is travel insurance mandatory for usa 2022

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Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Philippine Consulate General

The Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

New york, usa.

• Post published: 27 May 2022
• Post category: Advisories / Announcement & Advisories / News and Events
• Reading time: 1 min(s) read

Public Advisory

071-2022 27 May 2022

TRAVEL INSURANCE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS

The Consulate General of the Philippines in New York informs the public that beginning Monday, 30 May 2022, foreign nationals entering the Philippines will no longer be required to present a travel insurance during immigration entry formalities. Securing a travel insurance, however, is encouraged.

This is development is pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 168, series of 2022, dated 26 May 2022, which can be visited by clicking the following link:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/05may/20220526-IATF-Resolution-168-RRD.pdf

It will be recalled that foreigners were originally required to obtain a travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$35,000 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

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The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked .

Please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

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A guide to travel insurance in 2022

You should consider travel insurance for every trip, but not every trip needs to be insured

Do you have the right travel insurance for 2022? Like many travelers, David Simkin hopes he does. But he’s not sure.

Simkin is planning a cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C., this summer and an 11-day tour of eastern Canada’s historic cities, including Montreal and Toronto, in the fall. He also has a trip to Asheville, N.C.; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and Savannah, Ga., on his schedule.

Simkin, a retired postal worker who lives in Casselberry, Fla., bought coverage for the cruise and tour, but not for the road trip. Although he thinks he might not need to insure the domestic vacation, he has heard about annual policies that could insure all of his planned trips for about $500 a year, less than it would cost to insure all three separately.

“That seems too good to be true,” he says.

Yep, travel insurance is as confusing as ever. You’ve probably heard more than a few horror stories about travelers getting stuck with useless insurance policies. Nearly two years into the pandemic — with more uncertainty ahead — it’s more important than ever to understand your travel insurance needs. Things can change at a moment’s notice, and it’s important to make sure you’re fully insured before you leave.

“The pandemic has increased interest in safety and security,” says Lisa Cheng, communications manager for World Nomads , a travel insurance and safety company. “More people are choosing to travel with protection in the event of catching covid-19 or getting unexpectedly quarantined.”

It’s a worldwide phenomenon. PK Rao, chief executive of INF Plans , which provides insurance for visitors to North America, says he’s bracing for a deluge in insurance sales for visitors to the United States. “With the travel bans being lifted here in the U.S. and abroad, we expect a surge in demand for travel, as well as for travel insurance products.”

First, let’s answer the big question: Yes, you probably need travel insurance. Some trips aren’t as risky as others, that’s true. For example, suppose you’re taking a road trip like Simkin and you stay with friends instead of at a hotel. In that case, there are fewer prepaid, nonrefundable expenses a travel insurance policy would cover. But you should still consider it, says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com , a site that allows you to compare and buy travel insurance plans.

“Travel insurance is designed to protect travel when there are real costs at stake — either the investment in a trip or the unexpected medical expenses incurred on a trip,” he says.

As you look at your 2022 trips, consider these questions: Do you need an individual policy or annual travel insurance? What changes in travel insurance do you need to know about? And how do you decide which policy is right for you?

Simkin’s wariness about annual policies is understandable. And he’s right: They seem almost too good to be true.

Questions about annual policies surged during the pandemic, according to Sherry Sutton, a spokeswoman at Travel Insured International . “Travelers are interested in protecting multiple trips throughout the year as they make up for lost time,” she told me.

But there’s a reason that annual policies are cheap. Virtually all annual travel insurance plans come with a trip length limit (usually three months). Also, annual policies are typically light on cancellation coverage.

Annual policies can make a lot of sense if, for example, you’re planning multiple shorter trips in 2022. Allianz Travel Insurance , which regularly surveys its customers on travel trends, predicts that 2021′s trend toward “ micro-cations ” — shorter domestic trips — will continue in 2022. For micro-cationers, an annual policy is “more convenient,” according to Allianz spokesman Daniel Durazo.

