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What is Curtailment?

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The term curtailment is widely used within travel insurance policies, but how many of us actually understand what it means?

Although we don’t like to think about it, sometimes the worst can happen and you may find yourself cutting short your holiday and returning home early. ending your trip before your original return date can mean you are at a financial loss and decide to claim back expenses on your travel insurance – this would be classed as curtailment., what does curtailment cover me for.

So now we understand what curtailment means, it’s worth looking into the different circumstances curtailment will cover you for as this will differ between policies – so be sure to check policy wording carefully.

Generally speaking cover for curtailment entitles you to claim back a pro-rata refund of any pre-paid accommodation, car hire or holiday excursions you will no longer be able to use following your return home. Under some policies curtailment will also cover reasonable travel expenses you’ve had to pay on your return journey unless travel has been arranged for you by your travel insurer.

It is important to note most travel insurance policies will state you can only claim for curtailment under specific circumstances. These usually include;

• You or a member of your party becoming ill or sustaining an injury while on holiday.
• The death, injury or illness of a close relative at home.
• You or a member of your party have been required for jury service.
• News of your home being left uninhabitable (following a burglary, fire or flooding).

Even if curtailment is covered as standard there will be certain restrictions and exclusions, depending on the policy type and cover. For example; not all travel insurance policies will cover for curtailment due to existing medical conditions of non-travelling close relatives or if an act of terrorism was to occur during your trip. Postcard Travel Insurance is amongst very few in the industry that will offer curtailment cover if a close-relative with an existing medical condition becomes ill whilst you are away – provided their condition was completely stable and well controlled before you booked the trip.

Do I need Curtailment in my policy?

Everything’s unpacked, you’ve got your sunglasses on and you’re heading down to the beach to enjoy a well-deserved break, what could possibly go wrong?

Unfortunately, as much as we try to prevent unforeseen circumstances from happening sometimes they are unavoidable – this is why we take out travel insurance and although medical expenses and cancellation is considered to be essential, we should not be overlooking curtailment cover.

Without curtailment cover returning home can be a lengthy, not to mention costly, process.

Is Curtailment covered in my policy as standard?

Many travel insurance policies cover curtailment as standard, however, this may not always be the case; to ensure cover is provided we suggest checking your policy wording before making a purchase.

If you are planning a last-minute holiday you may opt for a policy without cancellation as it is unlikely anything unforeseen will happen in the short time before you travel but be aware – choosing a policy without cancellation could mean you are losing the curtailment cover too!

As some travel insurance policies can be fairly restrictive, it is worth bearing in mind there are a few travel insurers that will offer cover for curtailment for any cause outside of your reasonable control.

Another reason to curtail a holiday is if a terror attack takes place within close proximity to your accommodation. Postcard Travel Insurance, again, is one of few travel insurers that will offer to cover the cost of cancellation or curtailment if your flight or accommodation has been affected by an act of terrorism. Continue reading about terrorism cover here .

How does Curtailment cover affect my insurance premium?

No one wants to be paying over the top for their travel insurance, but the cheapest isn’t always the best policy to suit your travel needs.

When shopping for your travel insurance you will find many companies offer a range of cover levels to suit every holiday and budget; with most covering medical expenses, cancellation and curtailment as standard. We recommend you select a policy which will cover the entire cost of your holiday as some companies will refuse a claim if the policy hasn’t got enough cover for the full cost of the holiday.

Adding cover for curtailment if it isn’t included as standard is likely to incur an additional premium but it may be worth paying a little extra now so you don’t have to later!

How does Curtailment work when it comes to making a claim?

If your policy covers curtailment your travel insurance company will be able to assess a pro-rata refund of any accommodation, car hire and excursions that you have paid for prior to travelling and not been able to use following your return home. For example, if you had a 10-day holiday and came home after 5 days the insurer would refund you for the five days accommodation you could not use.

Your travel insurance policy will pay for any reasonable additional cost of coming home.

So, if you had you buy a new ticket you could claim this back from the insurer. However, if the insurer paid for the new tickets then you would not be able to claim anything. This is because travel insurance policies work on what is called the ‘principle of indemnity’ which means that the policy puts you in the same position after the claim as you were before it. Simply put, because the insurers had paid for you to return home you had not incurred any additional costs.

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Trip Delay, Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained

What does trip delay insurance cover?

The travel delay  benefit helps you get through short(ish), unexpected pauses in your travel plans. It can reimburse you for lost pre-paid expenses as well as eligible costs you incur because of the delay, including meals, accommodations, communication and transportation. Note that for such an event to be considered a delay, it must last for the minimum time stated in your plan. Also, the delay must have been caused by a covered reason as listed in your plan, such as a travel carrier delay or lost travel documents.

How does trip delay insurance work in real life? Let’s say your 6 p.m. flight to Orlando is grounded due to a storm, and the next available flight doesn’t leave until 9 a.m. the next morning. Here’s what trip delay insurance may cover:

• Your dinner and breakfast
• Your hotel room for the night
• Your cab ride to the hotel from the airport and back
• The cost of the hotel room you had booked for your first night in Orlando (if the hotel won’t refund your money)

There are limits, of course: travel delay benefits reimburse reasonable expenses up to the limit shown on your letter of confirmation, for example $200/day. Don’t expect your travel insurance to pay for a lavish sushi dinner and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton.

But wait: Why do you even need travel insurance for this scenario? Aren’t airlines supposed to pay for your hotel room and meals if your flight is delayed? Not necessarily.

Most U.S. airlines have agreed to provide travelers with a hotel voucher and/or meal voucher when they experience a controllable flight cancellation or delay of a certain length. A controllable delay/cancellation is one that was caused by a reason within the airline’s control, such as a crew shortage or a mechanical issue. If the delay/cancellation is caused by a reason out of the airline’s control, they’re not obligated to offer you anything other than a refund (if you choose not to fly) or a seat on a different flight. That’s why you need travel insurance!

What does trip interruption insurance cover?

A  trip interruption  occurs when a traveler must unexpectedly cut short their trip and return home. Additionally, interruption can cause you to stay at your destination longer than originally planned (not always a bad thing, right?) Trip interruption insurance can refund lost prepaid costs, minus any available refunds and up to the maximum benefit amount, and cover the cost of your extra accommodations and/or your trip home.

Trip interruption benefits only apply if the interruption is caused by a covered reason. Allianz Travel Insurance plans list many covered reasons for interrupting or canceling your trip. Some common covered reasons include the serious covered illness or injury of the traveler, traveling companion or a family member; a natural disaster that renders your home or your destination uninhabitable; and the cessation of services by your airline, cruise line or other carrier, causing you to miss more than half your trip.

Trip interruption insurance is essential for those travel emergencies you just can’t predict. Imagine you’re in the middle of a week-long  safari in the Serengeti  when you receive word that your mom has been hospitalized with pneumonia. You need to return home ASAP! With the help of the travel experts on our 24-hour assistance team, you can get on the first available flight out of Kilimanjaro and travel back to the U.S. Trip interruption insurance can help cover the cost of the flight and reimburse you for the unused portion of your safari.

One key condition to keep in mind with trip interruption is that, in order to take full advantage of the benefit, you need to inform all your travel suppliers (hotels, tour operators, etc.) within 72 hours of finding out your trip will be interrupted. So, in the heat of the moment, be sure to keep your cool and communicate your change of plans as needed.

What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

Trip cancellation  insurance covers situations when you must cancel your trip before you leave for a covered reason (generally, the same covered reasons that apply to trip interruption coverage.) Trip cancellation benefits can refund the prepaid, nonrefundable costs of your trip, such as airfare, cruise tickets, tour bookings and hotel reservations. Plus, if you prepaid for shared accommodations, and your travel companion needs to cancel their trip for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed additional accommodation fees, which is huge if you’re taking a cruise.

Similar to trip interruption, the 72-hour notification rule applies here as well. So be sure to let your airline, tour operator, cruise line and others know about the trip cancellation in a timely fashion.

What else should you know when your trip doesn't go as planned?

It’s possible for a trip delay to turn into a trip interruption if you’ve lost more than half the total length of your trip scheduled trip length due to a covered travel delay. Let’s say you’re about to about to leave for a five-day Caribbean cruise, but a blizzard grounds your Miami-bound plane for two days. By the time you get to Florida, your ship is long gone, and you can’t find a flight to its next port of call. You may be able to make a trip interruption claim.

Just remember that when your trip is delayed or interrupted, you need to do everything you can to continue your scheduled plans. Try to catch up with your cruise ship or tour group (our hotline staff can help). Document your efforts. Keep your receipts. And as we’ve mentioned, notify all your travel providers and your insurer as soon as possible once you cancel your trip. Here are some  tips on how to use your trip delay benefit —and how you know it’s time to cancel the trip.

Always read your plan documents carefully so you understand your coverage, and call Allianz Global Assistance if you have any questions. Travelers covered by our insurance plans can access 24-hour assistance anytime via the Allyz ® TravelSmart app or by calling 1-800-654-1908 (from the U.S.) or 1-804-281-5700 (collect). Wishing you safe—and uninterrupted—travels!

