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Is WestJet Travel Insurance the Best in 2024?

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When it comes to travel insurance, WestJet offers a range of coverage plans in partnership with Allianz Global Assistance for travellers to and from Canada.

But are these coverages any good? What are their pros and cons? How much does it cost to buy travel inusrance with WestJet in 2024?

All the answers to your questions and more are in this page!

5 key takeaways on WestJet travel insurance

• WestJet offers comprehensive travel coverages (accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, etc.).
• WestJet is known for being affordable, easy to purchase, and backed by a reputable company.
• WestJet has limitations. It, for example, does not cover pre-existing conditions.
• WestJet offers travel accident insurance for up to $500,000 for injuries or fatalities.
• WestJet's prices range from CA$69 to CA$139 for a 1-week trip.

Our 2024 review on WestJet travel insurance in Canada

WestJet travel insurance is a travel insurance plan that is offered by WestJet and Allianz Global Assistance . It can be purchased by anyone who is travelling to or from Canada, regardless of their age or health status. The plan includes a variety of coverages, including travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, medical insurance, baggage insurance, and more.

The specific coverages and limits that are available under the plan will vary depending on the type of plan that you purchase.

Here are some of the pros and cons of WestJet Travel Insurance Canada:

Pros of WestJet travel insurance:

• Easy to purchase and use
• Comprehensive coverage
• Backed by a leading travel insurance company
• Can help protect you from financial loss in the event of a travel-related emergency

Cons of WestJet travel insurance:

• Does not cover pre-existing conditions
• May need to provide proof of travel, such as a ticket or itinerary
• May need to provide proof of medical insurance, such as a health card or a letter from your doctor
• May need to pay a deductible for some claims

Overall, WestJet travel insurance is a good option since it offers great coverage. Let's discuss its coverage policy in detail to give you a better understanding of the service.

Before deciding to buy WestJet insurance, we recommend you compare the best offers currently on the market. You can do so using our free comparison tol below:

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Does the RBC WestJet credit card have travel insurance?

Yes, the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard does have travel insurance. The specific coverages and limits that are available will vary depending on the type of plan that you purchase and the destination of your trip.

Here are some of the coverages that are included:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Medical travel insurance up to CA$1,000,000
• Baggage insurance up to CA$2,500 per person
• Emergency travel assistance

Good to know

To be eligible for travel insurance through the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you must purchase your trip with your credit card and pay for at least half of the trip with your credit card. You must also travel on a common carrier, such as an airline or a cruise ship.

The travel insurance that is included with the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard is a good option for people who are looking for basic travel insurance coverage , but the coverage is limited and may not be enough for everyone. If you are looking for more comprehensive travel insurance coverage, you may want to consider purchasing a separate travel insurance policy.

What is WestJet's travel insurance coverage in Canada?

What is covered under westjet travel insurance.

Here are some additional details about the coverages that are available under WestJet travel insurance in Canada:

• Travel accident insurance: This coverage pays out a benefit if you are injured or killed while travelling. The benefit amount is up to CA$500,000.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This coverage pays out a benefit if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered reason, such as illness, injury, or a death in the family. The benefit amount is up to 100% of your non-refundable trip expenses.
• Medical insurance: This coverage pays for your medical expenses while you are travelling. The benefit amount is up to CA$1,000,000.
• Baggage insurance: This coverage pays for the loss or damage to your checked luggage. The benefit amount is up to CA$2,500 per person.
• Emergency travel assistance: This coverage provides you with assistance if you experience a medical emergency or other travel-related problem while you are away from home.

What is not covered under WestJet travel insurance

WestJet travel insurance has a number of exclusions, which means that they will not cover certain claims. Some of the most common exclusions include:

• Pre-existing conditions: WestJet travel insurance does not cover claims that are related to a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that you had before you purchased your travel insurance.
• War and civil unrest: WestJet travel insurance does not cover claims that are caused by war or civil unrest.
• Terrorism: WestJet travel insurance does not cover claims that are caused by terrorism.
• Failure to comply with travel advisories: WestJet travel insurance does not cover claims if you travel to a destination that is under a Government of Canada travel advisory.
• Participation in dangerous activities: WestJet travel insurance does not cover claims that are caused by participation in dangerous activities, such as skydiving or bungee jumping.
• Loss or damage to your belongings: WestJet travel insurance does not cover loss or damage to your belongings unless they are lost or damaged due to a covered reason, such as theft or fire.

What travel insurance plans are offered by WestJet?

The exclusions and coverage options may vary depending on the type of plan that you purchase — and the destination of your trip. However, you may be able to purchase additional coverage for some of the exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions.

There are four main types of WestJet travel insurance plans. Here is a brief overview of each plan:

How much does WestJet travel insurance cost?

The cost of WestJet travel insurance in Canada varies depending on the type of plan you purchase, the length of your trip, and your age.

Here are some examples of the cost of WestJet travel insurance in Canada:

• Deluxe package (up to age 74): For a 1-week trip to the United States, the cost of the Deluxe package is CA$139 per person.
• Non-medical package (all ages): For a 1-week trip to the Caribbean, the cost of the Non-medical package is CA$119 per person.
• Classic emergency medical plan (up to age 64): For a 1-week trip to Europe, the cost of the Classic emergency medical plan is CA$89 per person .
• Trip cancellation and interruption package (all ages): For a 1-week trip to Mexico, the cost of the Trip cancellation and interruption package is CA$69 per person.

Here is a table, summarizing the cost of WestJet travel insurance in Canada for a 1-week trip:

Compare WestJet to other travel insurers on the market to get the best price/value on your insurance:

Prepare for your trip Compare. Choose. Save.

How to file a claim with WestJet for travel insurance?

