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Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

Purchasing travel insurance during the time of Covid can be overwhelming – will you be covered in case of cancellation, or do policies that offer medical assistance for Covid exist? Here, we break down the policies that offer Covid cover, plus what to look for in a travel insurance policy and whether your insurance is invalidated if the government advises not to travel. 

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

Yes, here goes... Note though, all policies currently have restrictions on claims relating to Covid-19 and be aware that the situation is changing fast, so double-check the latest cover before you buy.

All Clear Travel Insurance ( allcleartravel.co.uk ): cover is available to people of all ages but particularly suitable for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions that other insurers are reluctant to cover.

Axa ( axa.co.uk ): this long-established, French-owned company is one of the largest insurers, providing a wide range of different policies geared to a variety of travel types.

Battleface ( battleface.com ): geared to individuals and groups with an emphasis on adventurous activities abroad and travel to remote destinations.

Campbell Irvine Direct ( campbellirvinedirect.com ): this insurer was established more than 45 years ago, and policies offer cover for travel to challenging and adventurous locations, including conservation and volunteer projects.

CoverForYou ( coverforyou.com ): competitively priced policies include winter sports and backpacker cover with enhanced silver, gold and platinum options.

Holidaysafe ( holidaysafe.co.uk ): catch-all travel specialist with a portfolio of ‘niche’ policies covering specific sporting activities including triathlon, sailing and cycling .

LV Travel Insurance ( lv.com ): one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering single and multi-trip cover.

PJ Hayman ( pjhayman.com ): strong on customer care, with cover for medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.

Puffin Insurance ( puffininsurance.com ): annual or single-trip policies for customers aged 18-74, covering more than 75 different activities with numerous optional add-ons.

Trailfinders ( trailfinders.com ): policy automatically includes children up to 21 years, free of charge (note those aged 19-21 must be in full-time education).

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

In a word, yes. Some companies (see list above) say they will still sell you insurance – including the crucial medical-expenses cover – provided the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t advise against all or all but essential travel. Check the current FCDO list for the latest advice. Some insurers will also offer cover for destinations on the red list , but in the current climate of uncertainty, rules governing travel to individual countries can change fast. Travel-insurance specialist Battleface has a useful country travel restrictions tool on its website to help people check the latest developments based on a variety of factors including destination and departure dates.

Why is travel insurance important?

If you have a trip booked and don’t yet have insurance, it’s important to buy a policy as soon as possible. That way, if anything changes – FCDO advice for example – you will already have cover in place. The problem with choosing the best policy is that everyone has different requirements – it may depend on your destination, the type of trip (are you doing lots of adventurous activities , for example?) and quite detailed, nerdy stuff such as ‘travel disruption cover’, which is particularly useful at the moment if you are travelling independently. There is no shortcut to checking through the key provisions of any insurance you are considering.

What should I look for in a travel insurance policy during the pandemic?

This is the key problem. Insurers are obviously jumpy about how exposed they are to claims both for cancellations because of Covid-19 and for medical treatment as a result of catching it while you are abroad. So all have added restrictions and exclusions into their policies. You need to check exactly what those are and make sure you understand the limitations of the cover.

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

If you already have travel insurance it will normally cover your cancellation costs if you, or one of your travelling companions, falls ill before departure and can’t travel – though you will need a medical report from your doctor to confirm this. Some policies – though not many – cover losses incurred if you have booked independently and have to cancel because of FCDO advice. Look for ‘travel disruption cover’ or ‘journey disruption cover’ in the policy details, which may or may not include disruption due to epidemics (see below for more information). If you are forced to quarantine in a hotel after visiting a red list country, this is unlikely to be covered by any insurance companies. If you are simply nervous of travelling and want to cancel – which is known as ‘disinclination to travel’ in the insurance industry – no policy will cover you.

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

The key value of travel insurance is the medical cover it offers while you are travelling. This will underwrite the cost of treatment and if necessary a hospital stay if you fall ill on holiday. But whether or not you are covered for accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and have to enter self-isolation or quarantine while you are abroad varies by policy. Some insurers, however, will pay up if you need a new flight home in these circumstances. In short – it varies, so be sure to read the small print.

Is my travel insurance invalidated if the FCDO advises not to travel?

In normal times, travel insurers won’t provide cover to countries or regions where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Traditionally, these areas might include destinations such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Yemen, but in recent times it has included much of Europe too, with countries being regularly added to and taken off the UK's quarantine list. However, some insurers now offer affordable policies that are designed for travellers heading to these European destinations, which may be of use once the lockdowns start to ease. As ever, it’s important to read the small print. For example, policies are invalidated during a government-imposed regional or national lockdown in the UK.

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

Some insurers will cover against coronavirus if the FCDO has listed your destination as safe to visit before you head off. Some offer cancellation cover if you’re diagnosed with Covid-19 within a fortnight of departure, including emergency Covid-related medical expenses while abroad and repatriation, as well as cover in the event of a travelling companion contracting the disease. And you can find insurers that offer cover for medical expenses resulting from Covid-19 for all destinations including countries under FCDO and government essential and non-essential travel advisories.

