travel insurance survey

An Unpredictable Year for Travel Has Fueled a Rise in Travel Insurance Purchases, According to BHTP’s Annual Survey

Fear of Flight Disruptions and Epidemics Topped Reasons for Purchasing Travel Insurance

STEVENS POINT, Wis.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) today announced the findings of its seventh annual State of Travel Insurance survey, which revealed that while travel volume is reaching some of its highest levels since the start of the pandemic, consumers look at travel with new skepticism and caution, largely due to widespread flight disruptions and epidemics. This is fueling a greater awareness of what travel insurance does and driving consumers to purchase it more often.

According to the survey:

• 29% of respondents purchased travel insurance most of the time they traveled in 2021, compared to only 7% who purchased it for most of their 2020 travels.
• 41% said epidemics were a reason to buy travel insurance more frequently in 2021, up from 30% in 2020.
• 30% of respondents cited knowing what travel insurance covers as a reason to buy insurance more frequently in 2021, compared to 23% in 2020, an indication that the upheavals of the pandemic drew travelers to educate themselves on travel insurance benefits.

“With widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions dominating the news recently, it's no surprise that more travelers are buying insurance more often,” said Carol Mueller, Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. “During these uncertain times, people want to protect their travel investments and health while traveling and are actively educating themselves about coverage that can help with extra expenses that come with common inconveniences.”

The following are additional key findings from the State of Travel Insurance related to traveler safety and travel behaviors and intentions.

• Behavioral changes travelers adopted during the pandemic will continue into next year, with respondents indicating they will continue to travel to see family, wear masks, wash hands more often, and keep distance from crowds.
• A low incidence of violent crime and crimes/harassment against travelers of color and the LGBTQ+ community ranked among the most important factors that contributed to a traveler feeling safe at a destination. These factors influenced perceptions of safety more than a location being free from disease and terrorist incidents.
• Montreal and Singapore ranked as the safest cities among the 30 frequently traveled destinations listed by respondents, while survey participants rated Rio de Janeiro, Cairo and Mexico City as less safe than other cities.
• Canada and Iceland ranked in the top positions of the 30 safest countries listed by respondents, while Israel and Egypt were rated less safe than others.
• Millennials, who are leading international travel numbers, consider Europe and Asia the safest destinations.
• Millennials (particularly high-income Millennials) have the highest intentions to travel, with 70% agreeing they would spend $10,000 on travel in 2022.

BHTP’s State of Travel Insurance research has been conducted each fall since 2015 by Polymath Research + Marketing, using independent national panels surveying thousands of consumers on future expectations in travel insurance and travel habits. For a full report, please email the contact below.

About the State of Travel Insurance

The State of Travel Insurance is an annual survey that reports insights on not only travel insurance purchase trends, but also travel expectations. This year’s survey collected responses from approximately 1,500 U.S. travelers about their travel habits, their experiences in 2021 and expectations for 2022.

About Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) is a registered trademark and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, a leader in specialized casualty and liability insurance. Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company provides underwriting and claims administration services for some of the largest distributors of travel insurance in the United States. Created under the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection trade name is the ExactCare® line of travel insurance, AirCare® flight, WaveCare®, AdrenalineCare®, LuxuryCare® and other travel-related protections. The AirCare® and ExactCare® products are provided by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company. Visit bhtp.com for more information.

About Polymath Research + Marketing

Polymath Research + Marketing is a full-service market-research and marketing agency that specializes in crafting custom research and content to help organizations reach their business and marketing goals. PRM currently services firms in the insurance, travel, sports, and manufacturing industries, and provides research and content support to several top agencies. To learn more visit www.polymathpower.com .

Carol Mueller, Vice President Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection [email protected]

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Pandemic Prompts More Americans to Consider Travel Insurance

Aaa travel survey finds 31% of travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance due to covid-19.

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 21, 2021)—The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Americans’ travel plans. How they plan—and protect—those trips has also changed. According to a recent AAA Travel survey, more than half (55%) of American adults are planning a vacation of at least one overnight stay before the end of next year, and those travelers are increasingly turning to travel insurance to protect their vacation investments.

One-third (31%) of U.S. travelers say they are more likely to purchase travel insurance for their trips planned between now and the end of 2022, specifically due to the pandemic.

“Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive for the large amount of peace of mind it affords, and that’s more valuable than ever in light of the pandemic,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Americans have seen how important travel insurance is to protect their vacation investment and are prioritizing this purchase at the start, now more than ever.”

The ability to cancel a trip and get a refund is by far the most frequently cited benefit of travel insurance, with 69% of travelers saying this is most important to them when considering travel insurance for an upcoming trip. AAA advises these travelers to look into travel insurance policies that include a “cancel at any time” component, which could offer more flexibility and protection in the event a traveler needs to cancel their trip.

While travel insurance policies have historically not covered epidemics or pandemics, in response to shifting consumer expectations, some providers have started to introduce plans that cover some losses due to COVID-19 or other epidemic diseases. AAA recommends travelers consult the expertise of a knowledgeable travel agent to help plan their trips and evaluate the various travel insurance options available on the market.

Recent AAA Travel bookings have increased 11% over 2019 levels, and interest in travel insurance has increased in turn. AAA’s travel insurance sales have increased more than double digits year-over-year, as members return to travel and see the value of protecting that investment. Choosing the right policy is important, and increasingly travelers want policies that protect against common covered reasons for trip cancellations and interruptions, as well as other travel-related incidents including change fees, delays or lost/damaged luggage, to name a few.

Also, it’s important to note that some international destinations may require visitors to carry travel insurance, to help cover any unexpected medical costs that may be incurred while visiting. A knowledgeable travel agent can help travelers navigate these and other evolving travel requirements.

