does travel insurance cover me in my home country

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13 Common Travel Insurance Questions and Misconceptions Answered

Travel insurance is one of the most important things you’ll buy for your trip — no matter how long you are going away for. It is a must-have and I never leave home without it.

Yet so many travelers I talk to travel without it — often because they don’t quite understand what it is and what it does. There are a lot of misconceptions about travel insurance out there and those misconceptions are putting people in danger.

Today, I want to address those questions, concerns, and misconceptions.

Personally, I always buy travel insurance when I travel. After all, we get home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and car insurance. Why would we not cover ourselves when we’re abroad?

Travel insurance was there when I popped an eardrum in Thailand .

It was there when I broke my camera in Italy .

It was there when a friend had to go home after her father died.

And it was there for these people too:

But not this person who decided not to get it:

Buying travel insurance is a must. But since it is a confusing topic (try reading New York insurance law for fun. I did. It’s not fun), today I want to answer the common questions about travel insurance. These questions pop up in my inbox all the time and are the greatest points of confusion on the subject.

Table of Contents

• What is Travel Insurance?
• Is Travel Insurance Just Health Insurance?
• Can Go See a Doctor When I Want?
• Can I Get Treated for an Illness I Already Have?
• My Credit Card Offers Some Protection. Isn’t That Good Enough?
• How Does Insurance Actually Work?
• What About Obamacare
• Why Are the Reviews Bad?
• I Got Drunk and Hurt Myself. Will I Be Covered?
• Does Travel Insurance Cover Me in My Home Country?
• I’m a Senior. What Should I Do?
• Will Travel Insurance Send Me Home If I Get Injured or Sick?
• What About COVID-19?
• My Recommended Travel Insurance Company

1. What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance provides support, compensation, and medical care when things go wrong on the road. Depending on your policy, it could provide support and compensation if your luggage is lost, if you slip and break a bone hiking, or if you need to return home early due to a death in the family.

It’s a financial safety net for emergencies while you’re abroad.

Contrary to popular belief, travel insurance is not a substitute for health insurance in your home country — nor is it a license to be foolish! (Also, travel insurance pretty much unilaterally excludes any mishaps that occur while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.) It’s your emergency parachute should something terrible happen while you’re traveling.  

2. Is Travel Insurance Just Health Insurance?

No, it’s so much more than that. While there is a medical component for sudden illnesses and accidental injuries, it can also cover all sorts of additional incidents, such as:

• Trip cancellation
• Lost/Damaged/Stolen possessions
• Emergency evacuation
• Expatriation should there be a natural disaster
• Trip interruption or delay

Travel insurance is for all-around emergencies, not just medical ones.  

3. Is Travel Insurance Similar to Health Insurance? Can I Go See a Doctor When I Want?

Travel insurance is not a replacement for health insurance. It’s there for unexpected emergencies only, not regular checkups. And should you need to be sent home due to a health emergency, it will be your regular health coverage that kicks in once you’re back in your home country.

For that reason, you’ll need to make sure you have both travel insurance (for when you’re abroad) and regular health coverage (in case you get sent home with an injury)

Break a leg? Pop an eardrum? Get food poisoning or dengue? Travel insurance has you covered.

Want to go see a doctor for a physical or get a cavity filled? You’re on your own.

(If you’re a digital nomad or expat, check out SafetyWing and Insured Nomads , which both have plans that are akin to health insurance.)  

4. Can I Get Treated for an Illness I Already Have?

As a general rule, most travel insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If you get sick on the road, travel insurance is there for you. But if you need medication for an ongoing chronic disease or a medical condition you knew of before you bought the policy, you could be out of luck.

Moreover, if you get sick under one policy and then you extend it or start a new policy, most insurers will consider your illness a pre-existing condition and won’t cover it under your new policy.

In short, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered unless you find a specific plan that provides coverage for them.  

5. My Credit Card Offers Some Protection. Isn’t That Good Enough?

Travel credit cards , even the very best ones, offer only limited protection. Some cards offer coverage for lost or stolen baggage, delays, and trip cancellation — but only if you booked your trip with that specific card.

In my experience (and I’ve had dozens of travel credit cards over the years) even if your card covers some things, that coverage limit is often very low. Plus, very few cards cover medical expenses, and even those that do provide limited coverage. This all means you’d have to pay out of pocket (and you’ll be surprised at just how expensive that can be!).

Bottom line: don’t rely on credit card coverage. While it’s nice to have its protection as a backup, I wouldn’t (and don’t) rely on credit cards for my primary coverage when abroad. It’s not a smart choice.  

6. How Does Insurance Actually Work? Do They Mail Me a Card I Can Show the Doctor?

If you experience a major medical emergency that requires surgery, overnight hospitalization, or emergency repatriation, then you (or someone else) would contact your travel insurance company’s emergency assistance team. They can then help make arrangements and approve costs. Every insurance company has a 24-hour contact number you can call for emergencies. I always suggest travelers save this number in their phone before departure just to be safe.

For all other situations, you need to pay for the costs upfront, collect receipts, and then make a claim for reimbursement from your insurer. You’ll pay out of pocket and then submit documentation to the insurance company after the fact (so there’s no need to show a card to the doctor).

Be sure to keep all documentation, file any necessary police reports, and save all receipts. Companies don’t reimburse you based on your word. Keep documentation!  

7. What About Obamacare? How Does That Affect Everything?

For Americans, the ACA, or “Obamacare,” covers you only in the United States , and since travel insurance is not a replacement for health insurance, it doesn’t get you out of any state-based requirements for health insurance.

While there is no longer a nationwide tax penalty for not having health insurance, some states still do charge one. Be sure to contact a tax accountant or the ACA hotline number for more information.

Also keep in mind that, if you need to be sent home due to an injury, travel insurance will not cover your bills upon arrival back to your country of residency.  

8. I Read Reviews Online. All These Companies Suck. What’s Up With That?

I’ve talked with hundreds of travelers over the years about insurance and received thousands of emails from people who have had insurance issues. While there are some legitimate concerns, the overwhelming majority of people I interact with haven’t read the fine print of their policy. People buy a plan, don’t read the exact wording, and then make (incorrect) assumptions about their coverage.

Naturally, they scream bloody murder when their assumptions don’t match up with reality and go on a digital tirade, leaving bad review after bad review.

And, to be honest, most people don’t write good reviews when they are helped. On the Internet, we love to scream our displeasure but rarely do we go out of our way to leave a positive review of something.

So take online reviews of insurance companies with a grain of salt. I’ve read them and most of the time, I think, “You didn’t read your policy!”

I’m by no means an insurance company defender, but if you’re going in with no documentation, no proof you owned what you lost, or you want to make a claim for something that is specifically excluded on the policy, you should expect to get denied.

Is the reimbursement process fun? No. It’s a lot of paperwork and back-and-forth emails with the insurer. But when you have all your ducks in a row, you get reimbursed.

Here’s a list of my suggested insurance companies to help you get started . They’re reputable and reliable and can save you a lot of money should an accident happen.  

9. I Got Drunk and Hurt Myself. Will I Be Covered?

Probably not! If you are doing something foolish (whether you’re drinking or not), insurance companies will want to know if putting yourself at unnecessary risk led to the injury. If, after investigating, they find you did, they can deny your claim. That’s not to say that they expect you to be sober your entire trip, but let’s just say you’re unlikely to get reimbursed if you’re drunk and decide that it would be a good idea to stand in the middle of the road and play chicken.

So, don’t be foolish!  

10. Does Travel Insurance Cover Me in My Home Country?

Some travel insurance can cover you at home. For example, World Nomads travel insurance covers you either 100 miles from your permanent address (for U.S. residents), outside your home province (if you’re Canadian), or outside your home country (for everyone else).

It depends on your policy, and there are always conditions on when the coverage starts and ends and where you can travel to, so check this carefully first. Some companies let you be in your home country for a short period, others won’t cover you at all. So read the fine print!  

11. I’m a Senior. What Should I Do?

Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t like covering seniors as they view them as high risk. Therefore, it’s a lot harder for older travelers to find comprehensive coverage. For seniors, use Insure My Trip , an online marketplace that searches over 20 different insurance companies to help you find the best policy for your needs. It’s the best place to get insurance for anyone over 65. Just expect prices to be much higher than policies for younger travelers, as older travelers pay a premium due to their age.

You can read more about travel insurance for seniors in this post .  

12. Will Travel Insurance Send Me Home If I Get Injured or Sick?

Under most circumstances, travel insurance will not repatriate you to your home country. In a nutshell, travel insurance is there to make sure you get the medical assistance you need should an emergency arise. Usually, that means sending you to the nearest acceptable facility — they don’t have to send you home.

So, if you break your leg hiking you’ll be taken to the nearest suitable facility and patched up. After that, the onus is on you to get home. Your policy will likely reimburse you for any part of your trip that you cancel due to your injury but it won’t pay for you to go home early (unless you have a life-threatening injury that requires advanced medical care).

If you feel this isn’t enough coverage and want additional medical transport and repatriation coverage, use a service like Medjet . They’re a membership program with affordable annual (and short-term) policies that include medical transport coverage that’s more comprehensive than what you’d find in your average travel insurance policy.

You can learn more about the program in my Medjet review.

13. What About COVID-19 and Other Pandemics?

As many found out the hard way in 2020, travel insurance historically has not covered pandemics. While many companies have made changes to their pandemic coverage (such as SafetyWing and Medjet ), pandemic and COVID-19 coverage is not universal.

