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Airbnb Travel Insurance: What Guests Should Know

Airbnb travel insurance can protect your finances if your trip goes awry..

5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

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Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

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As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 26, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Airbnb insurance
• What’s covered
• What’s not covered
• Filing a claim

Staying in an Airbnb can be more convenient and affordable than renting a hotel room. And now, Airbnb offers travel insurance for guests in certain regions. Travel insurance can offer valuable financial protection if you need to cancel a prepaid trip for a covered reason.

Before you book a short-term rental through Airbnb, you should review and understand the available insurance options. Here’s what you need to know about Airbnb insurance, including what’s covered, what’s not covered, and how to file a claim.

Airbnb travel insurance explained

Airbnb travel insurance is an optional policy that you can purchase when booking a short-term rental. If you need to cancel your Airbnb booking for a covered reason, your insurer will reimburse you for up to 100% of your non-refundable reservation costs. It also provides coverage for things like travel delays and medical emergencies.

Airbnb travel insurance is currently available for customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and some European countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. [1]

The cost of Airbnb travel insurance is a percentage of your total reservation cost. When you book your stay, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation. The cost is added to the total reservation cost as a line item, and you pay for the policy when you check out online.

AirCover vs. Airbnb travel insurance

Every Airbnb booking includes AirCover, which covers things like last-minute booking cancellations by the host and problems during check-in. There’s also a 24/7 safety line that Airbnb guests can call if they feel unsafe. [2]

In addition, AirCover provides certain protections for hosts, like guest identity verification, $3 million in property damage protection, liability insurance, and loss of income insurance.

AirCover and Airbnb travel insurance are different products. AirCover is free with all bookings and covers significant issues that arise with a booking, like inaccurate listings or missing amenities.

On the other hand, Airbnb travel insurance is optional, and you can add it to your reservation for an additional cost. Unlike AirCover, Airbnb travel insurance will refund you for prepaid booking expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, like flight delays or illness.

What Airbnb travel insurance covers

Airbnb travel insurance provides coverage for many unforeseen situations that can arise during travel. Here are some of the things an optional Airbnb travel insurance policy covers. [3]

Trip cancellation

If you need to cancel your Airbnb reservation for a covered reason, you can file a claim and get refunded for up to 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable costs. Covered reasons include illness and injury, flight cancellations and delays, and government mandates for evacuations due to a natural disaster or other inclement weather events.

Travel delays

This part of the policy will reimburse you for additional expenses if your trip gets delayed by more than 12 hours for a covered reason. Some covered situations include delayed flights, bad weather, and stolen passports and travel documents.

Medical emergencies

If you get sick or injured during your trip, an Airbnb travel insurance plan will reimburse you for medical costs, including prescription medication, emergency transportation in an ambulance, and hospital bills.

Delayed baggage

Guest travel insurance from Airbnb will reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. In addition, this policy will cover damaged travel documents and unauthorized credit card transactions that occur while traveling.

24/7 emergency and travel assistance

Airbnb offers 24/7 assistance while you’re traveling. Whether you experience a medical emergency and need to go to the nearest hospital or have questions about booking restaurants on your trip, a representative from Airbnb can provide the appropriate assistance, day or night.

What Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, so it’s important to read your policy’s fine print before purchasing coverage. You’ll have the option to review the terms of Airbnb’s travel insurance contract before you add it to your reservation.

For example, for bookings made on or after May 31, 2022, having COVID-19 is no longer considered an extenuating circumstance that would allow you to cancel your trip for a refund.

There are also some location-specific restrictions. For UK travelers, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover the cost of travel to and from your Airbnb listing, such as trains and ferries. It also won’t cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. [3]

How do you file an Airbnb travel insurance claim?

The insurance company that underwrites the policy handles Airbnb’s travel insurance claims. For U.S. residents, the underwriter is Generali. For UK and EU residents, the underwriter is Europ Assistance. [3]

You can initiate the claim process by visiting the coverage overview page on the Airbnb website and selecting “Start a Claim.” You can also contact the insurance company that underwrites your policy directly to start a new claim. [3]

Airbnb travel insurance FAQs

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Airbnb travel insurance.

How do you add Airbnb travel insurance to your booking?

When you reserve an Airbnb, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation before you check out. The travel insurance premium will already be generated, so you can simply check the box to add the insurance policy to your total reservation cost.

Does Airbnb travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, the Airbnb host’s cancellation policy will apply. Additionally, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover unexpected travel disruptions due to COVID-19, like quarantine mandates or border closures.

Are hosts covered by Airbnb travel insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t provide any protection for hosts or their Airbnb property. However, AirCover, which is included for free in every booking, does provide protections for Airbnb hosts, such as damage to their rental property.

Should you get insurance for Airbnb?

Airbnb travel insurance can be beneficial if you’re spending a lot of money on non-refundable bookings or want to ensure coverage for unexpected issues, like travel delays and lost baggage. However, if you’re driving a short distance to stay in a vacation rental for the weekend, this policy may not be worth the added cost.

Related articles

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
• What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
• Airbnb . " Understanding Travel Insurance ."
• Airbnb . " Aircover for guests ."
• Airbnb . " Travel insurance through Generali ."

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com . 

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Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests | What it is and How it Works

Traveling opens doors to new experiences and cultures, but unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Trip cancellations, flight delays or medical emergencies can leave you scrambling for solutions and facing financial losses. This is where travel insurance steps in, offering a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Airbnb, recognizing this need, offers travel insurance as an add-on purchase for guests during the booking process. But how does it differ from the existing Airbnb Host Guarantee programs like AirCover for guests? Let's delve into the world of Airbnb travel insurance and understand how it can protect your next Airbnb adventure.

AirCover vs. Travel Insurance

It's important to distinguish between Airbnb travel insurance and AirCover for guests . AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb. It acts as a safety net for situations directly related to the host or the listing itself.

Let's dissect what AirCover covers:

• Listing inaccuracy: Did the pool in the pictures turn out to be a kiddie inflatable? AirCover comes to the rescue if the listing significantly differs from reality and the host can't rectify it. Guests will be assisted in finding similar accommodation or offered a full or partial refund.
• Host cancellation within 30 days: Imagine booking your dream getaway only to have the host cancel last minute. AirCover ensures guests aren't left scrambling. It will help them find alternative accommodation or provide a full refund.
• Unable to check-In (host's fault): You arrived at your stay, but the host is nowhere to be found, or there's a problem with access? AirCover steps in, helping guests find a similar place or offering a full refund depending on the circumstances.

In these scenarios, Airbnb will help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full or partial refund.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance acts as a broader umbrella, shielding guests from a wider range of potential disruptions beyond the scope of AirCover.

Unlike AirCover, travel insurance is an optional add-on purchased during the booking process. It's provided by a third-party insurance company, currently Generali Global Assistance in the US and Europ Assistance Group in other parts of the world) and offers broader coverage for unforeseen circumstances outside the control of you and your host.

What does Airbnb travel insurance cover?

Airbnb travel insurance offers a safety net for various situations that could derail your trip. Here's a breakdown of some key coverages:

• Trip cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip entirely for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refundable Airbnb booking cost. Covered reasons typically include illness, injury (to yourself or a travel companion), natural disasters at your destination or unexpected work obligations.
• Trip interruption: Imagine having to cut your Airbnb stay short (due to a covered reason). You can get reimbursed for the unused portion of your accommodation cost, potentially up to 150% (including the initial cancellation reimbursement). This additional 50% might cover some additional expenses incurred due to the disruption.
• Travel delay: Flight delays can wreak havoc on your itinerary. If your trip is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a covered reason (like bad weather or a mechanical issue), you might be reimbursed for expenses like meals, accommodation and local transportation incurred during the delay, up to a certain limit per person (typically $750).
• Emergency medical and evacuation: Accidents or sudden illness can occur anywhere. You get coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation (including repatriation) if needed during your trip.
• Baggage delay or loss: Misplaced luggage can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If your checked baggage is delayed or lost for 24 hours or more, you might be reimbursed for essential items like toiletries and clothing to tide you over until your luggage arrives.

What does Airbnb travel insurance NOT cover?

This depends on how the coverage is defined and the country of residence of the Airbnb traveler. For example, UK residents are not covered for travel costs such as flights, trains and ferries as well as pre-existing medical conditions.

Policy details relevant to each country including areas of coverage and key exclusions can be found here .

How Does Airbnb AirCover Work with Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb’s AirCover for guests and travel insurance are two different but complementary products that work well together. For example, if a guest arrives at their destination only to find the host has canceled the reservation at the last minute. Meanwhile, they are informed at the airport that their baggage is missing. While AirCover will help the guest find a new place to stay at no extra cost, they can file an insurance claim to get reimbursed for their missing baggage.

Key Considerations for Guests When Choosing Travel Insurance

While AirCover offers valuable protections related to Airbnb itself, Airbnb travel insurance provides a broader safety net for various trip disruptions.

By understanding the coverage details and comparing it to your specific needs and risk tolerance, you can decide if Airbnb travel insurance is a worthwhile addition to your Airbnb booking. Here are some additional tips:

• Compare costs: Don't just rely on the travel insurance offered during booking. Consider comparing it with independent travel insurance providers to see if you can find a better deal with similar coverage.
• Read reviews: Researching online reviews of Generali's travel insurance can give you insights into their claim settlement process and customer service.
• Consider trip protection on credit cards: Some credit cards offer trip cancellation or interruption insurance as a benefit. Check your credit card's benefits to see if it might already offer some coverage.
• Always review the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.
• File claims promptly according to the insurer's guidelines.
• Keep all documentation related to your trip cancellation or disruption, including receipts and communication with the host or airline.

