nfu travel insurance covid cover

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The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

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 COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Travel Insurance

Best COVID travel insurance of 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:47 a.m. UTC May 2, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

The best COVID travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic, according to our analysis of travel insurance plan rates and coverage options.

Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story .

Seven Corners

Travel insured, usi affinity.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 851 coverage details evaluated.
• 161 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Top-rated travel insurance for COVID-19

Top-scoring plan

Medical limit per person, emergency evacuation limit per person, what you should know.

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic plan is the most affordable of all COVID travel insurance plans we analyzed. This 5-star plan comes with basic coverage levels for emergency medical and medical evacuation.

If you’d like higher coverage limits, consider Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan which gets 4 stars in our rating. It’s more expensive but comes with $500,000 per person in primary medical coverage and $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

• A low cost option for COVID travel insurance.
• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
• Average cost of a CFAR upgrade is lower than many competitors.
• Basic plan has secondary emergency medical coverage, not primary.
• No coverage for non-medical evacuation with Basic plan ($20,000 with Choice plan).

Top-scoring plans

Medical evacuation limit per person.

WorldTrips has two COVID travel insurance plans that tie with 4.5 stars: Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier.

The Preferred plan is more affordable and provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with an optional upgrade to primary coverage. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises .

The more expensive Premier plan comes with $150,000 in travel medical insurance that’s primary coverage.

• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” upgrade is only available with the Premier plan and only offers up to 50% reimbursement if you want to end your trip early.

Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides strong benefits overall for the price. It falls short of our emergency medical coverage benchmark but offers superior evacuation benefits at a competitive price.

• Emergency medical evacuation coverage is a superior $1 million.
• Excellent 75% “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
• Very good 75% “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Lost baggage and personal items coverage of $1,000 per person could be better.
• Relatively low emergency medical coverage of $100,000.
• Optional “Interruption for any reason” coverage doesn’t start until 72 hours into your trip.

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades. These include “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Emergency medical limit per person

USI’s Ruby plan meets our standards for emergency medical evacuation and healthcare coverage. Plan costs increase by an average of 50% when you add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

• Good emergency medical primary coverage of $250,000 per person.
• Great 75% “cancel for any reason” upgrade available at a competitive price.
• $300 per person baggage delay and $1,000 baggage loss coverage are just okay.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• One of the higher-priced options among our top-rated plans.

Tin Leg’s Gold plan provides plenty of medical and evacuation coverage to help you get health care if you catch COVID or have another medical problem during your trip. Plan costs increase by an average of 50% when you add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

• Best-in-class emergency medical primary coverage of $500,000.
• Optional 75% “cancel or any reason” upgrade available.
• “Interruption for any reason” coverage isn’t available.
• Subpar baggage delay ($200 per person) and baggage loss ($500 per person) coverage.
• One of the more expensive options among our top-rated plans.

Compare the best COVID travel insurance plans

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 851 coverage details and 161 rates to find the best COVID travel insurance plans. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that cover COVID.

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 70 points. We scored the average cost for each COVID travel insurance policy with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

Emergency medical expense: 10 points.  We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.

Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade: 10 points. We gave travel insurance plans with the option of “interruption for any reason” coverage 10 points. This coverage allows you to end your trip early for any reason, including reasons not listed in your policy, and get reimbursed for a certain percentage of your prepaid expenses.

How to buy COVID-19 travel insurance

“Look for travel insurance that covers trip cancellation , trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency medical transportation ,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. A policy that provides epidemic-related coverage may reimburse you for costs associated with a canceled trip, travel delays, mandatory quarantines and being denied boarding due to suspected illness.

Plans that offer emergency medical coverage usually provide medical coverage for treating COVID-19, but you’ll want to read the policy to be sure.

Most travelers are surprised to learn about the 15-day review period that comes with many travel insurance policies, Durazo said. “Consumers should take the time to read their policy and call their provider with questions. If they don’t feel that their policy meets their needs, they can exchange it for a new product or cancel it for a full refund.”

Average cost of COVID travel insurance

The average cost of our top-scoring COVID travel insurance plans is $415 . By adding optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, the average cost of COVID travel insurance rises to $615, an increase of 48%. 

CFAR coverage gives you the flexibility to cancel your travel plans for any reason, as long as you do so at least two days before your scheduled departure. When you cancel, you will typically be reimbursed up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. If you’re interested in adding CFAR coverage to your travel insurance plan, you usually need to do so within two to three weeks of making your first trip deposit. 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on factors such as how many travelers you’re insuring and their ages, your trip destination, trip length and total trip cost. On average, travel insurance costs 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, and adding CFAR coverage to your plan could increase the cost of travel insurance by about 50%.  