Be sure you understand exactly what COVID/pandemic coverage is offered before you book. Specifically, you’ll want to know whether you’re covered only for medical issues or if you have cancellation/trip interruption coverage as well.

For policies that give blanket coverage (i.e. “cancel for any reason” policies) check out Insure My Trip .

The #1 Travel Insurance Company for Travelers

My favorite travel insurance company is SafetyWing . SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term budget travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.

I use them because I can purchase and renew my insurance policy online in a matter of minutes, they have a very friendly and responsive staff who answer questions and help solve problems via social media, they have great customer feedback, and most importantly, they provide a lot of coverage at a super affordable price.

I’ve used travel insurance since my first round-the-world trip , and it’s helped me, my friends, and readers of this website. I can’t stress its importance enough.

I can also not stress enough that you need to read the fine print of your plan. Remember, travel insurance companies are for-profit. They will only reimburse you if your situation fits within the scope of your policy. The only way to know if it does is to read your plan.

Having had to use my insurance several times over the years, I genuinely hope you’re never put in a situation where you need to use yours. However, if something does happen and you need to make a claim you’ll be happy you spent the money.

Don’t avoid buying travel insurance because you read a bad review or think you’ll be OK. Accidents happen to the best of us.

Travel insurance is a safeguard against the unexpected. So, be prepared. You won’t regret it.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.  

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home Country Coverage Explained

What is home country coverage in an international health plan.

When purchasing international health insurance or travel medical insurance , you may notice a benefit referred to as Incidental Home Country Coverage or Incidental Trips to Home Country . International medical insurance is are designed to cover you outside of your home country (depending on the area of cover you choose), but the added benefit of incidental home country coverage will give you some coverage for emergency medical treatment if you sustain an injury or get sick while on a brief and unplanned trip back home. The Incidental Home Country benefit varies by plan. Some plans only offer a maximum of 14 consecutive days per policy period while others, like the Seven Corners Travel Medical plan, offer five days for every 30 days of coverage purchased, up to a maximum of 60 days. Also, the benefit levels might be slightly reduced for incidental trips home, but then become the same as before when you resume your trip abroad.

Home Country Coverage with International Health Plans

International health insurance plans will cover you within the select area of coverage you choose at the time of purchase. Depending on where you are from and where you will be living, your home country may not be included in that area of coverage. Many plans offer emergency coverage for specific amounts of time when visiting home for leisure, business, or pleasure. You need to assess your need for home country coverage when purchasing an international health insurance plan and check to make sure you have the coverage you need in the areas you want it.

Incidental Home Country Coverage in Travel Insurance Plans

Individuals who have been abroad for either business or pleasure know that the need to return home for brief periods of time during their coverage period sometimes occurs without warning. There is always the possibility for a work-related emergency back home to occur or an unexpected personal event of a friend or family member’s such as pregnancy, funeral, or wedding to come about that you do not want to miss due to your travels.

If you will be traveling abroad and are shopping for international travel medical insurance that will also cover you back home in the event that you need to return for a short period of time during your journey, one popular plan option is the  Atlas Travel Insurance plan .

The Atlas Travel Insurance plan includes an incidental home country coverage benefit that provides 15 days of home country coverage for every three months of overseas coverage purchased. Although this benefit can’t be used for trips home that are taken specifically to receive care, it will give the covered individual protection for any eligible illness or injury that may occur while on their trip home. The 15 days of incidental home country coverage are able to be used within the three-month period that the days are earned.

The Atlas Travel Insurance plan can be purchased for a minimum of 5 days, up to 364 days with the option to extend coverage. Other benefits included in the Atlas Travel plan include emergency medical evacuation, hospitalization, emergency dental, emergency reunion, acute onset of a pre-existing condition, hazardous sports coverage, accidental death and dismemberment, natural disaster benefit, and repatriation of remains, lost checked luggage, and outpatient coverage.

If you would like to purchase international travel insurance that includes a home country coverage benefit, you can view more Atlas Plan details or  contact  one of our licensed agents today.

End of Trip Home Country Coverage

A different type of benefit you might be interested in is for the end of a long trip abroad, it is called End of Trip Home Country Coverage . This is important because some travelers may no longer have coverage under their domestic insurance plan and may not be able to re-enroll for a month or more. A continuation of the international health insurance plan in your home country will allow you to receive medical treatment if you sustain an injury or become sick after returning home. The length of coverage available depends on the number of months of international coverage purchased. Typically you will have had to purchase a minimum of five months of international travel insurance to be eligible for one month of Home Country Coverage. Travelers who are planning to stay abroad internationally for an extended period, whether it be for business or students who are studying abroad, should consider a travel plan with these benefits. Long-term travelers should consider this home country coverage because the possibility of sick relatives, weddings, or urgent business back home could require a trip back home on short notice. Students studying abroad should consider home coverage because of school breaks or an urgent matter that could need them to return home.

Some insurers reduce the covered expenses for Home Country Coverage. Be sure to read your policy thoroughly or ask one of our Brokers for clarification.

International Citizens Insurance offers several travel medical plans with benefits to suit your particular needs. Here is a list of benefits for each travel medical plan:

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Residency and Travel Insurance

December 11, 2018 By : Administrator

Answering Your Travel Insurance and Residency Questions

You’re shopping for a travel insurance plan, but you’re confused about how your decision could be impacted by the place where you live, your citizenship status, and your travel destination. You’re not alone. We have received many questions from clients about how their country of residence and country of citizenship affect their travel insurance purchase. We’ve provided some answers to the most common travel insurance and residency questions below to help you make the right decision.

If you’re unsure about any of this information, we urge you to contact an insurance expert at Good Neighbor Insurance. We’ll be happy to help!

Do International Insurance Plans Consider My Home Country Based on My Citizenship or Where I Live?

Some international insurance plans are based on citizenship (your passport) and others are based on residency (where you live). Many long-term health plans are based on citizenship, while short-term travel plans are generally based on residency. Of course, the country you live in may be different from your country of citizenship. It’s important you pay attention to which one the insurance plan is requesting.

How Will an Insurance Carrier Determine my Country of Residence?

Insurance carriers may determine your country of residence in different ways. Some may define your country of residence by where you have lived for the past six months, or where you live for most of the year. Other carriers may define it by where you are currently receiving mail, or by the country that you are living in when you apply for insurance.

Your country of residence will not be a country you may have visited on a short-term basis, whether for business, leisure, or visiting family. Your country of residence is usually the place where you would want to be sent back home should you need to be evacuated for medical reasons or should you interrupt your trip. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen residing in France and you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you should buy travel insurance as a French resident. 

Please ask the insurance carrier for clarification, or reach out to us, and we are happy to help.

How Do I Prove That I am a U.S. Resident?

To be eligible for travel insurance coverage as a U.S. resident, you must have a residential address and unrestricted right of entry into the U.S. You must be able to provide documentation to prove your address in the United States (for example, a U.S. driver’s license, a government-issued ID or a utility bill) and agree to be repatriated, if required, back to the state of residence named on your insurance policy.

Those living in U.S. territories are for the most part regarded as U.S. citizens and residing in the U.S. when filling out forms or travel insurance applications.

What If I Am An International Student or a Foreign National Living in the U.S.?

You may purchase an insurance policy as a U.S. resident as long as you meet the requirements for U.S. residency described above. Otherwise, you should buy your travel insurance policy under your country of citizenship.

What If I’m a Digital Nomad and Change Countries Frequently?

If you are a digital nomad and change countries frequently, you should use your country of citizenship as your country of residence.

Will My Travel Insurance Plan Cover Me in the Country Where I Am Living?

Some travel insurance plans won’t cover you in your country of residence – they’ll only cover you when you travel outside of that country. Other travel insurance plans will cover you at home. It depends on your policy, and there are always conditions on when the coverage starts and ends and where you can travel to, so check this carefully first. Some companies allow you to be in your home country for a short period, others won’t cover you at all.

Can My Travel Destination Impact My Insurance Purchase?

There are fewer residency considerations when you are a citizen of the country in which you live. However, if you are not a citizen of the country in which you live, there are certain factors to consider before buying travel insurance. One factor is your travel destination. Are you traveling back to your country of citizenship? Are you traveling inside or outside the country you reside in? Those answers could make a big difference to your insurance plan, so it’s important to talk with an insurance expert before buying one.

What If I Don’t Have Legal Status in the Country Where I Live?

Insurance companies don’t care about legal status/undocumented immigrants, but only about where claims might be submitted. So illegal aliens can buy and use international travel or health insurance without worrying about questions regarding political status.

Does the State in the U.S. Where I Live Affect My Travel Insurance Plan?

As with other types of insurance policies, every state has specific rules and regulations regarding the types of travel insurance that people can receive in that state. A traveler might find that only certain types and levels of coverage are permitted for purchase in the traveler’s home state. Depending on your residence, the policy may include or exclude benefits, or have different coverages for the same benefit. This is determined by your state’s department of insurance. 

For example, whether a traveler can even receive out-of-state or out-of-country medical coverage as part of a trip protection plan depends a great deal on the location of the traveler’s primary residence. As a result, a travel protection plan offered to residents of New York might not be available to residents of Georgia. Additionally, a plan offered to citizens in the United States might not be available to citizens of Canada or Mexico.

Can Residency Impact Trip Cancellation Coverage?

A traveler’s residence can be critical to a traveler that needs trip cancellation coverage. Some insurance plans cover trip costs for travelers who make a cancellation because of a natural disaster that takes place in the area of the traveler’s primary residence. Some plans also cover cancellation if a traveler must cancel after experiencing a serious life event at the primary residence, such as damage or destruction of the traveler’s home or business because of a natural disaster or accident and property theft.