By being prepared with Airbnb travel insurance, you can embark on your Airbnb adventure with greater confidence, knowing you have some financial protection if the unexpected arises. Now you can focus on creating lasting memories during your stay!

Who should consider Airbnb travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be a wise investment for:

• Those with non-refundable bookings: If you've booked an Airbnb with a strict cancellation policy , travel insurance can provide peace of mind in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel.
• Those booking expensive trips: For trips with a significant financial investment, travel insurance can help mitigate potential losses due to cancellations or interruptions.

Ready, Set, Go!

Airbnb travel insurance is more than just a step in creating new revenue streams. It’s also a means of providing added convenience to users inclined to purchase travel insurance while keeping them inside the Airbnb platform.

By incorporating this optional safety net, you can approach your Airbnb adventure with a sense of security, ready to embrace the possibilities and forge unforgettable memories. Remember, travel insurance provides a financial buffer, but prioritizing safety and well-being throughout your travels should always be your top priority. Now, bon voyage!

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Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests: Cost, details, limitations, differences with Aircover

Thibault Masson

Updated on: July 21, 2022

Airbnb is rolling out its guest travel insurance in the US, the UK, and 8 countries of the European Union . The company had been working on it for at least two years. Unlike its Aircover for guests program, which is free, this travel insurance is a paid product . Travelers can purchase it while completing their booking. Big insurance company names are behind the insurance program (e.g. Europ Assistance, Generali, AON). Let’s discover what Airbnb’s travel insurance exactly covers, when it can be used, and wha t impact it can have on existing host cancelation policies . We’ll also see why it is difficult to roll out a travel insurance offering globally.  

Airbnb is not the first vacation rental listing platform to be offering travel insurance to its guests. Vrbo has been selling travel insurance products in the US created by Generali (formerly CSA Travel Protection) for years. At a time when online travel agents like Hopper are promising incremental revenues from FinTech products to their investors, it is also good for Airbnb to announce a way to make money on insurance products, after giving away host insurance liability for free, for instance.

Where is Airbnb’s travel insurance available?

Airbnb is launching its guest travel insurance in the following countries:

• the Netherlands,
• Austria, 

Airbnb is planning on making its travel insurance available to guests in other countries in the future. Our guess is that Airbnb will then go after other markets in the European Union, such as France, as it already has set some insurance operations within the EU. Then, other countries with similar insurance industry setups such as Australia come could.

Rolling out insurance is really a matter of going at it country by country and even state by state in the US. Insurance regulations are very strong and differ from one country to another in the EU and one state to another in the US.  

For countries in South America, parts of Asia, and Africa, things will probably take more time.

What does the Airbnb travel insurance cover and when can a guest make a claim? Disover this trip cancellation insurance which does not infringe existing host cancellation policies.

What the airbnb travel covers, for instance, in the us:.

In the US, the Airbnb travel insurance is powered by the Generali insurance company. The plan includes:

• Trip cancellation:  Get reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refunded Airbnb reservation cost if you cancel for a covered reason, such as: iIllness or injury, flight cancellations and delays due to weather, or mandatory evacuations due to weather.
• Travel delay:  Get reimbursed for certain additional expenses you incur because your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more for a covered reason, such as: flight delays, passport theft, or adverse weather.
• Medical:  Get reimbursed for doctor-ordered medical services during your trip, such as: hospital services, ambulance services, and prescription medicines.
• Baggage:  Get reimbursed for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, lost, stolen, or damaged travel documents, and unauthorized use of credit cards during your trip.

The plan also comes with other coverages and perks, like 24/7 emergency and travel assistance services. With just a phone call, you can get help with anything from a medical referral to a restaurant recommendation.

What does the Airbnb travel insurance mean for a host?

Airbnb’s travel insurance for guests promises a payment for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb reservation costs if their trip is impacted by specific events, such as

• bad weather,
• stolen travel documents,
• or serious illness.

Airbnb’s travel insurance is more like a trip cancellation insurance that works under certain conditions than a cancel-for-any reason insurance product.

Basically, if a traveler has to cancel their trip:

• The existing host cancellation policy will apply.
• Let’s take the example of a booking made under the Airbnb Strict cancellation policy . It allows guests to receive a full refund if they cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before a listing’s check-in time. In the event of a cancellation within 48 hours, the guest is only entitled to a 50% refund, regardless of how far out the check-in date is. S o, the host only pays back 50% of the Airbnb reservation cost.
• Now, if specific events listed and covered by the Airbnb travel insurance occur, then travel insurance can refund up to the remaining 50% .
• Note that, unlike with Aircover, the insurance provider will not seek to recover any money from the Host if a guest files a travel insurance claim

What exactly is the “Airbnb booking cost” that is covered?

To our understanding, the Airbnb booking cost is what the guest pays to the host. It may or may not include Airbnb’s service fee. Depending on the existing host cancellation policy, the travel insurance will pay the guest the part of the booking cost that the host got to keep as per the cancellation policy.

For example, if the Host refunds 50% of the Airbnb reservation cost based on their cancellation policy, travel insurance can refund up to the remaining 50% if the guest cancels for a covered reason.

How about COVID-19?

At Airbnb, for any booking made on or after May 31, 2022, being sick with COVID-19 will no longer be considered an extenuating circumstance. This is also the case on most online travel platforms such as Booking.com and Vrbo?

According to Airbnb, its guest travel insurance “could” cover costs related to COVID as it can cover “serious illness”: “If a guest purchases travel insurance, they could be covered should they become sick with COVID-19 (as diagnosed by a licensed doctor) and other policy terms are met. So, it may depend on where the guest booking is from, among other things.

If they are worried about having to cancel a trip due to COVID-related reasons,  Airbnb recommends travelers buy travel insurance. So, it would make sense that Airbnb started selling such an insurance product to its guests.

How can you buy guest travel insurance on Airbnb?

Guests get the option to purchase travel insurance during the booking process. The Airbnb guest travel insurance cannot be bought separately or after the booking has been made.

• During booking, guests are given the option to add travel insurance.
• Dedicated screens provide details about what the policy covers and key exclusions.
• If they’re interested, guests simply add travel insurance to their booking and check out.
• The guest’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of their total trip cost and will appear as a line item at checkout. 
• After completing their reservation, guests who added travel insurance will receive an email confirmation with their policy’s details and information about how to file a claim

Is it free or paid?

The Airbnb travel insurance is not free, can be purchased at booking time and covers up to 100% of Airbnb booking cost 

How much does the Airbnb guest travel insurance cost?

The cost of Airbnb’s travel insurance is not a fixed cost. It varies according to the total trip cost (as well as the location of the guest making the booking). The guest’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of their total trip cost and will appear as a line item at checkout. 

What are the differences between Aircover for guests (free) vs Airbnb travel insurance (paid)?

So here are the main differences with Aircover for guests:

• Aircover for guests is free, while Airbnb’s travel insurance is a paid product.
• Aircover relies on a set of processes that force hosts to pay back guests in case of major issues (e.g. impossible to check-in, a major listing feature missing such as air conditioning)
• Airbnb’s travel insurance is underwritten by large insurance companies such as Generali.
• Aircover for guests is triggered when things do not go well due to issues on the host side, while the guest travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to bad weather or the guest falling sick.
• While Aircover for guests often gets down to hosts refunding money to guests, Airbnb’s travel insurance is money paid by the insurance company to the guests (no money is retrieved from the host on top of the existing host cancellation policy).

Aircover for guests is a set of protections that rely on hosts refunding money. It is no insurance, unlike the guest travel insurance product being introduced 

Du ring its Summer 2022 Release event , Airbnb announced a program called “Aircover” which offers new booking protections for guests, for free. These are protections, not insurance. Basically, they rely on Airbnb’s ability to get money back from the host to the guest in case of a substantial breach in what the guest was expecting (e.g. Air conditioning or a swimming pool were listed by the host but they are not actually available at the property).

The protections offered to guests through Airbnb’s Aircover are presented as unique and ground-breaking. Yet, they look like a nice repackaging of existing services that companies such as Booking.com have been offering for years (e.g., helping find a place for the guest should the host cancel). Now, better packaging protections, giving them a name (Aircover), and merchandising them well on the website (Aircover is mentioned high on every listing page) make up good product marketing work. If competitors have been doing the same but have done a bad job at saying so, travelers will indeed have the impression that what Airbnb is offering for free is new and superior in terms of booking protections.

On the guest side, Aircover is no insurance product. It is more the sum of a series of policies and procedures imposed on the host, especially the recently updated and much-contested rebooking and refunding policy.

Aircover is about guaranteeing that Airbnb will either find a new place or refund the guest (e.g., Check-In Guarantee: If a guest can’t check in to a place and the host isn’t able to resolve the issue, Airbnb will find the guest a similar or better home for the length of their original stay at Airbnb’s expense, or we’ll refund them.

To deliver on its promises to guests, Airbnb needed to set the equivalent expectations upon hosts . This is why the company had previously informed its hosts that it was updating its Rebooking and Refund Policy . For instance, it has made it plain and clear to hosts that they may have to refund guests should the host cancel a booking or the guest find that something crucial promised in the listing was actually missing from the property. You will notice that this is the exact mirror of the protections offered to guests, and it makes sense: The money refunded to guests through Aircover actually comes from hosts having to refund them according to the updated rebooking and refund policy. 

Why did Airbnb make its travel insurance a paid product, while Aircover for guests and Aircover for hosts are free?

If Airbnb were to offer free travel insurance, it would also have to pay an insurance premium to a professional insurer . Given the volume of Airbnb bookings, it would represent a lot of money and would dent Airbnb’s profitability.

First, Airbnb would not need to cover all its guests, as some already have their travel insurance. Also, unless a reservation is non-refundable, a guest may have a chance to get their money back by canceling their booking or asking their host for some flexibility. Hosts may not like to hear it, but, in a way, flexible cancellation policies are a form of travel insurance for guests.