The AAA Travel survey also found that six in 10 Americans (60%) see the benefit of working with a travel agent to plan their upcoming trips. Travelers’ top benefits of working with a travel advisor reflect the important role they play in today’s more complex travel environment, including:

• To save time when researching or planning a vacation (40%)
• For help with complicated new travel restrictions/requirements (34%)
• To find the best deals (33%)

“Travel insurance options vary greatly, but a knowledgeable travel agent can help you navigate through those complexities,” continued Twidale. “A trusted travel advisor serves as your advocate before and during your trip. Partnering with a travel advisor to review your travel insurance options offers another level of protection, so you can focus on making lifelong vacation memories.”

AAA Travel agents are available to help members evaluate travel insurance offerings and plan their vacations, when they are ready. For more information and to get started, visit AAA.com/Travel .

Methodology The survey was conducted August 13–15, 2021, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone. A total of 1,126 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older. The margin of error for the study overall is 2.9% at the 95% confidence level. The margin of error for U.S. travelers is 3.9% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.

AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the  AAA Mobile app . To join, visit  AAA.com .

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Global workers' compensation case management, security assistance services, insurance administrative services, img travel outlook survey reports international travel in 2022 to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Survey results reveal travel trends for 2022 that include willingness to travel internationally, comfort level of traveling internationally compared to 2021, and insurance benefits travelers care about most.

INDIANAPOLIS (April 28, 2022) – International Medical Group® (IMG®), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, has released the results of its Travel Outlook Survey that evaluated the 2022 travel plans and trends of IMG customers who have previously traveled internationally. The results of the survey reveal that 96% of respondents plan to travel internationally in 2022, an 11% increase over pre-pandemic travel levels.

"It is clear that people are feeling more comfortable traveling abroad and are ready to take the international trips they have had to delay over the last couple of years," said IMG Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Winkle. "At IMG, we’re well positioned to meet this rising demand for international travel with industry-leading insurance products that protect travelers from the unexpected.

Travel Outlook Survey Findings:

Travelers feel more comfortable traveling abroad in 2022 than they did in 2021

• 32% feel just as comfortable traveling internationally as they did in 2021
• In 2021, 49% of respondents planned to travel internationally before October

Whether overseas or in their home country, travelers are ready to take multiple trips throughout 2022

• 141% increase compared to 2021
• 18% increase compared to 2021

Travelers want to protect themselves and their trip expenses while traveling in 2022

• 43% are just as likely to purchase a plan as they were before the onset of the pandemic
• Benefits travelers consider most important in an insurance plan prior to traveling:
• Medical insurance benefits
• Trip cancellation/interruption benefits
• CFAR/IFAR benefits

"COVID-19 has focused everyone’s mind on travel and health safety and the fact that they can become ill or injured while they are traveling or before they plan to travel, resulting in a need to cancel their trip," said IMG Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Geoff Tothill. "Traveling is still such a joy, but now many people are understanding that when they travel, they really need to be properly protected with the appropriate insurance coverage."

While travelers are ready to get out and sightsee around the world, the top 5 countries respondents plan to travel to next include:

"After being stuck at home for the last few years, we are seeing people take more extravagant or once-in-a-lifetime trips as they get back to traveling internationally," said IMG President and CEO, Steve Paraboschi. "As people invest more in their travels, they want robust insurance policies to protect all aspects of their trip, and IMG is here to provide such travel and health safety solutions."

To learn more about IMG's award-winning travel and health safety solutions, please visit imglobal.com .

About International Medical Group® (IMG®) International Medical Group® (IMG®), a SiriusPoint company, is an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. The preeminent provider of travel and health safety solutions, IMG offers a wide range of insurance programs, including international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as enterprise services, including insurance administrative services and 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. IMG’s world-class services, combined with an extensive product portfolio, provide Global Peace of Mind® for travelers, students, missionaries, marine crews, and other individuals or groups traveling, working, or living away from home. For more information, please visit imglobal.com .

Media Contact: Carly Miller, IMG Public Relations Specialist, [email protected]

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Travel Insurance Statistics & Trends (2023)

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

Travel insurance is an essential investment for many travelers, providing peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unexpected events or emergencies while abroad .

As the global travel industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the latest travel insurance statistics and trends is critical for both travelers and industry professionals alike.

This article aims to provide insights into the current state of the travel insurance market, including market size, consumer behaviors and preferences, top providers, and emerging trends.

The global travel insurance market size was valued at USD 18.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 30.2 billion by 2028 , growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028. (Source: Grand View Research)

According to a survey by Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, travel insurance purchases for international trips increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 , despite ongoing pandemic-related restrictions. (Source: Forbes)

In 2020, the top five travel insurance providers in the US by market share were Allianz Global Assistance, AIG Travel, Generali Global Assistance, Travel Guard, and Arch RoamRight . (Source: Insurance Information Institute)

The most common reasons for purchasing travel insurance are medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, and baggage or personal item loss or theft . (Source: Squaremouth)

According to a study by Chubb, a global insurance company, the top five countries where US travelers purchased travel insurance in 2020 were Mexico , the United Kingdom, Canada , Italy, and France . (Source: Chubb)

In a survey by the US Travel Insurance Association, 59% of respondents said they are likely to purchase travel insurance for their next trip , and 21% said they are more likely to purchase travel insurance now compared to before the pandemic. (Source: US Travel Insurance Association)

According to a study by TravelInsurance.com, the average cost of a travel insurance policy for a two-week international trip in 2020 was $139 . (Source: TravelInsurance.com)

Travel Insurance Trends

In 2021, the most popular types of travel insurance policies were cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) and COVID-19 coverage , according to a report by Squaremouth. (Source: Squaremouth)

The use of telemedicine services in travel insurance policies increased by 1,000% in 2020 , according to a report by Generali Global Assistance. (Source: Generali Global Assistance)

The pandemic has led to an increased interest in travel insurance, with Google searches for “travel insurance” doubling in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. (Source: TravelPulse)

Younger travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance than older travelers, with 62% of Millennials and 58% of Gen Z reporting they have bought travel insurance for a trip , according to a survey by InsureMyTrip. (Source: InsureMyTrip)