Making a travel insurance claim with Allianz Global Assistance is quite simple. The process is smooth and efficient, and you will be kept informed at every step of the way. You can submit claims for all products and benefits online, including trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, lost or delayed baggage, and out-of-pocket emergency medical expenses. To start a claim:

• Simply log in to your Allianz Global Assistance account and click on the "File a Claim" button.
• You will be guided through the process step-by-step, and you can upload all of the necessary documentation electronically.
• Once your claim is submitted, it will be reviewed by a team of experts who will assess the merits of your claim and make a decision as quickly as possible.
• If your claim is approved, you will be paid the benefit amount as soon as possible.

How to contact WestJet travel insurance?

You can try WestJet’s online self-serve tools and get a solution to your problem. Here are some other options:

• For new or existing bookings and general inquiries, you can use this toll-free number from Canada: 1-888-937-8538.
• The toll-free number for people in North America for support in Japanese is 1-844-213-5239.
• For WestJet vacation bookings, call on this toll-free number from Canada: 1-877-737-7001.
• People who are deaf or have partial hearing can use this toll-free number: 1-877-952-0100.
• People with disabilities experiencing difficulties accessing WestJet.com can use this toll-free number: 1-866-693-7853 , or you can email at   [email protected] .

Sunny has over six years of experience curating engaging content spanning across industries. Specifically in finance, his expertise is insurance reviews and lending and investment topics.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard review

• Rates & Fees
• Eligibility

2% Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet vacation packages.

1.5% Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases.

Wi-Fi access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotsports around the world with Boingo Wi-Fi for Mastercard

1 annual companion voucher (starting at $119)

3¢/L savings at Petro-Canada and 20% more Petro-Points

$0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash

20.99% Purchase APR

22.99% Cash Advance APR

$119 Annual Fee $59 for additional cards

Good Recommended Credit Score

$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income

$150,000 Required Annual Household Income

By Barry Choi & Cory Santos

Fact Checked: Scott Birke

Updated: May 31, 2024

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• Best RBC credit cards in Canada
• RBC British Airways Visa Infinite
• RBC Cash Back Mastercard
• RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
• Best travel credit cards in Canada
• WestJet RBC Mastercard
• BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
• American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
• Best Mastercard credit cards in Canada
• BMO CashBack® MasterCard®*
• Capital One® Low Rate Guaranteed Mastercard®
• HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard®

Quick Overview of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

If you want to save big on your next flight, then take a look at the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard . For starters, the welcome offer is worth up to 700¹ in WestJet dollars. The card’s standard earn rate is another way to help you save. Earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages using your card⁸. Earn 1.5% back in WestJet dollars for everyday purchases you make on your card⁸. Given that 1 WJ dollar equals $1 CAD, your rewards can go a long way. Redeeming West Jet dollars is also easy, as you don’t need to worry about redemption charts, blackout dates, or seat availability.  

Who can benefit from the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard?

Frequent flyers who prefer to travel with WestJet can greatly benefit from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. The card offers the highest earn rate for dollars spent on booking WestJet flights and vacation packages and offers an accelerated 1.5% back on all other purchases. The addition of lounge access (fees apply), a yearly companion voucher, and a first checked bag free add additional value that is sure to please the WestJet aficionados everywhere. 

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard: Pros and cons

A generous welcome offer of up to 250 welcome WestJet dollars (a value of up to $250 CAD)

Good earn rate of up to 2% back in WestJet dollars

Good travel insurance coverage

Includes free Boingo Wi-Fi¹¹

High annual income requirement: Personal: $80,000 or Household: $150,000

Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage or delayed/lost baggage

Reward redemptions are restricted to WestJet

RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard welcome bonus

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard comes with a very enticing welcome bonus. New accounts can get up to 300¹ welcome WestJet dollars (a value of up to $300 CAD) upon your first purchase; 300 WestJet dollars when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months¹; 100 WestJet dollar one-time anniversary bonus¹

How to earn cash back as WestJet Dollars with the WestJet RBC Word Elite Mastercard credit card

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard provides a generous rewards earn rate aimed at assisting WestJet customers in reaching their next destination faster with every purchase made using the card. Cardholders earn the following cash back rewards in the form of WestJet Dollars:

• 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations packages
• 1.5% back in WestJet dollars on everyday purchases

Those rewards are a significant improvement on the $39 annual fee WestJet RBC Mastercard and are ideal for anyone who frequently travels with WestJet and wants to rack up some serious WestJet Dollars to reach their next dream vacation or flight.

One of the best features of WestJet Dollars is that they never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. Also, there are no blackout dates or periods when redeeming for WestJet flights.

How to Redeem WestJet Dollars

Redeeming WestJet Dollars is a simple and straightforward process. You can use WestJet dollars to pay for the base fare of eligible WestJet flights and vacation packages. In addition, WestJet Dollars can be used for the following:

• Seat selections and seat upgrades
• Gift cards and merchandise through the WestJet Rewards portal
• Charitable donations to select organizations

Furthermore, WestJet Dollars can be used towards rewards with WestJet partners, including hotels, car rentals, and more.

Key benefits of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard credit card

As a high-end airline credit card, the WestJet World Elite Mastercard prioritizes enhancing the comfort of flights with WestJet. One of its key benefits is providing complimentary first checked bags for cardholders and up to 8 guests on the same itinerary.

Additionally, the card offers complimentary lounge access through the DragonPass, which grants entry to over 1,300 global airport lounges, a number comparable to the popular Priority Pass network. Another major advantage of this card is an annual round-trip companion voucher for travel on WestJet.

