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Diabetes Travel Insurance Guide

Modified: Jun 17, 2020 by Lianne Fachetti, ABA · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Let’s face it, traveling can be a nerve-wrecking experience. There are so many uncertainty factors that can occur and leave you stranded in a very undesirable situation. As a diabetes patient, you have even more to worry about other than catching the next flight, hoping they have your diabetic meal ready, and praying that your luggage will safety arrive at the destination ready for pickup.

You have to worry about how to handle unforeseen health problems that may arise during flight or while you are at your destination. But worrying can only cause unwanted stress and fluctuation of your blood level. Instead of spending the time to worry, why don’t you spend the time to better plan and prepare for your trip.

In this article, we will discuss about why it is a great idea to invest in a travel insurance in the first place. We will explain how your current Medicare plan policies are extremely limited regarding to foreign location health coverage, and why your Medigap supplement plan is simply insufficient for traveling emergency expense needs. We will introduce you to a list of insurance companies that are willing to overlook diabetes as a pre-existing condition, and provide you with three best policy choices in our opinion.

And to help you lower your insurance cost, we have provided you with some alternative options and suggestions that may be overlooked. We hope that by providing you with various solutions, you will be looking at traveling and travel health insurance at a new angle.

Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

Do you really need travel health insurance, medigap isn’t for everyone, an overview of medigap plans, thediabetescouncil top 3 choices for travel insurance, what other options do i have.

One of the ways to ease your distress is to get yourself a travel insurance policy. By simply paying for the service ahead of time, you can end up saving a lot of money and easily resolve numerous traveling nightmares such as:

• You missed your flight or your flight has been canceled
• Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You now need an emergency prescription
• Your wallet and passport are missing, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
• You are in an accident and there is no adequate medical
• You need to cancel your trip due to illness, sudden emergency events or work complication
• Your cruise line, airline, or tour operator goes bankrupt, and you are stranded at your destination
• You have a medical emergency at your travel destination
• A terrorist attack occurs where you are planning to visit, and you wish to cancel your trip
• Sudden weather forces you to evacuate from your destination

I also recommend reading these related articles:

• Can Diabetes Bankrupt a Country?
• The Growing Impact of Diabetes
• Quality of Life: Privileges, Benefits, Rights?
• Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With Diabetes
• Can Diabetes Type 2 Be Reversed? Experts Answer

The answer is YES . For all the current Medicare diabetes patients who are not enrolled in Medigap Plans that cover foreign travel medical emergency services, Medicare will not pay for health care or supplies you get outside the United States.

The definition “outside of United States” means any place other than the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, there are 3 exceptions to the rule that would allow you to receive coverage outside of United States under the Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

• You are in the United States when you have a medical emergency, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your illness or injury.
• You are traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occur, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your illness or injury. Medicare determines what qualifies as “without unreasonable delay” on a case-by-case basis.
• You live in the United States and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether it is an emergency.

And same as the policy applied to services in the United States, Medicare will only pay for the Medicare-covered services you receive in a foreign hospital. You will be responsible for any other treatments or medication you receive that are not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medigap sounds like the perfect solution for securing a traveling insurance. However this standardized supplementary plan isn’t available to everyone. In some States, the law requires that you must be at least 65 years old to qualify for the supplement plan.

Other States has made it a legal right for you to obtain at least one kind of Medigap coverage before you reach age 65. Here is the list of the States that will allow the enrollment of Medigap ( please note that there are specific restrictions to certain States ):

• California (excluding those under 65 and with end-stage renal disease)
• Connecticut
• Delaware (only available to those with end-stage renal disease)
• Massachusetts (only available to those with end-stage renal disease)
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Vermont (excluding those under 65 and with end-stage renal disease)

Depending on which Medigap Plan you have already enrolled in, you may be covered for any medical expense you have incurred in your travels.

The Medigap plans that includes foreign travel emergency service will pay 80% of the billed charged for covered services outside the United States after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. There is one exception; Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan.

If you choose this option, this means that you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,180 in 2016 before your Medigap plan starts paying for anything. For all these Medigap plans, the foreign travel emergency coverage has a lifetime limit of $50,000 .

Please note that if you live in Massachusetts , Minnesota , or Wisconsin , you have a different standardized Medigap policy.

• Massachusetts:

Massachusetts’s Supplement 1 Plan covers foreign travel emergency.

The basic Medigap plan will cover 80% of your foreign travel emergency expense. And the Extended Basic Medigap Plan will cover 80% of your foreign travel emergency expense until you reach the $1,000 out-of-pocket cost for the calendar year. Afterwards, the plan covers 100% your foreign travel emergency covered services expense.

Plans known as "50% and 25% Cost-sharing Plans" are available. These plans are similar to standardized Plans K (50%) and L (25%). A high-deductible plan ($2,000) is also available. These policy will cover foreign travel emergency.

Lifetime Limit of $50,000 Is Not Enough

$50,000 really will not cover all the medical expenses should an emergency situation occurs. To give you a simple example, if you travel from California to British Columbia, Canada where you are faced with an emergency medical situation and require hospital care, one single night at the hospital will cost $100.

But with the medication and equipment use, you will need to pay much more than $100 per day depending on your needs. Instead of staying in Canada for the treatment, if you wish to fly home to California for the treatment, the special arrangement can easily be upward of $15,000.

This whole ordeal will quickly drain your lifetime limit and you will have to pay all the excess expense out of your own pocket. Afterward, you can never tap into the foreign travel emergency coverage ever again.

How does Pre-Existing Waiver Work?

Instead of relying solely on Medicare, there are many insurance companies that specialize in traveling insurance. Many will deny coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions or exclude any claims related to the pre-existing condition.

But there are there are some companies that will cover medical expenses relative to your diabetic condition by offering a waiver. Depending on the insurance company, your pre-existing diabetes condition can be waivered if you fulfill these requirements:

• You must insure at least your trip’s full prepaid non-refundable cost (some companies do not require you to insure the full prepaid trip cost, but you still need to put down a deposit),
• Depending on the insurance company, you must get your policy within the limited days after you pay your earliest trip payment ,
• You must cover your trip’s full length, and
• You must be healthy enough and be able to take the trip on the set date. (If you insist on traveling against your doctor’s advice, the insurance company has the right to cancel your policy or refuse to cover your claims.)

Another factor you have to consider is the “ Lookback Period ” policy of the insurance company. In order to waive your pre-existing condition, you must have proof that your condition is “stable”. According to the policy definition, “stable” means that the person with the pre-existing condition has not already taken a turn for the worse, and not in a state where any changes are foreseen, known, or expected that could cause the person to “take a turn for the worse”. Depending on the company, the Lookback Period can be 60, 90, 180, or even 365 days prior to the travel insurance policy’s effective date.

According to the policy definition, “stable” means that the person with the pre-existing condition has not already taken a turn for the worse, and not in a state where any changes are foreseen, known, or expected that could cause the person to “take a turn for the worse”. Depending on the company, the Lookback Period can be 60, 90, 180, or even 365 days prior to the travel insurance policy’s effective date.

List of Insurance Policies that Includes Pre-Existing Waiver:

#1 Top Choice: CSA Travel Protection Custom Luxe

The company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you meet the following requirements:

• Coverage is purchased prior to or within 24 hours of your final trip payment,
• You are medically and physically able to travel at the time the coverage is purchased, and
• You insure 100% of your prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions

CSA Travel Protection is easily the top choice as they are the only traveling insurance company that allows the purchase of a policy within 24-hour of final trip payment date. Even though the company requires that you have to pre-insure your trip cost in case of trip interruption (their trip interruption coverage is 175% of trip cost), you can claim the cost as $0 if you are willing to go without cancellation or trip interruption coverage. If you do decide to purchase the policy ahead of time, you have a 10 day free look period. Should you find a better policy elsewhere, they are happy to refund your money. Besides that, CSA has two unique features. The first being the maximum trip length as 356 days. Second, they have a 24-hr hotline with a stand-by doctor to answer your questions and concern. Should an emergency situation occur, you are always a phone call away from assistance. The only drawback of CSA Travel Protection is that they have a very limited selection of policies, and their Lookback Period is 180 days.