Get the best deal for the price: Discover affordable travel insurance options.

What travel restrictions are still in place?

Many travel restrictions that existed in the past three years due to COVID-19 are no longer in place. However, if a new, more dangerous variant emerges or if another infectious disease becomes a serious concern, national governments might reinstate previous restrictions such as requiring a negative virological test or proof of vaccination to enter the country. States and territories may have requirements that differ from national requirements.

Things are always changing, so it’s best to consult the official government website of the country you’re visiting and Travel.State.gov for the latest entry requirements and travel recommendations before booking your trip. Then, continue to check these websites as your trip date approaches to see if you’ll still be able to enter and leave your destination and re-enter the United States.

Quarantine reimbursement from travel insurance

Getting reimbursed by your travel insurance provider requires submitting documents that support your claim. Your policy should spell out what documents you’ll need. 

“Failure to get proper documentation for a claim will almost always delay processing of the claim,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Never assume that your insurance company will accept less than what they ask for. Call your insurance provider if you have questions about what documentation they’ll need to process your claim.”

In the case of a quarantine claim, you’ll typically need proof of getting infected with or being exposed to COVID-19, proof that you were required to quarantine, and invoices and receipts from any medical treatment and additional lodging costs. 

For coverage purposes, “a COVID diagnosis has to be from a licensed physician who determines that you can’t travel,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com. “An at-home, self-administered COVID test won’t be enough to pursue a claim under a travel insurance policy.”

What does COVID-19 travel insurance cover?

“Most travel insurance providers today consider COVID like any other unexpected sickness for purposes of coverage,” said Sandberg.

If your plan does not exclude costs related to COVID-19, specific types of coverage under your plan can reimburse some or all of your expenses. These might include additional hotel nights, transportation, meals, medical care, flight changes and more. Here’s how different parts of a travel insurance policy would apply as it pertains to COVID.

• Extension of coverage. Applies if you have to stay at your destination longer than planned because you get sick and have to quarantine or new travel restrictions emerge.
• Travel delay. Applies if you or someone traveling with you gets sick or injured en route to, at or returning from your destination or if, say, an airline refuses to let you board because of suspicion of illness. 
• Trip cancellation . Applies if you get sick before you leave for your trip and have to cancel the whole thing. Be sure to get a diagnosis from a licensed physician. 
• “ Cancel for any reason ” upgrade. Applies if you decide you don’t want to travel because of a spike in COVID cases or national entry and exit requirements change. Not all plans offer this upgrade, and it can add quite a bit to the cost of your insurance.
• Trip interruption. Applies if you have to interrupt your trip after reaching your destination — for example, if you have to fly home early because you or someone traveling with you gets sick.
• “Interruption for any reason” upgrade. Applies if you miss part of your trip for a reason your policy doesn’t otherwise cover — for example, because you have to quarantine, but you don’t actually have COVID. Not all plans offer this upgrade.
• Emergency medical treatment. Applies if you unexpectedly get COVID during your trip and need health care. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. Plan to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation . Applies if you need to be transported to the nearest adequate medical facility for treatment. If, God forbid, you should die of COVID during your trip, this coverage would reimburse you for costs associated with transporting your body back home.

What does COVID-19 travel insurance not cover?

“Most travel insurance providers that offer comprehensive policies have done a great job at accommodating COVID-related disruptions, providing reimbursement for events like quarantines and hospital stays,” said James Clark. Clark is a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, which is also the company behind Tin Leg and Cat 70 travel insurance. 

“However, there have been a handful of events that travel insurance simply does not cover,” Clark said. “During the height of the pandemic, when countries would close their borders for travel due to the coronavirus outbreak, many customers were unhappy that border closures were not covered by their standard trip cancellation policy.” 

“Policyholders that no longer wanted to travel due to negative test and face mask requirements were also unable to receive reimbursement through standard policies,” he said. “In order to receive reimbursement in these scenarios, a customer would have needed the ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.” 

That upgrade also covers “fear of travel,” which almost all travel insurance policies usually exclude, according to Clark. Canceling your trip out of fear of COVID infection or fear that the virus will disrupt your trip somehow is only covered by the CFAR upgrade, he explained.

Best COVID travel insurance FAQs

If you’re traveling within the United States or the U.S. territories, check with your health insurance company to see what coverage you get outside your state of residence. You may have coverage for emergency care and telehealth visits, but not for routine care. It’s also possible that your in-state plan may have arrangements with providers in other states that give you reduced rates.