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

If you have booked a package with a tour operator and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to your destination, your tour operator is obliged to cancel the holiday and offer you a full refund. They might also offer you an alternative holiday, or suggest you postpone travelling dates, but you are entitled to get your cash back. If you can afford to, consider postponing your trip rather than cancelling it completely, should your health or updated government advice mean that you can’t go away as planned. There are a lot of people out there relying on us to keep spending on travel, with around 10 per cent of the world's population earning an income that is linked to tourism. To learn more about how important this is, see our guide to why you shouldn't cancel your holiday .

What if I booked my trip independently?

Travellers who have booked, say, a flight and accommodation separately, normally have no right to a refund if they cancel unilaterally, even if the FCDO has since advised against travel. In practice, however, most airlines are cancelling flights and refunding passengers in this situation. A hotel or villa company doesn’t have to give you your money back – though it is obviously worth talking to them; they may allow you to postpone your stay.

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

It’s vital to make sure you pay for flights with a credit card (if you are booking a flight directly with the airline and it costs more than £100 you can claim your money back from the credit card company), and check that any tour operator you book with has up-to-date Atol protection – or can show that it has an alternative bonding arrangement in place.

Which websites should I check for the best travel insurance information and advice?

A good website that gives the latest figures for every country reporting cases of Covid-19 is worldometers.info . For the latest formal FCDO advice on every country in the world see gov.uk and search for travel advice. The best health advice is at nhs.uk .

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Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

Yes and no. As of Thursday 31 December 2020, Britain left the EU, but anyone holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will be covered for state-supplied medical care while holidaying in Europe until it runs out. And while the EHIC card has been scrapped for anyone who doesn't currently hold one, it has been replaced by the very similar GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).

Anything else I need to worry about?

Insurers have become very jumpy about pre-existing medical conditions in recent years because they add to the risk of expensive medical claims and cancellations. It is absolutely critical that you declare any conditions you may have when you buy a policy, otherwise – if you do need treatment while you are travelling – you may find your claim is refused.

Trailfinders Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Trailfinders!

The experts say:

For those on the hunt for a reliable travel insurance policy, Trailfinders may be worth considering. With a Fairer Finance Star Rating of three stars, this plan offers excellent cover limits - up to £5000 when cancelling before travel and up to £2000 for personal possessions and baggage which are damaged, lost or stolen. On top of that, the medical excess is only £75 making it an affordable and comprehensive option.

What Trailfinders customers are saying right now:

• 😃Excellent customer service when planning holidays.
• 😃Extensive knowledge about different locations and travel routes for customers.
• 😃Adequate advice given to cater to the individual needs of customers.
• 😃Patient attitude towards answering any queries or requests from customers.
• 😃A wide range of tailor-made packages available for customers.
• 😔 Poor payment process, leading to difficulties for customers.
• 😞 Inaccurate advice on visas and travel, leading to potential issues.
• 😩 Customers not provided with the package they wanted, despite advisors promising.

Trailfinders customer reviews summary

Trailfinders travel insurance is a fantastic, easy to use service that has been providing exceptional customer service for years! Their experienced and knowledgeable staff are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure you have the best possible holiday. From arranging visas to booking flights and accommodation, Trailfinders can help you plan your dream trip with ease. Their helpful advice will ensure you have all the necessary information for a stress-free and enjoyable experience abroad. Score: 10/10

AllClear Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from AllClear!

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Covered2Go Travel Insurance Review

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Travel Insurance for International Thru-Hikers: 8 Essential Considerations

C hoosing travel insurance: arguably one of the worst logistical headaches you’ll face when planning an international thru-hike. The process is laden with vague clauses, fine print that matters, and the pestering feeling that, “Chances are I won’t even need this.”

As an Australian hiking the PCT in 2023, I wanted to make sure I would be covered if anything went wrong during my time in the US. As a result, I spent an obscene amount of time reading through insurance policies, emailing companies, and untangling what was (and was not) covered. Because I wouldn’t wish that process upon anyone, I’ll highlight my findings here: eight things international thru-hikers should consider when choosing travel insurance.

Disclaimer: We’re hikers, not insurance experts. This information is not intended as a substitute for your own research or the advice of a qualified professional. Any examples provided are from the author’s personal experience (as an Australian) researching this in 2023. Always do your own research before purchasing insurance.

What actually is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides financial protection if things go wrong during a trip. It can cover a range of possibilities — emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays, illnesses, accidents, lost or stolen belongings, and more. If you don’t have travel insurance and these things happen, you may be left with a hefty debt (particularly if you’re traveling in a country like the US where healthcare is notoriously expensive).

But wait, do I really need travel insurance?

The polite answer is that it all depends on your risk tolerance.