Multi-trip policies are becoming more popular among frequent travelers, with a 20% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, according to a report by Squaremouth. (Source: Squaremouth)

The top reasons for purchasing travel insurance in 2021 were concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by trip cancellations or interruptions, and medical emergencies , according to a report by InsureMyTrip. (Source: InsureMyTrip)

In 2020, cancellations accounted for 89% of all travel insurance claims , with the majority of cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by the US Travel Insurance Association. (Source: US Travel Insurance Association)

The average cost of a travel insurance policy with cancellation coverage was $228 in 2020 , according to a report by TravelInsurance.com. (Source: TravelInsurance.com)

A survey by InsureMyTrip found that the top reason for purchasing travel insurance in 2021 was concerns about trip cancellations or interruptions. (Source: InsureMyTrip)

The pandemic has led to more flexible cancellation policies among travel providers, with 75% of hotels offering flexible cancellation policies in 2021 compared to just 25% in 2019, according to a report by Skift. (Source: Skift)

Sources & Citations

Squaremouth: https://www.squaremouth.com/current-events/travel-insurance-and-coronavirus-faqs

Generali Global Assistance: https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/blog/travel-insurance-trends-2020.html

TravelPulse: https://www.travelpulse.com/news/travel-insurance/interest-in-travel-insurance-has-doubled-since-2020-heres-why.html

InsureMyTrip: https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-insurance-marketplace/newsroom/2021/04/05/2021-travel-insurance-trends-report-released/

Squaremouth: https://www.squaremouth.com/current-events/travel-insurance-sales-jump-20-percent-first-quarter/

Grand View Research: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/travel-insurance-market

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-sales-jump-20-percent-first-quarter/

Insurance Information Institute: https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-travel-insurance

Chubb: https://www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/travel-insurance-2020.html

US Travel Insurance Association: https://www.ustravelinsurance.org/about-us/press-releases/travel-insurance-survey-reveals-greater-demand-amid-covid-19-concerns/

TravelInsurance.com: https://www.travelinsurance.com/blog/average-cost-of-travel-insurance/

US Travel Insurance Association: https://www.ustia.org/blog/covid-19-and-travel-insurance

TravelInsurance.com: https://www.travelinsurance.com/resources/average-cost-of-travel-insurance/

Skift: https://skift.com/2021/05/17/pandemic-increased-travelers-appetite-for-flexible-cancellation-policies/

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Americans Expect a Return to Normal Travel in 2022

Generali Global Assistance releases U.S. findings of the 2021 Ipsos Holiday Barometer

Get more data! See how travel budgets have risen since 2018

Generali Global Assistance  (“GGA”) today announced the United States findings of 2021 Holiday Barometer – the twentieth anniversary of the annual poll sponsored by its parent company, Europ Assistance, and conducted by the consumer research firm Ipsos.  The survey was conducted between May 5 th and May 20 th , 2021.  

Based on the survey of 1000 Americans, the pandemic is still making Americans weary of travel.   There is a noticeable drop in summer travel plans with only 50% of respondents indicating they will be taking a summer vacation in 2021 – an 18-point drop from 2019 pre-pandemic levels .  Americans indicated they expect travel to return to normal, with no masks or other COVID-19 related precautions, in 2022. 

Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance, commented on the findings, “Given the lingering impacts of the pandemic, it is reassuring that Americans are optimistic for travel normalizing in 2022.  While travel numbers are down for this summer, budgets are remaining very close to pre-pandemic numbers and there is an optimism that the future is bright for Americans traveling both domestically and abroad. Americans are increasingly seeing travel as a lifestyle investment and as they would other investments like their home or car, they are looking to help protect it with insurance.”

Upcoming Travel Plans

• 50% of respondents are planning to travel during the months of July through September coinciding with summer vacation in the US.
• Travel budgets slipped slightly in the United States. Americans expected to spend $2,319 this year which is a scant 2% drop from the $2,373 budgeted in 2019.
• Regardless of location – Americans have indicated they are heading to the beach indicating it as their top destination across all age groups. 
• Americans who are traveling are among most organized in the world as they have already booked at least part of their upcoming trip – trailing only Thailand and considerably ahead of Europe. 

Ian Scott, President of Aventura World and Tewfik Ghattas, an Executive Board Member of Central Holidays , both members of the SGI of travel brands, noted, “After a year-plus indoors, our tours are already filling up and people are looking for a new experience.  With almost 80% of those surveyed saying they will not be working on their vacations – we’re excited for the remainder of 2021 and really looking forward to 2022.” 

Travel Protection

• Americans heading overseas are much more likely to purchase a policy than those traveling domestically.
• Parents are showing an increased desire for travel insurance when compared with those without children. 
• Residents in the Northeast and the West are more likely to purchase travel insurance than those who identified as living in the Midwest and the South. 

Anna Gladman, CEO at World Nomads , concluded, “We are seeing more interest in travel insurance as we emerge from the pandemic.  In the 2020 poll, only 25% of respondents said they bought travel insurance previously in 2019 compared with 37% of this year’s respondents saying they were likely to purchase travel insurance now.”

Survey Methodology

The 2021 edition of the Holiday Barometer from Europ Assistance and Ipsos was conducted in 14 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, China and Thailand. In each country, 1,000 consumers aged 18 years and older took part in an online questionnaire. The survey was conducted between May 5 and May 20 and investigated consumer holiday plans and travel preferences.

About Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance (GGA) is a leading brand comprised of Travel Insurance & Assistance, Medical Risk & Home Care Management, Identity & Cyber Protection, as well as other care services. GGA is part of the Generali Group, which for over 190 years has provided peace of mind to its clients and their customers and is now supported by more than 72,000 employees worldwide. Our success has been built on establishing trust by putting the customer at the core of everything we do, offering assistance and protection during our customer’s most difficult and stressful situations.