With the end of the U.S. national emergency and public health emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic ending in May 2023, group health plans and individual health insurance plans will no longer be required to cover COVID tests and testing-related services without cost-sharing or prior authorization. This, too, could mean an extra expense for you.  

Medicare usually does not pay for health care you receive abroad (unless you’re in a U.S. territory, or, in rare cases, near the border of Canada or Mexico ). 

Other U.S. health insurance may not cover international health care, either, or the health insurance deductible may be high. 

For these reasons, it’s important to choose a travel insurance policy with good emergency medical coverage — which usually has no deductible — when you’re traveling abroad.

Yes, as long as the policy covers COVID-19 and travel to the country or countries you visit. All of the travel insurance plans in our Best COVID travel insurance cover COVID.

Your travel insurance policy’s trip cancellation benefits will apply if you have to cancel your trip before you leave because you test positive for COVID-19. But you need to get diagnosed by a licensed physician if you hope to file a successful claim for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs like airfare and lodging.

Cruise travel insurance is just travel insurance that doesn’t exclude cruise-related issues or has additional cruise-specific benefits. If you’re going on a cruise and want COVID-19 coverage, make sure your travel insurance policy covers COVID-19 and has high coverage limits for emergency medical and emergency medical evacuation .

You should expect to spend your own money if you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test for travel because travel insurance does not cover predictable expenses. In some cases, such as when you’re recovering from a COVID infection, your health insurance or travel insurance may cover a doctor-ordered test.

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

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

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

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

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What You Need to Know Now About Travel Insurance

A spate of new travel insurance policies have begun covering Covid-19, just as many international destinations begin to require it. Here’s what to look for.

• Share full article

By Elaine Glusac

When the pandemic struck, many travel insurance policies failed to cover Covid-19-related trip interruptions and cancellations, often because they excluded pandemics. But in the intervening months, the travel insurance industry has introduced a spate of new policies covering the disease just as many foreign destinations begin to require them.

“We’ve seen progress in that many plans will now treat Covid like any other unexpected sickness or illness,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of the comparison website Travelinsurance.com . “If you have a trip and travel insurance and came down with Covid-19, which made it impossible to travel, that would fall under cancellation coverage as an unexpected illness that prevents you from traveling.”

Likewise, policies now including Covid-19 would cover holders in the event that a doctor diagnosed them with the virus while traveling under the trip interruption benefit.

Not all travel insurance excluded pandemics when the coronavirus began to spread early this year; Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection was one exception. But the broader change partially arises from consumer demand, a better understanding of the virus — including mortality rates and hospital costs — and the industry’s eagerness for travel to resume.

“People who are traveling are more conscious of their risks and thinking about protecting themselves and their investment,” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of the travel insurer Seven Corners. The company launched policies that included Covid-19 coverage in June; they now account for more than 80 percent of sales.

But, like all insurance, the devil is in the details when it comes to understanding travel insurance, including what’s covered, destinations where it’s required, and the inevitable caveats, as follows.

How travel insurance covers Covid-19

The new Covid-inclusive insurance generally covers travelers from the day after purchase until their return home. During that period, if you become sick and a doctor determines you cannot travel (because of the virus or another illness), trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits would kick in.

These benefits vary by policy, but a search to insure a $2,000 weeklong trip to Costa Rica in December on Travelinsurance.com turned up a $69.75 Generali Global Assistance Standard policy with Covid-19 benefits that would be triggered if you, your host at your destination, a travel companion or a family member tested positive for the virus.

If this happened before your departure, the policy would cover your prepaid travel expenses. If you or your travel companion contracted Covid-19 during the trip and were diagnosed by a physician, it would reimburse prepaid arrangements, such as lodgings, and cover additional airfare to return home — once a doctor deems it safe to travel — up to $2,500. Should you be required to quarantine and can’t travel, travel delay coverage for lodging, meals and local transportation would pay up to $1,000. The policy also covers medical expenses for up to one year, even after you return home, up to $50,000 — though the policy also states that a holder would have to exhaust their own health insurance benefits before seeking coverage under the travel insurance plan.

Travelers should read these policies carefully to understand the benefits (for example, some rules vary by your state of residence), but brokers like TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth are making them easier to find through filters, F.A.Q.s and flags.

The new more comprehensive policies don’t necessarily cost more. On a Squaremouth search for insurance for two 40-year-olds on a two-week trip costing $5,000, the site turned up a variety of policies with or without coronavirus exclusions from $130 to $300, with no apparent premium for Covid-19 coverage.

Not every Covid-19-related expense is covered by many of these policies, including tests for the virus that many destinations require before arrival (those may be covered by private insurance).