The blunt answer is that I think you would be batshit insane not to get travel insurance for a thru-hike.

On a thru-hike, you’re living outside, exposed to the elements, interacting with nature, and putting your body under extreme stress — sometimes for months on end. And chances are, you’ll find yourself in some pretty sketchy, unexpected situations.

I’m a fairly cautious person. Even so, on the PCT I got caught in a blizzard, had my pack fall 600 feet down a mountain, got growled at by a mountain lion, and watched a wildfire break out a mile from me. None of these situations ended terribly for me, but they could have.

Anyone embarking on a thru-hike should consider what would happen, financially, if something went wrong. What would it mean if you got seriously injured? If your backpack got stolen? If you had to return home unexpectedly? Could travel insurance help alleviate some of that financial stress? Even domestic thru-hikers (i.e., those doing a thru-hike in their own country) can benefit from having travel insurance.

Travel insurance is something that you hope you never need. But if you do need it, you really need it. If something goes wrong on an international thru-hike and you aren’t insured, it could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars . I’d say it’s worth trying to avoid that.

Nothing like some wildfire smoke to get you guessing your life (and travel insurance) choices.

It’s hard to choose the right policy.

Let’s say you’re on board with wanting to avoid any chance of crippling debt. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as googling “travel insurance” and purchasing the first cheap policy you see. Why? Because policies are very specific, with many clauses detailing what they include and exclude.

Just because you have a policy, does not mean you are covered in every situation.

If you’re violating that policy in any way, you are not covered — and as a thru-hiker traversing the backcountry, you’re more likely to run afoul of policy exclusions than the average traveler. Purchasing a policy can imbue a false sense of security — a sense that “I have purchased travel insurance and can point to my policy number, so I’m all good.” You are not necessarily all good.

Take some conversations I had last year just before entering the Sierra Nevada. Some international thru-hikers were talking about travel insurance. The conditions (e.g., insane snow) and the addition of some more serious gear (e.g., crampons, ice axes) had reminded us that something could always go wrong.

I spoke to more than one person whose policy was not valid for the upcoming section, and who only became aware of this after our conversation (being the nerd I am, I’d read the fine print on many policies). Heading into the Sierra Nevada in one of the highest snow years on record is not when you want to find out that you’re screwed if something goes wrong.

READ NEXT – Health Insurance for Thru-Hikers: A Look at the Options

Travel Insurance for Thru-Hikers: 8 Crucial Considerations

There are countless articles on what a good travel insurance policy looks like — coverage for medical treatment (extensive or unlimited), cancellations, stolen or lost possessions, etc. While I think that’s crucial to know, I’m not going to delve into travel insurance basics here. Thru-hiking is a little different from lying on a beach in Bali. Instead, I’m focusing on what thru-hikers , specifically, should look out for when purchasing travel insurance.

Let’s get into it.

1. Are you covered for search and rescue?

If you’re hanging out in the mountains or other remote places, you want to make sure you can get out of there if you’re lost, injured, or in danger. It can be surprisingly hard to find out whether an insurance policy covers this.

In part, this is because of the distinction between “search and rescue” and “medical evacuation.” From what I can gather (and I’m still very confused), search and rescue primarily involves locating and assisting individuals who are lost, in distress, or in danger. Medical evacuation focuses on transporting injured or ill individuals to medical facilities for treatment.

Some policies cover medical evacuation but not search and rescue. For example, World Nomads says they cover “evacuation if it’s urgent and medically necessary.” However, they do not cover “search and rescue if you’re lost up there in the mountains, or at any other time” or “Any search and/or rescue operations … connected with finding or rescuing you from a dangerous, life-threatening situation.” What does this mean? Your guess is as good as mine — maybe sometimes you’re covered, maybe sometimes you’re not.

On the PCT, I didn’t want to second guess whether I could get out if I needed to — in the end I got both normal travel insurance and a Garmin Search and Rescue plan (which was relatively cheap at around USD 40 for one year).

Also note that some jurisdictions may have free search and rescue (e.g., it’s charged to the state). Unless you’re absolutely certain that search and rescue is free in all cases (and that the benefit applies to you, as a foreigner), I suggest assuming it’s going to cost you something.

It’s nice to know you’re covered for search and rescue when you’re in a place like this.

2. What’s the highest elevation you expect to go to?

This one’s pretty simple — some policies will only cover you up until a certain elevation. Figure out the highest elevation you expect to hike to (Mount Whitney off the PCT, for example), and check that you’re covered for that. Some policies offer upgrades for higher elevation. For example, Covermore covers “Hiking or trekking under 3,000 meters” (9843 feet), but you’ll have to purchase their adventure add-on to be covered for up to 4000 meters (13123 feet).

3. What gear are you using?

I’d guess this is one of most likely reasons you won’t be covered on a thru-hike, even when you think you are. You may classify what you’re doing as hiking — it is a thru- hike , after all. But, if you’re using (or should be using) certain gear, insurance companies may classify it as mountaineering.