To learn more, please visit: https://us.generaliglobalassistance.com/

Media Contact

M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America) [email protected]

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As part of the worldwide Generali Group we have rebranded our travel protection plans to Generali Global Assistance, offering the same quality travel insurance, emergency assistance and outstanding customer service as you've come to rely on for the last 25 years. Welcome to our new website!

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Travel Insurance

Survey: 80% of Americans have made changes to the way they travel

Heidi Gollub

Maddie Panzer

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

Updated 4:24 a.m. UTC Dec. 18, 2023

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• Nearly 75% of Americans we surveyed have had a flight delayed or canceled in the past year.
• More than 80% of these travelers have recently made changes to the way they travel.
• Online searches for travel insurance are up more than 60%.

Sometimes, air travel can feel like a chore. We surveyed 2,000 Americans who have flown in the last year and found that a high number of them missed flights because of long security lines, had flights canceled due to airline staffing shortages or experienced issues with their luggage. Of those surveyed, most have made changes to the way they travel. 

Flight delays, canceled flights and long security lines

Nearly 75% of travelers we surveyed said they have had a flight delayed or canceled in the last year. Bad weather was the main reason for cancellations, but long security lines and airline staffing shortages weren’t far behind. We found that 30% of survey respondents had a flight delayed for more than 90 minutes, 16% had a flight canceled because of staffing shortages and 13% missed a flight because of long security lines.

America’s biggest travel fears

The high number of people who have experienced flight cancellations and security delays reflect what travelers say are currently their main concerns about flying. When asked about their biggest worry while traveling, 33% of respondents said it was that their flight would be canceled or delayed. COVID-19 is also among these travelers' biggest concerns.

While the travelers we surveyed are most concerned about getting to their destination on schedule, they said the most difficult part of flying is getting through security. This travel stressor is followed by worries about changing planes, getting to and from the airport and the flight itself.

Lost and stolen luggage

Luggage problems were an issue for nearly 40% of survey respondents. Airline bag delays were the most common problem, followed by lost, damaged and stolen luggage.

Bags aren’t the only thing people are losing while traveling. Toiletries are the most commonly lost item, followed by clothing. Around 10% of people we surveyed said they had lost their phone, camera or wallet while traveling in the last year.

Americans are changing the way they travel

More than 80% of travelers we surveyed say they have changed the way they travel in recent years. The biggest changes: People are paying more attention to cancellation policies, planning further in advance and buying travel insurance .

Increasingly, travelers are looking to travel insurance to protect their trip investments. Online searches for travel insurance are up 63% since 2018. 

In the past year, 33% of survey respondents bought travel insurance for a domestic trip, 27% bought travel insurance for an international trip and 15% wished they had purchased travel insurance after something happened while traveling.

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, before and during your trip. A comprehensive travel insurance policy bundles together coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, travel medical, emergency medical evacuation and baggage. All of this travel insurance coverage will cost you around 4% to 6% of the total of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

Travel insurance might be worth it to you if you are planning an international trip or cruise and your domestic health insurance coverage will not extend outside of the country. You might also consider a travel insurance policy with primary travel medical insurance and high emergency medical evacuation limits if you are planning an active vacation or will be visiting a remote area. If you get injured while traveling, medevac flights can cost up to $55,000 within the U.S. or hundreds of thousands of dollars from another country back to the U.S. 

Methodology

This online survey of 2,000 Americans who have traveled by plane in the last year was commissioned by USA TODAY Blueprint and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from Oct. 10 to Oct. 16, 2023. The margin of error is +/- 2.2 points with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the MRS and has corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). 

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.

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.

Maddie Panzer is the Updates Editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint team. Prior to joining the team, she studied journalism at the University of Florida. During her studies, she worked as a reporter for the New York Post, WUFT News and News 4 Jacksonville. She was also editor-in-chief of her school’s magazine, Orange and Blue. Maddie holds a B.S. in Journalism.

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Allianz Customer Survey Finds 90% Likely to Purchase Travel Insurance for Next Trip

U.s., europe and caribbean are top summer destinations for allianz customers.

Richmond, Virginia, May 17, 2022 – A new survey of Allianz Partners USA  customers finds that travel insurance is high on their packing list as 90% say they are likely to purchase travel insurance for their next trip. The survey also found that most Allianz customers plan to travel in the near future with summer trips planned to U.S., European and Caribbean destinations.  Cruise will rebound significantly as almost a fifth of Allianz customers are planning cruises while just one in ten will take road trips. COVID outbreaks and the impact of inflation are the top concerns of Allianz Travel Insurance customers. The survey results included the opinions of a random sample of more than 2,000 Allianz customers. 

Sentiment on Travel Insurance

Travel insurance continues to be an important consideration for travelers, with 90% of survey* respondents reporting they were ‘extremely or somewhat likely’ to purchase trip protection when booking their next trip.

Top Summer Travel Concerns

When asked about summer travel concerns, the top two cited by respondents were “another COVID spike causing travel issues/delays” (37%) and “testing positive for COVID before or during my trip” (24%). Other concerns include “more expensive food and entertainment” (7%) and “higher fuel prices” (6%). 

When + Where Customers Will Travel Next

Allianz customers remained bullish on travel, with 60% saying they will travel in the next one to four months, and 21% saying they will take a trip in the next month. Summer travelers are primarily electing for domestic destinations with 46% traveling within the continental US, and European getaways taking 27% of customers across the pond. Mexico, Caribbean and Hawaii account for 16% of customers’ planned summer trips and 5% are headed to Canada, a review of customers found.

How Customers Will Travel

To take these summer trips, air travel continues to be the favored mode of transportation with 61% of respondents flying to their destinations. Cruising made gains compared to last year – with 18% of customers answering it would be their primary mode of transportation, up from a similar survey in 2021   that noted only 11% of respondents were opting to sail. Despite the launch of the typical road trip season, driving accounted for only 11% of 2022 summer travel plans.