Many policies include medical evacuation to a nearby facility, but won’t necessarily transport you home. For those concerned about treatment abroad, Medjet , a medical evacuation specialist, now offers Covid-19-related evacuations in the 48 contiguous United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that will transport you to the hospital of your choice in your home country (trip coverage starts at $99; annual memberships start at $189).

“Covid-19 requires special transport pods to protect the crew and others, which adds logistical issues,” said John Gobbels, the vice president and chief operating officer for Medjet.

In addition to the Medjet plan, travelers would need separate travel insurance with medical benefits to cover treatment costs and trip interruption.

Destination insurance requirements

Travelers aren’t the only ones worried about health. A growing list of countries are mandating medical coverage for Covid-19 as a prerequisite for visiting, often along with other measures like pre-trip virus testing and health screenings for symptoms on arrival.

Many Caribbean islands are among those requiring travel medical insurance, including Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas . St. Maarten requires health insurance coverage and strongly recommends additional travel insurance covering Covid-19.

Farther-flung countries also require policies that cover Covid-19, including French Polynesia and the Maldives .

Some destinations specify the required plan as a way to ensure travelers have the correct coverage and to expedite treatment. Aruba requires visitors to buy its Aruba Visitors Insurance, regardless of any other plans you may have.

“Insurance through a destination typically only covers Covid and infection while you’re there,” said Kasara Barto, a spokeswoman for Squaremouth.com. “If you catch Covid before, they don’t offer cancellation coverage. If you break a leg, the policy may only cover Covid medication. It varies by country.”

Costa Rica also requires insurance that includes an unusual benefit stipulating a policy cover up to $2,000 in expenses for a potential Covid-19 quarantine while in the country.

In response to the new requirement, which Costa Rica announced in October, insurers, including Trawick International , have begun introducing policies that meet the standard.

“It was a pretty quick and nimble reaction,” Mr. Sandberg of TravelInsurance.com said.

Normally, travel insurance varies by factors including the age of the traveler, destination, trip length and cost (most range from 4 to 10 percent of the trip cost). But some destinations are providing it at a flat fee, with most policies spelling out coverage limits and terms for emergency medical services, evacuation and costs associated with quarantines.

Jamaica, which will require insurance, but has not said when the new rule will go into effect, plans to charge $40 for each traveler. The Bahamas will include the insurance in the cost of its Travel Health Visa, an application that requires negative Covid-19 test results, which runs $40 to $60 depending on length of stay (free for children 10 and younger). The Turks and Caicos is offering a policy for $9.80 a day, and Costa Rica ’s policies, if purchased locally, cost roughly $10 a day.

Expect this list of destinations to grow. In January, the Spanish region of Andalusia plans to require travel medical insurance and is working on finding a provider to make it easy for travelers to buy it.

Gaps in travel insurance

Policies that cover Covid-19 as a medical event that may cause trip cancellation or disruption, or those that provide coverage for medical treatment and evacuation still don’t necessarily cover travelers who have a change of heart when they learn they will have to quarantine upon arrival, even if they don’t have the virus. Nor are policies necessarily tied to conditions on the ground, like a spike in infections, State Department travel warnings, a government travel ban or the cessation of flights to and from a destination.

For those events, there’s Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR, an upgrade to plans that generally only returns 50 to 75 percent of your nonrefundable trip costs.

“Prior to the pandemic, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend CFAR because most of travelers’ concerns were covered by standard plans,” Ms. Barto of Squaremouth.com said. “It’s about 40 percent more expensive and we didn’t want travelers to pay for additional coverage.” Now, she added, there’s been a surge in interest in the upgrade, including in 22 percent of policies sold at the site since mid-March.

Industry experts predict some of these outstanding issues may work their way into policies of the future as they adapt to enduring realities, much as they did after 9/11 in covering travelers in case of terrorist events, which was not the norm before.

The pandemic “was unprecedented, but once it happened, the industry has been pretty quick to react and create coverage, and that’s in the spirit of how this industry is trying to define itself, to be one of those subtle but valuable assets,” Mr. Sandberg said. “Once the world opens back up, we expect travel insurance to be much more top of mind with travelers.”

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Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

Purchasing travel insurance during the time of Covid can be overwhelming – will you be covered in case of cancellation, or do policies that offer medical assistance for Covid exist? Here, we break down the policies that offer Covid cover, plus what to look for in a travel insurance policy and whether your insurance is invalidated if the government advises not to travel. 

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

Yes, here goes... Note though, all policies currently have restrictions on claims relating to Covid-19 and be aware that the situation is changing fast, so double-check the latest cover before you buy.

