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Do I need credit card travel insurance?

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Key takeaways

• Some typical travel insurance benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, emergency medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, lost or damaged baggage insurance, delayed baggage insurance and car rental insurance
• Many top travel credit cards provide enough travel insurance benefits to protect you in an emergency or if your plans change, so purchasing extra travel coverage likely won't be necessary
• However, if you plan to book an expensive trip or travel abroad for an extended period of time, you might want to purchase travel coverage. Check with your card issuer to confirm any coverage terms and conditions before purchasing any additional policies

Now that travel is back in full swing, it’s time to plan your next exciting getaway. With all the fun that comes with traveling to new locales, you always risk running into expensive problems far from home. Lost luggage, canceled flights, injuries, rental car mishaps — all sorts of inconveniences can occur when traveling. One way to soften the blow of travel disasters — at least financially — is to have travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance helps provide financial compensation for mishaps like lost or stolen luggage or if you need to cancel a trip for reasons that are beyond your control. In the event of a qualifying incident, you can file a claim with the insurance company to get money back for certain expenses, up to a previously agreed-upon limit. You can purchase travel insurance policies from insurance providers — or you can take advantage of travel insurance benefits offered by your credit card provider.

Fortunately for travelers, many credit cards offer some form of travel insurance to cardholders, and some of the top travel credit cards offer an impressive lineup of travel protections. However, credit card travel insurance works a bit differently than a travel insurance policy you purchase .

As a rule, credit card travel insurance doesn’t typically offer the same level of comprehensive coverage you’d get from a purchased policy. You also can’t choose what type of coverage you receive. That said, many travel credit cards offer some level of coverage for issues like trip cancellation and interruption , trip delays, lost luggage, baggage delays , rental cars and travel accidents.

If you’re considering buying separate travel insurance, it’s worth learning what type of coverage your credit card offers before paying for protection you may already have. One easy way to find out what your credit card covers is to call your credit card provider and have them walk you through your card’s benefits guide.

What is credit card travel insurance?

Credit card travel insurance is a complimentary benefit that commonly comes with credit cards. While it isn’t the most robust coverage, this protection can help out with various travel-related emergencies and inconveniences. When cardholders use their credit cards to book travel arrangements such as flights, hotels or rental cars, they may automatically become eligible for these insurance benefits. The key element here is to book at least your flights or other transportation using the credit card, or you won’t qualify for the coverage.

Typically, credit card travel insurance includes coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions and delays, as well as lost or delayed baggage. Some cards may also provide coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation and rental car insurance. The extent of coverage varies among credit cards and may depend on factors such as the card type, the issuer and the terms and conditions outlined in the card agreement.

It’s important for cardholders to review the specific details of the travel insurance offered by their credit cards, including any limitations, exclusions and requirements for activation. While credit card travel insurance can be a valuable perk, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for more thorough coverage.

What does travel insurance cover?

To make it easier to understand what travel insurance covers, we’re breaking down the most common types of coverage.

Coverage for canceled, interrupted or delayed trips

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, when you might need this coverage, coverage for emergency medical situations, emergency medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, coverage for lost, damaged or delayed baggage, lost or damaged baggage protection, baggage delay protection, coverage for rental cars, rental car insurance, how to use credit card travel insurance.

If a trip is partially or fully booked on your credit card — be sure to confirm booking standards with your card provider first — you may be able to access travel insurance benefits that come with your credit card . Here’s how to use your credit card travel insurance:

• Confirm your coverage. Before you file a claim, it’s helpful to brush up on your coverage. Your card should come with a benefits guide that outlines what type of travel coverage you have, including the maximum amount they’ll cover, exceptions to your coverage and how long you have to submit a claim (typically less than 60 days).
• Show receipts and necessary documentation. You’ll likely need to provide receipts when you file your claim if you want to get your money back. You might also need to provide key documentation such as showing how a loss occurred, correspondence with travel providers proving they won’t reimburse you, doctors’ notes, police reports or any other applicable paperwork.
• File the claim. Report any losses or situations to the benefits administrator within your policy’s claim time frame. Generally, you’ll download a claim form from the credit card provider’s website and submit evidence of the losses or situations for which you’re seeking reimbursement.
• Wait for a decision. Your credit card provider will contact you with a decision regarding your claim and, if approved, explain how it plans to distribute your funds.

When is travel insurance worth it?

Traveling is expensive, so it’s understandable if you’re wondering — is trip insurance worth it? Where or not you should purchase travel insurance in addition to the benefits your credit card offers depends on how much coverage you already have and what your risk tolerance is. Some premium credit cards offer robust travel coverage — such as emergency evacuation coverage, lost baggage coverage or trip cancellation and interruption insurance — whereas no-annual-fee credit cards typically offer basic coverage like roadside assistance.

Note that travel insurance policies tend to get more expensive as you age. So the flat annual fees you’ll pay for premium travel credit cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee) make their travel coverage more valuable the older you get.

Consider what type of travel insurance you may need and what events and belongings you need to have insured. If you want basic coverage for smaller issues, such as covering costs incurred if your flight is delayed, then your credit card policy may do the trick. But if you have ambitious travel plans that involve bigger risks — like booking a nonrefundable international trip — then you’ll likely want to purchase a travel insurance policy that will allow you to cancel a trip for any reason.

When is travel insurance not worth it?

Depending on where you’re traveling and the type of trip you’re taking, travel insurance might not be necessary. For example, if your trip is completely refundable, trip interruption and cancellation insurance is likely not necessary. You may also not need any type of travel insurance if you’re taking a cheap or short domestic trip.

Additionally, if you’re traveling within the U.S., you likely won’t need additional medical coverage beyond your existing health insurance plan (though it would be good to check your policy first). If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., however, additional medical coverage — whether purchased or provided through a credit card — can be helpful in an emergency situation.

Should you get a top credit card for travel insurance?

Many travel credit cards can provide you with enough travel insurance benefits to protect you in an emergency or if your plans change, so purchasing extra travel coverage likely won’t be necessary. Of course, this depends on the type of trip you’re taking, among other factors.

If you’re looking for a new credit card and want one that provides solid travel insurance coverage, here are some of the best cards for travel insurance to consider:

Although travel insurance can be a great cardholder perk, it probably won’t be the main factor you’re considering when picking out a new credit card . While it’s nice for frequent travelers, you’ll want to look for a credit card that offers benefits you’ll use, such as a great rewards program, a sign-up bonus or intro APR offers. A card that rewards you for your regular spending may be more valuable in the long run than one that comes with a limited amount of travel insurance to cover the occasional trip.

While you can’t predict the exact cost of every future trip you plan, you probably have an idea of what kind of trips you take and what type of coverage they require. For example, if you love taking road trips in your trusty SUV and rarely rent a car or book a flight for a vacation, then you’re less likely to need car rental or baggage delay coverage. But having roadside assistance as a perk may give you much-needed peace of mind when you hit the open road. Look for a credit card that offers coverage in line with the way you travel most often.

There is no worse feeling than thinking you have insurance coverage, only to find you’re going to need to pay more out of pocket than you realized when something does go wrong. Double-check the fine print for the travel insurance coverage before relying on a credit card’s insurance perks. You’ll likely come across some potential exclusions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does travel insurance cost, what is excluded from travel insurance, should you book all of your trip on a credit card, the bottom line.

Credit card travel insurance benefits can offer travelers solutions to frustrating and costly travel problems. Because you don’t need to pay for this cardholder perk, it’s a great bit of extra protection to have in your back pocket. However, if you’re spending a lot on an upcoming trip and you’re worried about travel issues that may require expensive solutions, then purchasing a separate travel insurance policy may be worth it.

Already planning your next vacation? Check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit for tips and tricks on how to maximize travel with a credit card.

Issuer-required disclosure statement For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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• Introduction to credit card travel insurance and standalone travel insurance
• What are credit card travel protections?
• What is travel insurance?
• Credit card travel protection vs. standalone travel insurance
• Frequently asked questions

Credit Card Travel Insurance vs Travel Insurance: A Comparative Guide

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 travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel insurance and some credit cards can protect you from financial loss while traveling.
• Travel insurance offers more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.
• Credit card travel protection has more gaps but comes at no additional cost for cardholders.
• Compare travel insurance coverage options and rates with SquareMouth. 

Anything can happen while traveling. Flight delays, lost luggage, or even unexpected injury or illness can interrupt your vacation. When these things occur, travel insurance or the travel protections included with your premium credit card may be able to help, providing medical coverage, offsetting your financial losses, or even reimbursing you fully.

But do you need both travel insurance and credit card travel protections? Here are details on both and tips for deciding what the best travel insurance is for you.

Introduction to credit card travel insurance and stand-alone travel insurance

Many credit cards offer travel protections that can help you in certain unexpected travel situations. But they aren't exactly the same as a separate travel insurance policy.

Here's how the two differ at a high level:

• Travel insurance:  Travel insurance is coverage that you purchase for a single trip or multiple trips in a year. It typically covers the costs associated with trip cancellation, trip delays, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events that may occur while traveling.
• Credit card travel protections:  These are benefits automatically included with certain consumer credit cards. They often provide coverage for delays, lost baggage, rental car collisions, and other events during travel. Credit cards sometimes advertise these protections as a type of travel insurance, though they're not a separate insurance policy.

Generally speaking, designated travel insurance is more exhaustive than the protections offered by a credit card. Still, it's worth it to compare both options, particularly if you're taking an expensive trip. 

"It is always wise to check your credit card protection against a travel insurance plan," says Carol Mueller, a vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . "Credit card protection may not include the full, bundled, comprehensive coverage a travel insurance plan would."

What is credit card travel insurance ?

Many premium credit cards offer travel protections to cardholders, but the exact coverages depend on the credit card. Typically, only trips booked with that card qualify for coverage.

"Credit card travel insurance has one big advantage that interests travelers: it's usually free or included in the card's annual fee," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Travel Insurance , a travel insurance provider. "Credit cards' travel benefits can be useful for smaller things, like travel delays or lost bags, but only travel insurance provides reliable protection in real emergencies, like expensive medical emergencies such as hospital visits and evacuations."

In some cases, however, a credit card may cover catastrophic accidents. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, offers up to $1,000,000 worth of coverage for an accident that causes loss of life, speech, hearing, or use of a hand, among other life-altering injuries.

Additionally, credit card coverage limits tend to be much lower. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers up to $20,000 per trip in cancellation coverage, while a basic travel insurance plan from Travel Guard offers five times as much coverage.