What If I Am Traveling with Someone from a Different State?

If you and your traveling companion are residents of different states, it is best for you to purchase separate travel insurance policies.  In the event of a loss, each traveler’s claim will be paid based on the coverage available for their individual residence.

The issue of travel insurance and residency or citizenship can be confusing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions! We are happy to serve you.

We hope these answers to your travel insurance and residency questions are helpful to you. Please let us know if you have other questions that were not answered in this post.

Online travel insurance companies that have no physical office, or agents to call on the phone, can make this hopelessly confusing to the simple traveler. This is why we always recommend that you save yourself the headache and call us at (480) 813-9100, or Skype us at “Good Neighbor Insurance” , or click LIVE CHAT , or email us at [email protected] .

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Does My Insurance Cover Me Abroad?

Insurance is, ideally, something you rarely have to think about. You did your research, and you have coverages in place that protect you, your family and your property. But have you ever considered what happens when you leave the United States? Whether it’s that spring break trip to Mexico or a long-awaited tour of Europe, it pays to know what your insurance will and won’t cover while you’re abroad.

Health Insurance

This varies widely by carrier, so you’ll want to do your homework before you leave the United States. The State Department recommends contacting your insurance company before your trip to ask about what medical services overseas are included in your coverage. You might be surprised; some activities that could be considered “risky” (like that ATV tour) may not be covered by your insurer. It pays to check!

Questions to Ask Your Health Insurer:

• If I am seriously ill, does my policy cover an emergency return to the United States?
• Does my policy cover activities like mountain climbing or scuba diving?
• What about pre-existing conditions?
• Does my insurance cover medical payments abroad?
• Will my insurance pay foreign hospitals and/or doctors directly?

What If I Have Medicare?

Medicare does not cover emergency medical services if you are travelling outside of the United States. Check with your insurer about supplemental coverage.

Vehicle Insurance

You can’t assume that the vehicle insurance you rely on in the United States will automatically apply in a different country. If you are planning on renting a car overseas, make sure you have a plan in mind before you arrive. Check with your insurance agent to confirm what is and isn’t covered by your auto insurance policy. Beyond that, you might want to consider additional coverage, which can be found through:

• Your credit card company . Some of these companies will provide rental insurance protection. Whether or not coverage is offered can depend on the company, the country and the type of vehicle you are using.
• A foreign car insurance company. Third-party insurers can be found near national borders, but their policies may not cover theft or personal accidents.
• The rental car company. Be sure you understand what is and isn’t included if you purchase coverage through the rental car company; they may or may not cover things like collision or theft.

Property Insurance

The good news is, most homeowners and renters policies cover you even when you’re not at home. If you lose your luggage or your jewelry is stolen, the coverages you have in place in the United States will typically apply overseas, as well. As always, check with your agent — if the item isn’t covered before you leave the country, you might be out of luck!

What Should I Bring?

When traveling overseas, it pays to be prepared. Consider bringing:

• Name, phone number and address of your primary care physician
• Health insurance company name, phone number and ID number
• Names and dosages of any medications you may be taking
• List of allergies
• Address and phone number of a clinic near where you’ll be staying

Protect Your World While Traveling It

Your vacation should be filled with good memories and a break from the daily grind. If the unexpected does happen, a little extra preparation can make all the difference between a vacation that’s one for the books … and one you’d rather forget. And whether you’re at home or abroad, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having insurance through your Farm Bureau agent . Call your agent today to learn more about how your agent can protect what matters most in your world.

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Want to learn more?

Contact a local FBFS agent or advisor for answers personalized to you.

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June 1, 2020

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Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan you purchase that protects you from certain financial risks and losses that can occur while traveling. These losses can be minor, like a delayed suitcase, or significant, like a last-minute trip cancellation or a medical emergency overseas.

In addition to financial protection, the other huge benefit of travel insurance is access to assistance services , wherever you are in the world. Our elite team of travel and medical experts can arrange medical treatment in an emergency, monitor your care, serve as interpreters, help you replace lost passports and so much more. Sometimes, they even save travelers’ lives.

A few things you should know about travel insurance:

• Benefits vary by plan. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs, your budget and your travel plans. Here are definitions of all available travel insurance benefits.
• Travel insurance can’t cover every possible situation. Allianz Travel Insurance is  named perils  travel insurance, which means it covers only the specific situations, events, and losses included in your plan documents, and only under the conditions we describe.
• Travel insurance is designed to cover  unforeseeable events —not things you could easily see coming, or things within your control. If, for example,  you wait to buy insurance for your beach trip until after a named hurricane is hustling toward your destination, your losses wouldn’t be covered.

How does travel insurance work?

In most scenarios, travel insurance reimburses you for your covered financial losses after you file a claim and the claim is approved. Filing a claim means submitting proof of your loss to Allianz Global Assistance, so that we can verify what happened and reimburse you for your covered losses. You can  file a claim online , or do it on your phone with the  Allianz TravelSmart TM app .

How does this work in real life? Let’s say you purchase the OneTrip Prime Plan , which includes trip cancellation benefits, to protect your upcoming cruise to Cozumel. Two days before departure, you experience a high fever and chest pain. Your doctor diagnoses bacterial pneumonia and advises you to cancel the trip. When you notify the cruise line, they tell you it’s too late to receive a refund.

Without travel insurance, you’d lose the money you spent on your vacation. Fortunately, a serious, disabling illness can be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation , which means you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. Once you’re feeling better, you gather the required documents—such as your airfare and cruise line receipts and information about any refunds you did or did not receive—and you file a claim . You can even choose to receive your reimbursement by direct deposit, to your debit card, or via check.

Sometimes, this process works a little differently. Travel insurance may pay your expenses upfront if you require emergency medical treatment or emergency transportation while traveling overseas. Or, with the  OneTrip Premier and OneTrip Prime plans, you may be eligible to receive a fixed payment of $100 per day for a covered travel delay or $100 for a covered baggage delay . No receipts for purchases are required; all you need is proof of your covered delay.

Many travelers are wondering: Can COVID-19 be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation? And can travel insurance help if you become seriously ill with COVID-19 while traveling? Most of our travel insurance plans now include epidemic-related covered reasons (benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions). The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. To see if your plan includes this endorsement and what it covers, please look for "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.

> Learn more: Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

How to choose a travel insurance plan

There’s a wide range of Allianz Travel Insurance plans, each with different benefits and benefit limits. So how do you know which is best for you? To begin, get a quote for your upcoming trip. When you enter your age, trip costs and trip dates, we can recommend a few plans for you. Then, you can compare the costs and benefits of each.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who’s traveling in the U.S., you may like the OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan . It includes trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay benefits.

If you want protection in case of medical emergencies overseas, but you have few pre-paid trip expenses, you may consider the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan . This affordable plan includes emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits, as well as other post-departure benefits, but not trip cancellation/interruption.

If you want the reassurance of carrying substantial travel insurance benefits, the best fit may be the OneTrip Prime Plan . This plan also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

If you’re planning several trips in the next 12 months, consider annual travel insurance such as the AllTrips Prime Plan . It gives you affordable protection for a full year of travel, including benefits for trip cancellation and interruption; emergency medical care; lost/stolen or delayed baggage; and Rental Car Damage and theft protection (available to residents of most states).  

> Find the right travel insurance plan for you 

How to get the most from your travel insurance plan

Don’t wait too long to buy travel insurance! The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after you’ve completed your travel arrangements. The earlier you buy insurance, the bigger your coverage window. Also, you must buy your plan within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit in order to be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition benefit (not available on all plans).

Read your plan documents before you leave. If you're not completely satisfied with your plan, you have 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to request a refund, provided you haven't started your trip or initiated a claim. Premiums are non-refundable after this period.

Call us when you need help. If you have questions about how travel insurance works, or how to file a claim, or which benefits you need, please contact us ! Our representatives are available 24/7. If you’re already traveling, and you’re facing a travel crisis or just need some advice, call our emergency assistance hotline .

> Read more about how we can help

Related Articles

• What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
• How Travel Insurance Covers Family Members
• Trip Delay, Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Everything you need to know about travel insurance before you book your next trip

With more and more people traveling , travel disruptions have increased. You might be ready to book your next vacation, but it's smart to consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will protect you from financial losses you may incur due to unexpected issues both before you travel and during your trip.

"Travel insurance is often an overlooked investment until the unforeseen happens," says Beth Godlin, a spokesperson with Aon Affinity Travel Practice . "It's designed to give travelers peace of mind and financial protection against the risks of travel."

While some travelers decline purchasing travel insurance because they think it will be costly, Godlin says it doesn't have to be expensive and notes "purchasing it adds an extra layer of protection and security." 

Travel insurance is obviously valuable for big-ticket trips, such as a luxury cruise, safari or multi-city international vacation, but it can even be helpful when you're staying closer to home. "When deciding if travel insurance is right for you, I suggest asking yourself what you could stand to lose if you had to cancel last-minute," says Godlin.

CNBC Select spoke to experts in the travel insurance space to get their best advice on everything consumers need to know about travel insurance.

How to find an insurance carrier

Purchasing travel insurance is relatively easy, and there are lots of different options in the marketplace. If you have never purchased a travel insurance plan, a good place to start is sites like InsureMyTrip.com , CoverTrip or Squaremouth , which let you compare different carriers based on both price and coverage. You simply fill out a brief questionnaire about the trip and the traveler.