Related Articles

• Tips For Dealing With a Trip Cancellation
• Travel Insurance for Cancelled Flights
• 5 Reasons Your Trip Cancellation Insurance Won't Cover You

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Trip Interruption Insurance Explained

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Table of Contents

What is trip interruption insurance?

What does trip interruption insurance cover, what is not covered by trip interruption insurance, how much does trip interruption insurance cost, what's the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay vs. trip interruption coverage, how do i get trip interruption insurance, which insurance coverage is best for me.

Trip insurance is an important consideration if you plan on traveling, and understanding the difference between plan benefits is crucial. Some benefits protect you before your trip begins, such as trip cancellation, while others offer coverage during your travels like trip interruption.

Trip interruption insurance will reimburse the unused portion of your trip if it has already begun and an unexpected incident forces you to return home early. This post-departure benefit is particularly useful when booking expensive trips. Here’s what you need to know about trip interruption insurance and how to get it.

If you miss a portion of your trip due to a covered reason, you can use trip interruption benefits to get reimbursed for any unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, such as hotel nights or excursion bookings. You may also be reimbursed for additional charges such as booking a new flight home, additional hotel nights and airport taxi fare. Importantly, trip interruption also applies if your trip is cut short due to a covered COVID-related medical reason .

Because trip interruption insurance kicks in after your trip has begun, it's considered a post-departure benefit. A list of valid reasons for coverage are stated in each policy, but they are usually extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances. For example: illness, injury, the death of the traveler or traveling companion, severe weather, terrorist action, job loss, etc.

Many comprehensive travel insurance plans and some premium travel credit cards offer trip interruption insurance. Depending on the policy, the coverage can range from 100% to 200% of the total trip cost, be capped at a predetermined dollar amount or purchased as an optional add-on.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Imagine you go on a $5,000, two-week hiking trip to Bariloche, Argentina, and on the third day of the trip, you fall and hurt your ankle. You go to a local hospital and the doctor tells you that it's sprained and advises you to stay off your feet and not do any hiking. After a few days of taking it easy, the pain becomes worse and you decide to cut your trip short and head home for X-rays and an appointment with a specialist.

If you have trip interruption insurance, you will be reimbursed for the unused, prepaid, nonrefundable hotel stay, your original return flight, the cost of new airplane tickets to return home early and additional transportation expenses such as a taxi to the airport and from your return airport home. The reason for the interruption is considered covered since you’ve sustained a serious injury that prevents your continued participation in the trip. You will need to notify the insurer of the incident within a specified time frame (which will be stated in the policy) and follow the protocol to ensure you receive reimbursement.

Using the Argentina trip example above, if your policy reimburses up to 200% of the trip cost, the benefit payable to you can be up to $10,000. The percentage can be above 100% to account for extra costs that a policyholder may incur to return home. Generally, the reimbursement of your return transportation cannot exceed the cost of economy plane tickets (or the same airfare class as the original ticket), and will be reduced by the amount of any refunds already received from the airline and must usually be the most direct route.

If you don’t have trip interruption insurance, you’ll be at the mercy of the hotel when trying to negotiate a refund for the unused portion of your hotel stay. You would also be liable for the additional costs to get home (a new flight, change fees, and transportation to the airport and from the airport to your home). So, if a last-minute flight home costs $1,000, you’d have to absorb that entire amount.

If you plan on traveling during the ongoing pandemic, ensure that you find a policy that offers COVID-19 coverage .

» Learn more: What kinds of trips should you protect with travel insurance?

Not every reason for interrupting your trip qualifies as a covered reason. Losses sustained due to intentional acts (such as self-harm), pregnancy or childbirth, mountain climbing, war, illegal acts, drug use, and trips taken against the advice of a physician will not be covered. Other exclusions may apply; check your policy for specifics.

Some policies also exclude pre-existing conditions that have occurred within a specified time frame prior to departure. The list of exclusions can vary based on the insurer and the state you live in, so you’ll need to check your policy's fine print to ensure you’re aware of what is and isn’t covered.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Trip interruption coverage is usually included within comprehensive travel insurance plans.

Using the same $5,000, two-week trip to Argentina, a search of policies on travel insurance broker SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) ranged from $115 to $361, representing 2.3% to 7.2% of the total trip cost. The coverage ranged from 100% to 200% of the trip cost, and some of the lower-priced plans offered coverage in excess of 100%. The more expensive plans usually offered higher limits on medical expenses and evacuation.

If you have a premium travel credit card that offers trip interruption insurance, this coverage is provided free of charge as long as the trip is purchased with the applicable credit card.

Trip cancellation coverage applies in situations where you cancel your trip before it starts. If you haven't left yet, and you have to scrap your plans for a covered reason (such as an injury or illness), you can get some or all of your trip expenses reimbursed through trip cancellation coverage.

Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, is about when something happens during your trip. Let's say you're on a trip and you suddenly have to get home to deal with a death or injury in the family. Trip interruption insurance will cover this situation, recompensing some or all of the remaining expenses in the trip.

Trip delay insurance covers situations where your trip is delayed, such as when an airline bumps your flight to a later date (which may entitle you to additional flight delay compensation ). The expenses accrued from a delay, such as rebooking fees for hotel rooms, will be covered by trip delay insurance.

Trip interruption insurance, meanwhile, only applies if something happens that makes you cancel the remainder of your plans altogether — rather than just having them delayed.

In general, trip delay insurance will apply when your transportation goes awry. Trip interruption coverage applies when something else (like a medical emergency ) affects your trip.

The two most common ways to get trip interruption coverage are by buying a travel insurance policy or applying for a premium travel credit card that has trip insurance benefits.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and many other American Express cards provide up to $10,000 per trip ($20,000 per year) in trip interruption benefits. Terms apply. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® will also reimburse you or your immediate family members up to $10,000 in losses per trip interruption.

These premium cards also include other insurance benefits like trip cancellation, trip delay and more. If you frequently purchase trip protection benefits, applying for one of the cards that offer travel insurance could make a lot of sense. All these cards offer a multitude of useful travel benefits and various statement credits that will usually offset at least part of the annual fee.

If you’re going on a trip that is more expensive than the limit provided by the credit card, purchasing a separate travel insurance policy is a good bet. Also check that your credit card will cover COVID-related claims before you decide to forego a separate policy.

If you’re going on an expensive trip, getting a travel insurance plan that includes trip interruption coverage makes a lot of sense. If the trip is relatively inexpensive or you already have coverage through your credit card, you may not need to purchase a trip insurance coverage.

However, if you’re looking for additional coverage like travel medical insurance , Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and/or your credit card doesn’t have sufficient limits, consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy from providers such as AAA , Allianz , or AIG .

In some cases, purchasing travel insurance may not be necessary . So familiarize yourself with all available options before you decide whether or not you should purchase a policy.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

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

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

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

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Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

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

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Curtailment Meaning: What is It in Terms of Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a crucial safety net for travelers, offering protection against various unforeseen events that can disrupt your journey. One important aspect of travel insurance is travel curtailment. Understanding travel curtailment can help you make informed decisions and ensure you are adequately covered in case you need to cut your trip short. In this guide, we’ll explore what travel curtailment is, common reasons for it, how it’s covered in insurance policies, and tips for filing a claim.

Table of Contents

What is Travel Curtailment?

Travel curtailment refers to the need to cut a trip short and return home earlier than planned due to unexpected events. It is different from trip cancellation, which occurs when you need to cancel your trip before it starts. Curtailment can happen during your trip, forcing you to abandon the remainder of your travel plans.

Reasons for Travel Curtailment

There are several reasons why you might need to curtail your trip:

• Family Emergencies: Unexpected situations like the illness or death of a family member.
• Medical Reasons: If you or a travel companion falls seriously ill or gets injured.
• Natural Disasters: Events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods that make it unsafe to continue your trip.

How Travel Curtailment is Covered in Insurance Policies

Travel insurance policies typically include coverage for curtailment, reimbursing you for non-refundable expenses and additional costs incurred to return home. Here’s how it generally works:

• Coverage Details: Policies usually cover the cost of unused travel and accommodation bookings, as well as any additional travel expenses required to get you home.
• Claim Process: To file a claim, you will need to provide documentation, such as medical reports, death certificates, or proof of the event that caused the curtailment.

Understanding Policy Exclusions

Not all curtailment scenarios are covered. Common exclusions include:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If the reason for curtailment is related to a medical condition you had before purchasing the policy.
• Lack of Official Documentation: Claims without proper documentation or evidence may be denied.

Tips for Choosing a Comprehensive Policy

• Read the policy details carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Opt for policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including a wide range of curtailment reasons.

Tips for Filing a Travel Curtailment Claim

Filing a travel curtailment claim can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

• Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the need to curtail your trip.
• Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, such as medical reports, travel itineraries, and receipts for additional expenses.
• Submit Your Claim Promptly: Ensure that you file your claim within the timeframe specified by your insurance policy.

Read also: Understanding Travel Insurance: What It Is and What It Covers

Understanding travel curtailment meaning and how it works is essential for any traveler. It ensures you can handle unexpected disruptions to your trip without incurring significant financial losses. Always review your travel insurance policy carefully and choose one that offers comprehensive curtailment coverage. This way, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if you need to cut your trip short.

