travel insurance single trip with covid cover

Travel Insurance
Best Covid Travel Insurance Plans

Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024

Fact Checked

Updated: Mar 1, 2024, 9:18am

Covid-related issues are now covered like any other illness by most travel insurance policies, but they don’t all provide top-rated benefits. The best Covid-19 travel insurance plans offer “cancel for any reason” upgrades so you can change your mind about your trip if you have concerns about Covid. They also have at least $100,000 in medical expense benefits and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

To determine the best Covid travel insurance plans, we evaluated the features and costs of 23 travel insurance policies.

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Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate insurance companies, so all companies are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

23 travel insurance policies evaluated
161 rates for CFAR travel insurance policies crunched
102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

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Compare Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans

Best covid travel insurance policies, summary: best covid-19 travel insurance ratings, tips for the pandemic traveler, how to buy a pandemic travel insurance plan, how much does covid travel insurance cost, how to get quarantine reimbursement from travel insurance, methodology, best pandemic travel insurance frequently asked questions (faqs), next up in travel insurance, compare & buy travel insurance.

Travel Insured – Worldwide Trip Protector
WorldTrips – Atlas Journey Premier/Atlas Journey Preferred
Seven Corners – Trip Protection Choice/Trip Protection Basic
Tin Leg – Gold
AIG – Travel Guard Deluxe
John Hancock Insurance Agency – Silver
Nationwide – Cruise Luxury
USI Affinity Insurance Services – Ruby

Travel Insured International

Best pandemic plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

CFAR reimbursement

75% of insured trip cost

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

If lower medical expense coverage limits suffice, Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector plan offers superior evacuation benefits at a competitive average price compared to other top-rated plans.

More: Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
Top-notch non-medical evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
Good travel delay and baggage delay benefits kick in after just a 3-hour delay.
Excellent hurricane and weather coverage after a 6-hour delay.
Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is low compared to top competitors but might be enough for your needs.

Best Pandemic plan

Atlas Journey Premier

$150,000/$1 million

The Atlas Journey Premier plan provides robust coverage across the board for a low average cost. It has excellent missed connection coverage and medical evacuation benefits. Available upgrades include extra coverage for pets traveling with you, adventure sports, destination weddings, hunting and fishing equipment and more.

The Atlas Journey Preferred plan also earned 5 stars. It has lower medical expense limits ($100,000) than the Premier plan, but also costs less—its average price was the second lowest among top-scoring policies evaluated.

More: WorldTrips travel insurance review

Superior evacuation coverage of $1 million.
Superior travel delay benefits of $2,000 per person after 5-hour delay.
Excellent baggage loss benefits of $2,000 per person.
Baggage delay benefits are good at $500 per person, but require a 12-hour waiting period.

Seven Corners

Trip Protection Choice

$500,000/$1 million

Those looking for an all-around exceptional package of benefits—including top-notch medical expense and evacuation coverage—should consider Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan.

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic policy was also awarded 4.5 stars. It has lower medical expenses ($100,000) and evacuation limits ($250,000) than the Choice plan, but has the lowest average price among all Covid travel insurance plans assessed.

More: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

Superior medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits.
Superior travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person.
Includes $20,000 for non-medical evacuation.
Hurricane and weather coverage has a 48-hour delay compared to some competitors’ policies that require only 6-, 12- or 24-hour delays.

Medical expenses/medical evacuation limits per person

$500,000/$500,000

Tin Leg’s Gold plan provides ample levels of medical and evacuation coverage to give you solid protection if you contract Covid or experience other medical issues during your trip.

More: Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review

Excellent medical evacuation and travel medical expense coverage limits.
Decent trip interruption benefits.
Short waiting period of 6 hours for travel delay benefits.
Baggage delay coverage doesn’t kick in until 24 hours of delay.
Has the highest average cost among top-scoring plans evaluated.

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Travel Guard Deluxe

50% or 70% of insured trip cost

Optional pet, wedding, security, baggage, medical, adventures sports and travel inconvenience upgrades allow you to customize this AIG policy to your needs. Additionally, the Travel Guard Deluxe policy includes benefits if, under certain conditions, you must start your trip earlier than planned—a feature not found in all policies.