Not surprisingly, some insurance companies have tightened their policy language to include or exclude pandemics, specifically the coronavirus . But the changes have been slow because of how travel insurance is regulated in the United States: Every state sets its own rules. “That slows down the process of rolling out new plans,” says Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com , a travel insurance comparison site.

So what are the policy limitations? Travel insurance plans typically limit coverage to 10 days after your originally scheduled return date, Skilken says. If you test positive and are quarantined abroad for longer than that, you may find that a plan’s coverage will terminate before you can come home.

Similarly, travelers should make sure their coverage starts before their trip does. “With covid and other illnesses, it will be important in 2022 to purchase insurance that covers you for the entirety of your trip,” warns Narendra Khatri, principal at Insubuy , a travel insurance company. “If you get sick or have a mishap during a trip halfway around the world on Wednesday, but your coverage doesn’t begin until you land on Thursday, you could be stuck with a large medical bill, since it would have occurred before the policy effective date.”

Also check travel insurance requirements at your destination, because some countries require it. For example, Oman requires medical insurance for one month of covid-19 treatment, and Chile mandates $30,000 worth of medical coverage that includes covid-19. “Bring your policy document and underline the coverage amount when you enter the country,” says Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , a tour operator.

And always, always read the fine print. One of the worst mistakes you can make is assuming anything. “An example is assuming that the policy wording has the same definitions from policy to policy for all companies,” says Steve Dasseos, chief executive of TripInsuranceStore.com , a travel insurance comparison website. Dasseos says it’s important to read the definitions, because one insurance company’s terms will not have the same meaning as another’s. You could end up with a denied claim if you’re not careful.

Bottom line: You probably need travel insurance if you’re going somewhere in 2022. If you’re taking lots of shorter trips, you may benefit from an annual policy. Or you can insure each trip individually, which would cost more but would also offer more extensive coverage.

Before you buy, read the fine print in the policy. Yes, it’s boring — but you need to know what’s covered and what isn’t.

“Insurance language can be confusing, and Internet blogs are often misleading,” warns Rajeev Shrivastava, chief executive of VisitorsCoverage , a global travel insurance marketplace. If you don’t understand the policy — don’t worry, that’s pretty common — he recommends working with a qualified and licensed travel insurance consultant. And if an expert can’t figure it out, maybe you’re looking at the wrong policy.

Simkin, the retired postal worker from Florida, ended up with separate insurance policies for his cruise and tour, but he decided that he didn’t need to buy an annual policy.

“​​All of our hotels say they take covid seriously and clean all guest areas,” he says.

He figures he’ll let it ride on the road trip, as far as travel insurance goes. And that’s a perfectly valid decision. You should consider travel insurance for every trip, but not every trip needs to be insured.

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Travel Insurance Requirements Keep Changing — Here Are the Latest Mandates

These travel insurance requirements are changing rapidly. Even if your destination is not on the list now, it may require travel insurance by the date of your trip. Check both when you book your ticket and a day before departure to ensure that your insurance meets the latest mandates.

This list was up to date as of December 8, 2023 and includes the specific international medical insurance requirements from each country. All prices are in USD unless otherwise noted.

Learn more about international travel medical insurance and the best travel insurance companies .

Travel Insurance Requirements by Country

Argentina  no longer requires Covid-19 tests, vaccines, or health insurance to enter the country. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship )

There are no travel authorizations required to enter Bermuda. Visitors must fill out the Bermuda Arrival Card . You can do this digitally or paper copies are available at the airport. (Source: Government of Bermuda )

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands no longer have any Covid-19 travel restrictions. You will need to show only your ID, immigration card, and customs declaration form to enter the country. (Source: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism )

Travelers to Cuba must have travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19. Negative Covid-19 tests and proof of vaccination are no longer required. Masks are still mandatory at airports. (Source: Cuba Tourist Board of Canada , Cuba Travelers’ Form )

