does caa travel insurance cover pre existing conditions

Have pre-existing conditions? What you need to know before purchasing travel insurance

What is a pre-existing medical condition.

• Hospitalization   
• Medical procedures or interventions   
• Changes in prescribed medication   
• Adjustments to medical treatments   
• New or more frequent symptoms   
• Investigations into complications or new symptoms (excluding routine check-ups)  

Are there travel insurance options if I have a pre-existing condition?

What is an example of a stable versus unstable condition.

• Stable: You’re told you are doing well    
• Unstable: Medical tests were ordered  
• Stable: Is the same dose  
• Unstable: You have a brand-new prescription or a dose change (even if it’s a decrease)  
• Stable: Your insulin keeps it under control  
• Unstable: Your insulin treatment or dose has changed  

Don’t allow pre-existing medical conditions to keep you from travelling

• All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. 

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Can I Get Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

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Table of Contents

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

How to qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, where to find coverage for pre-existing conditions, travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, recapped.

Although trip delay and baggage loss insurance are good to have, purchasing a medical insurance policy before hitting the road can be the difference between an expensive vacation and a really expensive vacation. Those with pre-existing conditions may be wondering if they can still get travel insurance. Luckily, the answer is yes.

Here’s where to look for and how to get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury or medical concern that has included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 60 to 180 days of purchasing a travel insurance policy. The condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed formally to be considered a pre-existing condition.

For example, say you go on a bike tour of Amsterdam and suffer a mild heart attack. If a doctor had diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) a few weeks before your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

So, what does a pre-existing medical condition mean for travel insurance? The good news is that having a pre-existing condition doesn’t preclude you from traveling or being eligible for medical coverage. Many comprehensive plans cover pre-existing conditions and can help you recoup your money if you require medical treatment during your trip or have to cancel a trip altogether because of a medical issue.

To avoid being on the hook for medical bills abroad or losing a deposit before you even pack your bags, look for a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver. Read the fine print on the insurance provider’s website; there shouldn’t be an age limit on most plans, and the premium shouldn’t cost more than it would for people without pre-existing medical conditions.

As long as you’re medically fit to travel, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet the following criteria and apply within the eligible timeframe:

A pre-existing condition must be stable.

You must buy coverage at the time of your first trip deposit or shortly thereafter (time frame varies by company).

Amount of coverage must be equal to all pre-paid, non-refundable costs.

For example, if you put down a 50% deposit on a safari in South Africa, you must buy travel insurance within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. If you wait too long to purchase coverage, you'll have missed the coverage purchasing window and the waiver won’t be applicable to your trip.

We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first deposit on a trip.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, then a travel insurance company has a right to look back at the traveler’s medical records for the last 60 to 180 days (varies by plan), which is called a look-back period. This is done to determine whether you’re filing a claim for an incident related to a pre-existing condition, which then determines whether it’s going to be covered or not.

The pre-existing medical conditions waiver may also provide coverage in the case of a non-traveling family member having a medical problem mid-trip. This varies by plan.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

With so many providers to choose from, it’s hard to make the right choice. So, which travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions is best?

You can turn to travel insurance companies such as Allianz , Travel Guard by AIG or RoamRight to locate the right plan for your trip.

Instead of getting quotes from every travel insurance company under the sun, we recommend InsureMyTrip, which is a free comparison site that allows you to get quotes from multiple providers at once.

To start a quote, you must:

Select your travel destination.

Provide travel dates.

Disclose your citizenship and the state where you live.

Select the number of travelers and their ages.

The website will ask you additional questions, such as:

Whether you’re taking a flight, going on a cruise or renting a vacation home.

The total cost of nonrefundable expenses, such as flight costs, hotel bookings and tours.

The date you made the first payment toward the trip and viewed your coverage options.

You can sort and filter your results in multiple ways. Compare the plans offered and make a selection based on price, insurance provider reviews or the included coverage.

Keep in mind that it’s not possible to find annual travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Comprehensive plans that include coverage for pre-existing conditions can only be purchased for every trip separately.

Yes, it is possible to find travel insurance coverage suitable for trip takers with qualifying pre-existing conditions.

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include Travel Guard by AIG and Allianz .

Unless you purchase a plan with explicit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you can generally expect that costs related to these conditions pre- or mid-trip are excluded from a travel insurance policy. For plans with the option to cover pre-existing medical conditions, qualified travelers can select a Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.