Second, Airbnb seems to see travel insurance as a money-maker. After all, Vrbo has been flogging insurance products to guests and owners for years, probably making a lot of money from its insurance provider Generali.

• In August 2021, during a quarterly earnings call, a financial analyst asked Airbnb leaders whether the take rate, currently at 15% on average, would increase in the future. The answers were quite interesting.
• First, Airbnb mentioned, “opportunities (such as) guest travel insurance”. So, the take rate could increase from commissions on travel insurance that Airbnb would sell to guests.

Another reason why it could be a paid product for guests is Hopper’s success at selling its “cancel any time” and “price freeze” guarantees. It shows that consumers are ok to pay for an added service. Airbnb’s shareholders may be happy to hear that the company is trying to increase its margins, as Hopper is doing. With the launch of Hopper Homes, the competition between the two companies is increasing.

What’s the impact of Airbnb’s travel insurance on existing host cancellation policies?

There is no impact on a host’s cancellation polic y. If a guest cancels, they forfeit whatever money was due under the cancellation policy they had signed up for. The host gets to keep the deposit.

What the travel insurance brings about is that the guest can ask the insurance company to refund the money that the host has kept for themselves (as per the existing cancellation policy).

So, Airbnb has found a way to enforce host policies, while allowing guests to lower their risk through travel insurance. According to the company, if travelers who buy a policy cancel their booking for a covered reason, they’ll be able to file a claim to seek reimbursement for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb booking cost. This may reduce the possibility of guests asking Hosts for a refund outside the terms of their Hosts’ cancellation policies.

The challenges of offering an insurance product on a global basis

When Airbnb first revealed that its $1,000,000 Host Guarantee had gone global ten years ago, the industry wondered how Airbnb had pulled it off. How can they have created and launched such an insurance product globally? The answer was that the company could, as this was no insurance. This was a guarantee, built on processes and tools such as the Resolution Center . In some iffy cases, Airbnb was probably also ready to spend some money of its own the solve the issue. So, no need to care about local insurance regulations across 130+ countries. No insurance, just a guarantee.

It is somewhat easier to roll out a liability insurance program for hosts ( as Booking.com just did ), as the risk is a bit more standard and as insurance companies have some existing products that can be used. This is why Aircover for Hosts has a real liability insurance product, while, on the damage protection side, Airbnb is still relying on the Resolution Center.

The Airbnb Guest Travel Insurance has been in the works for almost two years!

• On March 30, 2020, during an emergency live stream held with Airbnb hosts in the thick of the COVID crisis, B rian Chesky announced that the company was working on travel insurance ,
• In 2021, Airbnb discreetly launched its Travel Insurance page and started recommending guests purchased a travel insurance product at the end of its booking process. Airbnb here was merely redirecting travelers to third-party websites, such as the travel insurance aggregator InsureMyTrip in the US and insurance company Europ Assistance (part of the Generali Group) in Europe,
• In August 2021, during a quarterly earnings call, Airbnb mentioned working on opportunities such as  “guest travel insurance”,
• On January 2, Brian Chesky confirmed in a tweet that the company was working on guest travel insurance

Who are the insurance companies behind Airbnb’s travel insurance?

It is always hard to pull off global coverage, as insurance is really more like a series of national businesses due to local regulations . Airbnb had to create subsidiaries that deal with insurance on local or regional levels, such as Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC in the US and Airbnb UK Services Limited in the UK.

Two partners with Aon + Europ Assistance Group (and its U.S. subsidiary, Generali Global Assistance), to introduce travel insurance for guests. Both AO

• For guests in the U.S., the travel insurance plan is offered by Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC , which is licensed as an insurance agency in all states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, and underwritten by Generali US Branch of New York, N.Y.
• For guests in the U.K., travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistanc e SA. Travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited . Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited
• For guests in the EU, travel insurance is underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A., acting through its Irish Branch

Airbnb has been working on its guest travel insurance product for over two years and announced that it will be launching the product in Spring 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Airbnb to expedite the launch of this product. The company is launching its travel insurance as a paid product in 10 countries. More countries, at least within the European Union, should soon be covered.

Airbnb stacks this paid product on top of its free Aircover booking guarantees. This way, it wants to show that it is already offering a great level of protection but that money can buy guests something extra. It certainly does not hurt that insurance products have comfortable margins and that it is also a good move for Airbnb’s bottom line.

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New insurance product and COVID relief program to support guests

Key Takeaways

• Airbnb is set to launch guest insurance and a $20 million Guest COVID Support Program.

Today we’re announcing two new ways Airbnb will support our guest community as they navigate unexpected impacts of the recent surge in COVID cases throughout the world — an upcoming guest travel insurance product and the launch of Airbnb’s Guest COVID Support Program.

Since the WHO’s declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, we’ve continued to prioritize public health. Our guiding principle has been that people should not travel or host if they are sick with this virus.

In this context, we announced the global activation of our Extenuating Circumstances policy in March 2020 enabling guests who booked before the pandemic to get refunds, making Airbnb the first short-term rental platform to implement such a consumer-friendly approach to COVID cancellations. And Airbnb continues to allow guests who contract COVID to cancel for a full refund even if it’s outside of the Host’s cancellation policy. This is something none of our peer short-term rental companies have done. 

But over the past month, we’ve seen the stress and challenges spurred by Omicron, and we’ve stayed close to our community, which includes both Hosts and guests. As a two-sided platform, it is important to recognize that the Omicron spike has greatly impacted our Hosts, and we know many lost out on income as well as the opportunity to market their listing over the holiday season following last-minute cancellations. For this reason, we are grateful that our Host community as a whole has sought to offer guests greater flexibility — with almost two thirds of active listings now offering moderate or flexible cancellation policies. And many even went above and beyond their cancellation policies to support guests over the course of this unprecedented Omicron wave that hit over the holiday travel season. 

Travelers have been hit hard, particularly with sudden travel restrictions and border shutdowns. We also know that many travelers who may be wary of crowded hotel lobbies during this Omicron spike are increasingly viewing short-term rentals booked through a trusted platform like Airbnb as a safer travel option for family and friends — particularly as Airbnb Hosts remain committed to Airbnb’s COVID safety and cleaning practices .

We understand that our guests are also trying to navigate in a really dynamic environment, so we’ll be stepping up our support for guests in the following ways:

Airbnb Guest Travel Insurance

We will launch a custom-built guest travel insurance product offering exclusive to Airbnb guests. The same team that brought our AirCover Host protection product to life is building our new guest insurance product in partnership with a reputable insurance carrier. We plan to launch this new product in Spring 2022. 

Until this new product is available, we urge guests to purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb, or to utilize the functionality of our free cancellation search filter to find listings that have more flexibility.

Airbnb Guest COVID Support Program

While we work towards the travel insurance launch, we are introducing our new Guest COVID Support Program to provide relief to guests no longer able to proceed with their previously booked reservations due to unexpected travel disruptions caused by government mandates — such as border closures or mandatory extended quarantine requirements. 

For guests in these situations who are unable to obtain full refunds under their Hosts’ cancellation policies, Airbnb will provide relief in the form of a travel coupon for 50 percent of the cost of the unrefunded portion of the reservation. We are funding this program with $20 million initially to help defray these financial impacts to our guests and ensure guests know that we are listening to their concerns.

This program is effective immediately, and applies retroactively to reservations that (1) have a check-in date on or after December 1, 2021 and (2) had to be cancelled by the guest due to border closures, government mandates and certain other Omicron-related travel restrictions not in effect at the time of booking. If guests had reservations for stays with check-in dates on or after December 1, and they had to cancel in advance of check-in due to unexpected travel disruptions caused by government mandates, they are eligible for relief under this program. 

For example, if a traveler in October booked a stay in Israel with a check-in date for late December — and Israel’s restrictions on outside travel were announced after the date of booking but before the date of check-in —  this program would retroactively apply. However, if a traveler books a stay in Israel today while the same travel restrictions are already in place, the program would not apply. 

Guests can find full program details here and should contact our 24/7 Community Support team if they believe their reservations meet the program criteria.

This program is meant to support guests who have encountered extreme and unexpected government-mandated travel disruptions due to Omicron and through no fault of their own. Other circumstances such as a guest testing positive for COVID just prior to a reservation will still be covered by Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy and therefore will not be eligible under this new program. Additionally, extreme travel disruptions such as earthquakes, wildfires, etc. that are not related to COVID are also covered under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy.

Despite Omicron, this New Year’s Eve nearly 4.5 million guests in 53,000 places around the world put their faith in our Hosts and platform to deliver safe and meaningful experiences. This represented our biggest night since the start of the pandemic. 

We will continue to emphasize responsible travel, including communicating updates about our forthcoming guest insurance product ahead of the Spring launch.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 about us that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements about our future performance, prospects, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. 

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “objective,” or “continues” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we cannot guarantee that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur at all. 

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the objectives expressed or implied in this press release. Therefore, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic on us, the travel industry, travel trends, and the global economy generally; any further and continued decline or disruption in the travel and hospitality industries or economic downturn; changes in political, business, and economic conditions; our plan to launch a guest travel insurance product and the other risks listed or described from time to time in Airbnb’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Airbnb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and subsequent Form 8-Ks, which are on file with the SEC and available on the investor relations page of Airbnb’s website.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us as of the date of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release, except as required by law.

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What Does Airbnb Travel Insurance Cover

Published: December 18, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Linda Schmitz

Welcome to the world of Airbnb travel insurance! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your first adventure, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of travel insurance, especially when booking through Airbnb. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various aspects of Airbnb travel insurance, shedding light on what it covers and why it's a valuable addition to your travel plans.