WestJet World Elite Mastercard from RBC insurance coverage

• Flight delay/interruption coverage: Flight interruption and cancellation insurance is an essential benefit provided to cardholders. In the unfortunate event of a flight delay or cancellation, cardholders can rely on this coverage to receive up to $5,000 in compensation.
• Travel accident insurance¹¹: With the included travel accident insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered for up to $500,000 in case of any unforeseen accidents that may occur during your travels.
• Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance¹⁰:  With this insurance, you can receive up to $65,000 in coverage for auto rental collision/loss damage for a period of up to 48 days. This ensures that you are protected in case of any unforeseen accidents or damages that may occur during your rental period.
• Hotel/Motel burglary insurance : Cardholders are protected in the event of a break-in to their hotel room. The card provides up to $2,500 in insurance coverage for hotel/motel burglaries, offering an additional layer of security while traveling.
• Emergency medical coverage: The card provides up to $500,000 in travel accident insurance and emergency medical coverage for up to 15 days (under 65) and 3 days for over 65s. 
• Purchase security insurance. The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard also comes with Purchase Security Insurance, which provides up to a maximum coverage amount of $50,000 coverage for direct accidental physical loss or damage to property purchased with the card. Plus, the card's Extended Warranty Insurance automatically doubles your original manufacturer’s warranty on purchased items for up to a maximum of one year.
• Additional insurance. The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard features the following additional insurance protection: emergency purchases and flight delay insurance, auto rental collision/damage loss insurance, hotel/motel burglary insurance, travel accident insurance, out of country/province emergency medical insurance and trip interruption insurance.

My Experience with RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard Insurance

To earn as many WestJet Dollars as possible, I use my WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard to pay for nearly everything I buy. So when the 55" Samsung Frame TV I bought with this card needed its panel replaced after only 18 months of ownership (and just 6 months outside the protection of the manufacturer's warranty), I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had an extended warranty for up to two years with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. To use this feature, I paid for the repair myself, filed the claim online with the card's insurance carrier and I was reimbursed with a cheque for the full amount within weeks. Now I run every major purchase I can through this card—not only to earn the 1.5% back in WestJet dollars—but also to gain the protection of an extended warranty, without paying extra for one.

— Scott Birke, Finance editor, Money.ca

RBC WestJest World Elite Mastercard advertises on Money.ca

Extra benefits of the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard provides a robust assortment of travel and everyday benefits designed to help you get the most out of the $119 annual fee (plus $59 for additional cardholders on the account). Beyond the solid rewards earn rate and essential insurance protections, you can expect the following additional benefits:

• Round-trip companion voucher ¹ : You get an annual round-trip companion voucher starting from $199.
• DragonPass Airport Lounge access: This RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard entitles you to a complimentary membership to DragonPass Airport Lounges Program as long as you remain a World Elite Mastercard cardholder.
• Free checked bags⁴: The first checked bag is free for the primary cardholder on WestJet flights and up to eight additional guests on the same reservation. Valid for primary cardholders of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard and up to eight (8) additional guests travelling on the same reservation. Additional terms and conditions apply.
• Boingo Wi-Fi: Cardholders have access to free in-flight Wi-Fi courtesy of Boingo. Register your card and get free Wi-Fi at more than 1 million Boingo hotspots.
• Fuel discounts at Petro-Canada: All RBC credit cards, including the RBC Cash Back Mastercard, save their users 3₵ per litre at Petro-Canada, when you connect your RBC credit card to your Petro-Points account, you’ll earn 20% more Petro-Points.

Other security features of the card include:

• Chip and pin technology for an added layer of security
• Mobile wallet compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
• Access to the RBC mobile app

How does the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard credit card compare?

  While there’s no doubt that the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is a great credit card, you should consider the competition before you sign up. The most logical comparison would be the TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card. Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, so you can quickly compare the earn rate and benefits.  

The TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card has a slightly higher annual fee of $139. Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada ® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations ® ) made with your card. Earn 1 Aeroplan point † for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your card. Redeeming points is arguably easier with Air Canada since they have more flights and airline partners. However, Aeroplan also uses dynamic pricing, which means during peak seasons, the cost for a free flight could cost you more points.

With both cards, you get free checked bags † . While the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard gives you an annual round-trip companion voucher, the TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card has the advantage in the travel insurance department since it includes trip cancellation† and delayed/lost baggage insurance † .

While the earn rate and benefits are important, you could argue your travel preferences are more important. If you like to fly WestJet, get the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. If flexibility is more important, then the TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card might be the better pick. But there are plenty of other travel rewards credit cards to consider too.

†Terms and conditions apply.

The TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here .

Is the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard worth it?

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard   is an excellent card for frequent WestJet flyers. The welcome bonus is impressive, and you only need to make a single purchase to get it. The earn rate and additional benefits, including free checked bags⁴, will also be useful.

There’s no denying the card’s benefits, but you’re still restricted to WestJet or Delta code-share flights with your redemptions. This may not be an issue for some people, but those who prefer flexibility may want to see what other travel cards are out there. And if you're looking for a similar card from RBC and WestJet with less features and a lower annual fee, consider the WestJet RBC Mastercard instead.

Eligibility requirements for the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

To be eligible for the WestJet RBC World Elite credit card, you must meet the following criteria:

• Canadian residency: The card is available to all Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence.
• Credit score: A "good" credit score of approximately 660 is generally required to successfully apply for the card.
• Income requirements: You must have a minimum personal income of $80,000 or a minimum household income of $150,000 to be eligible for the card.

Please note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval for the card.

Refer to the RBC Page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with over seven years of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.

Compare other RBC credit cards

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The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.

Was your WestJet flight cancelled this weekend? Here's what you need to know

Thousands of passengers affected after surprise mechanics' strike on july 1 holidays.

'So disappointed': Toronto travellers frustrated by WestJet cancellations, delays

Social sharing.

Roughly 33,000 travellers have been impacted by the unexpected news on Saturday morning that WestJet had cancelled a slew of flights after mechanics announced a surprise strike.

Here's what you need to know about how to get moving and/or compensated if you're among the affected travellers.

• WestJet cancels 235 flights as mechanics strike in surprise move on busy long weekend

What are the rules in a situation like this?