#2 Second Choice: HTH TripProtector Preferred

The HTH TripProtector Company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you:

• Purchase the policy within 21 calendar days after your initial trip deposit date,
• Insure your trip’s full prepaid, non-refundable cost, and
• You are medically able to travel at the date of the trip

HTH TripProtector Preferred is the second runner-up in our selection. Although you are required to purchase a policy within 21 days after your initial trip deposit date, HTH offers many advantages. The first big selling point is that their policy will accept up to $100,000 for pre-existing condition coverage and $500,000 for Secondary Emergency Medical coverage. Another big selling point is that their Lookback Period for pre-existing conditions is only 60 days. Unlike many other insurance companies, HTH will cover trips to Cuba.

#3 Third Choice: MH Ross Complete

The MH Ross Company will waive the pre-existing conditions provided that you:

• Purchase the policy within 15 calendar days after your initial trip deposit date,
• Insure part of your full prepaid trip cost as set by the company policy, and

Similar to HTH TripProtector, MH Ross Complete policy will accept up to $100,000 for pre-existing condition coverage and has a Lookback Period of only 60 days. But unlike the first and second choices, the MH Ross Company does not require you to insure the full prepaid trip cost but only a percentage of the cost. At the same time, they offer an option of advance payment to a hospital to secure your admission in case of emergency.

This is a great policy for busy working individuals as cancellation due to work reasons coverage is included. The downside for this policy is that there is no lower price for children coverage. So if your child is the diabetic patient who requires the waiver, you will have to pay full price for his or her coverage.

Depending on where you are traveling, choosing to purchase a traveling insurance policy at your travel destination may be cheaper and “friendlier”. For example, Canada Manulife CoverMe Travel Insurance allows coverage of diabetic patients provided that their condition is stable in the 180 days before the effective date of insurance. As stated in their policy, changing in medication brands and routine adjustment of insulin dosage are allowed as long as the prescriptions are not newly prescribed or stopped.

There are a few companies in the UK that will provide similar policies as well. However, if you do choose to go with this option, make sure you plan and purchase ahead of time as some policies will require a 24 hour activation period in which the company is not obligated to cover you should any emergency event occurs.

Another option to explore is to ask your credit card companies about any insurance policies included with your Visa or Mastercard. For some credit card companies, members will have free enrollment to traveling insurance policy should they purchase the trip on their credit card.

This will include cancellation of the ticket, rebooking of flight, lost luggage expenses, and even luggage replacement. With added purchase, health insurance may be included as well. This way, you can purchase a lower coverage waiver policy and only use it for your diabetes emergency needs.

Enjoy your Trip

Your trip should be filled with great memories of fun. By doing your research early on and paying for a traveling health insurance policy, you will have a much better control of any unplanned situations. While you are choosing the right plan, remember to read the policy thoroughly and make sure you are reading the correct State policy.

At the same time, ask lots of questions from different sources. By knowing the policy details, you can plan ahead what to do should specific health problem arises. This way, you can take the best advantage of your coverage without having to pay out of your own pocket for unnecessary expenses.

Please post any further suggestions for articles down below in the comments section.

TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Sergii Vasyliuk MD on June 02, 2020

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/traveling-with-diabetes.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/vacation.html

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About Lianne Fachetti, ABA

Lianne Fachetti holds a degree in Biopsychology. With a keen interest in both psychological and biological aspects of behavior forming, she has worked as a researcher at the UBC Brain Research Centre for seven years focusing on the research of memory formation, neural damage from epilepsy, and hormones' effects on behavioral changes. She is also a certified ABA therapist for autistic children.

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Travel Insurance for Diabetics: Travel Worry-Free

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

As an older individual living with diabetes, you might be a bit hesitant about venturing out to explore the world. But there’s no reason to miss out on exciting new experiences, as long as you plan ahead and ensure you have the proper travel insurance coverage .

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of travel insurance for diabetics, so you can confidently set out on your next adventure without breaking a sweat (unless you’re dancing the night away, of course!).

In this article...

Why Bother with Travel Insurance for Diabetics?

You might wonder if travel insurance is worth the fuss. Here are some reasons why it’s essential for diabetics:

• Unpredictable medical expenses: Health care abroad can be costly, especially if you need urgent diabetes-related care. Better safe than sorry!
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions : Some travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, offering you protection if you need medical attention during your trip.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: If your diabetes unexpectedly causes you to cancel or cut short your journey, travel insurance can help recover non-refundable costs.
• Peace of mind: With travel insurance, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing that you’re covered for any diabetes-related incidents.

Safe Travels USA Cost Saver

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive

Patriot Platinum

Visitors Care

Patriot International

Patriot America

Recommended plans.

✅  Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅  Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅  Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

Pre-existing Conditions and Travel Insurance: The Nitty-Gritty

As a diabetic, understanding pre-existing conditions coverage in travel insurance policies is crucial:

• What it means: A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before purchasing your travel insurance, including diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions.
• Stability is key: Insurers often require your diabetes to be stable and well-managed for a certain period (e.g., three to six months) before offering coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Read the fine print: Some policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, so be sure to find one that covers your diabetes needs.

Tips for Finding a Diabetic-Friendly Travel Insurance Policy

To find the perfect travel insurance policy for your needs, follow these tips:

• Shop around: Compare different travel insurance policies to find one that provides comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions, including diabetes.
• Seek specialized providers: Some insurance companies cater to individuals with specific medical needs, like diabetes. These providers may offer more customized policies and coverage options.
• Check reviews: Look for feedback from fellow diabetic travelers who’ve used the travel insurance provider to gauge their reliability and customer service.
• Consult your doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider about your travel plans and ask for recommendations on the type of coverage and support you might need.

Managing Diabetes on the Go

With the right travel insurance policy in hand, it’s also essential to manage your diabetes effectively while traveling:

• Bring extra supplies: Always pack more medication and diabetes supplies than you think you’ll need to account for any unexpected situations.
• Keep an eye on your blood sugar: Travel can impact your glucose levels, so monitor them regularly, especially with changes in diet, activity, or time zones.
• Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a medical ID and a letter from your doctor outlining your diabetes, medications, and any special considerations, just in case.
• Share with your travel buddies: Inform your travel companions about your diabetes and teach them how to help you in case of an emergency.

Conclusion:

Traveling with diabetes in your golden years may require some extra preparation, but it’s entirely possible with the right travel insurance policy and careful diabetes management.

By understanding the importance of travel insurance for diabetics, finding the right policy, and keeping your condition in check, you can fully embrace the joy of traveling, creating lasting memories, and discovering new experiences.

Don’t let diabetes hold you back from seeing the world and enjoying your well-deserved retirement years.

Keeping Your Health in Check: Travel Tips for Diabetics

In addition to having the right travel insurance, here are some helpful tips for maintaining your health while traveling with diabetes:

Plan your meals: Research local cuisine and restaurants at your destination, so you can make healthier food choices and keep your blood sugar levels steady.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during your trip, as dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.

Keep snacks handy: Carry healthy snacks with you to prevent low blood sugar episodes when you’re out and about.

Maintain a routine: Try to stick to your regular schedule for meals, medication, and blood sugar monitoring as much as possible, even when you’re on vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Insurance for Diabetics Here are some common questions older individuals with diabetes may have about travel insurance:

Q: Can I purchase travel insurance if my diabetes isn’t well-managed?