When you book a stay through Airbnb, you have the option to purchase travel insurance to protect your trip. This insurance provides coverage for a range of unforeseen circumstances, offering peace of mind and financial protection throughout your travels. Understanding the scope of coverage can help you make informed decisions when planning your trip and ensure that you're adequately prepared for any unexpected events.

In the following sections, we'll delve into the specifics of Airbnb travel insurance coverage, exploring its provisions for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, property damage, and host protection insurance. By the end of this guide, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the protection Airbnb travel insurance affords and how it can safeguard your travel experience. So, let's embark on this journey to unravel the nuances of Airbnb travel insurance and empower you to make informed and secure travel choices.

What is Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance, also known as Airbnb Host Protection Insurance, is a valuable safeguard that provides coverage for both guests and hosts in the event of unforeseen circumstances during a stay. This insurance is designed to offer financial protection and peace of mind, addressing a wide range of potential issues that may arise before, during, or after a trip booked through Airbnb.

For guests, Airbnb travel insurance offers coverage for various scenarios, including trip cancellations, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, and property damage. This means that if you encounter unexpected obstacles that disrupt your travel plans or incur additional expenses, the insurance can provide compensation and assistance, helping mitigate the impact of these events.

Additionally, Airbnb travel insurance extends protection to hosts, offering coverage for property damage caused by guests during their stay. This ensures that hosts are financially safeguarded in the event of accidental damage to their property, providing a layer of security and reassurance as they welcome guests into their homes.

By understanding the scope of Airbnb travel insurance, both guests and hosts can make informed decisions and approach their travel experiences with greater confidence. Whether you’re a guest seeking comprehensive coverage for your trip or a host looking to protect your property, Airbnb travel insurance serves as a crucial safety net, offering support and protection when it’s needed most.

As you plan your next adventure or prepare to host travelers, exploring the details of Airbnb travel insurance can help you navigate the intricacies of travel protection and ensure that you’re equipped to handle unforeseen events with resilience and financial security.

Coverage for Trip Cancellation

One of the key provisions of Airbnb travel insurance is coverage for trip cancellation. This aspect of the insurance offers protection in the event that you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a family emergency, or other unexpected events, trip cancellation coverage can provide financial reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses, such as accommodation costs and transportation fees.

When faced with a situation that forces you to cancel your travel plans, having trip cancellation coverage can alleviate the financial burden and offer peace of mind, knowing that you won’t incur significant losses from prepaid expenses. It’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of the coverage, as certain circumstances may be eligible for reimbursement while others may not be covered.

For example, if you or a family member falls ill before your scheduled trip and you need to cancel your reservation, Airbnb travel insurance can step in to provide compensation for the non-refundable costs associated with your stay. Similarly, unexpected events such as natural disasters or travel advisories may also trigger trip cancellation coverage, offering a safety net in uncertain situations.

By understanding the nuances of trip cancellation coverage within Airbnb travel insurance, you can make informed decisions when planning your trip and ensure that you’re prepared for unforeseen events that may necessitate the cancellation of your travel arrangements. This aspect of the insurance serves as a valuable safeguard, offering financial protection and support during challenging times, allowing you to navigate unexpected circumstances with greater resilience and peace of mind.

Coverage for Trip Interruption

Alongside trip cancellation coverage, Airbnb travel insurance includes provisions for trip interruption, offering protection in the event that your trip is unexpectedly cut short due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip interruption coverage serves as a valuable safeguard, providing financial reimbursement for additional expenses incurred as a result of having to return home earlier than planned.

Unforeseen events such as a family emergency, a sudden illness, or other unexpected situations may necessitate the interruption of your trip. In such cases, trip interruption coverage can step in to mitigate the financial impact by offering compensation for the unused portion of your pre-paid expenses, as well as any additional expenses incurred while returning home.

For example, if a family member falls ill during your trip and you need to return home earlier than planned, trip interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for the unused portion of your accommodation costs, transportation expenses, and other non-refundable arrangements. This ensures that you’re not financially burdened by the unexpected need to cut your trip short, offering support and assistance during challenging times.

Understanding the scope of trip interruption coverage within Airbnb travel insurance empowers you to approach your travels with greater confidence, knowing that you have a safety net in place in the event of unforeseen disruptions. By being aware of the protection offered by this aspect of the insurance, you can make informed decisions and navigate unexpected circumstances with resilience, ensuring that your travel experience is safeguarded against the impact of unexpected events.

Coverage for Medical Emergencies

When traveling, especially to unfamiliar destinations, the possibility of facing a medical emergency is a consideration that cannot be overlooked. Airbnb travel insurance includes coverage for medical emergencies, offering valuable protection in the event that you require medical attention during your trip. This aspect of the insurance provides financial support and assistance, ensuring that you have access to medical care and that any associated expenses are covered.

In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency while traveling, the coverage for medical emergencies within Airbnb travel insurance can offer reimbursement for medical treatment, hospital stays, and other related expenses. Whether you require urgent medical attention, prescription medications, or hospitalization, having this coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that you won’t be burdened by significant out-of-pocket costs.

Furthermore, the coverage for medical emergencies may extend to include emergency medical evacuation, ensuring that you can be transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility if the situation requires specialized care that is not available locally. This additional layer of protection can be crucial in situations where timely access to advanced medical treatment is essential for your well-being.

By understanding the scope of coverage for medical emergencies within Airbnb travel insurance, you can approach your travels with greater confidence, knowing that you have financial protection and support in the event of unexpected health-related challenges. Whether you’re exploring a new destination or embarking on an adventure, having this coverage in place ensures that you can prioritize your well-being without being unduly concerned about the potential financial impact of medical emergencies.

Coverage for Lost or Delayed Luggage

One of the common concerns for travelers is the possibility of lost or delayed luggage, which can disrupt travel plans and cause inconvenience. Airbnb travel insurance addresses this concern by providing coverage for lost or delayed luggage, offering financial compensation and support in the event that your belongings are misplaced or delayed during your trip.

In the unfortunate event that your luggage is lost by the airline or transportation provider, the coverage for lost luggage within Airbnb travel insurance can offer reimbursement for the value of your belongings, helping mitigate the financial impact of the loss. Similarly, if your luggage is delayed and you incur additional expenses for essential items such as clothing and toiletries, the insurance can provide compensation for these out-of-pocket costs.

Having coverage for lost or delayed luggage offers peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially protected in the event of such travel disruptions. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, having this safeguard in place ensures that you can navigate the inconvenience of lost or delayed luggage without bearing the full financial burden.

By understanding the provisions of coverage for lost or delayed luggage within Airbnb travel insurance, you can approach your travels with confidence, knowing that you have support and assistance in the event of luggage-related challenges. This aspect of the insurance serves as a valuable safety net, offering peace of mind and financial protection as you embark on your travel adventures.

Coverage for Property Damage

As a host welcoming guests into your home or property through Airbnb, the possibility of accidental damage may be a concern. Airbnb travel insurance includes coverage for property damage, offering protection and financial support in the event that your property sustains accidental damage during a guest’s stay.

In the unfortunate event of property damage caused by a guest, the coverage within Airbnb travel insurance can provide compensation for the repair or replacement of the damaged property, ensuring that hosts are not unduly burdened by the financial impact of such incidents. This aspect of the insurance offers reassurance to hosts, allowing them to open their homes to guests with confidence, knowing that they have financial protection in place.

Understanding the provisions of coverage for property damage within Airbnb travel insurance empowers hosts to welcome guests into their properties while mitigating the risk of financial loss due to accidental damage. By having this coverage in place, hosts can focus on providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience for their guests, knowing that they have a safety net in the event of unforeseen property damage.

Whether you’re a seasoned host or considering opening your property to guests for the first time, the coverage for property damage within Airbnb travel insurance offers valuable support and protection, ensuring that hosts can engage in hospitality with confidence and peace of mind.

Coverage for Host Protection Insurance

Host Protection Insurance is a crucial component of Airbnb’s commitment to providing support and protection for hosts. This coverage is designed to offer financial protection and assistance to hosts in the event of third-party claims related to property damage or bodily injury during a guest’s stay.

Host Protection Insurance serves as a safety net, offering coverage for a wide range of scenarios, including accidental property damage caused by guests, as well as claims for bodily injury that may occur during a guest’s stay. In the event that a guest experiences an injury or their property is damaged while staying at your accommodation, Host Protection Insurance can provide financial support, helping to address potential liability and claims.

Understanding the scope of Host Protection Insurance within Airbnb travel insurance is essential for hosts, as it offers reassurance and financial protection when welcoming guests into their properties. By having this coverage in place, hosts can focus on providing a positive and enjoyable experience for their guests, knowing that they have support in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Whether you’re a host with years of experience or considering becoming an Airbnb host for the first time, Host Protection Insurance offers peace of mind and financial security, ensuring that hosts can engage in hospitality with confidence and resilience. This coverage underscores Airbnb’s commitment to supporting hosts and fostering a safe and positive hosting environment for both hosts and guests.

As we conclude our exploration of Airbnb travel insurance, it becomes evident that this comprehensive coverage is a valuable asset for both guests and hosts, offering financial protection and peace of mind during travel experiences. The provisions within Airbnb travel insurance, including coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, property damage, and Host Protection Insurance, serve as crucial safeguards, ensuring that travelers and hosts can navigate unforeseen circumstances with resilience and support.

For guests, Airbnb travel insurance provides a safety net, offering compensation and assistance in the event of trip disruptions, medical emergencies, or luggage-related challenges. This coverage empowers guests to approach their travels with confidence, knowing that they have financial protection in place to address unexpected events that may impact their trip.

