which can amount to thousands of dollars, was fully covered by her insurance policy. This ensured that Emma received the critical medical care she needed without any financial burden.

Emma’s story highlights the crucial role of travel insurance in situations where emergency medical evacuation becomes necessary. In remote or inaccessible locations, it can be challenging and costly to arrange for transportation during a medical emergency. Travel insurance provides the necessary coverage and support to ensure that prompt and appropriate medical attention is accessible.

Without travel insurance, Emma would have faced tremendous challenges in arranging her evacuation and covering the associated expenses. The financial implications alone could have resulted in delayed or inadequate medical care.

When embarking on adventures in remote or high-risk areas, having travel insurance with comprehensive emergency medical coverage is essential. It provides peace of mind, knowing that should a medical emergency arise, you are adequately protected and can receive the necessary medical treatment, including emergency evacuation.

Emma’s experience serves as a reminder to always prioritize travel insurance, particularly when engaging in activities or visiting areas where emergency medical assistance may be limited. It ensures that you can enjoy your adventures with the confidence that you have the necessary support in case of unforeseen emergencies.

Story 10: Unplanned Return Home Due to Family Emergency

Jason was enjoying his long-awaited backpacking trip across Europe when he received distressing news – his beloved grandfather had suddenly passed away. Overwhelmed with grief and the need to be with his family, Jason knew he had to cut his trip short and return home immediately.

Thankfully, Jason had travel insurance that covered trip interruption for family emergencies. He contacted his insurance provider to notify them of the situation, and they guided him through the process of arranging his unplanned return home.

The travel insurance covered the expenses of his new flight back, reimbursed him for the unused portion of his trip, and even provided a compassionate benefit to help with the unexpected costs and emotional support during this difficult time.

This story showcases the importance of travel insurance in situations where unexpected family emergencies arise. It provides the necessary coverage and support to navigate through challenging and distressing circumstances, allowing you to prioritize being there for your loved ones.

Without travel insurance, Jason would have faced significant financial losses and logistical challenges when reorganizing his travel plans. The insurance coverage not only relieved him of the financial burden but also offered a sense of security and assistance during a deeply emotional and trying time.

When planning your travels, it’s crucial to consider the possibility of unforeseen family emergencies. Travel insurance provides the peace of mind that, in the event of such situations, you can make necessary arrangements to return home without worrying about the financial implications.

Jason’s experience serves as a reminder to always have travel insurance that includes trip interruption coverage, particularly when traveling far from home or for an extended period. It ensures that you can respond swiftly to family emergencies and be there for your loved ones without hesitation.

By having the support of travel insurance, you can make the necessary adjustments to your travel plans, focus on what truly matters, and provide the comfort and support your family needs during challenging times.

Travel insurance is often seen as an additional expense and an option that many travelers consider skipping. However, the stories shared in this article exemplify the critical role travel insurance plays in protecting travelers from the unexpected. These stories highlight the importance of being prepared, both financially and emotionally, for a wide range of unforeseen circumstances that can arise during your travels.

Whether it’s lost luggage, medical emergencies, canceled trips, theft, natural disasters, travel delays, or family emergencies, travel insurance provides invaluable support and peace of mind. It ensures that you can receive timely medical care, be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses, and make necessary changes to your travel plans without shouldering the financial burden alone.

Not only does travel insurance protect your investment in a trip, but it also safeguards your well-being and that of your travel companions. It can provide emergency evacuation during remote expeditions, support during medical emergencies, and assistance in times of unexpected events that may disrupt your travel itinerary.

While travel insurance cannot prevent unforeseen events from occurring, it offers a safety net that alleviates the financial and emotional stress that can result from such events. It allows you to focus on enjoying your travels and creating cherished memories, knowing that you are prepared for any unexpected challenges that may arise along the way.

When planning your next trip, we strongly urge you to include travel insurance as an essential part of your preparations. Take the time to research and choose a policy that suits your needs, considering factors such as medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, and baggage protection.

Remember, the cost of travel insurance is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and financial protection it provides. With travel insurance as your safety net, you can embark on your adventures with confidence, knowing that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.

Invest in travel insurance, and let your experiences be defined by joy, exploration, and unforgettable moments – rather than unexpected setbacks and financial burdens.

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7 Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies in June 2024

Sean Cudahy is a freelance reporter specializing in coverage of airlines, travel, loyalty programs and public policy. A journalist of nine years, Sean most recently served as a general assignment reporter at The Points Guy, following an eight-year run as a local television news reporter. He lives with his wife and their French Bulldog outside Raleigh, North Carolina.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Finding the cheapest travel insurance is often a priority for travelers hoping to protect themselves and their finances while away from home.

