post office travel and health insurance

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Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program

The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which will provide health insurance to eligible Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members starting in 2025. The PSHB Program coverage will replace Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program coverage for these groups.

USPS has issued fact sheets on the PSHB program – one for current Postal employees , and one for Postal annuitants . Visiting these links will bring you to a USPS-owned website.

PSHB Program NPRM FAQ

Corrected June 11, 2024

On May 24, 2024, OPM’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Postal Service Health Benefits Program: Additional Requirements and Clarifications , was published in the Federal Register . The proposed rule expands on previous regulations concerning the PSHB Program and is intended to provide greater detail and clarity necessary to properly implement PSHB in 2025 and beyond. Specific topics include: reconsideration of PSHB eligibility decisions, various applications of the Medicare Part B enrollment requirement, allocation of reserve credits, calendar year alignment of Government contribution requirements, financial reporting and actuarial calculations, premium payment prioritization from the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, and Medicare Part D integration.

Public comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be accepted for 30 days, until June 23, 2024, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal .

When will the proposals in the proposed rule be effective?

The rule is a notice of proposed rulemaking and is open for public comment for 30 days until June 23, 2024. After considering comments received through the notice and comment process, OPM will work toward the goal of issuing a final rule with an effective date before the PSHB transitional Open Season begins on November 11, 2024.

What Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits are required to be offered by PSHB carriers?

Under the Postal Service Reform Act (PSRA), all PSHB carriers are required to provide prescription drug benefits for Medicare Part D-eligible Postal Service annuitants and their Part D-eligible family members through a Medicare Part D employer group waiver plan (EGWP). This is a new requirement for PSHB plans that does not apply to FEHB plans. PSHB Carriers must offer a Part D EGWP to all Medicare Part D-eligible PSHB annuitants and their Part D-eligible covered family members. This Part D EGWP will provide prescription drug benefits to these Part D-eligible individuals.

Are Medicare Part D-eligible PSHB annuitants and their Medicare Part D-eligible family members required to be enrolled in the PSHB Part D EGWP?

While the proposed rule reflects that Medicare Part D-eligible annuitants and their Part D-eligible family members would be automatically group enrolled into the Part D EGWP, it reflects that they may choose to opt out of receiving prescription drug coverage through the PSHB Part D EGWP. This proposed rule provides, consistent with the statute, that the Part D EGWP offered by their PSHB plan is the only PSHB prescription drug benefit available for Part D-eligible PSHB annuitants and their Part D-eligible covered family members. As proposed, Medicare Part D-eligible annuitants and their family members who choose to opt out of or disenroll from the PSHB plan’s Part D EGWP would not have access to prescription drug benefits through their PSHB plan and would not pay a lower premium than those enrolled in the Part D EGWP. An individual who opts out of or disenrolls from the Part D EGWP would be allowed to enroll again during the next open season or an applicable Qualifying Life Event (QLE) if they wish.

What is EGWP group enrollment and what are the requirements for Carriers?

Group enrollment is a permitted method of Medicare Part D enrollment that allows a Carrier to enroll a group of individuals into Medicare Part D at one time. OPM is proposing to require PSHB Carriers to group enroll Medicare Part D eligible enrollees into their PSHB plan’s Part D EGWP.  As proposed, Medicare Part D-eligible annuitants and Part D-Eligible covered family members could choose to opt out of this group enrollment and decline Medicare Part D coverage through PSHB. Carriers must comply with Medicare requirements regarding Part D EGWP group enrollment.

How will PSHB processes for reconsiderations of enrollment decisions differ from existing FEHB processes?

The NPRM proposes that OPM will be responsible for reconsidering certain initial enrollment decisions and issuing final decisions regarding enrollments and coverage of family members for the PSHB Program. This is similar to how these processes are handled currently in FEHB.

PSHB enrollment decisions are different from FEHB because, for purposes of the Part B enrollment requirements for certain Postal Service annuitants, OPM is relying on information received from other federal agencies. For example, Medicare eligible Postal Service annuitants may be eligible for an exception from the Part B enrollment requirement if they are receiving health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposed reconsiderations process for PSHB would provide a process for enrollees to contest accuracy of information that came from an agency other than OPM.

The proposed rule also includes deadlines for requesting reconsiderations, and the circumstances under which the time limit may be extended. These time limits align with those for FEHB.

How may correction of errors for PSHB enrollments differ from FEHB?

The NPRM proposes an expanded role for OPM in the correction of enrollment errors for PSHB as compared to FEHB. This is to account for OPM’s central role in administering the PSHB enrollment process. The NPRM proposes that OPM could also make prospective or retroactive corrections of administrative errors at any time, rather than only the employing office which makes such corrections for FEHB. The NPRM proposes that retroactive corrections would be subject to certain withholding and contributions.

How may court review for PSHB differ from FEHB?

The NPRM proposes a process and timeline for PSHB enrollment-related lawsuits for OPM enrollment actions that are based on data received from other agencies. In general, lawsuits involving information from agencies other than OPM must be brought no later than December 31 of the 3 rd year after the year of the enrollment action, which aligns with the timeline for court review of FEHB claims. OPM proposed the new process because PSHB enrollment actions may account for the Medicare Part B enrollment requirement for most Medicare eligible Postal annuitants, which would require information from agencies other than OPM.

What will happen to current USPS employees, annuitants, and their covered family members during the 2024 Open Season if they do not make an active plan selection?

USPS employees, annuitants and their covered family members will be automatically enrolled into a PSHB plan for the 2025 plan year to avoid coverage disruptions. OPM is proposing to more clearly delineate the process for automatic enrollment into a PSHB plan for those enrollees who do not select a PSHB plan option during the 2024 transitional Open Season. OPM has proposed that enrollees who take no action during the transitional Open Season would be automatically enrolled into the same plan that has equivalent benefits and cost-sharing to the 2025 FEHB plan option in which the Postal employee or annuitant was enrolled for the 2024 plan year. If there is no equivalent option, the enrollee would be enrolled in the lowest cost option for that carrier in the same geographic region that is not a high deductible health plan and does not charge an association or membership fee. OPM has also proposed automatic enrollment options for when a carrier does not offer a plan in FEHB in 2025 but does offer a 2025 PSHB plan and the automatic enrollment option, established in the PSRA, if no equivalent or similar plan is offered in PSHB (the lowest cost nationwide plan that is not a high deductible health plan and does charge a membership fee).

As a reminder, enrollees may select a different PSHB plan during Open Season if they choose.

More information about automatic enrollment is available in the preamble to the NPRM.

How and when will PSHB plan reserves be credited? How will the reserves be incorporated in the 2025 rate calculation?

The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA) requires that OPM maintain separate PSHB reserves, including separate contingency reserves, and requires that PSHB plans are credited with a proportional amount of FEHB reserve funds for the new PSHB plans. OPM proposes to credit the PSHB reserves as soon as practicable on or after January 1, 2025.

OPM is proposing to credit reserves from FEHB plans to PSHB plans based on the 2024 premium attributable to the Postal enrollee population as a percentage of 2024 premium income. As proposed, the requirement to credit reserves would apply to all 2024 FEHB Carriers with Postal enrollees, whether or not they are offering 2025 PSHB plans. More detail about OPM’s proposals to attribute these credits to plans and plan options is available in the preamble to the NPRM and in Carrier Letter 2023-13 published July 19, 2023.

Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program FAQs

The team at OPM, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service (Postal Service), is working tirelessly to help ensure a seamless transition and positive experience for Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their families.

What to Know Right Now

Who is eligible for coverage through the pshb program.

According to the law, Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their family members who are currently eligible for coverage under the FEHB Program will be eligible for coverage under the PSHB Program.

Is there anything Postal Service employees or annuitants need to do right now to keep their health insurance coverage?

Not immediately. Employees, annuitants, and eligible family members may continue to participate in the FEHB Program for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 plan years. Their current FEHB enrollment will continue unless they make any changes prior to January 2025. OPM and the Postal Service will continue to provide updates leading up to the 2024 PSHB Open Season to help ensure a smooth transition for all eligible employees and annuitants.

When does the PSHB Program begin?

The first opportunity to select a PSHB plan will take place during Open Season in late 2024, and coverage under the PSHB health benefits program coverage will begin January 2025.

Are there any upcoming deadlines to know about?

Eligible Postal Service employees and Postal Service annuitants must enroll in a PSHB plan during the PSHB Program Open Season in late 2024. Postal Service employees and Postal Service annuitants currently enrolled in FEHB plans who do not enroll in a new PSHB plan during Open Season in 2024 will automatically be enrolled in a PSHB plan.

Will the PSHB Program affect enrollment in any other benefits?

Enrollment in a PSHB plan will not disrupt enrollment in other insurance and benefits programs, including:

• Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
• Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
• Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), or
• Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)

Does the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA) allow Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members to remain in a Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan in 2025?

While Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members will remain in the FEHB Program, for coverage effective January 1, 2025, they will no longer be able to remain in an FEHB plan. During Open Season in 2024, eligible individuals must enroll or will be automatically enrolled in a Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plan, within the FEHB Program, in order to receive health insurance based upon their active employment with or retirement from the Postal Service.

Does the Postal Service Reform Act (PSRA) affect the ability of family members of Postal Service employees or Postal Service annuitants who are separately eligible for enrollment in FEHB plans to enroll in FEHB plans?