Pros and cons of credit card travel protection

What is stand-alone travel insurance .

Travel insurance protects you from financial losses related to travel. "There are three main areas of coverage: protecting yourself, protecting your personal items, and protecting your investment," says Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas and global marketing at World Nomads Travel Insurance , a travel insurance and safety services provider.

Travel insurance works much like any other insurance policy. When a covered event occurs, like your trip is canceled or you're hurt while traveling, you file a claim with your insurer. If accepted, the company reimburses you for the costs up to your coverage limits.

"Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of Lugos Travel, a travel advisory. "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

Travel insurance customers typically have 90 days to file their claim. But once the event occurs, there's no waiting period, meaning travelers should file as soon as possible.

A major factor when filing a successful claim is proof of financial loss. You can use something as simple as a medical clinic receipt or a doctor's medical statement. Once the claim has been reviewed and approved, your insurer will reimburse you via check. Some modern travel insurance companies offer immediate payment via a debit card mailed to travelers before their trip.

Travel insurance providers go beyond your standard credit card or airline coverage. You can buy policies that cover sports equipment, medical, and other coverages. You can also buy Cancel for Any Reason insurance, which covers trip cancellations regardless of the reason. The best CFAR insurance can cover 100% of your costs, but many only cover a percentage. 

Buyers can also price out annual travel insurance plans , which cover all of your trips within a 12-month period. Meghan Walch, director of the InsureMyTrip website, estimates a 4% and 10% travel insurance cost based on your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. If you're buying an annual policy, this figure will change.

Pros and cons of stand-alone travel insurance

Credit card travel protection vs. stand-alone travel insurance.

Deciding between stand-alone travel insurance and credit card travel protection can be difficult. That said, it's worth mentioning that these choices aren't mutually exclusive. Even if you have a credit card that provides travel protection, you can still opt for additional coverage with a stand-alone travel insurance policy.

Cost considerations

The obvious difference between credit card insurance and a stand-alone policy is the cost. While credit card insurance is usually included in the cost of the card, traditional travel insurance is an additional expense, usually between 5% to 6% of the trip's worth, though rates can range from 4% to 12%.

However, travel insurance may pay for itself, covering emergency medical expenses and evacuation."Most people have no idea that their health insurance does not cover them abroad," says Shane Mahoney, founder of travel advisory company Lugos Travel. "So, a broken arm from a slip and fall or a heart attack can be financially devastating."

On the other hand, credit card travel protections don't come at any additional costs. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. Additionally, a credit card's travel protection only applies to trips you book with that credit card. If you don't pay off the credit card immediately, you'll pay interest on your trip. 

If you don't already have a credit card with travel insurance included, you'll also have to determine if the coverage is worth applying for a new credit card.

Comparing coverage and benefits

In most instances, traditional travel insurance policies will have more comprehensive coverage than credit card travel insurance. They'll cover more reasons for trip cancellation, and some may cover cancellations for no reason. They'll also cover medical emergencies, while credit card travel protections don't.

"Some travel insurance policies also provide epidemic coverage endorsements, which 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," says Durazo.

Separate travel insurance policies also tend to offer more robust cancellation coverage. Credit card protections often cap reimbursement at just $10,000 a trip, while travel insurance usually goes up to $100,000. Most credit cards will only cover trips purchased with the card or reward points.

Situations best suited for each

Both travel insurance and credit card protections can prove helpful if your trip is canceled or you experience some other loss while traveling, but the right choice will depend on the specifics of your exact trip and budget. "Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs and concerns," Walch says. 

For example, travelers with more health concerns may opt for stand-alone travel insurance. Longer, more expensive, and international trips may also warrant greater coverage that credit card travel insurance can't provide. Additionally, it may be a good idea to insure trips to high-risk areas, either politically unstable regions or areas with inclement weather.

On the other hand, Walch says, "For a short trip to a family member's house in the US, the travel insurance offered through the credit card may suffice."

Credit card travel insurance comparison frequently asked questions

Credit card travel insurance may offer basic coverage for international trips, but it often lacks comprehensive medical coverage.

Yes, you can use both for the same trip. Stand-alone policies can supplement areas where credit card insurance is limited, such as medical coverage.

Most credit card travel insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Many stand-alone policies don't cover pre-existing conditions, but you may find some coverage with certain stipulations.

Credit card travel insurance is usually automatically activated when you pay for a trip using that card. However, it's important to read the card's policy for specific activation requirements.

While credit card travel insurance can be more cost-effective since it's a benefit of the card, it may not provide as comprehensive coverage as a stand-alone policy. In the long run, you may end up losing money if you solely rely on credit card travel insurance.

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Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: September 8, 2023

One of the key requirements of Schengen visa is the travel medical insurance. The travel insurance for Schengen visa must meet certain coverage and must be valid throughout the Schengen region for the entire duration of your stay.

With a myriad of travel insurance options in the market, picking out the right policy for your Schengen visa is difficult. In this article, you will everything about Schengen visa travel insurance and how to choose a policy for your visa.

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What is Schengen Travel Medical Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a type of insurance policy for travelers visiting the Schengen area. This type of travel insurance plan is designed specifically to comply with Schengen visa criteria of minimum coverage and validity requirements. Schengen travel insurance is also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa.

Who Requires Schengen Travel Health Insurance?

Visitors from visa-required countries planning to visit any Schengen country must require Schengen travel insurance.

If you are a traveler from a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you must have a valid travel insurance policy. You must buy travel insurance not only for your Schengen visa application but also for any or all trips that you take to the Schengen area.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Schengen Visa?

Yes, obtaining travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa . The European Commission’s 810/2009 Regulation mandates submitting valid travel medical insurance for Schengen visa applications.

Proof of travel medical insurance is not only mandatory for the first trip, but also for all subsequent trips for multiple-entry Schengen visas.

At the time of application, you would only need to provide proof of insurance for the first entry.

What are the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements?

As per the Article 15 of REGULATION (EC) No 810/2009 , your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the following three criteria:

• Must cover medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000
• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries

The policy must cover all medical expenses arising from emergency medical attention, treatment, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation due to medical reasons and death.

Let’s look at each of those requirements in detail.

1. Minimum Coverage

Your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000. When purchasing Schengen visa travel insurance in USD, make sure the policy covers at least $50,000.

This minimum coverage is applicable for any medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains.

This coverage is necessary to financially protect you in case of accidents, unforeseen illnesses, or other emergency situations that may arise during your travels in the Schengen area.

2. Validity Duration

Your travel insurance for the Schengen visa must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

This travel insurance policy should cover you from the day you arrive in the Schengen area until the day you leave.

In terms of a multiple-entry visa, the Schengen visa insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your first entry only.

Here is an example:

You are applying for a multiple-entry visa and your trip is from Jan 01 to Jan 14. Your Schengen visa insurance must be valid from Jan 01 to Jan 14.

If you take another trip on the same visa, say from May 01 to May 14, then you must purchase another Schengen travel insurance at the time of your second trip.

For your visa application, you would only need to provide insurance for Jan 01 to Jan 14.

3. Validity in the Schengen Zone

Lastly, your Schengen visa travel insurance must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries. This is to make sure that you have coverage regardless of which Schengen country you visit during your trip.

Most Schengen travel insurance aggregators such as VisitorsCoverage provide insurances that are valid in the entire Schengen zone.

In fact, any insurance valid globally is acceptable for the Schengen visa. Provided, the the insurance covers at least €30,000 in all medical costs and emergencies.

What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Cover?

In general, any Schengen visa insurance plan covers medical expenses, COVID-19 protection, and trip coverage.

These coverage options are designed not only to provide comprehensive protection but also to meet the Schengen visa insurance requirements.

1. Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is the most important aspect of Schengen travel insurance. It provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, accidents, and unexpected illnesses.

The coverage also includes hospitalization, emergency hospital treatment, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other necessary medical treatments that are considered emergency and necessary.

The policy must cover at least €30,000 for the visa. But depending on your needs and activities in the Schengen area, you can opt for policies with higher coverage.

2. COVID-19 Protection

COVID protection is not mandatory for Schengen visa. But most Schengen visa travel insurance policies offer coverage for medical treatment and quarantine expenses related to COVID. COVID tests and quarantine must be prescribed by a doctor to be eligible for the coverage.

That being said, you must review the policy details to make sure that COVID protection is included. Even though it’s not mandatory, it can provide peace of mind during your trip.

3. Trip Coverage

Trip coverage is also not mandatory for Schengen visa. But most travel insurance plans provide protection against flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage during your travels. Trip coverage will help lessen any expenses arising from trip interruptions and baggage delays.

Review the policy details to make sure comprehensive trip coverage is included. This way, you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly, even when faced with unexpected setbacks.

What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Not Cover?

Though Schengen travel insurance plans provide coverage for a wide range of scenarios, there will usually be some exclusions. One common exclusion is the coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

It’s crucial to understand the limitations and exclusions of your Schengen visa insurance policy. Let’s look into the exclusion of pre-existing medical conditions in detail.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered by Schengen visa insurance plans. If you have a medical condition that was present prior to the purchase of your Schengen insurance policy, any medical expenses related to that condition during the trip will not be covered.

Review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to determine if any exclusions apply to pre-existing medical conditions.

Is COVID-19 Coverage Mandatory for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?

No, COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory for Schengen visa travel insurance. But most Schengen travel insurance companies include COVID coverage in their policy.

Even though it’s not required, having COVID protection in your travel insurance can provide financial security during your Schengen trip.

It is always better to be prepared and have coverage than face challenges during the trip.

How Much Does Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Cost?

The cost of Schengen visa medical insurance varies depending on several factors, such as age, duration of your trip, total coverage amount, and the insurance company.

Schengen travel insurance from IMG Global, through VisitorsCoverage for up to 39 years of age will cost about a dollar a day. For a one-week trip, it would be about $7 USD. The cost goes up with age.

IMG Global is a US-based insurance company offering Schengen visa insurance. If you opt for a Europe-based insurance company such as Europ Assistance, the prices are even higher. A one-week insurance policy can cost about €18.

To find the most affordable insurance policy for the Schengen visa, compare different insurance providers and policies using an insurance aggregator such as VisitorsCoverage .

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

With a myriad of options available in the market, choosing travel insurance for your Schengen visa can be a daunting task. To make this process easier, consider factors such as the reputation of the insurance company, coverage limits, and customer reviews.