A: It depends on the insurance provider. Some insurers may still offer coverage, but at a higher premium or with limited benefits . It’s always best to work with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes effectively before traveling.

Q: What should I do if I experience a diabetes-related emergency while traveling?

A: Contact your travel insurance provider’s emergency assistance hotline for guidance and support. They can help you locate the nearest medical facility, provide language assistance, or coordinate necessary medical services.

Q: How do I disclose my diabetes to my travel insurance provider?

A: When applying for travel insurance, you’ll need to complete a medical questionnaire that includes questions about your diabetes. Be honest and thorough when providing information, as inaccurate or incomplete disclosure could impact your coverage.

So, pack your bags, grab your travel insurance, and set out on your next adventure with the confidence and security that comes with proper planning and coverage.

Enjoy your golden years and make the most of your travels, knowing that you’re well-prepared to manage your diabetes and any challenges that may arise. Happy travels!

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Travel insurance for people with diabetes

Article contents.

Tegan Oldfield

24 October 2023 | Updated 2 November 2023 | 4 minute read

Travelling with diabetes can need a little extra preparation. Getting a travel insurance policy that will protect you financially if you become ill on your trip is important.

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about travel insurance for travellers with diabetes and some advice on how to prepare for your trip.

Why do people with diabetes need travel insurance?

People with diabetes mostly need holiday insurance for the same reason everyone else does. It gives you financial protection if certain things go wrong on your trip.

If you have any medical condition, including diabetes, you may be more likely to fall ill on holiday. This means you need an insurance policy in place to cover medical costs.

What should travel insurance for travellers with diabetes cover?

A travel insurance policy should cover:

• emergency medical costs 
• repatriation if it’s medically necessary for you to return to the UK
• lost, stolen or damaged medication (like your insulin)
• costs if you need to cut your trip short or cancel it completely due to illness caused by your diabetes

Do I have to declare diabetes when buying travel insurance?

Yes. Diabetes is a pre-existing medical condition , so you’ll need to tell your insurer about it when buying your policy.

It’s possible that changes in diet, environment and activity can affect blood glucose levels and lead to medical issues.

Insurers need to know about your condition to make sure you get the right treatment quickly if you become ill on your trip.

If you don’t tell us and then need to claim for medical expenses, we won’t cover all or some of the costs even if your claim isn’t related to your diabetes. 

What will my insurer ask during the screening process? 

We'll ask you about:

• the medications you take for your diabetes
• whether you’ve been hospitalised with your condition recently
• if you have any associated conditions, like high blood pressure

Everything you tell us is strictly confidential. It’s simply to make sure we can give you the right cover.

How much is travel insurance for people with diabetes?

The price of travel insurance will generally be higher if you have pre-existing medical conditions which includes diabetes or any diabetes-related conditions.

However, paying for your own medical care abroad would be significantly more expensive.

The price of your policy will always depend on:

• where you’re going
• how long you’re going for
• what you’re going to get up to on your trip
• the nature of your pre-existing condition  

Does a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) cover my diabetes?

A GHIC or the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access medical treatment while you’re in certain countries in Europe.

If you need treatment for any diabetes-related issues, the GHIC or EHIC can reduce the cost of treatment or make it free in some instances.

It’s important to remember that the GHIC is not a stand-in for travel insurance. It doesn’t apply everywhere and only works at clinics that are in a reciprocal agreement with the UK.

It also doesn’t cover you for any of the other associated costs, like the cost of cancelling or cutting short your trip or the cost of repatriation.

Read our guide on the EHIC/GHIC cards , including where and when you can use them.

What preparations should I make for travelling with diabetes?

You should check with your GP or diabetic consultant before you travel. This is so you can:

• get a prescription for twice the amount of your regular medication – this allows for any unexpected delays or losses
• get advice on when you should be taking your insulin – especially if you’re travelling to another time zone

You may also use additional devices, like monitoring equipment. You should get a doctor’s letter to take with you on your trip, which explains:

• the medication you take
• the monitoring and dispensing devices you use
• any other necessary equipment like needles or syringes

You can show this letter to customs or security staff when travelling. If you have any medical issues, you can also show this to the medical professionals treating you.  

Read our guide on travelling with your prescription medication .

Flying with diabetes

You should:

• pack your insulin in a cool bag and keep it in your hand luggage so it’s always accessible 
• pack snacks in case you experience delays 
• get to the airport in plenty of time so you can tell the airline and security staff about your medication and equipment

What should I do if I become ill while abroad?

You should contact the emergency services, go to the nearest hospital or seek the medical assistance you need immediately.

You need to contact your insurer’s emergency service or helpline as soon as possible. If you’re with us, our 24-hour emergency helpline is 0292 010 777.  

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https://admiral.com/magazine/guides/travel/travel-insurance-for-people-with-diabetes

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Will travel insurance cover diabetes?

Living with diabetes shouldn’t stop you from traveling. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you deserve to have fun and relax on vacation as much as anyone else. However, when it comes to insuring your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Is diabetes considered a pre-existing medical condition?

Travel insurance generally excludes pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if you need to cancel your trip due to a situation related to your diabetes, you may not have coverage.

For most Arch RoamRight plans, a pre-existing condition is defined as:

Any illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the Effective Date of Your coverage for which You or Your Traveling Companion, Business Partner or Family Member: 1) received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment; or 2) took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before Your coverage is effective under this policy.

The 180-day “look back” period may vary based on the plan selected (Pro and Pro Plus plans have a shorter, 60-day look back period).

In summary, if you have diabetes and in the past 180 days, have not had or been recommended for any test, examinations or medical treatments for the disease, AND your prescription medications have not changed, your diabetes is not classified as a pre-existing condition. Therefore, travel insurance coverage may be available.

How to purchase travel insurance if your diabetes is a pre-existing condition

If your medical situation has changed recently, such as having tests recommended and medication changes, you may still be able to have travel insurance coverage.

With most Arch RoamRight plans, the clause that excludes pre-existing conditions can be waived when certain criteria are met. These criteria are:

• You purchase your policy within 21 days of making the initial payment on your trip;
• You insure all of the Travel Arrangements that are subject to cancellation penalties and restrictions;
• You are not disabled from travel when you purchase your travel insurance policy; and
• The booking for this trip is your first and only booking for this travel period and destination.

When you meet all four of these conditions, any trip cancellations or travel medical emergencies related to your diabetes may be covered.

Diabetes and Travel Insurance Coverage during Severe Emergencies

Rest assured – there are two cases where travel insurance can provide coverage for complications from diabetes, regardless of whether it is considered a pre-existing condition or not. These are Emergency Medical Evacuations and Repatriation of Remains.

You may be in good health, safely managing your condition when you plan to go on a trip. However, medical emergencies can still occur. If you experience diabetic complications and need emergency medical treatment that cannot be provided in the local area, you may be covered for an emergency medical evacuation.

It’s happened before – just watch this story about a man who experience major complications due his diabetes while he was in Antarctica.

Learn More about Traveling with a Medical Condition

There are several places where you can get more information about traveling with a medical condition. You may be interested in these posts found here in on the Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance Blog:

• When Travel Insurance May Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
• Will Your Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.

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About the Author

Adele dirende.

Adele DiRende is a Marketing Intern currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communications at Towson University. Although the wallet of a college student is not kind to those with a passion for travel, Adele has experience in international travel to places like Italy and the UK, as well as domestic travel around the U.S. In addition to travel, Adele enjoys photography, music, and creative writing. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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21 Tips for Traveling With Diabetes

Plan ahead for more fun and fewer worries.