Airlines have to comply with Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which give air passengers using Canadian airlines certain rights by laying out the minimum requirements companies must follow for air travel.

• Air passenger complaint backlog hits new high, but agency says it's processing complaints faster

The regulations also detail the standards for communication with passengers, and for compensation when flights are delayed or cancelled, or when your baggage is lost. The Canadian Transportation Agency oversees the APPR. 

According to the regulations, affected passengers can expect an update every 30 minutes until they have a new departure time or itinerary.

Can I still get where I'm trying to go?

An airline must offer passengers a choice between helping you continue to your destination or returning to your point of origin with a refund, according to  Air Passenger Rights , an independent, non-profit advocacy group.

WestJet can rebook you on another of its flights or that of a partner airline within 48 hours of your original departure time, said Gabor Lukacs, president of the group.

"But if it cannot, then WestJet will have to take out its corporate credit card and buy passengers tickets on flights of Air Canada or any other competitor — that's the law," he told CBC News Network on Saturday morning. 

Traveller affected by WestJet delays says vacations 'a hard thing to come by these days'

The APPR say you can even look at flights leaving from other airports within a "reasonable distance" and expect WestJet to help you get to that point of departure.

If the only seats available are in a higher class of service than you originally booked — such as first or business class — the airline must book you on them without asking you to pay the difference, according to the APPR.

If the opposite is true — you booked a higher class of service and can now only fly economy — then the airline must refund you the difference.

Can I take matters into my own hands?

In a statement posted to its website on Friday,  WestJet says there are "limited re-accommodation options available," suggesting it would be difficult for some people to make alternate plans to get where they're going.

On Saturday, the airline cancelled 235 flights and said another 150 wouldn't proceed if a solution to the dispute isn't reached by early Saturday afternoon.

If you run into trouble with WestJet's "re-accommodation options," you could rebook flights yourself and pursue compensation later, Lukacs said.

"If you do want to fly, you do not utter the word 'refund,'" Lukacs  said. "You are not seeking a refund. You are seeking a rebooking. If you are seeking a refund, WestJet will just refund you and wash its hands from your expenses down the line."

He recommends keeping a careful record of your conversations with the airline — even by going so far as to record your conversations — and keeping track of all the expenses you incur.

Small claims court is an option, he added.

What if I want a refund?

The simple answer? You are entitled to get your money back.

"Money back is always an option," Lukacs said. "If you didn't get a flight you paid for, the airline has to give you back your money. That's a no-brainer."

The regulations also say that if you're not at your point of origin when you ask for a refund, the airline must also fly you back home.

But asking for a refund means you might be leaving some money on the table in the long run, Lukacs warned.

Under the regulations, you must receive your money back within 30 days if you go this route.

With files from Jenna Benchetrit

Related Stories

• WestJet cancels hundreds of flights as mechanics strike in surprise move on busy long weekend

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7 Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies in July 2024

Sean Cudahy is a freelance reporter specializing in coverage of airlines, travel, loyalty programs and public policy. A journalist of nine years, Sean most recently served as a general assignment reporter at The Points Guy, following an eight-year run as a local television news reporter. He lives with his wife and their French Bulldog outside Raleigh, North Carolina.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

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

Finding the cheapest travel insurance is often a priority for travelers hoping to protect themselves and their finances while away from home.

But is it better to err on the side of affordable travel insurance or opt for a more comprehensive plan? That depends on your needs .

On average, a comprehensive plan that covers some combination of trip cancellation and interruption costs, medical coverage and baggage protection (and perhaps a number of other things) will cost you 5%-10% of what you paid for the trip, according to NerdWallet partner Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace.

That means a comprehensive policy for a trip that costs you $3,000 could run you anywhere between $150 and $300. Factors like the cost and length of your trip, the age of the travelers and how much protection you want can significantly influence what you pay for your plan.

Ultimately, Squaremouth recommends “the least expensive policy that offers the coverage [travelers] need.”

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Factors we considered when picking cheap travel insurance plans

We considered a few factors as we looked for the most affordable travel insurance plans.

Price: If your goal is to find cheaper travel insurance, you want the price to be affordable.

Breadth of coverage: The best budget travel insurance is typically going to be a plan that offers a wide range of protections at an affordable cost, ensuring you’re protected with at least some coverage for a wide range of scenarios.

Uniqueness or customizability : While many travel insurance plans have similar protections, some stand out for particular coverage that can be helpful to certain travelers, like those needing to Cancel For Any Reason , those going on a cruise, or travelers with preexisting health conditions. We didn’t spring for the priciest plans with broad, deep coverage; instead, we picked those that meet a sort of budget "sweet spot" when it comes to cost efficiency.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth getting?

An overview of the best cheap travel insurance plans

We looked at travel insurance quotes for a hypothetical 10-day trip to Italy in October 2023. The traveler is a 40-year-old man living in North Carolina who spent $2,000 on the trip, including airfare.

Reliable but cheap travel insurance providers

1. axa assistance usa (silver plan: $70).

Why we picked it:

The $500 missed connection benefit is great for cruise and tour participants. It covers additional transportation, accommodations and meal costs when you miss a cruise or tour departure.

Full trip cancellation and interruption coverage, along with up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket medical costs and baggage coverage.

Among the lowest prices we found.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more than AXA's $70 Silver plan, a Gold plan only costs $19 more and gets you deeper coverage amounts and up to $35,000 in collision rental car insurance.

2. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (ExactCare Value plan: $56)

Cheapest plan we found while still offering a wide array of protections.

Includes a preexisting medical condition waiver.

Add-on rental car collision coverage optional for $10 per day. You can pick how many days you want the additional coverage — it’s not all or nothing.

At $56, this plan comes in at less than 3% of the $2,000 trip cost.