Similarly, Host Protection Insurance underscores Airbnb’s commitment to supporting hosts, offering coverage for property damage and bodily injury claims that may arise during a guest’s stay. This aspect of the insurance provides hosts with reassurance and financial security, enabling them to welcome guests into their properties while mitigating the risk of potential liability.

By understanding the nuances of Airbnb travel insurance and the protection it affords, both guests and hosts can make informed decisions and approach their travel experiences with greater confidence. Whether embarking on a leisurely getaway or opening their homes to guests, individuals can rely on the support and financial protection offered by Airbnb travel insurance, ensuring that their travel experiences are safeguarded against unforeseen events.

In essence, Airbnb travel insurance serves as a pillar of support, offering peace of mind and financial security to travelers and hosts alike. By embracing the comprehensive coverage provided by Airbnb, individuals can embark on their travel adventures with resilience, knowing that they have a reliable safety net to address unexpected challenges along the way.

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Should you purchase travel insurance for your vacation rental?

Vacation rentals booked through Airbnb and its alternatives have become popular holiday destinations for all types of travelers, from extended families staying in large beachfront homes to couples vacationing in swanky city apartments.

But what happens if these rental properties, especially ones worth millions of dollars, get damaged before you arrive or if your plans unexpectedly change, causing you to need to cancel or shorten your stay?

While the exact outcome will depend on the situation, if you purchase travel insurance , you may find you're eligible for compensation.

So how do you know if it's worth the investment before your next trip? TPG dug into the details to determine what standard travel insurance policies may cover you for when staying at home rentals — and when you may want to purchase some additional coverage.

For more TPG news and tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

What travel insurance covers for vacation rentals

Traditional travel insurance policies offer features that will cover you and your invested travel costs, whether you're staying at a hotel , friend's house or rental property. Although the exact benefits for vacation rentals may vary slightly depending on the policy you choose, there are a few situations that most will cover.

Your vacation is canceled due to sickness, injury or an emergency

Many hotels offer free cancellations until two or three days before arrival so long as you book your rooms with flexible rates. However, this is rarely the case for vacation rentals, which often have strict cancellation policies requiring 30 to 60 days of advance notice to cancel without penalty. Some even go so far as to have completely nonrefundable deposits, regardless of the cancellation circumstances.

Fortunately, there's a workaround to this conundrum if you find yourself in an unexpected situation involving your health or the health of someone close to you: trip cancellation coverage. If you have insurance with trip cancellation coverage and cannot complete your trip as planned due to select health-related issues, you'll be able to recoup up to 100% of your nonrefundable costs.

While the exact cases that are eligible for complete reimbursement vary by policy, know that many pertaining to health are covered. For example, World Nomads ' trip cancellation insurance policy will cover you in the event you need to cancel your vacation, including any stays at home rentals, due to illness, injury or a death in the family.

You have to cut your vacation short due to a medical reason or natural disaster

In addition to helping you out when you need to cancel your entire vacation, insurance can reimburse you for early departure fees when you find yourself needing to cut your vacation rental stay short. Know, though, that you'll need to have a policy offering trip interruption protection to be eligible for this perk.

Covered reasons for ending your stay early will vary from plan to plan, but typically, policyholders can expect reimbursement due to health-related issues and natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards. For instance, IMG's travel insurance covers sickness, injury and natural disaster evacuations when cutting vacation rental stays short.

You cannot stay at the rental due to it being uninhabitable

If you book a vacation rental that is not fit for human habitation, then the booking company or owner should refund all your costs. However, there are rare occasions when this does not happen, so it's important to have travel insurance as a backup.

To qualify for reimbursement from your travel insurance provider due to uninhabitable conditions, you'll need to read the fine print of your chosen policy. Allianz , for example, defines uninhabitable as "a natural disaster, fire, flood, burglary or vandalism that has caused enough damage (including extended loss of power, gas or water) to make a reasonable person find their home or destination inaccessible or unfit for use."

Other situations, such as having an unpleasant or dirty vacation rental , would not be enough to trigger this coverage.

Should you have to find another property or cancel your trip completely due to uninhabitable conditions at your original rental, your travel insurance plan will cover the added costs you incur.

Related: 13 mistakes to avoid on your next vacation home rental

What travel insurance won't cover for vacation rentals

As you may expect, there are some situations when travel insurance won't cover extra expenses related to stays at rental properties. To have a solid understanding of what to expect, be sure to read the fine print of any insurance product you choose. Only circumstances listed in the policy will be covered. The following are two key reasons why you wouldn't be covered.

You accidentally damage the property during a typical stay

Most travel insurance policies will not cover the costs of damage you incur at a rental property, even if it was done by accident. As a result, you must pay for a replacement or repair to any item you accidentally break or damage, such as a work of art, a garage door or wine glasses. Depending on the item in question, this can quickly add up.

If you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, know that it may include protection beyond regular limits called "umbrella" coverage, which can help cover damage caused at a rental property. Keep in mind, though, that you'll have to pay your deductible first. Additionally, your home insurance rate may rise if you submit a claim for vacation rental damage.

Should you wish to stick with travel insurance, you may be able to add extra vacation rental coverage to a traditional policy to assist with accidental damage. Faye's travel insurance , for example, has an add-on feature that offers "coverage if you unintentionally damage the vacation rental property you're staying in or its contents, while in-trip." It costs about 10% of what you'll spend on the main policy itself.

You damage the property while hosting a party

Across the board, travel insurance policies are much more strict about damage caused during parties. If you host an unapproved party or event at a rental property and damage any part of the rental, you will be responsible for covering costs associated with repairs and replacements.

Even approved events are not entirely off the hook for any damage caused to the property. Should you decide to use a vacation rental for an approved event like a wedding or family reunion, expect the booking company or owner to require you to purchase an event-specific insurance policy that covers guest liability, home damage and other items that may be specific to the location.

Related: 6 truths and myths about 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance

Bottom line

Home rentals can be a great lodging solution when you're on vacation, especially if you're traveling with family or friends. However, the high cost of some vacation properties and the cancellation policies often in place mean you should probably purchase some kind of travel insurance to protect your investment.

Typical travel insurance policies will offer coverage for your vacation rental costs should your trip be canceled or delayed for events covered under the policy, but you may be on the hook for other scenarios. As a result, it's vital you pay careful attention to your policy's terms. Doing so will ensure you know what to expect should you face an unexpected situation while enjoying your temporary home away from home.

Related: 7 things to look out for when buying travel insurance, according to an expert

AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance

AirCover for guests is different from travel or reservation insurance. AirCover for guests is provided for free with every booking, while travel insurance for guests in the EU and UK , travel insurance for guests in the US , or reservation insurance (for guests in France) can be purchased separately during checkout.

What is AirCover for guests?

If there’s a serious issue with your Airbnb that your Host can't resolve, we’ll help you find a similar place, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If a similar place isn’t available or you’d prefer not to rebook, we’ll give you a full or partial refund.

AirCover for guests provides support if your Host cancels within 30 days of check-in, you’re unable to check in, or the listing is significantly different than advertised and your Host can’t fix it or you feel unsafe in your Airbnb.

Learn more about AirCover for guests .

What is travel or reservation insurance? 

Travel is rewarding, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. People can get sick, flights can get cancelled, and bags can go missing. To help protect you financially, there’s travel or reservation insurance.

• Airbnb guests who live in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal can purchase travel insurance on the checkout page. The travel insurance policies are offered by Generali's Europ Assistance Group, trading under the Generali name in the US and Europ Assistance in the EU and UK. Learn more about what’s covered .
• Airbnb guests who live in France can purchase reservation insurance on the checkout page. The policy is underwritten by Europ Assistance, a leading travel insurer. Learn more about what’s covered .

Don’t live in any of the above counties? Guests everywhere can purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb, directly through a travel insurance company’s website or by shopping around on a comparison site.

How AirCover for guests works with travel or reservation insurance

Here’s an example of how AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance can work together.

You arrive at your destination and learn that the airline has sent your baggage to the wrong city and you won’t get it back for at least 24 hours. You then check in at the place to stay and find out that the number of bedrooms at the place are less than advertised.

In this situation, AirCover for guests can help you find a new place to stay, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If you purchased travel or reservation insurance with your Airbnb reservation or booking, you can also file a claim with Generali or Europ Assistance SA to get reimbursed for certain extra things you have to buy while waiting for your baggage, like clothing and toiletries.

For US residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is offered by Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC, 222 Broadway, Floor 26, New York, N.Y. 10038, (California licence number 6001912), which is licensed as an insurance agency in all states of the US and the District of Columbia, and underwritten by Generali US Branch (NAIC #11231) of New York, NY. Generali US Branch operates in the following jurisdictions under these names: California: Generali Assicurazioni Generali SPA (US Branch); Colorado: Assicurazioni Generali – (US Branch); Oregon: Generali US Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice; Virginia: The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – (US Branch). The insurance policy benefits and services are described on a general basis and are subject to certain conditions and exclusions.

For EU residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance SA (Irish branch) and offered by the insurance intermediary Aon Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros SAU with Airbnb Marketing Services SLU acting as an external collaborator. Europ Assistance SA is supervised by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) in France, and its Irish branch is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Full terms and conditions apply.

For France residents

The reservation insurance is offered by Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Europ Assistance SA Irish Branch. Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and conditions apply.

For UK residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance SA UK Branch. Europ Assistance SA is supervised by the French Supervisory authority (ACPR), 4 Place de Budapest, CS92459 – 75436 Paris Cedex 09, France. Europ Assistance SA UK Branch is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available on request.

This travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited. Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Aon UK Limited’s FCA register number is 310451, you can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register | FCA or calling 0800 111 6768. Travel Insurance is available to guests aged 18 and over. Full terms and conditions apply. FP.AFF.344.LC.

Related articles

Travel insurance through europ assistance, reservation insurance for eu residents, host liability insurance.