Don’t let good diabetes management go on vacation just because you did. Traveling to new places gets you out of your routine—that’s a big part of the fun. But delayed meals, having unfamiliar food, being more active than usual, and being in different time zones can all disrupt your diabetes management. Plan ahead so you can count on more fun and less worry on the way and when you get to your destination.

Before You Go

• How your planned activities could affect your diabetes and what to do about it.
• How to adjust your insulin doses if you’re traveling to places in a different time zone.
• To provide prescriptions for your medicines in case you lose or run out of them.
• If you’ll need any vaccines.
• To write a letter stating that you have diabetes and why you need your medical supplies.
• Just in case, find pharmacies and clinics close to where you’re staying.
• Get a medical ID bracelet that states you have diabetes and any other health conditions you may have.
• Buy travel insurance in case you miss your flight or need medical care.
• Order a special meal in advance for the flight that fits with your meal plan, or pack your own.
• Put your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag (insulin could get too cold in your checked luggage). Think about bringing a smaller bag to have at your seat for insulin, glucose tablets, and snacks.
• Pack twice as much medicine as you think you’ll need. Carry medicines in the original pharmacy bottles, or ask your pharmacist to print out extra labels you can attach to plastic bags.
• Be sure to pack healthy snacks, like fruit, raw veggies, and nuts.
• Get an optional TSA  notification card [PDF – 23.8KB] to help the screening process go more quickly and smoothly.
• Good news: people with diabetes are exempt from the 3.4 oz. liquid rule for medicines, fast-acting carbs like juice, and gel packs to keep insulin cool.
• A continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump could be damaged going through the X-ray machine. You don’t have to disconnect from either; ask for a hand inspection instead.
• Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health site for more helpful resources.
• Doctor’s letter and prescriptions
• Snacks and glucose tablets
• Extra insulin and diabetes medicines

While You’re Traveling

• If you’re driving, pack a cooler with healthy foods and plenty of water to drink.
• Don’t store insulin or diabetes medicine in direct sunlight or in a hot car; keep them in the cooler too. Don’t put insulin directly on ice or a gel pack.
• Heat can also damage your blood sugar monitor, insulin pump, and other diabetes equipment. Don’t leave them in a hot car, by a pool, in direct sunlight, or on the beach. The same goes for supplies such as test strips.
• Fruit, nuts, sandwiches, yogurt
• Salads with chicken or fish (skip the dried fruit and croutons)
• Eggs and omelets
• Burgers with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun
• Fajitas (skip the tortillas and rice)

Say goodbye to worry when you pack your diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag.

• Stop and get out of the car or walk up and down the aisle of the plane or train every hour or two to prevent blood clots (people with diabetes are at higher risk).
• Set an alarm on your phone for taking medicine if you’re traveling across time zones.

Once You’re There

• Your blood sugar may be out of your target range at first, but your body should adjust in a few days. Check your blood sugar often and treat highs or lows as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
• If you’re going to be more active than usual, check your blood sugar before and after and adjust food, activity, and insulin as needed.
• Food is a huge highlight (and temptation!) on a cruise. Avoid the giant buffet, and instead order off the spa menu (healthier choices) or low-carb menu (most ships have one) or order something tasty that fits in your meal plan from the 24-hour room service.
• Don’t overdo physical activity during the heat of the day. Avoid getting a sunburn and don’t go barefoot, not even on the beach.
• High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood sugar more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink. Get more hot-weather tips here .
• You may be unable to find everything you need to manage your diabetes when you are away from home, especially in another country. Learn some useful phrases in the local language, such as “I have diabetes” and “where is the nearest pharmacy?”
• If your vacation is in the great outdoors, bring disposable wipes so you can clean your hands before you check your blood sugar.

Making Memories

Diabetes can make everyday life and travel more challenging, but it doesn’t have to keep you close to home. The more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the exciting experiences of your trip.

• CDC’s Health Information for Travelers
• Diabetes Basics
• Living With Diabetes
• Diabetes Features
• CDC Diabetes on Facebook
• @CDCDiabetes on Twitter

To receive updates about diabetes topics, enter your email address:

• Diabetes Home
• State, Local, and National Partner Diabetes Programs
• National Diabetes Prevention Program
• Native Diabetes Wellness Program
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Vision Health Initiative
• Heart Disease and Stroke
• Overweight & Obesity

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in April 2024

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 .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at no extra cost.

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

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.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

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.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

• Diabetes and Pre Existing Insurance

Travel insurance for diabetics, Best travel insurance diabetes

Best travel insurance diabetes, travel health insurance for diabetics.

People who have diabetes very often know what they have to eat and the importance of exercise based on the doctor's advice. The challenge is to keep the blood sugar low and under control.

Diabetes experts say that there are enough precautions to prevent a long list of diabetic complications but sometimes it is required to face a medical emergency due to diabetes.

According to recent study by a Journal on health, diabetes complications are among the most common reasons for hospitalization for many people. The type 1 and type 2 diabetes patient numbers are growing in numbers every year.

Some of the tips for diabetes patients to be healthy

Check your foot daily: The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers study shows that the keeping good watch over your feet can show the start of many communicable diseases. A high blood glucose level can cause nerve damage in the feet and you may not be feeling injury, cut or scrape on the skin which can be a start of the skin infection. Drink a lot of water or apply lotion which can keep the skin on the feet and rest of the body from becoming dry and cracked.

Teeth and gums: those who have diabetes can also have the risk of tooth decay, inflamed gums and gum disease. The reason being that the disease exposes vulnerability to bacterial infections and weakens the ability to fight them. There are other infections which can destroy the gums and bone that holds the teeth in place. The rising blood sugar levels and hormonal changes can impact the immune system to battle the infection. Brushing teeth after every meal or at least twice a day is advisable.

Cutting Down on Salt: High intake of sodium can increase the high blood pressure which multiplies the elevated risk of diabetics like cardiovascular or kidney diseases. It is good to reduce intake of salt slowly so that the blood pressure will be reduced and other interconnected health risks can be avoided. The prepared food or what you eat out can have high salt level so try to avoid those dishes that are salty. Reducing intake of salt is a survival skill for the diabetics.

Healthy Eating: The diet plays a vital role in subsidizing the severity of diabetics' health problems. Brown rice over white rice is advised for type 2 diabetes patients to avoid the severity. Avoid eating excess fat and saturated fat intake can increase diabetes risks. Eating more fruits is advisable for diabetes patients. Start including more serving of fruits in your diet.

People with diabetes and traveling to the USA

Those who are traveling to the USA need insurance coverage if they are taking medical treatment during emergency situations.Travelling during the amidst the pandemic, visitors with diabetes need to be more cautious given the risk of contracting a serious infection due to the virus is higher.

The health care costs in USA are expensive and insurance coverage will help the insured pay medical bills with the financial help from the insurance company. The cost of routine physician visit is very expensive in the US. The common ailments like Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia admitted to an emergency room would cost around $25,000.

Those who have diabetes should know that their condition falls under pre-existing diseases as per the terms and conditions of the insurer. Find popular plans offering coverage for pre-existing conditions . Since there only few insurance companies offering pre-existing condition coverage it is good to compare best travel insurance for diabetics.

You can also get free quotes of pre-existing condition visitor insurance at American Visitor Insurance and compare benefits offered by different insurers. There are some visitor insurance plans from INF that offer coverage for pre-existing medical ailments .

Best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions

Please explain the difference between full coverage for pre-existing conditions and coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions by US visitor insurance.

Most of the US visitors insurance plans provide coverage for "Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions". This basically provides coverage in the event of an existing medical ailment becoming life threatening and needing emergency medical care. This coverage will usually have exclusions for coverage of gradual or slow worsening of the existing ailment.