3. IMG (iTravelInsured Lite plan: $77)

Treats COVID-19 like any other illness, which is to say, if your claim accepts flu, strep throat or appendicitis as an acceptable, covered condition, the coronavirus is, too.

Covers costs related to trip interruption up to 125% 

Higher than normal limits on dental expenses, at $1,000. If your teeth are your Achilles heel (or your biggest fear), this plan might be for you.

The iTravelInsured Lite plan doesn’t offer some of the bells and whistles that other plans do, like rental car coverage , Cancel For Any Reason coverage or waivers for pre-existing conditions. But you’ll have relatively solid across-the-board trip protections.

4. John Hancock (Silver plan: $93 for a mid-tier plan)

Mid-level plan (as opposed to a basic plan) at an affordable price for travelers who want more coverage without paying too much.

Includes an optional Cancel For Any Reason add-on for travelers wanting flexibility. It is a bit pricey, at half the cost of the insurance ($46.50 extra for a $93 plan).

Reimburses up to $1,000 for lost baggage , far more than many basic plans.

Add-on rental car coverage for $9 per day.

At $88, John Hancock’s basic (Bronze) plan isn’t particularly affordable. But for just $4 extra, you can tap into the benefits of a mid-tier plan at still less than 5% of the total trip cost.

5. Nationwide (Essential plan: $76)

Includes a preexisting conditions waiver.

Add-on rental car coverage for $90. 

Covers trip interruption at 125% of the trip cost while providing comprehensive emergency medical and baggage coverage.

6. Seven Corners (Basic plan: $75)

On top of standard trip protections, it includes a relatively affordable Cancel For Any Reason option for $31.50 extra.

If you plan to rent expensive sporting equipment, you might consider paying $10 extra to cover lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed gear.

COVID-19 coverage reimburses you for costs incurred if you have to quarantine .

Rental car coverage comes in at an affordable $7 per day.

Seven Corners’ Basic plan stands out because it offers a little bit of everything, appealing to athletic travelers, those who need affordable trip protections, those who want the flexibility to cancel for any reason and those still concerned about getting quarantined due to COVID-19.

7. Travelex Insurance Services (Basic plan: $71)

Straightforward: What you see is what you get. This plan’s coverage has fewer rules and caveats than many. 

While not sporting the highest coverage amounts, it offers a solid range of protections to ensure you get at least something back when your travel is disrupted or you have a medical emergency.

Offers add-on rental car coverage for $10 per day.

At $71, the Travelex Basic plan’s cost is just over 3% of the $2,000 trip’s cost.

If you want to get travel insurance at the cheapest possible rate, here’s a trick. Put $0 as your trip cost, Stan Stanberg, co-founder of comparison site Travelinsurance.com said in an email.

“When excluding trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage the cost of a travel insurance plan goes down significantly,” Stanberg said.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical, trip delay , missed connection, baggage and other protections.

You’ll often find comprehensive travel insurance plans cost 5%-10% of your total trip cost, according to Squaremouth. This will often get you full trip cancellation and trip protection, baggage protection, emergency medical coverage and often other benefits.

Typically, the more you pay, the broader and deeper the coverage.

For many plans, you can purchase travel insurance up until you depart. However, to get access to the most protections possible, booking two days to two weeks after making your initial deposit is the best rule of thumb.

That means you won’t get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip or if it gets interrupted. But you may still have access to the plan’s medical,

, missed connection, baggage and other protections.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

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

WestJet Airlines workers vow to continue strike that's led to hundreds of canceled flights

MONTREAL – A strike by WestJet Airlines' mechanics that has led to hundreds of cancelled flights will continue until a deal is reached, the union's president told Reuters on Sunday.

Bret Oestreich, president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, said the two sides will reconvene with a mediator on Sunday. The union represents around 680 workers at WestJet, including aircraft maintenance engineers, who  went on strike Friday  after 97% of its members rejected a pay deal reached in May.

"All we want to do is to go back to the table," said Oestreich. "The strike will be in effect until we get an agreement."

He said the two sides are separated by a first-year economic difference of approximately 7%, or less than $8 million on a roughly four-year contract.

No justice, no pea(nuts): How airline labor deals impact you | Cruising Altitude

WestJet, which is owned by Onex Corp and also serves destinations across the U.S. , was not immediately available for comment on Sunday.

On Saturday, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech blamed the union for the disruption, arguing that leaders refused to negotiate.

"Their only purpose was to disrupt as many Canadian travelers as possible," he said.

Canada's second-largest carrier said late on Saturday that it has canceled a total of 407 flights  affecting over 49,000 passengers .

'I ended up spending over $1,700': What you're owed for a delayed, canceled flight

Canada Day is July 1. WestJet President Diederik Pen told reporters on Saturday the carrier was expecting to fly around 70,000 passengers a day during the long weekend. Pen said the airline can maintain minimal service with 30-50 aircraft, operating around 150 flights a day.

The strike has frustrated travelers during the long holiday weekend with passengers taking to social media to complain about cancelled family vacations or being stranded.

Canadian Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan has urged WestJet and the union to resolve their differences and reach an agreement.

Seeking to preemptively avert the strike, O'Regan had asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to resolve the contract dispute through binding arbitration.

While the board agreed to arbitration, it said O'Regan's referral "does not have the effect of suspending the right to strike or lockout."

Oestreich said the union, which is in a legal position to strike, wants a negotiated deal instead of an agreement imposed by an arbitrator.

WestJet said it has offered a 12.5% wage increase in the first year of the agreement and a compounded wage increase of 23% over the term of the agreement.

WestJet customers growing frustrated as they wait for answers on compensation for flight cancellations

In an e-mailed statement, WestJet spokesperson Madison Kruger said customers are entitled to request a refund to their original form of payment in the event of a flight cancellation if alternative travel arrangements were not provided to them within 48 hours. Cole Burston/Getty Images

WestJet Airlines Ltd. Airlines customers are growing anxious about a lack of communication from the company following a strike that left some passengers stranded and out thousands of dollars in travel expenses, with no clarity on how much they will be compensated.