Top Summer Trip Activities

Polling customers on what they are choosing to do on their summer trips, the survey revealed that 44% plan to go to the theater or attend a show as the favored activity on summer travel itineraries, followed by a concert or music festival (19%). Fifteen percent of respondents said they were going to a health-focused retreat/event or visiting a theme park, 13% will attend a sporting event, 12% a wedding and 9% a conference.

“Our customers tell us that they’re eager to travel this summer and explore the destinations that they’ve waited so long to visit,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “But they’re also taking precautions to protect their travel investment against unforeseen covered circumstances that may derail their trip. While COVID continues to be a top concern, travel insurance can provide coverage for covered epidemic illnesses, medical emergencies and individually-ordered mandatory quarantines, as well as other unexpected covered cancellations, trip interruptions, travel delays and baggage issues.”

In March 2021, Allianz Partners announced enhancements ** to many of its travel insurance products in most states through an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. Products that include this endorsement may provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness. These products may also cover emergency medical care and transportation or provide reimbursement for change fees and loyalty points deposit fees if the customer becomes ill with an epidemic disease. Availability of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, and specific covered reasons under that endorsement, varies by product and by state. See your plan for details.

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz and available travel policies, please visit dummy http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ .

*Methodology: This press release examines results from an Allianz Partners survey of a random sample of 2,621 customers who purchased a policy through a travel advisor or other retail distribution partner between late March and mid-April 2022. The survey ran from April 25, 2022 to May 5, 2022, and asked questions about purchasing behavior and summer travel plans.   A trip was defined as at least two nights away at a destination 100 miles or more from home.

Press contact

FINN Partners Robin Magrisi / dummy [email protected]   Megan Derks / dummy [email protected]                                     

About Allianz Partners In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world. 

** While the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds certain covered reasons that apply to specific epidemic-related situations, products otherwise generally do not cover claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel, and coverage can vary by state. Please see our Coverage Alert for information about other temporary accommodations that may be available.  Benefits for quarantines only apply when an eligible traveler is specifically named and individually ordered to quarantine by order or official directive of a government, public regulatory authority, or the captain of a commercial vessel on which that eligible traveler is booked to travel during the covered trip, based on that eligible traveler’s exposure to COVID-19. The benefit does not cover travel restrictions (whether or not they are referred to as “quarantine”) that apply generally or broadly (a) to some segment or all of a population, geographical area, building, or vessel (including without limitation shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, or other similar restriction), or (b) based on to, from, or through where the person is traveling. Coverage may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and is subject to applicable benefit limits. See your plan for details.

For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, including specific benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), 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: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101‐C series or 101‐P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance, TravelSmart, and AgentSmart are marks of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance. SmartBenefits proactive payments and “no receipts” payments available only on certain plans. For plans that include proactive payments: when you opt in and provide flight information, Allianz Global Assistance will monitor flights and send flight status and benefit alerts, including alerts about flight delays that qualify for automated travel delay payments. Standard message/data rates apply to SMS alerts. Automated claims and payment system availability is not guaranteed and is subject to our sole discretion. All claims subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. 

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State of Travel Insurance Survey—Men vs. Women: View Risks of Travel

On the whole, the survey found men are more than twice as likely than women (48 percent men vs. 20 percent women) to say they like to take risks when they travel. But interestingly, men were much more likely than women to say they would let news reports of disease outbreaks and violence in their chosen destination affect their plans to go there.

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Survey: U.S. consumer travel to surge in 2024

Despite expected uptick in travel, consumers are simplifying plans and remain concerned about disruptions ahead of spring break travel season.

Columbus, OH – As inflation continues to moderate, a new survey from Nationwide Travel Insurance shows U.S. consumers are optimistic about their travel plans in 2024 – right as spring break travel planning ramps up. Nearly all surveyed (91%) say they have plans to travel domestically in 2024, with four in 10 (40%) planning to travel more than they did in 2023. Additionally, half (50%) of consumers are planning to travel internationally this year.

Regardless of where they’re going, consumers are already thinking about how they’ll get to their travel destinations. Taking a road trip by car is the most likely mode of transportation (30% already have plans to do this and 60% say they are likely to). Flights are still popular, with nearly a quarter of people (22%) planning to travel by air (with an additional 46% saying they are likely to fly). Additionally, cruises may see a resurgence – while only 6% of consumers have already planned a cruise, almost a third (29%) say they are likely to take one in 2024.

However, while consumer travel is projected to rebound or even surpass pre-pandemic levels, half (51%) of consumers are still concerned about a resurgence of Covid-19 impacting their travel plans. Other top concerns for traveling this year include:

• Weather-related delays or cancellations (54%)
• Technology issues (38%) 
• Unruly fellow travelers (37%)
• Employee strikes (25%)

"It’s encouraging to see another potentially strong year for travel as consumers continue to bounce back from the pandemic-era. However, the past few years have taught us the next disruption may be around the corner and we must plan for the unexpected,” said Syed Rizvi , leader of Nationwide’s travel insurance business. “With so many factors that can disrupt a trip today, it’s important for consumers to invest in travel insurance to protect their peace of mind and finances.”

Gaps in understanding the benefits and value of travel insurance While consumers are concerned about travel disruptions, most say they don’t typically invest in travel insurance policies to hedge against these risks. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they rarely or never purchase travel insurance, with the biggest reason being they do not believe it is needed (47%).

The reality is that travel insurance offers several layers of protection, especially in this increasingly uncertain world. Top benefits of travel insurance include:

• Covers health emergencies overseas: Half (50%) of consumers believe their health insurance provider would cover any health care needs that arise while traveling internationally. If a traveler gets injured or sick overseas, medical costs and other affiliated charges are likely not covered by their health insurance.
• Low-cost investment: Many consumers overestimate the cost of travel insurance, with almost a third (30%) believing it costs more than 15% of the total cost of the trip. The average cost of travel insurance is actually 5-6% of the total trip cost.
• Covers many top travel concerns: Many survey respondents mistakenly believe that travel insurance will not cover their top travel concerns, including injury or sickness (51%) and trip interruption (40%). Most travel insurance policies do cover these disruptions.
• Provides comprehensive coverage: About two in five consumers (41%) mistakenly believe their travel credit card offers the same amount of protection as travel insurance, which is not always the case.