More: AIG Travel Insurance Review

Includes $100,000 for security evacuation and superior medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
Provides up to $750 for “travel inconveniences,” such as flight delay to your return destination, runway delays and cruise diversions.
Has good travel delay coverage of $1,000, with a short waiting period of 5 hours.
Medical expense coverage of $100,000 is on the low side, but might be adequate for your needs, or you can pay to boost limits with a medical bundle upgrade.

John Hancock Insurance Agency

$100,000/$500,000

John Hancock’s Silver policy provides decent coverage at a below-average price. Medical evacuation coverage is generous and the policy includes good missed connection coverage.

More: John Hancock Insurance Agency Travel Insurance Review

Missed connection benefits of $750 per person after a 3-hour waiting delay.
Travel delay benefits kick in after a 6-hour delay.
Includes $100,000 per person in 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
Medical expense limit of $100,000 is OK but lower than many other travel insurance policies.

Top-scoring plan

Cruise Luxury

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan provides an array of extensive benefits at a decent price, including superior missed connection coverage and emergency and non-medical evacuation benefits.

More: Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

Includes $25,000 in non-medical evacuation benefits.
Pretty good baggage delay benefits of $1,000 per person.
Good travel delay benefits of $1,000 per person covered after only a 6-hour delay.
24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to some competitor policies with only a 6- or 12-hour delay requirement.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services

$250,000/$500,000

USI’s Ruby plan provides a variety of top-level benefits. This includes its coverage for medical and evacuation expenses.

More: USI Affinity Travel Insurance Review

Good travel delay coverage of $1,000 per person.
Good hurricane and weather coverage.
Missed connection coverage for cruise and tours of $750 per person after 3-hour delay.
“Interruption for any reason” upgrade not available.
Baggage delay coverage is on the low side at $300 per person and requires a 12-hour delay for benefits to start.

The best Covid-19 travel insurance policies all offer a “cancel for any reason” travel insurance upgrade that provides 75% reimbursement of your insured trip cost. The best policies also provide at least $100,000 in travel medical expense insurance and $250,000 in medical evacuation benefits.

Many travel insurance policies offer good medical coverage, but not all cover Covid-related problems. If that’s important to you, make sure to verify that the policy you’re buying has travel medical insurance that specifically covers you in case you contract Covid. To find the best Covid-19 travel insurance policies, we evaluated only plans with at least $50,000 per person for medical coverage.

Sudden travel bans and unexpected quarantine requirements can also derail your trip, but standard travel insurance won’t generally cover these problems. Buying “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance will give you some reimbursement no matter what your reason for canceling.

Add “cancel for any reason” coverage shortly after your first trip deposit if you want it. You may have only a couple weeks before the option expires for your plan.

Also, some destinations abroad have medical coverage requirements for incoming travelers. Confirm the medical coverage requirements you’ll need for your destination, if any, before you buy a travel insurance policy.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Covid-19?

Most travel insurance policies provide trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance if you test positive for Covid and need to cancel or are required by a doctor to quarantine. That means if your trip is canceled or interrupted because you test positive for Covid, you can be reimbursed for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.

Most medical travel insurance covers you if you contract the virus during your trip and need medical attention. You can be reimbursed up to the limits in your policy for doctor and hospital bills, lab work and medicine, among other types of treatment.

Generally, travel insurance companies are treating Covid-19 like any other illness, but not all do. Epidemics and pandemics can be considered “foreseeable events” once declared by federal or international health agencies, which means in some cases travel insurance benefits may not apply. That’s why it’s imperative to review your policy for any possible exclusions.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

There are travel insurance policies that can cover unexpected expenses if you have to quarantine in another country. But in order for any benefits to apply for most of these plans, you must test positive for Covid-19 and your travel insurance plan must cover Covid-related expenses.

If you get sick abroad from the virus, a plan’s travel medical benefits can also kick in if it’s travel insurance that covers Covid-19.

Travel insurance policies that provide benefits if a traveler contracts Covid-19 can also extend their coverage past the original return date, typically up to seven days.

Quarantine-Related Travel Insurance Coverage

The following travel insurance benefits can offer coverage for the costs of quarantining, assuming the plan covers Covid-19 expenses.

Travel Delay Insurance

Travel delay insurance can cover the cost of your accommodations and meals during a quarantine if you have contracted the virus. If you are forced to stay beyond your return date due to a positive test, this coverage can be extended for up to seven days.