Example eligible conditions include illnesses, injuries or medical concerns that have included exams, treatments or a change in prescribed medication within 2-6 months of purchasing a travel insurance policy (depending on the provider).

The best travel insurance options for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions include

Travel Guard by AIG

Optional travel insurance certainly can protect you from the unexpected. To obtain coverage for a pre-existing condition, make sure to follow all the rules of the policy you’re about to purchase. Buy a policy within the specified time frame and declare all nonrefundable expenses accurately.

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

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

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Exploring Travel Insurance: Your guide to heading south

As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, many Canadians venture south and to Europe in search of sunny beaches and milder weather. This lifestyle of eternal summer requires some advance planning. Thankfully, CAA offers travel insurance that provides peace of mind for long-term travellers. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you get started!

What does travel insurance cover?

With CAA, you can choose a plan tailored to your travel requirements. CAA Travel Insurance includes emergency medical coverage 1 , trip cancellation, and trip interruption protection. If you're over 60, don't fret! CAA's pre-existing medical conditions rider* allows you to travel safely while chasing the sun. You can easily obtain a quote online in just a few simple steps or reach out to a CAA Travel Consultant.

Will my travel insurance plan cover COVID-19 related illnesses?

CAA Travel Insurance's emergency medical plans now provide up to $2.5 million CAD for partially vaccinated individuals and up to $5 million CAD for fully vaccinated individuals to cover COVID-19 related illnesses that might occur when traveling during a time when the Government of Canada has issued a Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel).

Which medical conditions affect travel insurance rates?

For individuals aged 60 and above, any medical conditions known prior to purchasing travel insurance are considered "pre-existing conditions," and you must declare them. These conditions can range from high cholesterol and diabetes to cancer. You can find more information online or speak with a CAA Travel Consultant.

Which medical conditions are not covered by insurance?

Travel insurance typically excludes routine health checkups, non-emergency care, cosmetic surgery, and non-essential therapies. Your travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in emergency situations.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Coverage is available for individuals with pre-existing conditions if they purchase an additional coverage option for their emergency medical plan. Pre-existing conditions are covered if your health has remained stable for 3 months or 6 months depending on your age before travelling. 2

Is a medical exam required for emergency medical insurance?

A medical exam is usually not necessary when buying travel insurance. However, travellers aged 60 and older will need to complete a medical questionnaire, which can be done online or over the phone with a CAA Travel Consultant.

How do insurance companies learn about pre-existing conditions?

Insurers typically assess the presence of pre-existing conditions based on your current health status. Being truthful on medical questionnaires ensures you receive the best coverage. Honesty is essential to ensure you're covered if you need to make a claim.

Can I use OHIP to cover out-of-country medical expenses?

While OHIP may cover some out-of-country medical expenses, it's advisable not to rely solely on OHIP. If you're traveling over the winter, especially for several weeks to months, comprehensive insurance coverage is recommended.

What travel insurance plans cover multiple trips in a year?

If you're a traveller who likes to return home periodically, you may be interested in CAA's multi-trip insurance plans. 3 These plans protect against the costs of unexpected medical emergencies for multiple individual trips, ranging from 4 to 60 days each, throughout the year. Your multi-trip plan starts each time you leave Canada, and a top-up can be purchased if you stay longer than the days included in the plan. For travel within Canada, your number of travel days is unlimited with a multi-trip plan, and a top-up is not necessary.

Can I get discounts on my travel insurance policy by purchasing through CAA?

CAA Members can save 10% 4 on CAA Travel Insurance, which can add up to significant savings, especially for extended travel. You can obtain a quote online to see how much you'll save.

Travel protected with the people you trust this winter. Go online to get a quote in a few simple steps or call 1.800.263.7272 to speak with a CAA Niagara Travel Insurance Consultant.

CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years or older to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days. *All pre-existing medical conditions rider must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. 1. Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); and/or without GHIP authorization to cover trip days in excess of 212 days in Ontario in a 12-month period. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Please click here to read the policy endorsement to make sure you meet the requirements before you travel. 2. To have your pre-existing medical condition covered by your travel insurance policy, the medical condition must be stable as defined by your policy. Please see the policy at [caaniagara.ca/policy] for full details. 3. Medical Multi-Trip Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date. 4. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). Ten percent (10%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. Subject to change without notice. ®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

Tags: Travel , Travel Insurance , Insurance

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Apr 28, 2022

5 min. read

As the summer approaches, much remains uncertain in the world of travel, making travel insurance more essential than ever.

