Category: FAQs

Whether you’re in the midst of travel planning during tax season or not, it’s always a good idea to think about how you can save when it comes time to file. For that reason, many travelers ask, “Is travel insurance tax deductible?” The answer is both “yes” and “no.” To help make it clear, we explain what you can deduct below so you have the information you need when planning a vacation.

But First, Plan Your Trip

Before you buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy, though, make sure you book your trip. (And why wouldn’t you? Travel planning on your lunch break is one of the great past times of the working professional!). All kidding aside, though, planning a vacation and making the initial deposits before you invest in a policy could be a money saver. For example, some plans may offer waivers for pre-existing medical conditions if you buy a policy shortly after your first payments. Meanwhile, other policies may only offer trip cancellation for any reason if you purchase them in a specific time frame (e.g. within the first 24 hours after your first trip deposit).

Long story short: If you’re asking, “Is travel insurance tax deductible?” right now, you may be interested in saving money at every step of your travel planning. If so, booking a trip before investing in coverage could both open cost savings during planning and financially protect you if obstacles arise on your trip.

Now That You’re Ready for Travel Insurance, Is It Deductible?

With that out of the way, let’s get down to business: Is travel insurance tax deductible? Like we said, the answer is a little “yes” and a little “no.” Yes, you can deduct travel insurance from your taxes, but only if it’s travel medical insurance. This type of travel insurance qualifies as a medical expense and can be included with other medical expenses in your filing to see if you exceed the threshold necessary to itemize deductions on your tax return.

As for other types of travel coverage, including trip cancellation or coverage for lost or damaged luggage, they’re not considered medical expenses, so they can’t be deducted from your taxes.

There Are So Many Reasons to Insure Your Trip

With that information in mind, a new question you might find yourself asking is, “If I don’t want travel medical insurance, and other types of insurance aren’t tax deductible, should I bother getting coverage?”

If so, the answer to this question is “Yes, there are so many reasons to buy travel insurance.”

First, looking for cost savings via tax deductions could mean you’re interested in finding savings and financial protection in other areas of your life. Travel insurance may be able to offer that protection by reimbursing you if obstacles like flight cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, needs emergency evacuation-and yes, medical assistance-arise.

However, among all the reasons to buy travel insurance, one of the best to remember is that it may be able to grant you some peace of mind. Planning a vacation can be stressful on its own; you shouldn’t have to think about what could go wrong while enjoying your trip. Knowing you’re covered by something like a comprehensive travel insurance policy may be able to help you achieve that when that first vacation day comes.

Find Your Coverage with InsureMyTrip.com

Whether you’re looking for tax deductible travel medical insurance, a comprehensive travel insurance policy, or only one specific type of coverage, the best way to begin your search is by comparing options on InsureMyTrip.com.

As the world’s first travel insurance comparison website, we give you the ability to search and compare plan options from top providers. Our website is also an excellent resource of unbiased travel insurance information, and our dedicated Customer Care team includes licensed professionals who are available to answer your questions about specific policies, inform you of all the reasons to buy travel insurance, and more.

To being looking for the best travel insurance for your needs, start a quote. Then, enjoy your trip.

As you plan your next international trip, you may be wondering which countries have a mandatory travel insurance requirement. Countries may require travel insurance for different reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the country is part of the Schengen zone. Schengen countries generally will not grant travel visas if specific travel insurance requirements are not met.

Another reason some destinations have a travel insurance requirement is due to diplomatic relations. For example, the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba had historically been strained, so when both countries agreed to allow travel for limited reasons, Cuba’s government stipulated that travel insurance including medical coverage would be required for U.S. travelers.

Many countries are also requiring travel insurance is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though we are past the height of the pandemic, some international destinations still require that travelers arrive with specific travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19.

Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?

Antarctica

Antarctica is a unique destination, with many travel variables that could threaten a traveler’s significant investment in their trip. It is for this reason travel insurance is considered a necessity, in addition to the actual requirements for entry into the country. Required medical coverage varies based on a traveler’s itinerary and the tour operator they are traveling with. However, based on the nature of a trip to Antarctica, it is recommended to also consider at least comprehensive plans that include Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Medical Evacuation.

Chile

Visitors to Chile are not required to show proof of travel insurance, but Chile does require travelers to fill out an online “Traveler’s Affidavit” less than 48 hours before departure for Chile.

