does travel insurance cover illness before travel

June 1, 2020

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Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

The best approach to take when selecting a policy that can cover a pre-existing medical condition is to read all the fine print and to   contact us   if you have any questions.

What's Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Not all illnesses and conditions can be covered by travel insurance. Before you travel, read your plan documents so you understand what kinds of things are excluded. These include, but are not limited to:

• A mental or nervous health disorder, as recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, dementia, depression, neurosis, psychosis, or any related physical symptoms. (This exclusion applies only to trip cancellation coverage and trip interruption coverage)
• An epidemic
• Any illness and injury caused by the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or any related physical symptoms.

Is Pregnancy Covered?

Normal pregnancy or childbirth is   not   covered by travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance, except as a covered reason for trip cancellation (if you find out you are pregnant after purchasing your policy, or you need to attend the birth of a family member’s child.)

“Normal pregnancy” means one free of complications. So, for example, if you receive routine medical care for your normal pregnancy while traveling, or you have a normal childbirth while traveling, these medical expenses would not be covered. Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance   can cover   losses resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. So if you’re traveling, and you require emergency medical care for a pregnancy complication, you may qualify for trip cancellation and interruption benefits, as well as emergency medical benefits.

As with all covered illnesses, in order for such conditions to be considered covered, you’ll need a physician’s sign-off. And if a doctor simply advises an expectant mother to rest and avoid flying without a specific medical diagnosis, this would not be considered a covered illness.

Read more:   Travel During Pregnancy: What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Filing a Claim for a Covered Illness

In order to be reimbursed for losses caused by a covered illness, you’ll need to file a claim within 90 days of your loss. We make it as simple as possible to file a claim: You can do it online or even on your phone, with   the free TravelSmart™ app . Submit all the requested documentation, which may include a Physician Statement Form, statements and records from treating doctors, documentation of refunds received from travel suppliers and more. Here’s a full list of Allianz Global Assistance’s  required documentation  by coverage reason.) Don’t get overwhelmed — if you need help filing a claim, we’re happy to assist you! Contact us anytime, online or by phone.

Related Articles

• Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Have Health Insurance?
• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works
• When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?
• TravelInsuranceReview.net
• AllianzTravelInsurance.com

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Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions? (2024)

If you have certain types of pre-existing medical conditions and need travel insurance, you may still be able to get coverage. but first, you’ll have to qualify for a waiver..

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Updated September 20, 2023

Table of contents

• What’s covered
• Eligibility for waiver
• Insurance companies
• How to buy insurance

If you’re planning to take a trip, you need to plan for every eventuality, especially because your health insurance likely won’t cover illness, injury, or emergency medical transport when you’re abroad. [1]

Fortunately, purchasing travel medical and medical evacuation insurance policies can help you (and your traveling companions) get the care you need if you get sick or hurt or experience other types of medical emergencies while traveling.

However, it’s important to note that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you could be denied coverage unless you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with pre-existing health conditions get travel medical insurance if they plan to travel abroad, live overseas for more than six months, or participate in dangerous activities, like scuba diving. [2]

However, getting travel medical insurance with a pre-existing medical condition can be tricky. Insurance companies may be more reluctant to offer you coverage since your risk of getting sick or having a flare-up overseas may be higher.

If you have a pre-existing condition and need travel insurance, it’s important to understand what types of coverage may be available and what special terms, if any, may apply. While some plans make exceptions for certain types of pre-existing conditions, you may have to first qualify for a special waiver.

Pre-existing conditions explained

When it comes to travel medical insurance, a pre-existing condition may be defined as an existing health issue or diagnosis, which can include a recent injury or illness or a long-term disease for which you’re receiving medical treatment. [3] It may also be defined as a long-term condition, such as high blood pressure, dementia, or even pregnancy.

In the U.S., under the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing conditions can’t be excluded from most types of standard health coverage. However, these same rules don’t apply to travel insurance. [4]

Factors that determine your eligibility for a pre-existing condition waiver

If you have a pre-existing condition, you can benefit from travel medical insurance in the event of an emergency, but you must obtain a pre-existing conditions medical waiver in advance. Without a waiver in place, any claim you file for medical coverage could be denied. This would put you on the hook for costly medical care, treatments, and expenses.

To get a waiver for a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

Being medically cleared to travel

Most travel insurers that offer exclusion waivers require you to be physically able to travel, with no changes to your medical condition for a set amount of time (usually 60 to 180 days). Some travel insurance policies may require medical records, copies of your medical history, or a sign-off by a physician.

Buying your policy within a specific time frame

You must purchase a pre-existing condition waiver within a certain window (typically 14 to 21 days after you’ve made an initial trip deposit or first payment on your trip). Most waivers are good only for the first — and only for one — booking, meaning you can’t reschedule the trip.

Insuring the full cost of your trip

You’ll also likely need to purchase an amount of coverage that’s equivalent to 100% of the non-refundable cost of your trip, including airfare, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

Covered pre-existing conditions

Travel insurance doesn’t typically cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions without a waiver. But if you qualify for a waiver, any illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip will likely be covered. However, since policies can vary on a case-by-case basis and between travel insurance companies, it’s a good idea to check the fine print of your plan before your trip.

Pre-existing conditions that aren’t typically covered

While many types of pre-existing conditions are eligible for a waiver, most travel insurance companies won’t cover certain medical conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Anxiety and depression

Normal pregnancy and childbirth

Conditions related to alcohol and drug abuse

In addition, other circumstances may not be covered, even if they’re medical in nature. For example, a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver may not cover a situation such as an accident or illness caused by risky activities, like extreme sports. You also may not be able to get a pre-existing exclusion waiver for trips that are deemed expensive.

Waivers are also only typically available as single-trip policies — meaning you can’t purchase annual travel insurance coverage or multi-trip plans. Your coverage may also have limits. When in doubt, be sure to check with your travel insurance company and review your trip insurance policy’s fine print.

Travel insurance companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and need travel insurance, you may be able to qualify for a pre-existing waiver. When comparing options, check the fine print about each travel insurance plan’s waiver requirements, as they can vary widely between companies.

While not all travel insurance companies offer pre-existing medical condition waivers, here are a few to consider:

Seven Corners

Travel Guard by AIG

How to buy travel insurance with a pre-existing condition

If you have a pre-existing condition, here’s how to buy travel insurance:

Gather your options. Shopping around is important. You can check insurance companies’ websites directly or consider using an insurance comparison site to make searching easier.

Review your policy options. Compare each policy’s requirements for waiver eligibility information to find the best travel insurance plan for your needs.

Compare costs from top insurers. Costs can vary between travel insurance plans, so carefully consider the best plan for your budget.

Buy your coverage. Once you find a travel insurance policy that’s a good fit for your pre-existing condition, budget, and travel plans, you’ll need to buy your policy. Most waivers require plans to be purchased within a specific time frame to ensure coverage, so be sure to read the fine print.

Travel insurance pre-existing conditions FAQS

If you have a pre-existing condition, getting travel insurance is still possible. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that can help guide you in your search for the best travel policy when you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes. You can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. But you may be required to get a special waiver, and some exclusions and special conditions may apply. That’s why it’s important to check the fine print before purchasing a travel policy to ensure coverage.

What is a pre-existing look-back period for travel insurance?

Pre-existing look-back periods are the length of time a travel insurance company may require you to have your pre-existing condition treated or controlled before your travel medical insurance plan’s effective date. Look-back periods are typically about 60 to 180 days, depending on the travel insurance plan.

Does it cost more to purchase travel insurance with pre-existing coverage?

No. Generally, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing coverage has no extra cost. But to get a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you may have to purchase insurance that covers 100% of your trip.

How do travel insurance companies determine what qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance companies may have different criteria for determining what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, and it’s generally tied to how long you’ve been sick or injured with a condition. But some conditions are generally never exempt, even with a waiver, such as depression or complication-free pregnancies.

Related articles

• Airbnb Travel Insurance: What Guests Should Know
• What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
• NAIC . " Travel Insurance ." Accessed September 13, 2023
• CDC . " Travel Insurance ." Accessed September 13, 2023
• Insurance Business Mag . " What are travel insurance pre existing conditions? ." Accessed September 13, 2023
• Department of Health and Human Services . " Can I get coverage if I have a pre-existing condition? ." Accessed September 13, 2023

Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out smarter ways to use their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. She’s created and edited content for Credit Karma, Experian and Sound Dollar, along with banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies.

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Omicron and Travel: So, Now Do I Need Trip Insurance?

In light of the new variant, is extra protection warranted for things like flight and lodging cancellations and quarantine hotels? It depends. Here’s what you need to know.

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By Elaine Glusac

While the pandemic has depressed travel, it may have encouraged travel insurance, say those in the industry.

“The biggest question we get from customers is: ‘What happens if I get Covid during travel and what if I have to quarantine?’” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of Seven Corners , a travel insurance management company. “Covid has created a much broader awareness of travel insurance.”

But will it help you in light of the new Omicron variant, which has already led to new travel restrictions and requirements? In the early days of the pandemic, travel insurance largely failed to protect travelers who wanted or needed to cancel as the world shut down. The following are answers to common questions about travel insurance now.

Does travel insurance cover Covid-19, including the new Omicron variant?

For the most part, yes, travel insurance policies now treat Covid-19 in all its variants — including Omicron — like any other medical emergency.