No. If a family member of a Postal Service employee or Postal Service annuitant meets the eligibility requirements for enrollment in an FEHB plan, such as through qualifying employment with the Federal government, the PSRA will not affect their eligibility to enroll in an FEHB plan or affect their ability to cover their eligible family members.

Will there be an opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty?

Yes. Most Postal Service annuitants and their eligible family members who are entitled to Medicare Part A will be eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B during a six-month special enrollment period (SEP). Individuals who qualify for the SEP will receive a separate notification prior to April 1, 2024, in accordance with the PSRA.

Does the implementation of the PSHB Program affect eligibility for continuing enrollment in health benefits after retirement?

Yes. Subject to limited exceptions, Postal Service annuitants and their family members who are entitled to Medicare Part A must enroll in Medicare Part B to be eligible to continue PSHB coverage.

Post Office Travel Insurance – Everything You Need to Know

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

We see your suitcase is packed and your passport is ready. But before you dash off to your dream destination, let’s talk about that non-negotiable travel buddy: insurance.

Not just any insurance, but Post Office Travel Insurance. Here’s everything you need to know.

In this article...

Post Office Travel Insurance: An Introduction

Post Office Travel Insurance isn’t a boring old postal service. It’s a lifeline for travelers, offering a safety net across the globe. It’s been awarded the ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ by the British Travel Awards for 12 consecutive years – pretty impressive, right?

Their policies are designed to cover various unexpected events during your journey, from medical emergencies to travel disruptions.

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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.

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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.

Decoding the Types of Post Office Travel Insurance

Here’s the good news: Post Office Travel Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. They offer different types of cover to suit your unique travel needs. Here’s a quick run-through:

• Single Trip Insurance: Perfect for one-off adventures, this covers you for a single holiday or business trip.
• Annual Multi-Trip Insurance: If you’ve got a severe case of wanderlust and plan multiple trips in a year, this policy has got you covered.
• Backpacker Insurance: Designed for the intrepid globetrotter, this policy covers long trips and even working holidays.
• Over 50s Travel Insurance: Tailored for travelers over 50, this policy offers comprehensive cover and no upper age limit.
• Family Travel Insurance: A policy that protects the entire family under one umbrella. It often includes free cover for children.

The Perks and Protection: What’s Covered?

A key part of choosing your travel insurance is understanding the cover provided. Post Office Travel Insurance offers protection against:

• Medical Emergencies: From sudden illness to injury, your medical expenses are covered. This includes hospital fees, transport, and even a return journey if needed.
• Cancellation and Curtailment: If you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, you’re protected against any financial loss.
• Baggage Loss: Say goodbye to worries about lost luggage. If your baggage goes on an adventure of its own, the Post Office has got you covered.
• Travel Delays: Stuck at the airport due to delayed or cancelled flights? You’re eligible for compensation.
• Personal Liability: If you cause harm to someone or their property, the policy has got your back.

Remember, it’s crucial to read the policy document carefully to know exactly what’s covered.

Post Office Travel Insurance vs Private Travel Insurance: Comparison

Of course, the Post Office isn’t the only game in town when it comes to travel insurance.

There are plenty of private companies offering competitive policies. So how does Post Office Travel Insurance stack up against them? Let’s have a closer look.

Post Office Travel Insurance

Post Office Travel Insurance shines in its comprehensive coverage . It’s a solid choice for many travelers, thanks to its broad variety of plans , from single trips to annual multi-trips.

Here’s a snapshot of what makes it stand out:

• Range of Policies: With policies tailored to backpackers, over-50s, families, and frequent flyers, the Post Office caters to a wide demographic of travelers.
• Broad Coverage: They provide extensive coverage, including medical emergencies, cancellation, curtailment, lost baggage, and travel delays.
• Ease of Application: The application process is user-friendly and straightforward, with the ability to apply directly through their website.

Private Travel Insurance Companies

Private travel insurance companies, like World Nomads and Allianz Travel, bring their unique strengths to the table. Here’s what they offer:

• Specialist Coverage: Some private companies specialize in certain types of coverage. For example, World Nomads is renowned for its adventure travel insurance, covering over 200 adventure activities.
• Flexible Policies: Many private insurers offer the flexibility to extend your coverage or adjust your policy even after your journey has begun.
• Additional Benefits : Some private insurers offer extra perks. For example, Allianz Travel provides coverage for rental car damage or theft as part of their policies.

In the end, the best travel insurance for you will depend on your individual needs and travel plans. It’s important to closely examine each policy’s offerings, exclusions , and price before making a decision.

While Post Office Travel Insurance offers a one-stop-shop solution with policies for every type of traveler, private insurers may provide more specialized coverage or added flexibility.

Be sure to weigh your options carefully to choose the policy that’s the perfect fit for your journey.

Easy-Peasy Application Process

Applying for Post Office Travel Insurance is as breezy as a walk in the park. Simply hop onto their website, choose your policy, fill in your travel details, and hit apply. You’ll then receive a quote. If you’re happy with it, proceed to payment. Boom! You’re insured.

The Final Word

Post Office Travel Insurance is all about taking the worry out of your wanderlust, offering a safety net that lets you savor your adventures fully. And remember, always travel insured because no trip should be a gamble.

1. Is Post Office Travel Insurance good?

With numerous awards under its belt and a wide range of comprehensive policies, Post Office Travel Insurance is certainly a strong contender in the market. However, as with any insurance, ensure it fits your personal needs before purchasing.

2. How do I make a claim with Post Office Travel Insurance?

Making a claim with Post Office Travel Insurance is straightforward. You can make a claim online on their website, or call them on their claims line. Remember, always have your policy number and relevant documents handy when making a claim.

3. Can I get a refund if I don’t use my Post Office Travel Insurance?

If you cancel your Post Office Travel Insurance within 14 days of purchase and haven’t made a claim or started your trip, you can receive a full refund. After 14 days, the refund policy may vary.

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Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World

Post office travel insurance.

Traveling is an exciting adventure that offers numerous opportunities for discovery, exploration, and growth. However, like any journey, there are risks that come with it. That’s where travel insurance comes in. In this article, we’ll examine Post Office Travel Insurance, what it offers, and how it can benefit travelers like you.

What is Post Office Travel Insurance?

Post Office Travel Insurance is a type of insurance policy that aims to protect travelers from unexpected risks that may arise during their trip. These risks may include trip cancellations or delays, lost or stolen luggage or personal belongings, medical emergencies, and other incidents that can disrupt a traveler’s journey.

What are the Benefits of Post Office Travel Insurance?

Post Office Travel Insurance offers various benefits to travelers, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for a range of travel-related risks
• Flexibility and customizability to suit travelers’ unique needs
• A 24/7 helpline for emergency support
• Competitive prices and transparent policies

These benefits can help travelers enjoy peace of mind and confidence during their trip, knowing that they’re protected in case of unexpected events.

What Types of Travel Insurance Does Post Office Offer?

Post Office Travel Insurance offers various types of travel insurance policies, including:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance
• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
• Backpacker Travel Insurance
• Winter Sports Travel Insurance
• Family Travel Insurance
• Cruise Travel Insurance

Each policy caters to different types of travelers and their unique needs. For example, the Single Trip Travel Insurance is ideal for those taking a one-time trip, while the Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance is best for frequent travelers. The Backpacker Travel Insurance is designed for those taking an extended trip, while the Winter Sports Travel Insurance provides coverage for winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding.

How Much Does Post Office Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of Post Office Travel Insurance depends on various factors, such as the type of policy, the duration of the trip, the traveler’s age, and the destination. Typically, policies start from as low as £4.20 for Single Trip Travel Insurance and £42.00 for Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance, making Post Office Travel Insurance an affordable option for many travelers.

How to Buy Post Office Travel Insurance?

Buying Post Office Travel Insurance is quick and easy. Interested travelers can purchase a policy online, over the phone, or in selected Post Office branches. They just need to provide some basic information about their trip, destination, and personal details, and they’ll receive a quote and policy instantly.

Post Office Travel Insurance is a valuable investment for travelers who want to protect themselves from unexpected risks during their trip. With comprehensive coverage, competitive prices, and flexible policies, it’s a reliable option for many types of travelers. By choosing Post Office Travel Insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence during your adventures, knowing that you’re protected.

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Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Departure? [Costs, Coverage, and More]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

How to get travel insurance when you’re already abroad, options for post-departure travel insurance, why it might make sense to buy travel insurance after departure, when is it too late to buy travel insurance, final thoughts.

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The best time to buy travel insurance is shortly after you book your travel, but it’s still a good idea to buy travel insurance even if you’ve already started your trip.

While your coverage and policy options will be more limited than they would have been if you’d purchased travel insurance at — or soon after — booking, you can still get great travel insurance coverage when you’re already abroad.

Let’s explore your travel insurance options after departure and what’s covered.

You can buy travel insurance after departure. The trick is finding a travel insurance company that offers a post-departure policy . Most travel insurance companies only allow travel insurance purchases up to the day before departure. 

Still, some reputable travel insurance companies, such as Allianz Global Assistance and World Nomads , issue travel insurance after departure. If you’re simply looking for travel health insurance, Genki or SafetyWing are options, too.

Limitations of Post-Departure Travel Insurance

When you purchase travel insurance after departure, your coverage is limited. You should expect waiting periods, fewer policy choices, and less overall coverage than with travel insurance you buy at or shortly after booking.

Generally, post-departure travel insurance coverage focuses on medical emergencies , not trip cancellation or interruption benefits. And you’re not likely to get coverage for preexisting conditions, as most travel insurance companies only cover preexisting conditions if you buy coverage shortly after you start booking your trip.