Cuba

Travel to Cuba is highly monitored and regulated by both the United States and the Cuban government. Travelers must provide proper documentation with their application for travel to the United States government. The Cuban government must be notified of those travel plans, provided the traveler’s visa information, and requires proof of travel insurance, with medical coverage, before visiting the nation.

Ecuador

While it is not necessary to obtain medical or travel insurance to visit Ecuador, coverage is required to visit the Galapagos.

Egypt

Travel insurance is not required for all visitors to Egypt, but it is required for some and recommended for all. As regulations sometimes change, the U.S. Embassy in Egypt advises travelers to contact their nearest Egyptian Consulate or the Egyptian Embassy in Washington D.C. for the most updated travel insurance requirements.

Iran

Travel insurance is mandatory for visitors to Iran looking to obtain a travel visa.

Jordan

All international visitors to Jordan must have travel medical insurance to enter the country.

Laos

After first reopening borders to U.S. tourists in 2022, Laos now requires visitors to have travel medical insurance that includes coverage for a minimum of $50,000.

Nepal

The government of Nepal has made travel medical insurance mandatory for all visitors to the country. There are some exceptions, so please refer to the Nepal Governement website for the latest information.

Qatar

It is mandatory for all international travelers to Qatar to have travel insurance.

Russia

International visitors to Russia are required to apply for a Visa to enter the country. During this application process, the Consular Division of the Embassy maintains the right to request “medical insurance valid in the country to be visited and fully covering the period of the first trip,” according to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Rwanda

Rwandan law requires that any person visiting Rwandan territory must possess health insurance. Any visitors who attempt to enter the country without it may be required to purchase a health insurance plan upon arrival.

Saudi Arabia

All travelers to the Kingdom are required to obtain insurance that covers the cost of treatment from COVID-19 infection.

Schengen Countries

Certain countries referred to as the Schengen Countries may have specific requirements regarding what insurance their embassies will accept before issuing a Travel Visa. If you will be traveling to any of the 29 following destinations, you may be required to show proof of specific insurance: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. When traveling to any of these countries, their embassies may request that you show proof of the following insurance benefits: $50,000 of Medical Emergency/Hospitalization Coverage, $300,000 of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage, $0 Deductible, and proof that the insurance company who provides this coverage has offices located in Europe. For more information, please refer to our full resource on the Schengen Travel Visa.

Seychelles

It is mandatory for all international travelers to Seychelles to have full medical coverage, including coverage for COVID-19, for the duration of their entire stay.

Turkey

All visitors to Turkey are required to purchase medical travel insurance before they will be able to enter the country. However, there is not a specific amount required – the only requirement is that the insurance must last the length of the entire trip.

Ukraine

Travelers to Ukraine must have medical insurance that covers all COVID-19 related treatment. The government requires that the policy must be “issued by insurance companies registered in Ukraine or foreign companies with a representative office in Ukraine or a contractual relationship with a partner insurance company in Ukraine and be valid for the duration of stay in Ukraine.”

In an attempt to slow the rise in COVID-19 cases, many destinations – both domestic and international – have implemented mandatory quarantine periods for travelers upon arriving from specific destinations. This has caused a great deal of confusion among travels about which destinations require this, who it applies to, and if travel insurance can help those who have had trip travel impacted by this order.

What is the Difference Between Quarantine, Isolation, and Shelter in Place?

The terms self-quarantine, isolation, and shelter-in-place have been commonly used in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important to understand the differences between these.*

Quarantine:

Quarantine is defined as mandatory isolation or restrictions on where you can go, intended to stop a contagious disease from spreading. In the case of COVID-19, it applies to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and have been asked to stay at home under strict guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 14 days of self-quarantine as the virus has an incubation period of up to two weeks and individuals can spread the virus to others during this time, even if they are asymptomatic.

Isolation:

Isolation applies to individuals who contract COVID-19. These individuals may be put into isolation in a hospital or at home. If isolated at home, it is recommended to have a designated bedroom and bathroom for the infected individual to use in an attempt to prevent others from getting sick.

Shelter in Place:

Shelter in place applies to a broader group of individuals, and can last for weeks or longer. It is not specifically related to confirmed exposure to the virus causing COVID-19. During this time, individuals may only leave home only for essential activities. These activities may include picking up medicine, visiting a doctor, grocery shopping, caring for a family member in another household, socially distant outdoor exercise, or performing work for an essential business.