“Consumers should know that most travel insurance plans with medical benefits now treat Covid like any other illness that you could contract while traveling or that could prohibit you from going on your trip,” said Carol Mueller, a vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . “If you become ill before your trip, you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming your illness and that you are unable to travel in order to be eligible for benefits. The benefits are the same regardless of whether you contract Omicron, another variant of Covid or any illness for that matter.”

Buyers should read the policies carefully and look out for those that exclude pandemics, Covid-19 and its variants. To make a claim, you must have had travel insurance before becoming ill.

“We always say, you can’t buy auto insurance after you’ve already had an accident,” said Meghan Walch, the product manager of InsureMyTrip , an insurance sales site. “It is designed for unforeseen issues. You have to purchase it before an event.”

I am traveling internationally. If borders close because of Omicron, am I covered through travel insurance?

No, most policies do not cover you if your foreign destination closes its borders to visitors, as Israel did recently. With a few exceptions, that also goes for a government-issued travel warning to a destination, which is generally not a covered reason to make a claim.

Given the added uncertainties of Omicron, should I consider a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ policy?

Cancel for Any Reason, or C.F.A.R., provisions would allow you to claim some of your nonrefundable costs if you decide not to go on a trip for any reason, including border closures or fear of contracting Covid. The rub is that this form of insurance — in addition to being more expensive — must generally be purchased within a few weeks of booking the trip and will only return 50 to 75 percent of nonrefundable trip costs.

“Most travel insurance policies do not cover you for wanting to cancel out of fear of Covid. We say this 10 times a week,” said Sarah Groen, the owner of the agency Bell and Bly Travel . She counsels clients to consider their worst fears — illness, for example, or quarantine — in troubleshooting travel insurance. “We’ve become like therapists,” she said.

What about quarantine and medical expenses?

Make sure the policy you choose covers these. In the case of medical coverage, check with your regular health insurer; many policies will not cover you abroad, which is an additional reason to consider coverage if you are traveling internationally.

“What travel insurance can do is cover additional hotel stays if you are able to self-quarantine and additional airfare when you’re able to come home,” said Megan Moncrief, the chief marketing officer for Squaremouth , a travel insurance sales site. She added that most policies will extend to seven days past your originally scheduled return date, effectively covering only about seven days in case of quarantine.

Do some destinations require travel insurance?

Yes, primarily to cover medical care or quarantine accommodations in the event that a traveler tests positive for Covid-19. For example, Singapore requires medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Singapore dollars, or about $22,000. Fiji requires travel insurance to cover potential treatment for Covid-19, and makes it available from about $30. Some destinations, such as Anguilla , recommend rather than require travel insurance. InsureMyTrip.com has a page devoted to countries that require travel insurance.

It bears thinking about what it would take to get home for treatment should you contract Covid-19 abroad. Thailand, for example, requires travelers to have medical insurance with the minimum coverage of $50,000. “Evacuation out of Thailand would be higher,” said Sasha Gainullin, the chief executive of Battleface , a travel insurance start-up that unbundles benefits. In the case of a Thailand trip, he advised taking medical coverage up to $100,000 for treatment locally and $500,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Do I need insurance if I have bookings with flexible cancellation policies?

Probably not, if you have hotel reservations that allow free cancellation 24 to 48 hours in advance. The same with flights; if your flight is changeable and will provide a voucher or refund in case of cancellation, you’re covered.

I have rented a house with restrictive cancellation penalties. Can I insure against those?

Yes. Vacation home rentals from Airbnb and the like can be treated just like other accommodations that do not offer refunds. In this case, you would want to get a policy in the amount you would forfeit if you had to cancel for a covered reason like illness. Again, fear of travel is not a covered reason; for that, you would need C.F.A.R.

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misstated the timeframe within which it is recommended that Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance be purchased. It is generally within about two to three weeks of booking the trip, not one or two days.

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Travel Insurance

Before you travel, consider getting travel insurance to cover yourself in case delays, accidents, or illness occur on your trip. Your current medical insurance may not cover care in another country. Also, some types of travel insurance help you cover costs if your travel is cancelled or disrupted.

There are different types of insurance you should consider: (1) trip cancellation or travel disruption insurance, (2) travel health insurance, and (3) medical evacuation insurance. These will cover different situations and may give you financial peace of mind, as well as allow for safe and healthy travel.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets. Carefully examine the policy to make sure that it covers what you need it to cover, including cancellation if you or a close family member gets sick. Depending on the policy, trip cancellation insurance might not cover any medical care you need overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.

Trip cancellation insurance may allow you to make a last-minute cancellation or changes to your itinerary in the event of a disease outbreak. Be sure to check the fine print to see if your coverage includes disease outbreaks at intended travel destinations and if there are any restrictions.

Travel Health Insurance

If you need medical care in another country, you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket for any services. Even if a country has nationalized health care, it may not cover people who are not citizens. Before you go, consider your insurance options in case you need care while traveling. Travel health insurance is especially important  if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.

Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling. Ask if your policy has any exclusions, such as for preexisting conditions or adventure activities. If your health insurance coverage is not adequate, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are traveling to a remote destination or to a place where care is not likely to be up to U.S. standards, consider buying medical evacuation insurance. This can be bought separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy. Medical evacuation insurance covers emergency transportation from a remote area to a high-quality hospital, which could otherwise cost more than $100,000. Medical evacuation insurance may also evacuate people with certain infectious diseases whereas other evacuation companies may not have that capacity. Make sure that the policy provides a 24-hour physician support center.

Insurance Resources

This list is not all-inclusive, but these resources provide information about getting travel health and medical evacuation insurance:

• Department of State
• International SOS
• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
• American Association of Retired Persons

More Information

• Before You Travel
• Getting Health Care During Travel

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Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

Erica Lamberg

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 10:49 a.m. UTC Feb. 23, 2024

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• Travel insurance coverage can protect you from financial losses associated with a trip.
• Most travel insurance plans include trip cancellation insurance and travel medical insurance. 
• What is covered, and how much, varies by plan, so it’s important to read your policy and look for exclusions. 

Compare the best travel insurance offers

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Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Covers COVID?

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

Atlas Journey Preferred

Seven Corners

RoundTrip Basic

$500,000/$1 million

What is covered by travel insurance? 

The best travel insurance plans provide comprehensive benefits to protect your travel investment, both leading up to your trip and while you’re traveling. These trip protections typically include coverages for trip cancellation, delay or interruption, emergency medical and evacuation, baggage delay or loss, and other benefits like missed connection coverage. 

Trip cancellation insurance  

Trip cancellation insurance generally reimburses up to 100% of your unused, prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, as long as you’re canceling your trip for a reason listed in your policy. 

Reasons typically covered include: 

• Inclement weather or a natural disaster. 
• Military orders.
• Travel supplier going out of business. 
• Unexpected job loss.
• Unforeseen illness or death of you, your travel companion or a family member.

If you want to be able to cancel your trip for reasons beyond those listed in your policy, consider adding “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This optional upgrade is available with many travel insurance plans, but it adds about 50% to the cost of your policy.

Travel delay insurance

Trip delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses, such as meals, transportation and lodging, if your trip is delayed for a covered reason. For instance, if your flight is delayed or canceled because of plane maintenance or a blizzard, travel delay insurance may cover the cost of a hotel room while you wait for a new flight. 

There is generally a waiting period before your travel delay insurance kicks in, often six or 12 hours. This benefit typically has a per day and total maximum benefit, per person.  

Know more about flight cancellation: Flight cancellations

Trip interruption insurance

Trip interruption is coverage that can provide reimbursement if you have to end your trip earlier than planned. Common covered reasons for trip interruption are injury or sudden illness to you or a traveling companion, severe weather en route to or at your destination, a family death or a life-threatening emergency at your home. 

If your early departure is caused by a covered reason and you forfeit prepaid, unused and nonrefundable trip expenses, you can file a claim for reimbursement. Trip interruption benefits can also cover the cost of a one-way, economy airline ticket home and a taxi to the airport. 

Travel medical insurance 

Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of medical care, hospitalization, imaging, lab work and prescription medication if you get sick while traveling. 

Many U.S. health insurance plans do not provide benefits outside of the country, so travel medical insurance is a good idea when traveling abroad. It can cover your expenses if you experience a medical emergency during your trip. 

Medical insurance on travel insurance policies is different from your U.S. health care program in that it’s only intended for emergency care. Jason Schreier, CEO of GoReady Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation

“Should you suffer a major accident or sickness during your trip and need to be medically transported on an air ambulance, helicopter or other conveyance, [emergency medical evacuation benefits] can cover those expenses,” said Schreier. “Typically, those costs begin at over $10,000 and can grow into the $200,000 to $300,000 range depending on your location and condition.”

You won’t necessarily be transported back to the United States. “Medical evacuation is about transporting you to the closest adequate facility that can stabilize your condition,” said Schreier. 

“Typically, this is needed when your current location doesn’t have the adequate medical equipment or expertise to do the job. The benefit not only can cover the costs of the transportation conveyance but also the expense to have a doctor or nurse travel with you bringing oxygen tanks and any other necessary equipment. Once stabilized and fit to travel, most policies will then pay to return you home to the States.”

Baggage loss insurance coverage

Baggage loss insurance is a benefit in your travel insurance policy that can offer some monetary assistance if your personal belongings are lost, damaged or stolen while you’re traveling. 

For example, if your camera gets stolen, you can file a travel insurance claim to recover the depreciated value of this item. Just be sure to file a theft report with your hotel manager or the police because you will need to include this documentation with your claim.

