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How to Get Travel Insurance from Expedia

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Now that you’ve learned all about booking flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, and cruises with Expedia , you might be thinking about planning a trip. If you’re looking for a little extra peace of mind on your trip, you might be considering purchasing one of Expedia’s travel protection plans, in order to be ready for the unexpected.

Just a heads-up that some of the services we’re reviewing here have affiliate partnerships with us, so we may earn a commission if you visit one of them and buy something. You can read more about how this works at https://techboomers.com/how-to-support-techboomers .

In this article, we’ll explain how to get protection from Expedia, and what types of plans you can choose from. Read on to learn more!

How Expedia travel insurance works

Expedia travel insurance is a protection plan for your trip which will entitle you to a refund in the event that the conditions of the insurance are met. By purchasing insurance with or after your booking, you are protecting yourself if the trip is cancelled or if unfortunate circumstances occur while on your trip.

We all know vacations can be expensive. By purchasing an Expedia protection plan, essentially you are preparing for a situation out of your control, so you don’t lose all of the money you spent on your trip. Depending on the protection you purchase, you could be reimbursed for the cost of your trip for situations such as illness, bad weather, or missing your flight.

You will be given the option of adding travel insurance while booking, but this is completely optional. You will need to purchase protection plans during booking, prior to the completion of your transaction. You can however purchase the Car Rental Insurance Plan up until the day before you leave for your trip.

How do I get a Travel Protection Plan from Expedia?

You will automatically have the option to add a travel protection plan whenever you are booking an itinerary for which that plan is applicable. 

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Types of Travel Protection Plans that Expedia offers

Expedia package protection plan – for before, on, or after the trip..

This plan applies mainly to vacation packages, usually consisting of at least a flight and hotel booking. It is meant to protect you from elements before and during your trip, including:

  • If you need to change or cancel your flight before you leave, for any reason (one time only)
  • If your flight is significantly delayed
  • If you need to return home mid-trip because of an emergency
  • If you need to pay for any emergency medical bills
  • If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or significantly delayed
  • If you or someone you are travelling with is seriously injured or killed in an accident
  • If you need to call someone for any other type of emergency travel or medical assistance

Expedia Vacation Waiver – for flight issues.

This is similar to the package protection plan, except that it only covers you if you need to change or cancel your flight before you leave.  If you’re just worried about whether or not you’ll be able to make your flight at all, and not so much about what will happen after you’re already on it, then pick this plan.

  • You can use this plan one time only, before the time you are scheduled to leave.
  • You may cancel or change your flight for any reason. 
  • Expedia will pay for any change or cancellation fees from the airline.
  • You will be given credit to use towards a flight in the future.
  • The future flight must be with the same primary passenger on the same airline.

Expedia Cancellation Plan – for an emergency before the trip occurs.

Similar to the vacation waiver, this plan compensates you if you need to cancel your trip before you leave or during your trip, if you or someone closely related to you becomes critically ill or injured. 

  • This plan only compensates you if you wish to cancel your trip, not change it.
  • It covers medical emergencies only, and requires a doctor’s note.
  • It is available only for packages that include flights totally within the continental United States.

Expedia Total Protection Plan – for travel, medical, baggage, and emergencies.

This plan is sort of a mix between the cancellation plan and the package protection plan, and usually only applies to packages that have flights booked, but not hotel rooms. 

  • Like the cancellation plan, it allows you to be compensated if you cancel your trip before you’re scheduled to leave or after you’ve already left, though only for doctor-certified medical emergencies.
  • Like the package protection plan, it also protects your luggage against loss, theft, damage, destruction, or significant delay.  It also covers emergency medical bills, and can compensate you if you or a travelling partner is seriously injured or killed in an accident.  Finally, it includes 24/7 emergency traveller’s assistance.

Cruise Travel Protection.

As its name implies, this plan is for packages that include cruises.  It offers you protection and/or compensation:

  • If you have to cancel your cruise because you or a close associate has a medical emergency
  • If your cruise is significantly delayed
  • If you have to pay for any emergency medical bills
  • If your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or significantly delayed

Car Rental Insurance.

This plan covers your expenses, above and beyond your regular car insurance, if your rental car is damaged by forces of nature (fire, flood, hail, wind, etc.) or by anything else that isn’t your fault. This is also the only insurance that can be purchased from Expedia after your booking; you can obtain it up until the day before you leave for your trip – so you have more time to decide if you’ll need it.

Is Expedia’s Travel Insurance Worth It?

The answer to this, like a lot of similar questions, is “it depends.”  There are a number of factors that may make you decide that you want the extra protection or not.  Here are a few things to consider.

  • How well does your other insurance cover you? There are some things included in their travel insurance plans that your other insurance plans don’t cover, and there are some things that they do.  Consider what things are most likely to pose a problem for you personally on your trip, and ask whether the insurance you have already covers those things or not.  
  • How dangerous is your trip destination? There are some places that are prone to extreme weather conditions, while others are notorious for thievery and violence.  Again, consider what the biggest risks are for you when travelling when deciding on your insurance plan.  
  • Did you read the fine print? Again, we know that a lot of people don’t like doing it and/or don’t bother doing it.  But a lot of people who complain on the Internet about the travel insurance plans being useless probably didn’t realize that there are specific situations in which they do or do not apply.  For instance, some of them only reimburse you if you outright cancel your trip instead of changing it, and only for a medical emergency verified by a doctor.  
  • Are you getting value for money? This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the other points made so far.  There are some places where you will be able to buy travel insurance at a lower rate.  Also, in some places, you may be able to get travel insurance that is more expensive, but has more covered scenarios and/or doesn’t have as many restrictions in the fine print.  Do a bit of shopping around to find a good balance of price versus broadness of coverage.

And that’s how Expedia’s Travel Protection Plans work. If you’re interested in learning more about what you may be entitled to when you book with Expedia, check out our article on the their cancellation policy here .

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Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

When booking a trip, many people choose to add travel insurance as an extra layer of protection. While Expedia offers a variety of travel insurance options, it is not always possible to add insurance after booking. In some cases, you may be able to add insurance within 24 hours of booking, but it is not guaranteed. If you are interested in adding travel insurance to your Expedia booking, it is best to check with the insurance provider ahead of time to see if it is possible.

No, you cannot add travel insurance after booking on Expedia. You must purchase travel insurance at the time of booking in order to be covered.

Can you add trip protection after booking Expedia?

If you’re considering adding trip insurance to your travel plans, you can usually do so after you’ve booked your trip on Expedia. In most cases, you can add trip insurance to your existing travel plans without any problems. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to make sure that your policy covers you for the type of travel you’re planning.

Expedia offers two different types of travel insurance for flights — the Flight Cancellation Plan and the Flight Total Protection Plan. For hotels, they offer Hotel Booking Protection and Hotel Booking Protection Plus. You can purchase an Expedia travel insurance policy before your trip to protect your investment and have peace of mind while you travel.

What does Expedia trip protection cover

Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

The plan provides coverage for medical expenses in the event of a medical emergency while traveling, as well as coverage for emergency medical transportation. Benefits are also provided for baggage and personal effects that are lost, stolen or damaged during your flight.

If you are looking to cancel your hotel booking with Expedia, there are a few things you need to know. If you have booked a fully refundable room, you can cancel up to 48 hours before your check-in date and receive a full refund. If you have booked a non-refundable room, however, you will not be refunded for your booking. Be sure to check the cancellation policy of your hotel before booking to avoid any surprises.