What Destinations Require Quarantine Upon Arrival?

The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation with continuous updates and changes to guidelines and policies.

In terms of domestic travel restrictions, the team at InsureMyTrip has aggregated recent data from reliable sources and condensed it into maps, which are continuously updated, to reflect the latest restrictions and guidelines for each state. This map is to be for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to offer travelers guidance regarding domestic travel. Due to the developing situation and lack of uniform reporting methods between states, some information may not be current. Please check the official state website of any state you plan to travel to/through for the most accurate information at the time of travel.

For information on international travel restrictions, we recommend referring to the U.S. Department of State website for specific country information and current guidelines.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Mandatory Quarantine?

Mandatory quarantine may be covered under Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and/or Travel Delay coverages. Coverage may be provided in the event a traveler is forced into quarantine, typically by a physician’s order. Only select travel insurance plans will offer this so be sure to review your policy carefully before purchasing.

Cancellation due to shelter in place, stay-at-home orders, or a state-mandated quarantine are not covered unless Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) has been purchased.

What if My Destination Requires Quarantine Upon Arrival and My Visit is for Less Time than the Minimum Quarantine Time?

Let’s say you have a weeklong vacation planned in Hawaii. If Hawaii requires out-of-state visitors to quarantine for 14 days and your planned vacation is only for 7 days, you may spend your entire vacation in quarantine. In this instance, a policy with optional Cancel For Any Reason protection is recommended as fear of quarantine is not a covered reason to cancel a trip on any standard comprehensive travel insurance plan. Travelers will want to be sure to insure flights and any other prepaid, non-refundable expenses that they may be paying for prior to departure. There are some eligibility requirements for Cancel For Any Reason protection, such as insuring 100% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days after making your initial trip payment/deposit, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason selected can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company.

How Will Brexit Affect Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers?

If you’re an American citizen traveling to the UK and then onto the EU post-Brexit, you do not have to buy two separate travel insurance policies. Travel insurance will cover multiple destinations visited over the course of one trip. Brexit won’t matter for your trip.

When Will Brexit Be Finalized?

In late January 2020, Britain and Northern Ireland exited the European Union and entered a transition period that will likely take about eleven months to complete.

During this transitional time, new arrangements will be negotiated with the EU. For travelers, we anticipate little change until January 1, 2021.

How Will Travel Insurance Be Affected After Brexit?

When the transition period ends, there may possibly be some travel disruptions. Right now, we are recommending that those with upcoming travel plans to the UK or any other country in the EU consider a comprehensive travel insurance plan that offers travel delay coverage for any delay of a common carrier. This may help, in case of any flight delays. But, it could be business as usual. The overall travel impact of Brexit will become clearer once the transition is finalized and passengers should check with their airlines regarding any reimbursement options for travel delays and cancellations related to Brexit.

Those who may have concerns over the potential travel implications can also request a travel insurance plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). This is an optional travel insurance benefit available on some of the plans available from InsureMyTrip.

Bottom line: The industry is still waiting to see how Brexit will play out and how travel insurance coverage will be affected.

What Should UK Citizens Consider When Buying Travel Insurance?

British citizens may want to look at a travel medical plan in case their medical coverage will no longer cover treatment outside of their respective region.

UK-based travel insurance companies that are closely watching Brexit developments are regularly updating their websites with the latest information for travelers.

Some travel insurance companies in the UK have already responded. For example, AXA offers an optional “Brexit Travel Disruption” coverage, which aims to protect UK travelers if Brexit causes delays or cancellations to trains, flights, or other public transportation.

Will UK Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to the EU After Brexit?

Recently, the European Parliament confirmed that UK travelers will not require a visa for travel to the EU post-Brexit. However, this applies only to short-term business trips or leisure trips lasting up to 90 days and taking place within a 180-day period.

How Will UK Passports Change After Brexit?

Although the design of British passports will change as a result of Brexit, the rules for UK passports will also change. The changing passport rules are arguably more important to travelers.

According to gov.uk, those with a British passport may need to renew if you’re traveling after January 1, 2021. It can take about 3 weeks to renew a passport. However, there is a premium service in the event a traveler needs it expedited.

On the day of travel, a passport must:

• have at least 6 months left before expiration
• be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

If you do not renew it, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. These rules do not apply to Ireland.

The UK government recently created a tool to check passport validity under these rules.