The benefit of using aggregator sites is shoppers have the ability to view the entire travel insurance marketplace and compare policies all in one place. Squaremouth also provides verified customer reviews to help travelers feel confident about the policy they are purchasing. 

There is no charge to use Squaremouth, as they receive commission on every sale directly from the provider, and do not charge any type of fee to consumers.

Beyond comparison sites, you can always visit a specific travel insurance carrier's website for a quote or call the company's toll-free customer service number for information.

CNBC Select has reviewed many of the top travel insurance companies and named AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance as the best choice overall with three tiers of coverage to choose from and a high financial strength rating. Our runner-up was Travel Guard® Travel Insurance for its offerings available online and coverage for one related child age 17 or younger.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

If you're using a site like Expedia , for example, to book your reservations, you usually have the option to purchase travel insurance, too, through a third-party provider. You should make sure to carefully review the full details of the policy, because the plans are based around the trip elements (hotel, flight, rental car) and could differ every time you book, and you want to make sure you understand what you're getting.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can vary, but policies generally provide coverage for three things: protection for your financial expenses, protection for your well-being and protection for your personal belongings.

When shopping for a policy, look for these benefits:

Trip cancellation coverage  

Your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip deposits if a trip is canceled for a covered reason. These outlays can include airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours and cruises, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Travel Insurance .  

Examples of acceptable reasons to cancel a trip include illness, injury or death of the traveler, a close family member or a traveling companion; military deployment or civil unrest; a serious family emergency, even unplanned jury duty.

Other reasons include: your travel supplier stops offering services for 24 hours due to a natural disaster, severe weather or a strike, your home or destination becomes uninhabitable or you or a traveling companion lose your job after you purchase your policy.

You typically can't cancel your trip for any reason and expect to be reimbursed just because you have travel insurance. For example, if you have a fight with your friend and don't want to travel with her, or you change your mind about taking a long-haul flight to Hawaii, these are not covered reasons. 

If you want the highest level of flexibility to make changes to your trip, consider adding "cancel for any coverage" to your policy. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) plans will bump up the cost of your travel insurance by about 40%, but it gives you the latitude to cancel your trip if you need to as long as you meet certain requirements like canceling no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

You won't be reimbursed for 100% of your trip costs. Typically, CFAR coverage will reimburse between 50 to 75% of trip expenses.

Trip delay coverage 

Should you experience a hiccup in your travel itinerary, your travel insurance policy can provide some financial relief. 

"Travel delay coverage provides reimbursement if a traveler is delayed for one of the policy's covered reasons," says Megan Moncrief, a spokesperson with Squaremouth. "This benefit will typically reimburse for expenses such as food, lodging and local transportation that are incurred during the delay."

Covered reasons will generally include severe weather, airline maintenance or civil unrest.

There's often a waiting period before your benefits kick in.

"In order for a traveler to become eligible for this benefit, they must be delayed for the amount of time listed on their policy," says Moncrief. "Some policies are very lenient and provide benefits available for any length delay, while other policies will specifically list a length requirement. This typically ranges from three to 12 hours. All travel delay policies will come with a daily limit, as well as a policy limit ranging from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars."

Daily limits typically range from $150 to $250 per traveler, while the policy limit can range from $500 to $2,000, Moncrief says. It's very important to save all your receipts as you will be required to submit them with your reimbursement claim.

Don't miss: The best credit cards with trip delay insurance

Trip interruption coverage

Should you need to cut your trip short due to illness or injury you experience during your trip, or if there's a family emergency back home, your policy may reimburse non-refundable expenses you forfeit if you return home early.

Your policy may also cover the cost of a one-way economy airline ticket home. Not all reasons are covered, however. For example, if your beach vacation is a washout or you miss your new puppy, your trip interruption benefits won't apply.

Medical expenses and emergency-evacuation benefits

If you're traveling within the U.S., your personal health insurance should cover any illness or injury you sustain while you are on a trip. But if you're traveling to a foreign country, your U.S.-based health plan will provide zero or very little coverage, and Medicare isn't accepted abroad, so it's good to sign up for additional coverage. 

"Domestic healthcare plans are usually not accepted outside the U.S., so it's especially important to get travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency medical transportation when traveling internationally," says Durazo. "If you do become ill or injured while traveling, these benefits can cover your medical costs including doctors' fees and hospital costs." 

In addition, your travel carrier's customer support hotline can help. "Allianz's 24/7 assistance team can coordinate your care with the doctors treating you in your destination, as well as ensure you're at an appropriate medical facility up to U.S. standards," he says.

Even more expensive than medical treatment is an emergency medical evacuation, something the right travel insurance policy can arrange and cover. "Medical evacuation and transport costs range from $15,000 to $200,000+, depending on the traveler's health condition and their location in the world," says Durazo.

"If you're heading overseas, you'll need the additional protection of emergency medical benefits and emergency medical transportation benefits," he adds. "And if you're visiting more remote areas, there's always a chance you may need emergency medical transportation to get you to an appropriate health care facility."

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Baggage loss

Should your checked baggage take a detour and not arrive at your destination, your travel insurance policy could be a saving grace. 

"If your travel insurance plan includes baggage benefits, your insurer can reimburse you, up to the maximum shown on the Confirmation of Coverage, for covered loss, theft or damage to your baggage and personal items," says Durazo. "Every plan has specific coverage limits for each benefit, which are outlined in the plan documents."

For example, Allianz Partners' OneTrip Prime plan , covers baggage loss up to $1,000 and baggage delay up to $300 while the OneTrip Premier includes up to $2,000 in baggage loss/damage and up to $600 for baggage delay.  

Your personal possessions are also covered if lost or stolen while you're traveling. "Travel insurance can reimburse you for the actual cash value, repair or replacement — whichever is less, based on the limits in your insurance policy's letter of confirmation," says Durazo.

You must report losses to your airline, airport, police or other relevant authority like a tour operator or hotel manager. You will need this documentation when you file a claim.

Not all items are covered by your travel insurance policy. For example, cash is not reimbursable, and many policies won't cover very expensive jewelry, art, antiques or heirloom items. To reduce the risk of losing irreplaceable items, don't bring these items on vacation. And make sure to read your policy carefully to see what is covered.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

What you should know about Covid-19 and travel insurance

When it comes to Covid coverage , travel insurance plans can vary from one another, so you should read your policy carefully and ask your insurance provider if you have questions, says Godlin.

Also, regulations around travel have evolved during the pandemic, with some countries requiring specific travel insurance coverage for entry. "As a result, we're seeing new policies emerge to directly meet those needs," she says. 

How much is travel insurance?

Travel insurance can vary a lot depending on how much coverage you're getting and how expensive your trip is. CoverTrip advises its customers that travel insurance plans cost between 4 to 10% of the total trip cost. So if you're spending $5,000 on a European tour, your insurance could be anywhere from $200 to $500.

Of course, there are budget plans out there that could cost (and cover) less. And you could also shell out for premium coverage so you can take advantage of a "cancel for any reason" policy. Whichever plan you choose, make sure you read the fine print so you understand what you're paying for.

Your credit card may offer built-in travel protection

You may have a credit card in your wallet that offers travel insurance . "Travel insurance is a common benefit for credit cards that often comes at no additional cost to the cardholder," says Francis Hondal, president of loyalty and engagement with MasterCard. "It can also be extremely easy to take advantage of it—the key is knowing what coverage you have so you don't waste money on additional coverage you don't need."

Coverage is automatic when you make a relevant purchase, she says. "So, for instance, if you have trip cancellation insurance on a card, you're covered when you book a flight using that card. Same goes for checking your bag and activating your lost luggage protection," Hondal says. 

It's important to know if and how you're covered when making travel-related purchasing decisions. Mastercard offers a digital insurance platform, mycardbenefits.com . You can usually find more information on your credit card's website.

To ensure you reap the travel insurance benefits your card offers, you must charge the trip expenses on your card.

"Where credit card travel insurance can shine is if you run into weather problems or mechanical delays, or if you get sick while traveling or even if your luggage gets lost or delayed," says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst, Bankrate.com. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an industry leader in these areas, he says. It offers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip in the form of trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage. If you run into a flight delay lasting at least six hours, you can get up to $500 per ticket to book a different flight, stay in a hotel, buy food, etc. 

If your luggage is late, you can get up to $100 per day for up to five days to buy necessities. 

"If something really bad happens while you're abroad, [Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance] will pay for up to $100,000 of emergency evacuation and transportation coverage," says Rossman. "And the Sapphire Reserve also gives primary rental car insurance benefits, meaning that you can decline the rental car company's expensive coverage, and you won't need to go through your personal car insurance if you get into an accident while renting a car."

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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 plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

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℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Rossman says another good pick is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card which also has very good coverage although slightly less coverage than the Sapphire Reserve card, in line with a lower annual fee. Even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ gives up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip in trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage, Says Rossman.

For more information on cards that offer travel insurance, check out CNBC Select's round-up of the best travel credit cards .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

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℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance can be useful in many scenarios, from a medical emergency forcing you to cut your trip short to a tropical storm ravaging your destination. If you've spent a lot of non-refundable money on your trip, you could be at a loss if something goes awry.

There are several scenarios where travel insurance could be worth it , including if:

• You're traveling internationally where your US-based health insurance won't apply
• You've spent a lot on prepaid, non-refundable expenses
• You're traveling to a remote area
• Your flight involves multiple connections or destinations

For those who have spent a good amount of money on their trip, getting trip insurance generally makes sense whether that's through a separate policy or through a credit card you booked the trip with.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

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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

Travel insured.