I’m sorry to say, but if you’re using an ice axe, crampons, or microspikes, they’ll probably call it mountaineering.

The issue with this? Relatively few companies cover mountaineering. The specifics are not always spelled out in the policy — few policies will actually mention ice axes, crampons, or microspikes. Instead, they’ll refer broadly to mountaineering or use of specialist climbing equipment.

Take Covermore for example. They state that “mountaineering using guides, ropes, rock climbing equipment” is not covered. After eight emails back and forth, they confirmed that using “crampons and an ice axe (for safety / precautionary measures)” counts as rock climbing equipment. Similarly, World Nomads, a popular insurance option for international thru-hikers, confirmed to me via email that “We would not offer cover for any hiking activity where the use of an ice axe and crampons are involved, even if only as a safety precaution.”

Maybe you’re fine with not being covered during sections that require this gear, and maybe you’re not. Either way, it’s worth actually knowing when you are covered.

My poor ice axe — those travel insurance companies really do hate you.

4. Do you need different coverage for different sections?

Let’s say you need more extensive coverage in just one section (e.g., while carrying your “mountaineering” gear). Here are a couple of options for what you could do, and considerations for each. Note that by “base policy,” I mean the policy that could cover you for everything other than that specific section.

Option 1: Temporarily upgrade your base policy so you’ve got more coverage for the specific section. This sounds like the ideal option, but it’s actually pretty hard to make work. Many policies will not let you upgrade and then downgrade your policy once it’s already begun. Look into whether this is possible if it’s the option you’re relying on.

Option 2: Pause your base policy, get a different policy which covers you for the specific section, then resume your base policy after that section is complete. While this also sounds like a great option, many policies will not let you pause and then resume coverage.

Option 3: Go with a more extensive policy for the whole trip. That is, you only have one policy and that policy covers you for all sections. There are two major downsides to this.

First, a policy that covers you for more intense sections (e.g., while using mountaineering gear) may be significantly more expensive, given these activities are considered higher risk.

Second, policies which cover you for more intense sections may actually provide worse coverage in the less intense sections. For example, I found that Global Rescue (with their IMG signature travel insurance add-on) could cover me while using an ice axe, crampons, etc. However, during sections where I wasn’t using that gear, some of their offerings were significantly worse than competitors. For example, emergency medical expenses were capped at USD 100,000, rather than being unlimited.

Option 4: Have two policies for a limited period of time. This option sounds disgusting, but it may be the best choice if the other options can’t work out. Get your base policy and then, for the section that your base policy won’t cover — get another policy.

Assuming you can’t stop and start your base policy, there will be a period of time when you’re technically paying for two policies (even if the base one isn’t valid). This is annoying, but may be the only way to make sure you’ve got good coverage throughout the trip.

5. Are you required to have a guide with you?

Back to the simple stuff — some companies will say you must have a guide with you if you’re going for X amount of days or beyond Y elevation.

6. Is hiking an additional activity you need to select?

“Hiking” or “Trekking” may be an activity that you need to add on to your policy. Or, you may need to select something like an “Adventure package” which covers hiking.

7. Does the policy have an upper time limit?

This one is pretty obvious — thru-hikes can be long, and some policies have an upper limit. For example, travelers from the US can only get a World Nomads policy for up to 180 days, which could be pushing it for some hikers on long trails.

Either a) get a policy that will cover you for the whole time or b) look into whether you can purchase another policy if your original one ends while you’re still hiking.

8. Read the PDS and pester the company for more details.

Each insurance company or policy should have a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This should tell you everything that is or is not covered, and to what extent. Unfortunately, it’s long, dense, and boring. Even more unfortunately — you should read it. Only then will you really know what you’ll be covered for on your thru-hike.

Sometimes things will still be blurry after you read the PDS (e.g., in the example of, “They say they exclude mountaineering but what does mountaineering even mean?”). In that case, I would contact the companies. Email your specific questions or speak to them on the phone. If you call, always request a follow-up email outlining what they told you — it’s not the strongest case if all you can say is, “Ahh I think someone called Janet at the call center told me I would be covered.”

Be prepared; it may take many emails back and forth to get a clear answer to your question.

A world away from reading insurance product disclosure statements.

The Travel Insurance I Purchased for My PCT Thru-Hike

So, given all these considerations, what did I do for my 2023 PCT thru-hike? I’m pretty risk averse when it comes to this stuff — I’d rather spend extra money than wonder whether I’m covered in high-risk situations. Given that, I purchased (wait for it) three policies:

• A policy that covered me for most of the trip. In my case, I went with the World Nomads Explorer plan with their Adventure Activities (Level 3: Hiking – up to 6,000 meters) add-on. This covered me for everything I wanted except 1) search and rescue and 2) when I was using an ice axe and crampons/microspikes. I had this policy for the full duration of my trip.
• A policy that covered me while using an ice axe and crampons/microspikes in the Sierra Nevada. In my case, I went with Global rescue and their IMG signature travel insurance add-on. I did not have this policy for the full duration of my trip — only in the Sierra.
• A policy that covered me for search and rescue. In my case, I went with Garmin’s SAR 100 Plan. I had this policy for the full duration of my trip.