There are also specific rules in regards to traveling with pets, for more visit the “Pet Travel to Europe from 1 January 2021” page on gov.uk.

How To Get Travel Insurance

Through Your Credit Card

Some credit card companies provide trip cancellation, travel medical, or rental car insurance as a “built-in” benefit. The coverage typically only applies if you use the same credit card to book your vacation or rental car and coverage may be limited. While this can seem like an economical way to secure travel insurance, travelers should be aware that coverage is often minimal, cannot be customized, and may not cover everything you need. Learn more about the difference between credit card travel insurance and comprehensive travel insurance.

Through Your Online Travel Agent or Reservation Website

Oftentimes when you work with a travel agent or book your trip through a reservation website online, you’ll see an option to add travel insurance during checkout. Although this may seem like a seamless way to add coverage to your trip, travelers should know exactly what they are paying for. In many cases, those booking travel are pleasantly surprised by the low cost of coverage and think they’re getting a great deal. Unfortunately, the one-size fits all coverage you receive when clicking the box for travel insurance cannot be customized and leaves you unprotected.

Through a Travel Insurance Provider Directly

Travelers can also choose to buy from one of many insurers directly through their website. While these sites can provide some information and recommendations, each provider only offers their own plans. What’s more is that there’s no way to compare similar plans from other companies if you’re only shopping on one site. Buying directly does not allow travelers to compare pricing and coverage levels. In some cases, direct provider plans leave gaps in the coverage but do not offer supplemental plans to accommodate specific customer needs.

Through a Travel Insurance Comparison Site

With travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip, travelers can look for plans from the industry’s top providers all in one place. Customers can also compare plans with varying coverage levels and price points to find the best value for their specific trips. Additionally, travelers shopping on InsureMyTrip have access to thousands of reviews written by fellow customers who actually purchased and used the plans. These reviews can be filtered by provider, specific plan, destination, and even whether or not a claim was filed. The impartial feedback from fellow travelers helps you make an informed decision and find the right plan. Furthermore, InsureMyTrip differs from other comparison sites in that our SMART algorithm uses traveler and trip details to recommend the top-rated and most well-matched plans.

If you’re shopping for travel insurance online using a comparison website, you might be wondering which site is right for you. Sometimes InsureMyTrip is compared to Squaremouth, but how similar are these two sites really?

Which Comparison Site is Best for You?

While the sites offer some similar functionality, InsureMyTrip features:

• More years in business
• Unbiased comparison of plans from only our trusted partners
• Highly responsive and award-winning customer service, which includes licensed travel insurance agents and a one-of-a-kind Anytime Advocates® program that can provide claims assistance

Strong 3^rd Party Ratings

InsureMyTrip puts customers first, and the quality of service and responsiveness of the company sets it apart from others comparison sites. After all, how helpful are customer reviews if a company doesn’t respond and resolve customer issues?

Both InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth have over 30k reviews on the 3rd party review site, ResellerRatings. Both companies have excellent overall scores above 4.5 stars.

While Squaremouth has a higher overall rating, InsureMyTrip is proud to rate higher in the specific categories of Customer Service, Reply Back Rate, and Resolution outreach.

(These ratings are based on data from user reviews and are accurate as of the time of publication. Be sure to check ResellerRatings.com for the current comparison between the two sites.)

While we don’t want travelers to run into any issues, we do want them to feel secure in knowing our Customer Care team is available for them six days a week. Our specialized Anytime Advocates® are in constant communication with the insurance providers and happy to help in the event you need to file a claim. This means you can rest assured that you will have our support before, during, and after your trip.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau

InsureMyTrip is proud to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received an A+ rating.

Squaremouth is also listed on the BBB listings but is not BBB accredited.

Their headquarters in Saint Petersburg, Florida received a rating of B+. Their Fort Wayne, Indiana based operation received an A+ rating.

We Won’t Sell You a Plan You Don’t Need

While some comparison sites return results for the plans that will make them the most money, the licensed agents at InsureMyTrip only provide recommendations that meet the customer’s needs. To put it another way, InsureMyTrip won’t sell you a plan you don’t need – even if the “best” plan for them is “no plan at all.”

Squaremouth features several of their own comprehensive plans that often appear first when customers search for a plan. On the other hand, InsureMyTrip only shows comprehensive travel plans from our trusted providers.