Can I cancel my trip on Expedia and get a refund?

If you need to cancel your flight, you can do so within 24 hours for a full refund. If you need to change your flight, you may be charged fees by the airline.

The Expedia Cancellation Plan is a great way to protect yourself in case you need to cancel your trip before you leave or during your trip. If you or someone closely related to you becomes critically ill or injured, this plan will compensate you. This is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones while you travel.

Does travel insurance cover booking cancellation?

Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

Comprehensive travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment in your vacation. If you need to cancel your trip due to illness, injury, natural disasters, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, comprehensive travel insurance will reimburse you for your accommodation, flights, and other pre-paid deposits. This type of insurance is a great way to peace of mind on your next vacation.

When you buy travel insurance, you can decide whether you want it to start immediately or on a later date. If you want it to start on the day you buy it, you’re usually insured the moment you pay for the policy. So it doesn’t take long to get your insurance sorted!

Can you get flight cancellation insurance after booking

It’s always best to purchase travel insurance as early as possible, but you can still buy it after booking your trip. If you wait, you may miss out on some benefits.

Though you may pay 5 to 10 percent of your trip cost for travel insurance, travel insurance is often worth the investment for its potential to help reimburse you for hundreds of thousands of dollars of covered travel-related expenses like emergency evacuation, medical bills, and costs related to trip cancellation and.

Is it better to book through Expedia or the airline?

Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

If you’re looking to save money on your flight tickets, booking through Expedia can be a great option. In many cases, Expedia is able to offer flight tickets at a lower price than if you were to book directly through the airline. This is because third-party services often get a bulk discount from airlines, allowing them to sell their flight deals for less than the average ticket price.

Please note that the fare is non-refundable and any change or cancellation will result in full forfeiture of the value of the ticket with no refund or credit available. Rules and restrictions as imposed by the airline(s) will be applicable to your fare should you need to change or cancel your flight(s).

What happens if I cancel a reservation on Expedia

The Expedia cancellation policy for hosts is quite simple and straightforward – if a guests cancels or changes their reservation within 24 hours of booking, they will not be charged any fees or penalties. This policy is in place across the entire Expedia site, so guests can rest assured that they can cancel or change their reservations without any hassle.

If you need to cancel your flight reservation, you can do so through Expedia. However, please be aware that the airline may charge a cancellation fee depending on the fare type that you purchased. You can find the fare rules for your particular fare type in your trip itinerary. Thanks for using Expedia!

Does Expedia insurance cover missed flights?

Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, you will not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred as a result of the delay. This includes things like missed hotel reservations, car rental fees, and so on. You will also not be covered for any lost or stolen baggage. So if your flight is delayed, be sure to make alternate arrangements and travel insurance plans accordingly.

If you need to cancel your hotel reservation, you can do so by using the Expedia app or by calling Expedia at 1-800-397-3342. Make sure you have your reservation number handy, as you will need to enter it into an automated system when you call.

Yes, you can add travel insurance after booking on Expedia.

After booking a trip on Expedia, you can’t add travel insurance through Expedia. You would need to contact a travel insurance company directly to see if you can add insurance for your already booked trip.

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Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson is passionate about traveling. He loves exploring new cultures and places, and discovering the world around him. He believes that travel can open up new perspectives and opportunities for growth and development. Scott has visited many countries in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, and he continues to seek out new destinations for his adventures.

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Get a quote today., expedia travel insurance: plans, costs, reputation, & services.

Expedia markets itself as “the world’s travel platform.”

In business since 1996, the company has grown to be one of the biggest travel insurance providers in the world.

It has several plans with different coverage levels suitable for a variety of travelers, helping keep its spot as a leading travel insurance company in the industry.

Expedia company logo

Expedia’s plans can be customized with a variety of add-ons and extra benefits that let travelers make sure they get the best travel insurance for their needs and budget.

Travelers can find out more about the costs of an Expedia travel insurance plan by visiting its website and inputting their personal information, with the details of their planned trip.

The company routinely provides flights and hotels, bundling travel insurance as part of this main offering.

Expedia’s travel insurance is only available for purchase when you book your trip and accommodation with the company.

Aon Affinity Travel Practice, who administers Expedia’s travel insurance policies, has a rating of A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

This is an indicator of the efficient way this company deals with complaints that are filed against it.

While it had 49 logged complaints within the last 12 months, according to the BBB, the company’s prompt response time is reflected in its A+ rating.

Expedia provides a mobile app which gives its customers the ability to file a claim from anywhere in the world.

It also offers 24/7 telephone support.

While this is a pretty standard offering in the travel insurance industry, it’s a great relief knowing that if you need to talk to your travel insurance provider from a different time zone, you’ll be able to.

An insurance company’s financial stability is regularly overlooked by potential customers, but can often be just as important as analyzing travel insurance reviews.

Expedia’s underwriting company, Stonebridge Casualty, has received a rating of “A” by A. M. Best through its parent organization Transamerica Casualty.

Financial stability should always be something to consider when you’re looking at travel insurance providers .

Expedia Travel Insurance Coverage & Plans

Expedia travel insurance offers a wide variety of coverage plans to ensure protection across a variety of situations.

Each offering has several available levels of coverage, so there’s a big chance you can find something that’s right for you to protect you when you’re away from home.

Expedia travel insurance provides the following types of coverage:

  • Comprehensive
  • Trip Cancellation/ Interruption
  • Accidental Death

add trip insurance expedia

Expedia Package Protection

This plan provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

It also includes reimbursement for any expenses incurred if your travel is delayed due to mechanical failure, strike, or adverse weather conditions.

This plan also protects you in the event of medical emergencies and can help with the costs of medical expenses and medical transportation.

Baggage and personal property is covered, so any lost, stolen, or damaged items during travel can be replaced.

If a hurricane warning has been issued and you need to change the specifics of your trip, the company may waive cancellation fees and liaise with its partnering companies to waive its associated fees as well.

You can also receive assistance with re-booking the entirety of your trip, including your flight and any activities you may have booked.

Though Expedia only offers one travel insurance plan, the company has a wide range of add-ons.

These include coverage for lost passport and document assistance, emergency cash, translation services, medical case management, and concierge services such as restaurant or event referrals and reservations.

While these add-ons may understandably increase the cost of your travel insurance, they also provide you with a greater degree of protection and offer added value.

Expedia Travel Insurance Costs

Travel insurance generally costs between 4 and 8 percent of the total trip.

While this is the industry standard, the actual costs of your travel insurance usually depend on the level of coverage you select and how comprehensive your plan is.

Travel insurance companies base their actuarial math on several factors.

The length of the trip is a significant determiner, as the longer you’re traveling, the more likely adverse calamities could occur. Destination dramatically impacts the price as well.

If you’re visiting an area with a high crime rates, political unrest, or poor infrastructure, to name just a few, insurance providers may view you as a higher risk. The age of the policyholder can also influence the price of the premium.

Generally, consumers aged 70 or over can expect to pay considerably more for their travel insurance.

The price of travel insurance is calculated based on risk, and the older you are, the more your risk increases in the eyes of the insurance providers.

Travelers can get a quote from Expedia by visiting its website and providing precise details of the trip that they plan on making.