Policies with this benefit usually provide a range of total coverage between $100 and $2,000 per person, with a daily limit that ranges from $50 to $300.

Trip Interruption Travel Insurance

Trip interruption travel insurance will reimburse you for missed portions of your trip if you’re forced into quarantine due to a positive Covid test. It can cover 100% to 200% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, depending on the policy.

For example, Trawick International’s Safe Travels Voyager Plan covers expenses if you’re forced to quarantine domestically or abroad due to a positive Covid test. “These plans may also provide reimbursement for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation expenses incurred if you are injured or sick while traveling on your trip,” says Bailey Foster, a spokesperson for Trawick International .

‘Cancel for Any Reason’ (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Consider a plan that lets you upgrade with “cancel for any reason” travel insurance . This upgrade usually adds 50% to your travel insurance cost, but it will allow you to cancel your trip for any reason and get some reimbursement (usually 75%) of lost trip costs.

Your reason could be Covid-related, such as finding out that there’s a spike of Covid at your destination. Or your reason could be unrelated—for example, you could make a CFAR claim because you don’t like the rainy outlook at your beach resort.

If you want CFAR coverage, make sure to buy a travel insurance plan and add CFAR soon after you make your first trip deposit. There’s usually a purchase deadline for CFAR, such as two weeks.

‘Interruption for Any Reason’ Travel Insurance

If you’re concerned about being forced into a quarantine while on your trip due to a positive Covid test , standard trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for parts of your trip that you miss—if your plan has coverage for Covid. For instance, you can file a claim under trip interruption benefits if you paid in advance for non-refundable hotel stays, tours or entertainment and can’t participate because you have the virus and have to quarantine.

But what if you don’t have Covid and are required to comply with a mandatory quarantine? That’s where “interruption for any reason” travel insurance would help. “Interruption for any reason” coverage is offered as an upgrade from some travel insurance companies. If you have this upgrade, you can be reimbursed for portions of your trip that you miss if you have to quarantine but don’t have Covid. It can also pay for transportation expenses to get you caught up to your planned itinerary.

“Interruption for any reason” isn’t a common benefit, but the following companies offer it on some plans: iTravelInsured , Nationwide, Seven Corners, Travel Insured International and WorldTrips.

Other Travel Insurance Benefits to Consider

The best Covid travel insurance policies will also include coverage for:

Travel delays, such as extra expenses when you’re stuck in an airport due to weather problems
Missed connections travel insurance
Baggage insurance , which covers lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items

The average cost of Covid travel insurance is $733 per trip , based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis of 23 pandemic travel insurance plans that include “cancel for any reason” travel insurance.

The average cost per trip for the Best Covid travel insurance policies ranges from $502 to $748.

If you need to make a travel insurance claim related to a Covid quarantine, be prepared to have these documents:

Collect documentation if the policy requires a positive Covid test or direct exposure to the virus. In either case, you must be able to provide proof of your test or exposure, such as a note from a doctor, in addition to all receipts verifying their expenses.
Provide documentation that your test or exposure required a quarantine.
Save your receipts for medical bills and lodging expenses so that you can submit them with your insurance claim.

To find the best travel insurance for Covid, Forbes Advisor researched travel insurance purchase data. Each travel insurance policy evaluated had to have coverage for Covid and offer CFAR, and was scored based on these factors:

Cost of travel insurance plan with “cancel for any reason” upgrade (50% of score): We analyzed travel insurance costs for a variety of traveler ages and trip costs in order to develop an average price for each policy.

Medical expense coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies earned points based on their levels of medical coverage. Those with medical expense coverage of $250,000 or more were scored the highest.

Medical evacuation coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies earned points based on their levels of medical evacuation coverage. Those with medical evacuation coverage of $500,000 or more were scored the highest.

“Cancel for any reason” travel insurance reimbursement (10% of score): Policies providing 75% reimbursement for “cancel for any reason” claims were awarded points.

“Interruption for any reason” travel insurance upgrade (10% of score): Points were awarded to policies that offer an “interruption for any reason” upgrade.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver (5% of score): Points were given to policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if purchased within a required timeline.

Trip interruption reimbursement (5%): Travel insurance plans with 150% or more trip interruption reimbursement were awarded the most points.