Aisha Liyana

Aisha Liyana, an expert in the Malaysian insurance market, specializes in life, health, and property insurance. Her articles, rich in...

What is Curtailment?

Navigating travel's unexpected turns.

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

Travel is a voyage. A narrative often full of singular experiences, thrilling sensations, and those moments where time itself appears to suspend. Alas, just like any story, travel also includes unexpected plot twists that can change the course of your adventure.

One of these less glamorous yet critically important topics is the concept of curtailment in the context of your travels. Amidst the thrill of planning and packing, the spare shoes and extra sunblock, what provisions have you made for the untold nuances of your tale?

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What Does ‘Curtailment’ Mean?

Imagine this: you're midway through your dream holiday, sipping a frosty beverage in an exotic destination when suddenly a family emergency calls for an immediate return. This unplanned trip interruption is referred to in the insurance industry as curtailment. Curtailment essentially means the sudden end to your trip, typically due to a critical event that demands your presence back home.

Although it’s not something we want to imagine, sometimes a situation will arise where you’ll need to head home prematurely from your holiday. Curtailment happens for reasons beyond your control, and as well as meaning you get less time than you imagined on your holiday, it’s also likely to cost you money.

Most insurance policies will cover you for curtailment; however, it’s something you should always check before taking out your cover. If you do have to cut short your trip due to an unfortunate reason, losing money because of this can add to your upset and frustration.

LEARN MORE:  Travel Insurance Glossary and Jargon Buster

Why Would Someone have to Cut their Holiday Short?

There are a multitude of reasons why an individual might find themselves in a situation where they have to unexpectedly shorten their holiday, a scenario that could unfold for either themselves or their fellow traveller. This unexpected turn of events could stem from various factors such as sudden work commitments, family emergencies, or unforeseen health issues that disrupt the planned holiday experience.

Some of the common reasons include:-

• A member of your party falling ill or getting injured
• A family member at home falling ill, getting injured, or passing away
• A business partner or associate at home falling ill, getting injured, or passing away
• A member of your party having their passport stolen or losing it
• A member of your party being summoned to court or jury duty
• A member of your party being called to duty as a part of their role in the armed services, emergency services, or governmental services
• A member of your party’s home becoming uninhabitable through burglary, flooding, fire, etc

The above are all valid reasons to cut a holiday short, and for those with curtailment travel insurance, you’ll likely be protected for them all. You should always make a point of checking your policy wording before travelling, and should you need to cut your trip short, you can speak to your provider to discuss your specific circumstances.

What Are the Impacts of Curtailment?

The consequences of curtailment are far-reaching, affecting more than just your immediate travel plans. Initially, there's the financial aspect—having to book last-minute flights home often comes with a hefty price tag, not to mention the potential loss of the remaining part of your hotel bookings, organised tours, and other prepaid expenses. It's a sudden and unexpected outlay that can significantly impact your budget.

On a personal level, curtailing your holiday can bring an emotional toll. The disappointment of cutting a dream trip short, coupled with the stress of arranging travel at short notice and the underlying reason prompting the return, can be draining. This emotional upheaval can linger, impacting both your well-being and your view of future travels.

Furthermore, the logistical challenges of organising an abrupt return home can be daunting. From navigating foreign healthcare systems, if the curtailment is due to illness or injury, to dealing with bureaucracy in the case of lost or stolen documents, each scenario presents its own set of hurdles.

Despite these challenges, understanding the potential impact of curtailment and preparing for such eventualities can ease the process considerably. This involves choosing the right travel insurance with adequate cover for curtailment and being aware of the support services your insurance provider offers, so you can focus on resolving the situation with as little additional stress as possible.

How can I Prepare Against Curtailment?

Preparing for the possibility of curtailment is akin to packing a first aid kit—you hope you won't have to use it, but it's reassuring to have it just in case. Being prepared can alleviate some of the stress and financial strain that accompanies the need to cut your holiday short. Here are some friendly and approachable tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy: When purchasing travel insurance, ensure it includes cover for curtailment for a wide range of reasons. Read the fine print and understand what is and isn't covered.
• Keep Essential Documents Handy: Make digital copies of all your important documents, such as your passport, insurance policy, and emergency contacts. Keeping these accessible on your phone or in a cloud storage service means you can act quickly if needed.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any potential disruptions, be it natural disasters, political unrest, or health advisories, for your destination. Government travel advisories and news outlets are reliable sources of information.
• Have a Contingency Fund: Set aside a portion of your travel budget as a contingency fund. This can be used to cover unexpected expenses, like a last-minute flight home, should you need to curtail your trip.
• Know Your Rights and Options: Familiarise yourself with the cancellation policies of your accommodations, flights, and any pre-booked activities. Knowing how to swiftly cancel or reschedule these can save time and money.
• Emergency Contacts List: Create a list of emergency contacts, including your travel insurance provider, local embassy, and personal contacts back home. Having these numbers easily accessible can expedite getting the help you need.

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the impacts of curtailment should it occur, allowing you to focus on the situation at hand rather than the logistics of an unplanned return. Remember, the goal is to minimise disruptions and ensure you’re covered for various eventualities, providing peace of mind while you're off exploring the world.

What Isn’t Covered by Curtailment Travel Insurance?

Just as there are a range of reasons you may cut your holiday short that are covered by insurance, there are also some reasons that you might not be able to claim on your insurance. These include:

• The reason you cut your trip short being apparent whilst booking, for example, a pre-planned court appearance
• The illness or injury you’re experiencing is caused by being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• The illness or injury you’re experiencing being apparent whilst booking and not declared on your policy
• You’re choosing to cut the trip short simply because you no longer want to continue it

These are all reasons you might cut your trip short. However, they’re much less likely to be covered by your travel insurance policy, so you’re unlikely to be able to claim your extra travel expenses back.

For those who are travelling and have a pre-existing medical condition, you’ll be pleased to know that you can get specialised cover that will take your illness into account. We compare quotes from the best insurance providers so that you can enjoy the best  medical travel insurance in the UK  for your needs. This protection will help not only with curtailment if your illness should mean you need to go home but medical expenses abroad and more.

Is Curtailment Different to Cancellation?

Many travellers find themselves pondering the differences between curtailing a holiday and outright cancelling it. In essence, the two are fundamentally different but equally important concepts within the realm of travel insurance.

Curtailment refers to the act of cutting your trip short after it has begun, necessitating an earlier return to your home country. This could be triggered by unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or even the need to return for a family emergency. Curtailment coverage in your travel insurance helps to recoup some of the costs associated with the unused portion of your trip and the often expensive, last-minute arrangements needed to get you home.

Cancellation , on the other hand, occurs before your trip has started. If you need to cancel your holiday entirely due to unexpected events — such as a personal health issue, a family bereavement, or significant disruptions affecting your travels — cancellation cover can help you recover pre-paid expenses, like flights and accommodation, that are non-refundable.

Understanding the distinction between these two scenarios is crucial when selecting a travel insurance policy. It ensures that you're adequately protected against the unpredictability of life, allowing you to book your travels with confidence and peace of mind.

 LEARN MORE:  Do You Need Holiday Cancellation Cover?

What can you Claim for if you have to Curtail Your Holiday?

When the unforeseen happens, and you find yourself needing to cut your holiday short, understanding what you're entitled to claim can be a beacon of hope. Curtailment cover as part of your travel insurance policy serves as a safety net for recovering some of the costs associated with the unforeseen early end of your trip. Here are some of the costs you might be able to claim:

• Unused Accommodation: You can claim for the nights you won’t be spending in your holiday accommodation, as long as these are prepaid and non-refundable.
• Prepaid Excursions and Activities: If you had any activities or excursions booked and paid for, which you can no longer attend due to curtailing your holiday, these costs can typically be claimed back.
• Additional Travel Expenses: Should you need to book a last-minute flight or other travel arrangements to return home, these costs can also be included in your claim, subject to the terms of your policy.
• Unused, Non-Refundable Transport Costs: For parts of your planned travel (like internal flights, train tickets, or car hires) that you're unable to use due to the curtailment, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

Remember, specifically what you can claim will depend on the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. It’s crucial to read these carefully to understand the extent of your cover. Additionally, keeping all receipts and acquiring documentation to support the reason for your curtailment will greatly assist in the claims process. Being prepared and understanding your cover can make all the difference, providing that much-needed peace of mind during what can be a stressful time.

