What is travel insurance? 

• If something unexpected happens before or during a trip, you may have to cancel or return early. Travel insurance offers protection. It covers some or all travel-related costs, including flights, lodging, and medical emergencies, if your trip is canceled or interrupted.
• Each policy sets its own limits and lists specific situations it will or won't cover. Before you buy a policy, ask your insurance agent or company exactly what a policy covers. 
• Your state or territory’s insurance department can answer questions about travel insurance. 

Do I need travel insurance? 

• Some people buy travel insurance because if they had to cancel a trip, they wouldn’t be able to afford rebooking costs.
• Some people buy travel insurance if their health insurance doesn’t cover them outside of their home country. 
• Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and lost baggage coverage. Check your card’s policy and determine if what it offers is enough for you.
• Only you can decide if travel insurance is right for you.
• There are questions you can ask yourself when making a decision, like:
  • Are you willing to lose money if you must cancel your trip?
  • Are you willing to pay for rebooking, and if so, how much?
  • Is it likely that there will be severe weather?
  • Are you or a loved one dealing with a health issue?

How much does travel insurance cost?

• The price of travel insurance depends on what your policy includes.
• Policies usually cost 5% to 10% of the total trip price. 
• The cost depends on the season, where you’re going, your age, and other factors.

What does travel insurance cover? 

• There are several main types of travel insurance, each offering different coverage.  
• Each type of insurance has its coverage limitations and exclusions. 
• Be sure to ask your insurance agent or company about these before you buy a policy. 

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation, interruptions, and delays?

• Trip cancellation/interruption/delay coverage pays you back for prepaid trip costs if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a reason your policy covers, like: 
• You or a travel companion gets sick or injured, and a doctor says you're not well enough to travel.
• A family member who isn't traveling with you is hospitalized or passes away. 
• Severe weather or an issue with your airline, train, or cruise line disrupts your trip.
• A natural disaster hits your home or your destination. 
• Your flight is delayed, and you need to stay overnight at a hotel.
• You're legally required to serve on jury duty or testify in court. 

Does travel insurance cover medical care?

• Travel medical coverage pays for short-term medical care if you get sick or injured while traveling.
• Ask whether you need your insurer's approval before getting medical care, and whether pre-existing conditions are excluded. 
• Your policy may not include activities your insurer considers dangerous.

Does travel insurance cover emergency medical evacuation?

• Medical evacuation coverage pays for services like emergency flights or transport to the nearest hospital that can treat you, and later transport home if needed. (This type of coverage is useful if you're traveling to a rural area without easy access to medical facilities.)
• If someone passes away while traveling, repatriation coverage pays for the return of their remains. 

Does travel insurance cover accidental death and dismemberment?

• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage pays your beneficiaries if you pass away in an accident during your trip. 
• It also pays you directly if you lose a hand, foot, limb, or your eyesight in an accident.

Does travel insurance cover baggage loss? 

• Baggage loss/delay and personal effects insurance pays for the loss of baggage or personal items. 

What are Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policies?

• A Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy gives you the most flexibility. With CFAR, the reason for cancellation does not matter.
• CFAR policies must typically be purchased within a certain period after booking. 
• CFAR is usually an add-on to a standard trip cancellation policy.
• CFAR policies are usually more expensive than standard policies.
• CFAR typically only reimburses a portion of your trip expenses, not the full amount.
• There is usually a set period for cancellations. 
• You are generally required to insure all of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses to be eligible.

What is excluded from travel insurance?
Although every policy is different, some of the most common travel policy exclusions are:

• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Pandemics.
• Civil and political unrest at the traveler's destination.
• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Coverage for activities such as bungee jumping, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding.
• Some airlines and tour companies may allow cancellations outside the terms of an insurance policy if a country imposes travel restrictions. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

• Buying travel insurance early may help.
• If you wait until a storm has already been named, your policy likely won't cover claims related to it.
• Many booking platforms offer the option to add insurance at checkout.

Does travel insurance cover my property if it is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

• Most homeowners insurance policies cover personal property lost or stolen while traveling. 
• Check with your insurer to confirm what your policy covers while you are traveling.
• If you have expensive items, such as fine jewelry, you can consider adding a rider to your homeowners policy for extra coverage. 

Where can I go for help with travel insurance? 

• If you have questions about travel insurance, the department of insurance in your state can help.