INF is one of the few companies which offers USA travel insurance plans for visitors to the US with full coverage for pre-existing ailments. INF offers best travel insurance for pre existing medical conditions with full Pre-Existing conditions coverage. This means INF visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage insures any in-patient, out-patient, urgent care, specialist, doctor visits, anything related to pre-existing conditions.

The INF plans treat the pre-existing conditions like any new sicknesses. Prescription Medications are also covered when prescribed for a recent medical incident caused by a pre-existing condition. However, maintenance medications like Lipitor are not covered under this plan. This also means INF will not have exclusions that are typical in 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions'. Some of the common pre-existing condition exclusions are:

• A limit on the coverage for certain adverse medical events like a myocardial infraction, heart attack or other Cardiac events.
• A limit on the number of occurrences within the insured period.
• Explicit exclusions for certain ailments like Urinary Tract infections, Kidney infections or Bladder infections.

This also explains why 'Full pre-existing conditions coverage' is more expensive than coverage only for 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions'. However, please note the INF does not support medical tourism, where patients buy this insurance simply to get medical treatment for an existing ailment.

Why are INF Full travel insurance pre existing conditions plans more expensive than other travel insurance covering pre existing conditions?

The Full pre-existing conditions coverage plans treat any issue related to a pre-existing condition like a New Accident and Sickness, subject to the policy maximum and deductible limits. This explains why 'Full pre-existing conditions visitor insurance coverage' plans are more expensive than coverage only for 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions'

Note: **Both the Premier plan and Elite plan have a fixed pre-existing condition maximum limit up to which the pre-existing condition would be covered.

Pre-existing conditions visitors insurance

Tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions.

Here are some travel insurance tips for travelers with pre-existing conditions

• Choose a travel medical insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage.
• Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Be aware of look back period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
• Consider buying an US travel health insurance plan with higher medical coverage.
• Keep a copy of your medical records and list of medications when you travel.
• Take your Doctor's prescription and medications during your trip.
• Learn how to access healthcare at your destination.
• Contact your US traveler insurance provider immediately in case of a medical emergency.
• Disclose all pre-existing conditions when purchasing visitor health insurance.
• Follow all procedures while submiting a claim.

What is visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions?

There are many health insurance for us visitors options for international travel. However, many usa travel insurance for visitors plans exclude pre-existing conditions. Hence the traveler insurance will not cover the costs of treating a pre-existing medical condition. However at American Visitor Insurance, we offer some travel medical insurance plans that have coverage for pre-existing conditions and the policy clearly states what is covered for a pre-existing conditions, as well as specifying a limit to this coverage.

Some travel health insurance plans like Atlas America , Patriot America Plus offer coverage for an acute onset of a pre-existing conditions, ie, when there is a sudden medical emergency without any prior symptom that needs to be treated immediately. This typically includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and evacuation expenses related to the acute onset of the pre-existing condition. INF insurance however has the INF Elite insurance which covers pre-existing conditions going beyond the acute onset coverage. It is important to compare visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions on American Visitor Insurance both for the price as well as pre-existing conditions coverage before making a decision.

How does travel insurance for pre-existing conditions work?

The travel health insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions have clear definitions of what is a pre-existing condition, the look back period for pre-existing condition, whether the travel insurance coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and if it provides full coverage for pre-existing conditions the coverage limit within the policy for pre-existing conditons. Any travel health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on all these.

Factors to consider while purchasing visitors health insurance for pre existing conditions?

The following are important factors for buying travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

• The definition of pre-existing conditions and the look back period under the policy.
• The eligibility age limit for pre-existing conditions coverage.
• Whether pre-existing condition coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
• The coverage limit for pre-existing conditions which is different from the policy medical maximum.
• The deductible and out of pocket expenses for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Why is health insurance for travel to USA with pre-existing conditions coverage important?

Traveling anywhere outside worldwide is supposed to be an eye opening, special and a relaxed trip experience. Traveling with a health condition brings in more challenges in order to get covered for the unexpected medical expense in case of odd surprises during the trip. This calls out for an insurance plan that covers the pre-existing conditions that will relieve the unnecessary stress of taking extra care of yourself during your most memorable travel experience.

The plans also will be expensive considering the risks involved to cover pre-existing conditions. Many of the travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. At American Visitor Insurance we offer plans that cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions as well as some cover full pre-existing conditions.

Pre-existing conditions coverage - FAQ's

01.  how do i know if my pre-existing condition is covered by travel insurance.

Unfortunately, this simple question has a fairly complicated answer. The answer is: it depends. Firstly, it depends on whether you are a US resident traveling outside the US or a visitor to the US. US residents can purchase trip cancellation insurance that can cover pre-existing conditions and even plans that are travel medical only without cancellation often are more generous in their coverage of pre-existing conditions. These plans may have specific requirements in order to waive the usual exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions (like purchase them within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit or that you have a primary domestic insurance plan in the US), so you should check these details carefully if this is important to you.

Non-US residents or US residents traveling into the US have much more limited options to insure their pre-existing conditions are covered. Some plans offer coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. However, this is misleading, since a careful look at their definition excludes chronic or congenital disorders from such coverage. Chronic illnesses are those that worsen over time and congenital disorders are issues one is born with. They exclude emergencies due to chronic illness because they will say that is not "acute" it is simply a worsening of your condition. There are only two policies we know of that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. They are INF Premier and INF Elite plans.

Firstly, they define pre-existing conditions in the following way: A pre-existing condition is a condition for which the insured received treatment or took medication for in the previous 12 months before the start of the policy. If the medication dosage has not changed and is taken as a maintenance medication, this would NOT count as a flare up or treatment of the condition. In that case, very stable conditions that have no flare ups in the past 12 months are not even excluded as pre-existing conditions. Conditions that have had flare ups or doctor recommended treatment or change in medication, are still covered by the plans but with a higher deductible and a lower maximum.

INF Elite (also INF Elite 90 ) are comprehensive plans offering fairly complete coverage. INF Premier is a fixed plan. Find details on these plans here.

The above plans must be purchased for at least 90 days and can be quite pricey for seniors, but they offer the only real coverage for chronic conditions.

The other option, of course, is to take a plans with little ($1K) or no coverage for pre-existing conditions and take a risk that that condition will not flare up during the trip.

02.  What does full coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions mean?

INF plans boast they offer "full" coverage for pre-existing conditions. This can be a little misleading. Firstly, any regular treatment or medication that is required by the condition is never covered. The main advantage to the INF Elite and INF Premier is that they cover sudden illness/injury regardless of whether it is pre-existing or not. The only difference is that a pre-existing condition will be covered with a higher deductible at at a lower maximum than any other "new" illness or injury. However, coverage is not limited to an emergency or life-threatening situation.

03.  What does "acute onset of pre-existing conditions" mean?

The "Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition" is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing medical condition which occurs without any advance warning either in the form of physician recommendations or symptoms and requires immediate care (within 24 hours of first symptoms). A Pre-Existing Condition that is a chronic or congenital condition or that gradually becomes worse over time will not be considered acute onset.

The acute onset coverage benefit does not include coverage for known, scheduled, required, or expected medical care, drugs or treatment existent or necessary prior to the effective date of coverage. An example of this might be someone who has a food allergy or bee allergy and is unknowingly exposed to their allergen and requires immediate medical attention.

04.  What is the difference between Full Pre-Existing & Acute Onset Insurance?

Acute onset of a pre-existing condition can be defined as the sudden & unexpected occurrence of a pre-existing condition which requires in-patient, emergency hospitalization within 24 hours of exhibiting first symptoms. The main difference between acute onset & full pre-existing is that with Full Pre-Existing coverage, is that one is covered for all pre-existing conditions and associated medical costs and this includes follow up visits, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, etc. The acute onset coverage will only cover the in-patient hospitalization expense.