But is it better to err on the side of affordable travel insurance or opt for a more comprehensive plan? That depends on your needs .

On average, a comprehensive plan that covers some combination of trip cancellation and interruption costs, medical coverage and baggage protection (and perhaps a number of other things) will cost you 5%-10% of what you paid for the trip, according to NerdWallet partner Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace.

That means a comprehensive policy for a trip that costs you $3,000 could run you anywhere between $150 and $300. Factors like the cost and length of your trip, the age of the travelers and how much protection you want can significantly influence what you pay for your plan.

Ultimately, Squaremouth recommends “the least expensive policy that offers the coverage [travelers] need.”

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Factors we considered when picking cheap travel insurance plans

We considered a few factors as we looked for the most affordable travel insurance plans.

Price: If your goal is to find cheaper travel insurance, you want the price to be affordable.

Breadth of coverage: The best budget travel insurance is typically going to be a plan that offers a wide range of protections at an affordable cost, ensuring you’re protected with at least some coverage for a wide range of scenarios.

Uniqueness or customizability : While many travel insurance plans have similar protections, some stand out for particular coverage that can be helpful to certain travelers, like those needing to Cancel For Any Reason , those going on a cruise, or travelers with preexisting health conditions. We didn’t spring for the priciest plans with broad, deep coverage; instead, we picked those that meet a sort of budget "sweet spot" when it comes to cost efficiency.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth getting?

An overview of the best cheap travel insurance plans

We looked at travel insurance quotes for a hypothetical 10-day trip to Italy in October 2023. The traveler is a 40-year-old man living in North Carolina who spent $2,000 on the trip, including airfare.

Reliable but cheap travel insurance providers

1. axa assistance usa (silver plan: $70).

Why we picked it:

The $500 missed connection benefit is great for cruise and tour participants. It covers additional transportation, accommodations and meal costs when you miss a cruise or tour departure.

Full trip cancellation and interruption coverage, along with up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket medical costs and baggage coverage.

Among the lowest prices we found.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more than AXA's $70 Silver plan, a Gold plan only costs $19 more and gets you deeper coverage amounts and up to $35,000 in collision rental car insurance.

2. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (ExactCare Value plan: $56)

Cheapest plan we found while still offering a wide array of protections.

Includes a preexisting medical condition waiver.

Add-on rental car collision coverage optional for $10 per day. You can pick how many days you want the additional coverage — it’s not all or nothing.

At $56, this plan comes in at less than 3% of the $2,000 trip cost.

3. IMG (iTravelInsured Lite plan: $77)

Treats COVID-19 like any other illness, which is to say, if your claim accepts flu, strep throat or appendicitis as an acceptable, covered condition, the coronavirus is, too.

Covers costs related to trip interruption up to 125% 

Higher than normal limits on dental expenses, at $1,000. If your teeth are your Achilles heel (or your biggest fear), this plan might be for you.

The iTravelInsured Lite plan doesn’t offer some of the bells and whistles that other plans do, like rental car coverage , Cancel For Any Reason coverage or waivers for pre-existing conditions. But you’ll have relatively solid across-the-board trip protections.

4. John Hancock (Silver plan: $93 for a mid-tier plan)

Mid-level plan (as opposed to a basic plan) at an affordable price for travelers who want more coverage without paying too much.

Includes an optional Cancel For Any Reason add-on for travelers wanting flexibility. It is a bit pricey, at half the cost of the insurance ($46.50 extra for a $93 plan).

Reimburses up to $1,000 for lost baggage , far more than many basic plans.

Add-on rental car coverage for $9 per day.

At $88, John Hancock’s basic (Bronze) plan isn’t particularly affordable. But for just $4 extra, you can tap into the benefits of a mid-tier plan at still less than 5% of the total trip cost.

5. Nationwide (Essential plan: $76)

Includes a preexisting conditions waiver.

Add-on rental car coverage for $90. 

Covers trip interruption at 125% of the trip cost while providing comprehensive emergency medical and baggage coverage.

6. Seven Corners (Basic plan: $75)

On top of standard trip protections, it includes a relatively affordable Cancel For Any Reason option for $31.50 extra.

If you plan to rent expensive sporting equipment, you might consider paying $10 extra to cover lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed gear.

COVID-19 coverage reimburses you for costs incurred if you have to quarantine .

Rental car coverage comes in at an affordable $7 per day.

Seven Corners’ Basic plan stands out because it offers a little bit of everything, appealing to athletic travelers, those who need affordable trip protections, those who want the flexibility to cancel for any reason and those still concerned about getting quarantined due to COVID-19.

7. Travelex Insurance Services (Basic plan: $71)

Straightforward: What you see is what you get. This plan’s coverage has fewer rules and caveats than many. 