Read your policy carefully, as there are usually per item and per person maximum reimbursement limits on baggage loss, such as $250 per item and $1,500 per person. There will also be exclusions like heirloom jewelry or cash. 

Note that this coverage is typically secondary to other types of insurance. So if an airline loses your bag, you’ll need to file a claim with the airline first, before you can turn to your travel insurance.

Baggage delay coverage

Baggage delay benefits can reimburse you for extra expenses, such as personal care items, if your luggage doesn’t arrive on schedule. Your policy will outline the waiting time before coverage begins, such as a delay of six, 12 or 24 hours. 

This coverage is designed to tide you over until you’re reunited with your luggage, not replace the entire contents of your bags. It will have a per-person limit, such as $300.

What does travel insurance typically not cover?

Travel insurance will not reimburse you if you file a claim for something not listed as a covered reason in your policy. 

“The policy also lists circumstances that are not covered, known as exclusions,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesperson at Allianz Partners USA. “Exclusions include known or foreseeable events — for example, if a storm is named in the destination where you’re traveling to, but you haven’t yet purchased a policy, you can’t buy travel insurance to reimburse your non-refundable trip costs because it’s already a known event.” 

Common exclusions include:

• Fear of travel.
• High-risk activities like skydiving.
• Illegal activity. 
• Intoxication and drug use.
• Medical tourism.
• Natural disasters that began before you bought the policy.
• Normal pregnancy.
• Pre-existing medical conditions.

Optional travel insurance coverages

Coverage upgrades vary by travel insurance plan, but popular options include: 

• “ Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) .
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR).
• “Cancel for work reasons.”
• Adventure sports bundle. 
• Medical bundle. 
• Pet bundle.
• Rental vehicle damage coverage.
• Travel inconvenience.
• Wedding bundle.

Travel insurance coverage FAQs

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans can cover the cost of  flight if it’s canceled, but there may be a required waiting period — such as a 12-hour delay in your trip that is caused by your flight cancellation. 

Your flight will also need to be canceled for a reason listed in your policy in order for you to file a claim for reimbursement. These reasons could include mechanical issues, a strike or inclement weather.  

Borden of Seven Corners recommends you review your policy documents carefully so you know the covered reasons, as well as any exclusions. 

Only want to insure your airfare? Flight cancellation insurance

Although often used interchangeably, there is a difference between trip protection and travel insurance . 

Trip protection typically covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you have to cancel, delay or interrupt your trip. It can also include financial protection for your belongings if your luggage is lost, delayed, damaged or destroyed by a common carrier such as the airline. 

Travel insurance provides more comprehensive coverage, including travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation . These benefits are especially important if you will be traveling outside of the country where your domestic health insurance may not cover you.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan will offer some degree of coverage for the major expenses related to your trip — from the time you book your travel to the time you return home, and all days in between — as long as the appropriate premium is paid for the covered trip costs, said Scott Adamski, a spokesperson with AIG Travel.

In all cases, Adamski cautions it’s important to read your travel insurance plan carefully to learn about any exclusions or limitations that might apply to your trip.

Trip cancellation is the most common reason for a claim among AIG Travel customers, according to Adamski of AIG Travel. 

Learn more: Trip cancellation insurance

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

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

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

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

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Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

When it comes to planning a trip , it can be difficult — and expensive — to prepare for the many surprises that could arise. Travel insurance can be a great way to protect yourself.

The idea behind travel insurance is it gives travelers a way to get their money back in the event their plans are canceled or interrupted. But when do you need it and what does it include?

Thinking About Buying Travel Insurance? Read This

This article covers the basics of travel insurance: when to buy it, where to buy it and how to make sure it covers your particular needs. In my research, I got some expert advice from money expert Clark Howard . I also talked to a representative from InsureMyTrip , a travel insurance comparison site, to find out about “cancel for any reason” policies.

Clark once owned his own travel agency, and he thinks nearly everyone should consider buying travel insurance.

“I never like for people to buy narrow insurance; that’s why I advise people not to buy  appliance warranties . Trip insurance is an exception — and the reason why is because trips can be incredibly expensive and fully non-refundable.”

Let’s get into some questions and answers about travel insurance.

Quick Links

• What Is Travel Insurance?
• When Do You Need Travel Insurance?
• What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
• Where Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
• When Do You Need a Cancel for Any Reason Policy?
• Do You Also Need Travel Medical Insurance?

1. What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance provides a full or partial refund in the case of illness or death of a member of the traveling party or close relative.

It can also provide coverage if a cruise, tour operator or airline defaults and in several other cases, depending on the policy.

In general, insurance will cover only what is explicitly expressed in the policy. Many policies exclude pandemics and epidemics, so you need to do your research carefully.

2. When Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Clark thinks you should consider travel insurance a conditional expense: You don’t need it for all types of travel.

But he says you do need it if you’re:

• Taking a cruise
• Booking special tours as part of your trip
• Traveling on an itinerary that requires prepayment of thousands of dollars

“If you book a tour or you book a cruise — those two in particular — if you’re going to lose all your money regardless of why you can’t come, then you need to get insurance,” Clark says.

Clark says you probably don’t need travel insurance when:

• Your trip consists of flights and hotel stays that are fully refundable.
• The cost of making changes to your itinerary is less than it would cost to re-book your trip.

3. What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

The website CoverTrip lays out some of the most common things covered by travel insurance, including:

• Injury or illness of policyholder, travel companion, family member or business partner
• Hurricane or natural disaster
• Bankruptcy or financial default of travel company
• Death or hospitalization of the destination host
• Jury duty, a required court appearance, or military redeployment
• Victim of felonious assault prior to trip
• Traffic accident prior to trip
• Theft of passport or visa prior to trip
• Legal separation or divorce
• Loss of accommodations abroad due to an illness or death of host family or friends
• Trip cancellation coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Travel assistance benefits
• Coverage for medical expenses

Lori Silverman from Team Clark’s Consumer Action Center says they receive multiple calls about issues with insurance claims. She emphasizes that there is a wide range of types of travel policies and coverage, so be sure to check the fine print of any policy you are considering before you buy.

4. How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance policies generally cost anywhere between 4-10% of the price of the total trip.

For example, if you are booking a trip that costs a total of $2,000, you can expect to pay around $80-$200 for a travel insurance policy.

But this is important: Never purchase the travel protection plan from the trip organizer or online travel agent .

“Never, never, not ever, buy the travel insurance offered by an airline at its website, a cruise line at its website, a tour operator at its website,” Clark says.

They are designed to protect the company and not the consumer, Clark says. This includes travel booking sites such as Expedia and Travelocity .

5. Where Should You Get Travel Insurance?

If you’re not supposed to buy travel insurance coverage from the place where you book the trip, where do you go?

Clark recommends that you comparison shop for the best travel insurance that suits your needs at InsureMyTrip .

“The reason I like InsureMyTrip is because it’s like an aggregation service or comparison site, and you can see all the different choices available,” he says.

InsureMyTrip’s quote process also has a recommendation tool that guides travelers toward plans best equipped to protect against COVID-related travel issues.

When you visit InsureMyTrip, you’ll be asked for the following information:

• Destination country
• Dates of travel
• Traveler citizenship
• Traveler age and residence information
• Trip details (flights, hotels, accommodations, etc.)

The site will then recommend travel insurance plans for you and show you the cost, plan details and consumer ratings for each travel insurance company. You can read more about InsureMyTrip in our full review of the service .

You can compare the available plans and select the one that best suits your needs.

In addition, Clark says, “There are a number of travel credit cards that include travel insurance with them if you use them to buy the travel.”

Typically, coverage from these cards is less comprehensive than what you’ll find in plans from InsureMyTrip , so make sure you’re comfortable with that before you decide to rely solely on coverage provided by your credit card.

6. When Do You Need a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ Policy?

A “ cancel for any reason policy ” (CFAR) allows you to cancel your travel plans for any reason and still get some of your money back.

Clark says this option is typically considered an upgrade to standard travel insurance coverage, so it costs a little more. However, you should know that it won’t usually cover the full cost of your trip.

“If required conditions are met, CFAR may provide 50%-75% reimbursement of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel at least 48 hours before a trip departs,” Meghan Kayata, InsureMyTrip communications specialist, tells Team Clark.

Here are some key things to know about a cancel for any reason policy:

Cancel for Any Reason Is a Time-Specific Benefit

A CFAR policy is typically available only in the first 10-21 days after you make your first payment on your travel arrangements. “Providers often require the entire dollar amount of the trip is insured,” says Meghan.

CFAR is Not Standalone Coverage

CFAR works in tandem with your travel insurance and is not a standalone insurance policy. It must be purchased as supplemental coverage.

CFAR Will Add To Your Travel Costs

“Adding Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage to a travel insurance policy may increase the base cost of the plan by about 50%, on average. However, some plans may offer the CFAR option for less, while others may charge more,” says Meghan.

Check With Your Airline, Tour Operator or Cruise Line Before You Buy

“While COVID-19 hasn’t been a big news story recently, contracting the virus is still possible and it could derail a trip,” says Meghan. “The good news is most travel insurance providers are still covering COVID-19 like any other illness that may lead to the cancellation or interruption of a trip.”

“However, it’s important to read through a policy before purchasing it, because some providers may exclude pandemics and may not provide coverage related to COVID-19,” she says.

Clark.com Travel Editor Clara Bosonetto also recommends calling the issuer of the credit card on which you booked your travel to see if it offers any refund options.