05.  What are the limits of Full Pre-Existing plans under INF travel insurance?

Full Pre-existing means we will cover any issue regarding a pre-existing condition, however, if one is traveling to the United States solely for medical treatment, that will not be covered. INF plans do not cover any medical tourism related claims. Pre-existing conditions under the INF plans are covered with a higher deductible and a lower maximum than other illnesses or injuries. These are chosen or specified when you purchase you plan.

06.  Do INF travel insurance plans really cover all pre-existing conditions?

Yes, the INF policies will cover any pre-existing issue that the traveler may have during their stay in the United States. This includes blood pressure, diabetes, kidney related issues and arthritis, all of which are covered by the INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans.

07.  Why are Full Pre-Existing plans more expensive than other visitor medical insurance usa plans?

The insurance company takes on an enormous risk by insuring individuals and including coverage for pre-existing conditions without any prior medical examination. Under the INF plans, you are paying more, but you are getting the full value for the money you pay given the very high cost of US healthcare. With the INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plans, even though it is expensive, you can have the comfort of knowing that you are covered for any emergency or contingency. This peace of mind given the expensive US healthcare expense is what makes INF plans worth it despite being expensive.

08.  What services are covered under best travel insurance for usa visitors with full pre-existing coverage?

The list of covered services under Visitors insurance full pre-existing conditions coverage can be found on the American Visitor Insurance website of the INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus and INF Elite 90 Plan pages. INF plans are open to green card holders

What is the best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage?

The best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage is listed here:

• The INF Elite plans are designed for travelers who need coverage for full pre-existing medical conditions up to age 99 years. INF Elite plans are comprehensive plans available for people traveling to the US and provide flexible coverage. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plans.
• Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers coverage for acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to 69 years. For persons under 70 covers medical treatment to policy maximum (cardiac-related treatment up to $25,000).
• Atlas America Insurance is a comprehensive visitor insurance for acute on set of pre-existing conditions that covers Non-US citizens and Non-US residents while visiting the US up to age 79 years. The plan provides acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions coverage..
• Patriot America plus is Comprehensive travel insurance covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit aged up to 70 years. This plan is available for Non US citizens travelling to the USA and US citizens and Non US citizens living abroad can buy this plan for visiting the US for short while. Plan is suitable for Green Card holders as long as they reside outside the US.
• Visitors Protect is Comprehensive visitor medical insurance offers pre-existing conditions up to age 99 years. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plan. It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
• Safe Travels USA is a cheap travel medical insurance plan that covers sudden, unexpected recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition for Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA up to 89 years.

What does visitor travel insurance cover?

Covers hospital expenses for sickness or accidents.

Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.

Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses.

Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.

Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.

Repatriation of remains to home country included.

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• There is a minimum purchase of 90 days required to buy this plan.
• This plan is available for Non-US Citizens.
• Anyone visiting USA or Canada can enroll in this plan.
• Elite plan with policy maximum $150,000 covers pre-existing condition coverage up to $25,000 maximum with deductible $1,500 for age 0 to 69 years and for policy maximum $75,000 covers pre-existing condition coverage up to $20,000 maximum with deductible $1,500 for age 70 to 99 years.

INF Elite Plus Insurance Full Pre-existing condition Comprehensive plans

• Covers Preventive & maintenance care and coverage for full body physicals. Coverage for TDAP, Flu, etc Vaccines
• Pre-Existing complications from Covid-19 covered.

INF Elite 90 Insurance Full Pre-existing condition Comprehensive plans

• Covers 90% of eligible medical expenses

INF Premier Insurance Full Pre-existing condition Fixed Benefit plan

• This plan is available for Non-US Citizens & Anyone visiting USA or Canada can enroll in this plan
• Premier plan provides policy maximum $100,000 covers pre-existing condition maximum of $20,000/$40,000 with deductible $1,000/$5000, policy maximum $150,000 covers pre-existing condition maximum of $30,000/$60,000 with deductible $1,000/$5,000 and policy maximum $300,000 covers pre-existing condition maximum of $50,000/$100,000 with deductible $1,000/$5,000 for age 0 to 69 years.
• For age 70 to 99 years for policy maximum $100,000 covers pre-existing condition maximum of $15,000/$25,000 with deductible $1,000/$5,000.

Patriot America Plus Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Comprehensive plans

• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit (aged up to 70 years).
• Patriot America Plus Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus illness.
• Available for US citizens visiting USA

Visitors Protect Insurance Full Pre-existing condition Comprehensive plans

• It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
• This plan covers pre existing condition for age 69 and below up to $25,000 and for ages 70 and above it covers up to $20,000 with deductible up to $1,500.
• Visitors Protect Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus illness.

Travel Medical Plus Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Comprehensive plans

• Travel Medical Plus Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus.
• Including USA : Acute onset of pre-existing conditions are covered up to $50,000 for age under 69 years and a coverage of $5,000 for age of 70-79.
• Excluding USA : Acute onset of pre-existing conditions are covered up to $50,000 for age under 64 years and a coverage of $10,000 for age of 65-74.

Travel Medical Basic Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Comprehensive plans

• The policy maximum for this comprehensive insurance starts from $50,000 and provides up to $5,000,000. For people above age 80 years, they get a policy maximum of $10,000
• Including USA: Acute onset of pre-existing conditions are covered up to $25,000 for age under 69 years and a coverage of $2,500 for age of 70-79.
• Excluding USA: Acute onset of pre-existing conditions are covered up to $25,000 for age under 64 years and a coverage of $5,000 for age of 65-79.

Atlas America Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Comprehensive plans

• Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit aged up to 79 years (excludes chronic and congenital conditions).
• Atlas America Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus illness.

Visitor Secure Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Fixed Benefit plan

• It offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 70 years.
• Plan can be renewed up to 364 days.

Safe Travel USA Comprehensive Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Comprehensive plans

• Safe travel USA Comprehensive Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus.
• Covers Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition: Covers Acute onset of Pre-existing condition coverage up to 69 years the limit is up to the medical maximum purchased per period of coverage and for any coverage related to cardiac disease, coverage is limited to $25,000.
• It offers coverage for visitors up to 89 years.
• This plan is not available to any individual who has been residing within the United States for more than 365 days prior to their Effective Date

Safe Travel USA Insurance Unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing Comprehensive plans

• Covers Up to $1,000 for sudden, unexpected recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition
• Safe travel USA Covid insurance offers coverage for coronavirus.

Safe Travel USA Cost Saver Insurance Unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing Comprehensive plans

• Covers unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing medical conditions up to $1000
• Eligible for foreign residents visiting USA and worldwide

Safe Travels Elite Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Fixed Benefit plan

• Foreign residents visiting USA and worldwide.
• Plan can be renewed up to 2 years.
• The plan provides Emergency Medical Evacuation of $100,000 for the Economy, Basic and Silver plan and covers up to policy maximum for the Gold and the Platinum plan.
• Acute onset of pre-existing condition is covered up to policy maximum up to the age of 69.

Diplomat America Insurance Pre-existing condition exclusion Comprehensive plans

• This plan is for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
• Covers pre-Existing condition exclusion: 24 Months prior to the start date of coverage

Visit USA Insurance Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition Fixed Benefit plan

• Visit USA Insurance is an excellent medical insurance for tourists and holiday travelers, parents of students studying in the United States, new immigrants and visiting scholars in the USA.
• Visit USA offers 3 plans to satify your requirements and budget.
• Covers Acute onset pre-Existing condition up to Ages 65 and above: $2,500 ; All others: $20,000(excludes chronic and congenital conditions)

Comprehensive plan

Comprehensive travel insurance plans provide exhaustive coverage for health expenses up to the policy medical maximum amount. In contrast to fixed benefit plans there are no limits for each benefit. Comprehensive travel insurance is more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but provides significantly better coverage in case of a medical emergency or hospitalisation.