While not sporting the highest coverage amounts, it offers a solid range of protections to ensure you get at least something back when your travel is disrupted or you have a medical emergency.

Offers add-on rental car coverage for $10 per day.

At $71, the Travelex Basic plan’s cost is just over 3% of the $2,000 trip’s cost.

If you want to get travel insurance at the cheapest possible rate, here’s a trick. Put $0 as your trip cost, Stan Stanberg, co-founder of comparison site Travelinsurance.com said in an email.

“When excluding trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage the cost of a travel insurance plan goes down significantly,” Stanberg said.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical, trip delay , missed connection, baggage and other protections.

You’ll often find comprehensive travel insurance plans cost 5%-10% of your total trip cost, according to Squaremouth. This will often get you full trip cancellation and trip protection, baggage protection, emergency medical coverage and often other benefits.

Typically, the more you pay, the broader and deeper the coverage.

For many plans, you can purchase travel insurance up until you depart. However, to get access to the most protections possible, booking two days to two weeks after making your initial deposit is the best rule of thumb.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical,

, missed connection, baggage and other protections.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

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

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

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

FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

7 Nearly Secret Things to Do If You Fly Southwest

Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

Pay no interest until nearly 2025 with these credit cards

Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with these leading credit cards

Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

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Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

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Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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Top Travel Insurances For Russia You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

The world's largest country, Russia is known for its history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Red Square, St. Petersburg, and the Hermitage Museum. Although travelling to Russia can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Russia and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Russia Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Russia:

Best Travel Insurances for Russia

• 01. Do I need travel insurance for Russia? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Russia scroll down

Heading to Russia soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory in Russia?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Russia.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Russia or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Russia:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Russia, no matter whether you're planning to ice skate in Gorky Park in the winter or sunbathe in Sochi in the summer.

VisitorsCoverage lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Russia, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies, and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Russia:

• Policy Names: Varies
• Medical Coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer Support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing Range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best For: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option for Russia, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy Names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical Coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer Support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing Range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best For: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads in Russia because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy Names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical Coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip Coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing Range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance Underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best For: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Russia? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Russia

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Russia. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Russia can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Do you need travel insurance this summer? It’s complicated, experts say

Travel troubleshooter.

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He’s headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he’s covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, “or if a volcano erupts,” he says.

But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Chances are, so have you.

more Summer travel tips

• 6 pro travel tricks for an affordable, stress-free summer vacation
• Summer travelers beware: Hidden fees are everywhere

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that’s busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere — wars in Europe and in the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcanic eruption or two. It’s no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, says PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

“According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities,” he says.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

More Travel Troubleshooter

You need peace of mind .

But don’t just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind — knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ll be taken care of.

“Knowing you’re protected from unforeseen travel mishaps — like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies — can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” says Daniel Durazo, a spokesperson for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don’t need insurance

Here’s when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

• If you already have coverage. “You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card or through group benefits with an organization,” says Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there’s no need to buy more coverage. You’re all set.
• If you’re not traveling far. If you’re taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative’s sofa, then there’s not much to insure. “If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don’t need to think about health insurance coverage,” says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .
• If your trip isn’t insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying “yes” to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you’re booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here’s when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here’s when you need the extra coverage:

• If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. “If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it’s best to take out travel insurance,” says Lauren Gumport, a spokesperson for Faye Travel Insurance . “This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities.” The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.
• If you’re leaving the country. “Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders,” says John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka and some European countries.
• If you can’t afford to lose your trip. “When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions or emergencies,” explains Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association . “Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?”  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa, Fla., recently. I had to buy a stand-alone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I already mentioned — it’s complicated.

Hopkins says he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, “but how much, and what I cover, varies,” he explains.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something goes wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland,” he says. “And you just never know.” 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual MedjetHorizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

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For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

“I’ve heard good things about them,” he says. “Hopefully, we won’t need any of it.”

How do I insure my trips?

I’m on the road about 360 days a year, so I’m always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a longtime MedjetHorizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know — that’s a lot of peace of mind. 

But I’ve also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, N.M., a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Related pacific northwest travel

• WA’s 10 most popular state parks in 2023 — plus some hidden gems
• Visiting Mount Hood this summer? Here’s where to stop on the way
• White Rock, B.C., is the best beach town on the Salish Sea

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Moscow is anticipating difficult relations with the European Union given the politicians put forward to lead the bloc over the years ahead, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Kaja Kallas , the Estonian prime minister pencilled in to head the bloc's foreign policy unit, had not to date stood out through her diplomatic skills, Peskov said, according to reports by Russian news agencies.

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