While it’s true that InsureMyTrip does offer its own IMT Travel Accident Plan, this plan is used as an add-on for travelers looking to supplement gaps in accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Additionally, we will not recommend this plan over other providers’ plans.

This “customer first” approach is not just some arbitrary tagline. Rather, it’s a philosophy that has been part of the InsureMyTrip mission since its founding in June 2000.

A named storm drastically changes the coverage available to you.

When it comes to insuring a trip against the potential disruptions a hurricane brings, it is best to purchase a travel insurance plan as soon as you make your first payment towards any part of your trip. Once a storm has developed, you’ll have fewer options in finding a plan that will meet all your insurance needs.

If you purchased your plan before the storm was named, you might be covered for travel concerns that have occurred due to this storm. Each plan has stipulations that may affect coverage even though unforseen severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms, is generally a covered reason for canceling or interrupting a trip. You’ll want to connect with your insurance provider to understand your options.

Need Assistance?

If you are unsure about what is best for your trip, please contact us to talk to a licensed travel insurance representative today. If you need assistance in filing a claim, please visit our Travel Insurance Policy & Claims Center, where our Anytime Advocates are available to assist.

When is it Too Late to Purchase Travel Insurance?

Depending on the type of coverage you want, once a storm has been named you’ll be limited to the types of plans and the protection offered, especially plans with cancellation coverage. Whether it’s a tropical storm or a hurricane, once the storm is named, your options to cover events related to the storm are close to none. Understanding the importance of promptly purchasing your travel insurance plan is critical. You can find additional information on hurricane season and travel insurance here.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for Any Reason is only available within a small window of time after your first trip deposit, generally within 14-21 days. Not many travelers seeking travel insurance in the shadow of a newly named storm will qualify, but for those looking to find coverage for the remainder of hurricane season, this should be on your radar.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – not every trip will need travel insurance. But most will. Finding the right travel insurance plan for you and that specific trip can sometimes be tricky. InsureMyTrip prides itself on finding the right plan for every traveler without any bias or hidden agenda. We know travel insurance and how to choose it, so let’s start at the beginning.

What Type of Trip are You Taking?

If you are going up the road to visit Grandma this holiday season, you are most likely not going to need a travel insurance plan. However, if you are flying at any point during this trip to see Grandma, say across the country or to a neighboring region, you should strongly consider insurance. Trips that involve flights increase the risk of travel mishaps, such as delays and lost baggage, which can end up costing you money. Comprehensive plans offer benefits to help reimburse costs associated with covered travel and baggage delays as well as lost or damaged baggage.

If you are going on a weekend road trip with the kids and staying in a refundable hotel room, you are not really looking at any trip costs that would need to be insured. But if your weekend trip with the kids involves a quick flight to the city where you are you are staying two nights and going to see an expensive show, you may want to consider insuring your investment.

Regardless of the trip, you can insure any trip you are taking more than 100 miles away from home which includes pre-paid expenses that are subject to cancellation penalties. If you are worried about the possibility of losing money due to unexpected changes or travel mishaps, insure the trip!

How Much of Your Trip is Pre-paid and Non-refundable?

Travel insurance is only going to cover trip costs that are paid prior to your departure which is subject to cancellation penalties. Any pre-paid expense that would not be fully refundable in the event you have to cancel or interrupt your trip needs to be insured, or it may invalidate some coverages on the plans. Before you purchase a travel insurance plan, consider your trip costs. Add up all the costs that are non-refundable to determine the insurable amount.

Typically, travelers will insure flights, hotel stays, all-inclusive vacation packages, tour packages and even event tickets at their destination. While some of these things can sometimes be refundable, many times they aren’t. The key is to know that travel insurance will only cover anything pre-paid and non-refundable. You’ll only be reimbursed for the money that you lose.

Have You Fully Compared Plans Before Purchasing?

We don’t recommend just picking the first travel insurance plan listed in your quote results – first, figure out what your main concerns are, what your budget will allow and select the plans that fit those criteria. Our site is built to allow travelers to pick several plans to compare all at once. Take advantage of that! You can filter and compare based on the benefits that mean the most to you.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans will be similar – offering coverage for trip cancellation up to 100% and trip interruption up to 100-150% of your pre-paid non-refundable trip cost. But when you start looking at travel delay benefits, baggage protection limits and emergency medical coverage, you will see that there is a wide range of benefit limits.