Costs of Post-Departure Travel Insurance

How much you’ll pay for post-departure travel insurance depends on the travel insurance company, policy, coverages, and risk factors such as your age and destination. Expect to pay about $45 for a month of travel health insurance and $100 or more for a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip interruption, emergency medical, and other travel insurance benefits.

Comprehensive post-departure travel insurance plans are hard to come by, but you can generally get medical emergency travel insurance after your trip departure. Consider these post-departure travel insurance options:

The only comprehensive post-departure travel insurance plan we could find is with World Nomads. With a World Nomads Explorer or Standard plan, you can get coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical treatment or evacuation, baggage delay or loss, rental car damage, a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , and more.

While World Nomads offers comprehensive post-departure travel insurance, some benefits have a waiting period. For example, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for your trip cancellation benefit to become effective. However, you’re usually covered right away for medical benefits.

Allianz Global Assistance, in comparison, offers the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan , which doesn’t insure the cost of your trip but offers emergency medical expense benefits and other post-departure coverages. Additional coverage benefits include trip delays, missed connections, baggage delays, and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Medical-Only Travel Insurance After Departure

Once you’ve reached your destination, you may be less concerned about trip cancellation but still want coverage for medical emergencies. You can get post-departure travel health insurance from providers including Genki and SafetyWing.

Genki’s travel health insurance is a monthly insurance subscription for up to 2 years designed for frequent travelers . With no citizenship or residency requirements, all travelers up to age 69 can get a Genki Explorer travel health insurance policy — even if you’re already traveling.

A Genki Explorer plan offers coverage for medical treatment, including emergency medical transportation and sports injuries, and limited dental and mental health treatment. However, there are exclusions : preexisting conditions, dangerous activities, professional sports, consequences of drug or excessive alcohol consumption, active participation in war, and medical tourism. There is no coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, flight delays, lost luggage, or other common travel insurance benefits beyond medical coverage.

Similar to Genki Explorer, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is good for 28 days at a time and is available for travelers up to 69 years old. You can buy it whether you’re at home or already traveling. You’re covered for medical costs anywhere outside of your home country except for sanctioned areas or countries.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance covers unexpected illnesses or injuries, including eligible expenses for hospitals, doctors, and prescription drugs. It doesn’t cover routine checkups or preventive care, but it offers emergency travel-related benefits such as evacuation from local unrest, unplanned overnight stays, and lost checked luggage. 

Check your credit card’s travel insurance benefits. While credit card travel insurance generally offers limited coverage benefits when compared to comprehensive travel insurance plans, your credit card’s travel protection benefits may be competitive with post-departure travel insurance options.

Though it’s best to buy travel insurance soon after you book, and ideally before your trip starts, you can still get a lot of value from post-departure travel insurance. 

One of the most valuable aspects of travel insurance is coverage for medical emergencies , a benefit you’ll get with post-departure travel insurance. You can also take advantage of the insurance policy’s emergency medical evacuation benefit if you need it. And your post-departure travel insurance policy may offer additional benefits such as lost or delayed baggage coverage and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Pros of Buying Travel Insurance After Departure

• You can still get valuable travel insurance coverage
• Costly emergency medical expenses are covered
• Some benefits are immediately active

Cons of Buying Travel Insurance After Departure

• Waiting periods before some coverages become effective
• No pre-departure benefits, including trip cancellation coverage
• No time-sensitive benefits such as a preexisting condition waiver or cancel for any reason coverage

As long as you’re on your trip, you can benefit from buying travel insurance. For example, if you’ve reached your destination, you might not benefit from trip cancellation coverage anymore, but you can still use your emergency medical benefits.

If you’re already on your trip and start to feel ill, then yes, it’s probably too late to get travel insurance that covers medical expenses for your illness. Or if you’re in the last few days of traveling and nearly home, you might decide it’s not worth having coverage for a short period — especially if insurance waiting periods limit how much time you’ll have active coverage.

Buying travel insurance soon after you book your travel gives you the most policy options, comprehensive coverage, and time-sensitive benefits. But if you’re already traveling and want to add travel insurance coverage, you still have worthy options, especially for emergency medical expenses.

Getting travel insurance post-departure is still a good idea because it can protect you during unexpected emergencies. But coverage limitations and waiting periods may apply, so be sure to read the fine print to understand what’s covered or not. And if you primarily seek emergency medical coverage, post-departure travel insurance can be valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it too late to buy travel insurance.

For some travel insurance providers, it’s too late to buy travel insurance once your trip has started, as many only allow you to purchase travel insurance up to a day before departure. However, some travel insurance companies do offer post-departure policies.

When should you buy travel insurance?

Buying travel insurance immediately after booking your trip is best, as you’ll have the most coverage options and can maximize your trip cancellation benefits the sooner your trip is covered.

Is it best to buy travel insurance before or after you book?

Buying travel insurance after booking is best, as most travel insurance companies ask about your first trip deposit when you get a travel insurance policy quote. You’ll need to know or at least be able to estimate your total travel costs to get coverage, and it’s easier to do so after you’ve booked travel.

Is travel insurance valid if obtained after departure?

Travel insurance obtained after departure is valid but usually limited compared to comprehensive travel insurance policies available prior to departure. Generally, post-departure travel insurance is limited to medical emergencies and related expenses rather than trip cancellation benefits.

How late can I buy travel insurance for a cruise?

Most travel insurance companies only offer policies up to the day before your cruise departure. However, some travel insurance companies offer post-departure policies subject to limitations and waiting periods.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It's complicated.

• Travel insurance can be complicated, but it's worth it if you have travel expenses that insurance would cover.
• You might not need travel insurance if you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free.
• If you're leaving the country, you'll likely need travel insurance.

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If you're planning to travel somewhere this summer, you're probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He's headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he's covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, "or if a volcano erupts," he said.

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But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chances are, so have you.

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that's busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere – wars in Europe and the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcano or two. It's no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, said PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

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"According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities," he said.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

You need peace of mind 

But don't just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind – knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be taken care of.

"Knowing you're protected from unforeseen travel mishaps – like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies – can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don't need insurance

Here's when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

◾ If you already have coverage. "You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card, or through group benefits with an organization," said Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there's no need to buy more coverage. You're all set.

◾ If you're not traveling far. If you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative's sofa, then there's not much to insure. "If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don't need to think about health insurance coverage," said Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

◾ If your trip isn't insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying "yes" to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you're booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here's when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here's when you need the extra coverage:

◾ If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. "If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it's best to take out travel insurance," said Lauren Gumport, a spokeswoman for Faye Travel Insurance ."This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities." The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.

◾ If you're leaving the country. "Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders," said John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

◾ If you can't afford to lose your trip. "When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions, or emergencies," explained Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA). "Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?"  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa recently. I had to buy a standalone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

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How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So, how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I mentioned – it's complicated.

Hopkins said he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, "but how much, and what I cover, varies," he explained.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something went wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

"We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland," he said. "And you just never know." 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual Medjet Horizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

"I’ve heard good things about them," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t need any of it."

How do I insure my trips?

I'm on the road about 360 days a year, so I'm always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a long-time Medjet Horizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know – that's a lot of peace of mind. 

But I've also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

W hen it comes to travel, there are generally two types of people: people who cannot travel as it is too expensive and those who budget $4,000 per year for vacations, according to Forbes. Travel is costly, so people often purchase travel insurance to safeguard their financial investment from unforeseen events like illnesses, luggage delays, personal emergencies, and more.

When policyholders pay honest money for an insurance policy to offer protection, they want to be able to reap the benefits of the travel insurance claim. If your travel insurance company has denied payment, our tips on how to properly file a travel insurance claim may be helpful.

Why Buy Travelers Insurance?

Travel is generally less stressful with vacation insurance — it is packaged as a wise investment that can protect you against financial losses due to unexpected events. For instance, the U.S. State Department highly recommends international travel trip insurance as Medicare and Medicaid often do not cover overseas medical costs.

The travel insurance premium is relatively small compared to the non-refundable trip costs you could lose in a bad situation. It is particularly worth it if your trip involves non-refundable costs, international travel, or travel to a remote area with limited healthcare facilities or regions prone to natural disasters.

Some of the primary reasons people buy trip insurance are to help offset:

• Emergency medical services and treatment
• Cancellations due to a sudden illness or serious health condition
• Emergency evacuation
• Loss of a friend or family member
• Compromised destinations
• Delayed or lost luggage
• Trip interruption or cancellation

What Is Not Covered By Travel Insurance?

The best insurance policies cover basic and common travel risks and bundle different coverage types related to trip cancellation, medical issues, luggage or trip delays, and more. Travel insurance is not meant to cover all foreseeable events, and every policy will address exclusions differently. Examples of potential limitations are:

• Tropical storms, hurricanes, and other dangerous weather conditions
• Certain medical issues
• Acts of war
• High-risk behavior involving drugs, unlawful acts, or riots
• Government-imposed restrictions

Travel insurance claims submitted without proper documentation or cancellation for reasons not covered by your travel policy are surefire ways to prevent coverage and reimbursement. This is why it is helpful to understand travel insurance coverage properly and take appropriate actions before assuming foul play.

Can You Cancel Travel Insurance and Get a Refund?