7. Do You Also Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Most travel insurance policies include some form of medical insurance and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. But it’s important to read the fine print to see that coverage alone will be sufficient if you have a medical emergency on your trip.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says , “The total cost of medevac varies by location, ranging from $25,000 for transport within North America to ?$250,000 for more distant and remote locations.”

 If you’re traveling to a resource-poor country, you might consider this kind of policy as a hedge against the possibility of a huge medical bill if you need to be taken somewhere that has better medical facilities.

Final Thought

Travel insurance generally reimburses you if your trip is interrupted or canceled for a variety of reasons typically considered to be outside of your control.

Clara points out that standard travel insurance probably won’t cover you if you want to cancel because of a travel advisory or just because you’re afraid to travel.

“Additionally, the uncertainty of a medical outbreak is not a claim covered by policies,” she says. “And some policies specifically exclude pandemics.”

Given these realities, the bottom line with travel insurance is that you really need to do your homework. That means taking time to go over different policies to find one that fits your needs and reading the fine print so you know what’s included.

Here are the two key steps you should take before purchasing travel insurance:

• Check with your trip provider to find out about its refund/rebooking policies related to COVID-19.
• Even if you shop for a travel policy online, talk with an insurance representative by phone to get your specific questions answered.
• Consider buying CFAR coverage, which will increase the cost of your trip but give you some peace of mind.

Planning for a trip overseas? Read our guide on travel medical insurance .

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Travel Insurance Guide For Pre-Existing Condition Medical Coverage (2024)

Planning to travel but have a pre-existing condition? Get travel medical coverage with a top provider below.

in under 2 minutes

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can add stress to the trip-planning process, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition that affects your daily life or have symptoms that can influence your plans. While most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical expenses and evacuation coverage, you may be able to obtain coverage with a pre-existing conditions waiver.

A pre-existing conditions waiver extends your travel medical insurance to include conditions and illnesses present when you enrolled in coverage. This type of coverage is a bit more expensive but can provide you with peace of mind when traveling. Read on to learn more about pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance and which top providers offer coverage.

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What Is a Pre-Existing Condition for Travel Insurance?

Although each travel insurance company has its own definition, a pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition you have before leaving for a trip. Your malady may not have to be formally diagnosed to qualify as pre-existing. You may have a pre-existing condition if you’ve sought treatment, had symptoms or taken medication within a few months before your trip for an injury, illness or medical situation.

For example, say you see your doctor for an annual physical two months before your trip to Spain . At your appointment, the doctor checks your blood pressure and diagnoses you with hypertension. Your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure. Most travel medical insurance companies consider high blood pressure a pre-existing condition.

Other common pre-existing conditions include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic illnesses, such as lupus

Medical travel insurance can be an important protection if you or a loved one plan to travel with one of these conditions — or some other pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing condition could put you at higher risk of other medical issues. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you’re likely at higher risk of contracting diseases while traveling.

How To Get a Waiver for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to purchase travel insurance shortly after making your initial trip payment. Based on our quote collection process, we found that you usually need to be within 10 to 21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. If you buy your travel insurance after this point, you usually will not qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Depending on the insurance provider, you may need to meet additional conditions beyond your purchase date for pre-existing medical conditions coverage. Additional stipulations you may need to meet include:

• Trip coverage: In most cases, you’ll need to insure 100% of your trip cost and add medical coverage to your policy to receive a pre-existing condition waiver. This means that policies that offer pre-existing conditions waivers are usually more expensive. However, these policies also include more extensive coverage, which can be helpful in the event of an emergency.
• Health status: While most travel insurance companies do not require you to undergo a medical exam before buying coverage like with life insurance, your health condition can still play a role in your ability to qualify for a waiver. You might need to answer a health questionnaire before purchasing coverage, or you may need to list any medical diagnoses within the previous 60 to 90 days. If you have a major medical condition with active symptoms, like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, you may be denied coverage.

If you qualify for coverage, your insurance provider will include the waiver with your coverage at no additional cost. Be sure to review the details of your coverage after you’re approved so you fully understand the terms and conditions.

How To Qualify for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver

To qualify to get a pre-existing conditions waiver, you’ll need to meet a few conditions related to the policy-buying process and determine the right coverage for your health.

You cannot purchase travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions at any time — most policy providers require you to be within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify. For this reason, we suggest you consider travel insurance as you’re comparing other travel bookings like hotels, airfare and event tickets. This will allow you to purchase insurance shortly after booking, giving you access to more policies with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Choose the Right Plan

Next, compare the coverages included with each policy offered by your preferred travel insurance provider and identify those that include pre-existing conditions waivers. Most travel insurance companies limit waivers to policies with more inclusive coverage terms and 100% cancellation insurance. If a provider does not offer pre-existing conditions coverage, request quotes from a different company.

Review Coverage Limitations

If you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, your insurance provider will include it under your coverage terms. Review your coverage and any excluded conditions. Contact a representative from the insurance company if you have questions about coverages and limitations.

Documentation Needed for a Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver

Depending on your coverage provider, you may need to submit a letter from your doctor confirming you’re medically fit to travel. This is especially true if you need coverage for a chronic condition under control by medication or if you’ve recently had corrective surgery. Documentation requirements vary by provider, so be sure to review your specific coverage terms to learn more.

Travel Insurance Companies That Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Not every travel insurance provider offers pre-existing conditions waivers and those that do have varying policies regarding the timeline for enrollment in order to qualify. The following are a few of our recommended travel insurance providers covering pre-existing conditions and how you can qualify for coverage.

• Nationwide: Nationwide offers customers an option to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage across multiple plans. While many insurance providers limit pre-existing conditions waivers to only the most expensive policy, Nationwide allows you to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage 10 days from your initial purchase with the Essential Policy. You may also qualify up to 21 days after your initial trip payment with the Prime Plan. Read our full review of Nationwide travel insurance .
• Trawick: Trawick offers six unique policies with the option to include coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is more than most other providers. This range of options can make Trawick a strong choice for customers looking to customize their coverage. You must add coverage no more than 14 to 21 days after your initial trip payment, depending on your selected plan. Read our full review of Trawick travel insurance. 
• Seven Corners: To qualify for pre-existing coverage with Seven Corners, you’ll need to opt for the Trip Protection Choice, which includes benefits like 150% trip interruption coverage and up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits. You must buy this coverage no less than 20 days after your initial trip payment. Read our full review of Seven Corners travel insurance .
• Generali Travel Insurance: While Generali does not offer the longest purchase period for pre-existing conditions, travelers looking for concierge-level benefits may want to consider the company. To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must be within 24 hours of your initial trip payment, which means most shoppers will need to consider insurance as they’re actively planning a vacation to qualify. Read our full review of Generali travel insurance .

Types of Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

There are four main types of travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation
• Baggage coverage
• Medical travel insurance
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that helps cover nonrefundable costs if your trip gets canceled due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event. For example, a trip cancellation policy might cover nonrefundable costs if you find out right before your trip you’ve been summoned for jury duty. Or, say you have to cancel a trip due to an unexpected storm that interrupts your flight. Travel insurance will reimburse you for the flight and any corresponding lodging costs.

Trip cancellation insurance usually does not cover changes in pre-existing medical conditions. If your arthritic knees cause pain that makes you cancel your trip two weeks out, the insurance company may deny your claim. However, you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver to use for trip cancellation coverage.

Baggage Coverage

Baggage insurance generally covers the loss, theft, delay, or damage to baggage and personal belongings while traveling. For instance, your luggage is stolen from your hotel room while you’re at dinner. Depending on your policy, your baggage insurance could help pay to replace necessary items, like clothing and shoes. Other policies will ensure the full value of items in your bags, with certain restrictions.

Baggage insurance can offer peace of mind that you can replace your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. Pre-existing conditions don’t affect baggage insurance coverage.

Medical Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance is one of the most common types of travel insurance. A medical travel policy helps pay for emergency medical care when traveling. Say you fall ill with a fever and need to go to the emergency room while abroad. Your medical travel insurance generally covers the cost of treatment up to your plan’s limits.

If you’re considering travel health insurance plans and have a pre-existing condition, you’ll want to carefully read the fine print of your policy. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a pre-existing conditions waiver before traveling. Without a waiver, your policy may not cover medical expenses you incur while traveling.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) Coverage

With a few exceptions, CFAR travel insurance lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses outside the reasons listed in your policy. Common reasons to use a CFAR policy include a family member getting sick, fear of illness at your destination or your new passport doesn’t arrive in time to travel. Unlike regular trip cancellation or medical travel insurance, CFAR coverage does not require a pre-existing conditions waiver for coverage. That means if your chronic condition flares up before your trip and you decide to cancel within the effective date of coverage, you could get a partial refund (typically between 50%-75%) of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

Although CFAR coverage is a good way to secure pre-existing medical insurance for travel cancellation or interruption, it’s not usually offered as a stand-alone policy. You typically have to add CFAR coverage to your standard travel insurance policy for an extra cost.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Cost?

Generally, adding pre-existing conditions coverage will not increase your policy cost if you qualify for a waiver. Based on our research, a travel insurance policy costs between $160 to $300 , depending on your chosen coverage and provider. In our review, we found that the average couple will pay about $221 for a travel insurance policy from one of our recommended travel insurance providers.