By using the comparing engine with InsureMyTrip, you can truly find the right travel insurance plan for you and your traveling companions.

Is This Price Right for What I’m Purchasing?

Every plan, whether comprehensive, travel medical or something else, comes with their own unique coverage that affects the premium. Also, it’s important to recognize that not only the cost of your trip but the age of the travelers, the destination and the length of the trip often affects the premium as well. A lot goes into the price of the travel insurance plan you chose.

Truth is, InsureMyTrip guarantees that the plans on our site are the best price available for that plan. You will not find a better price for the plan you choose, anywhere. So you can rest easy when you purchase a plan from InsureMyTrip. You can insure your trip so you’re comfortable without worrying about saving money elsewhere.

Are my kids included in this plan? What if my father is injured at home when I’m away? Can my girlfriend/boyfriend be on my plan too?

First, for the most part, you can insure all the travelers on one plan. The InsureMyTrip online quote tool allows you to insure up to 10 travelers under the age of 100. It is crucial you include the ages of all the travelers in the quoting process for them to be included in the coverage.

Each provider and each plan has a different way of addressing types of travelers and non-travelers. It’s crucial to understand how the plan covers each person. If you have to file a claim at any point, this information will help the process remain stress-free.

Children

Insuring your kids when you travel is worth it. Kids are wacky with wild imaginations that sometimes result in scrapes, bruises or even broken bones. Not to mention, they are germ magnets! Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, adding your children to your travel insurance plan will add a level of security to your travel investment that may be the most at risk. Don’t let another ear infection cost you hundreds of dollars in rescheduling or cancellation fees!

Huge Benefit: Many providers have plans that cover your children at no additional cost.

Residing in Different States

If travelers live in different states, you’ll most likely need two plans. While some providers may have the ability to sell plans to residents of different states, it’s rare. Most states have their own regulations for travel insurance, meaning the plan details can be different for each traveler.

Huge Benefit: Any necessary claims process will be streamlined with two plans because you won’t need to gather documentation across state lines.

Domestic Partners

If you are traveling with a girlfriend or boyfriend that you live with, you can both be covered by the same policy. Most providers include a domestic partner as a family member. Typically, in the case of a claim, providers may request proof of cohabitation and financial interdependence (credit card statements, joint accounts or a shared lease agreement). In some cases, providers may want to see an affidavit of domestic partnership, if recognized by your state.

Huge Benefit: This documentation also can extend to benefits if a domestic partner is a non-traveler.

Non-Travelers

Remember, coverage and benefits extend to only travelers. Your travel medical coverage will not help a non-traveler and they cannot file a claim for lost baggage. Your travel insurance plan does, however, cover you for travel interruption, cancellation or delay in the case of a non-traveler causing this need. For example, if one of a parent falls and breaks a hip or a child becomes ill. It may be prudent to ask about how pre-existing conditions affect the plan as many providers look at this differently for travelers and non-travelers alike.

Huge Benefit: You can get home as soon as possible without worry about your travel costs if you are needed at home due to illness or death of a family member.

The short answer is: Maybe; if you are planning a trip and hypersensitive to unknown medical expenses or lost money due to cancellation – travel insurance will most likely be right for you.

Travel insurance isn’t a great investment for every trip, however. A road trip to Grandma’s house probably doesn’t need to be insured – unless your road trip takes you coast to coast. Likewise, a couple planning a weekend getaway close to home probably won’t need it. Anybody traveling abroad or more than 100 miles from home should consider travel insurance as a serious investment.

Buying a plan is a smart move if you are feeling cautious about the cost of your trip, possible illness or injury of you or a loved one, or potential weather-related cancellations or interruption. Travel insurance can add an extra level of protection if you are traveling with any children. In most cases, children can be added to a plan without any additional cost to the premium. Whether your trip is short or extended, we can find a plan to cover you and your companions.

When considering a plan, take inventory of the components of your trip. Pre-paid vacation home rentals, car rentals, and event tickets are more unconventional items to insure, yet they can be costly if forfeited due to an unexpected circumstance. If these costs are added into the total pre-paid cost of the trip, a comprehensive travel insurance plan could protect you if your trip should be cancelled or interrupted.

If you still aren’t sold on the idea, give us a call! We have travel insurance experts licensed in your state ready to answer your questions and find the right plan for you. Or, browse the Travel Insurance Review section of our website to see what previous customers have said about their purchase and experience.