Let’s look at each of these factors in detail.

1. Reputation of the Company

When selecting a travel insurance provider, it’s important to evaluate their reputation in the market. A reputable insurance company will have a track record of providing reliable and quality coverage, as well as excellent customer service.

You can assess the reputation of an insurance company by looking at its reviews and ratings on sites such as Trustpilot. VisitorsCoverage , for example, has a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot.

If you choose an insurance company with a strong reputation, you will have confidence in the coverage and support they provide throughout your trip.

2. Coverage Limits and Exclusions

Another important aspect to consider is the coverage limit. The policy must be Schengen visa compliant, meaning the policy must meet the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000.

Additionally, it’s important to review if there are any exclusions such as pre-existing medical conditions or other limitations.

By reviewing the coverage limits and exclusions, you can pick out a policy that is Schengen visa compliant and provide enough protection during your trip.

3. Customer Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings can be invaluable resources when evaluating any product or service in the market. Travel insurance is no different. The reviews and ratings provide insight into the insurance provider’s customer service, claims process, and embassy acceptability.

By considering the experiences of other travelers you can assess the quality and reliability of the travel insurance.

4. Schengen Insurance Certificate

Lastly, the insurance company must be able to issue a Schengen insurance certificate, also called a visa letter. Submitting a visa letter along with the policy is a mandatory requirement for the Schengen visa.

This certificate confirms that your insurance policy meets the Schengen visa criteria. The certificate should include:

• Your name (as the policyholder)
• Policy number
• Total coverage amount, which should be no less than €30,000 (or $50,000)
• Dates of validity (must cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area)
• Contact details for the insurance company, in case of emergencies

Where to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

Travel insurance for Schengen visas can be purchased from online insurance providers, local insurance companies and travel agencies.

Local insurance companies and travel agencies can offer personalized advice. With online platforms, you can compare prices and coverage options from multiple insurers.

Regardless of where you purchase your insurance, it’s important to make sure the insurance policy meets Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides the necessary coverage for your trip.

My recommendation is to buy Schengen visa insurance from VisitorsCoverage. Their Europe Travel Plus policy is specifically designed for the Schengen visa, meeting the minimum coverage requirements and downloadable visa letter. Here is a comparison for a 33-year-old, 7 days trip to the Schengen area.

How to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

To purchase your travel insurance for Schengen visa, go to the VisitorsCoverage’s Europe Travel Plus plan. Enter the following details.

• Destination Country
• Citizenship
• Residence/Home country
• Coverage Start Date
• Coverage End Date
• Arrival Date
• Date of Birth
• Email Address

Click on Continue. In the deductible and policy maximum, select $0 for the deductible and $50K for the policy maximum. Then click on Continue.

In the next steps, enter your details as per your passport. Complete the payment and purchase the policy. Once your purchase is complete, you can download your visa letter.

How To Find Cheap Schengen Travel Insurance?

Finding cheap Schengen travel insurance requires research and comparison of policies and companies. I have done this already for you. VisitorsCoverage was the cheapest in my research. If you are older than 50, then you might want to check other insurance companies to see if you can find a cheaper option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Do us citizens need schengen insurance.

No. US citizens do not require Schengen insurance when traveling to the Schengen area. This is because Schengen insurance is mandatory for those that require a visa for the Schengen area. And, US citizens do not require a visa for the Schengen area.

Is Schengen travel insurance refundable?

Yes. Most Schengen visa insurance companies offer reimbursement or free cancellation in the event of visa refusal. That being said, review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy before purchasing to make sure the policy is cancellable in case of visa refusal.

Can I purchase travel insurance after obtaining a Schengen visa?

No. You must purchase travel insurance before obtaining the visa. This is because travel insurance is one of the mandatory requirements for obtaining the Schengen visa. Without purchasing travel insurance, you won’t even be able to apply for the Schengen visa.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions are usually not covered by Schengen visa insurance plans. This means that any medical expenses arising due to pre-existing conditions will not be covered during your trip. Before purchasing, review the terms and conditions of the policy to determine the exclusions.

Can I extend my travel insurance coverage if my stay in the Schengen area is prolonged?

It may be possible to extend travel insurance coverage if your stay in the Schengen area is prolonged. But it depends on the insurance company and the policy type. Review the terms and conditions and also contact the insurance provider to inquire about extensions.

Obtaining the right travel insurance is a crucial step in your Schengen visa application process. The travel insurance for Schengen visa must provide at least €30,000 coverage and must be valid throughout the Schengen region for the entire duration of your trip.

While purchasing your Schengen visa insurance, consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, coverage limits and customer reviews. Compare different travel insurance providers and policies to pick out the right insurance for your Schengen visa.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Credit Cards

By Brandie Weikle on August 23, 2021 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough?

Many credit cards offer travel insurance, but not all policies are created equal. Before you go on vacation, find out what coverage yours might be missing.

At last, your highly anticipated vacation is around the corner. As you count off the days on your commute to work each morning, thoughts of anything going wrong while you’re away couldn’t be further from your mind. Besides, you’re pretty sure you’ve got travel health insurance through your credit card anyway, right?

Millions of Canadians have some travel health insurance coverage, either through a policy that comes with a premium credit card or an employer-sponsored health plan, says Will McAleer, executive director of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada  (THIA). “Some of those are more than adequate for Canadians who travel this winter.”

The problem is that many of us aren’t clear on any of the policy details, which likely include restrictions based on length of stay, age, cost of treatment and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Often, those details aren’t that visible to the consumer, who may have only glanced at the marketing brochure that came with that card or workplace healthcare policy, says McAleer.

Many of these policies expire after age 64 and won’t cover you for a trip longer than 15 days. Or they can max out too soon, designed to pay for a drop-in clinic consult for a case of pink eye but not an emergency medical evacuation if you injure your spine while skiing.

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In a recent survey, THIA found that only a little more than a quarter of respondents were clear about what’s covered by a travel policy they hold.

There are four “golden rules” of travel health insurance that Canadians should understand, says McAleer.

• Know your policy “Understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t,” he says. Whether that means digging up the information that came with your credit card or workplace insurance, or understanding a new policy you’re planning to purchase, go over the fine print very carefully. Call the insurance company and get specifics if you have any questions.
• Know your trip “ Are you travelling as a snowbird, or are you going to go bungee jumping or scuba diving?” asks McAleer. You need to make sure your policy matches your trip and the risks you’re taking while you’re away. You’ll need more insurance for hiking the Inca Trail in Peru or scuba diving in Belize than you would for parking yourself on a beach for a week. The costs for emergency services outside of the country can be significant, particularly when you consider that 80 to 90% of Canadians vacation in the United States—“arguably the most expensive place for medical treatment on the planet,” says McAleer. “A code blue emergency—so, a life-saving emergency—not only could it cost you $10,000 a day, it could cost you $10,000 an hour, depending on how serious the emergency is.” 
• Know your rights and responsibilities McAleer says consumers have a right to contact their insurer to ask for specifics about what’s covered, as well as to appeal if coverage gets denied. “But you’ve also got responsibilities,” he says. The first of those is to make sure you’re answering any medical questions correctly and accurately, “because if you don’t, [that] could lead to disappointment when you need it the least.” Barring a catastrophic situation where it’s simply not possible to do so, you also have a responsibility to contact your insurance provider, not your credit card company, before accessing medical services—otherwise, you may not be covered.
• Consider COVID Before you book, determine whether your card’s insurance will cover you for travel to a country with a non-essential travel advisory, for instance; will the usual trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage be honoured? If the answer is no, and you still decide to travel, you may be able to purchasing COVID-specific travel coverage . Even if you are travelling within Canada , you might want to still consider COVID coverage.
• Know your health If you’ve been to the doctor for anything beyond a regular checkup recently, you need to learn if those issues could be considered a dreaded “pre-existing condition” that your insurer will exclude from your coverage, says McAleer. If you do have something going on with your health, it doesn’t mean you’ve got to stay home, says Sivan Tumarkin, an insurance and disability lawyer. The key is to get a policy that’s designed to account for whatever you’ve got going on with your health. Manulife, for example, offers travel insurance that’s tailored to whatever pre-existing conditions the customer may have, he says. Note that it’s critical not to cut corners when describing any health issues you have.

“If you make a claim, they’ll pore through your records to find any arguments you’ve breached the policy,” he says.

Tumarkin advises against getting insurance from a travel agent. Because they’re not b rokers, they can’t advise you in detail on what a policy will cover. Instead, go to a reputable insurance broker. These pros sell policies from a variety of insurance companies and will help you understand the options. If your employer or credit card coverage isn’t sufficient, a broker can find you a policy that will top you up should you need anything more than the basic drop-in clinic visit. 

Vacation costs add up, so it can be tempting to go for a bargain-priced policy offered by your travel agent and travel website. 

“Most people will go for whatever is cheapest, but there’s a reason why it’s priced that way,” says Tumarkin.

More on travel credit cards

• Best travel credit cards
• Canada’s best no foreign transaction fee credit cards
• Canada’s best Air Miles credit cards
• Credit Cards Scotiabank Gold American Express review
• TD First Class Visa Infinite review

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Table of Contents

Do Citi cards have travel insurance?

Car rental insurance, costco anywhere visa® card by citi travel insurance benefits, citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard® travel insurance coverage, does citibank offer travel insurance.

Citi credit cards provide a host of benefits, including some generous points and miles earning opportunities (depending on the card you have).

But, when it comes to travel insurance, let’s just say it’s not necessarily Citi cards' strong suit.

Still, there are Citibank travel insurance benefits you should know about to ensure you use the right card when paying for your next trip. Here are the primary benefits associated with Citi card travel insurance.

Only two Citi cards have travel insurance, and each one has a different set of benefits: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

on Citibank's application

Both cards provide rental car insurance.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi also offers roadside assistance, worldwide travel accident insurance and a 24/7 concierge for travel and emergency assistance. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , on the other hand, offers baggage protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay protections.

» Learn more: Best Citi credit cards right now

If you use either of the two Citi credit cards listed above to pay for a car rental, Citi travel insurance will protect any damages to a rental car up to $50,000.

This amount will cover the cost of repairs or the cash value of the car, whichever is lower. It applies anywhere you rent a car — there are no geographic limitations — as long as the rental period is no longer than 31 days. Citibank travel insurance covers accidental damage, theft, vandalism or a natural disaster, and any necessary towing costs.