How To File a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Claim

If you have to file a travel insurance claim for a pre-existing condition that your policy covers, you can improve your chances for reimbursement with strong documentation. Whether you must cancel your trip at the last minute or you need coverage for an emergency room visit while on vacation, the process of filing a travel insurance claim is generally the same. The claims process typically looks like this:

• File your claims form, which will commonly ask for your name, policy number, the reason for the claim and other important details.
• Submit your claims form with all necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, flight delay or baggage notices, police reports, and any other related documents.
• Your travel insurance company reviews your claim and supporting documentation. The insurance company may request more details or documents supporting your claim.
• If the company approves your claim, you’ll receive reimbursement, up to your policy limits.

The claims process is straightforward, but missing documents or lack of evidence could lead to the insurer denying your claim. Having the right documentation is more important if you’re filing a medical claim and have a pre-existing condition. The insurance company will want to confirm you have a pre-existing condition waiver on file before approving a claim. The company likely will ask for specific written documentation relating to your claim from a doctor.

For example, say you have a respiratory disorder managed by daily medication and receive a pre-existing condition waiver for a trip. While traveling, you get into an accident requiring emergency medical care. When you file a claim for medical travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure you have the right documents, including:

• Proof of your trip and insurance
• Written documentation from your attending physician
• Copies of your medical file and bill from the emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Yes, you can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. The key to getting travel insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition is to apply for a pre-existing conditions waiver or exclusion waiver. This waiver includes notice from your doctor that you’re fit to travel and prevents the travel insurance company from using your pre-existing condition to exclude you from coverage.

What is a waiver of lookback in travel insurance?

A waiver of lookback is another name for a pre-existing conditions waiver for travel insurance. The lookback period of a travel insurance policy refers to the time before the trip in which the insurance company might look back at your medical history if you file a claim.

For example, say you have an unexpected medical condition that forces you to cancel your trip. You file a claim for trip cancellation insurance and your insurance company can review your past medical records (usually up to 60 to 180 days, depending on the policy). If the company finds a record of your pre-existing condition, such as a doctor’s visit to change medications, it could deny your claim. A waiver of lookback prevents the insurance company from doing this.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

Every travel insurance company defines pre-existing conditions differently, but there are a few common factors. A pre-existing condition for travel insurance usually refers to any medical condition, illness or injury that you have before your trip. You may not have to be diagnosed for the condition for it to be considered pre-existing. But if you seek treatment for a condition, take medications or suffer symptoms, then it’s usually considered pre-existing.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

Pre-existing conditions are any injury, illness, or medical condition that existed before you sought insurance. A chronic condition is different. Chronic conditions are ongoing health conditions or illnesses that are long-term. Doctors manage chronic conditions with medication or regular treatments, but these conditions aren’t curable. For travel insurance, almost all chronic conditions are considered pre-existing conditions.

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Does Travel Insurance Cover the Flu or Other Illness?

• How trip insurance covers sickness

• Trip Cancellation and illness

• Dealing with the flu on vacation

Every winter brings with it flu (influenza virus) and related illnesses, but recent winters have been especially severe in that regard. As a result, it’s made many travelers wonder if travel insurance will cover them if they cancel their trip because of the flu.

One in six U.S. adults  have been forced to cancel, interrupt, or delay their travel plans, and medical conditions are often the cause. But, a travel insurance plan can help you in this situation.

Read on to learn more about all the ways travel insurance might help with sickness and tips for traveling with the flu.

Also read:  Buying Travel Insurance in a Post-Pandemic World

How does travel insurance cover sicknesses like the flu?

Where the flu really comes into play for travelers – and travel insurance – is if they get sick.

Flu season can have serious consequences for a trip. For instance, just before you expect to leave on a vacation, you or someone in your family gets too sick to travel. You could be out of luck if you have non-refundable airline tickets, hotel reservations or other prepaid trip costs and can’t get a refund. 

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness?

Travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage will cover you if you, a traveling companion or family member come down with an illness before your trip and an in-person visit to a doctor certifies that you’re too sick to travel. You can also be covered if a non-traveling family member is hospitalized due to an illness and you are unable to make the trip.

If you or a family member come down with a severe case of the flu, or if there’s an underlying health condition that can exacerbate or prolong flu symptoms, it’s possible to get sick enough from the flu to have to cancel a trip.

Regardless, if you feel too sick to travel it’s important to have your opinion confirmed and your diagnosis documented by a doctor. Medical documentation will be required if you’re looking to be reimbursed for your non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip.

Also read: What to Know About Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance

How else does travel insurance cover sickness?

Generali travel insurance  with Medical coverage can help pay for medical treatment if you get sick with the flu or another illness on your trip. Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages, included with all of our plans, can also help out if you get sick on vacation.

Trip Interruption coverage can reimburse you for the prepaid cost of trip arrangements that you miss out on while you’re sick (accommodations, tours, flights event tickets and more).

Travel Delay coverage can provide reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as hotel accommodations, meals and transportation if you are unexpectedly delayed during your trip for a specified amount of time.

Also read:  Why You Might Need to Buy Medical Coverage Before You Travel

A rough season for viruses

The flu is a serious concern for travelers that recurs every year. Consider these flu-related stats from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention :

• On average, 9 to 45 million Americans get the flu each year
• 140,000 to 810,000 are hospitalized for the flu each year
• 12,000 to 61,000 die from the flu each year

The CDC recommends vaccination as the best way of preventing flu and its complications. If you have the flu, the CDC notes that antiviral medications like Tamiflu can help lessen the severity of your illness. More than 99% of the flu viruses tested this season are susceptible to either Tamiflu or its related antiviral medications.

Also read:  10 Tips for Traveling With Medication

How to deal with the flu when you’re traveling

The very best way to deal with the flu when you’re traveling is to not get sick at all.

The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. If you haven’t had a shot, and you plan to be traveling to a part of the world with ongoing flu activity, you really need to get vaccinated – especially if  you’re at high risk of flu-related complications .

Also read:  Need to Go to the Hospital on a Trip Abroad? Here's What to Do

It’s important to be vaccinated at least two weeks before travel, so your body can develop the appropriate antibodies.

It’s also possible that the flu can be widespread in a country after it’s passed in the U.S. Most flu vaccines used in the U.S. expire in June, and aren’t generally available until the next season’s vaccine is produced and made available in the fall.

If you’re not sure of the flu situation where you’re traveling, the CDC frequently updates its page on  seasonal flu activity throughout the world .

Despite all your best efforts, you still may wind up with the flu when you’re on the road. If that’s the case, try the following flu travel tips to lessen its severity:

• See a doctor and get a dose of antiviral medication – the sooner the better.
• Stay hydrated. Steady fluid intake is vital to speeding recovery.
• Get your rest.
• Dip into your honey stash. Honey straws are one of the stealth health items to pack in your purse or backpack when you travel. Honey’s antibacterial properties can help make some infections less severe – and honey feels so good when you’re sick.

Also read:  How To Stay Healthy and Avoid Getting Sick Before a Vacation

Getting sick while your traveling is no fun, but traveling with the flu can quickly escalate from the no-fun stage to something far more serious. It’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible and it’s recommended to  buy travel insurance  ahead of time to help protect your vacation investment.

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WHAT’S COVERED, COSTS, AND TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR NEEDS

March 28, 2024 | 3 min read.

Travel insurance can be an overwhelming expense to consider atop an already costly vacation. Admittedly, even as a seasoned travel industry professional with three decades of globe-trotting under my belt, I have a moment of pause each time I’m confronted with this. Ultimately, I almost always purchase some travel insurance coverage, especially when it’s a complex international trip. It’s primarily motivated by my aging parents—heaven forbid anything should happen to them—and wanting a safety net to return home at a moment’s notice without incurring massive out-of-pocket costs. This parental paranoia is just a small piece of the greater solace that travel insurance can provide, says AAA Tour Product Manager Randy Osborne. “Everyone can benefit from travel insurance,” he says. “The unexpected happens. It can provide peace of mind and reduce stress during a traumatic situation, as well as a contact to call when traveling abroad.” Osborne has seen it all. He works directly with AAA Travel Advisors and AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider, Allianz . It’s a vantage point that continually provides him with real-life cautionary travel tales. “I’ve never heard of anyone who needed and used travel insurance regretting having purchased it,” Osborne says. He says the biggest mistake people make is this: “Not getting it at all.” Here are some key things to keep in mind when navigating travel insurance   

IT’S A FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR YOUR VACATION INVESTMENT There is no “one-size-fits-all” travel insurance plan, says Osborne, since available plans will be based on the trip cost, vacation destination(s) and age of the traveler(s). Most comprehensive travel insurance plans, however, will include varying degrees of coverage for the following:

• Trip Cancellation: This is a predeparture benefit that provides the ability to recoup travel costs if you cannot travel. It’s typically limited to specific reasons covered in the plan. Osborne advises understanding what these covered reasons are upfront when reviewing plan options.
• Trip Interruption: This helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons typically include an illness or injury during the trip, or a family emergency at home—which, as mentioned earlier, has always been this author’s primary motivator to purchase travel insurance.
• Travel Delays: This helps to cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. Osborne advises understanding what constitutes a “travel delay” within the travel insurance plans you are considering.
• Medical Expenses: This helps to cover unforeseen medical expenses while traveling to destinations where your U.S.-based health insurance may not work. “Frequently, the biggest covered amounts are for medical,” Osborne says.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage: This typically helps to cover the cost of transportation (plus related medical services and supplies) to a medical facility if you’re seriously injured or ill. The best plans will provide up to $1 million per person for medical evacuation. This can seem high, but evacuation costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you’re traveling to a remote destination.
• Baggage Loss or Delays: This helps to recoup costs for lost luggage, as well as damaged or stolen baggage while you are on your trip.