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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Coverage that goes where you go: Travel worry-free with Blue Cross Blue Shield

Planning to hit the road this travel season?   You’ve got a lot to do!   You’ll have to book your travel, lodging and activities, pack and be sure your home is looked after while you’re gone.   That’s a lot to think about, and the list goes on. With so much to do, it’s easy to overlook one item that might prove crucial: ensuring that you will be covered if you need medical care while traveling.

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists.   And if your extended travel plans take you abroad, you can ensure you have access to quality care through GeoBlue .

BCBS Coverage Travels with You

If you aren’t sure what’s covered, it’s a good idea to call your Blue Cross Blue Shield company to find out what your benefits are if something goes awry while on vacation. When traveling within the United States, most Blue Cross Blue Shield members will be covered under the BlueCard program, which connects all 36 individual Blue Cross Blue Shield companies so that members can enjoy access to the savings the local Blue Cross Blue Shield plan has negotiated with its doctors and hospitals.

For example, if a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, whose Plan includes the BlueCard program, falls and breaks his arm while hiking in Yellowstone, he will be charged the rate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has negotiated with the local hospital rather than paying the steep fees he would otherwise encounter.   Likewise, a BCBS Wyoming member who falls ill in Dallas would be charged the rate BCBS Texas has negotiated with its local providers.   It’s one of the many benefits of belonging to the nation’s oldest and largest health insurance system.

If your plans include international travel, GeoBlue   has an extensive network of options to meet your needs when living or working abroad for an extended period of time.   Though many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover international care in emergency situations, GeoBlu e  plans offer the most complete set of benefits and access to services like emergency medical evacuation, which might not be covered by your regular plan.

Insurance Tips for Travelers

Here are a few steps you can take to take charge of your health while traveling:

Traveling Within the United States

• Call your BCBS company to find out what your benefits cover while traveling.
• Always carry your current BCBS ID Card .
• To find nearby doctors and hospitals, call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or visit the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Provider Finder .
• Call your Blue Plan for precertification or prior authorization if necessary. Refer to the phone number located on your Blue ID card.

Traveling Abroad

• Verify your international benefits with your Blue Plan before leaving the United States, or purchase a GeoBlue  plan.
• Always carry your Blue ID card.
• If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, or need medical assistance services, hotlines are available 24/7. You can reach the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or call collect at 1-804-673-1177. If you’re a GeoBlue member, call collect at 1-610-254-8771, or 1-800-257-4823 from inside the U.S.

To learn more, visit BCBS.com or the GeoBlue website.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.

Protect Your Trip »

Does your health insurance plan cover you while abroad.

A primer on figuring out if you're covered and advice on investing in supplemental insurance.

Does Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?

Getty Images

First, determine if your plan covers emergency care abroad. Then decide if buying supplemental coverage is a smart decision based on factors like your itinerary and any pre-existing health conditions.

Picture this: You're traveling overseas and you come down with a fever. You don't speak the native language and you're uncertain if your health plan covers medical care, like a visit to a doctor or hospital, abroad.

While this is probably the last scenario you want to consider while planning your trip, medical emergencies happen. But here's the silver lining: You can easily find out what your insurance will cover while traveling abroad by asking your provider a few key questions. To determine what coverage you have, and what you'll need when traveling overseas, begin by asking these five questions.

1. What does my health plan cover overseas?

The level of medical coverage available for international travel can vary widely, depending on your domestic health care provider and plan. The State Department advises contacting your insurance company prior to your trip and inquiring about the specific medical services overseas that are included in your coverage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also encourages travelers to ask what's excluded from their policy, such as risky activities. And depending on what is available to you, the CDC advises considering a supplemental policy. The State Department also recommends inquiring about specifics such as whether the plan includes coverage for emergency evacuations to the U.S. and pre-existing medical conditions. You should also familiarize yourself with any out-of-pocket costs that you may encounter for medical procedures or services overseas.

[ Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .]

2. What if I have Medicare?

Keep in mind that  Medicare does not cover emergency medical service for travelers out of the country. There are some Medigap plans that can offer supplemental coverage but remember that there is a lifetime cap of $50,000 for foreign travel emergency coverage.

3. What about emergency medical evacuations?

Few domestic health insurance providers will pay to transport ill patients back to the United States. And emergency evacuations can be expensive, costing more than $100,000, depending on your health condition and where you're located at the time the emergency takes place. If you're visiting a place that's isolated or where the quality of health care is subpar, do a cost-benefit analysis of investing in a supplemental evacuation insurance plan.

4. Should I buy travel medical insurance for my next vacation?

It's a smart idea to consider investing in travel insurance . But before you make a final decision, you'll want to evaluate a variety of factors, including the type of trip you're planning and if you'll be taking part in risky activities, such as scuba diving or mountain climbing during your trip. According to the CDC, there are three types of insurance travelers should consider while traveling: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance.

And according to a report released by InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison and booking site, 75 percent of the site's consumers pick comprehensive travel insurance plans, which typically include emergency medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation coverage, trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage and baggage coverage.

Another important reason to consider purchasing travel health insurance is that travel health insurance can help fill any gaps in domestic health insurance coverage. Plus, travel health insurance can provide 24/7 emergency assistance to help aid you in the event of a medical emergency. A licensed travel insurance agent can provide advice on appropriate coverage limits and how to qualify for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

5. What if I have to file a claim?

A claim is typically required in order to request reimbursement for medical bills. Most providers will require all hospital records (usually translated if in a non-English language) and receipts in order to evaluate the validity of the claim.

Sign Up for STEP

Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to international travel. Doing so will notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your travel plans. The local embassy can also help connect American travelers with a local medical facility.  

Tags: Travel , health insurance , Travel Tips

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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Protect Your Trip »

Does my health insurance cover international travel.

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

Can Health Insurance Cover Trips Abroad?

Getty Images

Be prepared for unforeseen healthcare expenses when traveling abroad.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Most individual health insurance policies in the U.S. do not provide coverage for overseas emergency care, either. Without that coverage, if you break a leg or your travel companion has a heart attack during your trip, you will not have financial protection against the medical expenses that accrue. To know for sure what your plan entails, call your individual health insurance company to find out what is and isn't covered.

Does Medicare cover international travel?

If you have Medicare coverage, the lack of overseas protection you have is even more cut and dry. Medicare rarely pays for medical care you receive while traveling outside the United States, according to the U.S. Department of State. However, Medicare may pay for some inpatient hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance services or dialysis care you receive in a foreign country "in rare cases." Possible scenarios include the following:

• You are in the U.S. when the emergency occurs, but a foreign hospital is the closest one that can treat you.
• You are traveling through Canada on a direct route to Alaska and a medical emergency takes place in a region that is closest to a hospital in Canada.
• The U.S. government also says you may get Medicare coverage overseas "if you live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you, regardless of whether you have a medical emergency."

In any of these scenarios, however, Medicare only pays for medical expenses Medicare would normally cover if you were in the U.S. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to know which services are and are not covered before you receive treatment, particularly if you are in an emergency medical situation where timing is critical.

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How to get health insurance for international travel

There are two main options when it comes to acquiring health coverage for international travel: travel insurance or a travel credit card with (limited) health insurance.

Consider an international travel insurance policy

To decide whether or not you should purchase health insurance for your trip abroad, take a look at the best international travel insurance policies and what they offer in the following categories:

Medical coverage: If you wind up needing medical treatment abroad, you'll be glad you have a travel medical insurance plan in place. With a medical insurance policy for overseas, you can get emergency medical treatment where and when you need it – and without arriving home from your trip to a mountain of overseas medical debt.

You will want to compare travel medical insurance plans to make sure you have adequate coverage limits for everyone on your trip. Either way, some of the best travel health plans come from companies like Allianz Travel Insurance, GeoBlue, Seven Corners, Trawick International and WorldTrips. As an example, a Travel Medical Plus plan from Seven Corners lets you secure international medical coverage in amounts up to $5 million.

Coverage for preexisting conditions: Some travel insurance companies provide coverage for preexisting conditions. In most cases, you must purchase your travel insurance within a specific amount of time after making your initial trip deposit for preexisting conditions coverage to apply. With the Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan, for example, you must purchase travel coverage within 14 days of making your first trip payment in order for preexisting conditions to be included.

Other conditions can apply when you're trying to get coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well, so be sure to read the fine print when comparing options.

Medical evacuation coverage: Be aware that, even if your own health insurance plan in the U.S. provides some coverage for emergency care overseas, you will not have emergency coverage for medical evacuation. The U.S. Department of State points out that medical evacuation can cost $50,000 or more in many countries depending on your location and the care you need.

Fortunately, most travel insurance companies with travel medical insurance also provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. This coverage comes in varying amounts depending on the insurance company and plan you select.

Cancel for any reason coverage: Having overseas medical coverage is crucial when you're planning trips abroad, but you should know that a comprehensive travel insurance plan can give you even more peace of mind. Common coverages in these plans include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay or cancellation coverage, baggage insurance, personal liability insurance, and more.

You can even opt for a plan with "cancel for any reason" or CFAR coverage that lets you cancel your trip and get a percentage of your trip cost back for any reason at all – even if you just decide to stay home. In addition to single-trip plans, you can also find multitrip travel insurance policies and annual travel insurance plans .

Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .

Consider a credit card with travel insurance

Some travel credit cards include health insurance, albeit limited and with restrictions. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve covers up to $100,000 in medical evacuation expenses, but only if your trip is booked using the card. This credit card comes with a premium annual fee of $550, however, so you'll have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks alongside the health coverages.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a veteran travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries in the world over the last decade. She covers a range of destinations and travel types, as well as travel insurance policies through major providers. Johnson purchases travel insurance for her own family and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

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Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Is travel insurance worth it helping you understand travel insurance.

Everything you need to know about buying travel insurance

Money & Budgeting , Trip Planning

Travel insurance is one of those things that people wonder if it’s worth buying. And while it typically isn’t too expensive, I think it’s important to know all the details of what it covers to know if travel insurance is worth it.

In this guide, I’ve combed through some of the most popular travel insurance companies to show what policies typically cover and don’t cover to help you determine if it’s worth purchasing for your travels.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

It’s hard to get a straight answer about whether you need travel insurance or not.

First, it’s something people hope never to use.

Second, people who buy travel insurance luckily rarely ever use it (which is a good thing).

Third, there are multiple travel insurance companies so it’s hard to know what is best for your travels.

Fourth, people don’t take the time to fully understand their policies so they assume it covers way more than it does.

Here’s the thing… statistically you don’t need travel insurance. There’s a very small chance anything will happen on your trip that requires coverage. But plenty of people still buy it— according to the US Travel Insurance Association data from 2020-2022 , Americans spent nearly $4.27 billion on various forms of travel protection and 77+ million people bought over 49.3 million plans.

Here’s my take: If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

I view travel insurance as a cheap way to cover any potential catastrophically expensive medical emergencies while traveling abroad. Many policies cover other things (trip interruption, damaged luggage, car rental damage, etc.) but the MAIN thing is covering major medical emergencies.

And honestly, travel insurance is relatively cheap so paying anywhere from $2.50-$8/day for $100,000-$250,000 worth of medical coverage abroad is a pretty easy choice for me.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

People rarely take the time to understand what their travel insurance covers and they often overestimate their level of coverage—which can lead to some unpleasant surprises (I’m guilty of this myself).

Multiple companies offer travel insurance policies and each offers varying degrees of coverage options. In this section, I’ve outlined the main things you want to keep in mind but you’ll still need to read your policy’s coverage document.

Travel Insurance Medical Coverage

Having a medical emergency abroad can be extremely costly and I know people who would have been hit with a huge bill if they weren’t insured.

A trip to the hospital for a major injury can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars and a medical evaluation can cost $100,000+.

Nearly all domestic employer-sponsored health plans (including Medicare) offer no coverage abroad but 46% of travelers assume their domestic health insurance will provide coverage. Additionally, medical care received abroad is considered “out-of-network” for U.S. health plans, so if your domestic plan does offer international coverage, it will still be very expensive.

And if your domestic coverage does offer some international coverage, you’re often required to pay upfront for service and then you’ll need to try getting reimbursed by your insurance company—which can be an uphill battle.

What Does Medical Travel Insurance Cover?

Budget-friendly travel insurance typically offers $100,000 worth of medical insurance coverage but more robust plans can offer $1,000,000+ in coverage.

Emergency Medical Coverage normally includes:

• Hospital Fees
• Surgery Costs
• Outpatient Fees
• Prescription Medicine
• Emergency Transportation To Hospital

Travel insurance also normally covers medical emergency evacuation which will reimburse you if you need to be evacuated to a nearby medical facility. Some plans may cover your transportation home but that typically requires a separate plan.

Emergency dental coverage is often separate from emergency medical coverage so your coverage amounts might only be $500-$1,500.

NOTE: Pre-existing medical conditions are rarely covered.

Adventure Sports & Activities

Not all travel insurance policies cover you if you’re injured while doing adventure sports or other high-risk activities—like skiing, snowboarding, diving, mountain climbing, horseback riding, etc.

Even things like playing basketball or going to the gym may be considered an “adventure sport” so it’s important to read up on these exclusions.

Some policies let you add on an adventure sports rider for an extra cost but you must add it before your trip.

Don’t Forget About The Deductible

Most emergency medical policies have a deductible so expect to pay at least $250 out of pocket before your travel insurance coverage will kick in.

Accidental Death or Dismemberment

Most travel insurance policies provide accidental death or dismemberment coverage. The reimbursement amounts vary by policy.

It’s also important to note that someone will need to submit a claim for accidental death so you should let someone know you’ve purchased travel insurance so they can notify the travel insurance company.

Trip Cancellation, Interruption, & Delay Insurance

Nearly all travel insurance policies have some form of trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage. This coverage will help you recoup costs when your trip is interrupted after a certain amount of time but there are many coverage nuances so let’s take a deeper dive.

Trip Delay Insurance

Travel delays are the most common travel insurance claim so you’ll want to find a policy with this coverage. Coverage applies to delays caused by mechanical, weather, or other unforeseen issues.

Trip delay insurance covers additional expenses you incur when your travel is delayed. Here’s the catch—most policies require a minimum delay of six to 12 hours. Some policies mandate that the delay requires an overnight stay.

Your reimbursement only covers necessary expenses and most policies put a cap on how much they’ll cover so some only offer around $200/day or $500 total. Coverage typically covers:

• Transportation to/from your hotel
• Miscellaneous personal items

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance provides coverage for prepaid and nonrefundable travel expenses. Remember that you’re only covered for non-refundable things like flights, cruises, hotel stays, etc. that you’ve already paid for.

You should pay close attention to this type of coverage if you’re planning an expensive trip like a non-refundable cruise with non-refundable airfare as you’d be out thousands of dollars if you had to cancel.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance only covers unforeseen circumstances like sickness, injury, death in the family, bad weather, etc. However, you won’t be covered if you buy insurance after you sustained a trip-canceling injury.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance provides coverage before your trip begins and during your trip so you can still get partial compensation if something happens in the middle of your travels.

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance is just like it sounds… it allows you to cancel your trip for essentially any reason and you’ll receive a partial refund—usually around 50%-75% of the total trip price. This is an ADDITIONAL coverage option you add to your standard trip cancellation insurance so it covers things not covered by your standard plan.

CFARs normally only allow you to cancel your trip 48 hours or more before your departure date. And because of its flexibility, CFAR coverage will make your policy around 50% more expensive than standard travel insurance.

Baggage Delay and Baggage Loss Insurance

Many travel insurance policies cover compensation for baggage delays and baggage loss. Airlines also typically cover baggage delay/loss insurance so you’ll have to file a claim through the airline first before your travel insurance will provide additional coverage.

Baggage Delay Coverage

Baggage delay insurance covers the purchase of essential items while you’re waiting for the airline to deliver your delayed coverage—your luggage will normally need to be delayed for at least 12-24 hours before you’re allowed to get reimbursed. This is usually limited to personal care items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. It should also cover a change of clothing, shoes, etc.

Many policies offer a blanket coverage amount (around $75-$200/day) but some might ask you to submit receipts for reimbursement. Nearly all policies will have a limit so you can’t treat this as a spending spree and expect to have it all covered.

NOTE: Many policies only cover the “outward” leg of your trip so it won’t cover luggage delays as you return home.

Baggage Loss Coverage

Baggage loss coverage will compensate you if the airline loses your luggage—which statistically happens to less than 0.5% of all bags.

First, baggage loss coverage is secondary to the airline’s standard coverage so you’ll have to go through the airline first before your travel insurance kicks in.

There are plenty of caveats when it comes to how much and what kind of things travel insurance will reimburse you for if your luggage is lost—so you need to pay close attention to the fine print.

For example, many people are surprised to find out that there is often a dollar maximum to how much their insurance will cover—many travel insurance companies will only reimburse you up to $500 per item and there may be a cumulative total they’ll cover (which obviously won’t fully cover many items).

More comprehensive plans will have higher limits but you’ll most likely be asked to submit original receipts for high-end items like jewelry, watches, electronics, etc. when you make a claim.

It’s also important to know that reimbursement may only cover the “current value” of the item and not the price of a brand-new item.

Travel insurance may not cover everything—including cash, perfume, pets, and a few other things according to each policy.

NOTE: Homeowners’ insurance often covers some of your valuables so check there because they may provide more compensation than your travel insurance.

Theft, Loss, and Personal Property Damage Coverage

Your travel insurance may also provide coverage if your things are lost, stolen, or damaged during your travels.

But there are a lot of caveats so let’s take a look at what most travel insurance doesn’t cover :

• Loss or damage to electronics in checked luggage.
• Theft from items left in unattended vehicles (unless it was locked in the trunk).
• Theft of items not secured in a hotel safe.
• Theft or damage while items are with non-insured people.
• Theft or damage of times when you can’t prove you owned the item (i.e. you need original receipts or proof of ownership).
• Lost and stolen cash aren’t covered.

Most plans will cover the loss/theft/damage to electronics and other high-ticket items BUT there is often a per-item limit to how much they’ll cover (typically around $250 but I’ve seen some plans that cover $500+). And they only cover the “current replacement value” of the item so your 5-year-old laptop will only be worth a few hundred dollars—i.e. they won’t buy you a brand-new laptop.

Note: All travel insurance companies require you to submit a police report for stolen items so that’s an extra (time-intensive) step that you must take.

Travel Tip: Take a photo of all your stuff (at least your valuables) so you can more easily prove which items you need to be reimbursed in case of loss/theft.

Supplemental Theft, Loss, & Damage Coverage

As mentioned above, travel insurance only provides limited reimbursement for expensive items so you’ll need to buy supplemental insurance if you want extra coverage for high-end items like expensive cameras, laptops, expensive jewelry/watches, etc.