All Clear Travel Insurance ( allcleartravel.co.uk ): cover is available to people of all ages but particularly suitable for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions that other insurers are reluctant to cover.

Axa ( axa.co.uk ): this long-established, French-owned company is one of the largest insurers, providing a wide range of different policies geared to a variety of travel types.

Battleface ( battleface.com ): geared to individuals and groups with an emphasis on adventurous activities abroad and travel to remote destinations.

Campbell Irvine Direct ( campbellirvinedirect.com ): this insurer was established more than 45 years ago, and policies offer cover for travel to challenging and adventurous locations, including conservation and volunteer projects.

CoverForYou ( coverforyou.com ): competitively priced policies include winter sports and backpacker cover with enhanced silver, gold and platinum options.

Holidaysafe ( holidaysafe.co.uk ): catch-all travel specialist with a portfolio of ‘niche’ policies covering specific sporting activities including triathlon, sailing and cycling .

LV Travel Insurance ( lv.com ): one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering single and multi-trip cover.

PJ Hayman ( pjhayman.com ): strong on customer care, with cover for medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.

Puffin Insurance ( puffininsurance.com ): annual or single-trip policies for customers aged 18-74, covering more than 75 different activities with numerous optional add-ons.

Trailfinders ( trailfinders.com ): policy automatically includes children up to 21 years, free of charge (note those aged 19-21 must be in full-time education).

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

In a word, yes. Some companies (see list above) say they will still sell you insurance – including the crucial medical-expenses cover – provided the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t advise against all or all but essential travel. Check the current FCDO list for the latest advice. Some insurers will also offer cover for destinations on the red list , but in the current climate of uncertainty, rules governing travel to individual countries can change fast. Travel-insurance specialist Battleface has a useful country travel restrictions tool on its website to help people check the latest developments based on a variety of factors including destination and departure dates.

Why is travel insurance important?

If you have a trip booked and don’t yet have insurance, it’s important to buy a policy as soon as possible. That way, if anything changes – FCDO advice for example – you will already have cover in place. The problem with choosing the best policy is that everyone has different requirements – it may depend on your destination, the type of trip (are you doing lots of adventurous activities , for example?) and quite detailed, nerdy stuff such as ‘travel disruption cover’, which is particularly useful at the moment if you are travelling independently. There is no shortcut to checking through the key provisions of any insurance you are considering.

What should I look for in a travel insurance policy during the pandemic?

This is the key problem. Insurers are obviously jumpy about how exposed they are to claims both for cancellations because of Covid-19 and for medical treatment as a result of catching it while you are abroad. So all have added restrictions and exclusions into their policies. You need to check exactly what those are and make sure you understand the limitations of the cover.

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

If you already have travel insurance it will normally cover your cancellation costs if you, or one of your travelling companions, falls ill before departure and can’t travel – though you will need a medical report from your doctor to confirm this. Some policies – though not many – cover losses incurred if you have booked independently and have to cancel because of FCDO advice. Look for ‘travel disruption cover’ or ‘journey disruption cover’ in the policy details, which may or may not include disruption due to epidemics (see below for more information). If you are forced to quarantine in a hotel after visiting a red list country, this is unlikely to be covered by any insurance companies. If you are simply nervous of travelling and want to cancel – which is known as ‘disinclination to travel’ in the insurance industry – no policy will cover you.

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

The key value of travel insurance is the medical cover it offers while you are travelling. This will underwrite the cost of treatment and if necessary a hospital stay if you fall ill on holiday. But whether or not you are covered for accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and have to enter self-isolation or quarantine while you are abroad varies by policy. Some insurers, however, will pay up if you need a new flight home in these circumstances. In short – it varies, so be sure to read the small print.

Is my travel insurance invalidated if the FCDO advises not to travel?

In normal times, travel insurers won’t provide cover to countries or regions where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Traditionally, these areas might include destinations such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Yemen, but in recent times it has included much of Europe too, with countries being regularly added to and taken off the UK's quarantine list. However, some insurers now offer affordable policies that are designed for travellers heading to these European destinations, which may be of use once the lockdowns start to ease. As ever, it’s important to read the small print. For example, policies are invalidated during a government-imposed regional or national lockdown in the UK.

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

Some insurers will cover against coronavirus if the FCDO has listed your destination as safe to visit before you head off. Some offer cancellation cover if you’re diagnosed with Covid-19 within a fortnight of departure, including emergency Covid-related medical expenses while abroad and repatriation, as well as cover in the event of a travelling companion contracting the disease. And you can find insurers that offer cover for medical expenses resulting from Covid-19 for all destinations including countries under FCDO and government essential and non-essential travel advisories.