COMPARE PLANS

In some cases, such as when booking a cruise or a guided group tour vacation, the travel provider may require you to purchase a certain level of travel insurance before you can join the excursion. In these situations, representatives often have options that allow you to bundle travel insurance into the cost of the vacation at the time of booking. Even if this is the case, however, Osborne says it pays to shop around and compare travel insurance plans to see if there is a policy that better suits your needs.   

Most travel insurance companies, including Allianz Insurance, have easy-to-use websites that highlight several levels of travel insurance for your trip. These quotes can be used as baselines for building upon or removing elements. Gather a few online quotes, then speak over the phone with a representative to customize.    

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Allow a AAA Travel Advisor to guide you through the process and identify a travel insurance policy that works for your needs, risk tolerance, and budget. The best part: This service is free.

PURCHASE EARLY FOR THE MOST BENEFITS

You’ll get the best and most comprehensive coverage if you purchase travel insurance within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit. (That clock starts ticking once you put a down payment on any part of the vacation.) The biggest benefits include:  

• Trip Cancellation: The earlier you buy travel insurance, the sooner you are protected—even before you step on that plane, train, or cruise ship. “Often I get calls from travelers who didn’t expect to need insurance and then have a [medical] diagnosis before travel that prevents them from going,” Osborne says.
• Better Trip Cancellation Coverage Options: Many travel insurance companies offer more covered reasons for trip cancellation if you purchase it within 14 days of making an initial trip deposit.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, most travel insurance will not cover medical situations due to this condition that arise during your travels— that is, unless you purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit.

ASSESS MEDICAL COVERAGE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans won’t offer medical coverage on non-U.S. soil. Even if you have outstanding health insurance, it may not be very helpful during an international vacation where unexpected medical and health issues arise. This is certainly the case if you’re traveling to more remote areas with limited medical facilities or your vacation includes high-risk excursions and activities. Osborne says it’s important to understand whether travel insurance you’re considering offer primary or secondary medical coverage, and to assess which is best for you.   

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic health problems, medical coverage is an especially critical piece of the policy to scrutinize, Osborne says. He recommends consulting a travel insurance specialist so that you are covered accordingly.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NOT COVERED IN THE POLICY It’s easy to focus on what’s included when comparing trip insurance plans. Osborne recommends paying close attention to what is excluded from coverage, too.

Case and point: I recently read about a couple who booked a return flight home after their original flight had been cancelled. When the couple filed a claim with their insurance provider to recoup this cost of this new flight, they learned that this specific scenario was not covered under the policy. (The flight was cancelled due to crew not arriving on time, and the airline was able to rebook the couple on a less-desirable flight home, which the couple declined.)

Clearly understanding the exclusions—and this could be achieved with a simple phone call to the insurance provider’s customer service—could have prevented this financial oops. BE

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CAREFUL RELYING ON CREDIT CARD TRAVEL INSURANCE Just as you should not rely on your U.S.-based health insurance to cover you while traveling internationally, it’s wise to not make assumptions about a credit card that offers travel insurance as one of its perks. Osborne advises reviewing the credit card’s travel insurance coverage amount; the medical coverage policy; whether all trip purchases need to be made with that credit card; and if approved claims results in a cash refund or a travel credit.  

   EPIDEMIC AND PANDEMIC COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE The events of 2020 turned travel on its head, and also impacted the travel insurance industry. As a result, travel insurance companies evolved and most now offer epidemic and pandemic coverage options. “Having coverage for quarantine is at the forefront of people’s minds now,” says Osborne, pointing to the out-of-pocket costs that came with many travelers having to quarantine in a vacation destination when Covid-19 was at a peak.    BUDGET FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE The average cost of travel insurance is 5% – 6% of your trip costs, according to Forbes Advisors’ analysis of travel insurance rates. If you’re planning an international, bucket-list vacation—and want to protect your investment in the unfortunate event that things go sideways—it’s wise to keep this cost in mind when creating your trip budget. “As much as we don’t want to think about the unexpected, things happen and having the coverage you need when you need it can be a huge benefit,” says Osborne. “If you need it, you will never regret having it.

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Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: Stay Safe and Protected

Jessica Merritt

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International Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage

What covid-19 travel insurance covers, covid-19 travel insurance costs, tips for choosing covid-19 travel insurance, how to make a claim for covid-19 travel insurance, travel insurance companies offering covid-19 coverage, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

‌COVID-19 continues to add a layer of uncertainty to travel, especially international journeys. Travelers may be unsure how to travel protected from COVID-19 and navigate international vaccine, testing, and quarantine requirements.

While most countries have dropped COVID-19 entry requirements, there’s still a threat COVID-19 could interfere with your travel. You may have to cancel or delay your trip if you develop COVID-19 before departure. 

And if you pick up COVID-19 while traveling, your travel may be interrupted by quarantine, and you may need medical treatment. Severe COVID-19 symptoms may necessitate emergency medical evacuation, particularly when visiting a destination with limited medical care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages travelers to consider travel insurance in case they need medical care abroad. ¹ Other precautions you can take include getting up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, such as on public transportation or in transportation hubs such as airports.

Even if you’re cautious about COVID-19 while traveling, COVID-19 could still interfere with your journey . That’s where travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage comes in.

Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage

COVID-19 travel insurance coverage can offer a safety net for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering financial protection and assistance if COVID-19-related issues impact your trip. These include trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, or quarantining.

Your travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage can include coverage for trip cancellations if you contract COVID-19 before your departure date or during your trip. Some plans also offer trip interruption coverage if you have to quarantine on your trip.

The medical coverage offered by your COVID-19 travel insurance policy can cover treatment if you need medical attention due to COVID-19 on your trip. That means you don’t have to worry about steep medical expenses for necessary medical care if you become sick with COVID-19 on your travels. And your coverage may offer medical emergency evacuation if your COVID-19 illness becomes critical.

Traveling internationally adds another layer of complexity to COVID-19 coverage. Countries may have COVID-19 mitigation measures such as testing upon arrival, quarantine periods, and vaccine requirements. Most countries have dropped these requirements, particularly for fully vaccinated travelers, but travel rules can change at any time — and travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can help you manage COVID-19 requirements, particularly quarantines.

Some countries require valid travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage to qualify for a visa.

And if you contract COVID-19 while traveling, having travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can be a lifeline with major financial savings, particularly if your destination has limited medical care.

Learn why you need medical insurance to cover medical emergencies and access quality healthcare when traveling abroad.

COVID-19 travel insurance often covers testing, quarantine, emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation and interruption — you can also usually add on Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Let’s explore the details of these COVID-19 travel insurance coverages:

• Emergency Medical Coverage: Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage usually covers emergency medical treatment if you contract COVID-19 during your trip. 
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Your travel insurance may provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation to a suitable medical facility if adequate COVID-19 care is unavailable at your destination.
• COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 travel insurance may cover the cost of testing for COVID-19, whether you’re testing pre-trip or on your travels.
• COVID-19 Quarantine: If you contract COVID-19 before or during your trip, you may need to quarantine. Travel insurance covering COVID-19 quarantine can reimburse you for additional accommodation and other necessary costs.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage may cover trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19-related reasons such as contracting the virus before departure or during the trip, travel advisories, or government-imposed restrictions.
• Cancel for Any Reason: With supplemental CFAR coverage, you can cancel your trip for any reason and receive a partial refund of your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses. For example, you could cancel your trip if you have concerns about contracting COVID-19 at your destination during an outbreak.

Expect to pay between 1% to 10% of your trip cost for single-trip travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. For example, if your total trip cost is $3,000, you’ll pay about $30 to $300 for COVID-19 travel insurance. 

We got a quote via Squaremouth for a 25-year-old traveler visiting Ireland with a total trip cost of $2,500. Quotes offering full COVID-19 coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and medical evacuation, ranged from $44 to $169.40 .

The lowest-priced quote offers $50,000 in secondary medical insurance and a $250,000 medical evacuation benefit. It has up to $2,500 in trip cancellation coverage and $3,750 for trip interruptions. COVID-19 is covered for both cancellation and medical.

The highest-end COVID-19 travel insurance quote offers COVID-19 trip cancellation and medical coverage with up to $250,000 in secondary medical expense benefits and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The policy offers up to $2,500 for trip cancellation benefits and $3,125 for trip interruption.

Your actual cost of COVID-19 travel insurance depends on several factors, including your age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and the level of COVID-19 coverage .

Some credit card travel insurance covers COVID-19 medical expenses and cancellations or interruptions, but it depends on the card. Check your card’s guide to benefits to confirm whether your included travel insurance has you covered for COVID-19 or not.

An annual or multi-trip plan with COVID-19 coverage could be cost-effective if you plan to take several trips throughout the year. You’ll pay more for annual coverage — usually $300 to $1,000 or more — but that may be less than purchasing separate coverage for each trip you take.