Rental Car Coverage

Many travelers rent cars while traveling abroad so having adequate rental car insurance is something you’ll want to be familiar with (remember, your domestic car insurance won’t cover you in another country).

Most travel insurance policies provide some form of collision coverage for rental cars (it’s an additional add-on with some policies). Additionally, many credit cards also offer some insurance for rental cars but you must rent that card with that card—some credit cards exclude coverage of luxury cars and won’t cover you in certain countries, like Ireland and Italy.

Personally, I always use a good credit card to book my rental car while also buying a travel insurance policy that covers rental cars—just to be safe.

Most policies only offer coverage due to a collision so it may not cover loss due to theft or medical expenses (to yourself or third parties).

In addition, you may be required to pay for repairs yourself and then get reimbursed by your travel insurance company by submitting a claim.

To further complicate things, most rental car companies pressure you to buy their collision insurance (which is usually the most expensive option) but I find my credit card + travel insurance to offer sufficient coverage.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance is generally affordable but the only way to truly learn how much it costs is to get a quote from a series of travel insurance companies.

Because multiple variables go into the actual cost of travel insurance—here are the most common factors:

• Your Age: Rates typically rise as age increases, so a 25-year-old will probably pay less than a 55-year-old. Some travel insurance companies have an age limit cap (usually around 75). Some specialty plans cover seniors (65 and 89 years) so they cater to the needs of an older traveler but prices are higher.
• Trip Length: Rates increase as the length of the trip increases. Most policies allow a Maximum Trip Length of 90 days but some go up to 12 months.
• The Cost Of Your Non-Refundable Bookings: Many plans will ask you to estimate the total value of your non-refundable bookings (hotels, flights, cruises, activities, etc.) so the higher the amount the higher your premiums will be.
• Coverage Breadth: The more things your plan covers the more you’ll pay. For example, you’ll pay higher rates for a plan that includes car rental insurance than if it doesn’t.
• Coverage Reimbursement Amounts: Reimbursement amounts vary greatly by plan so this has a major impact on rates.
• Trip Location: Some travel insurance companies alter prices based on where you travel.
• Supplemental Coverage: If you add specialized coverage (medivac, extra insurance for electronics, etc.) then that will raise your premiums.

Example Travel Insurance Costs

It’s hard to truly compare different travel insurance companies/policies since every policy offers slightly different coverage but I wanted to run a few scenarios to give you a broad overview of the costs. Again, you’ll need to enter your information to get an accurate quote.

NOTE: The prices below were accurate as of publishing but should only be used for educational purposes. All the travel insurance companies referenced are well-known and reputable, but I’m not specifically promoting any of the companies.

EXAMPLE: 15-day trip to France for a 25-year-old from the USA

• Standard Plan: $87
• Explorer Plan: $157
• Nomad Insurance: $45
• ExactCare: $121
• ExactCare Extra: $137
• OneTrip Basic: $151
• OneTrip Prime: $171
• OneTrip Premiere: $231

EXAMPLE: 21-day trip to Italy for a 45-year-old from the USA

• Standard Plan: $103
• Explorer Plan: $190
• Nomad Insurance: $58
• ExactCare: $507
• ExactCare Extra: $512
• OneTrip Basic: $358
• OneTrip Prime: $532
• OneTrip Premiere: $718

EXAMPLE: 21-day trip to Italy for a 65-year-old from the USA

• Nomad Insurance: $158
• ExactCare: $684
• ExactCare Extra: $691
• OneTrip Basic: $546
• OneTrip Prime: $750
• OneTrip Premiere: $1,013

How To Submit Claims & Get Reimbursed

I’m going to be honest… the most frustrating thing about travel insurance is getting your claims paid since just about every travel insurance company makes you submit multiple documents before they’ll reimburse your expenses.

You have to be persistent.

Expect to get the runaround—hopefully, things go smoothly but I recommend going into this process assuming you’re going to run into a few roadblocks.

AND YOU HAVE TO DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. KEEP ALL YOUR RECEIPTS. KEEP EVERY DOCTOR’S NOTE.

Examples Of Documentation You Might Need To Submit

Here are a few common documents your travel insurance may ask for when you submit your claim:

Claim Forms

Your travel insurance company will give you multiple forms to fill out when submitting your claim. Make sure you fill them out completely and thoroughly or you might have your claim denied.

Other Insurance Information

Sometimes travel insurance is considered “secondary coverage” so your travel insurance provider might ask you to submit your claim to your “primary provider” first and then they’ll cover the remaining.

Proof Of Payment

You’ll need to provide proof that you paid for your out-of-pocket expenses so you might need to submit your credit card statement, a canceled check, or a receipt for services paid with cash.

Proof Of Claim Reason

You’ll need to prove that you required medical treatment so ask for a note from the doctor if the reason isn’t included on the treatment bill/receipt.

Explanation Of Benefits

You’ll have to submit all the Explanation Of Benefits (EOB) that you receive from all other health insurance providers.

All Original Receipts

You must provide the original receipts for the medical expenses incurred—typically you’ll want to submit an itemized receipt that details every expense.

You also must provide receipts for all your non-refundable expenses like hotels, flights, trains, cruises, etc.

Police Reports (For Theft)

Be sure to get a copy of the police report if you’re submitting a claim for theft.

Travel Insurance Claim Reimbursement

Most travel insurance requires that you submit your claim within 20-90 days of the incident so it’s important to be timely—especially if you need to track down multiple receipts and other documentation.

Expect a little back-and-forth with the insurance company.

More Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Here are a few articles I’ve written that I think you might find helpful as you plan your trip to Europe:

• The Most Visited Cities In Europe
• Guide To Train Travel In Europe
• How To Avoid Common Travel Scams
• Price Guides For 30+ European Cities
• Guide To eSIM Data Plans In Europe
• Recent Posts

• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024
• Holafly eSIM Review | Testing The New eSIM Data Plan from Holafly - March 3, 2024
• Fashion Advice: How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist In Europe - February 20, 2024

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. For more information on health, visit our page on  Your Health Abroad . You should also review the  country information page  for your destination before you travel.

Before you go, consider your insurance options.

• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.
• Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
• More information is also available on the  CDC insurance page .

Medical Evacuation Insurance

• Pays for medical care and emergency transportation.
• Can be purchased separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy.
• Is strongly recommended, particularly if you are visiting countries with limited health care facilities.

Travel Health Insurance

• Travel Health Insurance pays for emergency and/or routine medical services overseas.
• If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it provides coverage for routine and/or emergency medical services abroad. More information is available on our page about  Your Health Abroad .
• If your health insurance coverage does not provide full coverage overseas, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

• Covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets.
• May not cover any medical care you need overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.
• Familiarize yourself with your travel and medical coverage before going overseas.

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Travel insurance varies widely, so you should carefully read the terms of an insurance policy to make sure it fits your needs. Before selecting a Travel Insurance, make sure it covers:

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• Your duration of travel
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• Medical transport back to the United States
• Travel/accommodation costs
• Enough financial coverage for worst-case scenarios
• Pre-existing conditions
• Activities you plan on engaging in

You should also make sure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line, so that you and/or your medical provider overseas are able to reach the company if needed.

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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.

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A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

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By Katrina Miller

On April 8, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. The moon will glide over the surface of our sun, casting a shadow over a swath of Earth below. Along this path, the world will turn dark as night.

Skywatchers in Mexico will be the first to see the eclipse on the mainland. From there, the show will slide north, entering the United States through Texas, then proceeding northeast before concluding for most people off the coast of Canada.

Why eclipses happen is simple: the moon comes between us and the sun. But they are also complicated. So if you’ve forgotten all of your eclipse facts, tips and how-to’s since 2017, we’re here to explain it for you.

But before we dive in, there is one thing to know that is more important than anything else: It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse (except for the few moments when the moon has fully obscured its surface). At all other times, watch the event through protective eye equipment . Read on to learn about how to watch an eclipse safely.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon orients itself between Earth and the sun, shielding the solar surface from our view.

In cosmic terms, it is unusual that this happens: the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is about 400 times closer to us. That means that when these two celestial bodies are aligned, they appear to be the same size in the sky.

What other types of eclipses are there?

Annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is farther from Earth and appears too small to completely shield the sun’s surface. Instead, the outer part of the solar disk remains uncovered — a “ring of fire” in the sky.

Partial solar eclipses happen when Earth, the moon and the sun are imperfectly aligned. The moon only obscures a chunk of the sun. There will be two in 2025.

Earth can also get between the moon and the sun, creating a lunar eclipse. This can be observed once or twice a year .

How dark will it be during the eclipse?

In any given place along the eclipse path , the event will last around two hours or more.

The event will commence with a partial solar eclipse, as the moon takes a small bite out of the sun’s edge, then consumes more and more of its surface. According to NASA , this can last anywhere from 70 to 80 minutes.

The phase of the eclipse where the moon has completely blocked the sun’s surface is called totality. This is the only time the event can be viewed with the naked eye.

The length of totality varies by location. In April, some places will experience this phase for more than four minutes; others, for only one to two minutes.

During totality, the sky will get dark as night and the temperature will drop. Wispy white strings of light from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will suddenly be visible. Lucky viewers may even spot a thin, reddish-pink circle around the edge of the moon. That’s the chromosphere, an atmospheric layer below the sun’s corona. Its color comes from the presence of hydrogen throughout the layer.

After totality, the sun will slowly peek out from behind the moon again — another partial eclipse that will last the same amount of time as the first one. The moon will recede until the sun is back to normal brightness in our sky.

How can I watch the solar eclipse safely?