Expedia doesn’t have annual options available, so it may not be possible to get a standard rate year in year out.

There’s no minimum age limit for insuring children via this company, though dependents are covered under their parents’ policy.

Expedia only refunds policies purchased ten days before the trip, provided no claims have been made.

Customer Reviews & Reputation

Before purchasing any travel insurance policy, it’s important to look at the insurer’s reviews, to gain insight into the company should you need its services on your trip.

Expedia (through Aon Affinity) has been awarded the Better Business Bureau’s highest rating of A+.

Though this rating is not uncommon, it is noteworthy that Aon Affinity has closed 49 complaints in the past 12 months.

This high volume of complaints can be attributed to the fact that this company is quite a large insurance provider.

Customer Assistance Services

When you take out a travel insurance plan with Expedia, you benefit from 24/7 support and access to its mobile app, with paperless claim filing available.

Choosing a travel insurance company that has modern interfaces is always a good choice, as instant access can significantly reduce your stress should something go wrong on your trip.

Another critical aspect to consider, and one which may not initially cross your mind, is whether the insurance company you choose has 24/7 support available.

This is particularly important for travel to far removed time zones from your own.

Expedia also provides additional concierge services such as ground transportation, up to the minute travel advice, and event or restaurant referrals and bookings.

Expedia Travel Insurance Financial Stability

Financial stability is an essential factor to consider when choosing an insurance company.

Dedicated credit rating agencies such as A.M Best, Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s analyze insurance companies and report their findings, publishing results regularly.

Good ratings with any of these are generally indicative of a company’s ability to meet its obligations.

Expedia is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty, a subsidiary of Transamerica Casualty, which has received a rating of A from A. M. Best.

This high rating shows that the backing company can meet its ongoing insurance obligations.

If there were any concerns with the quality of the coverage offered by this company, or of its ability to make good on claims, A. M. Best would have a lower rating.

Expedia Travel Insurance Phone Number & Contact Information

  • Homepage URL : https://www.expedia.com/
  • Provider Phone : (877) 227-7481
  • Headquarters Address : 333 108th Ave NE Ste 300, Bellevue, WA 98004-5736
  • Year Founded : 1996

Best Alternatives to Expedia Travel Insurance

Not satisfied with what Expedia has to offer? These companies provide great travel insurance alternatives:

Additional Providers

There are several other travel insurance providers that deserve consideration as well which you can see in our Best Travel Insurance Companies article.

These companies didn’t make our list of top providers but we have created some more detailed reviews  that you can view below:

  • Allianz Travel Insurance Review
  • Aon Travel Insurance Review
  • Carnival Travel Insurance Review
  • Chubb Travel Insurance Review
  • CSA Travel Insurance Review
  • Expedia Travel Insurance Review
  • Hotwire Travel Insurance Review
  • IMG Travel Insurance Review
  • InsureMyTrip Travel Insurance Review
  • JetBlue Travel Insurance Review
  • John Hancock Travel Insurance Review
  • Medjet Medical Transport Insurance Review
  • Orbitz Travel Insurance Review
  • Patriot Travel Insurance Review
  • Priceline Travel Insurance Review
  • Progressive Travel Insurance Review
  • Red Sky Travel Insurance Review
  • Ripcord Travel Insurance Review
  • Travel Insured International
  • Travelex Travel Insurance Review
  • USAA Travel Insurance Review
  • USI Affinity Travel Insurance Review 
  • World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

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Can you add insurance to Expedia trip after booking?

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FAQs about adding insurance to an Expedia trip after booking

1. is it possible to add insurance to my expedia trip if i already have a booking, 2. what does travel insurance cover, 3. how much does travel insurance cost, 4. can i purchase travel insurance for only part of my trip, 5. is travel insurance worth it, 6. are there any restrictions or limitations to adding insurance after booking, 7. how do i make a claim with travel insurance, 8. can i cancel travel insurance if my plans change, 9. can i upgrade my travel insurance coverage, 10. how do i select the right travel insurance for my trip, 11. can i add insurance to an expedia trip if i booked through a third-party website, 12. is it cheaper to purchase travel insurance directly from the insurance provider.

If you have already booked a trip through Expedia and are now wondering whether you can add insurance to your reservation, the answer is yes, it is possible. Expedia provides the flexibility to add insurance to your trip even after the initial booking. Travel insurance offers protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to consider adding insurance to your Expedia trip, as it can save you from potential financial losses and provide you with assistance when you need it the most.

Yes, Expedia allows you to add insurance to your trip even after making the initial booking. Simply log in to your Expedia account, go to your itinerary, and look for the option to add travel insurance. Follow the prompts to select the insurance coverage that suits your needs.

Travel insurance typically covers a range of scenarios, including trip cancellations or interruptions, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, and emergency evacuation. The exact coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the plan you choose.

The cost of travel insurance depends on various factors, such as the duration of your trip, the destinations you are traveling to, your age, and the level of coverage you require. It is best to obtain quotes from different insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options.

Yes, most insurance providers offer the flexibility to purchase coverage for specific portions of your trip. For example, if you have a multi-destination trip, you can choose to only cover the duration of your stay in certain locations.

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection and peace of mind, especially if you are traveling to unfamiliar destinations or engaging in activities with potential risks. It can save you from significant financial losses in case of unforeseen events and provide assistance when you need it.

While it is generally possible to add insurance to your Expedia trip after booking, there may be certain restrictions or limitations. It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to understand any exclusions or limitations that may apply.

If you encounter an event covered by your travel insurance policy, you will typically need to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process, which may require submitting documentation such as medical reports or receipts.

Most travel insurance policies offer a grace period during which you can cancel the insurance and receive a refund. However, the duration of the grace period may vary between insurance providers. It is important to review the policy terms to understand the cancellation policy.

If you find that the initial coverage you selected is inadequate, it may be possible to upgrade your travel insurance. Contact your insurance provider for guidance and to explore any available options.

Choosing the right travel insurance involves considering your specific travel needs, such as the destinations, duration, and activities planned. It is important to compare coverage options, read reviews, and understand the terms and conditions before making a decision.

In most cases, you should be able to add insurance to your Expedia trip even if you booked through a third-party website. However, it is always advisable to check with Expedia directly or consult the insurance provider to ensure compatibility.

While purchasing travel insurance directly from the insurance provider may be an option, it is often more convenient to add insurance through Expedia. Additionally, Expedia may offer bundled packages that provide competitive pricing and the convenience of managing all aspects of your trip in one place. It is recommended to compare prices and coverage options to make an informed decision.

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Prepare for life's unexpected occurrences. With an Expedia Vacation Waiver you can cancel or change your trip—for any reason—and Expedia will pay your change fees. Go ahead, book that family vacation today, resting assured that you can change it if you need to!