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4 Things to Know About AmEx Trip Cancellation Insurance

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As a card issuer, American Express is well-known for its generous benefits. So whether you’re looking for statement credits , elevated earnings on dining or hotel elite status , AmEx probably has a card that’ll fit.

Among these perks is travel insurance, which can cover you when things go awry. But how does AmEx trip cancellation insurance work, and what does it cover? Let’s take a look.

1. What does American Express trip cancellation insurance cover?

AmEx has different levels of trip insurance depending on the card you hold. Its high-end cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express , provide the best benefits, including trip cancellation travel insurance . Terms apply.

Generally speaking, trip cancellation insurance from AmEx will cover your trip's prepaid, nonrefundable costs under eligible circumstances. The coverage maximum for reimbursement is $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per 12-month period. To be covered for trip cancellation, you’ll need to have paid the full amount of the trip with your eligible AmEx card or a combination of your card and other certificates, vouchers or miles.

Covered circumstances in which AmEx will reimburse you for trip cancellation include:

Accidental injury, sickness or loss of life concerning you, a traveling companion or a family member.

Inclement weather prevents you from traveling.

A change in military orders for either you or your spouse.

Hijacking or terrorist acts.

Jury duty or a subpoena if they cannot be postponed or waived.

If your dwelling becomes uninhabitable (e.g., your home catches fire).

Quarantine as imposed by a doctor.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Finally, the trip must be round-trip, though the travel can consist of round-trip, one-way and open-jaw tickets . AmEx will reimburse more than your flight costs if you have a covered loss. Other types of purchases that AmEx will cover include:

Any other common carriers.

Common carriers are companies licensed to transport passengers across land, sea or air and require passengers to obtain a ticket before travel. This means rental cars, taxis, ride-share, and commuter travel services don’t qualify. However, tickets for regular bus lines, commercial airlines and standard rail lines do.

Be aware that AmEx’s trip cancellation insurance is secondary; it’ll pay out after other insurance and providers have made their payments.

» Learn more: How does credit card travel insurance work?

2. Which AmEx cards include trip cancellation insurance?

We’ve already mentioned The Platinum Card® from American Express as one that provides trip cancellation insurance, but there are plenty of others that do so as well.

These include both consumer and small business cards, such as the:

Business Centurion Card from American Express.

Centurion Card From American Express.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The American Express Platinum Card for Schwab.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

The Corporate Platinum Card.

The Platinum Card from American Express for Ameriprise Financial.

The Platinum Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs.

The Platinum Card from American Express for Morgan Stanley.

The Corporate Centurion Card from American Express.

Terms apply.

Other AmEx cards have different types of travel insurance , including trip delay reimbursement, rental car insurance and lost luggage compensation.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

3. Who is covered?

When using your eligible AmEx card to pay for your travel, you’re not the only person covered by trip cancellation insurance. These benefits likewise cover you, your family members and any traveling companions.

American Express defines family members as your domestic partner, spouse or unmarried child up to the age of 19 (or under the age of 26 if your child is a full-time college student). Traveling companions are those who have made advanced arrangements with you or your family to travel together.

» Learn more: Credit cards that provide travel insurance

4. How to file a claim

To file a claim for reimbursement through AmEx’s trip cancellation insurance coverage, you’ll need to notify your benefits administrator. This must be done within 60 days of the covered loss or you’ll run the risk of your claim not being honored.

To contact your benefits administrator and open a claim, call 844-933-0648.

You’ll also need to complete the cancellation procedures for your travel provider. For example, if you’ve booked a flight with, say, Delta Air Lines, you’ll want to navigate Delta’s website to be sure that your ticket has been appropriately canceled.

You’ll then need to furnish written proof of your loss within 180 days of its occurrence. Gather various paperwork, such as:

Copies of your common carrier and travel supplier receipts.

Your card statement showing that you used your AmEx card to pay for the trip.

A copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy.

Proof of your covered loss; this may include military orders, a note from your physician or jury duty.

AmEx might extend the deadline for documentation up to one year after your loss if it isn't possible for you to provide it in a timely manner.

AmEx may require other paperwork depending on your situation, but you'll want to coordinate with your benefits administrator to see if this is necessary.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance versus your credit card's

Trip cancellation insurance from AmEx recapped

AmEx's high-end credit cards provide many benefits, including the protection of trip cancellation insurance. To be eligible for coverage, you'll need to use your card to pay for a covered trip. You'll also need to have a qualifying reason for cancellation.

AmEx will pay you up to $10,000 in losses for approved claims.

All information about the Business Centurion Card from American Express, Centurion Card From American Express, The American Express Platinum Card for Schwab, The Corporate Platinum Card, The Platinum Card from American Express for Ameriprise Financial, The Platinum Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs, The Platinum Card from American Express for Morgan Stanley and The Corporate Centurion Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. These cards are no longer available through NerdWallet.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Travel Insurance – 10 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

Recap of chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, 2. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover cruises, 3. what does the chase sapphire preferred card baggage insurance cover, 4. what does the chase sapphire preferred card medical insurance cover, 5. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover hotel cancellations, 6. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover airbnb cancellations, 7. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover rental cars in other countries, 8. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover turo or zipcar rentals, 9. how do i file a chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance claim, 10. do i need travel insurance if i have the chase sapphire preferred card, final thoughts.

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for numerous reasons. Alongside excellent earning rates and a fair amount of benefits that justify the $95 annual fee, the card also offers numerous shopping and travel insurance benefits.

If you’re like most people, you hear the word “insurance,” and your eyelids start feeling heavy. Let’s be honest: Insurance isn’t thrilling. The terminology can feel confusing, leaving you with many questions about what exactly the travel insurance on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card does and doesn’t cover.

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a simple look at your most common questions about travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

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

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

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

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 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, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

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• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Before moving any further, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the long list of travel protections built into the Chase Sapphire Preferred card :

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

You’ll also enjoy several other cardholder benefits and protections beyond travel insurance :

• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Purchase protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance

Some of the benefits seem more obvious than others. And, as with all insurance, there are always specific terms to understand, exclusions to mind, and coverage limits . Let’s clear some of those up.

1. What Flight Insurance Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Have?

When flying, you’ll have 2 types of insurance: travel accident insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Both types are in effect for trips for which you paid at least a portion of the cost with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Let’s look at each benefit.

Travel accident insurance applies to you and your immediate family members if one of you becomes permanently injured or dies while traveling. The cardholder benefit guide lists specific dollar amounts that you can be paid for specific injury types. The coverage is further divided into 2 categories: traveling on a common carrier and 24-hour coverage .

Coverage related to a common carrier covers both injuries and death resulting from your travel on a licensed air, land, or sea transport that regularly carries paying passengers . Think planes and ferries, for example. You’ll also be covered while at an airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after a trip, including courtesy transport to or from these places if provided as part of your trip. If your flight booking includes the airline picking you up from the hotel, this could be covered if all other conditions are met.

The 24-hour coverage applies around the clock and is valid on trips of up to 30 days. If you take a trip longer than this, coverage will end 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day, though it would come back into effect when you are in transportation to the airport for your flight home. If you drive yourself to the airport, coverage should resume once you are inside the airport .

This benefit reimburses you for the money you lose when a trip paid for (in whole or part) with your card is interrupted or canceled. Trip interruption is when you’ve started the trip and must end it early for a covered reason; trip cancellation applies to canceling a trip before it begins. The maximum benefit payout here is $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. Both the cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

Trip cancellation coverage begins when you make your first deposit toward the trip and ends when you depart on your scheduled departure date. Trip interruption starts on your scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date. However, if these dates or times are adjusted for reasons beyond your or the carrier’s control, the benefit will adjust automatically .

What expenses are reimbursable? They include nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses by a licensed supplier, such as a travel agency, hotel, shore excursion agency, etc. When canceling for a covered reason, you’re also covered for redeposit fees to get your airline miles back. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t cover lost money you paid for tickets to shows or theme parks, tee times at golf courses, museums, or other entrance fees unless they’re part of a tour package.

You’ll be covered for a few more situations with trip interruption coverage only . These include fees for returning a rental car early or to the nearest facility and up to $250 of expenses to transport you for necessary medical treatment. However, that doesn’t include medical transport (such as ambulances or medevac).

What if you paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are due a refund under these benefits? You’ll be reimbursed according to the value on your travel supplier’s confirmation receipt, assuming that’s listed. If there’s no trip value listed on the receipt after you paid with points, you’ll be reimbursed at a value of 1 cent per point.

Covered Reasons

Not every reason for canceling a trip or ending it early is covered under these benefits. Covered reasons include accidental death or injury, a sickness requiring hospitalization, severe weather, a named storm warning, a change in military orders, a subpoena or call to jury duty, your home being burglarized or becoming uninhabitable, your hotel becoming uninhabitable, a public transportation strike that makes you miss 20% of a trip or a scheduled tour departure, and more. Consult the Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide to see if your specific cancellation or interruption reason is covered.

Trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover everything. For example, changing your mind about a trip is not covered. If your plans are subject to change, you may want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

This part is a bit confusing, but yes. Chase’s benefits guide for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card states explicitly that cruise lines aren’t included in the definition of a “common carrier.” However, cruise lines are included in the definition of a “travel supplier.”

Why does this matter? Many of the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits only apply to travel with a common carrier, which doesn’t include cruise lines. However, some benefits do apply to cruises . These include stolen luggage benefits or even canceling a trip if delays mean you’ll miss at least 20% of the trip or that you’ll miss the departure of your cruise ship.

The travel accident and injury benefits also apply while you’re cruising, but it’s worth noting that returning late to your cruise ship, only to find it’s left for the next island without you, isn’t a covered expense. You’ll be on your own for the costs of catching up to your ship.