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

If you have booked a package with a tour operator and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to your destination, your tour operator is obliged to cancel the holiday and offer you a full refund. They might also offer you an alternative holiday, or suggest you postpone travelling dates, but you are entitled to get your cash back. If you can afford to, consider postponing your trip rather than cancelling it completely, should your health or updated government advice mean that you can’t go away as planned. There are a lot of people out there relying on us to keep spending on travel, with around 10 per cent of the world's population earning an income that is linked to tourism. To learn more about how important this is, see our guide to why you shouldn't cancel your holiday .

What if I booked my trip independently?

Travellers who have booked, say, a flight and accommodation separately, normally have no right to a refund if they cancel unilaterally, even if the FCDO has since advised against travel. In practice, however, most airlines are cancelling flights and refunding passengers in this situation. A hotel or villa company doesn’t have to give you your money back – though it is obviously worth talking to them; they may allow you to postpone your stay.

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

It’s vital to make sure you pay for flights with a credit card (if you are booking a flight directly with the airline and it costs more than £100 you can claim your money back from the credit card company), and check that any tour operator you book with has up-to-date Atol protection – or can show that it has an alternative bonding arrangement in place.

Which websites should I check for the best travel insurance information and advice?

A good website that gives the latest figures for every country reporting cases of Covid-19 is worldometers.info . For the latest formal FCDO advice on every country in the world see gov.uk and search for travel advice. The best health advice is at nhs.uk .

CNT Editors

Caitlin Morton

María Casbas

Sarah James

Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

Yes and no. As of Thursday 31 December 2020, Britain left the EU, but anyone holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will be covered for state-supplied medical care while holidaying in Europe until it runs out. And while the EHIC card has been scrapped for anyone who doesn't currently hold one, it has been replaced by the very similar GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).

Anything else I need to worry about?

Insurers have become very jumpy about pre-existing medical conditions in recent years because they add to the risk of expensive medical claims and cancellations. It is absolutely critical that you declare any conditions you may have when you buy a policy, otherwise – if you do need treatment while you are travelling – you may find your claim is refused.

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NFU Mutual includes Covid-19 in personal accident and annual travel insurance policies

By Katie Scott 2020-04-06T11:37:00+01:00

• No comments

New and existing home and business customers set to benefit from new support package

Insurer NFU Mutual has launched a new support package, worth £32m, to better support its customers during the coronavirus pandemic .

This includes increasing coverage for both new and existing customers who have personal accident or group personal accident extensions to include Covid-19. “This will give both individuals and businesses peace of mind should the virus continue to impact their lives and will pay out if individuals or employees are incapacitated by the virus,” the firm said.

The insurer expects to pay out around £12m worth of claims to members affected by coronavirus in 2020.

NFU Mutual’s home insurance customers are also still able to purchase annual travel insurance , which does not exclude Covid-19, and the insurer will additionally continue to provide an automatic 15% increase in property sums insured to ensure customers are protected if an agent or valuations firm cannot access property during the outbreak.

The insurer will also provide extended cover for businesses to allow for expanded commercial activities and volunteering during the coronavirus pandemic , flexible cover for those with unoccupied premises, added protection for those with higher stock levels and continuing cover for farmers with spoilt stock.

NFU Mutual has committed to adhering to the ABI’s guidance surrounding home, travel and motor insurance too. This includes extending cover for key workers who may need to drive to different locations, people who want to help communities by transporting medicines and groceries, supporting those who now need to work from home and helping those who have been left stranded abroad.

Business commitments

In addition to these coverage clarifications and amendments, NFU Mutual is also introducing a £1.35m change to its claims process – it has brought in new, streamlined procedures to ensure that claims can be paid quickly and easily, without the need for unnecessary contact.

Alongside this, the insurer has increased its charitable work by setting up a £1m Emergency Coronavirus Fund, which will be released through its agency network. This has been designed to support local charities and communities.

There will also be an additional £750,000 donation to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, enabling donations of up to £1m to support national organisations as well as families facing financial challenges due to coronavirus.

NFU Mutual is also making a £50,000 donation to its affiliated charity, the Farm Safety Foundation, to support and extend its mental health work during this period of isolation.

Employee care

For staff, NFU Mutual has introduced a £5m support scheme for its local agency network, which consists of around 2,750 self-employed individuals.

It has also promised to continue to pay its 4,000 strong workforce in full. “NFU Mutual is a major employer in the Midlands, and has seven regional offices around the UK, with sites in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It has more than 4,000 staff, who will continue to be paid in full – including any unable to work because they are looking after dependents during the crisis,” it said.