Before you hit the road, take to the sky or the sea, check with your travel insurance provider to understand what’s included in your coverage.

What are general exclusions in travel insurance?

No matter what kind of policy you plan to purchase, it’s important to understand that there are general exclusions that apply to all travel insurance plans.

A general exclusion means that a travel insurance provider may not offer any coverage under these circumstances:

Level 3 or 4 travel advisories

an act of war

participating in an illegal act

non-compliance with a prescribed medication

Each policy may have specific exclusions that will affect your coverage, such as excessive use of alcohol or non-emergency treatments like cosmetic medical surgery.

You can find a complete list of general exclusions that apply to your plan in your insurance policy guide.

Talk to your insurance provider and ask any questions you might have about your policy before purchasing. That way, you’ll know you’re fully protected no matter the situation.

Are there limits on CAA Travel Insurance benefits?

Coverage benefits and treatment limitations apply to medical and package plans, as well as trip cancellation and interruption options.

For example, CAA’s medical and package plans will cover emergency medical treatments up to a maximum of $5 million. This only applies for eligible emergency expenses and excludes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or any claims relating to participating in risky activities like hot-air ballooning or parasailing.

If you or your travel companion have pre-existing conditions or are planning on higher risk activities, you can purchase additional riders to cover those cases.

Riders include:

Pre-existing conditions: This is necessary if you have an unstable medical condition or have a change in your medication up to seven days or more before your departure.

Adventurous air activities: You’ll need this if you’re going hot air ballooning, parasailing or taking a helicopter tour.

Professional sport and speed activities: Provides medical coverage if you’re engaging in activities such as a speed contest or professional sports where you’ll be paid to perform, for instance major league baseball or competitive figure skating.

If you’re unsure about whether you have the coverage you need, talk to your insurance provider so that you’ll have peace of mind wherever your adventures take you.

Be prepared

Speak with a  CAA Travel Insurance  expert to ensure your  travel insurance  policy has coverage that suits your travel needs in case something unexpected happens while you’re away. Also, be sure to ask about any exclusions and limitations that may apply.

Image credit:  Hispanolistic/iStock

How can we help you?

What is pre-existing conditions coverage, a pre-existing condition is an illness or injury that is known to you, that you have received treatment or visited a physician for. bcaa offers some options for pre-existing conditions dependent upon stability. cxo - carptravel cxo-travelsales jan 23, 2024 • knowledge.

If you have a pre-existing medical or dental condition - an illness or injury that is known to you and you have received treatment or visited a physician for - you could be left with no coverage for that condition if it is not stable. Unstable pre-existing condition coverage is available as an add-on with some travel insurance providers, including BCAA. Stability periods are determined by age and what type of travel insurance policy you are purchasing. You can find our stability period definitions as well as information on conditions and exclusions in our policy wordings . 

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When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?

Travel insurance is more than a perk or a “nice to have.” A  travel insurance plan  can save your travel investment if you must cancel your trip for covered health reasons caused by pre-existing medical conditions. But in order for this to happen, you’ll need to select a plan that offers a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver, and also meet specified conditions. Additionally,  emergency medical coverage  can reimburse you for the costs of getting covered medical treatment domestically or overseas.

What is a Pre-Existing Condition?

We know this can seem complicated. We’re here to help. Before we jump into the details of how you can obtain a travel insurance plan that can cover a pre-existing condition, let’s define exactly what we’re talking about. Quite simply, a pre-existing condition is an injury, illness or medical condition that caused someone to seek treatment, presented symptoms, or required medication. This may have taken place anytime within 120 days prior to and including the plan’s purchase date. Note that you don’t even need an official medical diagnosis from a physician for something to be considered a pre-existing condition.

How to Meet Conditions for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver

We know that the term is a mouthful, but the conditions needed to qualify for a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver are fairly straightforward.

First and foremost, you must insure your full nonrefundable trip costs. From there, if you insure the full cost of your trip within 14 days of paying your first trip deposit, and you're medically able to travel when you do so, you can be covered for most existing medical conditions. We’re going to cover each of these conditions a bit more in depth below.

Note that all travel insurance plans cover existing medical conditions. Certain travel insurance products from Allianz Global Assistance do — but specific requirements apply. Below are three hypothetical examples to help you understand how to make sure your existing medical condition is covered.

For travel insurance to cover your pre-existing condition, you must be medically able to travel on the day you purchase your plan.