Citi's rental car insurance is secondary when renting a car within the U.S., but if you're renting outside of the country, it switches to primary coverage.

With secondary insurance, you need to rely on any other insurance coverage you have before Citi’s car rental insurance kicks in. Primary insurance, alternatively, will be the first line of coverage you have.

Coverage wouldn't apply if you rent the car to someone else or operate a rental car as a rideshare vehicle. It also only covers the car, not any personal injuries that might result from an accident.

There are several types of vehicles that are excluded from coverage. These include:

Trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, full-size vans on a truck chassis or recreational vehicles like campers and off-road vehicles.

Motorcycles or motorized bikes.

Commercial vehicles or cargo vans.

Any vehicle with fewer than four wheels.

Antique vehicles older than 20 years or that have not been made in the past decade.

Limousines.

Sport-utility trucks or open, flat-bed trucks.

Any vehicle that retails for over $50,000.

» Learn more: Rental car insurance explained

Roadside assistance

When driving in the U.S., roadside assistance is available for Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders by calling 866-918-4670.

Roadside assistance is valuable in the event of an accident, loss of fuel or other vehicle malfunction. Keep in mind that you would still have to pay for the assistance (like a tow truck, for example), but this benefit makes it easy to reach someone with one phone call.

Citi card provides access to similar assistance as a membership program like AAA . The difference is that AAA’s annual fee covers roadside assistance fees while Citi's coverage doesn't; it solely provides access to someone who can help you for a reduced rate.

Several credit cards provide some type of roadside assistance and are worth considering before paying the annual fee for AAA.

Worldwide travel accident insurance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi includes accident insurance, which covers the cardholder or family members if they are injured or killed when traveling on a common carrier (any vehicle that is licensed to carry passengers like a bus, plane, cruise ship or train).

You will need to have used the Citi card to cover the entire cost of the travel on that common carrier for the benefit to apply. The maximum coverage is $250,000.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Travel and emergency assistance

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi card provides access to a 24/7 concierge to help you with a disruption to your trip. This can include medical assistance, referrals to a doctor or legal help. It can also help if you need to adjust travel plans.

Just remember, you’ll be responsible for paying for any services used, but the call is toll-free.

Baggage protection

Only available for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , this luggage protection provides coverage if your checked bag is stolen, lost or damaged.

The insurance covers as much as $3,000 per person ($2,000 for New York residents), but only kicks in if you use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

» Learn more: The guide to baggage insurance

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If a covered traveler has a medical emergency or dies, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® coverage can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 in eligible nonrefundable expenses.

You would need to use the card or American AAdvantage miles to pay for the trip.

Trip delay protection

Another benefit that’s reserved only for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is trip delay protection . This coverage kicks in if your trip is delayed by at least six hours, and offers reimbursement for expenses incurred during the delay, up to $500 per trip.

This would include reasonable purchases like hotel stays, rental cars and meals.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Citibank travel insurance is available, but limited. It is only offered on two cards and isn't as comprehensive as other credit cards with travel insurance .

Both cards include rental car coverage, but beyond this, each has its own set of benefits. Depending on which one you hold, it may include coverage like trip delay protection or roadside assistance.

People hold Citi cards for many reasons, including the ability to earn transferable Citi ThankYou Points . But, the travel insurance benefits are somewhat limited. If you have a Citi card, review the travel insurance perks before you take off to understand your coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn 3% cash back when you choose online shopping plus earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

Is credit card travel insurance any good.

Updated April 10, 2024

In this guide

We explain how travel insurance on credit card works and look at the pros and cons of using it.

Some rewards credit cards offer travel insurance. However, your credit card is unlikely to give you all the cover you need as full medical insurance is not included.

This article will cover:

How does travel insurance on credit card work?

• Which credit cards offer free travel insurance?

Should I pay for my holiday with a credit card?

Travel insurance or credit card.

• How do you claim money back on travel insurance?

Related content: What are my flight refund rights?

First, it’s important to establish what is meant by travel insurance . If you mean getting a refund if the trip is cancelled or goes wrong, then yes, you may be.

Credit card providers are bound by strict consumer laws set out in Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which covers purchases of £100 to £30,000 should the merchant be liable to you.

But credit card providers do not offer full travel insurance, as they do not pay out for medical issues that may arise during a trip overseas.

They will also not necessarily pay out in the event of lost luggage and do not necessarily include other features that are common in standard travel insurance policies, such as personal liability.

Some providers offer “travel accident insurance” – sometimes for free – but this is not necessarily as comprehensive as full medical cover offered through standalone travel insurance policies.

Accident insurance covers accidental death or an accident resulting in permanent injury such as loss of limb or sight. But hospital treatment for less “serious” conditions is not covered. 

There is a card that offers comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover. This the Platinum card from American Express , which comes with a fee of £575 a year. However, be mindful that each travel insurance policy comes with its own specific policy terms.

But this is a charge card, not a credit card. The difference is that, unlike with a credit card, the customer has to pay the entire balance each month and does not come with any protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Credit cards that offer free travel accident insurance

American Express is the only credit card provider in the UK that offers free travel insurance.

The best credit card for travel insurance will depend on how much you are willing to pay, and what you want covered.

• American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday – Annual fee: £0 What’s covered? Travel accident insurance worth up to £150,000. Travel delay: no
• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold – Annual Fee: £140 (£0 in first year) Travel accident Insurance: £250,000, Travel delay: Yes, up to £600.
• American Express Rewards – Annual Fee: £0 Travel accident insurance: £150,000,  Travel delay: no.
• British Airways credit card (American Express) – Annual fee: £0 Travel accident insurance: £75,000. Travel delay: no.
• Vitality (American Express)  – Annual fee: £0 Travel accident insurance: £150,000, Travel delay: no.

There is also the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. This offers generous travel rewards, but this card is not available in the UK.

There may also be other credit card providers that provide Travel Insurance as an add on or at a discount. For example, the Santander World Elite card offers a 40% discount on travel insurance.

The main benefit of using a credit card is the payment protection .

Under Section 75, UK consumers are protected if something goes wrong with a purchase, for which the merchant would be liable for, costing between £100 and £30,000.

So if your holiday does not go ahead for some reason of which the merchant is liable for, you should get your money back if you have paid through a credit card (depending on the reason for the cancellation).

Some merchants used to charge extra for payments made through a credit card.

But the surcharges have been banned since January 2018. So paying for holiday expenses using a credit card should not cost you any more than paying through a debit card.

Before using a credit card, ask yourself if it is likely to take you a long time to pay the money back. If you fail to pay the full balance of your card by the due date, you may be charged interest that will bump up the cost even higher.

Find out more: Nine things that you need to know before booking your next holiday

Paying for holidays on a credit card

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act gives you a good chance of getting your money back should your trip not go ahead as planned. 

If you have booked a holiday or flights costing between £100 and £30,000, and paid either a deposit or the full price on your credit card, you should be able to make a claim if:

• The airline goes bust
• The holiday company goes bust
• Or the holiday isn’t as described. 

The good news is that you don’t have to pay for the cost of the entire holiday on a credit card to be covered by Section 75.

Even if you just put a small deposit on a credit card and want to pay the rest in cash or using a debit card, you are still entitled to a full refund if something goes wrong.

The key is to fund part of the holiday using a credit card. This could be just a £50 holding deposit.

There is no minimum amount that needs to be paid on a card, as long as the cash price of the product (for example, a flight, hotel or travel package) is between £100 and £30,000.

But not all situations are covered by Section 75, as discussed below.

What is typically covered?

• A cancellation by the travel provider.
• The travel company, airline or accommodation provider going bust before or during the trip.
• The holiday not being as described.
• Additional expenses as a result of an issue that is not your fault. For example, if the airline collapses while you are away and you have to pay for more expensive flights to get home.

What isn’t covered

• If you paid for your holiday through a third party – for example, PayPal or Amazon marketplace. However, these often have their own payment-protection schemes, which do not necessarily afford the same level of protection as that of Section 75.
• The purchase was made by a family member using an additional card – unless the main cardholder is also on the trip.
• You choose not to take the holiday because you have changed your mind.
• The credit card is used to make a cash withdrawal, and you then pay for the holiday using that cash.

Will my credit card cover a holiday cancelled due to the coronavirus?

Travel rules and restrictions have changed frequently over the past 18 months. 

As discussed above, the protections provided by Section 75 mean you should get your money back if you have paid money in advance for a holiday that can no longer be provided because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you have paid for your trip using a debit card, you can make a claim using chargeback. This is when the bank tries to reclaim the money you paid to the holiday company on your behalf. 

Credit cards also have their own version of chargeback. This could be another route if your claim doesn’t meet the criteria of Section 75.

Many will wonder whether their credit card offers enough protection or whether to buy travel insurance on top to ensure they are “fully” covered.

The answer is that you need to review or seek independent advice on the terms of the policy provided via your credit card provider, to establish whether you would benefit from taking out a separate travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for additional eventualities.

This is because comprehensive medical cover, essential for trips abroad, is primarily offered by insurance companies and not by credit card providers.

If you need hospital treatment abroad and do not have health insurance, medical expenses could run into thousands of pounds. According to an example from the Foreign Office , a fall in Spain that results in a broken hip, hospital treatment and an unplanned flight back to the UK would cost you about £15,000.

When taking out health travel insurance, you must state whether you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Full travel insurance will typically include contingencies for common travel problems such as transport delays, lost luggage or stolen items.

However, paying by credit card offers a good chance of financial compensation if your trip doesn’t go ahead as planned.

In some cases it may be better to make a refund claim through your card provider, rather than through your insurer. This is because some travel policies charge an excess fee for claims.

For more information: What are your travel rights?

When should I purchase travel insurance?

• You should consider travel insurance for any trips abroad. Most importantly, to ensure you are covered for any medical emergencies. If you have pre-existing conditions, these can also be covered as long as you have declared them, but you will likely need to seek out a speciality policy that covers pre-existing conditions
• For peace of mind, to get help and redress for common problems such as lost luggage, baggage delay or a stolen passport.

The strengths of credit card travel protection 

• Gives protection if the travel company goes bust
• Should deliver a refund if the holiday provider doesn’t deliver as promised
• Will likely not charge an excess fee for making a claim

How do you claim money back on credit cards?

When making a claim, your card provider will expect you to have tried to negotiate with the holiday company first.

If this fails, keep copies of all correspondence and then approach your credit card provider. There might be a phone number on the back of the card. Alternatively, contact details will be given on their website. 