  • Change or cancel your trip for any reason.
  • Covers you prior to the scheduled start of your trip.
  • Cancelling your flight? Get a full refund of any cancellation fees and a credit for the amount of the cancelled ticket.
  • Changing your flight? Get a full refund of any change fees and a credit for future travel.
  • Refund Instructions
  • Terms & Conditions

Change or cancel for any reason

Vacation Waiver helps protect you against life's unexpected occurrences. Your group is allowed to change or cancel your trip for any reason one (1) time prior to the scheduled start time* of your trip without being charged any change or cancellation fees. If canceling, any monies paid will be returned to the customer who booked the travel except the cost of published airfare, which may be made available as a credit for future travel.** Note: The waiver is valid once you have paid the appropriate waiver cost and your booking is confirmed. *Scheduled Start Time is defined as the originally scheduled departure time of your flight or, if you haven’t booked a flight as part of your package, the scheduled check-in time of your hotel at the time of booking. Other terms and conditions apply. Please see Terms and Conditions below. **For a published air ticket, credit may be issued per applicable airline policies less airline change fees and Expedia, Inc. will absorb the change fees. The actual airfare could be higher at the time of rebooking; in that event the price differential would be your responsibility. You are allowed to change or cancel your trip for any reason one (1) time prior to the start of your trip.

The Vacation Waiver is valid for redemption only by the person(s) named on the voucher. It is not transferable, has no cash value, and may be redeemed only once. The Expedia Vacation Waiver must be purchased at the time of booking; waivers cannot be purchased after booking. The Vacation Waiver excludes the price of the Expedia Vacation Waiver. If you change your trip for ANY REASON prior to the scheduled start time* of your trip, all package cancellation fees imposed by the airline, hotel, car rental company or other travel service provider will be paid by Expedia. You will be responsible for any increase in the cost of the trip as a result of fares being higher at the time of the change. The Expedia Vacation Waiver does not cover changes in fares. If you cancel your trip, you will receive a refund for all amounts paid, except for the cost of non-refundable air tickets. In most cases, the full amount of money paid for air travel will be returned in the form of a credit for future travel, subject to restrictions and limitations imposed by airlines. Airfare credits are typically limited for use by the named ticketed passenger, for use on the same airline, for a period of up to one year from the original ticketing date.

General What is the Expedia Vacation Waiver? The Expedia Vacation Waiver allows you to cancel your trip for any reason prior to the scheduled start of your trip. Any monies paid will be returned to the customer who booked the travel except the cost of published airfare, which will be made available as a credit for future travel. For a published air ticket, credit may be issued per applicable airline policies less airline change fees and Expedia, inc. will absorb change fees. The actual airfare could be higher at the time of rebooking; in that event the price differential would be your responsibility. Why should I get the Expedia Vacation Waiver? You've saved, you've waited, and now you're all set to go on the vacation of your life—an Expedia Vacation. Preparing for your vacation should include preparing yourself for any unfortunate occurrences. By getting the Expedia Vacation Waiver you’ll skip all cancellation fees and be refunded for your hotel cost and receive a credit for your airfare. If you’d like coverage for baggage loss, emergency medical coverage, and more consider the Expedia Package Protection Plan instead. For travelers seeking flexibility and the freedom to change your plans, this may be right for you. What does the Expedia Vacation Waiver provide? The Expedia Vacation Waiver allows you to change or cancel your trip one time prior to the start of your trip for any reason. For a published air ticket, credit may be issued per applicable airline policies less airline change fees and Expedia, inc. will absorb change fees. The actual airfare could be higher at the time of rebooking; in that event the price differential would be your responsibility. Is there help while I'm traveling? No, the Expedia Vacation Waiver only allows you to cancel or change your trip one time for any reason prior to the start of your trip. Your scheduled start time is defined as the originally scheduled time of your flight, or, if you haven’t booked a flight as part of your package, the scheduled check-in time of your hotel at the time of booking. If you wish to have insurance coverage while you are traveling, consider the Expedia Package Protection Plan , which includes all the benefits included here as well as insurance coverage while traveling. Who can I contact for more information? For more information about the Expedia Vacation Waiver, contact Expedia at 1-800-675-4318. How is the waiver different from the Expedia Package Protection Plan? The Expedia Package Protection Plan includes a lot more than the waiver. In addition to pre-trip coverage, the Expedia Package Protection Plan includes travel insurance provided by Berkely. This insurance includes emergency medical coverage, evacuation coverage, and much more during your trip. Find out more . Enrollment When is payment due? Payment for the Expedia Vacation Waiver is due at the time you book your package. This waiver is not available after you book your package. When does the waiver go into effect? The Expedia Vacation Waiver goes into effect the moment you book your package. You may only use the Expedia Vacation Waiver once to make changes or cancel your trip. I am not a U.S. or Canadian resident; can I get the waiver? Yes! The Expedia Vacation Waiver is available to everyone, regardless of country of residence. Request a Refund What happens if I need to cancel my vacation? If you need to cancel your vacation, contact Expedia at 1-800-675-4318 to request a refund. A travel agent can assist cancelling or changing your vacation. Exclusions Are there exclusions? No, there are no exclusions! Is there a Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion? The Expedia Vacation Waiver does not have a pre-existing condition exclusion.

Contact Information

For questions or to request a refund, contact AARP Travel Center Customer Support at 1-800-675-4318.

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How to add travel insurance after booking a trip

By Jennifer Earl

Edited By Matt Richardson

October 20, 2022 / 3:44 PM EDT / CBS News

Making sure her flight is booked

Vacations, in general, can get pricey. And when you're filling in your credit card information to book airline tickets, hotels, cars and more, it may be tempting to cut costs and decline insurance coverage. Who needs yet another added expense?

But declining to buy travel insurance may actually cost you time and money later on. Depending on the type of travel insurance you purchase, you could end up saving hundreds (if not thousands) if you run into certain situations, like a medical emergency, trip delay, cancellation or another unforeseen event.

Travel insurance usually costs between 4% to 8% of your total trip, per the  U.S. Travel Insurance Association . That's a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial protection. 

If you're planning to book a trip in the near future, especially around the holidays, then consider investing in travel insurance. Click here to easily compare travel insurance providers and policies .

If you were hesitant to buy travel insurance the day you booked your trip, don't worry — there's still time to get coverage. In fact, most companies allow you to buy travel insurance up to 24 hours before your scheduled trip.

"Typically travelers will wait to buy a policy until they've made at least one insurable payment toward their trip, which can include booking a flight, hotel, tour, or other prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses," Squaremoth, a U.S.-based travel insurance comparison site, explains online .

Are you looking to add travel insurance to your booking? The process is easy. Head to a travel insurance comparison site and fill out your trip and traveler information (including departure dates, costs, destination, deposits, etc.) and let the site scour the internet for you and provide you with several options. You simply have to evaluate the offers, compare plans and buy one that fits your needs.

Get started by comparing some of the top travel insurance companies now !

Can I get travel insurance if I'm already traveling?

If you've already departed for your trip then it's too late to get travel insurance in most cases. However, some providers do provide an option to add on Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage. You should reach out to your desired provider directly to inquire as to whether you'll be able to purchase this insurance during your trip.

Here's some general guidance on when to buy specific types of insurance coverage . In short, Trip Cancellation coverage you can buy up to a day before your trip in most cases. Cancel For Any Reason and Pre-Existing Conditions coverage will need more advanced notice (14 to 21 days after your initial booking date). Just note that these types of policies will be more expensive.

"If you choose to add Cancel for Any Reason coverage to a policy, the premium typically increases by 40-50%. Additionally, some policies have optional upgrades that can also increase the premium," Squaremouth explains on its website.

Most travel insurance policies are comprehensive and cover a variety of issues or scenarios  (such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, delays, etc.), but you may also want to look for additional add-ons. It depends on your specific needs. Take a look now.