Of course, these specific policies might not work for your situation — they’re just an example of what covering your bases might look like.

The Key Takeaways

Maybe this has been more than you ever wanted to read on travel insurance. And it’s probably more complicated than you wanted to believe.

The key takeaways? Look into whether you’re covered for search and rescue. Consider the specifics of your hike: elevation, gear, the requirements of different sections, whether you need a guide, if hiking is a specific add-on, and how long you’re going for. Then, find a policy (or policies) that aligns with that. Above all, don’t assume you’re covered just because you’ve purchased travel insurance.

Happy PDS reading!

Disclaimer (again): We’re hikers, not insurance experts. This information is not intended as a substitute for your own research or the advice of a qualified professional. Any examples provided are from the author’s personal experience (as an Australian) researching this in 2023. Always do your own research before purchasing insurance.

Featured image: Photo and graphic design by Zack Goldmann .

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

I'm an Australian hiker who likes laying in the dirt, smelling like an animal, and walking across countries. On trail, people call me Glitterbug. When I'm not hiking about, I like to run places, paint things, eat oats, and purchase obscene amounts of cinnamon.

I do believe all the ideas youve presented for your post They are really convincing and will certainly work Nonetheless the posts are too short for novices May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time Thanks for the post

Awesome Post! Good information, not only for PCT, CDT or AT, but one can apply that to Camino de Santiago, and other hikes around the world! Thank you

Okay point number 1: Search and Reacue; because public agencies facilitate SAR activites, tbose responses do not levy a fine/bill unless “Negligence” was the cause for the need for response (ie head into the Sierras on the biggest snow year in recent history w/o the requisite snow gear etc..). The other exception is if you do board, or are attended by an air ambulance helicopter that you called (not one responding on behalf of the SAR team facilitating rescue). In 10 years on a SAR team, (and more then 600 rescues) I only saw the negligence clause invoked once. As an American who does a lot of international hiking this was very handy write up. The one time I have used Travel Insurance I went with Global Rescue to do Kilimanjaro, I have been kinda winging it the rest of the time, so this was a very good read for me! Thanks for the write up

Such an important post!

I’m from the EU and I’ll go hiking in the High Sierra this summer. Your post got me started on this task instead of procrastinating further 🙂

Another important criteria is where you are from, for example World Nomads don’t work with people from the EU, while True Traveller only work with people from the EU.

I’ve had a hard time finding more reviews online that were focused on hiking outside of search and rescue, but the digital nomad community had more content. For example, I found these posts to be useful:

https://nomadgate.com/travel-insurance/ https://happyhealthynomads.com/best-travel-insurance-for-digital-nomads/

Have a safe hike!

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Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan you purchase that protects you from certain financial risks and losses that can occur while traveling. These losses can be minor, like a delayed suitcase, or significant, like a last-minute trip cancellation or a medical emergency overseas.

In addition to financial protection, the other huge benefit of travel insurance is access to assistance services , wherever you are in the world. Our elite team of travel and medical experts can arrange medical treatment in an emergency, monitor your care, serve as interpreters, help you replace lost passports and so much more. Sometimes, they even save travelers’ lives.

A few things you should know about travel insurance:

• Benefits vary by plan. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs, your budget and your travel plans. Here are definitions of all available travel insurance benefits.
• Travel insurance can’t cover every possible situation. Allianz Travel Insurance is  named perils  travel insurance, which means it covers only the specific situations, events, and losses included in your plan documents, and only under the conditions we describe.
• Travel insurance is designed to cover  unforeseeable events —not things you could easily see coming, or things within your control. If, for example,  you wait to buy insurance for your beach trip until after a named hurricane is hustling toward your destination, your losses wouldn’t be covered.

How does travel insurance work?

In most scenarios, travel insurance reimburses you for your covered financial losses after you file a claim and the claim is approved. Filing a claim means submitting proof of your loss to Allianz Global Assistance, so that we can verify what happened and reimburse you for your covered losses. You can  file a claim online , or do it on your phone with the  Allyz ® TravelSmart app .

How does this work in real life? Let’s say you purchase the OneTrip Prime Plan , which includes trip cancellation benefits, to protect your upcoming cruise to Cozumel. Two days before departure, you experience a high fever and chest pain. Your doctor diagnoses bacterial pneumonia and advises you to cancel the trip. When you notify the cruise line, they tell you it’s too late to receive a refund.

Without travel insurance, you’d lose the money you spent on your vacation. Fortunately, a serious, disabling illness can be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation , which means you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. Once you’re feeling better, you gather the required documents—such as your airfare and cruise line receipts and information about any refunds you did or did not receive—and you file a claim . You can even choose to receive your reimbursement by direct deposit, to your debit card, or via check.