How Do I Claim for Curtailment?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to curtail your holiday, knowing the steps to make a claim can significantly ease the process. Here’s a friendly guide to help you through:

• Contact Your Insurance Provider Promptly: Ideally, you should inform your insurer as soon as possible. Many have dedicated 24/7 helplines for such situations. This not only helps in getting immediate advice but also ensures you're following the correct procedure as outlined by your policy.
• Gather All Necessary Documentation: This includes evidence of the reason for your curtailment (such as a medical certificate for illness), receipts for any additional expenses incurred, as well as documentation related to your unused accommodations and prepaid activities.
• Complete the Claims Form: Your insurer will provide you with a claims form, either electronically or in paper form. Fill this out with all the necessary details and double-check for accuracy to avoid any delays.
• Submit Your Claim: Along with the completed claims form, submit all the supporting documents to your insurance provider. This can often be done via email or post, depending on the insurer's requirements.
• Follow-Up: If you haven’t received an acknowledgment of your claim within a reasonable timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up with your insurer. They can update you on the progress and inform you if additional information is needed.
• Be Patient: Once everything is submitted, the claims process can take some time as your insurer reviews the details and verifies the claim. They will then inform you of the outcome and, if successful, will advise on how the reimbursement will be made.

Remember, the key to a smooth claims process is to be prepared and have all your documentation ready. If in doubt, it's always a good idea to reach out to your insurer for guidance. They're there to help and can provide valuable assistance in ensuring your claim is processed efficiently.

Curtailment may not be on the forefront of your travel checklist, but its understanding and management belong there just as much as booking your flights or packing a first aid kit. By acknowledging the potential for changing plans and equipping yourself with the knowledge, resources, and strategies to address such an occurrence, you empower your travel experience with resilience and adaptability.

Curtailing your trip is not the end of the story; it's simply an unexpected plot twist that requires you to rewrite a chapter or two. Let's share wisdom and friendship with fellow travel lovers, building a community that cherishes not only the great adventures but also the resilience to carry on through the unknown.

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A pre-existing is any medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before applying for a travel insurance policy. For some conditions, we'll need to know if they have ever been present, whilst for others if they occurred within a certain period.

A pre-existing condition is a diagnosed medical condition that existed before taking out a policy. We'll ask a series of questions about the medical history for you and any travellers on your quote. If you answer yes to any of these, you will need to tell us about the traveller's conditions. This could be a condition that a traveller has now or has had in the past. If you are not sure what conditions you need to declare, we have online support available to help you 24/7!

You can visit our help centre on Claims which may help. However, if you need to make a claim, full details of what you need to do to make a claim will be detailed in the Policy Wording provided to you by your insurance provider. 

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What does ‘curtailment’ mean in travel insurance?

• Post author By Compare Insurance
• Post date 9th February 2022

When you go on holiday, you never like to think that the worst-case scenario will come to pass. Sometimes, however, it does, and you may need to cut short your holiday plans to return home, potentially losing a small fortune as a result. When you take out a travel insurance policy, the vast majority of them will include something called a ‘curtailment’ clause which covers you for certain insured events which might force you to cut your holiday short.

What might curtailment cover?

You need to read the small print of your insurance policy very carefully to see what the curtailment clause might cover. On the whole, they will see you receive a pro-rata refund on any pre-booked accommodation, excursions or vehicle hire you’ve arranged as part of your holiday, should certain unavoidable life events occur while you’re on vacation.

These insured events might include you or a member of your party becoming ill or being injured whilst on holiday, or the death, injury or serious illness of a family member at home. Other reasons may include your compulsory call up for jury service, a terrorist attack on your holiday destination or your home being made uninhabitable by something like a fire, flood or serious burglary.

What can you claim?

Every travel insurance firm will have different curtailment clauses, so you need to scrutinise exactly what yours will cover you for. Most will make sure you are refunded for any hotel bills or self-catering accommodation you cannot use because your holiday has been cut short. Some will also grant you pro-rata refunds on car hire or for any pre-arranged excursions and trips out that you won’t be able to take up.

Taking out a travel insurance policy with a curtailment clause gives you peace of mind when you go on holiday, and knowing you’re covered for unforeseen and deeply traumatic incidents can be a great comfort. If the worst happens, there is a safety net in place to make sure your return home is as smooth, stress-free and straightforward as possible, so you’re not left out of pocket.

For more information on the holiday insurance cover  offered by Compare Insurance, simply visit our main website or get in touch today.

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What is curtailment in travel insurance? 

Travelling can be exciting, but unexpected events sometimes force us to cut our trips short. This is where curtailment in travel insurance becomes significant. Curtailment coverage in travel insurance is designed to protect you financially if you have to unexpectedly end your trip early. Let’s dive into what curtailment means and how it works.

Table of Contents

What Does Curtailment Mean?

Curtailment in travel insurance refers to the situation where you must end your trip earlier than planned, usually due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s a safety net that helps you recover some of the costs of your interrupted journey.

What Does Curtailment Cover Me For?

Curtailment coverage typically allows you to claim a pro-rata refund for prepaid expenses like accommodation, car hire, and holiday excursions that you can’t use due to your early return. In some cases, it may also cover reasonable additional travel expenses incurred during your return journey. However, the specific circumstances under which you can claim curtailment vary between policies.

Under What Circumstances Can I Claim for Curtailment?

Most travel insurance policies specify certain conditions under which you can claim for curtailment, such as:

• Illness or injury of yourself or a travel companion.
•  Death, injury, or illness of a close relative back home.
•  Jury service requirements.
•  Your home became uninhabitable due to burglary, fire, or flooding.

Reading the policy wording carefully is crucial to understand the specific conditions covered.

Do I Need Curtailment in My Policy?

Considering the unpredictability of life, including curtailment cover in your travel insurance is advisable. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially protected if you have to cut your holiday short for reasons beyond your control.

Is Curtailment Covered in My Policy as Standard?

While many travel insurance policies include curtailment as a standard feature, this is only sometimes true. It’s essential to check your policy wording before purchasing to ensure that curtailment cover is included.

How Does Curtailment Cover Affect My Insurance Premium?

Adding curtailment cover to your travel insurance policy may increase your premium. However, it could be a worthwhile investment for comprehensive protection. Selecting a policy that covers the total cost of your holiday to avoid potential claim refusals is recommended.

How Does Curtailment Work When Making a Claim?

In the event of a claim, your insurance company will assess a pro-rata refund for unused portions of your trip, like accommodation and activities. Suppose you incur additional costs for returning home, such as buying a new ticket. These may be covered, provided the insurer still needs to arrange your return travel.

In conclusion, curtailment coverage is an essential aspect of travel insurance, offering financial protection against unforeseen interruptions to your trip. It’s crucial to understand the terms of your policy and ensure that curtailment cover meets your travel needs. With this coverage in place, you can travel with greater peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected.

InsuranceGuideMe is your trusted partner in solving the complexities of insurance. It Authors includes Benefit Team President Bill Cross, with over 25 years in the industry, Daniel Clarke, a Senior Insurance Agent with experience working for AussieShield Insurance Group and Melbourne Risk Management Solutions, and Huzaifa, an experienced insurance expert turned writer, contribute valuable insights. Our platform provides up-to-date insurance news, transparent cost insights, user-friendly guides and Exclusive tools like the Select EMI Loan Calculator simplify financial planning. Connect with us for a seamless insurance journey, backed by expertise, transparency, and a commitment to your peace of mind. If you have any question chat with us via 24 hours available chat option.

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What’s the Difference Between Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Trip Delay?

Chances are, you didn’t plan your trip knowing you would have to cancel it, or cut it short. You may realize that there’s a possibility that a family member may get sick, a weather event may occur, or your airline may go on strike, but you plan ahead anyway, booking travel and paying trip deposits. That’s when trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption coverage is helpful.

However, many travelers do not understand what the difference is between each of those types of coverages.

What is Trip Cancellation Coverage?

The Trip Cancellation benefit in a travel insurance policy can provide coverage for non-refundable trip payments in the event that a trip has to be cancelled for a covered reason.*

Trip Cancellation is one of the more common travel insurance claims filed, and is one of the main reasons people purchase a travel insurance plan. While no one plans on having to cancel a trip once we book it, the unexpected can happen.

Cancel For Any Reason Coverage

Travelers who want coverage for cancellation reasons beyond those that are included in a base Arch RoamRight policy may be able to purchase the Cancel for Any Reason optional upgrade.

Cancel for Any Reason allows you to cancel your trip for any reasons up to 48 hours prior to departure. This benefit can reimburse you up to 75% of your trip cost. However, to be eligible for this upgrade, you must meet the following criteria:

• Purchase your insurance within 21 days of making your initial trip deposit, and
• Insure all of your trip deposits that are subject to cancellation penalties.

The Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available with the Preferred , Elite , Pro , and Pro Plus plans. While Cancel for Any Reason is not available to residents of New York, they have similar coverage under a benefit called Cancel for Fortuitous Reasons. Please contact customer service or see your policy for specific details.

Those who are concerned about having to cancel for work-related reasons can also purchase the Cancel for Work Reasons optional upgrade. Cancel for Work Reasons allows you to cancel your trip for reasons such as being forced to work during your previous scheduled vacation, being transferred to a different city, and others. Please note that Cancel for Work Reasons is not available for individuals who are self-employed, or are company owners or partners.

The Cancel for Work Reasons upgrade is available with the Preferred, Elite, and Pro plans. With the Pro Plus plan, Cancel for Work Reasons is automatically included at no additional cost.

Example of a Trip Cancellation Claim:

One common example of a Trip Cancellation claim that we see involves families having to cancel their trips as a result of a sick child.