There are 2 types of baggage protection here: coverage for delayed bags and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your bags are delayed by at least 6 hours, covering each additional 24 hours past that until the maximum of 5 days is reached. This benefit applies to you and your immediate family members when you pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You don’t need to be traveling with your immediate family members for them to be covered , as long as at least part of their trip was paid for with your card, which can be a nice perk if you book travel for relatives.

Coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on the scheduled return date, though coverage adjusts automatically if there are changes outside your or the travel provider’s control. There’s also a list of non-covered items, such as medical devices, losses due to war/conflict, electronics, and cash equivalents. In case of baggage delay, you must report it to the travel provid er as soon as possible and keep receipts for necessary expenses you incur ; you’ll submit these for reimbursement afterward.

Lost luggage reimbursement is different; it covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. Both checked and carry-on bags are covered up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per trip. However, there’s a limit of $500 for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

There are some specifics to understand about this coverage, however. First, it doesn’t cover items you leave behind by accident . Second, coverage applies to you and immediate family members (even if you aren’t traveling with them) so long as you paid for at least part of the trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Coverage is available from the scheduled start to the scheduled end of your trip, but it is automatically adjusted if there are uncontrollable delays to either date.

Coverage applies to common carriers and cruise lines, and you must report the loss, theft, or damage within the timeframe specified by your travel provider. Then, the coverage on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card will cover any difference in the value of your monetary loss (after depreciation of the items) and the payment you receive from the travel provider . Thus, this is secondary coverage. It’s worth noting that documents, furs, tickets, and cash-like items aren’t covered.

Accidents can happen on any trip, from accidentally slipping on the wet deck of a cruise ship to spending nights in a hospital at a far-flung destination. Does your health insurance at home cover you when you head to Florida? What about South America? These are questions worth asking. If your medical coverage won’t be in effect, it’s worth considering medical travel insurance .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes travel accident insurance for you and your immediate family members . It’s in effect if you pay at least part of the airfare for your trip with this card. You’ll receive varying maximum payouts depending on the type of injury (or death) encountered during your trip, and the maximum limit also depends on whether the accident occurs while traveling on a common carrier or at some other point during your trip . The 24-hour benefit provides maximum coverage of $100,000, increasing to $500,000 when traveling on a common carrier.

But how does this work in practice?

If more than 1 person is injured , the benefits administrator will pay no more than 2 times the maximum limit for each type of injury. That sum will be divided among all covered persons eligible for benefits payments.

In case of death , the benefits administrator will give the money to your named beneficiary. If you haven’t named a beneficiary, the order of preference goes from a spouse or domestic partner to children, then parents, siblings, and finally, your estate. If you go missing and haven’t been found after a year, then this will trigger the “loss of life” benefit.

Coverage begins either when you reach the airport, station, or terminal for travel on a common carrier or when you enter courtesy transportation provided to take you to the point at which your trip begins, such as a train station or airport. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance but are purchasing them when you arrive at the station, coverage begins once you make the payment for travel. Coverage ends after you leave the transportation vessel or exit the courtesy transportation provided afterward.

The 24-hour coverage functions a bit differently. It’s in effect around the clock for up to 30 days, starting from your scheduled departure for air travel. If your trip is longer than 30 days, coverage will pause 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day and resume when you reach the airport for a flight home or are in courtesy transportation to the airport for the flight home.

Obviously, there are exclusions. You aren’t covered if you’re a pilot or crew member on a flight, you get injured while committing a crime, you get injured while skydiving, your injury is self-inflicted, or you’re injured in a war.

Lastly, you may wonder how COVID-19 factors in . The benefits guide says this under covered losses: “Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.”

Thus, your illness could be covered if a doctor or government requires quarantine related to COVID-19. COVID-19 is generally covered under most travel insurance policies in the same way sicknesses are covered. However, not traveling to avoid COVID-19 risks isn’t covered. As the benefits guide says, “Your disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders, or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic.”

Hotels aren’t treated separately under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance terms. If you must cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered reason, then your hotel cancellation fees can be covered. This would include situations like forfeiting a first night’s room cost for canceling your hotel booking at the last minute, assuming you couldn’t arrive for a covered reason, such as a travel delay or a last-minute injury that made you unable to travel.

While you won’t find the word “Airbnb” or even “vacation home” in the benefits guide, you will find a description that covers these types of rentals :

“Provider of Lodging – a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel; a Provider of Lodging includes non–commercial time shares, condominiums, or rentals of a private residence; such rental shall require a written contract between You and the property owner or management company, executed in advance of the commencement of the rental period …” Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide.

So long as you’ve reserved your rental in advance and have a written contract — which Airbnb provides at the time of booking, courtesy of your confirmation details — your vacation home rental should count as a type of lodging. The contract must state the cancellation provisions, must not include a rental of more than 60 days, and your booking must be made directly with a licensed website or agent — not with the homeowner directly (unless that person is a licensed agent).

Airbnb is a covered lodging type, meaning your booking should qualify for trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay coverage .

In short, yes. However, there are some exclusions. Since your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you abroad, it’s great to know that paying with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declining the rental company’s collision damage waiver can provide protection on your next rental .

You can be covered up to the actual cash value of most rental cars against theft or collision damage. Coverage can include administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, and even towing charges. Coverage applies to rentals up to 31 days and covers you plus any additional drivers listed on the rental contract .

You’ll need to use your card (or your points) to pay for the entire cost of the rental , and most vehicle types are covered by this primary insurance. However, coverage doesn’t apply to exotic or antique cars, high-value vehicles, cargo vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, or vans with seating for more than 9 people (including the driver). Note that Teslas qualify as high-value vehicles, so these aren’t covered .

The benefits guide doesn’t spell out any specific excluded countries . However, Visa typically excludes coverage in Israel, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland, plus you may not be able to use your card to pay for a rental (and thus coverage won’t be in effect) with U.S. Treasury Department monetary embargoes . These destinations include places where your credit cards won’t work, such as Cuba, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea.

Unfortunately, no. Because Turo and Zipcar rentals aren’t considered rentals from a rental car agency, most credit card rental car insurance doesn’t cover them .

To file a claim, you should first gather all of the documents related to your claim . These can include receipts, accident reports, police reports, photos, hospital records, or anything else pertinent to the type of claim you’re making.

Next, you can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online . Different claims have different required timelines. For example, auto claims must be filed within 100 days of the incident. However, you need to file within 90 days for baggage delays or losses, but you’re supposed to contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of these incidents to at least provide notice, even though you have 90 days to finish submitting the claim.

This question will be subjective, and different people will arrive at different conclusions. Travel insurance can be useful for the unexpected, but no 2 trips are equal. The best way to decide whether you need additional insurance beyond what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers is to look at what it doesn’t cover.

Will you be skydiving? Do you have significant trip expenses related to Turo rentals or short connections that could cause domino effects if you miss a departure time? Are you renting an RV or going camping — types of travel not covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that wouldn’t be reimbursed by your credit card’s travel insurance in the event of delays or cancellations, getting a travel insurance policy that covers these could be a good idea and could provide peace of mind. That said, not every travel activity is covered by every travel insurance policy, so you want to make sure you choose a policy that covers your expenses for your particular trip .

If you look at your trip and decide that your flights, hotel plans, and simple plan of just relaxing at the beach will be covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, then purchasing an extra policy probably isn’t necessary.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers numerous protections for purchases and trips. Insurance terms can feel confusing, but hopefully, the explanations of these policies should clarify what is and isn’t covered, as well as policy limits, in a way that helps you know whether the coverages are sufficient for your upcoming travels.

Want to learn more about what else this card offers beyond travel insurance? Consult our full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chase sapphire preferred card have trip insurance.

Yes, it has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement.

How to file a claim with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance?

You can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online. Each claim type has different required documents and a different required submission timeline, so check your benefits guide for your specific claim type.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card reimburse for travel cancellation?

Yes, you can be reimbursed for monetary losses of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip if you cancel for a covered reason. You’ll need to pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and the cancellation must be for a covered reason, such as death, injury, or being called to active military duty.

What insurance does Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Cardholders also get shopping insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, plus other benefits like roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services (though these are pay-per-use benefits).

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance

AirCover for guests is different from travel or reservation insurance. AirCover for guests is provided for free with every booking, while travel insurance for guests in the EU and UK , travel insurance for guests in the US or reservation insurance (for guests in FR) can be purchased separately during checkout.

What is AirCover for guests?

If there’s a serious issue with your Airbnb that your Host can’t resolve, we’ll help you find a similar place, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If a similar place isn’t available or you’d prefer not to rebook, we’ll give you a full or partial refund.

AirCover for guests provides support if your Host cancels within 30 days of check-in, you’re unable to check in or the listing is significantly different than advertised and your Host can’t fix it or you feel unsafe in your Airbnb.

Learn more about AirCover for guests .

What is travel or reservation insurance? 

Travel is rewarding, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. People can get sick, flights can get cancelled and bags can go missing. To help protect you financially, there’s travel or reservation insurance.

• Airbnb guests who live in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria and Portugal can purchase travel insurance on the checkout page. The travel insurance policies are offered by Generali’s Europ Assistance Group, trading under the Generali name in the US and Europ Assistance in the EU and the UK. Learn more about what’s covered .
• Airbnb guests who live in France can purchase reservation insurance on the checkout page. The policy is underwritten by Europ Assistance, a leading travel insurer. Learn more about what’s covered .

Don’t live in any of the above countries? Guests everywhere can purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb, directly through a travel insurance company’s website or by shopping around on a comparison site.

How AirCover for guests works with travel or reservation insurance

Here’s an example of how AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance can work together.