From emergency hotel stays to unplanned airport meals, customers say the large chunks of money they’ve spent go way beyond the cost of their cancelled flights, and there’s no confirmation they’ll be reimbursed for anything other than their tickets.

Since June 27, more than 1,700 flights have been cancelled by the airline, upending the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers travelling over the Canada Day long weekend.

The disruption began after the company’s aircraft maintenance engineers unexpectedly walked off the job Friday evening. The two parties reached a tentative agreement on Sunday that includes improvements to the mechanics’ wages and benefits.

Ashley Nunes: WestJet travellers with cancelled flights deserve more than refunds and sympathy

In an e-mailed statement, WestJet Airlines Ltd. spokesperson Madison Kruger said customers are entitled to request a refund to their original form of payment in the event of a flight cancellation if alternative travel arrangements were not provided to them within 48 hours, according to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

“Our teams across WestJet Airlines Ltd. are working diligently to support all impacted guests as quickly as possible,” she wrote.

However, for WestJet Airlines Ltd. customer Mel Offner, getting through to someone at the airline to request a refund in the days following her cancelled flight has proven extremely difficult, she said.

Ms. Offner, her partner and their four-year-old daughter were trying to fly from Santa Ana, Calif., to their home on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast on June 30. Less than 24 hours before they were supposed to take off, they saw online that their flight had been cancelled.

After three nights of hotels, two extra days of a car rental, three days’ worth of meals, a ferry rebooking, two extra days of airport parking and a phone bill run up by international calls, Ms. Offner said she has $1,500 in unplanned expenses and is unsure if she’ll be reimbursed.

Despite multiple efforts to call and tagging the airline in social media posts, she said all she has received in return are generic statements and the promise to pay $150 for their first night in a hotel – which has yet to be fulfilled.

“The cost of living already is so high these days. I don’t have $2,000 or $1,500 just lying around ready to pay for it, and after missing work as well, it’s just been a really frustrating experience,” she said.

According to Ms. Kruger, WestJet Airlines Ltd. is not required to provide compensation for hotels and meals for situations outside of the airline carrier’s control, according to the passenger protection rules.

“The courts have held that the declaration of a strike marks the onset of a labour disruption. Therefore, flights disrupted due to a declaration of a strike and the strike itself are considered outside of a carrier’s control under the APPR,” she wrote.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. is obligated to respond to passenger claims received within a 30-day period, Ms. Kruger said, adding passengers should submit claims for eligible expenses on the airline’s website.

Until recently, WestJet Airlines Ltd. customer Jennifer Litowski said she had no hope of reimbursement for the US$1,400 she spent on airline tickets for her niece and her boyfriend or the $800 spent on hotels and meals for the two teens.

She said since the second flight in the two teens’ journey from Regina to visit her in Boston was cancelled, she had only received two e-mails from the airline.

“One was a customer service survey on Sunday, which is ironic, and I did not fill [it] out. It’s now expired. And then the second one I received Wednesday, which was prepare for your upcoming flight for the flight from Boston to Regina. Their return trip for the trip that never happened and that I can’t cancel,” she said.

Finally, Ms. Litowski said she reached a WestJet Airlines Ltd. agent over the phone after three hours on hold Thursday afternoon and has submitted her expenses for a refund.

Kathleen Carrigan and her 82-year-old father are also waiting for their refund to come through from Avion Rewards – the loyalty program they used to book their WestJet Airlines Ltd. flight.

She said her father recently rekindled a connection with his high-school sweetheart over the phone and they were planning to fly from Vancouver Island to Halifax on July 1 so the two could reconnect.

However, since their original WestJet Airlines Ltd. flight was cancelled and the loyalty program couldn’t rebook them on another airline without added expenses, she said they were forced to cancel their trip after a year of saving up points.

Now, they’re waiting anxiously to see the refunds promised by Avion come through before they can afford to plan another trip. But with her dad’s colon cancer coming back and his high-school sweetheart on oxygen, Ms. Carrigan said she’s unsure if there will be another chance to make the trip.

“I hope that by September, we have the refund and then hopefully I can get him on a plane,” she said.

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Canada’s WestJet reaches deal to end mechanics union strike but disruptions that canceled 829 flights will continue through week

Canada’s second largest airline, WestJet, has reached a deal with its mechanics to end a strike that had  disrupted the travel plans  of tens of thousands of passengers over the Canada Day long weekend.

WestJet said late Sunday there will still be flight disruptions in the week ahead as its planes are brought back into service.

In its own news release, the Airplane Mechanics Fraternal Association urged its members to return to work immediately pending a vote on the temporary agreement.

Some 680 workers, whose daily inspections and repairs are essential to airline operations, had walked off the job on Friday evening despite a directive for binding arbitration from the labor minister.

Since Thursday, WestJet has canceled 829 flights scheduled between then and Monday in the busiest travel weekend of the season in Canada.

The vast majority of Sunday’s trips were called off as WestJet pared down its 180-plane fleet to 32 active aircraft and topped the global list for cancellations among major airlines over the weekend.

“The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented,” Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.

“We will see no further labor action coming out of this dispute, as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in the case of a failed ratification.”

Details of the agreement were not immediately available.

The union had previously said its demands around wages would cost WestJet less than $8 million Canadian (US$5.6 million) beyond what the company has offered for the first year of the collective agreement — the first contract between the two sides. It has acknowledged the gains would surpass compensation for industry colleagues across Canada and sit more on par with U.S. counterparts.

WestJet had said it has offered a 12.5% wage hike in the first year of the contract, and a compounded wage increase of 23.5% over the rest of the 5 1/2-year term.

