International Travel Insurance (2024)

Travel insurance companies can cover many different types of unexpected difficulties, from losing your luggage to breaking your leg while skiing. However, most travel insurance plans do one of two things.

What are the two basic types of travel insurance?

The two main types of plans are trip cancellation and travel medical insurance.

Trip cancellation protects you if you need to cancel your trip while offering the additional benefits included in a travel medical plan detailed below. These policies usually cover the cost of the trip, with some additional benefits (lost luggage, trip delay, etc.). With trip cancellation, you can recoup most of the money that you spent on the trip, so long as the cancellation happens for “covered reasons,” which differ depending on the policy. These plans are short-term insurance solutions, usually available for a period of between 1 to 90 days.

Related: Cancel for Any Reason Plans

Travel medical insurance is designed to fill the gaps in your existing domestic health care plan that are not covered when you travel abroad. A short-term international medical policy gives you access to a global network of doctors, emergency assistance services, and translators who will help you in a medical emergency. Travel health insurance will cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies while traveling, along with the additional benefits like trip cancellation mentioned above. This type of coverage is usually available for between 5 days and one year and can be renewable for additional periods up to a maximum of 3 years.

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

With both types of policies, you can receive a quote, apply, and purchase online. Costs will vary depending on your age, the cost of your trip, the total amount of coverage you select, and any deductible you choose. Once you are confirmed with the coverage, you will receive your plan documents with instructions on how to use the policy if the need arises.

What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for International Travel?

Especially in today’s climate, with pandemics, natural disasters and other unexpected obstacles, your plans for international travel can change at any time. And if they don’t change, accidents can happen. It’s harder to get medical care when you’re far from home, and the costs can really add up — for you, and for your family.

With trip cancellation coverage you can recoup most of the money that you spent on the trip. And travel medical plans will cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies that occur while traveling. Our licensed advisors can also help you find the best medical care available where you’re going, connect you with doctors that speak your language, and arrange for transport home if things get really serious.

How Many Days Before a Trip Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

While plans can be purchased up to one day prior to departure, with certain travel insurance companies you should plan ahead farther than that! For example, some plans need you to purchase coverage at least two weeks prior to departure to ensure that your plan is active and will cover you for the duration of your travels. When working with one of our brokers and comparing travel insurance plans, make sure to check with them about the best time to buy.

Travel Coverage Options

We offer travel insurance plans for those traveling within their own countries, but most of our offerings are for international travel. Here are some of the best plan options we offer.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Cancellation?

Imagine having saved up for your vacation and you're all ready to head off when disaster strikes and the airline you are flying goes bankrupt! Or investing thousands of dollars for your dream to travel overseas when you are suddenly laid off from your job! These and various calamities can happen, and we can never plan for all eventual outcomes. However, if you purchase a travel policy, you can protect your investment if you need to make changes and cancel your plans under any circ*mstances.

Trip Cancellation - Covers the cost of your trip with some additional benefits (emergency medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, trip delay, etc.)

We recommend two main plans for trip cancellation coverage. The Safe Travel Voyager plan is excellent for US citizens traveling abroad. The WorldNomads plan is our recommended plan for people who reside outside of the USA.