"While credit cards can offer travel protection, they don’t always fully cover an individual if something goes wrong – especially if they get sick or injured on the trip,” added Rizvi. “When traveling in this age of uncertainty, consumers should consider enhancing their coverage by buying a separate policy that protects against unforeseen disruptions. It’s a relatively small premium to pay compared to the total cost of the trip.”

Consumers more likely to purchase travel insurance for higher-risk trips in 2024 Even though many consumers have typically foregone travel insurance, they may look to invest in it in 2024 as they travel in an era of unprecedented challenges. Consumers report they will be more likely to purchase travel insurance when:

• Traveling to another country (68%)
• Taking an expensive trip (65%)
• Traveling to an area during a bad weather season (58%)
• Traveling during a disease outbreak (55%)

The majority of consumers have also indicated interest in purchasing multi-trip travel insurance, with 74% saying they would consider buying a travel insurance plan that covers all their trips for 2024. 

Nationwide offers a range of travel insurance including cruise plans, single-trip plans and multi-trip plans. These offerings ensure travelers can embark on their adventures with confidence, knowing that they are financially protected against unforeseen circumstances. To find more information on Nationwide's travel insurance offerings, visit this web page . Consumers interested in getting a Nationwide travel insurance quote for their next trip can visit travel.nationwide.com.

In addition, to learn more about the findings of this survey, view this article or complete survey results .

Survey Methodology Edelman Data and Intelligence (DXI) conducted a nationally representative online survey of n=1,000 adult US consumers on behalf of Nationwide from September 12 – 19, 2023.

As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data and Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

For more information, visit  www.nationwide.com .

Subscribe today to receive the latest news from Nationwide and follow Nationwide PR on X .

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024

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You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Faye Travel Insurance Review: Is It Worth the Cost?

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 .

Travel insurance can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re worried about unexpected costs during your trip. There are a ton of different travel insurance companies out there, so finding one that suits your needs can be a struggle. That’s why we’ve done the work for you.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance provider Faye to see what type of plans the company offers, the coverage levels you can expect and whether Faye travel insurance is right for you.

About Faye travel insurance

Faye is the brand name for customizable travel protection plans offered by a company called Zenner Inc. Its website notes that it specializes in quick reimbursements, which can be a big draw for travelers. Policies issued by Faye are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company.

» Learn more: How to pick between travel insurance providers

Faye insurance plans

Unlike many other travel insurance companies , Faye offers only one plan.

To find out what types of coverage Faye travel insurance plans include, we generated a quote for a 44-year-old woman from Arizona who was traveling to Italy for two weeks. Her total trip cost came in at $2,000.

Here’s what Faye provides:

This plan costs 7.03% of the overall trip cost, which is typical according to NerdWallet's analysis .

The plan is comprehensive and includes coverage you don’t typically see, such as reimbursement for lost credit cards and a payment for being inconvenienced.

Faye also offers a number of customizations; there are different add-ons from which to choose, all of which vary in price. More on your options in the next section.

» Learn more: How travel insurance for domestic vacations works

Plan add-ons

If you'd like to customize your Faye travel insurance plan to meet your needs more specifically, you can add on extra coverage for more money.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

What isn’t covered by Faye

Even if you purchase a very comprehensive travel insurance policy, there are still situations where you’re not covered.

These include:

Bad weather, including hurricanes, if the policy was purchased after the storm was named.

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries or suicide.

Expenses incurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

High-risk sports for which you are paid. 

Psychological disorders, unless you’re hospitalized. 

War and acts of war. 

Illegal acts. 

Piloting or learning to pilot or acting as crew of an aircraft. 

To find the full list of exclusions for your specific policy, be sure to review your plan’s benefits schedule.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

How to choose a Faye plan online

Purchasing a Faye travel insurance plan online is simple. You’ll first want to head to the company’s website to generate a quote.

You’ll need to input information like your age, where you live, where you’re going and how long you’re going to be away. Once you’ve got that all entered in, you’ll be taken to the results page.

Here, you’ll be able to see what plan options you have available, as well as what add-ons there are to pick.

After you’ve selected the coverage you’d like, you’ll need to go through the online checkout process.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Which Faye plan is best for me?

Although Faye has just one base plan available for purchase, it has plenty of different add-ons from which to choose. Faye sorts its bundles and add-ons according to the trip you’re taking, so you may see your bundled offer vary from time to time.

For tentative plans . Choosing to add on a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy can provide peace of mind if your travel plans aren’t solid. With the ability to get up to 75% of your money back, you’ll just want to make sure you’re canceling at least 48 hours in advance. 

For pet owners . Not many travel insurance companies include coverage for your pets , especially not when it comes to vet bills. With a low overall cost, this add-on can make a huge difference if you end up delayed on your return. 

For those wanting to customize everything . Faye’s base plan allows customers to create tons of different customizations according to their travel needs. Even though it’s costly, it makes up for it with wholly comprehensive coverage. 

Faye’s travel insurance offerings may suit your needs, but before purchasing a plan, take a look in your wallet. Many different travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance , which can include benefits such as trip cancellation reimbursement, rental car insurance and more.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

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

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

Introduction to VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance

• Types of Policies Offered
• VisitorsCoverage Cost
• Customer Service and Support

How to File a Claim with VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Review 2024

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.

The process of buying travel insurance can be tedious and stressful as you scour the internet for the best travel insurance companies . VisitorsCoverage exists to simplify the process by showing you all the options available for your particular travel details.