Travel insurance providers also expect travellers to chase a refund with the holiday company before making a claim.

It is worth bearing in mind that not all travel insurance policies cover coronavirus-related disruption .

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

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If you’re travelling abroad this summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what it is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday. Last year, UK residents made 86.2 million visits abroad. This was over 15 million trips than what was recorded in 2022 and over four times […]

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If you’ve not travelled in a while then prepare yourself, because a lot has changed. From EHIC cards to travel insurance, here’s what you need to know. Post-Brexit, a number of benefits we took for granted as part of the European Union have gone. For the average tourist, most of these changes will be minor […]

Do I still need a PCR test to travel?

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Travel Insurance and Your Travel Visa

Getting Insurance with a Travel Visa

International travel requires a lot of research and planning – and not just for what clothes to pack in your suitcase. Depending on where you plan on visiting, some countries require all tourists have a valid travel visa in order to enter the country. A visa is an official document granted by the country you are planning on traveling to, that gives you permission to enter the country for a specified amount of time.

Not all visas are the same and each country deals with tourists and business travelers differently. Some countries issue visas based on the purpose of a visit i.e., tourist visas, student visas (i.e. J1 visa ), etc. Some countries issue visas that are only valid for a few days and some countries don’t require a visa at all unless you are staying for more than 90 days. And some countries, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, require a visa regardless of how many days you plan on staying in the country. To find out if the country you plan on visiting requires a travel visa, visit their embassy website to learn about your destination .

A Travel Visa Often Requires Proof of Insurance

If a visa is required to enter a country, then you should also keep in mind that you will probably need to possess proof of valid travel medical insurance as well. This means that you will need to show that you have adequate coverage for any expenses that might arise due to repatriation or hospitalization for medical reasons, including medical emergencies.

Anyone traveling to the Schengen area for the purpose of tourism or business and their trip duration is no longer than 90 days, only need one visa for all the countries in the Schengen area. Travel insurance that covers repatriation and medical expenses is mandatory for a Schengen travel visa and travelers should look into  Schengen compliant travel insurance plans only.

Best Insurance Plan for Visa Applicants

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

Buying Insurance for Your International Visa

In most cases, investing in quality travel medical insurance will satisfy your visa requirements, so prior to purchasing additional travel insurance, make sure that the plan you already have doesn’t cover or alleviate any medical emergency costs.

If it does, but you are not clear as to whether or not this is enough coverage or even the right coverage for your visa requirements, then contact your insurance representative and ask – never assume you have the coverage required. Always clarify and be sure you are covered prior to trip departure.

Many travel visas require proof that you have obtained private medical insurance from a reputable insurance company. Make sure the insurance company you use is licensed and accepted in the country you are planning to travel to – some countries require that the insurance is purchased from an insurance broker within that country. If you are unsure where to look for an insurance company in the country you are traveling to, consult your own insurance company and ask.

As with any insurance coverage, always check the restrictions and limitations to the policy and ensure it covers everything you need to travel safely – including coverage for extreme sports , such as downhill skiing or parasailing.

In addition to protecting travelers from expensive emergency medical costs, travel insurance can also cover:

• Emergency evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Return of a minor
• Trip cancelation
• Trip interruption
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage

Many visas require travel insurance as a way to protect their visitors from unforeseen costly expenditures that would make for an otherwise unpleasant visit. You can apply for most visas online or from the embassy for the country you will be visiting. As with travel insurance, start your visa research early in your trip planning process, and always make sure you have all of the paperwork and documents necessary to fulfill your travel visa requirements to avoid any unnecessary surprises that could disrupt your trip.

Visa Requirements for Health Insurance

Before a visa can be issued, applicants must show proof that they have adequate health insurance coverage that will meet the specified requirements. Those requirements typically include the following benefits:

• Minimum coverage shall be EUR €30,000 or USD 50,000
• The cover must be valid within the country/region for the full duration of stay
• The plan must cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care, emergency hospital treatment and death

Note: Check the specific requirements for the country you are traveling to. Although the above will meet most countries requirements, they are not uniform throughout the world and can change. Also read: Schengen Visa Insurance

Travelers will be asked to provide a letter from their insurance company confirming that coverage meets the minimum level of coverage. The duration of coverage will need to match the period of travel stated on your visa. Any travel medical plans listed here will provide that letter to you.

Travel Medical Plans for Your Visa Application

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

When Do I apply for Insurance for my Visa Application

For the above plans and most travel medical plans, you can apply anytime and secure the documentation that you need for your application. The process should take no longer than 10-15 minutes. Once submitted, you will receive documentation, including a Visa Letter, via email (usually within the hour) that can be submitted with your application.

Insurance for Student Visa Applications

Most countries will require students to have adequate international student insurance cover for their period of enrollment. We recommend one of the following student insurance plans for study abroad.

• Provides Medical, Dental, Evacuation and other Benefits
• Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
• Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide

• Standard and Platinum level benefits available.
• Coverage for individuals and groups and their dependents.
• Freedom to seek treatment with hospital or doctor of your choice.

Insurance for Schengen Visa

26 "Schengen Countries" have collaborated to make it easier for travelers to enter through one country in Europe, and then freely travel within 25 other countries without having to show their passport at each border crossing. They also have implemented specific requirements for  Schengen Travel Insurance  which will cover you in all Schengen countries. The 26 European countries that belong to the Schengen area include:

Austria , Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France , Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain , Sweden, and Switzerland. 

Long-Term Annual Health Plans and Visa Applications

Clients are sometimes traveling for longer than 3-12 months and want to buy comprehensive International Health Insurance  also known as an  Expatriate Health Plan . The dilemma: your visa application must be processed 2, 3 or 4 months before the departure date and the application for an international health plan can NOT be processed before 45 days before the departure date.

What some clients do is apply for a Travel Medical Plan today and use that to apply for their visa. Once their visa is secured, and they are within 45 days of the departure date, they can apply for a Global Medical / Expat Plan. Once the Global Medical Plan is approved, you can then cancel the Travel Medical Plan. Not an easy solution but a viable workaround.

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Travel insurance

Is credit card travel insurance worth it?

Does the travel insurance that comes with some premium credit cards stack up against standalone policies.

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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Credit card companies love to spruik the 'free' bonuses that come with their cards, especially those cards named after precious metals and jewels: gold, platinum, diamond. Some of these premium cards come with complimentary travel insurance, provided you meet certain criteria.

While this certainly takes the hassle out of organising insurance for every trip you take, is it worth it? How does this 'free' insurance compare with regular travel insurance?

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Credit card travel insurance pros

Credit card travel insurance cons, how to activate travel insurance on your credit card, the bottom line, australia's source of unbiased reviews.

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Credit card travel insurance can be as good, or even better than standalone travel insurance. But you pay for it through the higher annual fee on your card and the high interest rate on your debt. If you can't afford to pay your balance straight away, consider the financial risk. The average credit card holder pays $700 in interest a year if their interest rate is between 15 and 20%.

Don't underestimate the financial risk of drumming up debt on a credit card

There are also hoops to jump through to activate the insurance. You may have to activate it online or use the card to book your airfares and accommodation. Beware of bargain fares, too – often there are threshold amounts ($500, say) that you have to spend on travel costs per person before you depart in order to activate coverage.

• Good coverage: The coverage level can be comparable to standalone policies.
• Go anywhere: Unlike standalone travel insurance, credit card insurance isn't location-specific. This means you can go from Singapore to Nairobi to London to Teotihuacan without taking out separate policies, and without paying higher premiums for longer worldwide trips. Bear in mind though that some regions (such as countries under United Nations embargo) may be excluded, and sometimes with US underwriters travel to Cuba is excluded.
• Collect rewards points:  Cards that come with travel insurance usually also come with other bells and whistles like rewards points to make the annual fees worthwhile. If these are a drawcard for you already, then travel insurance is an added bonus. 
• Spend rewards points:  If you've been squirrelling away your rewards points, some cards will still cover you if you use them to buy your tickets. Check the eligibility section of the product disclosure statement (PDS).
• Age limits:  Credit card insurance usually has an age limit. Some allow travellers older than 80 years, but a medical assessment may be required and an additional premium may also apply.
• Baggage cover:  Credit card insurance often offers higher coverage for baggage loss and damage. 
• Trip duration:  Credit card insurance policies vary in how many days of coverage they'll give you per trip – anywhere from a few weeks to 365 days – so it can be generous but check your limit if you're going on a long holiday.
• Annual fees:  Complimentary travel insurance usually only comes with higher-end credit cards, which means hefty annual fees. On the other hand, the additional fees are still often less than the premiums for standalone insurance, so if you go overseas every year or two you might end up coming out even.
• Interest rates: If you can't pay your balance in time, you'll be paying interest on your credit card debt.
• Return tickets only: Just having the credit card isn't enough – usually insurance only applies when you buy your tickets with it. In some cases you also need to have a return ticket booked before you leave, which might be a dampener for explorers looking for more open-ended adventure.
• Higher excess: For most standalone travel insurance you'll be charged about $100 excess for making a claim. With most credit card insurance, you'll be lucky to get away with paying $250 per claim, if not more.
• Pre-existing conditions: Some credit card insurance doesn't automatically cover pre-existing conditions, and won't let you pay an extra premium for an exception. Those that will cover pre-existing conditions usually have a list of them in their PDS.
• No domestic travel:  Credit card insurance doesn't apply to domestic travel, although some cards will reimburse expenses associated with domestic flight delays and missed connections.
• Making a claim:  You may not be able to claim reimbursement unless you pay for purchases (such as emergency items after a baggage delay) with the same credit card.
• Activation:  Some banks also require you to notify them to get full coverage for each trip. While base coverage will still give you emergency medical treatment, you might not get coverage for property damage or luggage delays. Check if you need to do anything to activate any extra features.

Check if your credit card can save you money on travel insurance.

Credit card insurance usually activates when you buy your air tickets (or sometimes other transport or accommodation expenses) using your card.

• Policies require a minimum spend to activate – usually around $500. So if you scored your tickets on sale for $499, you won't be covered.
• If you want cover for your spouse or dependants, you must also buy their tickets on your card.
• Some policies only activate if you book a return ticket. A one-way flight, or even 2 one-way flights, will leave you uninsured.
• Some banks require you to notify them in order to get full coverage for each trip. While base coverage will still give you emergency medical treatment, you might not get coverage for property damage or luggage delays. Check whether you need to do anything to activate any extra features.
• Some cards will cover you if you use rewards points to buy your tickets, while others won't.