Travel insurance is recommended but not required. (Source: Tourism Fiji )

International visitors must have a travel medical or international health insurance policy. (Source: Israel Ministry of Health , The Embassy of Israel to the United States )

Saudi Arabia

As part of the tourism visa process, visitors must purchase health insurance from the Saudi government for SAR180, or about $48 USD. (Source: Saudi Tourism Authority )

Schengen Area Countries

(Including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary , Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland): Visitors who require a visa must have travel medical insurance valid for the duration of their stay, with minimum coverage of €30,000 (about $32,320 USD). (Source: Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Switzerland State Secretariat for Migration )

Visitors to Seychelles must fill out the digital Travel Authorization form . (Source: The Seychelles Islands )

Travelers to Singapore are required to fill out the SG Arrival Card. You can do this up to three days before arriving in the country.  (Source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority )

Sint Maarten

Travelers to Sint Maarten must fill out an Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card), either digitally or on the airplane. (Source: U.S. Department of State )

All travelers to Turkey must have international medical insurance that covers them for the duration of their visit. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs )

Visitors must have an insurance policy from an insurance company registered in Ukraine that offers a minimum of €30,000 ($32,320 USD) in coverage. The policy must be valid for the duration of stay. (Source: Visit Ukraine )

As of June 16, 2023, health insurance is no longer required to enter Uruguay. (Source: Ministry of Public Health , Embassy of Uruguay NY )

Vietnam recently lifted its travel insurance requirements, but still recommends travel insurance with a minimum $10,000 USD coverage. (Source: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States )

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What Travel Insurance Should I Take Out for the U.S.?

​“I've been working all summer to be able to afford a trip to New York that I've been dreaming of for a very long time! I'm finally going to book my ticket. But friends tell me that getting a visa for the United States can be complicated. What are the requirements? Should I provide a certificate of travel insurance?” Simon (Manchester).

Is travel insurance required to be allowed into the United States?

When you decide to travel to the United States , it is important to determine the length of your stay. If you are going for less than 90 days, you will need to register for the visa waiver programme called Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) . You will then have to fill out an online questionnaire containing various personal details: identity, medical status, criminal background check, etc.

If you plan to spend more than 90 days on U.S. soil, you will need to apply for a visa . To obtain it, you will have to provide several supporting documents: proof of income, travel itinerary, letter from an employer, criminal background check, etc. You will then have to go through an interview with a consular officer and show your credentials.

In both cases, having travel insurance is not mandatory. However, especially in the case of a visa application, it is strongly advised that you have an insurance certificate covering the duration of your stay. This will help you prove to the customs officer that you do not wish to remain in the United States for a longer period of time in order to stay illegally. It’ll make your entry into the country that much easier.

Is travel insurance useful when travelling to the U.S.?

While travel insurance is not mandatory for either short or long stays, it is, however, strongly recommended that travellers not leave for the USA without having cover. In fact, in Uncle Sam's country, medical expenses can quickly become exorbitant, being 7 to 10 times higher than in France. If you get sick and need treatment, the bill might be a bit of a shock!

·   GP consultation: between $70 and $300

·   Dental consultation: $350 for checkup and scaling

·   Specialist consultation: at least $300

·   Blood test: $80-$150

What cover is essential to take out when travelling to the United States?

The simplest and most effective way is to have travel insurance covering your health expenses up to €80,000 minimum. To avoid paying fees if you need to return to France urgently, consider taking out repatriation insurance. This way, you will be covered against the most common risks.

In the case of a long trip, remember to ask your insurance company about the different benefits available: car insurance, legal assistance, individual accident cover, etc. You can never be too careful!

Your APRIL U.S. travel insurance

For all your trips to the United States , short or long term, APRIL can support you with its travel assistance. Get the cover that best suits the way you travel. Healthcare expenses, repatriation, lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc. With us, your travels are worry-free.

Request an online quote now!