Sometimes, this process works a little differently. Travel insurance may pay your expenses upfront if you require emergency medical treatment or emergency transportation while traveling overseas. Or, with the  OneTrip Premier and OneTrip Prime plans, you may be eligible to receive a fixed payment of $100 per day for a covered travel delay or $100 for a covered baggage delay . No receipts for purchases are required; all you need is proof of your covered delay.

Many travelers are wondering: Can COVID-19 be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation? And can travel insurance help if you become seriously ill with COVID-19 while traveling? Most of our travel insurance plans now include epidemic-related covered reasons (benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions). The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. To see if your plan includes this endorsement and what it covers, please look for "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.

> Learn more: Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

How to choose a travel insurance plan

There’s a wide range of Allianz Travel Insurance plans, each with different benefits and benefit limits. So how do you know which is best for you? To begin, get a quote for your upcoming trip. When you enter your age, trip costs and trip dates, we can recommend a few plans for you. Then, you can compare the costs and benefits of each.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who’s traveling in the U.S., you may like the OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan . It includes trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay benefits.

If you want protection in case of medical emergencies overseas, but you have few pre-paid trip expenses, you may consider the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan . This affordable plan includes emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits, as well as other post-departure benefits, but not trip cancellation/interruption.

If you want the reassurance of carrying substantial travel insurance benefits, the best fit may be the OneTrip Prime Plan . This plan also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

If you’re planning several trips in the next 12 months, consider annual travel insurance such as the AllTrips Prime Plan . It gives you affordable protection for a full year of travel, including benefits for trip cancellation and interruption; emergency medical care; lost/stolen or delayed baggage; and Rental Car Damage and theft protection (available to residents of most states).  

> Find the right travel insurance plan for you 

How to get the most from your travel insurance plan

Don’t wait too long to buy travel insurance! The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after you’ve completed your travel arrangements. The earlier you buy insurance, the bigger your coverage window. Also, you must buy your plan within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit in order to be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition benefit (not available on all plans).

Read your plan documents before you leave. If you're not completely satisfied with your plan, you have 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to request a refund, provided you haven't started your trip or initiated a claim. Premiums are non-refundable after this period.

Call us when you need help. If you have questions about how travel insurance works, or how to file a claim, or which benefits you need, please contact us ! Our representatives are available 24/7. If you’re already traveling, and you’re facing a travel crisis or just need some advice, call our emergency assistance hotline .

> Read more about how we can help

Related Articles

• What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
• How Travel Insurance Covers Family Members
• Trip Delay, Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained

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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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Travel Insurance Advice: Ins & Outs

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Travel insurance is one of the murkiest parts of planning a trip. Do you actually need it? And what does it cover? And why would another country require visitors to have it? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Is travel insurance necessary?

At its broadest , travel insurance covers potential losses that could happen while you’re traveling. Sounds straightforward, right? In reality, travel insurance policies might only cover specific things, like medical emergencies, missed flights, and lost luggage.

But the average policy might not cover things like medical emergencies from preexisting conditions, unforeseen changes due to political conflict, tour operator defaults, and a series of other obstacles. It’s always worth it to read the fine print.

You might also want to take another look at whether travel insurance is necessary.

Here’s why other countries want you to have it : so you’re less of a financial burden if everything goes wrong. Here’s why you might actually need it : if you’d be financially unable to recoup any losses from your trip, then you need it.

Countries that require travel insurance

Before we cover which countries require travel insurance, I want to direct you toward the Smart Traveler app. This handy tool comes from the US Department of State. It offers live updates on travel recommendations from the US and all of our embassy locations. It also has a 4.8 rating on the Apple App Store , which is pretty outstanding for a state-run app.

Now back to insurance. Sometimes, purchasing travel insurance isn’t up for debate. There’s a growing number of countries that require US citizens to purchase travel insurance. I’ve sourced this from the US Department of State.

• The Galapagos Island (Ecuador)
• Saudi Arabia
• Schengen Visa Countries (more on this below)

Do you need travel insurance in Schengen countries?

Never heard of Schengen? This area includes 29 countries across Europe where borders have been ‘abolished’. That means that Europeans can travel freely between them without a passport.

It also simplifies things for travelers; US citizens can spend 90 days within a 180-day period inside Schengen countries.  According to the US Department of State , the only official entry requirement for Europe’s Schengen area is having a passport that’s valid for at least six more months.

At the same time, it’s advised that travelers have insurance when heading to Europe. For now, I recommend you skip it . However, the EU recently ruled that in 2025, US citizens must officially apply for visas before coming over. I’m sure that will involve some proof of travel insurance.

My take on travel insurance

As someone who has traveled extensively and lived in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, I recommend focusing on travel insurance only as needed .

In other words, think about the type of trip you’re taking and not just where you’re going.

In close to fifteen years of consistent travel and life on the road, there are only two times when travel insurance would have been relevant to me.