Furthermore, the insurer will continue to provide funding for the UK’s main farming unions and provide adviser support at a local level. This year NFU Mutual will donate £7.5m to farming unions.

For customers, NFU Mutual still expects to reward client loyalty with £250m worth of premium discounts for renewals between July 2020 and June 2021 as part of its Mutual Bonus scheme. The firm’s financial advisors also remain on hand to guide customers through the potential financial impacts of coronavirus. This includes a new online hub.

Lindsay Sinclair, group chief executive of NFU Mutual, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on everybody, including our customers and their local communities, which is why we have committed to this unique package of support.

“We have committed to £32m of support and are already looking at what more we can do.

“Many of our customers have been affected by this outbreak and a significant number of them are key workers, responsible for helping to feed and support the nation in difficult circumstances.

“On behalf of NFU Mutual, I would like to personally thank you for all you are doing for the country and assure you we will continue to look at more ways to support our customers.”

Read more… How could coronavirus impact employers’ liability claims?

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How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan. 

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin. 

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available. 

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.  

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more:  Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo. 

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000. 

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection.  Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. 

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more:  PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions? 

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

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Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

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

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

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

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

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Why travel insurance usually doesn't cover epidemics and pandemics

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

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

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

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

What travel insurance normally covers

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

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

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

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

Related: The best credit cards with complimentary travel protection

Are some insurers covering COVID-19?

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

Examples of COVID-19 coverage in traditional plans include:

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

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

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

How to find a plan that covers COVID-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cancel for any reason insurance could be your best option

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

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

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

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

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

Some countries are requiring mandatory insurance for entry

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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Is travel insurance worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

Getting travel insurance

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

• New airline regulations in 2024

How much does travel insurance cost?

• Bottom line

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

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

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

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

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

Trip cancellation

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

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

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

Trip delay 

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

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

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

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

Trip interruption

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

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

Baggage loss

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

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

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

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

Medical expenses and emergency evacuation

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

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

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

New airline regulations in April 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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

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

21.49% - 28.49% variable

Foreign transaction fees

Excellent/Good

American Express® Gold Card

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

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

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

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

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

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

When should I get travel insurance?

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

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

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

Bottom line 

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

Compare and find the best life insurance

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

Meet our experts

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

Why trust CNBC Select?

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

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

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

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

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Table of Contents

What is covered by travel insurance

Extras you can add to a travel insurance policy, what does travel insurance not cover, how to pick the right policy for your trip, if you want to understand travel insurance coverage.

If something goes wrong during a trip, your savings account could take a serious hit if you don’t have travel insurance. Flight cancellations, lost baggage or an accident can throw a wrench into your carefully made plans and cost a lot to rectify.

On the other hand, knowing that your trip is protected can help put your mind at ease before, during and after a vacation. But exactly what does travel insurance cover? Let’s find out.

Most plans typically cover a range of trip protections, including accidental death and dismemberment, baggage delay or loss, emergency medical coverage and evacuation, trip cancellation, delay or interruption and more. Here's a closer look at each one.

Accidental death and dismemberment

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance provides coverage for death or losing a limb or eyesight as a result of an accident. Note that death from natural causes, illness or by suicide isn’t covered, so it’s not the same thing as a life insurance policy.

Baggage delay

Baggage delay insurance reimburses the cost of essentials, such as clothes, toiletries or a phone charger, that you may need to purchase if your bag is delayed. Your baggage must be delayed over a certain number of hours to receive coverage — typically the range is from six to 24 hours, depending on the policy.

Baggage loss

Insurance for baggage loss reimburses the cost of your suitcase and belongings should a checked bag become lost, stolen or damaged during a covered trip.

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

This benefit covers the cost associated with medical evacuation if you have a medical emergency and you can’t be treated at the facility closest to you. It will cover transport costs to another hospital or your home country, if necessary, and also includes transportation of remains.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Missed connection

A missed connection benefit covers extra expenses if a common carrier delay causes you to miss an organized tour or a cruise, for example, and you need to pay extra to catch up to it at the next port of call.

Reinstate frequent traveler awards

If you paid for a trip with airline miles or hotel points and it is subsequently canceled, this benefit will cover any fees required to redeposit your rewards back to your frequent traveler account.

Trip cancellation

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for prepaid nonrefundable costs if you must cancel a trip for a covered reason. Reasons that are typically covered include:

Sickness or death of a family member.

Financial insolvency.

Natural disaster.

Airline strike.

Inclement weather.

Military duty.

Stolen passport or visa.

Loss of employment.