Most travel insurance carriers allow refunds, depending on when a policy is canceled and if there is a money-back guarantee. Most insurers ask that the policy be revoked during the review period outlined in the contract terms to qualify for a complete travel insurance refund. If the review period has passed, then policyholders might be eligible for a partial refund or not qualify for one at all.

What To Do if a Travel Insurance Claim Is Denied

If your travel insurance claim submitted for medical reasons, delays, cancellations, or any other reason was denied by your insurer, then remember that you have options. Both denials and rejections may happen for valid as well as unethical reasons. An insurance claim denial is not the end of the road; you can dig deeper to figure out whether you can still be reimbursed under your insurance.

Travel insurance claims are routinely denied when policyholders make common mistakes in their claim forms, or they mistakenly assume their policy covers their specific situation. Good faith denials happen when policyholders do not fill out their travel insurance claim form correctly, do not submit the right documents, or do not include info like contact details for follow-up questions.

In some cases, travel insurance companies may wrongly deny claims and stall the claims process. For instance, they might fail to investigate the claim or conduct proper due diligence. In such scenarios, it is advisable that policyholders adjust and resubmit their insurance claim, appeal the denial, or pursue legal action if insurers continue to illegally hold their payout.

How To Appeal a Travel Insurance Claim: 4 Steps

The travel insurance claim appeal process allows policyholders to ask the insurer to reconsider its decision. When appealing their travel insurance claim, policyholders must:

• Carefully Review the Denial Letter: Review the specific reasons for the denial to determine your next steps. Cross-check the reasons stated with your policy documents, additional emails, and other papers.
• Review Your Policy: Review the terms of your travel insurance policy and pay attention to disclaimers, damage limits, filing time limits, and submission requirements.
• Reach Out for Assistance: After carefully reviewing your policy, if you find the denial letter and policy terms do not line up, contact an insurance legal expert with experience in handling travel insurance claims for help.
• Gather Documentation and Keep Careful Records: Maintain communication records with your insurer, copies of denial letters, and other documentation regarding your claim.

How To Write a Travel Insurance Claim Letter

Sometimes, travelers have to file a trip insurance claim when their vacation does not go according to the plan. A travel insurance claim letter is a formal piece of communication between you and your insurance agency. Its purpose is to ask for reimbursement for covered damages or losses under the travel insurance policy. Therefore, it is important to craft a professional and detailed claim letter to increase your chances of a favorable resolution.

A claim letter should include the following information:

• Introduce Yourself. Include all relevant information of the person appealing (such as the policy number and contact information).
• Address the Denial. Summarize the date you received the letter and why the denial was made. Do not leave out any important details.
• Point Out the Error. Explain why you do not agree with the claims denial, based on your policy and pertinent information.
• Attach Extra Documents. Include all other documents supporting your trip insurance claim, such as photos, additional correspondence, transcripts of phone calls, etc.

How Long Does It Take To Get Reimbursed From Insurance?

Travel insurance companies generally process most claims within a few weeks. Sometimes, the insurance claims process office might have follow-up questions, thereby increasing the time you can expect to hear back. However, if you feel that your insurance claim is taking months to resolve without a proper reason, you should speak to an experienced insurance dispute lawyer. While every situation is different, policyholders should always keep careful and consistent notes as it will help them take informed legal action if necessary.

Travel Insurance Claims Advice on Documentation

You must be thorough with your documentation to enhance your chance of successful recovery. When you file a trip claim, your insurer will more likely refund travel insurance when you include the following information in your claim submission:

• Lost Luggage: Make a list of what was lost, along with the details and cost of each lost item.
• Job Loss: Request that your previous employer send you a notarized letter on company letterhead in the case of a trip cancellation due to job loss.
• Medical Emergency: Include detailed medical records in your claim if a health emergency kept you from traveling.
• Canceled/Delayed Flight: If you could not attend your trip because the flight was canceled or delayed, provide proof such as an email that relays the reasons (mechanical issues, weather, etc.).
• Receipts for Delayed Flights: You might want to keep receipts for necessary expenses incurred due to delays, like hotel stays, transportation costs, meals, and personal necessities.
• Police Reports: These reports can help substantiate claims made for stolen items or car troubles.
• Other Reports: You may include tickets for unused flights or excursions in your insurance claim.

Has a Formal Complaint Been Filed Against the Travel Supplier?

Formal complaints against travel suppliers are helpful in legal cases dealing with similar situations. The Van Rossem v. Penney Travel Service (April 15, 1985) case exemplifies travel insurance gone wrong.

In this case, a newlywed couple arranged a honeymoon trip with travel agent Penney Travel. The agent used a wholesaler, Lotus Tours, to book the reservation without the couple's knowledge. Lotus Tours abruptly went bankrupt before booking the client's reservation with SANDLES, which remained unpaid. When the case came before the court, the judge noted that "an agent who makes the contract in his own name for an undisclosed principal is liable as a principal." Here, the defendant had failed to disclose the identity of Lotus Tours, and so, it was responsible as the principal. The couple had paid $2,059 in advance. The judge awarded them reimbursement of $1,312, plus costs and disbursements.

In another lawsuit, Touhey v. Trans National Travel , a travel agent did not check to see if the hotel a client had booked was duly constructed. The plaintiff-client was awarded $25,000 in special damages because of the mistake.

What Are Bad Faith Insurance Practices?

Bad faith insurance refers to unethical insurance practices used by an insurer to delay, deny, or lowball policyholders. Examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• Misrepresenting contract language to prevent a payout
• Failing to disclose policy limitations and exclusions to policyholders
• Making unreasonable demands, like excessive paperwork requests to prove a covered loss

Sometimes, only a seasoned insurance dispute lawyer who regularly deals with contract breaches and bad faith claims can identify honest errors from serious red flags and help a policyholder get paid their due.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim: A Summary

Travelers usually plan their vacations down to the last detail. Travel insurance is a buffer for unplanned curveballs that can derail even the most meticulous plans, such as medical emergencies or misplaced luggage.

Insurance companies are explicit about what travel mishaps or unexpected events they will or will not cover, which is why it is crucial to understand policy limitations and how to properly file a travel insurance claim.

As a final snapshot, the key steps to filing a travel insurance claim include:

• Reviewing policy terms and exclusions.
• Gathering necessary documentation based on submission requirements.
• Submitting your claim according to the insurer's timing and filing guidelines.
• Filing an appeal if an insurance claim is wrongly denied.
• Consulting an experienced insurance dispute lawyer to assist with an intentionally stalled, denied, or undervalued claim.

Travel insurance claims can become challenging, depending on the situation and response from your insurer. When small bumps in the road become permanent roadblocks, it is helpful to know that qualified travel insurance claims attorneys are available to help frustrated policyholders recover their losses. 

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The Cornell Student Health Plan (SHP) offers platinum-level health insurance coverage to undergraduate, graduate, professional, and medical students, as well as their dependents. All degree-seeking students at the university must be enrolled in SHP or possess alternative insurance that meets university standards. Certain students are mandated to enroll in SHP and cannot opt out of this coverage.

Please note that Cornell does not provide insurance coverage for personal property belonging to students in the event of damage or theft while they are enrolled at Cornell. Students are advised to obtain a separate insurance policy to cover their personal belongings or review the terms of any applicable homeowner’s insurance policy.

For inquiries about the Student Health Insurance program, please contact the Office of Student Health Benefits .

It is strongly recommended that students obtain insurance coverage for their personal belongings.  Student Personal Property Insurance , which safeguards student possessions worldwide against specified causes of loss, is available through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.  Please be advised that Cornell does NOT receive any form of compensation for offering this service to its students.

International Travel Insurance

Cornell University provides comprehensive accident, sickness, and emergency care insurance coverage, coupled with 24/7 travel assistance, at no charge to registered travelers participating in Cornell-related international trips. This coverage applies to students, faculty, and staff registered in the travel registry who are traveling outside their home country. For non-U.S. citizens, “home country” refers to their current country of residence or domicile. Please note that this insurance excludes coverage for preventative or routine care, as well as treatment of pre-existing conditions. All individuals—students, faculty, and staff—engaged in Cornell travel are eligible for this insurance, provided they are registered in the travel registry and not residing in their home country at the time of travel.

See  Travel Insurance Certificate Letter  and other insurance coverage information

GeoBlue Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors

According to US Government regulations, all exchange visitors (J1 visa holders) and their dependents (J2) must maintain health and accident insurance to be eligible for participation in Cornell’s Exchange Visitor Program. Additionally, federal regulations prohibit the extension of J1 status beyond the dates specified on the DS-2019 form without adequate insurance coverage for both the J1 visa holder and their family members.

Cornell offers a health insurance plan that is available to many international scholars holding academic appointments, subject to the specific conditions of their appointment. For eligibility details, individuals are advised to consult with their university department’s human resources or hiring manager. Additional information can be accessed at Working at Cornell .

For those who are ineligible for Cornell insurance, the university offers a health insurance plan through GeoBlue . This plan surpasses the minimum requirements set by the Department of State and is accepted by medical providers in the Ithaca area. However, it’s important to note that all insurance policies have limitations and exclusions..

• Access GeoBlue
• GeoBlue Group Access Code: QFL-40682
• Additional information:  Student Member Guide – Cornell University – 2024
• Summary of Benefits and Coverage:  24-25 Geo Blue Summary of Benefits

It’s crucial to note that elective medical services, like eyeglasses or dental care, are typically not covered by insurance in the United States and can incur significant costs. Exchange Visitors should consider addressing their dental and eye care needs before departing from their home country.