Why should I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance allows travelers to get reimbursed for a canceled trip, delays, medical care, and potential losses like lost luggage or damaged items or unexpected events (as long as you file a claim for these  covered reasons ).

Some countries even require or urge visitors to get certain types of insurance coverage, typically Travel Medical Insurance. The State Department also recommends  that Americans purchase Travel Medical Insurance when traveling abroad since Medicare and Medicaid generally don't cover medical costs overseas. Check your current health care plan to see if you have coverage overseas.

Everyone's travel plans are different and whether or not travel insurance is right for you depends on a variety of factors: your destination, itinerary, health and more. Consider your total trip costs and potential losses if something goes wrong.

"I used to think it was a waste and a little bit of a scam and hardly anybody ever used it," Kathleen Bangs, an aviation expert for flight tracking website Flight Aware, told CBS News . "Now if a family is going to Disney World or Europe, I would recommend it."

Travel insurance is not the same as checking that add flight protection box at checkout. 

"Don't just click 'yes' on insurance when you purchase your flight," Keyes of Scott's Cheap Flights explained  over the summer. "Typically because it's right there and convenient, it's not going to be as robust or cover you for as many things, and you don't always know who you're buying it from."

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Do not buy trip cancellation insurance from Expedia - Air Travel Forum

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Do not buy trip cancellation insurance from Expedia

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add trip insurance expedia

Expedia's so-called Trip Protection package is a scam. It's expensive and its coverage is limited to health emergencies.

I made the mistake of buying it, and it cost me dearly.

Don't buy it!

174 replies to this topic

' class=

you bought a policy without reading what was included??

add trip insurance expedia

What did you expect that you did not get? Please clarify

Another case of an OP not reading what he bought and calling it a scam. Blaming someone else is the true American pastime, not baseball. Last time I bought trip insurance, it covered health, jury duty, job layoff, terrorism, environmental issues, carrier no longer providing the service, etc. Just read it again to make sure.

Expedia's policy would never be a "cancel for any reason you please" policy.

Those are VERY expensive!! Most policies cover cancelling for very specific reasons that are always listed before you buy.

I don’t doubt that the insurance provided by Expedia was very limited. The real problem is not reading the policy before purchasing the insurance.

add trip insurance expedia

So not a scam. Just not very good value.

A bit like champagne.

Expensive is a matter of perspective. A health emergency in a foreign country can indeed be very expensive. You would be singing quite a bit different tune if you did in fact have a health emergency and the insurance covered the health insurance.

add trip insurance expedia

A health emergency in a foreign country can indeed be very expensive.

----------------

It would be less expensive than in the US for sure.

add trip insurance expedia

They are talking about cancelling for a health emergency prior, not getting emergency medical insurance while in destination.

Unless your elderly, spending a ton of money on travel, or don't have health insurance I would recommend avoiding trip insurance. Most travel insurance is hard to get reimbursement for and they require very specific things to warrant paying out.

I have Kaiser health insurance and they cover me inside and outside the United States. My Visa travel credit card offers trip protection and baggage protection. I also travel alone, so I only have to worry about myself.

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Demystifying car rental insurance

So you’re at the car rental pick-up, raring to sit at the wheel and dash to your next destination. While you await your keys, the helpful attendant at the counter has other plans. The inevitable question pops up: ma'am, do you need insurance?

You’re sure you added Travel Guard’s collision damage insurance while booking your rental with Expedia. You tell her as much. But she has more questions; ones with legal-ey terms that you don’t fully understand: liability, supplemental liability, overseas coverage, and so on. Puzzled, you no longer know whether you have the necessary coverage to drive your rental car.

Sounds familiar? Let’s help you clear this confusion.

Collision damage protection

First things first. If you said Yes to Travel Guard’s collision damage protection while booking your car rental with Expedia, you already have collision damage protection. This protection is offered by TravelGuard and it covers you in all US states — when you drive interstate, and even when you drive overseas.

add trip insurance expedia

Here’s a quick link to share with the rental agency while picking up your car: Collision Damage Plan . Bookmark it. Even better, download the policy document for your state of residence and keep it handy on your phone or another device.

Keep your key insurance documents handy to make that conversation at the car rental agency easier. Gathering this information is a one-time activity that’ll serve you well whenever you travel or rent a car.

Liability insurance

Many states in the US require you to have a minimum level of liability insurance in order to lawfully drive a car. This minimum coverage varies by state and by the damages caused to others in an accident for which you have legal responsibility.

Do you already have liability coverage?

The Travel Guard Collision Damage Protection plan you bought through Expedia doesn’t include liability protection. However, you might already have liability coverage through other sources:

Included in rental price: The car rental agency might be required by law to provide a minimum level of liability insurance.

In the European Union in particular, such minimum liability coverage required by law may be significant. Ask if the price you’re paying for the rental already includes that minimum liability insurance.

Included in your existing personal auto insurance: Any personal auto insurance you have might give you liability coverage even when you’re driving a rental car.

Call your auto insurance provider in advance and check the extent of such coverage. For instance, liability protection bundled with your auto insurance may have a dollar limit to the amount you can claim. Also ask if that protection is primary or secondary.

If your auto insurance offers such coverage, keep a copy of your policy document handy.

As an add-on to your existing homeowner’s/tenant’s insurance

If you don’t have the minimum level of liability coverage mandated by the state, or if you’re apprehensive that this minimum level of coverage is too low; you can add an umbrella liability insurance rider to your auto or homeowner’s/tenant’s policy before starting on the trip. Just speak to the provider of these policies about adding such a rider. In the process, you may end up with sufficient liability coverage that’s way cheaper than the insurance you’re offered at the counter.

Personal accident insurance

Your health, life, or auto insurance may already offer a degree of personal accident coverage. Also, neither personal accident insurance nor personal effects insurance is legally required to drive a car.

If your existing insurance already provides personal accident coverage, you can say No to it at the counter.

Additional reading:

  • “Paying for Coverage You May Not Need”, New York Times
  • “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Car Insurance”, DoughRoller.net
  • “Automobile Liability Insurance”, Investopedia.com

Ace the conversation at the counter

Equipped with all that we know now, let's imagine what a sample conversation with your car rental agency attendant might go like:

[…after ID verification and vehicle inspection]

Jargon:unjargon

Car rental insurance comprises several kinds of coverage. Here are the terms you should know:

covers damages to other people's person and property in accidents for which you’re legally responsible. This insurance may also cover medical expenses for other people’s injuries, legal fees if the accident results in a lawsuit against you, and related expenses. Liability insurance is also sometimes known as casualty insurance or third-party insurance .

If you don’t have liability insurance, you may be responsible for paying for damages in such accidents from your own pocket. But, most likely, you’ll have liability coverage through your existing insurance or another source.

provides coverage for any injuries or disabilities that you may sustain in an accident.

While at the car rental counter, you may also hear about primary and secondary coverage. Primary coverage is insurance that pays first and to the extent allowed in its policy document. Secondary coverage comes into play only for expenses that are not settled by primary insurance.

Get support

Still have questions? Call Travel Guard:

1-855-334-3855

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How Flight Insurance Works

Elina Geller

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is flight insurance?

How do i get flight insurance, what does flight insurance cover, should i get flight insurance, cancel for any reason (cfar) insurance, flight insurance on award tickets.