Trip delay covers costs associated with transportation, meals or lodging should your common carrier be delayed, as well as reimbursement of any prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. Trip delay coverage takes effect after a specified period of time depending on the policy, but typically ranges from five to 12 hours.

» Learn more: What you need to know about Chase’s trip delay insurance

Trip interruption

Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused, nonrefundable costs in the event you must cut the trip short and return home for a covered reason, including a family member’s sickness or death, terrorism, inclement weather or a natural disaster, among others.

Travel insurance plans usually don’t include coverage for every possible thing that can go wrong, but you can add optional extras to your policy for an upcharge. Check to see if your plan has the following types of coverage, and if you think you need it, you can add it in or buy a more inclusive policy.

Cancel For Any Reason

If you change your mind and decide not to go on a trip you’ve booked, you typically can’t get reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses — unless you purchase a cancel for any reason policy separately. Depending on the policy, you usually get a portion of your prepaid expenses back (typically 50% to 75%), but you must purchase the policy within 10 to 21 days of initial payment. Note that cancel for any reason isn’t the same as trip cancellation listed above.

Rental car collision damage waiver

If your rental car is damaged or stolen, rental car insurance will protect you from having to pay for the damage or theft. Many credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , offer rental car collision damage insurance, so check whether the cards you hold have this benefit before adding it to a policy.

Pre-existing conditions

If you need coverage for a pre-existing medical condition, you must purchase a policy within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing conditions waiver (usually ten to 21 days). Make sure that the coverage amount you enter is equal to all prepaid, nonrefundable costs for your trip.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Quarantine accommodations

This coverage is often part of trip delay insurance, but some providers include it and some don’t. For example, the Safe Travels Voyager plan offered by Trawick International covers lodging expenses in case you get sick with COVID-19 and have to quarantine abroad before flying home safely.

» Learn more: Travel insurance may not cover COVID-19 — unless you upgrade

Travel insurance offers coverage for many situations, but not all. Some scenarios aren’t covered by a travel policy, including:

A named storm: Most travel plans protect you from hassles stemming from inclement weather. However, a policy needs to be purchased before a tropical storm or weather event is named. If you purchase coverage after a natural disaster has begun, it won’t be covered.

Activities performed under the influence: Drug and alcohol use are a notable exception to most travel policies. If you fall off an ATV because you drank a few alcoholic beverages or took drugs before operating a vehicle, you’re no longer covered.

Extreme sports: Some high-risk sports, such as bungee jumping, scuba diving or rock climbing, aren’t covered by a comprehensive travel insurance plan. However, you can buy a separate policy for the specific adrenaline activities you’re planning to do on your vacation from World Nomads , for example.

Fear of travel because of a pandemic or another reason: This is something that would be covered under a “cancel for any reason” add-on, but a general travel policy won’t cover fear of travel.

Medical tourism: Seeking dental work in Mexico or a hair transplant in Turkey? Keep in mind that your medical expenses for elective procedures aren’t covered by a plan with emergency medical coverage.

Pregnancy: If you want to cancel a trip because you’re pregnant, you can do so only if you purchased the plan before you became pregnant. Otherwise, it’s not a covered reason. Additionally, medical costs incurred while on a trip during pregnancy might or might not be covered (check with your insurance provider).

» Learn more: What to know before you buy travel insurance

The length of trip, your age and the destination all factor into how much a policy will cost. The coverage types and their limits also influence the price tag.

Types of coverage and limits

Take a look at the terms of each policy and determine the type of coverage you need the most. Compare the coverage details and limits with the cost. If you hold a travel credit card , familiarize yourself with its benefits as some of the trip protections might be redundant.

Single trip vs. annual plan

For frequent travelers, an annual plan offers the most bang for your buck — it costs less money versus purchasing insurance for multiple single trips. An annual policy covers long international trips as well as short domestic trips in between, so you can have peace of mind all year long. But everything isn’t always included in a multi-trip plan, the coverage limits are lower and you may not be covered for pre-existing conditions.

Individual vs. family

When shopping for a quote, include everyone traveling in your party and their ages before you submit the trip details. Note that some insurance providers include free coverage for children 21 and younger if a parent is the primary policyholder.

» Learn more: 10 best travel insurance companies

Because coverage varies among the different insurance providers and policies, make sure to read over the policy terms carefully, especially if you’re looking for a specific type or amount of coverage.

If you’re still not sure whether a specific event or activity would be covered, call the insurance company and chat with a customer service representative. It’s better to be aware of what’s covered and what isn’t before you need to (but hopefully don’t have to) file a claim.

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

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 Chase's website

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

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

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

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

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