First, when I traveled to see Swedish House Mafia play in Mumbai on their last world tour in 2013 (don’t judge me). On the day of the show, the mayor of Mumbai died and political upheaval ensued. Me and my friends were trapped in our friend’s apartment for days. Travel insurance, theoretically, would have helped us recoup the costs of travel to Mumbai.

I also had the pleasure of traveling to Cuba a week after Fidel Castro died in 2016. The nation entered a period of mourning, which meant things like alcohol, music, and dancing weren’t allowed. Travel insurance, in this case, might not have actually helped me recoup any of my travel losses.

Common cases

So, here’s my final thought: travel insurance is helpful when there’s a lot on the line . If you’re setting off on a long-term and extended vacation, then you’re more likely to encounter a bump in the road. Travel insurance can go a long way in helping you sort out any obstacles, from lost luggage to last-minute checkups at the doctor.

If you’re going to be toting around expensive equipment, then you absolutely need to be covered. This is true for people heading out on adventure tours, such as skiing or snowboarding, along with musicians who might have pricey instruments with them. If Fido is coming with you, then you should both be covered.

Lastly, think about your medical history . If you rely on several medications and are prone to a lil’ medical emergency now and then, I highly recommend using travel insurance. You don’t want any hiccups when you’re being rushed to an urgent care center.

Tay Belgeri is a content writer with global experience. She writes for brands like Santander Bank, PokerStars, DraftKings, and OddsChecker. Her affiliate posts have appeared on AP News, Ranker, Notion, OK! Magazine, and other major sites. She writes about a variety of cultural topics (from sports to high fashion) but specializes in travel. Originally from Missouri, she now lives in Spain. In a few years, she will have spent more time outside the US than inside it. Career highlights: • Selected to present research by the National Council of Undergraduate Research (2014) • Acquired grants for New York City’s first Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (2015) • Joined OddsChecker’s US Launch team (2020) • Shortlisted for the Foreword INDIES (2021, 2023)

When Do You Need Travel Insurance?

T ravel is an adventure filled with unexpected detours. Whether it's a volcano erupting in Iceland or a sudden illness before a big trip to Kenya, the unpredictable happens. That's why travel insurance isn't just a checkbox on your planning list; it's a parachute in your backpack for your personal finances . Let's dive into when you really need travel insurance and how it shields your travel investments.

What travel insurance can cover

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind when it comes to several elements of travel.

Natural disasters and severe weather

Did you know that 12% of trips are affected by natural disasters? Take, for instance, my personal mishap in 2010 when the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted. Ash clouds billowed into the sky, grounding flights across Europe, including my own in London. Stuck unexpectedly and without travel insurance, the financial and logistical stress was immense. This experience underscored a harsh truth: Travel disruptions are not just possible; they are a real risk that can happen anywhere, anytime.

If your travel destination has a reputation for weather-related unpredictability, travel insurance is a must. It ensures you can recoup the costs if you need to cancel or your travel is disrupted. This kind of foresight is invaluable, particularly considering that 41% of U.S. travelers do not purchase travel insurance when going abroad.

Health emergencies

The risk of falling ill or having an accident is more common than most travelers anticipate. In 2022, 1 in 5 paid travel insurance claims was for medical emergencies. U.S. health plans often provide limited coverage overseas, which means you could be facing hefty medical bills far from home without travel insurance. Plus, emergency medical evacuation -- which can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000 -- is typically covered under travel medical insurance, safeguarding your health and your wallet.

Read more: check out our picks for the best car insurance companies

High-cost trips

Travel insurance is crucial if you're investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip or your travel plans include high-cost, non-refundable elements like tours, cruises, or multiple connecting flights. In 2022, the average claim payment for travel insurance was $2,157, while travelers only spent an average of $266 per policy. This relatively small investment can protect against significant financial losses, especially if your non-refundable trip costs are more than your budget can stand.

The "cancel for any reason" safety net

Sometimes, plans change not because of a disaster or illness but simply because you decide to. That's where "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage comes in. This add-on allows you to recover part of your investment even if your reason for canceling isn't covered under a standard policy. While CFAR can add about 50% to your insurance cost, it offers flexibility and peace of mind, reimbursing you for 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you cancel at least 48 hours before departure.

Long journeys and remote destinations

Extended vacations or travels to remote locations with limited medical facilities also warrant travel insurance. The further you are from home, the more complicated and expensive it is to handle unexpected issues like medical emergencies or trip interruptions. The average trip cancellation claim was $6,448 in 2022 -- highlighting how crucial it is to have coverage that matches the scope and scale of your journey.

This is also important if you plan to be abroad for a long time. For example, I live with my family in Switzerland for the summer, so we get insurance to cover our entire stay in the event we need to go to a doctor for anything from strep throat to a broken bone.

Other costs covered by travel insurance

Here's a quick list of what's typically covered.