Since 2006, VisitorsCoverage has helped more than 1 million travelers check peace of mind off of their packing list, no matter the destination. It partners with popular travel insurance companies as a broker, so it can quote policies and manage payments on its website. 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse travel insurance plans for solo and group travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers medical insurance for US visa holders for up to two years
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers plans designed for missionaries and international volunteers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. VisitorsCoverage does not underwrite or service travel insurance plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims experiences may vary widely based on which carrier you buy your plan from

VisitorsCoverage is a travel insurance marketplace that allows you to sort through the best travel insurance policies for your travel details and compare policies against one another. The information it provides on each policy is thorough and straightforward, so you don't have to wade through dense legalese to understand your policy. You can purchase travel insurance directly on VisitorsCoverage's website as well as manage your policy and adjust your coverage.

You'll have to file claims directly with your insurer, but VisitorsCoverage has a Claims Assistance Hub that will contact your insurer on your behalf to expedite the process and provide updates. The Assistance Hub is a great asset given that claims offices are infamously inaccessible and uncommunicative.

While VisitorsCoverage excels as a platform for travel insurance, VisitorsCoverage doesn't field customer reviews of insurance products, which you can find with some of its competitors like Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip. This isn't a major exclusion, but it means you have to conduct additional research for that information, which isn't ideal for a service that exists primarily to simplify the buying process.

Types of Policies Offered by VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage partners with many travel insurance providers to offer comprehensive coverage options. If you're looking for cancellation protection, baggage protection, and other standard coverages, it can provide many options based on your residence, destination, and costs.

It also works with carriers specific to Europe and Schengen visas. Europe-bound travelers also enjoy medical evacuation and repatriation protections. The descriptions are straightforward, and the site offers options to search for doctors, manage your plan, and more on its website,

If traveling with family, friends, or coworkers, its website may prompt you to consider group travel insurance. Coverage protects up to five travelers with health coverage in the event of an accident or illness at a reduced rate of up to 20% compared to identical coverage for five individual travelers. If you're traveling for business, you may also want to consider its business coverage, which covers lost luggage, trip interruption, and terrorism, along with emergency medical care (including emergency medical evacuation).

One thing this travel website brings to the table is variety. As an online broker, customers can get multiple quotes at once. However, its partnerships allow it to expand the most common understanding of what travel insurance covers , catering to less common travel scenarios such as non-US residents (including Americans working full-time abroad) traveling to the U.S., missionaries, and visa applicants.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

VisitorsCoverage has filters that can tailor your insurance search based on your needs. You'll find specific search functions for the following types of travel insurance :

• AD&D insurance coverage: This provides a lump sum benefit to the insured's beneficiary in the event of accidental death. The insured can also collect a benefit after an accidental dismemberment (losing a limb).
• Pre-existing condition insurance: This plan is designed for travelers with diagnosed conditions (existing before applying for travel medical insurance) who want to see the world without fear of what to do should a medical emergency arise. Coverage includes emergency services like hospitalization, surgery, and even medical evacuation.
• Cruise insurance: This short-term trip insurance protects cruisers from losses related to delays, cancellations, illnesses, injuries, etc., while at sea.
• Immigrant/Green Card insurance: This type of plan offers short-term coverage (up to two years) for individuals needing medical insurance coverage while visiting the United States. It's ideal for visa applicants who ideally obtain long-term healthcare through their employer once their work visa is approved.
• Student visa insurance:  Students spending a semester away from their home country or attending university in a foreign country often require travel insurance that meets certain standards.

VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Cost

The average cost of travel insurance is around 4-8% of trip costs. Travel insurance premiums of $100-$200 per trip are standard, especially when traveling internationally. A cancel for any reason rider raises travel insurance premiums by about 50% with most travel insurance companies. However, many travelers enjoy the peace of mind of eliminating denials for excluded causes.

Individual policy premiums are based on benefits offered plus criteria unique to each traveler, including age, health status, and the length of the trip. Because VisitorsCoverage partners with many popular travel insurance providers, shoppers can compare the cheapest options with more substantial coverage and decide which plan works best for them.

VisitorsCoverage Customer Service and Support

VisitorsCoverage has very good online customer reviews, receiving an average of 4.8 out of five stars on its Trustpilot page and 4.6 stars from Google Maps reviews left on its company headquarters located in Santa Clara, California. Negative reviews often pertain to customer experiences with unresolved claims, which isn't necessarily a reflection on VisitorsCoverage, but the actual insurance provider.

It's worth noting that VisitorsCoverage's customer support team is extremely responsive to customer reviews, usually responding within one or two business days to Trustpilot and Google Maps reviews.

VisitorsCoverage is not your travel insurance company but a liaison between you and different travel insurance providers. As such, it's no surprise that it does not handle your claims. However, it can assist you in navigating your claims and will attempt to reach out to your insurance provider if the process is delayed.

If you input your policy number on its website, the company can identify which travel insurance company you purchased your plan from. Then it will direct you to the right website or offer the address and correct claims forms. If you don't have your policy number, its website lists the different insurers it partners with and basic claims information. If you need to file claims, the most its customer service agents can do is direct you to the right company and plan administrator.

Remember to file your claim as soon as possible, especially when seeking reimbursement for covered medical expenses. In addition to the claim form, be prepared to provide the plan administrator with copies of your passport plus any medical bills/receipts.

VisitorsCoverage Frequently Asked Questions

 You can contact VisitorsCoverage by calling 1-866-384-9104 or email us at [email protected]. Business hours are from 7: a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday to Friday. You can also chat with an agent through VisitorsCoverage's website chat function.

Yes, VisitorsCoverage has a specific search function for international trips as well as international travelers visiting the U.S.

VisitorsCoverage allows you to filter your search to only include policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

VisitorsCoverage doesn't have its own claims filing process, but has tools to make your filing process with your insurance provider more user-friendly. It will also contact unresponsive claims offices on your behalf.

You can filter your insurance search based on companies that offer adventure activities. You'll need to conduct your own independent research to see if your particular sport is covered under a particular policy.