In general, avoid looking directly at the sun without special equipment to protect your eyes. Inexpensive options for watching the eclipse include paper solar viewers and glasses. If you are using equipment purchased for a past solar eclipse, make sure to inspect it. Toss anything with scratches or other signs of damage.

According to NASA , it is not safe to look at the sun through any optical device while using paper glasses or viewers. To watch the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, buy a special solar filter.

The only time you can view a solar eclipse with the naked eye is during the moments of totality. Once the moon begins to reveal the surface of the sun again, return to watching the event through protective equipment to avoid injury.

What happens if I look at the eclipse without protection?

In general, staring directly at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to your eyes . This can range from blurry or distorted vision to something even more serious, like blind spots. Because there are no pain receptors in the retina, you won’t feel it while it’s happening.

The same is true during an eclipse — except during the brief moments of totality, when the moon has hidden the face of the sun. At all other times, use protective eye equipment to view the event.

What do I do if I can’t find eclipse glasses?

If it’s too late to get glasses or viewers, there’s always a do-it-yourself option: a pinhole camera to indirectly experience the eclipse. You can create one using cardstock , a cardboard box , a kitchen strainer or even your fingers . These designs project an image of the eclipse onto the ground or some other surface that is safe to look at.

Where are the best places to watch the eclipse?

The total eclipse will sweep across large portions of Mexico, the United States and eastern Canada. For the most dramatic show, it’s best to experience the eclipse along the path of totality , which is where the moon will completely blot out the sun.

The Path of the Eclipse

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada. Viewers outside the path of the total eclipse will see a partial eclipse, if the sky is clear .

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

5:13 p.m. NDT

3:26 p.m. EDT

3:18 p.m. EDT

3:05 p.m. EDT

3:13 p.m. EDT

1:40 p.m. CDT

1:51 p.m. CDT

1:33 p.m. CDT

11:07 a.m. MST

Viewers near Mazatlán, a beach town on the Pacific shoreline of Mexico, will be the first place to experience totality on North America’s mainland. Various sites in Mexico along the eclipse’s path will experience the longest duration of totality — as long as four minutes and 29 seconds.

Cities across the United States, including Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland, will most likely be hot spots for the upcoming eclipse. Other notable locations include Carbondale, Ill., which also saw totality during the solar eclipse in 2017; small towns west of Austin, Texas, which are projected to have some of the best weather in the country along the eclipse path; and Niagara Falls, if the skies are clear. Six provinces of Canada are in the path of totality, but many of them have a very cloudy outlook.

When does the eclipse begin and end?

The show begins at dawn, thousands of miles southwest of the Pacific shore of Mexico. The moon starts to conceal the sun near Mazatlán at 9:51 a.m. local time. Viewers near Mazatlán will experience totality at 11:07 a.m. for four minutes and 20 seconds.

Then the moon’s shadow will swoop through Mexico, crossing over the Texas border at 1:10 p.m. Eastern time. Totality in the United States will start at 2:27 p.m. and end at 3:33 p.m. Eastern time.

Canadians will experience the solar eclipse in the afternoon for nearly three hours. The eclipse concludes beyond Canada’s boundaries when the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

What time is the eclipse in New York, Texas, Illinois, Mexico, Canada and other locations?

If you’d like to look up when the eclipse starts, reaches its peak under totality and then ends, you can visit The Times’s interactive map , which will also give you the weather outlook for April 8 along the event’s path.

Below are the times in selected locations when the eclipse will begin totality.

How long will the eclipse last?

The duration of totality depends on how far a given location on Earth is from the moon. Places with the longest totality are closest to the moon and farther from the sun. The speed of the lunar shadow is slowest over spots with the longest totality.

In April, the longest period of totality will occur over Durango, a state in Mexico, for a total of four minutes and 29 seconds. Along the centerline, the location of shortest totality on land is on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, for about two minutes and 54 seconds. But totality is even shorter along the edges of the total eclipse path; in some places, it lasts less than a minute.

How fast does the eclipse move?

Solar eclipses may seem to happen slowly, but the moon’s shadow is racing across the surface of Earth. Exact speeds vary by location. Eclipse calculators estimate the shadow will move between about 1,560 m.p.h. and 1,600 m.p.h. through Mexico, and more than 3,000 m.p.h. by the time it exits the United States. The eclipse will reach speeds exceeding 6,000 m.p.h. over the Atlantic Ocean.

When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?

According to the American Astronomical Society , total solar eclipses happen once every year or so, but they can only be viewed along a narrow path on Earth’s surface. Many occur over water or other places that can be difficult to reach. A given location will experience totality once in about 400 years.

But some places get lucky: Carbondale, a college town in southern Illinois, saw the total solar eclipse in the United States on Aug. 21, 2017, and will experience another one this April. San Antonio experienced an annular eclipse last October, and is also in the path of totality for this year’s eclipse.

Do other planets experience solar eclipses?

Yes, any planet in our solar system with a moon can experience a solar eclipse. In February, a Martian rover captured Phobos , one of the red planet’s moons, transiting the sun.

The moons on other planets, though, appear either smaller or larger than the sun in the sky . Only Earth has a moon just the right size and at just the right distance to produce the unique effects of totality.

How will things on Earth change during the eclipse?

As the eclipse approaches its maximum phase, the air will get cooler, the sky will grow dimmer, shadows will sharpen and you might notice images of crescents — tiny projections of the eclipse — within them. Along the path of totality, the world will go dark while the moon inches toward perfect alignment with Earth and the sun.

Animals will also react to the solar eclipse. Bees stop buzzing , birds stop whistling and crickets begin chirping. Some pets may express confusion . Even plants are affected, scientists found after the solar eclipse in 2017 . They have diminished rates of photosynthesis and water loss similar to, though not as extreme as, what happens at night.

What’s the difference between experiencing a solar eclipse at 99 percent compared with a total eclipse?

Patricia Reiff, a physicist at Rice University who has traveled for 25 eclipses and counting, says that if you are in a place where you’d see a 99 percent partial eclipse, it’s worth safely traveling a little farther to experience a total eclipse.

“Ninety-nine percent is cool,” she said, but “totality is oh-my-God crazy.”

Even at 99 percent eclipse, the sky won’t darken — you won’t be able to see stars or planets. Changes in the temperature, wind and shadows won’t be as dramatic. And the moon won’t block out enough light for you to witness the sun’s corona.

What if I can’t get to the path of totality?

Viewers in locations away from the eclipse path will see the moon partially blot out the sun, though how perceptible the effects are depends on the site’s distance from the centerline. (The closer you are, the more remarkable it will be.) Still, it won’t be quite like experiencing the eclipse during totality.

Remember that you should always wear protective eye equipment while watching a partial eclipse.

If you can’t make it to the path of totality but still want to experience it, many organizations are providing live video streams of the eclipse, including NASA and Time and Date . The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco, will also offer a sonification of the eclipse and a broadcast in Spanish.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

If you’re willing to travel, the next total solar eclipse is on Aug. 12, 2026. People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Spain will experience the event.

But if you want to see an eclipse in the United States, you’ll have to wait a long time. While a total eclipse will graze parts of Alaska in 2033, the next one to reach the lower 48 states is on Aug. 22, 2044. That event crosses parts of Canada and ends in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

For those willing to wait until 2045, the eclipse of Aug. 12 that year will start in California and travel east, exiting the country in Florida.

What have we learned from solar eclipses?

In the 1800s, a French astronomer discovered the element helium by studying the spectrum of sunlight emitted during an eclipse. These events also allowed the first scientific observations of coronal mass ejections — violent expulsions of plasma from the sun’s corona — which can cause power outages and communication disruptions on Earth. Scientists also confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which says that massive objects bend the fabric of space-time, during a solar eclipse in 1919.

And there is more to discover. This April, NASA plans to fly instruments on planes to capture images of the solar corona, and launch rockets to study how the drop in sunlight during an eclipse affects Earth’s atmosphere. A radio telescope in California will try to use the moon as a shield to measure emissions from individual sunspots .

The public is joining the fun, too. During the eclipse, a team of ham radio operators will beam signals across the country to study how solar disturbances can affect communications. Some people along the path of totality will record sounds from wildlife . Others will use their phones to snap pictures of the eclipse to help sketch out the shape of the solar disk .

An earlier version of this article referred imprecisely to eclipse on other worlds. Some appear larger than the sun in sky, they are not all partial eclipses.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Maine Brac es Itself :  Businesses and planning committees are eager for visitors, but some in remote Aroostook County are not sure how they feel  about lying smack in the path of totality.

A Dark Day for Buffalo:  When the sky above Buffalo briefly goes dark  on the afternoon of April 8, the city will transcend its dreary place in the public consciousness — measured as it so often is by snowstorms — if only for about three minutes. The city can’t wait.

Under the Moon’s Shadow:  The late Jay Pasachoff, who spent a lifetime chasing eclipses , inspired generations of students to become astronomers by dragging them to the ends of the Earth for a few precarious moments of ecstasy.

A Rare Return:  It is rare for a total solar eclipse to hit the same place twice — once every 366 years on average. People in certain areas will encounter April 8’s eclipse  about seven years after they were near the middle of the path of the “Great American Eclipse.”

A Small City’s Big Plans:  Let the big cities have their eclipse mega-events. In Plattsburgh, N.Y., success looks different  for everyone stopping to look up.

 No Power Outages:  When the sky darkens during the eclipse, electricity production in some parts of the country will drop so sharply that it could theoretically leave tens of millions of homes in the dark. In practice, hardly anyone will notice  a sudden loss of energy.