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Is Travel Insurance mandatory for USA?

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

Most people don’t realize that their regular health insurance often does not cover them while they are outside of the country.

If you are planning a trip to the USA, it is very important to understand what your health insurance policy covers and what it doesn’t.

Travel insurance can help fill in the gaps and give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family are protected while you’re away.

In this article...

Introduction: Do You Need Travel Insurance for Your USA Trip?

If you are planning a trip to the United States, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. Your trip may be canceled or interrupted by a number of factors, including illness or injury, natural disasters, and other unexpected occurrences.

Travel insurance can help make your trip more enjoyable by providing financial support for things like lost deposits and flight cancellations.

Whether or not you need travel insurance for your USA trip depends on a variety of factors. If you have health insurance, it may cover you while you’re travelling domestically.

However, if you’re travelling internationally, your health insurance may not provide coverage . In this case, you may want to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of an emergency.

Another factor to consider is whether or not you have trip cancellation insurance. This type of insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as a sickness or death in the family.

If you’re renting a car while in the USA, you’ll need to purchase auto insurance. Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, so be sure to check if yours does before purchasing a separate policy.

Finally, consider your personal belongings. If you’re bringing valuables with you on your trip, you may want to purchase luggage insurance to protect them in the event that they’re lost or stolen.

In general, travel insurance is not required for trips to the USA. However, it’s always a good idea to consider your individual needs and purchase a policy that provides the coverage you’re looking for.

Recommended Plans

✅  Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅  Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅  Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

What to Know About Insurance When Planning a Trip to the USA

When planning a trip to the United States, it is important to know what kind of insurance you will need. There are many different types of insurance available, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to understand all of your options before making a decision.

One type of insurance that is required for all visitors to the United States is medical insurance. This insurance will cover your medical expenses if you become ill or injured while in the country. It is important to make sure that your medical insurance policy covers you for the entire length of your stay.

Another type of insurance that you may want to consider is trip cancellation insurance. This insurance will reimburse you for any non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for any reason. This can include things like airfare, hotel reservations, and rental car fees.

There are also a few other types of insurance that you may want to purchase when traveling to the United States. These include travel delay insurance, lost baggage insurance, and emergency medical evacuation insurance. Each of these policies has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to research each one carefully before making a decision.

Why Travel Insurance May Be a Good Idea for Your USA Trip

If you’re planning a trip to the United States, travel insurance may be a good idea. While the cost of medical care in the U.S. is high, travel insurance can help cover some of the costs if you need to see a doctor or are hospitalized while on your trip.

There are a few things to consider when deciding if travel insurance is right for you.

First, consider the cost of your trip and how much you can afford to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong.

Also, think about the activities you’ll be doing on your trip and whether you’re comfortable with the risks involved.

If you decide that travel insurance is right for you, be sure to read the fine print so you understand what’s covered and what’s not.

Some policies have exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions, so it’s important to know if your policy will cover you if you need to see a doctor for a condition that you had before your trip.

In general, travel insurance is a good idea for anyone travelling outside of their home country. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of an emergency, and it can help you avoid financial ruin if something goes wrong on your trip.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

When you buy travel insurance, you’re buying protection in case something goes wrong on your trip.

The exact coverage varies by policy, but most travel insurance policies cover emergency medical care, trip cancellation, baggage loss or delay, and other unforeseen problems.

Some policies also cover adventure activities like skiing or whitewater rafting, while others exclude these activities. It’s important to read the fine print of your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Most travel insurance policies have a deductible , which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts covering expenses.

For example, if your policy has a $500 deductible and you need to cancel your trip due to an illness, you would have to pay the first $500 of the cancellation fees yourself.

Some travel insurance policies also cover pre-existing medical conditions, but coverage varies and may require you to purchase the policy within a certain time frame of when you book your trip.

If you have to cancel your trip or cut it short due to an unforeseen event, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses like airfare, hotels, and tours.