Why You Should Trust Us: What Went into Our VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance Review

When writing this review, we researched and compared popular travel insurance companies based on myriad factors, including policies offered, add-ons, cost, convenience, claims process, and customer satisfaction. Information on numerous travel insurance products is used in the process, and opinions expressed are based solely on facts gleaned.

Neither marketing tactics nor standalone online reviews were used in compiling these ratings. As most customer reviews come from individuals who have yet to file a claim, an emphasis is placed on plans offered instead of services rendered. VisitorsCoverage is unusual because it's not the travel insurance company, but we reviewed it based on the support provided, its partners' coverage, etc.

You can learn more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

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Six Travel Mistakes to Avoid

No travel medical insurance? Unnecessary luggage and hotel fees? Here are the biggest travel mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

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Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor infractions, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. 

But there are steps you can take to avoid travel mistakes. Here are six slip ups that travelers may make this year, plus tips on how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking travel medical insurance

Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and founder of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy , says many people don’t consider purchasing travel medical insurance . “People often think nothing bad will happen before or on their vacation, but then they get injured overseas and need to go to the hospital, and the next thing they’re looking at is a $10,000 hospital bill.” Indeed, nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company. 

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Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including employer group plans, Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S. 

How to avoid: One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, a type of insurance that provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events like heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in the case of severe emergencies. 

The average travel medical insurance plan costs $89, according to Squaremouth , a travel insurance comparison website. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

Note: Some travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage up to certain limits.

2. Getting hit with unnecessary luggage fees

You may have heard that a number of airlines — including American Airlines , Delta , and JetBlue Airways — recently raised their prices for checked bags. But one thing a lot of travelers aren’t aware of, Elliott says, is that some are now charging customers more if they check a bag at the airport versus paying to check a bag in advance. For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure.

How to avoid: Make sure to pay ahead of time for any bags that you plan to check.

3. Incurring hidden hotel fees

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees—hotels today charge guests no shortage of extra fees and surcharges . It’s a widespread problem: In an April 2023 survey by Consumer Reports , nearly four out of 10 (37%) U.S. adults said they had experienced a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years.

How to avoid: Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees to guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick.

4. Not utilizing a key search feature on Airbnb

Like hotels, Airbnb rental property owners often tack on extra fees, such as cleaning fees, fees for additional guests beyond a certain number, and service fees. These additional costs can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

How to avoid: Elliott praised Airbnb for introducing a feature in December 2022 that allows guests to view a stay’s total costs, before taxes, when searching for rental properties. But he says there’s a caveat: “If you’re in the U.S., you need to change a setting in order to see the full rate when you search for rentals.”

To enable the feature, click the slider on the upper right of the search page that says, “Display total before taxes.”

5. Paying full price for a rental car

First, the good news: “The rental vehicle shortage has improved,” Elliott says. That’s resulted in a stabilization of rates, with rental car prices recently averaging $42 a day, up only 3% from last year, according to a report from the travel search company Hopper. The bad news? Renting a car is still more expensive than it was before the pandemic, especially for travelers who pay full freight.

How to avoid: There are several ways you can avoid paying full price. Big-box stores such as Costco , BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. AARP and AAA also offer their members discounted rates. ( AARP members save up to 30% on base rates at Avis and Budget Rent A Car; AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals). In addition, a number of credit card companies offer certain cardholders rental car discounts when they book a vehicle from specific rental car companies.

You may also be able to nab a lower rate by prepaying when you book a reservation. And, some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option if you’re planning to take just a short trip.

Tip: See if your credit card offers rental car insurance before you pay for insurance from a rental car company.

6. Encountering sky-high hotel rates because of Taylor Swift’s European tour

When Taylor Swift performs a concert, sometimes tens of thousands of out-of-town fans descend on the city, causing hotel prices to spike. Consider: the median rate for a standard hotel room during an Eras Tour date in Europe this year is projected to jump by 44%, with average hotel room prices in Warsaw surging a staggering 154% during her tour date there, according to a recent study by Lighthouse , a travel and hospitality research company.

How to avoid: The simplest approach for Europe-bound travelers in 2024, Elliott says, is to avoid traveling to a destination during a Taylor Swift tour date in that city. “When Taylor Swift comes to town all of the hotels sell out, and it becomes very difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel,” he says.

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Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, and Money magazine, among others.  

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More From Forbes

Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

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Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

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But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

• If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
• If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
• When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
• If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

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Yahoo Finance

Best travel insurance plans for 2024: a unique and comprehensive list for travelers from international citizens insurance.

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and international health insurance from various carriers.

Contact Information

Joe Cronin President [email protected] 617-500-6738

Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits [email protected] (339) 221-5190

SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance

View the original press release on newswire.com.

FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

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Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

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Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

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Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

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Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

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Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

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Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

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Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

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Ranking all 17 Sunday Night Football games

Map reveals best places to live in the US if nuclear war breaks out

Sir Richard Branson—who hates being called a billionaire—sees net worth fall back to $3 billion, where it was in 2000

Dua Lipa Wore Two Totally Different Sheer Gowns to the ACM Awards

24 White Savior Movies That Need to Be Rewritten

Astronomers say we may live at the center of a cosmic void 2 billion light-years wide that defies the laws of cosmology

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

These ISIS news anchors are AI fakes. Their propaganda is real.

39-year-old self-made millionaire: 7 frugal habits I will never give up, no matter how much money I have

Fans fume as Netflix removes period drama with 95% Rotten Tomatoes score

US Navy flagship carrier USS Ronald Reagan leaves its Japan home port after nearly 9 years

Joe Biden's Executive Privilege Move Sparks Backlash

Soldier graffiti found on castle door in ‘astonishing discovery’

“I lost trust”: Why the OpenAI team in charge of safeguarding humanity imploded

Rihanna Wears a Sheer Gown and ’90s It Bag on Date With A$AP Rocky