There are plenty of flight insurance options to choose from so whether you’re booking a flight with cash or miles, protecting your trip in the event of an unexpected cancellation or delay can help get your miles or money back. Knowing which type of coverage is applicable to your flight can help you make an informed decision about protecting your payment.

Terminology around different travel insurance options can get confusing. To keep things simple, when we refer to flight insurance, we mean insurance that will protect your nonrefundable flight that was paid for in cash or with miles.

There are a few ways to protect your flight:

Comprehensive travel insurance .

Premium travel credit cards .

Airline trip insurance add-on .

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will include the most benefits, including trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss , emergency medical , repatriation and more. Providers that offer comprehensive travel insurance plans include AAA , Travel Guard and Allianz .

Premium travel cards (e.g., the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express ) offer complimentary travel insurance protections that are similar to those offered on standalone travel insurance policies. Terms apply. However, the limits are usually lower, medical costs may not be included and the entire trip must be charged on the same card to receive coverage.

Airlines also offer a flight insurance add-on when you’re paying for your flight (in cash or with miles) — but this coverage only pertains to the flight; there are no medical benefits and no coverage of non-flight-related purchases for your trip.

One common theme among the policies is that the protections are only valid if your trip is canceled or delayed for a covered reason such as a natural disaster, illness, death or other extraordinary event. A fear of flying due to coronavirus is not a covered reason .

NerdWallet recently reviewed various travel insurance policies to help you choose the plan that provides the best coverage for your trip. Check out our findings here: Best Travel Insurance Right Now .

» Learn more: Comparing travel insurance options: airline or credit card?

Video preview image

Whether you’re getting your insurance to cover your flight through a comprehensive travel insurance plan, perks from your premium credit card or buying the add-on from the airline, there are two common types of coverage you can expect for your flight: trip cancellation and trip delay. Coverage amounts and limits will vary by policy and/or credit card.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

Trip cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if your flight is canceled for a covered reason. In the event of a trip cancellation booked with points or miles covered by your premium credit card, American Express and Chase will reimburse you in cash for the value of those points. Comprehensive policies and airline add-ons normally will reimburse you for the full cost of your flight, up to the policy maximums.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Trip delay insurance

This coverage kicks in if you’re delayed during a trip and you incur expenses as a result. Each policy details the reimbursement amount that is allowed along with how long the delay must be in order for the trip to qualify.

For example, say you’re going on vacation and you have a connecting flight with a layover. An approaching snowstorm in the connecting city delays your flight, and after hours of waiting in the airport, you find out your upcoming flight is delayed until the next morning . Now you need a hotel room, toiletries, dinner and breakfast the next morning.

If you have trip delay coverage, you will be reimbursed for all of these expenses, as long as the delay exceeds a certain number of hours and you remain within the allowed daily monetary limit.

When you buy your flight from an airline, you will often see an option to purchase trip insurance on the checkout page. As examples, United offers a flight insurance option provided by Travel Guard, while American Airlines’ flight insurance provider is Allianz. Coverage will differ between airlines, you will likely receive protections for trip cancellation, interruption and delay, and coverage for lost bags, medical expenses and more.

Although these benefits are similar to those provided by comprehensive travel insurance policies, the coverage offered by the airline only pertains to the flight. If your trip also includes a hotel and other nonrefundable bookings, you’d be better off with a standalone travel insurance policy or relying on your credit card coverage (if the limits are sufficient and your entire trip was booked with the card).

If the flight is your only nonrefundable expense and you don’t already have a credit card that offers these trip insurance benefits, purchasing flight insurance can make sense because it may be cheaper than a comprehensive policy.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

Cancel For Any Reason insurance is an optional add-on (you cannot buy standalone CFAR coverage) that is offered on some comprehensive trip insurance plans.

While trip cancellation coverage provides reimbursement when you cancel a trip for a covered reason, CFAR provides partial reimbursement when you cancel for absolutely any reason. With CFAR, you can receive up to a 75% reimbursement as long as you cancel at least two days in advance.

Check out an insurance comparison site like Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) to see a list of policies that offer CFAR. For example, on the Squaremouth site, you will need to input your trip information (i.e., length of trip, departure date, trip cost, age, etc.) and search for a quote. You will then see a list of policies, along with a filter that will allow you to select “cancel for any reason.”

If you’re purchasing a travel insurance policy over the phone and would like the CFAR add-on, make sure to ask the customer service representative about it since this coverage is not always an option.

Flights purchased with miles will likely not be able to benefit from CFAR since insurers do not assign a value to the miles. However, flights purchased with cash are eligible.

If you use airline miles to book an award ticket, the flight insurance offered on the checkout page also usually covers a redeposit of your miles back to your frequent flyer account if the trip is canceled.

Comprehensive trip insurance policies and credit card travel insurance will reimburse you for the taxes and fees paid on award tickets, not the miles. Make sure you check your policy if booking with points; some comprehensive and credit card plans will reimburse you for "redeposit fees" that the airline will charge you to get your miles back (if you didn’t purchase their add-on protection). That redeposit fee reimbursement allows you to get your miles back as part of your policy.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

Flight insurance, recapped

If you’re only interested in insuring your flight, you have many options to choose from.

For tickets purchased with cash, comprehensive insurance plans, premium travel credit cards and airline insurance will cover your nonrefundable flight costs. Award flights that are booked with miles could benefit from all three options if redeposit fees are part of the coverage.

If you want to be able to cancel your flight for any reason whatsoever, CFAR will protect most of your nonrefundable trip deposit, but it's s also more expensive and only available as an add-on cost to a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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.

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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These are the 4 best family travel insurance plans

Find coverage that fits your family's travel plans with these four companies..

thumbnail

Family vacations are a special time, and ensuring they go smoothly is essential to making memories that will last forever. Travel insurance is one way to ensure that any bumps in the road can be smoothed over, from a lost bag to an injury abroad.

CNBC Select reviews the best travel insurance plans for families based on coverage, cost and plan variety. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best family travel insurance companies.)

Best family travel insurance  

  • Best for families with young children : Allianz   
  • Best for affordability : Faye   
  • Best for CFAR coverage : Travel Insured International  
  • Best for cruises : Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  

Best for families with young children 

Allianz travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

24/7 assistance available

  • Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
  • Limited coverage for risky sports

Who's this for? Allianz is great for families with young children as its OneTrip Prime travel insurance policy offers free coverage for children ages 17 or under when traveling with a parent or grandparent. Though this benefit isn't available to Pennsylvania residents, it could help families with younger children lower the cost of their travel insurance coverage.  

Standout benefits:  Allianz's cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage has an enhanced version available that can cover up to 80% of trip expenses if you have to cancel for a reason that's not covered.  

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for affordability 

Faye travel insurance.

Faye offers travel insurance with a convenient online buying experience and an app with real-time travel alerts. It's one simple plan includes coverage for common issues, like trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses and trip delay coverage. It also offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions when plans are purchased within 14 days of an initial trip deposit.

  • Covers Covid like any other medical condition
  • CFAR is available for up to 75% of trip costs for an additional cost.
  • Additional coverage options like vacation rental damage coverage and pet care coverage.
  • Not all benefits are available in all states.

Who's this for?  Faye travel insurance stands out for families on a budget. Its policies start at just $4.64 per day (for 14 days) for domestic trips and $5.16 per day (for 14 days) for international trips. It's also great for those who want a completely digital experience and would rather manage a policy through an app than an agent or by phone.