Fixed Benefit plan

A fixed benefit travel insurance plan is the cheapest travel insurance plan option. It is affordable because it has a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit plans work well in case of small ailments but can be inadequate in the event of a serious medical ailment or hospitalization.

Full Pre-existing condition

Full pre-existing condition is that with Full Pre-Existing coverage, is that one is covered for all pre-existing conditions and associated medical costs and this includes follow up visits, hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, etc

Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition

The " Acute Onset of a Pre-Existing Condition " is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing medical condition which occurs without any advance warning either in the form of Physician recommendations or symptoms and requires immediate care.

Unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing

Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a Pre- Existing Condition which occurs 

• Occurs spontaneously and without advance warning either in the form of Physician recommendations or symptoms, is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent and  immediate medical care.
• Occurs a minimum of 48 hours after the Effective Date of the Policy.

Pre-existing exclusion

The time period during which an individual policy won't pay for care relating to a pre-existing condition.

Factors that determine the cost of US travel insurance plans

The cost of travel insurance is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.

Comprehensive travel insurance provides exhaustive coverage but is more expensive than fixed benefit insurance which has a specified limit for each treatment.

The price of visitors insurance is directly dependent on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.

Travel insurance depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor insurance for the United States is most expensive when compared to Europe or Asia.

The cost of travel insurance directly depends on the length of travel. The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.

Additional add-on benefits to the basic travel insurance plan like adventure sports coverage, coverage for pre-existing conditions… will add to the overall cost.

Different types of US Visitors insurance

Fixed benefit travel insurance.

A fixed benefit travel insurance plan is the cheapest travel insurance plan option. Fixed benefit travel insurance is cheap because it has a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit travel insurance plans work well in case of small ailments but can be inadequate in the event of a serious medical ailment or hospitalisation.

Comprehensive travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance plans provide exhaustive coverage for health expenses up to the policy medical maximum amount. In contrast to fixed benefit plans there are no limits for each benefit. Comprehensive insurance is more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but provides significantly better coverage in case of a medical emergency or hospitalisation.

Contact our customer service team, we are here to help you!

Steps to buy US pre-existing condition travel health insurance online

  1: finding the available us travel insurance plans.

Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.

  2: Compare the different travel insurance options

Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.

  3: Buy the travel insurance that you like best

Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.

  4: Review insurance plan documents received by email

Review the travel insurance documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

Find out more about Pre-existing condition visitors insurance

Frequently asked questions, what is a pre-existing condition for travel health insurance.

Simply put, a pre-existing condition is a disease or condition a person is already diagnosed with, being treated for, or has, with reasonable certainty before the start of the insurance policy.

Companies use a "look back" period to determine if a condition will be considered pre-existing or not. Click here to read more .

Are there any medical tests required to buy pre existing visitor insurance?

No , there are no medical tests required for purchasing visitor travel insurance to usa with pre existing conditions.

Which are the USA travel health insurance that cover Pre - Existing conditions?

The short term visitor insurance plans usually do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, however some plans do provide limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.

You can compare the insurance plans that offer pre-existing condition coverage using our compare tool option.

Why should I get visitor medical insurance with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions?

Many people, although healthy and able to travel, particularly older travelers take medications for certain medical conditions. While these conditions can be called "normal" for a person of their age, not all people have these conditions and they will be classified as "pre-existing" by an insurance company.

If you do NOT have coverage for it, then the policy will pay $0 for any incident of it, emergency or not.

The coverage you can get is limited to "acute onset" of a pre-existing condition which can cover an unexpected life-threatening emergency of the condition which would then give you as complete coverage as you could get for your travels or visitor.

More visitors insurance for pre existing conditions FAQ's

Older travel insurance information - faq's, 01.  is there travel medical insurance for seniors over 70 from usa.

Yes, there are many travel insurance options for seniors over 70 from the USA. Many US travel insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for older travelers, and some policies may have no age limit for coverage. However, it is important to note that the cost of travel medical insurance for seniors is higher than for younger travelers due to increased health risks and the likelihood of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, coverage and benefits may vary depending on the policy, and it is important to carefully review policy terms and conditions to ensure that you get the coverage you need.

Some US insurance providers that offer travel medical insurance for seniors over 70 from the USA include Trawick International, Seven Corners, IMG and WorldTrips. It's recommended to research and compare different policies on American Visitor Insurance based on costs, benefits and coverage for pre-existing conditions to find the best traveller insurance and value for your needs.

02.  What’s the most important insurance coverage for senior travelers?

The most important insurance coverage for senior travelers is extent of medical coverage. Seniors are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions and may be at higher risk for medical emergencies while traveling, making it essential to have adequate medical coverage in case of illness or injury. Travel medical coverage can include coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, and medical evacuation if needed.

In addition to travel medical coverage, senior travelers may also want to consider trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which can help protect against financial loss if they need to cancel or cut short their trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or weather-related events. There is the option available for US travelers to buy travel insurance with cancel for any reason, which gives full flexibility to cancel a trip.

Among other important insurance coverage for senior travelers is the coverage for lost or stolen luggage, travel delays or missed connections, and accidental death or dismemberment. Older travelers should compare different US travel insurance policies to find the best coverage and value for their individual needs on American Visitor Insurance.

03.  Can I find cheap travel insurance for seniors over 70?

Yes, it is possible to find cheap travel insurance for seniors over 70. Many insurance providers offer specialized travel insurance plans that cater to the needs of older adults. By comparing quotes from different insurers and considering factors such as coverage options, deductibles, and pre-existing condition coverage, seniors can find affordable travel insurance that suits their specific requirements. It is advisable to shop around and explore various options to find the most cost-effective travel insurance policy for seniors over 70.

04.  How can I compare different travel medical insurance for seniors over 70?

Older travelers can easily compare different travel insurance over 70 plans on American Visitor Insurance which allows you to compare features, benefits, and prices of different policies. Travelers can review travel insurance plans based on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for visitor insurance which focuses on the health of the traveler, you can compare insurance based on the specific coverage for medical ailments, coverage for pre-existing conditions, the co-insurance and deductible for the insurance plan Some of the factors that you should consider while comparing visitor insurance health insurance for the traveler are:

• The maximum medical coverage available for the age of the traveler
• The cost of insurance and deductible and co-insurance expenses
• The Preferred provider organisation (PPO) network of the insurance provider and user reviews
• The coverage for pre-existing conditions and any exclusions and limitations of the policy
• The customer assistance and emergency helpline of the insurer

05.  How important is the visitors insurance for parents over 70?

Visitor health insurance which insures mainly the health of the traveler against accident or sickness when he/she is traveling overseas is very important since healthcare is very expensive, especially in the USA. Visitor health insurance is important even if you have health insurance in your home country which you believe will work in the US. The main reason for this is that US insurance providers negotiate with the healthcare providers in the US to get a better pricing for medical services, something that is not available to international insurance providers. This makes US healthcare very expensive even with travel medical insurance coverage which do not have negotiated rates with US healthcare providers.

Visitor insurance which focuses on insuring the travel expenses along with the health of the traveler is very important to protect travelers from unforeseen risks and emergencies that may occur during their trip. Travel insurance can provide coverage for various situations such as:

• Medical expenses due to illness or injury
• Trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen reasons
• Loss or delay of baggage or personal belongings
• Passport or travel document theft or loss
• Emergency evacuation or repatriation
• Legal liability or personal accident
• Travel assistance and support

Having the best visitor insurance is really important given its relative cost to that of the trip and the cost of healthcare overseas. Visitor insurance can help you save money, time, and hassle in case something goes wrong during your trip. It can also give you peace of mind and confidence to enjoy your travel experience. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for travelers to travel safely and securely.