As you consider which COVID-19 travel insurance to purchase, consider these factors to make sure you have comprehensive coverage for your needs:

• COVID-19 Coverage Details: Review your policy to understand what’s covered under COVID-19 and what’s not. While most COVID-19 travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation and interruption, not all cover medical expenses or emergency evacuations.
• Coverage Limits: Consider how much coverage the policy offers, especially for medical expenses and emergency evacuations, to ensure you’ll have enough coverage in an emergency.
• Preexisting Conditions: If you have any preexisting medical conditions, confirm these conditions are covered by your COVID-19 travel insurance.
• Policy Exclusions: Read the policy to understand exclusions and limitations, particularly those related to COVID-19.
• Customer Support: Confirm the insurance company offers reliable customer support and assistance services, particularly a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• Provider Reputation: Research the financial stability and reputation of the insurance provider, including customer reviews and how well they handle claims — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lost in COVID-19 travel insurance options? See our guide to buying the best travel insurance .

If you need to make a claim for your COVID-19 travel insurance, you’ll follow the insurer’s claim process. That generally includes contacting the insurer, submitting documentation, submitting your claim, and following up throughout the claims process. 

Learn more about the steps for making a COVID-19 travel insurance claim:

• Review Your Policy: Before you travel, review your COVID-19 travel insurance coverage to understand what’s covered, particularly benefits relevant to the pandemic.
• Contact Emergency Assistance: If you need medical treatment for COVID-19 during your trip, contact your insurance company’s 24/7 emergency helpline to get connected with medical treatment and guidance on how to proceed. 
• Gather Documentation: Before you make a claim, prepare all the documentation you’ll need to support it, including medical records, medical expense receipts, and cancellation or change fees.
• Submit Your Claim: Following the insurer’s claim submission process, contact the insurer to submit your claim. You may need to fill out claim forms and submit necessary documentation via email, an online portal, or mail.
• Stay Updated: After you submit your claim, wait for a response and follow up as necessary with additional documentation or information. 
• Escalate if Necessary: Know your rights as a policyholder and what the insurance company is obligated to do for you. If you feel your claim is wrongfully denied, you can escalate your claim with the insurance company or get help from regulatory authorities, such as your state’s department of insurance.

These are some of the best COVID-19 travel insurance options:

• Allianz Global Assistance: A OneTrip Prime plan from Allianz Global Assistance offers epidemic coverage — including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical coverage for COVID-19 and future epidemics or pandemics.
• AXA Assistance USA: You can cover COVID-19 cancellations and medical expenses with an AXA Assistance USA Gold plan. There’s a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• battleface: battleface’s Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation but not COVID-19 medical expenses. You’ll get a $2,500 cancellation coverage benefit.
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: On the ExactCare Value plan, you’ll get a $25,000 medical benefit and a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit. Cancellations are covered up to $2,400, and interruptions up to $3,750.
• Generali Global Assistance: Generali Global Assistance’s Standard plan covers both COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, with cancellation expenses of up to $2,500 and medical of up to $50,000 with a $250,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• GoReady: GoReady’s Pandemic Plus plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses with a medical limit of $50,000 and emergency evacuation of up to $250,000.
• HTH Worldwide: You can get up to $2,500 in trip cancellation or $3,125 in interruption benefits from the Trip Protector Economy plan, with $75,000 in medical coverage (including COVID-19) and a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• IMG: IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Essential plan does not cover COVID-19 medical or medical evacuation expenses, but you can get $2,500 trip cancellation and $3,125 interruption benefits. IMG’s higher-tier plans cover medical expenses and medical evacuation, including COVID-19.
• John Hancock Insurance Agency: Bronze coverage with John Hancock Insurance Agency gets you up to $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,125 in interruption benefits. Medical expenses — including COVID-19 — are covered up to $50,000 and medical evacuation for up to $250,000.
• Nationwide : The Nationwide Essential plan offers medical expense coverage up to $75,000 and medical evacuation up to $250,000, including COVID-19 coverage. 
• Seven Corners: A Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses with up to $100,000 in medical expense benefits.
• TinLeg: On a TinLeg Economy plan, you can cover COVID-19 medical expenses up to $20,000 and medical evacuation up to $100,000. Trip cancellation or interruption expenses are covered up to $2,500.
• Trawick Explorer: Using a Trawick International Safe Travels Single Trip plan, you’re covered for COVID-19 medical expenses of up to $75,000 and medical evacuation of up to $350,000. This plan offers primary coverage, so you don’t have to make a claim with other applicable insurance first.
• USI Affinity: A USI Affinity Ruby plan offers primary coverage for up to $250,000 in medical expenses, including COVID-19. Medical evacuation coverage is up to $500,000, along with $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,750 in trip interruption coverage.
• WorldTrips: You’re covered for up to $1 million in medical evacuation, including COVID-19, with a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred plan. Medical expenses are covered up to $100,000; you’ll have $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,750 in interruption benefits.

Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t as risky as it used to be, but taking precautions is still wise. Even if you do your best to avoid COVID-19, it could still impact your travel. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can ensure you’re covered if you need to interrupt or cancel your trip due to the coronavirus. And it’s there to help if you need to quarantine or get medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover covid-19.

COVID-19 travel insurance coverage depends on the insurer and plan. Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses, trip cancellations, or interruptions. Other travel insurance plans may exclude COVID-19.

What travel insurance covers pandemics?

COVID-19 travel insurance covers the COVID-19 pandemic. Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for future pandemics, but specific coverage and limitations vary widely among insurance providers and plans. It’s a good idea to check your plan’s terms and conditions for specific coverage inclusions and exclusions.

Can you cancel travel insurance and get a refund?

In some cases, you can cancel travel insurance and get a refund, but you’ll need to meet the policy’s terms and conditions for doing so. For example, most insurance companies offer a full refund if you cancel the policy within a certain period after purchase, and your refund amount goes down from there.

What does secondary coverage mean for travel insurance?

When you have secondary coverage on travel insurance, your insurance policy will only provide benefits after your primary insurance policies, such as health insurance or homeowners insurance, have been exhausted.

Is it worth having primary and secondary insurance?

Having both primary and secondary travel insurance can be helpful if you’re concerned your primary insurance has insufficient coverage. Secondary insurance can provide additional coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Domestic Travel Insurance: What Does It Cover?

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

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

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance add-ons and benefits for domestic trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does travel insurance cover domestic flights?

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

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

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

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Travel Medical Insurance: Emergency Coverage While You Travel Internationally

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Table of Contents

What is travel health insurance?

Travel insurance vs. travel medical insurance, what does travel medical insurance cover, different types of travel medical insurance plans, how to purchase travel medical insurance, who needs travel health insurance, how much does travel medical insurance cost, how do i use my travel health insurance, what you need to know about limits, exclusions and deductibles, long-term travel medical insurance options for expats.

Travel medical insurance provides protection against unexpected illnesses or injuries during travel abroad.

Premium travel credit cards may offer limited coverage, making stand-alone travel medical insurance necessary.

In case of a medical emergency, contact the insurer, pay expenses and file a reimbursement claim.

Primary vs. secondary coverage: Primary allows direct claims, secondary requires filing with primary first.

If you’re looking for a policy that protects you in the event of an unexpected illness or injury while traveling abroad, then you need to learn about stand-alone travel medical insurance. This type of insurance can be provided by the benefits of certain premium travel credit cards , but the coverages can be both limiting and low in value.

Emergency medical coverage is included within some comprehensive travel insurance policies but can also be purchased on its own. Even if you have a primary U.S. insurance plan, including Medicaid or Medicare, odds are it will help very little (or often not at all) while out of the country.

Checking all the different sources of information can get confusing, and it's easy to misunderstand what type of medical insurance you have when traveling or accidentally duplicate your coverage by purchasing a policy when you already have those benefits covered from another source. Here’s everything you need to know about travel medical insurance so you can choose the best option for your trip.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Travel medical insurance provides reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuations, while you’re traveling. These policies do not provide coverage for routine expenses.

So, if you break your leg while you're on vacation internationally, emergency medical coverage will protect you. However, if you decide to get a teeth cleaning while you’re abroad, you will not be covered. Travel medical insurance is meant to protect you in case of emergency.

Expats, frequent business travelers or individuals who spend significant periods of time living outside the U.S. can purchase a comprehensive travel health insurance policy meant for long-term travelers (more on this below). These policies offer routine medical coverage for those living abroad (generally for one year or longer) rather than vacationers. Long-term international travel health insurance policies should not be confused with travel medical insurance.

Travel medical insurance products and comprehensive policies may also include coverage for family members who are traveling with you, or coverage for a family member to visit you if you become hospitalized. The definition of "family" can vary, but it commonly includes your spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandparents and more. So if your travel companion gets sick or injured during the trip, trip cancellation benefits may kick in. Or if you get hospitalized in a foreign country, the insurer could pay for a flight and hotel accommodations for a designated family member to visit you.

Although natural disasters that impact your plans are usually covered, travel medical insurance policies often exclude pandemics from coverage or those countries that have a ‘Level 4 Do Not Travel’ advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State . If U.S. citizens travel to those countries, travel medical insurance services may not be available. It's important to check the fine print of your policy to determine what may or may not be covered.

» Learn more: Where can U.S. citizens travel right now?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will include more protections than stand-alone travel medical insurance.

Travel medical insurance plans will have protections related to emergency medical events, while comprehensive trip insurance policies cover everything from medical care to trip cancellations.

Here are how those differences generally shake out.

With travel medical insurance, there are no trip cancellation benefits, so the cost of the trip is irrelevant. This makes the policy cheaper compared to purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, where you’ll need to include the entire nonrefundable cost of your vacation when calculating your quote.