Standout benefits:  Faye's intuitive interface makes it easy to get travel insurance coverage on your own time, and quotes are available entirely online. On top of the standard trip delay, cancellation and interruption coverage, you can purchase CFAR coverage, coverage for adventure and sports activities and a pet care add-on, which can cover illness or injury for your pet when traveling with you, or extra kenneling costs if your trip is delayed if you leave your pet at home.  

Best for CFAR coverage 

Travel insured international travel insurance.

Travel Insured International has two simple travel insurance plans — the Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold. Its plans are affordable and offer the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

  • Optional CFAR coverage and interruption for any reason coverage
  • Medical coverage can be lower than other options

Who's this for?  Travel Insured International could be a great fit for families looking for the flexibility of a CFAR addition to ensure they'll be covered for any reason they need to cancel. The company's wide variety of reasons for cancellation includes coverage for school year extensions with all plans.  

Standout benefits:  Travel Insured International's Worldwide Trip Protector can cover all children 17 and under for free when traveling with related adults.  

Best for cruises  

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

  • Wide variety of policies available
  • Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
  • Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Who's this for?  Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers cruise-specific packages for families setting sail on a cruise.  

Standout benefits:  Cruise plans include coverage for missed connections and unique challenges you could face on a cruise vacation, like cruise disablement and diversion. 

More on our top family travel insurance companies 

Allianz offers 10 different travel insurance policies for travelers and trips of all types, including single-trip and multi-trip coverage. It also offers quotes and claims online, making the experience simple.  

CFAR coverage available?  

Yes, up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs 

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]  

While relatively new to the space, Faye's travel insurance plans combine affordability and easy access. Policies are backed by the United States Fire Insurance Company.  

Yes, up to 75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs 

Travel Insured International 

Travel Insured International has been offering travel insurance for over 25 years. It has two tiers of coverage (available in most states) that can help you meet all your travel protection needs.  

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers several tiers of travel protection and insurance, including packages specifically designed for road trips and cruises. Its strong A++ financial strength rating also helps it stand out against the competition.  

Up to 50%, only available on LuxuryCare packages 

Does travel insurance cover family members?  

Generally, you can insure your whole family on one travel insurance plan, so you won't have to buy separate plans for every traveler. Your travel insurance plan will cover every person listed on the policy.  

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to a death in the family? 

In many cases, travel insurance can help you recoup the cost of your vacation if you have to cancel due to a death in your family. However, you'll want to carefully read your policy's definition of a family member, as not everyone in your life could be included.  

Bottom line

A family vacation can be a big investment, so it's important to protect yourself in case anything goes awry. Having a travel insurance plan that's easy to access, provides 24/7 support and fits your specific travel concerns and budget can help ensure your trip will go smoothly.

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Why trust CNBC Select? 

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products. To research the best travel insurance companies, we compiled over 100 data points on more than a dozen travel insurance companies. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance companies. 

Our methodology  

To determine the best travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel insurance companies and compared them based on various factors. 

While narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on the number of plans available, the availability of 24/7 assistance to access while traveling, coverage for Covid-19, the availability of cancel for any reason coverage, and financial strength (which measures a company's ability to pay on contracts) using A.M. Best ratings. We also considered family-friendly features, such as the inclusion of children on policies for free with parent's coverage, and reasons for cancellation, including school year extension as a reason for cancellation.  

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.  

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Backed by $10M Series A, TravelJoy is riding the post-COVID demand for expert travel planning

add trip insurance expedia

A travel-focused startup that the COVID pandemic could have killed has instead thrived. TravelJoy , a company providing a suite of tools for travel entrepreneurs and travel business operators, is now facilitating over $1 billion in annual spend for its customers, as interest in travel rebounded in the U.S. in the post-pandemic months. Now, the company is looking to AI to fuel the next growth stage of its business.

For co-founder and CEO Dayo Esho, the idea for TravelJoy emerged from his experiences growing up in the travel industry, supporting his mom’s travel agency business.

“We knew there was something there, so we decided to go lean into it,” he says. “We actually interviewed 50 travel agents before we even started writing any software. The stories were very similar to what I saw with my mom — it was 5 million spreadsheets, people working until midnight every night, totally underserved — faxing forms, emailing credit card info — just trying to scrape by.”

Esho teamed up with longtime co-founder CTO Chris Kline to work on the project in the years following the wind-down of their earlier product discovery startup Shelf. Before that, the two had worked together for a good part of a decade at LiveRamp , which spun out of Rapleaf , and later exited for $310 million in 2014 when it was acquired by Acxiom.

“I like to joke that Chris is my longest relationship because we’ve been working together for 17 years now,” Esho said with a laugh.

add trip insurance expedia

Image Credits: TravelJoy; founders, Chris Kline and Dayo Esho

The co-founders began working on TravelJoy in 2018, while participating in NFX’s accelerator. The software is designed to help travel entrepreneurs compete with DIY travel planning tools like Expedia and Booking.com, with or without having to pay to join a host travel agency with all its accompanying overhead and use of dated software. Instead, TravelJoy’s online dashboard allows its customers to keep an eye on all the trips they’re planning in one place and includes built-in CRM and messaging tools, as well as support for payments, and soon, more booking integrations.

The company also recently added integrations with travel insurance provider Faye and Viator, a marketplace for travel experiences.

add trip insurance expedia

Image Credits: TravelJoy

The idea is to centralize the travel entrepreneur’s workflow, with CRM, messaging, invoicing, payments, proposals, itineraries and group trip management in one digital solution. The software-as-a-service offering is priced at $30 per month , or $25 per month if paying annually. The company also monetizes on the payments side, where it partners with Stripe, and will monetize the booking process, as well.

The company was just getting off the ground in 2019, raising its seed round and growing its customer base.

But then 2020 came along and basically blew things up for the new company.

Despite the pandemic’s massive and immediate impact on global travel, TravelJoy surprisingly didn’t shut down. Instead, the founders focused on serving their existing customers whose clients were now no longer booking trips, but canceling them.

add trip insurance expedia

“We ended up giving a two-month credit right when COVID hit because of the sheer amount of pain that we saw — GMV dropping over 90%…it was one of those things where we just put our head down and didn’t lay anyone off and kept working on the business. You just take the long view; it’s a long journey,” remarks Esho.

The team ended up building new tools to help its customers reschedule trips for their clients as well as gift card pages that would allow people to support their local businesses. Eventually, the height of COVID was over, and travel began to pick back up in 2022.

A little over a year ago, TravelJoy raised a $10 million Series A, which had not yet been announced. Theresia Gouw , founding partner of Acrew Capital and former board member of Hotel Tonight and Trulia, led the round, which also saw participation from NFX, Founder Collective, Forerunner and Concrete Rose.

The software today is used by thousands of travel entrepreneurs and aims to capture more of the market in the U.S. where there are roughly 200,000 full-time and part-time travel advisors. The remotely distributed team now includes 30 full-time employees and TravelJoy is hiring in engineering, product design, marketing and customer support.

With the additional funds, the service plans to add AI features to support its members’ planning workflows. It plans to announce more details about how these tools will work soon.

Hints Esho, “We’re going to help level up humans to be able to not only compete but excel by differentiating with that extra level curation, that white glove service, that support when things go wrong,” he explains. “You marry that expert-level curation and support with modern technology and AI. Time will tell, but those are the two versions of the world that are forming — the Terminator versus the Iron Man suit. We’re all in on that Iron Man suit,” he says.