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Consumer Insight

July 9, 2024

Should You Get Travel Insurance? What You Should Know About Protecting Your Trips

Are you headed abroad for the summer? Planning a road trip before school starts again? You've put a lot of thought and planning into your vacation. And, you've spent a lot of money on flights, hotels, and more. Unexpected circumstances like injury, illness, flight delays or natural disasters could cut a trip short, leaving you with unforeseen costs. But there are insurance options that can protect your finances. 

Should I get travel insurance? Before you buy a policy, ask yourself: 

• What are the chances you'll be impacted by severe weather or another event?
• How willing are you to take risks?
• How much are you willing to pay for a back-up plan?
• Do you have questionable health or is a loved one ill?

If you cannot afford to cancel and rebook your trip or your health insurance doesn't cover you abroad, you should consider travel insurance. You typically don't need travel insurance for short trips close to home.

How much does travel insurance cost?  Travel insurance usually costs between 4-8% of a trip's price, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. Several factors fo into the cost like the policy holder's age, your destination, and the length of your trip. 

When should I buy travel insurance?  It is a good idea for policy holders to coverage when they book their trip.Travel insurance is intended to protect travelers against sudden and unforeseen events. Typically, if you buy travel insurance after a winter or tropical storm is named, your plan won't provide coverage for claims related to that event.

What are the different types of travel insurance?  There are several types of categories of travel insurance including:

• Trip cancellation.   Reimburses pre-paid travel expenses if you are prevented from taking your trip for a reason covered by your policy. It is typically included in every comprehensive policy. You will usually receive reimbursement if your trip is cancelled for: unexpected illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel; hospitalization or death of non-traveling family member; weather or common carrier issues; unforeseen natural disaster at home or the destination; a legal obligation such as being called for jury duty or serving as a witness in court.
• Travel medical and major medical.  Provides protection if you become ill or injured while traveling. Travel medical insurance provides short-term medical coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation.  Provides coverage for services such as air evacuation and medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility then home if warranted. This type of coverage is useful if you're traveling to a rural area without easy access to medical facilities.  In the event a person passes away during travel, repatriation coverage will cover for the insurer to handle the necessary transportation.
• Accidental death and dismemberment.  Provides coverage to beneficiaries if you die in an accident on the trip or pays a sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb or eyesight from an accident. Some plans only apply to an accident that occurs on an aircraft.
• Baggage loss.   Reimburses for loss of baggage or personal items. Check with your credit card company to find out if it coverages baggage loss. 
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies .  These policies are more expensive and typically only reimburse you a percentage of your travel costs. The reason for cancellation is not relevant. There is usually a time frame for when cancellations are allowed, and you must insure all of your pre-paid and non-refundable expenses. CFAR policies are usually added as an extra option in addition to trip cancellation coverage.

Does travel insurance cover epidemics and pandemics? Travel insurance policies typically exclude epidemics and pandemics. According to Allianz Global Assistance, a travel insurance provider, "Trip cancellations and trip interruptions due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, or fear of travel are generally not covered."

COVID-19 is a known event, meaning it is  not  likely that travel insurance policies will cover changes in plans or cancellations for that reason. Review your travel policy to find out which exclusions apply.

There may be coverage if a specific country imposes travel restrictions. Some airlines and tour companies will allow cancellations outside of an insurance policy. Additionally, travel policies with medical coverage may cover any illnesses or hospitalizations that occur during a trip, but you need to review your policy to see if your policy is one of them.

What do travel insurance policies cover?  Each type of insurance has its coverage limitations and exclusions. Be sure ask your agent or company about these before you buy a policy. 

• Travel cancellation:   Exclusions might include canceling your trip due to being detained by customs or having to cancel due to a work obligation. If your flight is delayed, you may or may not be covered. Some policies only cover trip cancellation claim if you lose more than 50% of your scheduled trip length due to a covered delay. You also must make a good faith effort to continue your travels using alternative means. A "Cancel for Any Reason" policy is an option for broader coverage but reimbursement is usually for less than the full cost of the trip.
• Travel medical and major medical insurance.  Find out if your policy requires you to obtain prior approval before seeking medical care. Also check if any pre-existing medical conditions will exclude you from coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation/repatriation:  Coverage may not cover you if you're participating in an activity your insurer considers dangerous such as sky diving. There are specialty insurance products for some activities, such as SCUBA diving.

Will travel insurance cover my property if it is lost or stolen during a trip?  Most homeowners insurance policies cover personal property lost or stolen during a trip. Check with your insurer to see what they cover while you are traveling. If you have expensive items, you might want to add a  rider  to your current homeowners policy to cover them. 

About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.

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What You Need to Know About Medicare While on Vacation

How medicare, medigap, medicare advantage and part d work when you’re traveling.

Kimberly Lankford,

Key takeaways

• Medicare coverage in U.S. is guaranteed .
• Medicare Advantage must cover emergencies in the U.S. and may have other provisions .
• Using preferred Part D pharmacies will curb your costs for medicines.
• Foreign travel coverage is limited, so think about your options as you plan.

Even though original Medicare provides coverage throughout the United States, it can be complicated to find care quickly in an unfamiliar area.

The same goes for finding an urgent care center that takes Medicare if you want to avoid a trip to the emergency room. And if you need a prescription while away from home, you’ll save money by locating a preferred pharmacy — that holds true.

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If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and see a provider out of network, your visit might not be covered or you might have a high copayment, except in an emergency. Some plans make it easier than others to find in-network providers when you’re away from home.

These scenarios relate to coverage in the U.S. Only in rare circumstances does Medicare cover foreign travel.

Either way, you should do your homework before you embark on your next trip, so you’ll know what to do and where to go for assistance if you become ill or get injured. No one wants a huge medical bill as a souvenir.

Original Medicare, Medigap coverage when traveling

If you have original Medicare and you’re traveling within the 50 states, District of Columbia and U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — you’re covered. Just confirm that the provider or facility accepts Medicare.

If you have Medicare supplement insurance , also known as Medigap, you’ll have help with copayments and deductibles for services Medicare covers. Some Medigap policies cover foreign travel emergencies.

“Medigap policies are transportable and will cover Medicare services in any state as long as the provider [you] see is seeing Medicare beneficiaries and agrees to bill Medicare,” says Kelli Jo Greiner, health care policy analyst and State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) director for Minnesota.

Medicare Part B usually covers emergency room and urgent care visits. Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount while you’re responsible for the 20 percent coinsurance, which Medigap or other supplemental insurance should cover. Medicare also pays for participating convenience care and walk-in clinics such as MinuteClinics at CVS and Target and Little Clinics at Kroger.

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Will Medicare Advantage cover me on vacation?

The answer depends on the plan, the provider and the type of care you need.

Because most Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks, whom you see for care matters. If the doctor or place of care isn’t in network, you may have to foot the bill yourself or have a high copay. Each plan’s coverage varies.

All Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency care and urgent care in the U.S. as in-network services, even if the facility isn’t in the plan’s network. Copayments may be different than original Medicare’s. For example, one plan may charge a $135 copay per visit for emergency care and $50 for urgent care whether the provider is in or out of network.

After your condition is stable, you or the doctor treating you should contact the plan and discuss the next steps for your care, says Chrissie Cooper, senior vice president of government programs for Kaiser Permanente. The member may need the plan’s approval for additional services.

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Advantage plans may cover walk-in clinics, other providers

Some Medicare Advantage plans consider convenience care and walk-in clinics in their networks. Ali Khan, M.D., Medicare chief medical officer for Aetna, says members of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans that don’t require a primary care provider can visit a nationally contracted retail health clinic and pay the same copay as for a regular visit to a primary care provider. This includes MinuteClinics, which contract with most Medicare Advantage plans. 

If you need to visit a doctor while you’re away from home, some MA plans have national or regional networks, so you may find a participating provider. 

For example, about 73 percent of UnitedHealthcare’s standard Medicare Advantage members have access to more than 1 million providers in its national network. But not all UnitedHealthcare contracted providers participate.

“Tools on our member website and mobile app are available for members to look up network providers in whatever zip code they happen to be in when they need care,” says Amanda Weigel, senior product director of UnitedHealthcare Medicare and retirement. She recommends downloading the plan’s mobile app and having your member ID and customer service phone number on hand while away. 

Most Humana MA PPO plan members have access to the national provider network when traveling. Some MA HMO plans include a visitor/traveler benefit that allows members to receive services when traveling that would be covered at home and pay in-network costs. Here, too, contact the plan to check on benefits and find providers.

Some plans, such as Kaiser Permanente, also cover 24/7 access to virtual care while traveling.

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Can I use my Part D plan when traveling?

Yes, most Part D prescription plans are national and can be used anywhere in the U.S. You typically will have lower drug copayments if you use a preferred pharmacy; an in-network pharmacy’s won’t be as low but will be better than an out-of-network pharmacy’s.

“Medicare Part D plans are transportable and are national plans in most cases,” Greiner says. “It is important for a beneficiary to use a preferred pharmacy wherever they are located to ensure they have the lowest cost possible.”

If you need medication while traveling, call your health plan or visit its website for preferred or in-network pharmacies nearby. Many plans, including Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, have national chain pharmacies as part of their preferred network. 