If your luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you for the cost of replacing essential items.

And if you get sick or injured while on your trip, travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical care and evacuation.

When shopping for travel insurance, it’s important to compare policies and find one that meets your needs.

Consider the cost of the policy, the deductibles, the coverage limits, and what’s included and excluded.

Also, make sure to read the policy carefully to understand the terms and conditions.

What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?

There are many things that travel insurance does not cover. One of the most common exclusions is pre-existing medical conditions.

This means that if you have a medical condition that exists before you purchase your policy, it will not be covered.

Other exclusions can include:

• Cancellation for any reason other than a covered event (such as inclement weather)
• Missed connections
• Trip interruption
• Baggage loss or delay

It’s important to read the fine print of your policy so that you understand what is and is not covered. Keep in mind that you can always purchase additional coverage to fill in any gaps.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

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

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

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

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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

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Is travel insurance worth it?

The right policy can protect your belongings, your bank account and your peace of mind..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

On April 24, 2024, the White House established new rules for airlines , mandating automatic and timely refunds for passengers whose flights had been changed, delayed or canceled . That's a big relief to travelers, but there are still many unexpected situations where travel insurance can be a lifesaver before or during your trip.

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

A policy doesn't have to be expensive, according to Godlin, to add a layer of protection and security.

Getting travel insurance

How do i get travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover.

• New airline regulations in 2024

How much does travel insurance cost?

• Bottom line

There are many options in the travel insurance marketplace: Aggregator site Squaremouth lets you get price quotes from different carriers and, because it receives a commission from the insurance companies on its site, users aren't charged any additional fees.

Allianz has both single-trip and annual plans, with a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy that reimburses up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable expenses. That's more than most similar plans on the market.

In addition to trip cancellation, Allianz's popular OneTrip Prime plan includes travel interruption, emergency medical care and emergency transportation. Children 17 and under are covered for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

AIG's Travel Guard® plans are great if you need to customize coverage: The mid-range Travel Guard Preferred plan pays out 100% for trip cancellation and 150% for trip interruption, with up to $50,000 in coverage for medical expenses and up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation. There's even a payout of up to $1,000 if you miss your connection.

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

If you're booking a trip with an aggregator site like Expedia , review the details of any travel policy that's offered. Plans are usually based on the elements of the trip (hotel, flight, rental car, etc.) and can differ every time you book.

Travel insurance generally covers your expenses, your belongings and your well-being. When shopping for a policy, look for these benefits:

Trip cancellation

If your trip is canceled for a covered reason, a policy will often reimburse airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, tours, cruises and other prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Covered situations can include illness or injury, the death of a family member or traveling companion, job loss, military deployment and even unplanned jury duty, according to Allianz's Daniel Durazo.

Cancellations can also be covered if a natural disaster, severe weather or airline strike prevents your carrier from getting you to your destination for at least 24 hours.

CFAR plans provide a lot more flexibility and typically reimburse 50% to 75% of your expenses. But they can bump up the cost by about 40%, said Durazo. Policyholders are also still usually required to cancel no later than 48 hours before their scheduled departure. 

Trip delay 

Should you experience a hiccup in your plans, your policy can provide some relief: Food, lodging and local transportation are usually covered if a delay is due to severe weather, airline maintenance or civil unrest.

"For a traveler to be eligible, they must be delayed for the minimum amount of time listed on their policy," said Squaremouth spokesperson Megan Moncrief. "Some policies are very lenient and provide benefits for any length delay, while others list a length requirement — usually somewhere between three to 12 hours."

Daily payout limits range from $150 to $250 per traveler, according to Moncrief, while the total policy limit can be anywhere from $500 to $2,000. Save any receipts to submit with your reimbursement claim.

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

Trip interruption

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

It may also cover the cost of a one-way economy airline ticket home.