If you already have a credit card and use it regularly, the free comprehensive travel insurance on your card can save you money. And if you're a regular traveller without a credit card, it's worth considering if you travel at least once a year or every second year internationally.

Case study: David* booked a trip to North America for himself and his family, including his 11-year-old daughter Petra*. The trip was cancelled because Petra got pneumonia. Unfortunately, David only activated his credit card travel insurance about an hour before the family was scheduled to fly out of Australia. The travel insurer denied his claim for cancellation costs because he knew about his daughter's illness when he activated the policy.

*To protect privacy we have changed names and some details.

Avoid the traps

• As always, read the fine print to make sure this is the product for you. The best time to do this would be before even applying for the card, rather than when planning your trip.
• Do the maths to work out whether you'll save money in the long run, and don't underestimate the financial risk of drumming up debt on a credit card.
• In the event that you do have to make a claim, the higher excess charges might end up costing you more than if you'd just taken out a standalone policy. 

If you're looking at a premium credit card because of its complimentary travel insurance, make sure that what you're getting is actually the best deal for your circumstances. If it isn't, consider a standalone multi-trip or single trip policy. 

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United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Cardmembers enjoy built-in travel protection benefits that give you peace of mind while traveling near and far.

Baggage Delay Insurance

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 3 days. 

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If you or an immediate family member check or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses made with your United Explorer Card, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares, if your trip is cancelled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations.

Travel Accident Insurance

When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your United Explorer Card, you’re eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your United Explorer Card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

For assistance with all United Explorer Card protection benefits, please call 1-888-880-5844 or 1-804-673-1691 . International charges may apply; please contact your service provider for additional details.

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Experts say travel insurance is crucial: Here's how it actually works

Whether illness or weather derails plans, policies can cover a range of issues.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or setting plans for an upcoming vacation, unexpected circumstances such as bad weather can cast a cloud over a trip, which is why experts suggest investing in travel insurance.

Recently, Hurricane Beryl marked an "early and violent start" to the typical storm season. NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad confirmed in a mid-season update earlier this month that Beryl was "the earliest category-5 Atlantic hurricane on record" -- and peak storm season is right around the corner.

With increased risk of disruptions during hurricane season through November and more people opting for shoulder season getaways after avoiding summer crowds , travelers should prepare for such worse-case scenarios to avoid losing money on hotels, activities and other bookings.

Everything you need to know about travel insurance

With an array of options in the market and various individual reasons to invest in a plan that protects your purchases, "Good Morning America" tapped top industry experts to provide insights to help ensure that even if your next getaway gets rained out, your bank account won't be drained as well.

"Things can go wrong in ways that you can't begin to imagine. And if you're unlucky and unfortunate enough to be in that position, you don't want to come back from your trip with a debt to pay off as well," Daniel Green, trip insurance expert and co-founder of Faye Travel Insurance, told "GMA."

Understand the basics before you buy bespoke coverage

Katy Nastro, spokesperson for Going.com, formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights, told "GMA" that first and foremost, folks need to "understand all the ways in which you are already protected before dishing out for things you don't need."

"When it comes to flight insurance, under federal law, you are already protected to get a full refund or rebooked on a significantly delayed flight or cancellation, regardless of the reason," she said. "With new regulations that airlines must comply with by the end of October, seeing your refund back to your payment method will get a lot faster and more seamless."

Nastro said "many travel credit cards already have built-in trip insurance that can protect you when the unexpected happens," citing perks from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card that provide "reimbursements up to $10,000 per person for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses when an interruption happens."

You should always buy insurance for one simple reason -- when you start thinking -- 'I hope we have insurance,' it's one minute too late

"These cards often pay sooner than the airlines do for expenses due to misplaced bags," she added.

Nastro also suggested to check on coverage across state lines with any existing medical or car insurance policies, which could help cut down on costs.

"Specifically, when it comes to medical insurance, medical care around the world is generally a fraction of the cost compared to what it is in the U.S. So, while it could be good to have if you need stitches in Vietnam, it probably won't break the bank," she said.

Because travel insurance is subjective, Nastro said "it's worth considering when you exhaust your existing coverages to see where you might have some gaps."

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How does travel insurance work and what's actually covered?

"A great example is when you have a trip with multiple components that aren't purchased together, like a flight and cruise," Nastro told "GMA." "The cruise won't wait when your flight has been rebooked for the next day, so in this scenario, it might be worth looking at insurance on the cruise portion. You can typically add insurance after the fact, but reading the fine print is critical."

"Trip or travel insurance tends to be cheaper to buy, but is restricted to what is actually covered and often has red tape in terms of getting that reimbursement. For example, if you have an illness and need to cancel your trip, policies might require a doctor's note," she continued.

She added, "Travel insurance with 'cancel for any reason' policies tends to be more expensive to purchase, but more inclusive in terms of what is considered a 'covered' reason. The biggest caveat is that they offer a partial refund -- 50% to 75% of nonrefundable expenses."

When it comes to weather, she reiterated that reading the fine print is critical, because "the coverage typically offered is for extreme weather and scenarios where the operator cannot operate for 24 hours or more, so a typical summer thunderstorm won't make the cut."

Green added that, generally, if a customer buys travel insurance from an airline provider, since the carrier "doesn't know all the details of your trip" beyond the price and date of the flight, "if you're renting a car and traveling around -- or staying in a $4,000 hotel, you might only have $1,000 worth of insurance because at the checkout screen of American or United or Delta, they just didn't know about those costs."

"That's why I think it makes a lot more sense to buy insurance directly from either a website portal or an agent that can show you the main limits, so you know all the things you spent are covered as part of the policy," he said.

As Nastro pointed out, payment for claims can become a sticky situation, which is why Green helped craft an more seamless way to alleviate issues by providing the reassurance of immediate reimbursement: "If you have Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can access that money instantly after the claim is settled," he told "GMA."

What is shoulder season? Experts tips to save on airfare, hotels in opposite seasons

Green co-founded Faye just before the COVID-19 pandemic sent the travel industry into a tailspin, but said now, "the concern on the American mind more than anything is who's gonna pay for this? Especially in these days of inflation, if you're paying significant amounts of money for travel, and something goes wrong, you'd like to at least be made whole."

3 categories to consider for travel insurance coverage

Green explained that travel insurance can generally be broken into three categories: your investment in the trip, your belongings such as luggage and passports, and your health.

For anyone booking travel on their own, without a travel agent or adviser, Green highlighted the difference between buying travel insurance directly versus clicking "yes" on an app or checkout screen.

"You're not always being offered insurance that's in your best interest if you're just hoping that whatever your credit card comes with, or whatever your airline gives you at the end of the checkout is going to provide everything you need," he said.

He noted that one important tip for any type of travel coverage purchase is "the earlier you tell your insurance company that something has gone wrong, the more likely it is that they can help you while you're on your trip -- and helping sometimes means paying for expenses so that you don't have to be out of pocket and get reimbursement."

Weather-specific products for travel inconveniences

Products like Sensible Weather offer more specific elements to cover scenarios such as rain during a beach vacation or lack of snow for a ski trip, which may derail plans.

"The idea of travel inconvenience payments, it just takes the sting out of things," Green said. "In those scenarios, you just get a fixed, agreed amount of money -- sort of no questions asked -- You just have to prove that you actually experienced the loss in question, and then you get the full amount."

"You should always buy insurance for one simple reason -- because usually at the point when you start thinking to yourself, 'Wow, I hope we have insurance,' it's one minute too late," Green said. "Hurricane season is the perfect example of that. Once a hurricane is named, you generally can't make any claims related to the hurricane if you didn't already buy a policy."

"What we're learning about the current hurricane season is the weather is becoming unpredictable all the time," Green said. "We've heard about days where the weather was so hot in Phoenix that airplanes couldn't take off from the tarmac, hurricanes coming sooner than expected, or power failures causing an airport to not be able to operate -- and because those things are so unpredictable, playing the game of wait and see before buying your insurance rarely make sense versus justbuying it around the time you buy your trip and not having to worry about that aspect again."

How much plans cost and limitations

"There is no one size fits all when it comes to travel insurance," Green noted.

However, he said "there are rules of thumb" that industry experts often follow: "You should be willing to spend up to 10% of the cost of your trip on your insurance."

"The two biggest factors that usually affect the cost of your insurance is your age at the time of purchase, not at the time of travel, and the value of your trip," he said, adding that "every company is different."

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• What are the Costco Visa travel benefits

What are the Travel Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?

Exclusively for Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers cash back on all purchases and additional cash back on categories such as eligible gas and EV charging, restaurants and eligible travel and purchases from Costco and Costco.com. Cardholders also enjoy access to Citi Entertainment ® .

These benefits and more can make the Costco Anywhere Visa a great card for travel. Let’s look at how it works.

Cash back rewards on travel

Cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants and eligible travel purchases. This can include airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, travel agencies, cruises and Costco travel.

Cardholders can also make the most of road trips and vacation car rentals with 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging transactions for the first $7,000 every year. After the first $7,000, cardholders continue to earn 1% cash back in these categories.

Other travel benefits

Cardholders can also get access to services and benefits like:

• Travel and emergency assistance
• Worldwide car rental insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Roadside assistance dispatch service
• Zero foreign transaction fees 1

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, please see here for more information.

These services and benefits help take the stress out of travel so you can enjoy a worry-free, relaxing vacation.

Access to Citi Entertainment

Citi Entertainment opens the door to popular experiences, such as concerts, sporting events and dining.

With the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, cardmembers can get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences for some of the most anticipated concerts, sporting events and dining experiences.

Whether you want to attend a local event while on vacation or plan a trip around a concert, your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi can enhance your travel with special entertainment experiences.

1 Important Pricing & Information

Disclosure : This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe Next Year—Here's What to Know

Do you need a visa to go to Europe? It’s a question most American travelers don’t even think to ask, with United States passport holders having long traveled throughout most of the world without worrying about visa applications . But that’s set to change next year, as the European Union prepares new travel document requirements for American tourists.

The European Union’s new visa waiver scheme, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), was previously set to roll out in early 2024, but is now anticipated to launch “starting in the first half of 2025,” per the official ETIAS website . A European Commission spokesperson has confirmed with Condé Nast Traveler via email that as of August 2024, everything is on track to hit the target timeline of spring 2025.

ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense; it only requires a quick online application, with approval delivered via email. Once it launches in 2025, ETIAS authorization will be required for all Americans traveling to all ETIAS member countries , which fall into one of four categories: full Schengen members like Spain , France, and Italy; European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries like Iceland , Norway, and Switzerland; future Schengen members such as Cyprus; plus European microstates like Andorra and Monaco .

The European Commission first introduced the idea of a new pre-entry requirement to tighten border security in 2016. Since then, the timeline has been adjusted on multiple occasions due to technological needs required to roll out the new system, according to the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council.

So what’s the hold up? The postponement is due, in large part, to setbacks in the building of another new IT infrastructure in Europe: the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration. According to Anitta Hipper, another European Commission Spokesperson, ETIAS cannot launch until EES is fully operational as the traveler authorization system will rely on EES data to identify potential risks.

The contractor in charge of creating these IT systems, eu-LISA, is working towards launching EES on November 10, 2024, with ETIAS launching in the following months. The revised timeline is linked to several factors, including “delays in developing the system at the central level by the contractor, but also in [EU] Member States when it comes to delays in preparation for the necessary equipment to use the EES at the border crossing points,” Hipper tells Traveler . “The Commission will continue working very closely with Member States and eu-LISA to minimize the impact of the delays and deliver interoperability under this mandate.”

Do you need a visa to go to Europe in 2025?

While many have compared ETIAS to a visa, Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Nathan Cripps says the distinction between a visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an important one to temper any stress travelers may have in regards to the new requirement.

“ETAs have been in use in various countries for many years and are considered simple, easy, and cost-effective,” Cripps says, pointing to countries like Canada and Australia that have made use of ETAs for decades. “The system is designed to make travel to Europe safer and easier, and once up and running it will soon become just another part of the routine.”

How will ETIAS work?

When Europe’s new authorization system is eventually implemented, travelers with passports from visa-exempt countries will have to apply for ETIAS online prior to their arrival on the continent. This requirement will affect citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among dozens of other countries. Unlike traditional visas, the application process for ETIAS is relatively quick and easy—it’s also inexpensive, costing only €7 (about $8) for a three-year approval. All travelers will need to fill out an ETIAS application regardless of their age. However, children under 18 and adults over 70 years old can apply for free.

Travelers will simply fill out an online form with their basic biographical data and travel history. They’ll also respond to several security questions, and if everything checks out, they’ll receive approval via email within an hour. This will be the case for most travelers, although some may require additional security checks that prolong the process to up to 96 hours.

“The most important piece of advice I can give travelers is to make sure to apply for your ETIAS at least 96 hours before your flight departs,” Cripps says. “Airlines will likely require proof of an ETIAS in order to board your flight, and while most travelers are expected to receive their approval quickly, you don’t want any surprises before your big trip.”

Cripps also recommends that travelers set a reminder in their calendars ahead of when their three-year ETIAS approval expires to avoid future hiccups.

“I do not see [ETIAS] as a big deal considering I am from the US and have a lot of passport privilege ,” says Sojourner White , a remote social worker and travel content creator who has previously lived in Europe and plans to travel back there in the near future. “We are just not used to having travel restrictions, so people are freaking out, but honestly paying $8 is so much cheaper than what other people have to pay in order to travel in Europe.”

She does, however, believe that the many delays are only going to further confuse travelers, especially when ETIAS is eventually implemented. “The constant rescheduling of the launch reminds me of the Real ID issues in the US. When you put out information prematurely people make plans with that information,” White says. “I foresee some problems, at least in the beginning, with people being confused as to what they need to do, especially if they are not seasoned travelers or it’s their first trip to Europe.”

Her best advice for newer travelers so they don’t get caught off-guard? “Be in tune with the US Department of State website. They have the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) that I recommend everybody sign up for, too, so that you can be notified of changes that may be happening as you are traveling.”

For Jody Bear, Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist and founder of Bear & Bear Travel , this is also a good time to remind travelers of some basic rules of thumb they should follow before packing their bags for Europe—or anywhere around the world.

“Be mindful of when your passport expires. [Typically] the expiration date must be at least six months beyond your return trip date,” she says. “As a general rule, you should always have at least two to four blank pages in your passport, but it can vary depending on the country you are visiting, so it is recommended you check your passport as far in advance as possible.”

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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 .

I go to Disney 15 times a year — here's why the Disney Visa is in my wallet

M y family typically takes several Disney vacations every year. From Walt Disney World and Disneyland to cruises on Disney Cruise Line and even Disney's resort in Hawaii, Aulani, we love it all.

It's no secret that Disney destinations are expensive, but I've amassed an arsenal of tricks to help us trim thousands off our vacation spending annually.

Some of my strategies involve a substantial investment at one point — like becoming a Disney Vacation Club member and purchasing annual passes to the theme parks — to nab the savings, given how frequently we visit. And, of course, those approaches aren't right for the occasional Disney vacationer.

But there's one low- or no-cost tool savvy Disney travelers should have in their wallet that can save you not just cold, hard cash but even hours of precious vacation time: a Disney® Visa® Card .

Related: How to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points

Get a Disney Visa for the perks, not the rewards

Before we break down the card types, perks and rewards for the Disney Visa options, let's get one thing straight: It's unlikely that you'll come out ahead by making a Disney Visa your primary credit card. There are plenty of other cards with more compelling rewards for everyday spending .

As a Chicago-based frequent flyer on United Airlines, I spend most of my money on the United Club℠ Infinite Card , which helps me maximize my earnings toward elite status with United and gives me United Club access for my entire family when we fly together.

But for regular Disney travelers, even if you don't use the card for most of your everyday spending, there's a good chance it makes sense to add a Disney Visa to your wallet. Here's what you'll get if you have it — and how to choose which Disney Visa is best for you.

Disney Visa credit cards: Sign-up bonuses and reward-earning potential

Disney visa card.

The basic Disney Visa Card has no annual fee and currently earns a $150 statement credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.

Disney Visa Card purchases earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars, which are equal to $1 each and can be used a bit like a Disney gift card. Disney Rewards Dollars can be redeemed at U.S. Disney parks and resorts, on Disney Cruise Line, at DisneyStore.com, and on movies at AMC Theatres.

Disney Premier Visa Card

The Disney® Premier Visa® Card has a $49 annual fee and currently earns a $300 statement credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Disney Premier Visa Card purchases earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars at disneyplus.com, hulu.com and espnplus.com; 2% back on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations; and 1% back on all other purchases.

In addition to all the ways to use the rewards if you have the Disney Visa, Disney Premier Visa cardholders can also redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a statement credit for air travel purchased with the Disney Premier Visa.

Lastly, Disney Bundle Trio subscribers can earn up to a $14.99 statement credit for up to three months on qualifying subscription purchases, and add-ons totaling $14.99 or more at disneyplus.com, hulu.com or espnplus.com.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

How to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars

To redeem Disney Rewards Dollars , you'll need a Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Once you've signed in to your Disney account online and linked it to your Chase Disney Visa card account, you can log on to manage your Disney Rewards Dollars online.

You can request a Disney Rewards Redemption Card once you've earned $20 in Disney Rewards Dollars and continue to load Disney Rewards Dollars onto your card each time you accrue at least $10, monitor your Rewards Dollars balance and, for Premier cardholders, redeem Disney Rewards Dollars on air travel.

Here's a video explaining how to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars and another one explaining how to request your airline statement credit .

Perks and discounts for Disney Visa cardholders

If you're a regular Disney traveler like I am, even if the ongoing rewards don't make this card worthwhile, the perks probably do. Disney Visa perks come with both credit card types; some are great even if you don't spend much on the card.

Save 10% on select merchandise and dining at Disney theme parks and resorts

Cardholders can save 10% on select merchandise and at select dining locations at Walt Disney World, Disneyland theme parks and hotels, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disneyland's Downtown Disney District.

If you tend to spend a lot on souvenirs and meals on Disney property during your vacations, these savings can definitely add up. Just be aware of the fine print, as quite a few popular items and locations are excluded , including Savi's Workshop—Handbuilt Lightsabers, Droid Depot, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

The 10% dining discount is offered at select locations with notable exclusions , including alcohol and select new food and beverage offerings. The discount is also not valid on certain popular dates and holidays.

Higher discounts are offered at a handful of Disneyland and Walt Disney World locations.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

Save 15% on select guided tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Cardholders can save 15% on select guided tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These include "Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour," " Walt's Main Street Story Tour, " and "Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour" at Disneyland; and " Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour ," "Wild Africa Trek," "Behind the Seeds" and many more at Walt Disney World.

Save 10% on select recreation experiences at Walt Disney World

Cardholders get 10% off the non-discounted price of recreation experiences like carriage rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and horseback riding at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground .

Onboard Disney Cruise Line discounts

Several discounts are offered to Disney Visa cardholders on board Disney Cruise Line sailings when you pay with your Disney Visa:

• 10% off non-discounted digital photo packages
• 10% off Castaway Cay Getaway Packages — save on snorkeling, bicycle, float and inner tube rentals
• 10% off select merchandise purchases. (Pro tip: If you're buying souvenirs from multiple shops on board, you can pay for everything at a single location)
• 20% off non-discounted massages and facials in the onboard spa on port days only

Related: How to save money on a Disney Cruise

Save 10% at DisneyStore.com

Disney Visa cardmembers can also save 10% on select merchandise purchases at DisneyStore.com. However, there are numerous exclusions , and the offer cannot be combined with any promo codes other than free shipping. To apply the discount, use promo code DRVCMEMBER and pay with your Disney Visa.

Cardmember photo opportunities at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

For many Disney parkgoers, character meet-and-greets and photo ops are a high priority — which can translate to long wait times.

But a Disney Visa will fast-track you to some exclusive character experiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland — with little to no wait. Plus, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to take photos, and you'll get complimentary digital downloads of your photos. Make sure you have your Disney Visa with you to show upon entry.

Here's where to find the Disney Visa Photo Spots in the theme parks. Be sure to double-check their times on the date of your visit — they are typically open for a shorter window each day than other character experiences.

Disney World's Epcot — World Celebration area, near the Imagination pavilion

At this "Disney Character Experience," you'll typically meet two popular Disney characters against an Epcot backdrop. We've seen Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto here. Note that there's no guarantee which characters you'll meet, and because they do change from time to time, it's worth checking back on another date or time during your trip to see more characters.