“Medicare drug prices are based on the relationship between multiple factors, including the Part D plan, the pharmacy and the drug,” says Michelle Grochocinski, elder benefit specialist and SHIP program director for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “Drug prices can vary by pharmacy under the same Part D plan. In-network and preferred in-network pharmacies will have the lowest prices. Some Part D plans’ pharmacy networks are nationwide, but others are not.” 

If you take essential medications, look for a preferred pharmacy in your travel area before you go, in case you leave some pills at home or run out. Otherwise, ask your doctor about ordering a three-month supply of your prescriptions, or find out whether the plan’s mail order service will deliver to the area you’re traveling. 

Options for foreign travel emergency coverage

Medicare rarely covers foreign travel emergency care except in limited circumstances , but there are other options.

Some Medigap plans offer coverage with a lifetime limit of $50,000. They typically pay 80 percent of the cost for medically necessary emergency care you receive outside of the U.S.

Plans C, D, F, G, M and N cover emergency care outside of the country. Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Advantage may have limited coverage.

Tricare for Life, which can supplement Medicare coverage for military retirees, provides the same foreign travel coverage that military retirees and their eligible dependents have before enrolling in Medicare.

Some travel insurance policies cover emergency care in a foreign country and medical evacuation to a nearby medical facility or back to the U.S. Find out about exclusions, preexisting condition limitations and coverage limits before choosing a policy.

Kimberly Lankford is a contributing writer who covers Medicare and personal finance. She wrote about insurance, Medicare, retirement and taxes for more than 20 years at  Kiplinger’s Personal Finance  and has written for  The Washington Post  and  Boston Globe . She received the personal finance Best in Business award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and the New York State Society of CPAs’ excellence in financial journalism award for her guide to Medicare.

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Post Office Passport Seva Kendra to be launched in Wayanad soon

Kalpetta: Wayanad district will soon be linked to the passport seva network. The postal department has joined hands with the Ministry of External Affairs to provide facilities for a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) facility, adjacent to the new head post office building in Wayanad.

At present, the people of Wayanad have to travel to Kozhikode to sort out passport-related needs. Though there were attempts to launch a POPSK facility in Wayanad in 2023, finding the right place and delays in inter-departmental communications had slowed down the move.

Kozhikode Regional Passport Officer Arunmohan K said that hectic behind-the-scenes efforts are on to establish a POPSK facility in Wayanad as the district is the only one sans any passport seva facilities. " The facility, an extended arm of the passport office network, aims to minimize the problems faced by people for availing the services as well as to reduce the burden on the Regional Passport Office in Kozhikode,'' he said. POPSK is an extended arm of the passport office which would cater to almost all the passport-related services.

Such a POPSK facility is already functioning at Kasargod while all other districts in the state have their own Passport Seva Kendras. Arunmohan said that post-Covid the need for passport services has increased manifold with more and more people travelling to foreign destinations. "The number of students opting for higher studies in foreign countries has also increased,'' he added.

Among the districts, Kozhikode, which receives applications for an average of 1,400 passports per day, tops the chart, whereas Malappuram district with 1,200 applications per day is in the second slot.

The officials said that the finishing works for the facility at the head post office building at Kalpetta are in the final phase. Employees were provided training. A team from the 'Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV)' division of the Ministry of External Affairs has already examined the facilities and once the green signal is received the POPSK facility will be launched. 

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Here's What Biden and Trump Actually Did for Veterans as President

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both sought to claim the mantle of veterans champion as each vies for a second term in office.

The campaign has often focused on the symbolic and intangible, such as Biden visiting a World War I cemetery during a recent trip to France that Trump opted against visiting during his tenure after reportedly deriding veterans in private , or Republicans hitting Biden for falsely claiming at last week's presidential debate that no U.S. troops have died on his watch.

But both also have legislative track records from their first terms in office, as well as well-documented accounts of how the Department of Veterans Affairs functioned under their administrations, that could point to how a second term would play out.

Read Next: They Stole a Confederate Train for the Union. Now, 2 Civil War Privates Will Receive the Medal of Honor.

Biden shepherded through the PACT Act , which has been described as the biggest expansion of veterans benefits in a generation. Trump's biggest veterans-related legislation was the Mission Act, which expanded veterans' ability to seek VA-funded care outside of the VA system.

"Someone who may have benefited from the passage of the Mission Act, for that individual, it's the most important thing," said Patrick Murray, legislative director at the Veterans for Foreign Wars. "Someone who may have had a rare cancer that was benefited by the PACT Act, that's the most important thing to them. So, different veterans who had different illnesses, injuries, disabilities, whatever, may have benefited from either of the bills and, to those veterans, that's the most important thing."

Other veterans groups echoed the importance of both bills.

"We fought hard for the passage of the Mission and PACT acts because all veterans deserve the best care possible from VA," Chanin Nuntavong, the American Legion's executive director for government affairs, told Military.com in an email. "This means untangling the knots often associated with securing their earned health care benefits; expanding the rules to cover all those eligible; and lifting barriers to access, especially to those who live in rural areas."

The PACT Act was the culmination of a yearslong effort from veterans, family members and other advocates to get better recognition and care for ailments believed to be caused by exposure to burn pits and other toxins during their military services.

The legislative push got a significant boost when Biden, who has said he believes his son Beau's fatal brain cancer was caused by burn pit exposure, endorsed it at a State of the Union address, giving it the momentum needed to become law.

By the VA's own accounting, the law has resulted in more than a million new benefits claims approved and more than 300,000 new enrollments in VA health care.

The implementation has not been without issue. Most significantly, senior VA executives were improperly paid $10.8 million in bonuses that were intended to retain employees with critical skills needed to handle the influx of work from the PACT Act. Veterans have also given one of the most high-profile elements of the PACT Act, toxic exposure screenings, lackluster reviews .

But, overall, veterans organizations have celebrated the PACT Act as a historic achievement.

"Simply put, the bill represents the largest expansion of VA care and benefits for those exposed to harmful substances during their military service in history," Joe Parsetich, then the national commander for the Disabled American Veterans, said at the time of the passage in 2022.

The Mission Act, meanwhile, was an effort to fix issues with the earlier Choice Act, a 2014 law that was borne out of the VA wait-time scandal. Trump often incorrectly refers to his achievement as "Choice," even though the earlier bill with the same name was signed by his predecessor, President Barack Obama.

The Mission Act expanded the number of veterans eligible to receive private health care funded by the VA and consolidated several different programs for community care into one. Under the law, veterans can seek outside care if they face more than a 30-minute drive for primary care or mental health services or 60 minutes for specialty care, or a 20-day wait for a primary care or mental health appointment and more than 28 days for specialty care.

Republicans have alleged that the VA under the Biden administration has undermined the Mission Act by limiting the number of referrals to community care. VA officials and Democrats, by contrast, have expressed concern about ballooning community care costs since the law's implementation.

Another major element of the Mission Act, a commission that studied the VA's infrastructure needs, fizzled out when it recommended closing 17 medical centers and dozens of aging or underused clinics. Lawmakers in both parties who had facilities on the chopping block refused to move forward .

"What was passed was not perfect. Nothing ever is," the VFW's Murray said, noting proposed updates to community care pending in Congress right now . Still the Mission Act "was huge, unprecedented."

"And then only a few years later, there was an even huger, more unprecedented bill that followed it," he added of the PACT Act. "So, both, at the time, were huge, were generational things, and then the next one just follows. So, we will see what comes in five to 10 years, if there's another one that we'll be talking about."

Outside of legislation, Trump and Biden have divergent records on VA staffing and leadership.

Much like the rest of his administration, Trump's VA saw significant leadership turmoil.

Trump's first VA secretary was David Shulkin, a VA under secretary during the Obama administration who was one of Trump's last picks for Cabinet secretaries ahead of his inauguration. Shulkin was ousted by Trump a little more than a year into the job after an inspector general report found he took a trip to Europe that involved more sightseeing than official business, used taxpayer funding to have his wife accompany him on the trip, and improperly accepted tickets to a Wimbledon tennis match as a gift.

To replace Shulkin, Trump first nominated current Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas -- at the time a Navy doctor who served as the White House physician and won Trump's favor by showering him with praise. Jackson, though, was forced to withdraw from consideration after allegations that were later confirmed by an inspector general that he drank on the job, overprescribed medications and created a hostile work environment.

After Jackson's bid ended, Robert Wilkie, who had been working at the Pentagon, was nominated and confirmed as VA secretary. He lasted through the end of the Trump administration.

VA policy during the Trump administration was also directed by a trio of business executives with personal ties to Trump and memberships at his Mar-a-Lago club, according to a 2021 investigation by congressional Democrats that concluded the arrangement "violated the law and sought to exert improper influence over government officials to further their own personal interest."

Biden's VA has had comparatively steadier leadership. Denis McDonough, who was Obama's chief of staff, has served as VA secretary since the beginning of the Biden administration.

There has been some turnover lower down on the organizational chart, including Donald Remy stepping down as deputy secretary last year. His replacement, Tanya Bradsher, the first woman to permanently be the VA No. 2, had a somewhat bumpy Senate confirmation over allegations she did not adequately respond to concerns from whistleblowers and Republican lawmakers that an IT system was exposing veterans' personal information.

There have been some calls from Republicans for officials involved in the PACT Act bonus scandal to resign, including at least one call for McDonough to step down . But the pressure has so far not reached a groundswell resulting in any resignations, with McDonough saying last month he continues to have faith in his leadership team.