You arrive at your destination and learn that the airline has sent your luggage to the wrong city and you won’t get it back for at least 24 hours. You then check in at the place to stay and find out that the number of bedrooms at the place is less than advertised.

In this situation, AirCover for guests can help you find a new place to stay, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If you purchased travel or reservation insurance with your Airbnb reservation or booking, you can also file a claim with Generali or Europ Assistance SA to get reimbursed for certain extra things you have to buy while waiting for your luggage, such as clothing and toiletries.

For US residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is offered by Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC, 222 Broadway, Floor 26, New York, NY 10038, (California licence number 6001912), which is licensed as an insurance agency in all states of the US and the District of Columbia, and underwritten by Generali US Branch (NAIC #11231) of New York, NY Generali US Branch operates in the following jurisdictions under these names: California: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (US Branch); Colorado: Assicurazioni Generali (US Branch); Oregon: Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice; Virginia: The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice (US Branch). The insurance policy benefits and services are described on a general basis and are subject to certain conditions and exclusion.

For EU residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance SA (Irish branch) and offered by the insurance intermediary Aon Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A.U. with Airbnb Marketing Services S.L.U. acting as an external collaborator. Europ Assistance SA is supervised by the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) in France, and its Irish branch is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Full terms and conditions apply.

For France residents

The reservation insurance is offered by Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A. Irish Branch. Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and conditions apply.

For UK residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch. Europ Assistance S.A. is supervised by the French Supervisory authority (ACPR), 4, place de Budapest, CS92459 – 75436 Paris Cedex 09, France. Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available on request.

This travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited. Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Aon UK Limited’s FCA register number is 310451; you can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register | FCA or by calling 0800 111 6768 (or +44 207 066 1000 if calling from abroad). Travel insurance is available to guests aged 18 and over. Full terms and conditions apply. FP.AFF.344.LC.

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This type of vacation rental cancellation is on the rise. Are you next?

A few days before flying to Bali, Indonesia, I received an unexpected email from Airbnb: My host had sold my vacation home.

"We’re reaching out with the unfortunate news that your reservation was canceled," it said. "Your refund is on its way."

But wait – I didn't want my money back. I needed a place to stay while I was in Indonesia. Airbnb assured me I had nothing to worry about. It would find a new rental and cover my extra expenses. But, as always, some restrictions applied.

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Sales cancellations are on the rise

Selling a vacation rental out from under a guest is becoming a big problem, insiders said. There are no statistics on the number of vacation rentals with active reservations that are currently for sale. But Justin Gordon, who runs the rental price comparison site HiChee , says more hosts are putting their rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo while they wait to sell their properties. He's seen the disruption it causes guests who are about to leave for vacation. 

"I felt so sorry for the guests," he said.

Did I mention the Indonesia rental? That wasn't my first cancellation. I rented a condo in Oahu, Hawaii, a few years ago through Vrbo. A week before I checked in, I got an email saying my stay had been canceled because the property was sold.

"Many homeowners are investors, buying properties low and selling high or holding them for a set number of years as a part of their financial strategy," explained Matthew Deal, managing director of Element Vacation Homes , a central Florida vacation rental company.

A cancellation can have consequences for the seller. For example, if you list your home on Vrbo, you might have to pay the platform a cancellation fee, which gets higher as your arrival day approaches. 

"In addition to financial penalties, repeat offenders may see limited search visibility on the Vrbo app and site, temporary suspension, or revocation of their Premier Host status," said spokesperson Nola Lu.

Airbnb has similar restrictions. "We expect Hosts to honor accepted reservations," said spokesperson Aaron Swor.

What are your rights when your vacation rental is sold?

If your vacation rental is sold before you arrive, you have some rights – though not as many as you'd assume.

• For rentals booked directly through the owner, your rental contract will outline your right to a refund. If you're dealing with a host who has only one rental or can't accommodate you at a different property, you'll get a full refund, but you'll have to start over and find a new vacation rental. Pro tip: Use a credit card to book. If the owner flakes out and tries to keep your money, you can always dispute the charges.
• For rentals booked through a popular vacation rental platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, the platform will offer a full refund or or accommodate you at a different rental property. If there's a price difference – and there usually is – then the platform may offer to cover the extra cost.
• If you booked through a property management company, your rights may not be spelled out in your contract, but chances are the company will have a plan "B" ready. For example, Element Vacation Rentals has a policy to promptly present multiple options to displaced guests, including comparable properties from its portfolio and those of its competitors. Ask about the policy before you make a reservation.

At least, that is what's supposed to happen if there's a cancellation. But let's talk about what actually does happen.

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What if an owner sells a vacation rental?

When an owner sells your vacation rental from under you, you'll probably feel confused and upset. And even as you're processing the loss of your rental, your host may ask you for a favor.

When the owners of Gerri Detweiler's Airbnb rental sold their place, her host asked her to cancel the rental. The reason? The host didn't want to incur a fee from Airbnb. So Detweiler, a personal finance expert from Sarasota, Florida, canceled the stay. 

"I didn't bother booking another rental with Airbnb," she said.

For both of my cancellations, I had no choice. I was only days away from checking in. 

To their credit, both Airbnb and Vrbo helped me. Vrbo found a new rental in Hawaii and covered the price difference. Airbnb offered a coupon and sent me a few options for a replacement rental in Bali. The only one available on such short notice was thousands of dollars more than my original rental, so Airbnb increased the amount of the coupon to cover the extra cost.

The difference between the platforms was in their approach to the situation. Vrbo transferred me to a special team that took care of everything quickly. With Airbnb, it felt like more of a negotiation. But in the end, I was grateful to have the protection of both vacation rental platforms.

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This could happen to you

This isn't an abstract issue. Two of this year's hottest housing markets – Orlando and Tampa, Florida – are popular with vacation renters and likely to have lots of homes that are also on the market. 

But that's not the real problem. It's that most vacation rental customers don't know their rights when they rent. They either assume they have no choice but to take the refund and that they're on their own. Or they believe the vacation rental company must find them a comparable rental and cover any price difference. 

But you're not on your own unless you rented directly through an individual – and even then, the previous owner may be able to refer you to another rental. And your vacation rental platform won't automatically find you a new place and pay for it. You may have to negotiate.

The best solution is disclosure. Vacation rental owners should tell you if their property is for sale. Then you can make an informed decision about whether you still want to rent the place – and take your chances.

Elliott's tips for avoiding a vacation rental cancellation

Getting surprised by a vacation rental sale is preventable. Here are a few strategies:

• Talk to the owner : Before you rent a vacation home, ask if the place is for sale. If it is, ask what would happen if the unit were to be sold. If it's sold, talk to the new owners," said hospitality consultant Steve Turk. "See if they'll honor your reservation."
• Read the reviews – all of them : If you're renting on a popular platform, don't just skim the reviews. Read them. Sometimes, hosts will stop caring about their rental unit if they know they're going to sell. "Check to see if recent guests have posted any negative reviews," advised Pete Evering, a business development manager at Utopia Property Management , a rental management company.
• Do your research : If you have the address of the rental, run a quick online search. If it shows up on Zillow or Realtor.com , you know you have a problem. Gordon from HiChee is considering developing technology that would notify travelers in case their booked rental shows up for sale on the internet.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

How cancellations work

Sometimes things come up and you have to cancel. To keep things running smoothly, here’s how you can cancel a reservation, figure out your refund, or find out what to do if something doesn’t go as planned.

If you need to cancel

Let’s take care of your cancellation quickly: If it’s a matter of a change of plans—head to Trips to cancel the reservation. You’ll be shown the refund amount as you go through the cancellation process.

If you’ve booked a place where there’s a more strict cancellation policy, you could also consider changing your dates instead. Just put in a change request to the Host and any difference in price will be shown before you confirm the request. You could also message the Host as well, to let them know more about your circumstance and why you’re changing the reservation.

Canceling your reservation for a stay Get basic cancellation info and an easy-to-follow link to change or cancel a trip.

Changing a reservation before your trip How to submit a change request to your Host.

Canceling during your stay Find out what the Rebooking and Refund Policy covers when the listing or amenities are not what you expected.

Cancel or reschedule an Airbnb Experience Get the details of our cancellation policy for Experiences.

Canceling a trip due to extenuating circumstances Find details about requirements and how to take the next steps.

If something comes up during your stay

If something is missing, broken, or not what you expected when you arrive or during your stay, let your Host know as soon as possible. If your Host can’t help resolve the issue, we’re here to support you. Keep in mind that to be eligible for assistance through AirCover , you must report any issue to Airbnb within 72 hours of discovering it.

Getting protected through AirCover Every Airbnb booking includes AirCover—free protection from significant listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in.

Travel issues eligible for refunds Find out if you’re covered under the Rebooking and Refund Policy.

Rebooking and Refund Policy Read all the fine print and details of the Rebooking and Refund Policy.

If your Host cancels

In rare cases a Host might need to cancel your reservation. If this does happen, don’t worry—we’ll get your refund on its way and can help you find a similar or better home to rebook.

If your Host cancels your reservation What to do if your confirmed booking is canceled by your Host.

If your Host cancels your Experience What happens if your Experience reservation is canceled by your Host.

Receiving your refund

While we don’t want to keep you waiting, the amount and timing of your refund depends on your reservation’s cancellation policy and when you cancel (unless you had an extenuating circumstance). Be sure to check your reservation for this info. The good news is if you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll get it automatically within 10 days to the payment method used when you booked the reservation.

Find your refund amount Learn about cancellation policies and how they affect your refund amount.

When you’ll get your refund Find out when your refund should arrive.

Refunds for Experiences Find details of what to do if you have a travel issue that prevents you from being able to complete an Airbnb Experience.

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Canceling your reservation for a stay, find your host's cancellation policy, canceling a trip due to extenuating circumstances.