After suffering debilitating pain in your left knee for three years, you've finally scheduled a total knee replacement. You get the procedure done and find that your recovery goes more swiftly than expected. After two weeks of physical therapy, your doctor says she's amazed at your progress. Heartened to hear this, you book a cycling trip through the French Alps for the fall and you purchase travel insurance to protect it. If you suffer knee problems and you have to cancel the trip, are you covered?

With a pre-existing medical condition, the safest course of action is to get your physician's certification that you're fine to travel before you book your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance requires you to be medically able to travel on the day you buy your  plan. It doesn't matter if you expect to be able to travel in the future, or if your doctor says you should be able to travel by the time you're scheduled to leave.

Let's say you book that cycling trip and your travel insurance 12 weeks after your surgery, when you're feeling pretty good and you can take long walks around the neighborhood. Don't assume you're medically able to travel. If you end up making a travel insurance claim related to your knee, Allianz Global Assistance may review your medical records and talk to your physician to determine your condition at the time you bought insurance.

One more important thing to understand: the "medically able to travel" only applies to the people named in the insuranceplan . If your mother has uncontrolled diabetes, for instance, you need existing medical condition coverage in case you need to cancel your trip because she's in the hospital. But your mother does not need to be medically able to travel in order for you to be covered.

For a pre-existing medical condition to be covered, you must insure your full nonrefundable trip costs.

You just booked the trip of a lifetime, a two-week European river cruise with your sister. You hold out on buying your plane ticket, however, because you're hoping airfares to Paris will drop. A few weeks later, you grab that cheap ticket — whew! — but you forget to update your plan by adding the airfare cost to your coverage. Then, a week before departure, your sister (who has long suffered from hypertension) has a major change in her medication and her doctor won’t let her travel. Will travel insurance cover your trip cancellation?

Your travel companion's condition would have been considered a covered reason for trip cancellation if you had insured your full trip costs. Because you didn't, your travel insurance plan would not cover cancellations caused by pre-existing medical conditions. If you had to cancel for another covered reason — because the covered cruise operator went out of business, for instance — your travel insurance would cover the trip cancellation.

Travel insurance only covers pre-existing medical conditions if you buy your plan within 14 days (depending on your plan) of making your first trip payment or deposit.

You and your husband are both nature lovers, and to celebrate your 25th anniversary you're planning a two-week stay at a luxury eco-resort in Costa Rica. You buy travel insurance to protect your trip investment, but not until  three weeks  after the trip purchase. Because you waited, pre-existing medical conditions aren't covered. No problem, you think. You're both fit and healthy. Except your husband has had some urinary problems over the past few months, so you make him go to the urologist before the trip. Bad news: he has a prostate condition that will keep him grounded. It's treatable, but you'll have to cancel the trip. Is this trip cancellation covered?

For Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance plans, an existing medical condition is defined as an illness or injury that exhibited symptoms or was treated any time 120 days prior to purchasing your plan. In this instance, your trip cancellation due to an existing medical condition would have been covered if you had bought travel insurance within  14 days  of paying your first trip deposit.

Three more things you need to know about travel insurance and existing medical conditions

• Certain pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from Allianz Global Assistance’s travel insurance coverage, such as mental and nervous health conditions, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.
• There's a cap on trip costs when you're buying travel insurance with pre-existing medical condition coverage, so be sure to know the amounts.
• You must be a U.S. resident to buy travel insurance with existing medical condition coverage.

We encourage customers to contact our insurance advisers at 1-866-884-3556. They'll answer your questions and help you find the travel insurance plan that's best for your unique needs. Safe travels!

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• Emergency Medical Insurance for Travel
• Medical Travel Insurance Benefits
• How to Use Your Trip Delay Benefit and When to Cancel

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Travel insurance and health conditions: your questions answered

Like more and more travellers, you know how important it is to take out insurance before going on vacation. But what happens if you’ve had health issues, even minor ones? Can you still get insurance? Will it cost more? Will you be covered if your health issue returns while you’re on your trip? 

Here’s some information to help you understand those infamous preexisting conditions and how they might impact your travel insurance coverage. 

What is a preexisting medical condition?

A preexisting medical condition is a health condition you already know about when you purchase insurance or pay for a trip. It can be major or minor, stable or unstable. It can be a disease that requires treatments and monitoring, or one that you’ve already recovered from. The flu, minor surgery completed during the past year, or a heart problem can all be preexisting medical conditions. 

Will I be covered if I have a preexisting condition? 