The video below is based on a real story from an Arch RoamRight traveler who had to cancel their trip after their daughter got strep throat when they were supposed to depart.

What is Trip Interruption Coverage?

The Trip Interruption benefit can provided coverage for non-refundable trip payments in the event a trip must be cut short or started late for a covered reason.*

Example of a Trip Interruption Claim:

Since a claimable Trip Interruption event can happen at the start or the middle of your trip, there are a number of examples of this type of coverage being applicable.

A common example of Trip Interruption is for travelers flying to a port of embarkation for a cruise. If the flight is delayed for a covered reason and it is long enough to force you to miss the cruise departure, the Trip Interruption benefit can reimburse you for unused, prepaid non-refundable payments or deposits for your land or water travel arrangements, plus the additional cost paid to either join your cruise or travel via alternate travel.

Another example is when you are on your trip, enjoying your vacation and you receive bad news from back home. If it is for a covered reason* and you need to return home immediately, trip interruption will help pay for the difference in costs in airfare and transportation, as well as any unused, pre-paid non-refundable payments or deposits.

What do Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits cover?

As with any case, check your policy details to make sure you understand how the coverage works specifically for the policy you purchased.

For most Arch RoamRight plans, trip cancellation or interruption coverage is available for the following Unforeseen reasons:

• Your, a Family Member’s, or a Traveling Companion’s, or a Business Partner’s or a Traveling Companion’s Family Member’s death, that occurs before departure on Your Trip; or
• Your, a Family Member’s, or a Traveling Companion’s or a Business Partner’s or a Traveling Companion’s Family Member’s covered Sickness or Injury, that: a) occurs before departure on Your Trip; b) requires Medical Treatment at the time of cancellation; and c) as certified by a Physician, results in medical restrictions so disabling as to cause Your Trip to be cancelled; or
• for Other Covered Events, as outlined below.

This is an abbreviated list of the most common covered events for trip cancellation or interruption. For coverage, an event must be unforeseen at the time of purchase. For a full list of events and coverage details, please refer to the policy.

• Sickness, accidental injury or death
• Being hijacked, quarantined, subpoenaed, or asked to serve on jury duty
• Home or destination is made uninhabitable
• Traffic accident en route to departure
• Death or hospitalization of host at destination
• Terrorist attack
• Revoked military leave
• Inclement Weather
• Bankruptcy of travel supplier
• Job loss or lay off
• Natural disaster at destination
• Mandatory evacuation
• You or your traveling companion’s normal pregnancy
• Extension of school year

What is Trip Delay Coverage?

The Trip Delay benefit can provide coverage for incurred costs associated with a travel delay if the start of a trip must be delayed for a covered reason.*

Example of a Trip Delay Claim:

It is common to see Trip Delay claims related to airline delays. With air travel being unpredictable and often influenced by weather and other factors, a severe delay in your flight can force dramatic changes for your scheduled trip.

For long flight delays, travelers may be forced to spend money that they didn’t anticipate spending, such as buying an additional meal at the airport or spending a night at the hotel to take a flight rescheduled for the next day. Under your Trip Delay benefit, you can be covered for those related expenses.

When choosing your travel insurance plan, it is important to look at the benefit limits and time triggers related to the Trip Delay benefit. With Arch RoamRight and most other travel insurance plans, your trip delay must exceed a specified amount of time in order to be eligible for coverage, and coverage varies by plan.

What do Trip Delay benefits cover?

Trip delay coverage is for travel hazards resulting from:

• any delay of Your Common Carrier;
• a traffic accident in which You or Your Traveling Companion are involved while en route to departure (must be substantiated by a police report);
• Your or Your Traveling Companion’s lost or stolen passports, travel documents or money (must be substantiated by a police report);
• quarantine, hijacking, Strike, Natural Disaster, terrorism or riot;
• a road closure (substantiated by the department of transportation, state police, etc.) due to severe storms preventing You from getting to the point of departure for Your Trip;
• Your Sickness or Injury or the Sickness, Injury or death of Your Traveling Companion, or Family Member traveling with You.

*These covered reasons, as well as exclusions and limitations, can be found in your policy .

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.

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• The Difference Between Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance
• Trip Insurance

While browsing different travel insurance policies, you might come across terms like “Trip Cancellation benefit” and “Trip Interruption benefit.” Do you know how a Trip Cancellation benefit works? How about a Trip Interruption benefit? Is there a difference? Yes!

This blog will break down the similarities and differences between these two benefits and explain why you should consider a travel insurance plan that includes both. 

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance, sometimes referred to as  trip cancellation insurance , is temporary insurance that can provide coverage during a domestic or international trip. The main benefit of travel insurance is the Trip Cancellation benefit, which provides coverage for trips canceled for a covered reason.

You might get sick before your booked trip to Aruba, or a hurricane could land at your beach destination. A travel insurance plan could provide coverage for the nonrefundable expenses you’ve paid for activities and transportation you’ll miss out on due to canceling a trip, like tickets for a scuba diving adventure or nonrefundable airline tickets.  

Many travel insurance plans provide additional benefits like Medical Evacuation, Baggage Damage or Loss, and Trip Interruption. Let’s break down the differences between a Trip Cancellation benefit and a Trip Interruption benefit.

Below we'll explain what trip cancellation means and what trip interruption means to help you understand the difference.

Trip Cancellation vs Trip Interruption

Below we'll explain the key differences between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

Trip Cancellation

A Trip Cancellation benefit can provide coverage for nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses after canceling a trip for a covered reason. A Trip Cancellation benefit applies specifically to a trip that is canceled before you depart. This may mean an emergency has taken place prior to your departure which leads you to cancel the trip, like a hurricane striking your destination or a sudden illness.

Review the following examples to see what may and may not be covered by your Trip Cancellation benefit.

What Is Typically Covered?

These are just a few scenarios frequently covered by a Trip Cancellation benefit. Review the policy documents for any plan you’re considering to see a full list of covered reasons for cancellation.

• You cancel your trip when you are diagnosed with a medical condition before leaving and your doctor advises you not to travel.  You shouldn’t have to worry about losing all your money on a trip that you can no longer take. A Trip Cancellation benefit could mean you are covered for prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel for a covered reason like a serious illness.
• An immediate family member passes away before you are set to travel, so you cancel your vacation.  The last thing you need to worry about after an unexpected death in the family is losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a prepaid trip. That’s why most travel insurance plans include death of a loved one (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, etc.) as a covered reason for trip cancellation. Be sure to review your policy documents to see who qualifies as an immediate family member.
• Your booked accommodations are destroyed by a hurricane named after your coverage is in effect, and you cancel your trip.  You checked the  weather for your destination  when you booked your trip, and it all looked good to go then. Now just a week before you’re set to depart, a new hurricane is named and makes landfall at your destination, destroying your hotel and the city around it. Your Trip Cancellation benefit can come into play and help cover prepaid expenses for a trip you can no longer take.

What Isn't Typically Covered?

Below are several scenarios that are frequently excluded from cancellation coverage . It’s important to understand that your reason for canceling a trip must be listed as a covered reason in your policy documents. 

Learn more about  traveling during the hurricane season and how to keep yourself and your travel companions safe.

• You cancel your trip and then purchase a travel insurance policy.  Add “purchase travel insurance” to your  trip planning to-do list . You won’t be covered for lost expenses if you purchase a policy after you cancel your trip.
• You decide to cancel your trip because of cold feet.  It’s understandable to get nervous about travel, especially if you don’t do it frequently. However, your Trip Cancellation benefit can only provide coverage for covered reasons listed in your policy documents. Make sure to read those covered reasons carefully before purchasing.

What Is a Cancel for Any Reason Benefit? Some travel insurance plans provide an option to upgrade your benefits. One potential upgrade is the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit. But what does this mean? Your Trip Cancellation benefit will already cover you if you cancel your trip due to a covered reason listed in your policy documents. But what if you need to cancel for other reasons? A CFAR benefit will provide reimbursement (sometimes up to 75%) of the unused, nonrefundable, prepaid payments or deposits you made for your trip. And this is if you cancel your trip for any reason! Just make sure you read your plan’s policy documents and ensure you are following the correct procedures. For example, you may be required to cancel within a certain number of days prior to your trip to be eligible for CFAR coverage. The   Atlas Journey travel insurance   plan CFAR upgrade will reimburse you up to 75% for a cancelled trip, but you must cancel at least 48 hours before your departure. See your plan’s policy documents for more information about the CFAR optional upgrade.

Trip Interruption

While a Trip Cancellation benefit can cover the cost of a trip canceled before it has begun, a Trip Interruption benefit may be used once the trip has already started. If you end your trip early for a covered reason, the Trip Interruption benefit can cover your unused and nonrefundable trip expenses.

Here are a few scenarios that are typically covered by a Trip Interruption benefit. You can find a full list of covered reasons for interruption in the policy documents for the plan you’re considering.