Overall, the highest trust scores for the VA under each administration were nearly tied, according to Wisconsin Watch , a nonpartisan investigative news outlet. They were at 80.2% in 2021 under Trump and 80.4% in 2024 under Biden.

Related: Debate Takeaways: Trump Confident, Even When Wrong; Biden Halting, Even with Facts on His Side

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Insurance companies with the cheapest national average rates

It pays to shop around for car insurance.

Car insurance rates have become a significant expense for many drivers, even if they don’t own a pricey premium vehicle. Even so, some insurers rise above the rest with reasonable prices, but they don’t all operate in every state, and some have restrictive policies that limit the type and number of drivers they accept. MarketWatch’s recent insurance study found that some insurers far undercut others with rates that make the competition look greedy.

MarketWatch’s research found that USAA is the cheapest among national and regional insurers , with an average rate of $1,106.

The top 10 cheapest car insurance companies:

• USAA: $1,106 annually
• Central Insurance: $1,154
• Travelers: $1,191
• Auto-Owners: $1,203
• Country Financial: $1,270
• Erie Insurance: $1,274
• Geico: $1,307
• Nationwide: $1,470
• Progressive: $1,593
• State Farm: $1,703

These are averages, so it’s important to remember that there are people paying far more than those numbers and many paying far less. It’s also good to note that companies like USAA heavily limit the types of drivers they insure, as that provider only works with active or retired military members and their immediate relatives.

Drivers with multiple marks on their records, such as at-fault crashes and drug/alcohol-related offenses, almost always pay more than people with clean driving records. People on the low or high ends of the age spectrum also tend to see higher insurance costs, but the most impactful factors relate to the driver’s record of behavior on the roads.

While insurance rates have risen, there are several steps you can take to help keep your costs at a reasonable level . The first and most important thing is to check your driving habits, making sure to keep your speed in check. If you’re a young driver, it might be wise to check with a parent or guardian to determine if combining policies could help cut your rates. If you have a DUI or other serious traffic offense, there might be little you can do, but it almost always pays to shop around.

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• Travel insurance for USA

The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time zones are examples of virtually every type of geography on earth, from the baked deserts of Nevada to the mountains of Colorado. There's something for everyone.

Many are attracted to its warm welcomes and iconic metropolises. Whether you’re sampling wine in Napa Valley, beer in Boston or trekking through canyon country, read our guide to medical care, getting around and the importance of travel insurance in the USA.

Medical care for Brits in the USA

America’s healthcare is some of the most sophisticated in the world, however it is also notoriously expensive and privatised. This means that having good medical travel insurance is an imperative. Without it, you are unlikely to receive treatment or, if you do, it could run to tens of thousands of dollars.

You may be asked to pay an amount up-front by a hospital or treatment centre as a gesture of good faith. If this happens, contact your travel insurer to find out whether this is something they will cover. It’s important to make sure you have available funds for healthcare emergencies in addition to your holiday insurance policy to be on the safe side.

The emergency service number in the USA is 911. There are few diseases associated with travel in the USA, however it’s important to follow the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)  advice on health and travel in the USA to make sure you know whether there are risks local to where you’re going and can take all necessary precautions.

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Travel risks in the usa.

The travel risks associated with the USA are the kind common to visiting any country. Be vigilant against theft, pickpocketing, burglary from home or car and other street crimes. If you are going to be in unfamiliar areas, always travel in groups and try not to walk alone at night in areas where crimes are more prevalent.

It’s unusual for crime to target tourists, particularly when outside of large cities. There are greater concerns about the risks of crime in states that border Mexico due to the illegal drug trade, however this too is unlikely to specifically target tourists.

Regional considerations

The laws of the USA vary by state, and it’s important to understand how they differ depending on where you will be visiting. Some have strict alcohol laws, such as Utah, while others such as California have very strict laws about smoking and littering. Fireworks are legal in some states and illegal in others, so carrying anything that could cause controversy across state borders is very unwise. This can include things you might normally consider safe, such as beer and wine.

The USA is a land of contrast, including culturally. Some areas are very religiously conservative while others are highly liberal and cosmopolitan. Even within states, cultural norms can vary by area. It’s important to research the locality you’re visiting to avoid any faux pas.

Despite that, the USA is famously a cultural melting-pot and you are likely to find people from all walks of life in most areas.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is an automatic visa waiver programme designed for people from participating countries who are visiting the USA for leisure or business for up to 90 days. It needs to be completed online and is often instant, however it can take as long as 72 hours.

Make sure you have allowed time to get your ESTA, as the process can take longer if your application is rejected. In that situation, you will need to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa and this can involve trips to the US Embassy, which is by appointment and may take a long time. It’s always a good idea to apply for your ESTA in plenty of time to allow for this eventuality.

Getting around

It may have been your lifelong dream to rent an open-top car and cruise down Route 66. Indeed, with much of the USA being so spread out, driving is often one of your only transport options. But have a mind to driving laws. These vary by state and may have different requirements. For instance, in some parts of America, having a valid UK driving licence is sufficient to rent a car and drive, however others will require you to have an International Driving Permit . For the sake of safety, it may be a good idea to apply for an IDP if you plan on driving in the USA.

Speed limits are set by state and even local municipality. They can vary significantly between built up areas and motorways, so make sure you know what the maximum (and, in some cases, minimum) speed limits for the areas you’ll be driving in are. You may find that there are different speed limits depending on time of day and weather type. Importantly, it is common for the maximum speed limit to be lower than in the UK, with some areas such as Washington D.C. having a maximum speed of 55mph. Be aware of what the maximum is for the road you’re travelling on.

Remember that your travel insurance may not cover many aspects of car rental, and this will need to be done by having a separate insurance policy. It is likely that this insurance will come as part of your rental agreement, but it is always wise to make sure.

For long distance travel, flying is one of the most common ways of getting around in the USA and is more popular than trains. However, people have reasons besides speed for seeing the USA by rail, and there are some combination tickets (rail and air) available. America’s spellbinding geography can be taken in wonderfully if you take the Amtrak, however it could be more expensive than air travel.

Public transport in cities differs depending on where you are, with some systems more up-to-date than others. Some large cities such as Los Angeles are renowned for having very limited public transport, so research before you go to see whether you need to make arrangements like renting a car.

Other travel considerations

Remember that alcohol in drinks is often (but not always) measured by its weight rather than its percentage volume, which is different to the UK. The alcohol-by-weight is also expressed as a percentage, though – so a beer that reads 3.2% alcohol by weight is in fact slightly over 4% alcohol by volume. Remember that if you're involved in an incident while under the influence of alcohol your travel insurance policy may not cover you.

Is travel insurance compulsory for the USA?

While travel insurance is a compulsory requirement for visiting some countries and territories, the USA is not one of them. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking out. Just consider what an unexpected incident while you were there could end up costing you if you weren’t’ covered.

For one thing, the United States is one of the most expensive countries in the world for healthcare. And while it may seem unlikely you’ll need to call on its medical services on your visit, you could be looking at a hefty bill if you do.

With travel insurance in place before you go, it’s one less thing to think about. You’ll have the reassurance not only that any emergency medical expenses and repatriation (transport home) are covered if you need them but also that other protection’s in place too.

Good quality travel insurance should cover trip cancellation and delays in some circumstances, replacement of lost or damaged belongings , and even access to emergency assistance if you need to call on it while you’re exploring Stateside.

How much travel insurance do I need for the USA?

It’s important that your travel insurance for America provides good medical cover, enough to pay for any healthcare treatment you may need if you fall ill or are injured while there. Don’t underestimate how much treatment can cost there. From getting stitches to a ride in an ambulance, it soon mounts up.

The level of cover you choose should be sufficient to reimburse you for the holiday if it’s cancelled for one of the reasons set out in the policy wording. Make sure it will also reimburse you for the cost of lost, damaged or stolen belongings – so work out their value and keep the receipts handy if you have them.

Remember, for some activities or types of holiday you may need additional or specialist cover. For instance, winter sports cover for skiing, snowboarding, etc, sports travel insurance or cruise cover . You may need additional gadget cover for the devices you take on your trip. And you should make sure you have the level of coronavirus cover you need. Some insurers enable you to add more covid-19 cover to your policy.

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Understanding retirement needs

• How much do you need to retire comfortably?
• How much to save based on age

Building your retirement savings

Adjusting for inflation, lifestyle, and healthcare costs.

• General rules of thumb
• Seeking professional advice

How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Complete Guide to Retirement Planning

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• Target savings will vary for each future retiree, depending on one's expenses and current salary.
• Many advisors recommend saving 15% of your earnings annually or even more if you are getting a late start.
• Multiple income streams and a conservative withdrawal rate ensure you don't run out of money.

Acquiring adequate retirement savings doesn't happen overnight. For most people, saving enough for retirement requires decades of dedication and strategic financial planning . But how much do you actually need to save to ensure a comfortable retirement? 

Here are the best retirement plans , calculators, investment strategies, and tips you can use to ensure your retirement savings plan is on track. 

Assessing your retirement needs

Unfortunately, there's no general number to aim for when saving toward retirement. Your target retirement savings goal will differ greatly from your siblings', neighbors', and even your coworkers' goals since the amount you'll need largely depends on personal factors.

However, one rule of thumb applies to everyone: The sooner you start saving, the less effort you'll need to put in to reach your goal, and the better-positioned you'll be later in life. 