It is important to know that certain preexisting conditions can make you uninsurable. Examples include a disease in its terminal stage, metastatic cancer, kidney failure, or certain conditions requiring treatment such as a skin graft, dialysis, or home oxygen. The same goes if your doctor has advised you not to travel.

A condition may be covered if it is considered stable by the insurer. Each insurer has its own criteria, but generally speaking “stability” means the there has been no change to treatments for a given period of time. That period is determined by the insurer and may vary with the traveller’s age and the product purchased. 

For example, with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance, persons who wish to purchase medical care coverage require 3 or 6 months of stability. But if someone is under 60 and only wishes to buy cancellation insurance, there is no stability period required.

If my condition is stable, is it guaranteed to be covered? 

No. Some conditions or diseases may be excluded from coverage even if they have been stable for the required period, because they are known to present a high claim risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one example.

However, don’t confuse an exclusion with a complete lack of coverage. In the case above, only the COPD would be excluded. So if a traveller accidentally breaks a bone overseas, the treatment will be covered since the fracture is unrelated to the excluded condition.

Can a preexisting condition influence my premium, whether it’s covered or not? 

Yes, a preexisting condition may influence the price of your insurance whether or not it’s covered. But your premium also depends on your age, the insurance product selected, and the length of stay.

It is really important to make sure you don’t leave anything out when buying your insurance, even if a condition seems minor or everyday. Too often, in the hopes of saving a few bucks, travellers compromise their coverage and the validity of their contract. They end up exposing themselves to significant financial consequences when a problem arises.

Can I pay more to get travel insurance that insures me fully for everything? 

In some cases you can. When a condition is considered excluded, some insurers have more complex analytics in place to look at the traveller’s condition and possibly cover it. A few additional steps may be necessary to provide full information about a situation, for example a form for your doctor to fill out or a more detailed questionnaire.

However, with CAA-Quebec's optional coverage for a pre-existing condition, you can leave covered and with peace of mind: for an additional premium, this benefit is designed for travellers with a medical condition that is usually not covered.

If there’s an exclusion, does it still make sense to take out travel insurance? 

Absolutely! There are so many potential situations that could require emergency medical services. We see a surprising number of claims for minor problems such as urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, and fractures. 

The bottom line? Whatever your age, health, or insurance policy, you have to check your coverage and policy limits when making your purchase or before you travel. Don’t be shy about asking your counsellor questions so you can leave all your worries behind. 

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Domestic Travel Insurance: What Does It Cover?

D omestic vacations are generally less expensive than international ones, and your health insurance policy may already cover medical emergencies you experience, even across state lines. So, do you need one of the best travel insurance policies while vacationing in the U.S.? And what would a policy cover during a domestic trip?

In this article, we explain what domestic travel insurance covers to help you determine whether purchasing one of these policies is right for you. Keep reading to find out more.

Table of contents

What does domestic travel insurance cover, domestic travel insurance exclusions, do you need travel insurance for domestic trips, how much is domestic travel insurance, when to buy domestic travel insurance, domestic travel insurance faqs, summary of money’s guide to domestic travel insurance.

While travel insurance is mainly associated with international travel, you can also purchase this type of policy for domestic trips. Coverage options vary by insurance company and plan, yet most travel insurance policies afford the following types of coverage.

• Emergency medical coverage: Reimburses you — up to the policy limit — for medical treatment related to accidents or illnesses you experience during a trip. Coverage generally excludes pre-existing conditions and may be primary or secondary to any existing medical insurance you have that’s in effect at your destination. (Check with your insurer to confirm that coverage.)
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage: Covers emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to a hospital close to your home, if medically necessary and recommended by your doctor. It also covers expenses related to transporting your remains to your return destination if you die during the trip.
• Trip cancellation coverage: Refunds you a percentage of pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs — up to a limit — if you cancel or interrupt your trip for eligible reasons. Valid reasons for canceling include natural disasters and the illness or injury of a traveler or their family member.
• Trip interruption coverage: If you must interrupt a trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for the unused portion of the trip and any expenses you incur returning home. Reimbursement is usually capped at 150% of the trip’s cost.
• Travel delay coverage: Trip delay coverage reimburses you up to your policy limits if you experience flight delays and incur additional expenses like meals or lodging. It may also cover airport delays and flight change fees.
• Baggage loss and baggage delay coverage: Refunds you the cost of replacement items (up to a per-item limit) if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip. You usually have to wait a specified number of hours before filing a claim and provide purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may also be subject to a deductible.
• 24-hour emergency and travel assistance: Most travel insurers offer worldwide travel assistance services. These include help with replacing lost documents, luggage, prescriptions or medical devices and arranging hotel accommodations and medical transport services.