Baggage loss

Airlines are required to compensate passengers for luggage lost in transit, but a travel insurance policy may have a higher benefit limit. It could also cover you if your bags, passport or other possessions are lost, damaged or stolen once you've gotten to your destination., The Platinum plan from AXA Assistance USA has a $3,000 benefit limit for lost luggage, well beyond the $1,700 that airlines are required to provide on international flights. AXA has offices in more than 50 countries, with multilingual operators available 24 hours a day to help reschedule flights, book hotels and make other arrangements.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

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

Travel insurance doesn't cover every loss: Cash is not reimbursable and many policies won't reimburse for expensive jewelry or heirloom items. Read your policy carefully to see what is included.

Medical expenses and emergency evacuation

If you travel within the U.S., your health insurance should cover any illness or injury you sustain. If you're traveling abroad, though, your plan may provide little or no coverage. The right travel insurance should cover doctors' fees and hospital bills, Durazo said. 

The provider can also help coordinate care and ensure you're at a medical facility that's up to U.S. standards.

An emergency medical evacuation can cost anywhere from $15,000 to over $200,000, Durazo added.

New airline regulations in April 2024

The Biden administration announced on April 24, 2024 , that it had finalized new rules requiring airlines to issue cash refunds to passengers if their flights were canceled or significantly changed, their checked luggage was significantly delayed or if purchased services, like Wi-Fi, were not provided.

Refunds must be automatic and made via the same form of payment as the original purchase. Travelers must be reimbursed within seven business days if the refund is going to a credit card. (Other forms of payment can take 20 calendar days to be reimbursed.)   The new Department of Transportation regulations also require airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront any fees for changing or canceling your reservation, seat selection, checked bags or carry-ons. The Biden administration has targeted junk fees across numerous industries, including credit card companies. It said the rule will help consumers avoid unneeded or surprise charges that can quickly add up and obscure the real cost of a seemingly inexpensive ticket.

A travel insurance policy typically costs between 4 and 10% of the overall price of your trip. The cost can vary:

• Plans with higher limits and more optional coverage cost more.
• A plan with a CFAR benefit can cost up to 40% more.
• Older travelers typically pay more because there's more of a likelihood of a claim being filed. 

Whichever plan you choose, read the fine print so you understand what you're paying for.

While regulations on airlines are becoming increasingly stringent about reimbursing travelers for delayed or canceled flights, that doesn't do you any good if it wasn't the airline that put a kink in your plans. Travel insurance covers numerous scenarios, from medical emergencies to tropical storms. It could be particularly useful if:

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

"When deciding if travel insurance is right for you, ask yourself how much you could stand to lose if you had to cancel at the last minute," said Godlin.

If you're not as concerned about risk, your credit card may offer built-in travel protection if you book with that card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® , Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card and the  *American Express® Gold Card all come with trip cancellation and interruption coverage, among other benefits.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; 2X points on internet, cable and phone services; select streaming. 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.49% - 28.49% variable

Foreign transaction fees

Excellent/Good

American Express® Gold Card

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

Research your card's travel benefits before making any purchases related to your trip.

Policies vary, but most comprehensive plans cover travel cancellation and interruption, baggage loss, medical care and emergency transportation.

While the price for coverage varies, most policies cost between 4% and 10% of the trip's prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

When should I get travel insurance?

It's best to take out a policy within days of making your reservations.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 before or on your trip, it may be covered by your policy's trip cancellation/interruption benefit . You'll likely have to confirm your test results with a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

Bottom line 

Travel can be a wonderful experience, but it involves a lot of time, planning and money. Missing a single connection can have a cascade effect that impacts your flight, hotel room, dinner reservations and more. A good travel insurance policy can provide peace of mind so you can focus on your vacation.

Compare and find the best life insurance

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

Meet our experts

At CNBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority. For this story, we interviewed Beth Godlin, president of Aon, which provides custom travel insurance for tour operators, cruise lines, travel websites and others. We also spoke with former Squaremouth Megan Moncrief and Allianz communications director Daniel Durazo.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card , click here .