• You end your trip early when you become ill or injured and your doctor advises you to go home.  Maybe you get a serious case of food poisoning or  break your ankle while hiking on vacation , and your doctor advises you to end your trip and return home. Your Trip Interruption benefit can provide coverage for your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses for the rest of your trip that you are unable to use.
• Your host has a medical emergency during your trip, so you end your vacation early.  You may decide to stay with a family member, friend, or host during your trip. If they experience a medical emergency resulting in their hospitalization or death and you have to end your trip early, you could be reimbursed for your unused expenses.
• There is a mandatory evacuation of your destination because of a natural disaster while you are on vacation, and you must cancel the rest of your trip.  In some extreme cases, your travel destination may require an evacuation because of a natural disaster like a hurricane. Your unused trip expenses may be covered when you are forced to end your trip early.

There are many scenarios that are typically excluded from interruption coverage. A couple examples are listed below. Note that your reason for ending a trip early   must   be listed as a covered reason for interruption in your policy documents.  

• You end your trip early because of homesickness.   During your trip abroad you experience homesickness and decide to head home early. You likely will not be covered for unused trip expenses, as homesickness is not typically a covered reason for interruption.
• You aren’t 100% satisfied with your accommodations when you arrive, so you book reservations for somewhere else.   You thought you got a good deal on your hotel, but it doesn’t turn out like you thought. You decide to cancel and book a different hotel. This is usually   not   a covered reason for trip interruption. 

PRO TIP: Remember that every travel insurance plan has its own benefits, limits, conditions, and exclusions. Don’t assume all plans are the same. Review the policy documents for any plan you’re considering and make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.

Won’t Travel Companies Give Me a Refund?

They might, or they might not. Every hotel, airline, tour company, and amusement park has a different cancellation policy.

Even if your travel provider offers some cancellation flexibility, there’s a chance you may not receive a refund if you cancel too late. For example, canceling a flight the night before could mean you don’t get a refund for your ticket. U.S. airlines are not required to issue refunds to travelers who cancel their trip.

Also, many amusement parks and tours exclusively offer nonrefundable tickets for their experiences.

Third-Party Vendors

You may purchase your flight tickets, make hotel reservations, or book a rental car through a third-party travel vendor like Expedia, Kayak, or Hotwire. These vendors can make it easier to book and could feature cheaper prices.

However, these third-party vendors may only allow refunded cancellations within 24 hours of purchase or before a certain deadline. Missing deadlines or purchasing nonrefundable tickets could mean you won’t receive a refund for your trip purchase without a travel insurance plan. 

How Can I Get Coverage?

You can get coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption with a travel insurance plan like  Atlas Journey . Atlas Journey is a comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plan offering three different coverage options: Elevate, Explore, and Escape.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Benefits

Atlas Journey features a Trip Cancellation benefit that covers up to 100% of trip costs. Atlas Journey Elevate can cover trips of up to $100,000, Atlas Journey Explore can cover trips of up to $50,000, and Atlas Journey Escape can cover trips of up to $10,000.

The Trip Interruption benefit covers up to 150% of trip costs for Elevate and Explore and up to 125% of trip costs with Escape.

Atlas Journey provides additional benefits including:

• Travel Delay
• Missed Connection
• Airline Reissue or Cancellation Fees (only available on the Elevate and Explore plans)
• Reinstate Frequent Traveler Rewards
• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
• Dental Expense
• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains
• Baggage Damage or Loss
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Atlas Journey also offers a waiver of the pre-existing condition exclusion if you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment date or your Atlas Journey Escape plan within 14 days of your initial trip payment date. Otherwise, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Click the “Exclusions” tab on our Trip Cancellation page to see what qualifies as a pre-existing condition.

View the Atlas Journey policy documents for your state of residency and plan for more information on benefits, conditions, and exclusions.

Additional Coverage Upgrades in Atlas Journey

You can add one or more of the following upgrades to your Atlas Journey trip cancellation plan to customize and enhance your coverage. Note that upgrade availability varies by plan level and may vary by state of residency.

• Cancel for Any Reason – Reimbursement for up to 50% or 75% of your nonrefundable, prepaid expenses if you cancel for a noncovered reason
• Interrupt for Any Reason – Adds interruption coverage for a non-covered reason
• Adventure Sports – Extends coverage to include sports such as safari, bungee jumping, hang gliding, & more
• Rental Car Damage and Theft – Adds collision damage waiver and coverage for theft of rental vehicle
• Medical Evacuation – Doubles medical evacuation coverage and offers evacuation to hospital of your choice
• Pet Care – Adds cancellation coverage for the death or critical illness of your dog or cat and vet care if they are traveling with you

Travel Assistance Services

You may need additional assistance before departing for your trip or while traveling. Atlas Journey plans include travel assistance services  to assist you with referrals, language interpretation, lost or stolen luggage, concierge services, and more.   

"Of the top eight travel insurance companies in our review, WorldTrips’ underwriting company is the only one to have an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best."

“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.” 

Why WorldTrips

Who is insuring you is just as important as the insurance plan you choose. For the past 25 years, WorldTrips has provided travel insurance and compassionate service to help our customers travel fearlessly. Our knowledgeable customer representatives are available 24/7 to respond to your travel emergencies, no matter the situation, time zone, or spoken language.

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WorldTrips' Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, and Atlas On-The-Go trip protection insurance products are underwritten by Tokio Marine HCC's U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC). USSIC is a Texas-domiciled insurance company operating on an admitted basis throughout the United States. Coverage is available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. Coverage may not be available in all states.

In the State of California, operating as WorldTrips Insurance Services. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 0G39705

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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"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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Understanding Trip Cancellation and Curtailment with Allianz Travel

Understanding trip cancellation and curtailment, trip cancellation.

Trip cancellation refers to the unfortunate situation where you have to cancel your entire trip before it even begins. The reasons for cancellation can vary widely, from personal emergencies to unforeseen events affecting your travel companions. 

Here are the scenarios in which Allianz Travel provides coverage for trip cancellation:

• Death, Serious Injury, or Serious Illness: If you, someone you were going to stay with, a traveling companion, or a close relative or business associate experiences a serious medical crisis, Allianz Travel has you covered.
• Home Emergencies: You or a traveling companion might be required by the police due to a burglary, or your home may suffer damage from a serious fire, storm, flood, explosion, subsidence, vandalism, fallen trees, or even an impact by an aircraft or vehicle. In such cases, your trip cancellation will be protected.

Trip Curtailment

•  Trip curtailment, on the other hand, involves ending your trip prematurely after it has already begun. If you need to cut your trip short due to unexpected health-related issues, law enforcement matters, or emergency family situations, you may encounter trip curtailment. Please refer to our Ts&Cs for more information or reach out to us for assistance.
• It's essential to understand that Allianz coverage has its limits. As a policy holder, it's important to know that certain situations will NOTbe covered, including but not limited to:
•         1. Business trips or meeting cancellations
•         2. Canceling your trip due to personal reasons unrelated to an emergency
•         3. Non-emergency doctor appointments
• Please refer to our Ts & Cs for a complete understanding of what is and isn't covered by our policy. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to r each out to us for assistance.

Common Reasons for Trip Cancellation and Curtailment

• It's important to note that not all reasons for trip cancellation or curtailment are covered by Allianz Travel's policy. Many claims are denied because they do not fall within the scenarios covered by the policy.

Business Meetings and Family Issues

• Customers often assume that a business meeting or family issue will automatically qualify for trip cancellation or curtailment coverage. However, it's crucial to understand that coverage is provided only for specific types of emergencies, such as serious injury or illness. If your trip plans change due to a business meeting or family issue that does not meet these criteria, you may not be eligible for compensation.

Flight Cancellation vs. Trip Cancellation

• Another common misunderstanding is the difference between flight cancellation and trip cancellation. While flight cancellation is not covered by Alliaz, trip cancellation is a covered benefit. If your trip is canceled, you may be eligible for coverage.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us . Our team is here to help.
• Please note that our Ts & Cs apply. For a complete understanding of the definitions and coverage provided by Alliaz, please refer to our policy documentation .

Pre-Existing Conditions (PEC)

• Allianz Travel's policy does not cover trip cancellation if it is due to a health issue related to a pre-existing condition (PEC). Some customers have mistakenly believed that PEC is not covered only in the case of medical claims, not trip cancellations. It's crucial to understand that any trip cancellation resulting from a PEC may not be eligible for coverage.

In conclusion

• Planning a trip is an exciting adventure, but life's unpredictability means you should always be prepared for the unexpected. With Allianz Travel's trip cancellation and curtailment coverage, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection in case of emergencies that fall within the policy's criteria.
• Remember to carefully review the policy details and understand the scenarios covered to make informed decisions about your travel plans. By doing so, you can ensure that your journey, whether for leisure or business, is protected against unforeseen circumstances, allowing you to focus on the joy of exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories. Travel smart with Allianz Travel, where your adventures are safeguarded every step of the way.

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What Is Curtailment? Do All Insurance Policies Cover It?

As the author Hans Christian Andersen said: “To travel is to live.”

And we Brits tend to agree, with 15% of us holidaying abroad in 2017.

The vast majority of us had a great time, but even the best laid plans can go awry for unexpected reasons…

David Cameron had to  cut two holidays short when he was Prime Minister, because he could not get any signal on his mobile in the West Country!