IMAGES

  1. What Is Expedia Travel Protection Plan

    add trip insurance expedia

  2. Should I Get Trip Insurance? Exploring the Benefits, Risks and Cost of

    add trip insurance expedia

  3. Trip Insurance

    add trip insurance expedia

  4. Why Get Travel Insurance for Your Trip?

    add trip insurance expedia

  5. Is Expedia Flight Protection Worth It?

    add trip insurance expedia

  6. Covered Reasons for Trip Cancellation

    add trip insurance expedia

COMMENTS

  1. How to Get Travel Insurance from Expedia

    How Expedia travel insurance works. Expedia travel insurance is a protection plan for your trip which will entitle you to a refund in the event that the conditions of the insurance are met. By purchasing insurance with or after your booking, you are protecting yourself if the trip is cancelled or if unfortunate circumstances occur while on your ...

  2. Expedia Package Protection Plan

    Contact Information. To cancel or change your travel package, contact AARP Travel Center Customer Support at 1-800-675-4318. For insurance claims, please contact Berkely at: Call: 1-800-453-4079. Email: [email protected]. Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Sat. This program was designed and administered for ...

  3. What Is Expedia's Travel Insurance Policy?

    Basics of Expedia's Travel Insurance Policy. Expedia partners with Travel Guard to provide travel protection services for your next vacation or any other trips you take. These services include flight insurance, hotel insurance, cruise insurance and even insurance for your entire vacation package. Expedia's Package Protection Plan goes into ...

  4. Can you add travel insurance after booking on expedia?

    Warp Up. Yes, you can add travel insurance after booking on Expedia. After booking a trip on Expedia, you can't add travel insurance through Expedia. You would need to contact a travel insurance company directly to see if you can add insurance for your already booked trip.

  5. File a Claim

    Skip to Main Content.

  6. Expedia Protection Plan

    When plans change, there's help. Expedia Cancellation Plan from Berkely can cover your expenses if you need to cancel or change your flight. Don't leave home without it! Key Benefits: Includes trip cancellation coverage. Interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for airfare home. Coverage for travel in the continental U.S. only.

  7. Expedia Travel Insurance: Plans, Costs, Reputation, & Services

    Expedia's plans can be customized with a variety of add-ons and extra benefits that let travelers make sure they get the best travel insurance for their needs and budget. Travelers can find out more about the costs of an Expedia travel insurance plan by visiting its website and inputting their personal information, with the details of their ...

  8. Can you add insurance to Expedia trip after booking?

    Yes, Expedia allows you to add insurance to your trip even after making the initial booking. Simply log in to your Expedia account, go to your itinerary, and look for the option to add travel insurance. Follow the prompts to select the insurance coverage that suits your needs. 2.

  9. Expedia Guarantees

    With an Expedia Vacation Waiver you can cancel or change your trip—for any reason—and Expedia will pay your change fees. Go ahead, book that family vacation today, resting assured that you can change it if you need to! Key Benefits: Change or cancel your trip for any reason. Covers you prior to the scheduled start of your trip.

  10. PDF Travel Insurance

    2 ABOUT YOUR PREMIUM You will be told the premium payable for your policy when you apply. In calculating the premium, we take into account a number of factors including your destination(s), length of journey, the number of persons and age of persons to be covered under the policy and the plan type you select. The amount of any excess payable, cover for additional

  11. Is Expedia Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

    Add Travel Cancellation Insurance When Booking Your Flights You can save time and stress by arranging your travel insurance at the same time as you book your flights and hotels. Using Expedia you can book insurance on flight cancellations, hotel bookings, medical emergencies, and car rentals with AIG coverage .

  12. How to add travel insurance after booking a trip

    The process is easy. Head to a travel insurance comparison site and fill out your trip and traveler information (including departure dates, costs, destination, deposits, etc.) and let the site ...

  13. Help Center

    Go further with the Expedia app. Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app.

  14. Car Rental Insurance

    Collision Damage Protection is an insurance policy that covers you against the cost of collision or other damage to vehicles and property. Expedia car rental insurance also covers other eventualities. With this plan, the insurance refunds whatever the car rental company charges you for collision, theft, vandalism, windstorms, fire, hail, or flooding damages up to a certain limit.

  15. is expedia travel insurance worth buying?

    Yes, I want to add the Total Protection Plan to my trip to London. 27,912 customers protected their flight in the last 7 days $56. No, I'm willing to risk my $865.60 trip. ... International Expedia Travel Insurance - Time-Sensitive Benefits. Cancel for Work Reason: 0% refund; Pre-Existing Waiver: Yes; Time-Sensitive Period: 20 days;

  16. Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Booking?

    The short answer is: Yes, you can. However, timing is everything when it comes to buying travel insurance — and some options won't be available if you wait too long. Here's a look at buying ...

  17. The Pros and Cons of Expedia

    For flights: Expedia offers travel insurance protection options that cover flight cancellation, medical emergencies and other covered circumstances. For hotels: Choose hotel booking protection to ...

  18. Do not buy trip cancellation insurance from Expedia

    Also, it's common knowledge to never buy insurance from a third party from which you are purchasing flights /lodging. When you buy a car, you don't buy insurance from Mazda or Ford or Audi. You buy insurance from a separate, independent insurance company. It's the same with travel insurance. Surely a policy written by Expedia, or worse ...

  19. Expedia Flight Insurance

    Expedia Flight Insurance - Our Sample Trip. We booked a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona from January 5 - January 13: Our total cost for both travelers for the roundtrip flights is $2,006.50. As we are checking out, we're offered to insure our flights for $122.80 per traveler for a total of $245.60:

  20. Car Rental

    Here's a quick link to share with the rental agency while picking up your car: Collision Damage Plan. Bookmark it. Even better, download the policy document for your state of residence and keep it handy on your phone or another device. Keep your key insurance documents handy to make that conversation at the car rental agency easier.

  21. Never pay extra for trip protection on Expedia! (Or for any add-on

    For two different trips, I paid extra for the add-on service Expedia provided on their ticketing platform. One was trip protection for $34 and the other was priority boarding for $80 (don't remeber the exact cost). ... Travel insurance doesn't cover voluntary changes or cancellations. The coverage only kicks in for select reasons, like ...

  22. How Flight Insurance Works

    Airline trip insurance add-on. A comprehensive travel insurance policy will include the most benefits, including trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, emergency medical, repatriation and more.

  23. What Is Flight Insurance and Is It Worth It?

    A travel insurance policy with benefits for air travel issues, such as flight and baggage delays and missed connections. When you buy an airline ticket, flight insurance is usually offered as an ...

  24. How To Find The Best Travel Insurance For Your Spring 2024 Trip

    "We're seeing a higher volume of travel with top international destinations including Europe—specifically Greece, Italy, U.K., France, Spain and Portugal, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, Japan ...

  25. 4 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

    Allianz offers 10 different travel insurance policies for travelers and trips of all types, including single-trip and multi-trip coverage. It also offers quotes and claims online, making the ...

  26. Backed by $10M Series A, TravelJoy is riding the post-COVID demand for

    The software is designed to help travel entrepreneurs compete with DIY travel planning tools like Expedia and Booking.com, with or without having to pay to join a host travel agency with all its ...