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കൂടുതല്‍ സഞ്ചാരികളെ ആകര്‍ഷിക്കുകയെന്ന ലക്ഷ്യത്തിലാണ് ഭൂട്ടാന്റെ നടപടി. അപകട- അസുഖ ചെലവുകൾ കവര്‍ ചെയ്യുന്ന ഇന്‍ഷുറന്‍സ് 2022 ലെ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ ടൂറിസം നിയമപ്രകാരമാണ് നിര്‍ബന്ധിതമാക്കിയത്. ഈ നിബന്ധനയാണ് ഇക്കഴിഞ്ഞ ഏപ്രില്‍ 23ന് ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ പിന്‍വലിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. കോവിഡിനെ തുടര്‍ന്നാണ് ആശുപത്രി ചെലവുകള്‍ കൂടി ഉള്‍പ്പെടുന്ന ട്രാവല്‍ ഇന്‍ഷുറന്‍സുകള്‍ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ നിര്‍ബന്ധിതമാക്കിയിരുന്നത്. കോവിഡിനെ തുടര്‍ന്നു സംഭവിക്കാനിടയുള്ള അപ്രതീക്ഷിത മെഡിക്കല്‍ ചെലവുകളെ നേരിടാന്‍ വേണ്ടിയായിരുന്നു ഇത്. കൂടുതല്‍ എളുപ്പത്തില്‍ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്കു ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിക്കാന്‍ സഹായിക്കുന്നതാണു നിലവില്‍ വന്ന ഇളവുകള്‍. നിര്‍ബന്ധമല്ലെങ്കിലും ട്രാവല്‍ ഇന്‍ഷുറന്‍സ് എടുക്കുന്നതു നല്ലതാണെന്ന നിര്‍ദേശവും സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്ക് ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ അധികൃതര്‍ നല്‍കുന്നുണ്ട്. 

കംഗാരുക്കളുടെ നാട്ടിൽ: ദീപ്തി സതിയുടെ യാത്രാ ചിത്രങ്ങൾ വൈറൽ

ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുടെ പ്രിയ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍

ഇന്ത്യക്കും ചൈനക്കും ഇടയിലെ ഹിമാലയന്‍ താഴ്‌വരയിലുള്ള ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ ഭൂപ്രകൃതി കൊണ്ടു സംസ്‌ക്കാരം കൊണ്ടും തികച്ചും വ്യത്യസ്തമായ നാടാണ്. ഇന്ത്യക്കാര്‍ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിക്കുന്ന വിദേശ രാജ്യങ്ങളിലൊന്നാണ് ഭൂട്ടാന്‍. ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്കെത്തുന്ന സഞ്ചാരികളില്‍ എറ്റവും കൂടുതലുള്ളത് ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുമാണ്. പ്രകൃതി മനോഹാരിതയും തനതു സംസ്‌ക്കാരവും എത്തിപ്പെടാനുള്ള എളുപ്പവുമെല്ലാം ഇന്ത്യക്കാരെ ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്ക് ആകര്‍ഷിക്കുന്നു. വ്യോമ മാര്‍ഗവും റോഡ് മാര്‍ഗവും ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്ക് ഇന്ത്യക്കാര്‍ക്ക് എത്താനാവും. ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിക്കാന്‍ ഇന്ത്യക്കാര്‍ക്കു വീസ ആവശ്യമില്ലെങ്കിലും പ്രവേശന അനുമതി അഥവാ എന്‍ട്രി പെര്‍മിറ്റ് ആവശ്യമാണ്. ആറു മാസമെങ്കിലും കാലാവധിയുള്ള പാസ്‌പോര്‍ട്ടും ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്കു പോകാന്‍ നിര്‍ബന്ധമാണ്. 