For more information about these and other coverage options, read our article on what travel insurance covers .

Travel insurance add-ons and benefits for domestic trips

Again, while options vary by company, insurers generally offer add-ons and other benefits that can enhance a base travel insurance policy. These include:

• Rental car collision coverage: Also called collision damage waiver (CDW), this add-on waives policyholders’ financial responsibility (up to a limit) if their rental vehicle is damaged in an accident or collision. When available, this option generally costs extra.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage: While standard cancellation coverage reimburses policyholders for cancellations related to specific covered events, cancel for any reason coverage reimburses policyholders for a portion of their trip cost (50% to 75%) if they cancel for any reason whatsoever. This option can increase the policy’s price by as much as 50%.
• Waiver of pre-existing conditions: Travel insurance policies commonly exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Unless you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver at the time of purchase, you won’t be reimbursed for medical expenses related to a condition diagnosed before — even shortly before — your policy’s effective date. Qualifying for this waiver often requires meeting specific criteria, such as being medically fit to travel and insuring the entire trip cost.
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): This coverage pays out a sum of money if you die, lose a limb or experience vision loss during your trip due to an accident. Depending on the policy, coverage may apply at specific times (while boarding or traveling by plane) or throughout the trip. Some, but not all, policies automatically include this benefit.

Before researching travel insurance for your next trip, keep in mind that some insurers define domestic travel as any trip that takes you over 100 miles from home but is still within the U.S. That means shorter trips may not be eligible for coverage.

Additionally, you may not be covered in all states. Read your policy information thoroughly to understand the coverage exclusions.

According to the NAIC, other common travel insurance exclusions include:

• Pandemics (although some companies cover certain losses related to COVID-19)
• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver)
• Civil or political unrest at the destination
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Coverage for high-risk activities (think snowboarding or parasailing)

You don’t necessarily need to purchase a travel insurance plan for a trip within the U.S., especially if your health insurance plan already offers out-of-state or out-of-network coverage.

Additionally, your auto insurance policy generally extends the same coverage and limits to rental vehicles as to the cars you own, so you may not need additional protection. (And rental car companies may not accept a collision damage waiver from a travel insurer as a valid form of coverage.)

Furthermore, some of the best travel credit cards offer benefits that can duplicate or supplement travel insurance coverage. For example, many top-tier credit cards include trip cancellation and interruption coverage and collision damage waivers for rental cars.

Not all credit cards provide these benefits, however, so review your credit card’s benefits guide or contact the issuer for details. You should also verify whether your credit card’s coverage is primary or secondary to other forms of insurance you’re already carrying.

What you’ll pay for a domestic travel insurance policy will depend on factors such as your age (and the age of your travel companions), the insurance company, the plan and coverage options you choose and the total cost of your trip.

Here are some price examples from various insurers for a $4,500 (total) domestic trip for two travelers.

Read our guide to the best travel insurance companies for more information on these and other insurers. And if you’re planning a cruise, check out our top picks for cruise travel insurance .

Generally, it’s best to buy travel insurance soon after making your initial trip payment. That will ensure you qualify for optional benefits such as CFAR coverage and pre-existing condition waivers.

If you don’t know whether to purchase travel insurance coverage in the first place, consider your risks. Travel insurance may make sense if you’re planning an expensive trip and your airfare or hotel bookings are non-refundable. A policy could reimburse you for some of those expenses if you have to cancel or postpone your travel plans at the “last minute.”

That can be especially true when traveling to a destination where weather-related risks are common. For example, if you’re visiting California during peak wildfire season or Florida during hurricane season, travel insurance could offer peace of mind and financial protection against travel disruptions caused by a natural disaster.

Does travel insurance cover domestic flights?

How much is travel insurance, is travel insurance worth it.

If you’re a U.S. resident traveling to other states, domestic travel insurance may be an option worth considering. A comprehensive travel insurance policy for domestic vacations can cost between 3% and 14% of the total cost of your trip, depending on the coverage options you select.

If you’ve booked expensive, non-refundable accommodations, are traveling to a state where natural disasters are common or don’t have health insurance coverage that extends out of state, travel insurance could offer you a measure of financial protection against common travel mishaps — all for a fraction of the cost of your trip.

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