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Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open

Russia nuclear messaging.

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The message to NATO from President Vladimir Putin was simple and stark: Don't go too far in providing military support for Ukraine, or you'll risk a conflict with Russia that could quickly turn nuclear.

As the war in Ukraine turns slowly in Moscow's favor , Putin declared he doesn’t need nuclear weapons to achieve his goals. But he also says it's wrong for the West to assume that Russia will never use them.

“It mustn’t be treated in a light, superficial way,” Putin said in June, reaffirming that Russia's nuclear doctrine calls for using atomic weapons if it perceives a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Moscow’s nuclear messaging — coming as NATO allies move to shore up exhausted and outgunned Ukrainian forces — heralds what could become the most dangerous phase in the war.

Drills, threats and signals

Moscow has carried out drills with its tactical — or battlefield — nuclear weapons in southern Russia and with ally Belarus, where some were deployed in 2023. Russian Defense Ministry videos showed Iskander missile launchers, nuclear-capable warplanes and sea-launched missiles.

The Kremlin described the exercises as a response to the West pondering the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and allowing Kyiv to use longer-range weapons for limited strikes on Russian territory.

“Reliance on nuclear threats and signals is an enduring trend in Russia’s activities amid the war in Ukraine ,” said Heather Williams, senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Russian leadership may be assuming it has more at stake in Ukraine than NATO, and nuclear threats are one means of signaling its commitment to winning the war in the hopes of scaring off Western intervention.”

Ever since launching the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion, Putin has repeatedly referred to Russia’s nuclear might to discourage Western intervention. The United States and NATO criticized the nuclear saber-rattling but said they haven't seen any changes in Russia's nuclear posture warranting a response.

After early setbacks in Ukraine, Putin said Moscow was prepared to use “all means” to protect Russian territory, fueling fears he could turn to tactical nuclear weapons to halt Kyiv's advances. Putin later toned down his rhetoric after Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive didn't achieve its goals .

Amid Russia's recent military successes, Putin said Moscow doesn’t need nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. Simultaneously, however, he warned that Kyiv's strikes on Russian soil with Western-supplied longer-range weapons would mark a major escalation because they would involve Western intelligence and military personnel — something the West denies.

“Representatives of NATO members, particularly in small countries of Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with,” he said, adding they could be mistaken to rely on U.S. protection if Russia strikes them.

“The constant escalation could lead to grave consequences,” he said. “If those grave consequences come to Europe, how will the U.S. act in view of our parity in strategic weapons? Hard to say. Do they want a global conflict?”

Aiming the ‘nuclear pistol’

In May, Russian radar facilities were attacked by Ukrainian drones. One damaged a radar in the southern Krasnodar region, according to satellite images. Another targeted a similar facility in the southern Urals, about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) east of the border.

Both are part of Russia’s early warning system to spot intercontinental ballistic missile launches thousands of kilometers (miles) away. Moscow and Washington rely on such systems to track each other’s launches.

Along with earlier Ukrainian raids on Russian nuclear-capable bomber bases, the radar strikes could qualify as triggers for atomic-weapons use under Moscow's nuclear doctrine. Russian hawks urged the Kremlin to respond forcefully.

At a June forum in St. Petersburg, Kremlin-connected foreign policy expert Sergei Karaganov urged Putin to “aim a nuclear pistol at our Western adversaries” to achieve victory in Ukraine.

Putin responded cautiously, saying he saw no security threats that warranted using Russia's nuclear arsenal . At the same time, he indicated Moscow was pondering changes in its nuclear doctrine.

Amending the nuclear doctrine

Since the war began, hawks have urged a revision of the doctrine, which says Moscow could use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear strike or an attack with conventional weapons that threatens “the very existence” of the Russian state. Some of them argue the threshold is too high, leaving the West with the impression that the Kremlin won't ever touch its nuclear arsenal.

Foreign affairs analyst Dmitri Trenin of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, a Moscow think tank advising the Kremlin, urged modifying the doctrine to declare that Russia could use nuclear weapons first when “the core national interests are at stake,” like in Ukraine.

“It’s important to persuade the ruling elites in the U.S. and in the West as a whole that they won’t be able to stay comfortable and fully protected after provoking conflict with Russia,” Trenin said.

Climbing the ‘ladder of escalation’

With the West allowing Ukraine to hit Russian territory, Putin threatened to respond by providing weapons to Western adversaries worldwide. He underscored the message in June by signing a mutual defense pact with North Korea , signaling Moscow could start arms deliveries to Pyongyang.

He also declared that Moscow would start producing intermediate-range missiles banned under a Cold War-era pact that Washington and Moscow scrapped in 2019. The Kremlin wouldn’t say where Moscow could deploy the new weapons that were prohibited by the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which outlawed ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,410 miles).

Such nuclear-capable missiles are seen as particularly destabilizing because they can reach targets faster than ICBMs, leaving practically no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear war over a false launch warning.

Hawks urged Putin to move quickly up a “ladder of escalation” to push the West to back off.

The exercise with battlefield nuclear weapons was one such move, Trenin said, while another could be an atomic test on Russia’s Arctic Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Putin has left the door open for resuming such tests, which are banned under a global pact that Russia has signed, although he noted "there is no need for that yet.”

Some Russian military experts said Moscow could declare a no-fly zone over the Black Sea to curb U.S. intelligence flights that help Ukraine strike targets in Russia. In late June, the Defense Ministry threatened to take unspecified measures against U.S. drones there.

Trenin and other experts said possible escalatory moves could include cyberattacks on U.S. and European infrastructure, conventional strikes on Western troops if any go to Ukraine, and attacks on military supply hubs for Kyiv on the territory of NATO members. U.S. military bases also could be targeted, they said.

At the top of the ladder, Russia could threaten nuclear strikes on NATO targets in Europe to “sober up the enemy and force it into the talks,” Trenin suggested.