Prime Ministers can probably shrug off the costs of cutting short holidays. But for most of us, it can not only be disappointing but costly if we do not have the right travel insurance .

The process of bringing a holiday to a premature end is known as ‘Curtailment’ in the insurance industry. And in this article we explain exactly what Curtilament covers, so that even if you do need to cut short a holiday, you’re fully prepared.

What is curtailment?

Curtailment occurs when you are on holiday and have to return home earlier than planned for reasons beyond your control. These can include:

• Injury or illness to you or a member of your party while on holiday
• A close relative at home dying, or suffering serious illness or injury
• A business partner or other close associate dying or falling seriously ill
• A fire, flood or burglary or other disaster that makes your home uninhabitable
• Your passport, or that of a member of your party, being lost or stolen, resulting in you being unable to continue your trip
• Being summoned as a witness in court or for jury service
• Being ordered to report for duty if you or a member of your party are in the armed services, emergency services or government service

Why curtailment is different to cancellation

It is important to draw a distinction between cancellation and curtailment.

Quite simply, cancellation cover is for when you cannot embark on a booked holiday – where as curtailment cover is in place for when you need to cut short a holiday.

You can opt to exclude cancellation cover from a policy, but curtailment cover remains in place .

What can you claim for?

You can claim back a refund to compensate you for the portion of your holiday that has been paid for but not taken. Or for additional costs incurred for you coming home early. It is important to note the different cover limits for curtailment from each provider. As this will also determine how much of a refund you can claim back. Here are examples of events you can claim for:

• The value of accommodation or travel arrangements which have not been used (e.g. hotel bookings or ski hire)
• Additional accomodation, or travelling expenses required incurred by you for returning to your home country
• The cost of replacing a carer (e.g. up to £1,000 on AllClear Gold or Gold Plus )

What can’t you claim for?

Our job is to provide support and advice when things go wrong, and to help the claims handler process your claim efficiently.

However, we and the claims handler will need your help in collecting evidence, and will be unlikely to pay out on a claim if, for example:

• You do not obtain a medical certificate that confirms the curtailment of your trip is medically necessary
• You do no report the theft of a passport to the authorities. Or if you cannot produce evidence – such as a police report – to support this

Exclusions around pregnancy

Across most travel insurance policies, you are only covered for pregnancy up to a certain number of weeks.

For example, on AllClear Gold and Gold Plus policies, you are covered up to 32 weeks into a single pregnancy or 24 weeks into a multiple pregnancy.

After these timelines, you would be ineligible to make a claim in relation to pregnancy. However, you can be covered for medical complications related to pregnancy! So check your policy wording to confirm which ones.

Exclusions around terrorism

Most policies will not cover terrorism as standard, but will provide some cover on an event-by-event basis. Your airline or the government should also be able to offer support in getting you home in the event a terrorism event causes you to cut short your trip.

So what should you do if you have to curtail your holiday?

How to get your arrangements in order.

If you have to cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances, make sure that you:

• Notify the emergency assistance helpline  of your travel insurance before making any arrangements to come home. This is important to get advice and to check what isn’t covered before you start making your own plans
• Obtain medical certificates and any other documentation, such as receipts, to support your claim for medical curtailment. It is important that any medical certificate states that curtailment is medically necessary
• Report lost or stolen passports to the police in your resort and the nearest embassy / consulate. And obtain documentation to support this

How to make a claim for curtailment

First of all, contact the claims handler of your travel insurance policy, all of which have dedicated numbers.

They will be able to inform of you of the next steps to take, including how your claims from – with evidence – should be submitted.

Please note, if you need to make any changes to your policy, our Customer Care Team can only do so after your claim has been registered.

What else you should know

Take note of these 3 commonly missed facts about curtailment.

• As with most policy benefits, an excess may be applied to any curtailment claim
• Any additional travel expenses will often need to be proved as necessary, and can sometimes only cover economy class
• The claims handlers, rather than customer service are the best people to speak to for an update on your claim

We hope this information has given you a clear idea of what curtailment cover is available to you.

But remember, the chances of your holiday being cut short are low. So do your homework and then relax!

We’re here if you need us – although we can’t help with poor mobile phone signals, even if you are the Prime Minister!

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Trip cancellation and curtailment coverage in travel insurance

Travelling is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. That's where travel insurance comes in handy. It's like a safety blanket for your trips, especially when things are unplanned. Among the various aspects of travel insurance, one often misunderstood area is trip cancellation and curtailment coverage. Misconceptions around this coverage lead to miscommunication when travellers want to make a claim, which can be naturally frustrating. 

In this blog, we will talk about this coverage,  breaking it down so you can understand it better and feel more confident about your travel insurance choices.

Please note any claim eligibility is subject to the terms and conditions of the travel insurance product you are purchasing. The reasons stated in this article are indicative and not binding. It is highly recommended to read our terms and conditions to see the exclusions, limits and conditions of our products. You can see all of the steps regarding making claims in the Allianz Travel Terms & Conditions .

Demystifying trip cancellation and curtailment coverage

Let's unravel the concept of Trip Cancellation and Curtailment Coverage. Think of it as a protective shield for your travel plans. This coverage steps in when you must cancel your trip before it begins or cut it short due to specific circumstances. These unexpected events can range from medical emergencies that aren’t the result of a pre-existing condition to any other reason covered in the policy, throwing a wrench into your well-laid travel plans.

Imagine you've been looking forward to that dream vacation or a crucial business trip for months. Then, you or a family member falls seriously ill out of nowhere. In these challenging moments, Trip Cancellation and Curtailment Coverage act as a financial safety net, helping you recover non-refundable expenses and navigate the complexities of rescheduling or cancelling travel arrangements.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation and curtailment claims

Cancellation.

If you find yourself needing to cancel your journey before it begins due to the following events, you can rely on this coverage for reimbursement of non-refundable trip costs:

• Death, serious injury, or serious illness:  This includes situations where you, someone you intended to stay with, a travelling companion, or a close relative or business associate experience the unfortunate events of death, serious injury, or serious illness.  This does not include pre-existing conditions. 
• Police involvement after home incidents:  If the police require you or a travelling companion following a burglary, damage caused by a serious fire, storm, flood, explosion, subsidence, vandalism, fallen trees, or impact by aircraft or vehicle at your home or their home or usual place of business in your home country, you can cancel your journey and seek coverage.

Curtailment 

Sometimes, unforeseen events occur after your journey has begun, necessitating an early return home. Allianz's coverage extends to the following circumstances:

• Events mentioned in the cancellation : If any events mentioned under the cancellation section mentioned above happen during your trip, compelling you to conclude it prematurely, you can count on this coverage for support.
• Injury or illness requiring hospitalisation : If you or a travelling companion becomes injured or ill and must remain in the hospital for the remainder of your journey, this coverage ensures you're covered for the incurred costs. Please note that this excludes preexisting conditions. This does not include pre-existing conditions . 

Exploring limitations: When trip cancellation and curtailment coverage may not apply

While Trip Cancellation and Curtailment Coverage is a helpful safety net, there are times when it won't come to your rescue. Let's break down these situations:

Extra costs: 

Sometimes, you might have to chip in a bit. In the event of a trip cancellation or curtailment claim, there could be an excess amount you need to cover yourself, as mentioned in your summary of cover.

Health matters:

If you have health issues, or your policy explicitly excludes certain medical conditions, it could affect your trip cancellation or curtailment claim eligibility.

Unusual payment methods: 

If you've paid for your travel expenses using frequent flyer points, loyalty card points, or vouchers, the coverage might not pay more than those expenses would typically cost.

Specific situations: 

Trip Cancellation and Curtailment Coverage may not kick in for:

         Passport or visa problems : If you don't have the right passport or visa for your trip.

         Carrier hiccups : If the airline or transport provider decides not to let you board for any reason.

         Legal limitations : When the laws of a country or the folks in charge of enforcing those laws put the brakes on your travel.

         Provider troubles : If the company running your transport or accommodation goes bankrupt.

         Their fault, not yours : Anything that's the fault of your travel provider, conference organiser, or anyone acting on your behalf.

         Car troubles: If your vehicle gets stolen or breaks down.

         Change of heart: When you decide you don't want to travel or aren't having a good time, it's not for a serious reason.

         Civil unrest: Events like riots, strikes, or civil disturbances.

         Air travel exclusion : If you're on a private aircraft, your coverage may not apply.

         Intentional actions : If you intentionally mess up your travel plans, like doing something reckless or illegal (unless it was to save someone's life).

         Pets and animals : The sad passing of a pet or animal won't be covered.

         Transport or vehicle withdrawal : If your booked transport, like a plane, train, or boat, gets taken out of service due to a government or authority order in any country.

Late notice:

If you don't tell your travel provider, their agents, or anyone helping you out as soon as you know you have to cancel, you might end up with extra charges that the coverage won't handle.

Money and jobs:

Financial troubles or unemployment typically won't be covered unless you find out about losing your job due to redundancy after you bought your policy or travel tickets (whichever came later).