It is easy to find the best visitor insurance online by comparing several insurance options on American Visitor Insurance based on cost as well as coverage benefits offered.

06.  How much is travel insurance for 70 year old cost?

The cost of travel health insurance which focuses on the health of the traveler depends on factors such as:

• The age and health of the traveler (older the traveler, higher the cost)
• The destination and duration of your trip (cost in US is most expensive)
• The amount of medical maximum coverage chosen (higher the coverage, higher the cost)
• The deductible and co-insurance of the insurance
• Any add-on benefits (pre-existing conditions coverage etc.. cost more)

Yes. There are six main exclusions (applies to all the INF plans) Cancer Dialysis Cataract / Vision sickness Mental Illness (depression / anxiety) Preventive / Maintenance care (except for INF Elite Plus and INF Premier Plus ) Sleep Apnoea.

Yes, Green Card holders are eligible to enroll in the INF Plans as long as they maintain a residence outside the US.

Yes, people who are already in the US, can buy the INF plans, but they must get prior permission to apply for INF plans. To do this, they must submit the following forms:

• Latest I -94
• Health attestation form
• Any prior health insurance information (if applicable)

The I-94 form is a government doc that can be filled out on line, they should choose “Get most Recent” on the website here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ and you should complete this “health attestation form”.

Note : Hop Travel Assist plans are not available if visitors are already in abroad

Yes, you can purchase INF travel medical insurance even if you have pre-existing conditions. INF offers INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus , INF Elite 90 plans that travel insurance with pre existing conditions. However, coverage for pre-existing conditions may have some limitations and exclusions depending on the plan and your specific condition. It is important to carefully review the policy details and ensure that the coverage meets your specific needs.

INF travel medical insurance for pre-existing conditions is a type of travel insurance that provides coverage for individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions.

The INF insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for medical emergencies and unexpected medical events that may occur while traveling. The plans include benefits such as hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription medication, emergency medical evacuation, and more.

INF offers best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions, including the INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus , INF Elite 90 . These plans have varying levels of coverage and benefits, so it is important to review each plan carefully to determine which one best fits your specific needs.

The cost of the INF visitors insurance will vary depending on the age of the traveler, the type of coverage and the length of your trip. Typically, visitor’s insurance policies cost can start even as low as $1 per day, but will be much higher for older travelers seeking coverage for pre-existing conditions that INF insurance offers.

The INF Elite Travel Insurance plan is INF’s comprehensive insurance for visitors traveling to the United States. There are 3 types of INF insurance Elite plans and the price of these plans varies depending on the coverage they provide. The INF Elite plan , INF Elite 90 plan and INF Elite Plus plan .

The INF Elite plan is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan that offers coverage for emergency medical and dental expenses, medical evacuation, trip interruption, and other benefits for visitors to the USA. The INF Elite plan, INF Elite 90 plan and INF Elite Plus plan are all part of the Elite Network of plans offered by INF.

The INF Elite 90 plan is designed for travellers who need coverage of eligible medical expenses up to 90%. The INF Elite Plus plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions as defined in the plan, as per policy limitations, exclusions and maximums, with no benefit waiting period. INF Elite Plus also provides Preventive & maintenance care benefits, which can be used for a number of different covered medical services and offers coverage for TDAP, Flu, etc Vaccines.

You can apply for INF insurance online through American Visitor Insurance . You can also call them at +1 (877) 340 7910 to get more information on how to apply for INF insurance from licensed insurance agents.

The maximum length of coverage for INF insurance is 364 days.

INF insurance is available for international visitors to the United States, Canada or Mexico.

The main requirements for applying for INF insurance is the travelers passport details and the travel dates. You can apply for INF insurance online on American Visitor Insurance or call +1 (877) 340 7910 to get help in applying for INF insurance.

To purchase INF insurance coverage, you must not be a citizen or permanent resident of the host country you are traveling to, ie the US, Mexico, or Canada. The coverage is available for non-U.S. residents and non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States, Mexico or Canada between the ages of 14 days and 79 years. US green card holders can buy INF insurance if they have a residence outside the USA. The coverage duration is available from 5 days up to 364 days.

There is a minimum purchase of 90 days required to buy these INF Elite plans.

The INF plans use the United Healthcare Preferred Provider Organisation (PPO). This means that even if the pre-existing coverage limit is low, customers will still be able to access the full PPO discounts via United Health Care (UHC).

For example : A customer has to go to the Emergency Room (ER) for blood pressure and get a bill of $10,000 and the customer has the INF HOP UltraPlus plan. Although the UltraPlus covers $700 for pre-existing, the customer will get the PPO discount on the bill since it is covered. This in itself can translate to very significant savings such as an 80% discount + $700 paid out. This means your total coverage was $8,700 and out of pocket expense is only $1,300.

The Full pre-existing conditions coverage plans treat any issue related to a pre-existing condition like a New Accident and Sickness, subject to the policy maximum and deductible limits. This explains why 'Full pre-existing conditions visitor insurance coverage' plans are more expensive than coverage only for 'pre-existing conditions'.

In short the answer is Yes. INF insurance will cover any pre-existing conditions ranging from blood pressure, diabetes, to kidney complications and arthritis. All of these issues are all covered by the INF Premier , INF Premier Plus , INF Elite , INF Elite Plus , INF Elite 90 best travel insurance for pre existing conditions

Compare the best travel insurance for full pre-existing conditions plans Compare INF Full pre-existing conditions. Note: **INF Premier, Elite, Elite Plus , Premier Plus and Elite 90 plans have a minimum purchase should be 90 days.

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

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

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

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

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

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

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

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

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

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

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

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

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

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

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

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

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

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

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

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

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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If you have diabetes and planning a trip, we can help you get travel insurance with allclear insure my diabetes ..

AllClear have launched new travel insurance policies offering cover for coronavirus – for cancellation, cutting your trip short, medical expenses and repatriation if you need to return home. There are also options to defer the policy start date and spread the cost over a year. Read the terms and conditions on this coronavirus cover .

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AllClear have helped over three million people travel with peace of mind. Contact them by phone or online to get your tailored and non-obligation quote. Visit their website and check their privacy policy, or call for free today.

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We have chosen to work with AllClear Insure My Diabetes  because they offer a range of levels of cover, both single and annual multi-trip policies, and have been a specialist in providing travel insurance for those who may have difficulty getting cover elsewhere.

Whichever insurer you decide is right for you, it’s important that you consider all aspects of cover when selecting your travel insurance policy, not just the price.

The risks of travelling without proper travel insurance cover

Insurers will require disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions of all those people to be insured on the policy. Many standard travel policies will exclude any pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if you had to make a claim for medical emergency treatment costs for any pre-existing conditions, or any related complications whilst away, some insurers may not cover these costs.

You should also be aware that other people travelling with you, who may be covered under a different provider’s policy, may not be covered for cancellation of the trip if it is cancelled due to your medical circumstances. AllClear Insure My Diabetes offer travelling companion cancellation cover as a valuable extra to your policy.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The UK Global Health Insurance Card, or the GHIC, lets you get necessary healthcare in countries in the European Union and some other countries. This may be free or it may require a payment that is the same to what a local resident would pay.

The GHIC replaced the the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but if you still have an EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. When it expires, you'll need to replace it with a GHIC. 

A GHIC or EHIC does not replace travel or medical insurance and it is recommended that you have private travel and medical insurance for your trip. It doesn't cover being flown back to the UK for medical evacuation, private healthcare treatment, ski or mountain rescue or stolen property.

Find out more about the GHIC, including how to apply on the NHS website .

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