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Travel Insurance FAQs
In this guide, we answer some of the most common questions we get about travel insurance. Whether you’re researching travel insurance basics, comparing policy options, or trying to understand the coverages and exclusions in your trip insurance policy, these FAQs can help you better understand how travel insurance works.
What Are the Most Common Travel Insurance FAQs?
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about travel insurance.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance helps protect travelers from unexpected financial losses before and during a trip. Depending on the policy, travel insurance coverage may include:
- Trip cancellation: Reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, such as flights and hotels, if you cancel for a covered reason before departure.
- Trip interruption: Reimburses forfeited prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if, after departure, you need to cut a trip short because of a covered event.
- Travel medical: Covers emergency medical expenses that happen during a trip, such as doctor visits and hospital stays. This coverage is especially important for international travel because many domestic health insurance plans provide limited coverage outside the United States.
- Emergency medical evacuation: Covers transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility if a traveler experiences a serious illness or injury during a trip. Some travel insurance policies also cover medical repatriation, which transports travelers back home for continued treatment when medically necessary.
- Baggage loss and baggage delay: Reimburses for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings, typically at their depreciated value. Baggage delay coverage reimburses for essential items, such as clothing and toiletries, if your luggage arrives late.
- Travel delay: Covers unexpected expenses, such as meals and hotel stays, if your travel is delayed for a covered reason, such as losing your passport or getting in a traffic accident on the way to the airport.
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Optional travel insurance upgrade that allows travelers to cancel a trip for reasons not included in standard trip cancellation coverage. CFAR coverage reimburses a percentage, such as 75%, of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel within the required timeframe before departure.
What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?
Travel insurance policies generally exclude coverage for foreseeable or preventable events.
Common coverage exclusions are:
- Changing your mind about traveling, unless you have CFAR coverage
- Known events before purchasing coverage
- Alcohol- or drug-related incidents
- Elective medical procedures
- Dangerous activities
- Self-harm
- War
Coverage details, exclusions, and reimbursement limits vary by provider and policy.
What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel your trip before departure for a reason listed in your policy, such as illness, severe weather, or the death of a family member.
What Is Cancel for Any Reason Coverage?
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an optional upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason, not just those listed in your travel insurance policy.
CFAR coverage typically reimburses up to 50% or 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
Are Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Covered?
Travel insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing medical conditions from coverage, but you might qualify for a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if one is offered by the policy.
To qualify, you usually must:
- Buy travel insurance shortly after making your first trip deposit
- Insure the full trip cost
- Be medically able to travel when the policy is purchased
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance typically costs between 4% and 10% of your total nonrefundable trip expenses. Your premium will depend on factors such as:
- Your trip cost
- Your age
- Destination
- Trip length
- Policy you choose
- Optional upgrades you select
What Is the Difference Between Travel Insurance and Trip Insurance?
The terms “travel insurance” and “trip insurance” are often used interchangeably. Both generally refer to coverage designed to protect travelers from unexpected financial losses.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Medical Emergencies Overseas?
Comprehensive travel insurance plans typically include travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage for covered medical emergencies during a trip. Coverage limits and exclusions will vary by policy.
When Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
It’s best to buy travel insurance shortly after making your first trip deposit. Buying early may help you qualify for benefits such as a pre-existing condition waiver and optional CFAR coverage.
Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Booking My Trip?
Yes. You can usually purchase travel insurance up to the day before departure, though some benefits may require early purchase.
Is Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage Worth It?
CFAR coverage might be worth the extra expense if you want additional flexibility beyond standard covered cancellation reasons. However, it’s worth noting that CFAR will typically only reimburse up to 50% or 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, not 100% like trip cancellation coverage. You also generally need to cancel your trip at least 48 hours before departure to qualify for CFAR coverage. Last-minute cancellations won’t be covered.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying Travel Insurance?
Before purchasing travel insurance, you should compare several policies and answer the following questions:
- What does the policy cover?
- What exclusions apply?
- What are the reimbursement limits?
- Does the plan include trip cancellation coverage?
- Are medical emergencies covered, and is the coverage primary or secondary?
- Is a pre-existing medical conditions waiver available, and what do I need to qualify?
- Does the policy include emergency medical evacuation?
- Is baggage delay included, and how long of a delay is required before coverage begins?
- Is cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage an option, and how much does it add to the cost of the policy?
Where Should I Start if I’m New to Travel Insurance?
If you’re new to travel insurance, start by identifying the coverage types that are important for your next trip.
Many travelers begin by comparing policy benefits, including:
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Travel medical insurance
- Emergency evacuation coverage
- Baggage loss and delay insurance
- Travel delay benefits
It’s also important to review:
- Policy exclusions
- Coverage limits
- Optional upgrades such as CFAR coverage
Comparing travel insurance quotes and reading policy details carefully can help you find the best coverage for your trip and budget.
What Are the Most Important Travel Insurance Questions?
Some of the most important travel insurance questions focus on policy coverage and exclusions. When buying a travel insurance policy, you should carefully review:
- Covered cancellation reasons
- Medical coverage limits
- Emergency evacuation benefits
- Excluded activities
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Claim filing deadlines
If you have questions, you can call our experienced travel insurance agents to help.
Do These FAQs Apply to All Travel Insurance Providers?
No. Travel insurance coverage varies by provider and policy.
While many plans offer similar benefits, coverage limits, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and optional upgrades differ between companies.
You should carefully compare policy information before buying travel insurance.
After you buy a policy, read your plan documents carefully. Most providers offer a free look period, during which you can request a refund if you find the policy does not meet your needs.
How Do These Travel Insurance FAQs Help Beginners?
These FAQs are designed to help you understand travel insurance basics and make informed decisions when comparing plans.
They help explain:
What Topics Are Covered in These Travel Insurance FAQs?
The most frequently asked questions about travel insurance center on these topics:
Who Are These Travel Insurance FAQs For?
These trip insurance FAQs are for all types of travelers, including:
How Do Trip Insurance FAQs Help Travelers?
Trip insurance FAQs can help you understand:
How Often Are These Travel Insurance FAQs Updated?
We update these travel insurance FAQs when new information becomes available.
If you have a question not answered here, please reach out to our licensed agents for help.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.