Travel Insurance Basics
What the main kinds of cover do, and the questions worth asking.
Get Free Trip QuotesTravel insurance is the safety net for the things good planning cannot prevent: a broken ankle on a hiking trail, a family emergency the week before departure, a hospital stay far from home. This page covers the basics. For deeper, plain-English guides to policy types, see Cruise & Travel Insurance.
The Main Kinds of Cover
| Cover | What it is for | Worth asking |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical | Doctor and hospital bills when you fall ill or are injured away from home. | What is the limit? Does it pay the hospital directly or reimburse you later? |
| Medical evacuation | Transport to an adequate hospital or home when local care is not enough. | Who decides when evacuation is needed? Is it to the nearest suitable hospital or to your home? |
| Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you must cancel for a covered reason. | Which reasons are covered? Is there a pre-existing condition waiver? |
| Trip interruption | Covers unused costs and extra travel if you have to come home early. | Does it pay for a one-way flight home? |
| Delay and baggage | Meals, hotels and essentials during long delays; lost or delayed bags. | How many hours of delay before it pays? |
Fine Print That Matters
- Pre-existing conditions. Many policies exclude them unless you buy within a set period after your first trip payment. Read how the policy defines them.
- Activities. Scuba diving, skiing, motorbike rental and other adventure activities may need an add-on.
- Destinations under advisories. Some policies limit cover in countries under the highest State Department levels. Check before you buy.
- Documentation. Claims need receipts, medical reports and police reports. Keep copies of everything.
- Assistance line. Save your insurer’s 24-hour assistance number in your phone; call it first in a medical emergency if you can.
What Your Existing Cover May Not Do
Before buying anything, check what you already have. Your health plan may pay little or nothing abroad, and Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S. Homeowner or renter policies sometimes cover belongings away from home. Credit cards vary widely. Fill the gaps, rather than paying twice for the same cover.
Taking a cruise? Medical care at sea and evacuation from a ship raise their own questions; our sister site Cruising Is Safe explains how they work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I buy travel insurance?
Soon after you pay your first deposit is a sensible rule of thumb. Some benefits, such as cover for pre-existing conditions, may only be offered if you buy within a set window after your first payment. Check the policy wording.
Does my credit card already cover me?
Some premium cards include trip-delay, baggage or cancellation benefits, but they rarely include meaningful medical or evacuation cover. Read your card’s benefit guide before relying on it.
Will insurance pay if I change my mind about going?
Standard cancellation cover only pays for the reasons listed in the policy. Some insurers sell an optional upgrade that lets you cancel for other reasons and get back part of your cost.
Get Quotes and Insurance Advice Together
A travel specialist can quote your trip and talk through insurance options so the cover matches the trip you actually book.
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