• Trip cancellation: Reimburses 100% of prepaid, non-refundable deposits if you cancel for a covered reason.
• Travel delay: Covers expenses incurred due to delays if the policy covers the cause.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Allows cancellation for any reason not listed in the base policy and provides partial reimbursement.
• Trip interruption: Reimburses non-refundable parts of your trip if interrupted for a covered reason.
• Interruption for any reason (IFAR): This policy offers reimbursement for any interruption, regardless of the reason, as long as it's not listed in the base policy.
• Missed connection: Compensates for costs incurred due to missing a scheduled flight or other transportation due to a covered event.
• Baggage delay: Reimburses for necessary purchases like clothing and toiletries if bags go missing during travel.

These coverages help manage the risks and potential inconveniences associated with traveling, providing peace of mind no matter where your journey takes you.

When you should get travel insurance

Like auto or home insurance , travel insurance is often considered a prudent investment, especially under certain travel conditions where the risks and potential losses could be significant. Here are some scenarios where buying travel insurance proves to be especially worthwhile.

• High nonrefundable costs: If your trip's upfront costs are substantial and nonrefundable, insurance can protect you from severe financial loss if your plans fall through.
• International travel: Having insurance is crucial when traveling abroad, where unexpected issues can complicate matters.
• Remote destinations: Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind and safety in areas with limited healthcare facilities.
• Hurricane-prone areas: Insurance can protect you from last-minute cancellations and disruptions when traveling to regions known for hurricanes or other severe weather.
• Complex itineraries: With connecting flights or multiple destinations, the chances of encountering issues increase, making insurance a smart choice.
• Flexible cancellation options: Certain travel insurance policies can offer partial reimbursement if you need to cancel or cut your trip short for any reason.

Choosing whether to buy travel insurance is about assessing risk. Will the peace of mind of knowing you can handle almost any issue while away from home make your trip more enjoyable? If the answer is yes, then travel insurance is worth it.

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Summer travel and summer storms don't mix. What you're owed if your flight is affected.

Summer storms often disrupt flights, which can be a frustrating start or a disappointing finish to a vacation. As many prepare to take to the skies in the coming months, it's a good idea to read up on passenger rights so you can get what you're owed if something goes wrong.

New rules from the Department of Transportation require airlines to provide cash refunds automatically within seven business days if a flight is canceled or "significantly" changed. However, those rules don't go into effect until October, so this summer will still be protected by the old framework. The DOT has a number of online dashboards to help passengers better understand what they're entitled to in the meantime.

Here's what travelers should expect when their flights are canceled or delayed.

What happens if you get bumped? What to know when airlines overbook flights

What happens if my flight is canceled?

Department of Transportation rules  require all airlines to offer customers a refund if their flights are canceled for any reason, but customers may be entitled to additional compensation if a cancellation is within the airline's control. Weather is outside of airline control.

According to the DOT's consumer dashboard , if Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue or United cancel a flight for controllable reasons, they're committed to:

• rebooking passengers on the same airline or a partner airline, at no extra cost
• providing a meal or cash or voucher for a meal when the cancellation results in a passenger waiting at least 3 hours for a new flight
• providing complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation 
• providing complimentary ground transportation to and from a hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation

Alaska and JetBlue passengers are also eligible for additional compensation.

Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit do not book passengers on partner airlines. Additionally, Frontier does not offer hotel accommodations and related transport.

Cruising Altitude: Progress is not coming fast enough for disabled travelers

What happens if a flight is delayed?

"There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed," according to the Department of Transportation.

However, U.S. carriers have committed to various levels of compensation for significant delays within their control. Each airline, however, defines significant delays differently.

If a flight is significantly delayed for reasons within their control, Alaska, American, Delta, Jet Blue and United offer:

• providing a meal or cash or voucher for a meal when the delay results in a passenger waiting for at least 3 hours for departure
• providing complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
• providing complimentary ground transportation to and from a hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay

Alaska and JetBlue also offer extra compensation when the flight is delayed by 3 or more hours.

Allegiant, Frontier, Hawaiian, Southwest and Spirit do not rebook travelers on partner airlines. Frontier doesn't offer hotel accommodations or related transport either.

USA TODAY broke it down by airline: If your flight is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation from your airline

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is experiencing a long delay, the DOT suggests asking airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

The DOT dashboard reflects airlines' official policies, but many carriers handle compensation for delays on a case-by-case basis and may provide vouchers or other benefits in some situations that are not formally covered.

For example, according to Delta's Customer Commitment , "Delta representatives are empowered with the flexibility and discretion to issue the following forms of compensation for passenger inconvenience when individual circumstances warrant doing so: cash equivalents (e.g., gift cards), travel credits/vouchers, and/or miles for SkyMiles members."

Travel insurance can also help with cancellations and delays. Some credit card companies will also reimburse cardholders for expenses related to travel disruptions, when travel is booked on their cards.

My flight was canceled: How I got most of my costs covered (after 3 months)

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

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