Although travel medical plans can include coverage for benefits like trip interruption, the covered amounts will usually be limited.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

You will be reimbursed for unplanned, emergency medical costs that you incur during your trip. We reviewed several travel medical insurance plans on InsureMyTrip and found that they offer the following protections:

Since we reviewed several policies in the chart above, these limits show a wide range.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses? Kinda.

Both the type of trip and type of coverage determine which travel medical policy makes the most sense. You’ll need to become familiar with four terms: primary coverage, secondary coverage, single trip and multi-trip.

Primary vs. secondary coverage

Travel medical insurance plans will refer to medical coverage as primary or secondary.

Primary means that you can submit a claim to your travel medical insurance company before submitting to any other insurer.

When the policy is secondary , you will need to submit your claim to your primary insurance provider before you can submit a claim to the travel insurance provider.

For example, say you break your leg on vacation and have to go to the emergency room right away. If your travel health insurance is primary, you can pay your medical bill with your credit card and then submit a claim directly to the travel insurer.

However, if your travel medical coverage is secondary, you will first have to submit this claim to your U.S.-based medical insurer even though they may deny the claim (because the policies limit coverage abroad). You may even be required to include the refusal notice from your primary insurance along with your claim to your secondary travel health insurer.

Single-trip vs. multi-trip

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or go on vacation only once a year, you can choose a policy that is tailored to your travel needs. You can purchase either single- or multi-trip coverage, and it's important to know the difference between the two types.

Single-trip coverage: You leave home, travel internationally and return home. You can visit as many countries as you like while traveling, but when you return home, the coverage ends. These plans are purchased for each trip, whether you’re gone for four days or four weeks.

Multi-trip coverage: You can leave, travel and return home as many times as you want during the covered period. You can, for example, leave home, travel to France for a week, return home for a month, travel to Panama for three weeks and return home. The coverage continues no matter how many times you return home as long as each trip does not exceed the allowable period (usually 30 to 90 days). These plans must be purchased on an annual basis, and they require you to have health insurance in the United States.

Multi-trip coverage makes sense (and is usually more cost effective) if you travel frequently and do not want to purchase a single policy each time you go on an international trip. However, if you do not have medical insurance in the U.S., you will not be covered under multi-trip plans.

Do I need to have primary health insurance in the U.S. to be eligible for travel medical insurance?

The answer to this question is: maybe. It depends on the type of coverage you have. If your single-trip plan refers to your medical coverage as primary, you don’t need another health insurance policy. However, if the coverage provided under your single-trip plan is secondary, then you must have primary health insurance.

As noted above, all multi-trip plans require that you have primary medical insurance coverage in the U.S.

» Learn more: What to do if you get sick while traveling overseas

You can search for medical travel policies on insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner), InsureMyTrip or Travel Guard . Policies differ by state, and availability may change during or after the pandemic, so verify that the state you reside in offers travel medical insurance in light of coronavirus.

You might already have some travel medical insurance from an existing credit card in your wallet. If your limits are sufficient for your risk tolerance, you might forego purchasing a separate travel medical insurance policy or plan.

Let's take a look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve® coverage, for example. It offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we've discussed above, in contrast, offer medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000.

So if you want a higher limit — even if you have a premium travel credit card with existing medical coverage — purchasing a complementary plan may make sense. This can be especially true if you are traveling in a country with expensive healthcare, will be traveling in remote or rural areas, or will be participating in higher-risk adventures.

If you plan on traveling and your existing medical insurance will not cover you in the country you are traveling to, buying a travel medical insurance plan could make sense. You could either purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or one that only provides medical coverage.

Purchasing a policy strictly for travel medical insurance is a good idea for those who want emergency coverage while traveling but:

Have a premium travel card that already provides trip cancellation and trip delay coverage the individual deems sufficient.

Do not need trip cancellation, trip delay or the other benefits provided by a comprehensive policy because the traveler will remain in one location for a while and is not worried about a canceled trip.

If you do not have a travel card with trip cancellation benefits and you also want emergency medical coverage, then you’re better off with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

The cost of the policy varies based on a number of factors including:

The country you’re going to.

The state you’re from.

Coverage provided.

We did a search on InsureMyTrip for a one-month trip to Italy in November 2024 for a 36-year-old, and found one policy that offered medical coverage.

While we only got one result for this search, $31.80 is around the typical price you're likely to see for basic medical travel insurance for a trip of this nature. This is because travel medical insurance does not include other travel insurance benefits.

If you encounter a medical emergency while traveling, contact your travel insurance provider about how to proceed.

You will likely need to pay for your medical expenses using your credit card and subsequently file a claim for reimbursement with the insurer.

Some coverage (e.g., emergency evacuation) may need to be arranged by your travel medical insurance provider to be eligible for reimbursement.

In all instances, it's best to contact your insurance provider before making any arrangements or paying any bills.

Similar to your regular health insurance, travel medical coverage also comes with limits, exclusions and deductibles.

Exclusions are specific events that are excluded from coverage. For example, some plans may exclude coverage for activities (e.g., skydiving) that are deemed risky. Check the policy to make sure that the activities you plan to partake in are not excluded.

Limits are monetary caps on coverage. For example, the policy may cover emergency dental treatment but only up to $500 worth. Anything over that maximum you would be responsible for paying.

A deductible is an amount you need to pay before your policy will reimburse. For example, if you have a policy with a $250 deductible and you submit claims for eligible expenses totaling $400, the insurer will reimburse you only $150. Policies can often be customized to increase or decrease the deductible. The screenshot below includes the same travel medical policy for a one-month trip to Costa Rica in June 2023 for a 30-year-old, with the option to change the deductible.

The lower the deductible, the more expensive the policy and vice versa.

Individuals who live or work abroad and spend a considerable portion of the year living outside the U.S. are eligible for a travel health insurance plan that provides coverage for routine medical care. These policies are different from travel medical insurance, which is meant to cover only emergencies.

Long-term international travel health insurance plans usually have higher limits than travel medical insurance policies and are available on a long-term basis only (one year or more).

The policies are only available for one year or longer and have high maximum limits of $1,000,000 to $8,000,000. The plans are customizable and allow you to receive worldwide medical treatment.

For the most part, your U.S.-based medical insurance provider will not cover your medical treatment when you’re abroad. If you want peace of mind while you’re on a trip away from your home country, a travel medical insurance plan is your best bet.

Anytime before your trip begins.

Generally, the emergency medical insurance coverage on credit cards offers fewer protections and lower limits than a stand-alone policy. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we looked at above offered medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000. If you want a higher limit, you may want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

It depends on the type of coverage you’re looking for. Generally, if you’re only concerned with emergency medical benefits and don’t need trip cancellation, trip delay, rental car coverage or any of the other benefits provided by a comprehensive travel insurance plan, a medical plan should be enough for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and your particular circumstances determine which policy is most suitable.

Yes. Travelers can purchase medical-only travel insurance coverage, and on the bright side, this type of plan is often more affordable than comprehensive policies. In 2023, travelers spent an average of $96 on medical-only travel insurance, versus over $400 on average for comprehensive plans, according to Squaremouth.

Generally, the emergency medical insurance coverage on credit cards offers fewer protections and lower limits than a stand-alone policy. For example, the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

offers emergency medical coverage up to $2,500 with a $50 deductible. The policies we looked at above offered medical coverage from $50,000 to $2,000,000. If you want a higher limit, you may want to purchase a travel medical insurance policy.

Final thoughts on international medical insurance plans

Travel health insurance can protect you if you experience an unexpected medical emergency during a trip. Although this is a topic no one wants to think about, it's important to know your options.

Depending on the coverage you’re looking for, you can either pick a stand-alone medical policy or get a comprehensive travel insurance one. Deciding what policy is best depends on your situation and any additional protections you may already have through your premium travel credit card.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

60,000 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℠.

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

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

Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

Travel insurance makes sense if you want to protect the money you’ve paid for a vacation. But it is another expense, and you’ve already laid out a lot of cash.

Several Types of Travel Insurance

1) canceled trips.

• sickness, injury, family member, or traveling companion
• hurricane damages destination
• laid off from work or required to work
• terrorist incident in destination city
• travel supplier bankruptcy
• called for jury duty

2) Medical Emergencies Abroad

Travel insurance covers accidents and emergency medical and dental care.

3) Delayed Flights and Lost Bags

4) additional coverages.

• life insurance
• rental car collision
• identity theft
• hazardous sports

Does Medicare Cover Travel Abroad?

• District of Columbia
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands

If you’re traveling through Canada without reasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state and an emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest one in the United States, Medicare should cover it.

How Much Is Typical Travel Insurance?

• travel destination
• coverage levels
• trip payments

Age is another factor. Younger travelers are less likely to file a sickness-related claim than older travelers because they don’t have pre-existing conditions.

The number of people under a travel insurance policy will affect the cost. But it’s less expensive than buying individual plans. For example, adding one person to an existing plan increased the premium cost by 8.3 percent. With some plans, children are free.

Some destinations are more expensive if they’re in a remote area. That’s because of the potential for medical emergencies.

Where to Buy Travel Insurance

• SquareMouth
• General Global Assistance

Travel Insurance Doesn’t Cover Everything

Travel insurance also won’t cover a canceled trip for reasons within your control. If you oversleep and miss your flight, you’re on your own.

And if you leave valuables in your checked luggage, they probably won’t cover it.

But each carrier is different, so check your policy.

The most important reason to purchase travel insurance is medical if you’re going abroad. If you need to be treated or repatriated, that could bankrupt you without insurance.

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