ലാൻഡിങ്ങിന് അനുമതി 24 പേർക്ക്; ഏറ്റവും അപകടം പിടിച്ച എയർപോർട്ടിലേക്ക് ബംഗളൂരുവിൽ നിന്ന് പറക്കാം

ഭൂട്ടാനിലെ കറന്‍സി ഗുല്‍ട്രം ആണ്. ഇന്ത്യന്‍ രൂപക്ക് തുല്യമായ മൂല്യമുള്ള കറന്‍സിയാണ് ഭൂട്ടാന്റേത്. ഇന്ത്യന്‍ രൂപക്ക് വ്യാപക സ്വീകാര്യതയുള്ളതിനാല്‍ കയ്യില്‍ ഗുല്‍ട്രം ഇല്ലെങ്കിലും നഗരങ്ങളില്‍ വലിയ പ്രതിസന്ധിയുണ്ടാവാറില്ല. എങ്കിലും ഉള്‍നാടുകളിലേക്കു പോവുമ്പോള്‍ ഗുല്‍ട്രം ആവശ്യത്തിന് കയ്യിലുണ്ടെന്ന് ഉറപ്പിക്കണം. 

സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ തിരിച്ചുവരവ്

ഈ വര്‍ഷം ആദ്യത്തെ മൂന്നു മാസങ്ങളില്‍ തന്നെ തിരിച്ചുവരവിന്റെ പാതയിലാണ് ഭൂട്ടാനിലെ വിനോദ സഞ്ചാരം. 2024 ആദ്യ പാദത്തില്‍ 25,003 വിനോദ സഞ്ചാരികളാണ് ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്കെത്തിയത്. കഴിഞ്ഞ വര്‍ഷം ഇതേ കാലയളവില്‍ 12,696 സഞ്ചാരികളായിരുന്നു ഭൂട്ടാനിലെത്തിയതെന്നു വിനോദ സഞ്ചാര വകുപ്പിന്റെ കണക്കുകള്‍ പറയുന്നു. സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ എണ്ണത്തില്‍ 97 ശതമാനത്തിന്റെ വര്‍ധന. ഇതില്‍ തന്നെ ഈ വര്‍ഷം മാര്‍ച്ച് മാസത്തില്‍ 15,000 ത്തിലേറെ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിച്ചു. 

ഭൂട്ടാനിലെ ആകാശകൊട്ടാരത്തിൽ ധ്യാനത്തിൽ മുഴുകി സമാന്ത

എക്കാലത്തേയും പോലെ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിക്കുന്നവരില്‍ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും ഇന്ത്യക്കാരാണ്. ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്കെത്തുന്ന സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ ഏകദേശം 60 ശതമാനം ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ നിന്നുള്ളവരാണ്. അമേരിക്ക, ചൈന, ബ്രിട്ടന്‍, ജര്‍മനി, സിംഗപ്പൂര്‍, ഫ്രാന്‍സ്, ഇറ്റലി, മലേഷ്യ, വിയറ്റ്‌നാം, ഓസ്‌ട്രേലിയ, കാനഡ എന്നിങ്ങനെയുള്ള രാജ്യങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നുള്ള സഞ്ചാരികളും ഭൂട്ടാനിലേക്കെത്തി. കോവിഡിനു പിന്നാലെ ശക്തമായ നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങള്‍ ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ ഏര്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയിരുന്നു. വിനോദ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്കുള്ള പ്രതിദിന ഫീസ് മൂന്നിരട്ടിയിലേറെ വര്‍ധിപ്പിച്ച ഭൂട്ടാന്‍ ഇപ്പോള്‍ ഫീസ് 200 ഡോളറില്‍ നിന്നും 100 ഡോളറാക്കി കുറച്ചതും സഞ്ചാരികളെ ആകര്‍ഷിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഇന്ത്യക്കാര്‍ക്ക് പ്രതിദിന സുസ്ഥിര ഫീ 1,200 രൂപയാണ്.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

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

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

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't forget to do your due diligence

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

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

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

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