Disney World's Hollywood Studios — Star Wars Launch Bay

At this "Star Wars Character Experience" in Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Visa cardholders can meet Darth Vader. This is also the spot where all guests can meet Darth Vader, BB-8 and Chewbacca via traditional standby queues, with Vader's queue regularly posting wait times of 30-45 minutes. Darth Vader is my family's favorite character and we try to meet him every trip, so even though we take advantage of several other Disney Visa perks, the cumulative time savings on this experience alone would make the card worth it to us.

In addition to saving yourself some precious vacation time, you'll also end up with better (and free!) pictures than if you meet Vader in his standby queue. In the standby queue, Disney PhotoPass photos are taken via an automated camera, while in the Visa experience, you'll have a live photographer.

Disney California Adventure Park — Hollywood Land (near Super Store featuring Avengers Campus)

At this "Disney Character Experience," you'll meet popular characters that in the past have included Minnie Mouse, Daisy and Stitch. As at Epcot, there's no guarantee who you'll meet, but sometimes it's an exclusive character you won't get to meet anywhere else at Disneyland.

Disneyland Park — Star Wars Launch Bay

The interior of Star Wars Launch Bay is currently closed at Disneyland, but Disney Visa cardholders can still experience a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Photo Opportunity, an outdoor meet-and-greet with Darth Vader.

Cardholder discounts at Disney resorts beyond the theme parks

Disney Visa cardholders also get special discounts at Disney's three other resorts nationwide — Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Disney's Vero Beach Resort; and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.

• Save 10% off select merchandise
• Save 10% off select dining locations at Disney's Vero Beach Resort
• Save 10% off each of the following at Aulani: Rainbow Reef snorkeling, a create-your-own kapa-inspired T-shirt, and a ukulele purchase after completing a ukulele class

Related: Review of Disney's Aulani resort

How the Disney Visa can save you money on Disney Vacations

For a family like mine that takes frequent Disney vacations, all of the perks we've covered so far are enough to make the no-fee Disney Visa worthwhile.

But one potential perk can make a Disney Visa worth it, even for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Recently, Disney has been offering discounts to Disney Visa cardholders on Disney vacations at various destinations.

As Disney Vacation Club members, we rarely book hotels with cash, instead using our points to stay at Disney resorts. Still, we've taken advantage of a massive 30% discount offered to Disney Visa cardholders for a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage. When the offer was released, we could cancel an existing voyage and rebook with the Disney Visa discount, slashing the price by about $2,300.

This discount alone would have been well worth getting a Disney Visa for years on end.

It's worth noting that paying for an expensive vacation package with your Disney Visa can mean losing out on more compelling rewards and benefits other credit cards offer, including built-in travel insurance . For Galactic Starcruiser, we were able to pay our 20% deposit with a Disney Visa and the balance with our United Club Infinite Card, but for most Disney Visa hotel offers, if you don't pay with a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card, you'll be charged the non-discounted room price for your stay.

Bottom line

Most of my family's spending doesn't go on the Disney Visa, and there are plenty of card perks we don't use because we are also Disney Vacation Club and annual pass holders, which unlock discounts and benefits of their own.

But even with all that, we still keep the Disney Visa in our wallet because it offers unique perks such as character access and periodic resort or other discounts that can save a ton of money when offered at the right time for your needs.

If you take semi-regular Disney vacations, don't have access to any of these member or passholder discounts, and don't mind adding another card to your wallet, the perks and savings that come with a Disney Visa can make it worth your while, especially if you're able to take advantage of one of the heftier discounts periodically offered on hotel stays.

And if you are already a Disney Vacation Club member or annual passholder and visit the theme parks as frequently as we do, even the seemingly small perks like exclusive character meet-and-greets add up enough to make the card worth it.

To learn more about the cards, read our reviews of the Disney Premier Visa and Disney Visa .

Apply here: Disney Premier Visa

Apply here: Disney Visa

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Canada to the U.S. International Travel Guide (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

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

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

The U.S. and Canada share a border, which makes travel from one country to another accessible and relatively straightforward. Traveling to Canadian destinations is incredibly popular amongst U.S. travelers — almost 400,000 people cross the border every day .

Visiting Canada from the U.S. may not require as much preparation as traveling to some other countries, but there are still factors to consider before embarking on your trip. Read on to learn more about Canadian travel requirements, which identification documents you need to enter the country and other information about crossing the border.

Valid Documents for Entry

As with any international travel, Canada has entry requirements that include specific documentation for U.S. citizens. The primary document you’ll need to cross the border is an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Residents of certain border-sharing states such as New York can also enter the country with an enhanced driver’s license if crossing by land or water.

If you don’t have a Canadian passport but are a member of the NEXUS program , you can use your membership card as a form of identification and to denote citizenship. If you’re a part of the FAST program, you can use your membership card as identification when arriving by land or by sea.

If you’re a member of either NEXUS or FAST and are a permanent resident of the U.S. (as opposed to a U.S. citizen), you will need a U.S. passport and proof of permanent residence. You can also bring your FAST or NEXUS card as proof of membership.

While some travelers visiting Canada will need a visitor’s visa, U.S. citizens are exempt from this requirement. Instead, you’ll need to provide an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which you can apply for before you travel.

You can find additional information about border documentation on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website . Note that Canada may deny you entry if you have a criminal record and require children traveling alone to have a consent letter from a legal guardian.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Protocols

Canada ended its COVID-19-related travel restrictions in October 2022. You no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test results to enter the country. However, the Canadian government does not advise traveling to the country if you have symptoms of the coronavirus.

Do I Need Medical Insurance in Canada?

You do not need medical insurance to travel from the U.S. to Canada. However, Canadian health insurance does not extend to non-residents. Travelers will have to pay for any medical treatments they receive out-of-pocket, so you may want to obtain medical insurance before visiting in case of an emergency.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you shouldn’t assume your current health insurance will cover you in Canada. Unless your insurance plan has global coverage, you will need travel health insurance for your vacation to Canada. As a general note, Medicare and Medicaid do not offer coverage abroad.

You can also obtain health coverage by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. Many standard travel policies include emergency medical coverage as part of the plan. While travel medical coverage can offer peace of mind during an emergency, purchasing a policy may also be worth it if you plan to participate in outdoor activities or sports in Canada.

Flights and Air Travel from the U.S. to Canada

You can enter Canada from the U.S. by car, train, boat, bus or plane. There are many airports around Canada, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport and St. John’s International Airport.

Many airlines offer direct flights to and from major U.S. cities. Airlines tend to offer cheaper flights to Canada in the winter months. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to visit and, therefore, the most expensive.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for Trip Delays or Cancellations?

Travel insurance covers prepaid, nonrefundable costs if your trip is unexpectedly canceled or delayed . Travel interruptions such as delayed and canceled flights can have a domino effect on the rest of your trip — and possibly mean you have to pay for another flight or unexpected accommodations.

Most standard travel insurance covers trip delays and cancellations, offering reimbursement for expenses such as your plane ticket, hotel or lost baggage . Airlines are also required to reimburse costs under certain circumstances, including additional costs accrued due to interrupted travel .

Learn more about trip protection by reviewing our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Road Trips and Border Crossing by Car

Taking a road trip from the U.S. to Canada, or simply arriving by car, requires crossing the border at one of the 24 official locations. Americans will need to present a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of identification upon arrival to the country. It is also advised to keep your car registration documents available in case requested by the border patrol.

When you arrive at a border crossing point in Canada you may experience delays due to congestion. Long wait times are more common during the peak season for tourism in the country and at busier crossings, such as the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ontario.

To make your crossing as smooth as possible, have all your documents ready, turn off any music and roll down your windows. Be ready to answer questions about your visit to Canada and allow border service officers to open and check the contents of your bags and trunk if requested.

Train and Bus Travel

You can also take public transportation from the U.S. to Canada, with the two main options being a bus or train. You can enter the country on a bus at an official border crossing point or by train using the Amtrak services that run from New York City to Toronto, Portland to Vancouver or New York to Montreal. Train and bus travel to Canada may be more time-consuming but allow you to enjoy the scenery as you cross between the countries.

Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal are some of the most popular destinations in Canada easily reached by bus. Jefferson Lines and Greyhound are the most popular bus services if you want to travel from coastal U.S. cities to Canadian cities. If you’re traveling from states in the central U.S., you’ll likely have to transfer buses.

You will need an official form of identification with you when you enter the country on a bus or train, such as a passport; a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card; an enhanced driver’s license or another form of identification. You can book a bus or train tickets online and should receive specific details about the documentation you need to travel.

Should You Get Travel Insurance For Canada?

Whether you enjoy cosmopolitan city breaks or rugged adventures out in nature, Canada offers options for all kinds of travelers. The country’s proximity to the U.S. makes visiting an accessible and straightforward option — you can reach Canada by plane, train, car, bus or even boat.

In order to have the best possible experience on your Canadian vacation, it’s important to understand the country’s travel requirements and prepare all the necessary documentation so you can cross the border without any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling From the U.S. to Canada

Do i need a visa to visit canada from the u.s..

No, U.S. citizens visiting Canada as a tourist do not need a visa to enter the country. According to the Government of Canada’s website , you only need a valid identity document like a passport to visit.

Whether you need a visa depends on your home country and method of travel. If you are not an American citizen but are entering the country from the U.S., you will need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Note that travel document requirements may differ for dual citizens .

Does Canada currently have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place?

Canada ended travel-related COVID-19 measures in October 2022, including health checks, coronavirus tests, proof of vaccination and quarantine rules. However, official advice still recommends you wear a mask while traveling and do not visit if showing COVID-19 symptoms.

You can stay up-to-date on health-related travel advisories by visiting the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website .

What is the best way to travel from the U.S. to Canada?

U.S. residents who are close to the border may choose to visit Canada by car. However, if you’re traveling from a state that is far away from Canada, you can fly to the country or catch a train, bus or ferry.

Can I enter Canada with my birth certificate?

While U.S. citizens used to be able to enter Canada with a birth certificate, the country now requires additional forms of photo identification. The following documents are generally accepted at the Canadian border:

• A U.S. passport
• Passport card

Certain states that share a land border with Canada, such as New York and Washington, may also allow you to use an enhanced driver’s license.

What documentation do Canadian citizens need to enter the U.S.?

As with travel into Canada, the U.S. requires Canadians to show a passport or NEXUS card to enter the country. If you are traveling to a port of entry by car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also request to see your vehicle registration or other documentation.

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