“Active nuclear deterrence means the possibility of using nuclear weapons first in the ongoing conflict — not necessarily on the battlefield and not on the territory of Ukraine,” he said. “The enemy must have no doubt: Russia won’t allow itself to be defeated or blocked from achieving its declared goals by keeping nuclear weapons out of the conflict.”

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation . The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Hungary’s PM Orban meets Russia’s Putin in a Moscow visit condemned by Ukraine and EU leaders

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban traveled to Moscow on Friday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin , causing major outrage among his fellow European Union leaders.

Orban was the first EU leader to visit Moscow since April 2022 and his trip was made even more controversial by the fact that Hungary has just taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Putin and Orban said they discussed ways to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Putin said Russia was “always open for discussion” for a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict but stressed that he stands by the terms it has already outlined.

Those terms would be unacceptable for Ukraine and its western allies. Ukraine has made it clear that any peace deal must include the return of Ukraine’s pre-2014 territory.

Orban’s press secretary Zoltan Kovacs said the prime minister’s visit to Moscow was of “special significance,” being the first since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Friday’s meeting marks the 14th time the two leaders have met since 2009, he said.

Orban has long been Putin’s greatest ally in Europe, a rare outlier among the otherwise united bloc. He has been campaigning for a ceasefire as opposed to military support for Ukraine.

“The talks with President Putin at the Kremlin focused on the Ukraine settlement and bilateral relations, emphasizing Hungary’s unique position to communicate with both warring sides,” Kovacs said in a post on X following the meeting on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Orban’s decision to visit Moscow, saying “appeasement will not stop” Putin.

“Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” she added.

Kyiv was also quick to criticize Orban’s trip. “The decision to make this trip was made by the Hungarian side without approval or coordination with Ukraine,” Ukraine’s foreign ministry said Friday. “We remind that the principle of ‘no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine’ remains inviolable for our country and call on all states to strictly adhere to it.”

The ministry said Ukraine’s peace formula – the plan outlined by President Volodymyr Zelensky – “remains the only realistic way to restore a just peace.”

Orban’s trip to Moscow came just days after his trip to Kyiv on Tuesday, his first visit to Kyiv  since Russia’s full-scale war began . He used the trip to urge Zelensky to consider a “ceasefire” in order to “speed up peace talks” with Moscow – something Zelensky firmly rejected.

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Lego is releasing a Jaws set in August that recreates the final showdown on Quint’s boat

Lego unveiled the upcoming 1497-piece Jaws set this week alongside a 90-second mini-movie that reimagines the film in Lego brick form. It comes with the shark, the boat, minifigures for Brody, Hooper and Quint, and more.

What to do when your internet goes down while traveling

If you are traveling or even wandering around your hometown, these tips can help you get around when your internet connection goes down.

Andy Murray's Wimbledon career officially ends after mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu withdraws

Andy Murray was set to play one final match at Wimbledon, but couldn't play a mixed doubles match when partner Emma Raducanu had to withdraw.

This crossbody bag was my travel VIP in Italy, and it's on sale for only $22

It might look small, but it holds a ton — just wait until you read what I was able to fit inside.

You could learn a lot from a CIO with a $17B IT budget

Lori Beer, global CIO at JPMorgan Chase, oversees a massive IT operation that's bigger than many companies. It involves a 63,000-person team worldwide and a $17 billion yearly budget (at last count), which was about 10% of JPMorgan’s overall revenue last year. “If you think about just our markets business, the high-speed, real-time processing of those types of things where fractions of seconds matter, that's all technology driven," she said.

Photos: Hurricane Beryl leaves wake of destruction in Caribbean, Mexico as storm heads toward Texas

At least 11 people were reported dead from Hurricane Beryl.

Copa America 2024: How to watch the Brazil vs. Uruguay game tonight

The Copa America 2024 soccer — or football — tournament continues tonight with Brazil vs. Uruguay.

Junkyard Gem: 1985 Jaguar XJ-S

A 1985 Jaguar XJ-S V12-powered coupe, found in a Denver wrecking yard.

Tokens are a big reason today's generative AI falls short

Generative AI models don't process text the same way humans do. Most models, from small on-device ones like Gemma to OpenAI's industry-leading GPT-4o, are built on an architecture known as the transformer. Due to the way transformers conjure up associations between text and other types of data, they can't take in or output raw text — at least not without a massive amount of compute.

'Microdosing' candies linked to illness, death, and a new Alzheimer's drug: A look at health stories you may have missed

Here's why you need to be cautious about microdosing products, and other health news to know.

Salad Fingers turned 20 this week and there’s a new episode out to commemorate it

The first episode of the web series 'Salad Fingers' hit Newgrounds on July 1, 2004. To mark its milestone birthday, creator David Firth dropped a 20th anniversary special that sees the titular Salad Fingers taking a walk down memory lane.

Martha Stewart, 82, uses this fan-favorite collagen mask — and it's down to $14

The mogul's facialist uses the mask to "restore skin texture and skin elasticity."

Kathy Hilton's home even smells like luxury, thanks to this $22 candle

'It's the perfect fresh scent for summer,' the 'Real Housewives' star says — and it's surprisingly affordable.

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling tummy control leggings are down to $25

More than 36,000 shoppers say these high-waisted yoga pants are the total package: 'I actually feel confident in these.'

According to Facebook groups, these $23 pants (they're 20% off) are everything

I wouldn't mind living in these magical loungers — they're soft, wrinkle-resistant and ridiculously flattering.

'I can see!': Shoppers say this No. 1 bestselling $8 eyeglass cleaning kit gets lenses 'crystal clear'

'Works like a charm' on all types of glasses, devices and more.

Stay powered up with the 3 best-selling outdoor generators at Amazon

Looking to pick up an outdoor generator for the summer? These are the most popular picks at Amazon right now.

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