According to the 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study , the average age for retirees in the U.S. is 62. If you were to live to 85, this means you'd need enough money to cover all your expenses (and retirement goals) for at least 22 years. Economic factors like inflation will also certainly impact your savings over time.

Estimating your retirement expenses

Understanding what you expect retirement to look like will help determine how much you'll need to fund that lifestyle. If you plan to travel the world in luxury, your budget will differ from someone wanting to bird watch from the backyard each morning.

In retirement, your savings will cover many of the same expenses you had pre-retirement. This includes costs like food, housing, transportation, clothes, gifts, utilities, insurance (including a health plan), and travel.

In most cases, these expenses won't change much from pre- to post-retirement, which makes creating a budget easier. But if you have big plans for your retirement years (moving to a new state or country, buying a bigger home, increasing travel, etc.), you must calculate how much your new standard of living will cost. 

How much do you need to retire comfortably? 

The first step to adequately saving for retirement is to determine how much you'll need. This means analyzing current and future expenses and deciding how much you can afford to put away each month. You may also want to use a number of different savings and investment vehicles or passive income streams.

Financial advisors suggest saving around 10 times your current salary by the time you reach retirement age. Before you retire, you should aim to reduce your annual expenses as much as possible, including paying off existing debt. This can help stretch your retirement savings for even longer. 

As always, it's wise to consult with a trusted financial planner to help you determine your unique needs and retirement savings strategy.

How much to save for retirement based on your age

One way to see if you're on track to reach a comfortable retirement savings is to aim for a multiple of your current annual earnings. This serves as a rough estimate so you can get a better sense of your situation. Remember that the amount of savings required to ensure a comfortable retirement varies according to your projected retirement costs and even the specific investments you choose for your retirement portfolio.

According to Fidelity , here's how much you should have saved up each decade to meet your retirement goals:

Financial advisors recommend dedicating 15% of your annual income toward retirement. However, depending on your retirement goals, financial obligations, and current assets, you may need to save even more.

Types of retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)

There are multiple savings vehicles and income streams to consider for building your nest egg. These can affect how much you need to save today, depending on which sources of income are available to you.

Some of the most popular types of retirement accounts include: 

• 401(k) plans: Employer-sponsored investment vehicles with compounding power and tax advantages to help you grow your nest egg steadily over time. Money in a 401(k) can be invested in various securities, and your contributions may even be matched by your employer, amplifying your efforts. Funds can be distributed without penalty beginning at age 59 ½, or earlier with certain exceptions.
• IRAs: IRAs are retirement accounts individuals open through major banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The best IRA accounts include traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. IRAs have the same tax advantages as 401(k)s but offer more flexibility over how your funds are allocated.
• Traditional pension plans: Traditional pensions are another employer-sponsored investment vehicle certain businesses offer. With a pension, your employer is responsible for contributing and investing the funds in your account. The amount contributed is determined by employee earnings and years at the business. 

Outside of savings accounts, other ways to generate income during retirement include:

• Social Security benefits: Social Security is a government program that provides individuals with monthly retirement and disability benefits. You can opt-in to start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but you'll receive lower payments. Financial experts recommend delaying Social Security until you reach full retirement age (age 70). 
• Annuities: Annuities are another retirement income source to consider. They're offered by insurance companies and act as a long-term investment vehicle. After purchasing an annuity — either with a lump sum or periodic purchase payments — you will receive regular payments over the course of your retirement.

Planning for inflation in retirement

Remember to consider inflation and its impact on your savings. For instance, in 2024, there have been inflation rates of 3%, following the 3.3% increase in 2023 and the high 6.5% rate in 2022. Generally, you should account for inflation of approximately 2% per year.

However, certain economic, political, or natural disasters can cause unexpected spikes in inflation. In those cases, you may experience significant financial losses that require you to permanently or temporarily adjust your lifestyle and budget. One of the best ways to hedge against inflation and market downturns is by continuing to invest after retirement . 

Healthcare costs and long-term care planning

Try to account for potential unexpected expenses, such as medical care for you and your spouse or even financially helping a child or grandchild.

"The most common expense that a retiree can ignore (or forget to budget for) is end-of-life expectancy expenses," says Jim Ludwick, a CFP and member at Garrett Planning Network . "This includes caregivers coming to your house, going into assisted living, or skilled nursing. Those are very expensive parts of people's lives. And a lot of times that can eat up quite a bit of savings if it goes on for an extended period of time."

Downsizing and lifestyle adjustments

When planning your retirement lifestyle, consider where you want to live. You may want to downsize depending on your preferred lifestyle, savings amount, and priorities. That said, your priorities may be buying your dream retirement home or moving to a certain location. In this case, be sure that you factor those larger expenses into your budget.

Retirement planning general rules of thumb

While everyone's situation and needs will differ, there are a few primary rules of thumb that most financial advisors follow, which you should consider when determining how much to save for retirement.

Retirement income as a percentage of pre-retirement income

Many financial professionals recommend that you account for between 70% and 80% of your pre-retirement income each year in retirement. This means that if you currently earn $60,000 per year, you should plan to spend between $42,000 to $48,000 annually once you retire. 

This isn't a set rule for everyone, and you may need to even account for more savings. "Many people need to have income streams (or savings and investments) cover 80%, 90%, or even 100% of their pre-retirement budget," Ludwick says. It all depends on your specific expenses now and in retirement.

Saving 15% of your earnings every year

If you start saving for retirement early enough, an annual savings rate of 15% may be sufficient to meet your goals. If you're off to a late start, you may need to save a lot more each year to catch up. 

"As you get older, the amount needed for savings to reach the same end goal roughly doubles every 10 years," says Tolen Teigen, chief investment officer for FinDec . "So, if someone waits ten years to start saving, instead of 30, they are now 40. Instead of 8% to 10% annually, they are now looking at 16% to 20% saved to reach the same end number."

Saving 10 times your income by retirement age

As mentioned above, many financial advisors and firms like Fidelity recommend having approximately 10 times your annual salary saved by the time you reach retirement age. While this may not be exactly what you need, it's a good target to keep in mind as you go. You can always adjust it depending on your projected needs in retirement.

The 4% withdrawal rule 

Many retirees are concerned about running out of money once they reach retirement. The 4% rule may be a good guideline to avoid this. While many factors can affect the actual drawdown process, the 4% rule can be a good place to start if you want to avoid running out of money.

This rule states that retirees can withdraw up to 4% of their retirement savings in year one of retirement. So, if you have $2,000,000 in retirement savings, you would withdraw $80,000 that first year. In year two, you would adjust that $80,000 for inflation and withdraw that amount from your savings.

Keep in mind that while the 4% rule is standard, some financial advisors say your actual withdrawal percentage could be anywhere from 3% to 5%.

Seeking professional advice when retirement planning

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to saving for retirement. Everyone's needs will be different, and so will their approach to saving, including when they start and how much they can set aside each year. Consulting with a certified financial planner or other retirement expert is the best way to understand your unique needs.

"Planning ahead and checking in on your efforts" is key to saving enough for the retirement years, Ludwick says."It's dangerous when you're 75 and realize you're running out of money and you have to move in with a younger sibling or something." 

His advice? "If you want to stay independent, do your homework ahead of time. Think about all those things that could possibly happen. If they don't happen, you're lucky … and your kids and grandkids can have a nice gift that you leave behind."

You can calculate how much you need to retire by assessing your expected expenses, considering your desired lifestyle, current expenses, projected inflation, and healthcare costs. Business Insider's free retirement calculator can help you see if you're on track to secure a comfortable retirement. You can also use other rules of thumb, such as having an annual savings rate of 15%.

The 4% rule in retirement planning suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement savings each year to prevent you from prematurely running out of money for at least 30 years. It's a general guideline to help estimate how much you need to save. However, some advisors recommend more or less than that rate.

You can maximize your retirement savings by regularly contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs to maximize employer matching contributions, investment opportunities, and compound interest. Generally, it's best practice to max out your retirement accounts first. Also, adopt a diversified investment strategy for greater portfolio growth and risk management.

The sooner you start planning for retirement, the easier it will be to compound your savings and reach your goals. Starting in your 20s and 30s allows more time for your investments to grow. It's still possible to catch up if you start in your 40s or 50s by saving more aggressively and adjusting your strategy, but it will be generally more stressful. 

Common mistakes to avoid in retirement planning include underestimating expenses, waiting to start saving, relying too heavily on Social Security, failing to diversify investments, spending too quickly, and not accounting for healthcare costs and inflation. The best way to avoid these common mistakes is by creating a thorough financial plan and consulting a financial advisor.

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How to Apply for A Passport for Senior Citizen ?

Eligibility Criteria

• 65 years or above
• Must reside in the Indian states.
• Women must be 60 years or above, and men must be 65 years or above.
• Must reside in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Must be born in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The permanent address must be in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Must reside in Jammu & Kashmir presently.

Documents Required for a Senior Citizen Passport Application

Address proof, identity & age proof, supporting documents, how to apply for a passport for senior citizens.

• Visit the official website of PSK – Passport Seva Kendra and create an account.
• Locate the passport application form and download it.
• Carefully fill out the application form and upload it on the portal.
• You will be asked to pay a fee for applying or renewing the passport.
• Senior citizens do not need a slot for an appointment and can walk into the PSK office for further verification.
• After completing the process such as submitting the documents and completing the biometric data, the ARN (Application Reference Number) will be generated.

Fee Details of Issuing a Passport

Passport service office timings, apply for travel insurance.

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