Trip cancellation/curtailment coverage options with Allianz Travel

When securing comprehensive travel insurance coverage that safeguards your travel plans, choosing an insurer you can trust that comprehends the nuances of your travel needs is essential. Allianz Travel is a reliable choice if you're looking for travel insurance that includes the invaluable Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Benefit.

Our travel insurance packages, which include the trip cancellation/curtailment benefit, are the following: 

Annual multi-trip insurance 

Allianz Travel created this travel insurance product for frequent flyers as it is a convenient and more cost-effective way to travel any time of the year. Our annual multi-trip product covers all trips below 90 days within a year. The coverage includes the following: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses 
• Dental Expenses 
• Loss of Travel Documents 
• Hospital funds 
• Personal accident, 
• Missed Departure
• Delayed Departure
• Flight Overbooking

Single-trip insurance 

Our single-trip insurance packages are tailored for individuals who take one annual trip any time of the year. These packages come with a range of benefits and offer extensive worldwide coverage. The coverage includes:

• Personal accident 

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Travel insurance explained

Article contents.

Tegan Oldfield

17 March 2023 | Updated 20 October 2023 | 6 minute read

Below, we’ve broken down the A-Z of key terms you’ll need to know when it comes to understanding your travel insurance better.

Check your policy book for full terms and conditions.

A sudden and unexpected incident that results in damage or an injury.

Annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance is sometimes known as annual multi-trip insurance . It covers individual holidays up to 31 days at a time over a 12-month period.

Associated condition

A medical condition that you’re more likely to contract if you have a particular pre-existing medical condition. 

You’re only covered for claims caused by an associated condition if you disclose your pre-existing condition when buying travel insurance.

Baggage and belongings

All the suitcases and bags you take on holiday, including their contents, as well as any items you might wear or carry when travelling. This includes:

• mobility aids (wheelchairs, walking stick, etc)
• sports equipment (golf clubs, etc) – we only cover sports equipment when it is not in use
• equipment for adventure activities (diving equipment, etc)

Read our article on what to do if you if your baggage is lost .

Cancellation and curtailment

Cancellation is when you cancel your trip entirely because of sudden and unexpected illness of you or a travelling companion, changes in FCDO advice, complications of pregnancy or other reasons specifically listed in your policy wording. 

You’re not covered for cancelling a holiday because you don’t want to go.

Curtailment is when you have gone on your trip but have been forced to come home early. This could be because of the same reasons as above. 

Read our guide on holiday cancellation cover .

Catastrophe

A sudden, and normally large-scale, event that causes lots of damage or suffering. We cover the following catastrophes: fire, storm, lightning, avalanche, landslide, explosion, hurricane, earthquake, volcanic activity (including ash cloud), flood, tidal wave, tsunami, medical epidemic, or pandemic. 

Cooling-off period

The time you have to change your mind when buying an insurance policy. Our cooling-off period is 14 days, but insurance providers vary. 

Cruise Cover

If you’re going on a cruise holiday, you need specific insurance that covers you for events like being confined to your cabin if you’re ill and for compensation if your cruise itinerary changes (meaning you miss pre-planned ports on your trip). 

If you don’t get cruise insurance , you won’t be covered for any of the trip. 

We define a delay (of a pre-booked aircraft, ship or train) as more than 12 hours.

Emergency medical expenses

The costs of emergency medical treatment and can also include the costs needed to get you home if you’re too ill or injured to continue your trip (repatriation). 

The amount of money you have to pay to your insurance provider if you have to make a claim. This applies to each insured person, for each type of claim you make. 

Exclusions are circumstances or things that aren’t covered under your insurance policy. We won’t pay out for any claim caused by or resulting from an exclusion.

These will be covered in your policy book and covers things like drug misuse or deliberate harmful or reckless acts.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

The FCDO are responsible for setting official travel advice and protecting the interests of British citizens whilst abroad.

Whichever policy you buy with us, you won’t be covered if you travel somewhere the FCDO advises against. Head here to check out their travel guidelines by country .

Geographical limit

The area that your insurance policy covers you to travel to. For example, if the geographical limit is Canada, that’s the only country you’d be covered for on that trip. 

If you’re travelling to multiple countries, you’ll need to let us know each destination for full cover.

Hazardous activities

Activities involving an increased risk of injury, either to yourself or others, like bungee jumping or shark diving. 

Please check your policy book before booking any hazardous activities on holiday to see what’s covered and what’s not. If the activity you’d like to do isn’t mentioned in the policy booklet, you need to contact us to check if we can cover you for it. 

We won’t cover you if you don’t wear the right safety equipment, like a helmet or harness. 

Permanent total disability

A medical condition which has lasted more than 12 consecutive months, with confirmation from a registered medical practitioner that it’s likely to last for the rest of your life and stops you from working.

Personal liability cover

If you injure someone else while you’re on holiday, personal liability cover covers the damages if they claim against you. 

Pre-existing medical condition

Any disease, illness or injury that you, or anyone on your policy, has before you either arrange or renew your policy, or when you book a trip (whichever is later). 

Some conditions need to be declared if you’ve ever had them in your life, but some are only relevant if you’ve had them in the past two years. Read the medical questions carefully when completing your declaration.

Pre-existing medical conditions of anyone your trip might depend on, like a close relative, aren’t covered unless that person is named on your policy and you’ve declared the conditions to us.

Read our guide on travel insurance for people with medical conditions .

Repatriation

When you’re ill or injured badly enough that your insurer arranges to bring you home for treatment.

Single-trip insurance

Single Trip Insurance covers a one-off holiday for up to 365 days.

Undiagnosed condition

Any medical condition you might have which hasn’t been diagnosed yet. We don’t cover you for an undiagnosed condition.

Personal items of value which belong to you. This includes things like jewellery, watches, any kind of tech like mobile phones or laptops , or any items made of gold or silver.  

Winter sports

This term covers skiing, snowboarding, glacier trekking, ice hockey, sledging, snowmobiling and tobogganing. If you’re going on a trip to do any of these activities, you need to buy winter sports insurance . 

If you don’t add this cover to your policy you wouldn’t be covered for any of the trip, not just while taking part in the actual sport.   

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Things to know about Trip Cancellation and Trip Disruption

• Date: July 17, 2020

It’s been awhile since the Phase 2 safe re-opening and the General Election in Singapore. Recently, more people are allowed to return to workplace and there are further easing of the current travel restrictions.

If you are looking forward to travel in the new normal, travel insurance is a no-brainer. In addition, be fully prepared for the unexpected with understanding of trip cancellation, trip postponement and trip disruption benefits. Read on!

Things to know about trip cancellation

Planning to take off tomorrow but have to cancel due to certain medical or non-medical events? Trip cancellation comes into place in such a situation, reimbursing all or some costs, depending on one’s coverage.

“I’ve changed my mind about travelling because I don’t feel safe.”

In the new normal, this may come up frequently. Would trip cancellation protect you if you changed your mind about travelling? Well, different insurers have their own set of terms and conditions, and this is especially so with regards to cancellation claims due to COVID-19.

Read the policy wording before you purchase your travel insurance to be fully aware of what’s covered and what’s not. Most importantly, trip cancellation cover only applies for those who cancel before they depart.

Things to know about trip postponement

“I still want to travel, but I can’t do so right now.”

The alternative to cancelling your trip is to postpone it. However, doing so may come with certain expenses. Some insurers provide trip postponement benefit for specific events that allows the insured traveller to defer their trip until they are able to do so without incurring extra costs.

Like the trip cancellation benefit, trip postponement benefit only applies for those who postpone before they depart.

#TiqOurWord Postponing your trip? You can make changes to your Tiq Travel Insurance policy (via your TiqConnect account) if the duration and destination remains the same. Otherwise, please contact Customer Care for assistance. Learn more about our travel protection here .

Things to know about trip disruption

Imagine encountering a level 10 typhoon upon reaching your destination. You’re unable to proceed with your tour. That’s where trip disruption comes in handy.

Also known as trip interruption or trip curtailment, trip disruption covers unexpected events during your trip that ‘force’ you to shorten your trip and return home early.

In the new normal, there are more uncertainties than ever. Aside from intermittent lockdowns that have become a reality, civil unrests and even bad weather could disrupt your trip.

Trip disruption coverage kicks in only after you have left home and if an insured event happens during your trip . As usual, different travel insurance have their own sets of terms, so read the policy wording.

Ready to travel in the new normal?

Travel restrictions are still in place in Singapore, but it’s not impossible to travel. If you have made up your mind to travel, stay aware of the latest measures such as the serving of 14-day Stay Home Notice and COVID-19 testing for all incoming travellers except those who were in countries or places that currently has established special travel arrangements with Singapore.

Before you go, it’s best that you know about travel insurance in the new normal and here’re some useful tips for safe air travel from fellow travellers. Be safe wherever you go!

Information is accurate as at 8 October 2020. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.

Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.

With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.

Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans  here .

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Specific coverage and benefits differ but most comprehensive travel insurance policies usually offers benefits including: a. Personal Accident (Covers accidental injuries which result in death or permanent total disablement) b. Medical Expenses and Emergency Medical Evacuation c. Travel Delay d. Trip Cancellation or Trip Curtailment e. Loss of Baggage

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