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance is worth it if you can’t afford to lose the amount of money you’ve spent on your trip for non-refundable payments. Travel insurance is also smart for anyone traveling to another country. Your U.S. health insurance plan may have little or no coverage outside the U.S. and travel medical insurance can cover your medical costs if you’re hurt or get sick during your trip.

Is my travel insurance premium refunded if I cancel my trip?

As long as you cancel your trip during the look-back period specified in your travel insurance policy (such as 10 to 14 days), you can generally get a refund. This window of time gives you the chance to further think about whether the policy is right for you.

Will my health plan cover me if I get Covid while traveling abroad?

Coverage for medical problems outside the U.S. will vary by plan. Check with your U.S. health insurance provider to see what your health plan offers for global coverage. Some plans may have limited or no coverage, or a very high out-of-network deductible.

Once you know what your health plan covers you can select the right level of travel medical insurance.

Seniors should be aware that Medicare generally doesn’t have coverage outside the U.S.

Will travel insurance cover quarantine outside the U.S.?

Travel insurance plans that have Covid-related coverage will generally cover quarantine costs during your trip.

For example, if you contract Covid during your trip and have to stay an extra five days past your departure date, these plans can reimburse you for extra costs such as the hotel bill and meals. Coverage for a quarantine is only triggered if you actually get Covid.

Be aware that if a quarantine does not extend your travel time or result in extra costs, there may be no applicable coverage. For example, if you have to quarantine during the trip but leave to go home on your original return date, you have no monetary loss to claim. “Loss of enjoyment” because of a quarantine is a legitimate gripe but is not covered by travel insurance plans.

How much money can I get back with “cancel for any reason” coverage?

“Cancel for any reason” coverage will generally reimburse 50% or 75% of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs. This coverage allows you to get some reimbursement no matter what your reason is for canceling.

If your reason for cancellation is listed in your policy under standard trip cancellation benefits, you can get back 100%. These reasons can include sickness or injury of you or a travel companion, a hurricane, jury duty, job loss and more. Check the policy for the list of acceptable reasons. You may decide that you don’t need to spend the extra money for “cancel for any reason” coverage.

What coverage do I have if I cancel my trip from contracting Covid-19?

Trip cancellation travel insurance benefits generally apply if you cancel a trip because you test positive for Covid-19. You can be eligible to file a claim and be compensated for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.

What coverage do I have if I cancel my trip because I'm concerned about contracting Covid-19?

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance allows you to cancel a trip if you’re worried that you may contract Covid. Note that you must typically buy CFAR within 14 to 21 days of booking your trip, and are generally compensated 75% of your trip costs. You also must cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to be eligible to file a claim.

Does travel insurance cover missed flights due to Covid-19 Testing?

No, standard trip cancellation benefits won’t cover a cancellation because you couldn’t get a Covid test within the required timeframe before traveling. The same goes if you have an unacceptable test result, for instance from a home Covid test. Travel insurance also won’t cover you if you were unable to get results in time for your flight and can’t go.

How does a governor's declaration of a state of emergency affect my travel insurance policy?

Your travel insurance policy’s terms are usually not affected by a governor’s declaration of a state of emergency. And government-issued travel warnings at your destination are generally not covered by trip cancellation travel insurance. If your travel insurance policy doesn’t cover travel warnings, having CFAR coverage would permit you to make a cancellation claim because of concerns about travel advisories or warnings.

Is there cruise insurance with Covid coverage?

Yes, you can buy Covid travel insurance for a cruise . You’ll want to be sure the policy covers Covid-related cancellations and medical expenses, and you may want to consider buying a CFAR upgrade.

Does Allianz travel insurance cover Covid?

Yes, each Allianz travel insurance plan (except for its OneTrip Rental Car Protector) includes an endorsement for epidemic—or Covid—coverage. The endorsement adds epidemic-related problems to your trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, emergency medical expense and evacuation coverages if you cancel because you, a family member or travel companion contract an epidemic illness such as Covid.

Is Travel Guard Covid insurance available?

Yes, you can buy Travel Guard insurance policies from AIG Travel that cover Covid-related cancellations and medical issues. The Travel Guard Deluxe plan includes coverage for Covid-related trip cancellation and medical expenses and is AIG’s highest-rated policy according to Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best travel insurance companies.

Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance Of April 2024
Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of April 2024
Best Senior Travel Insurance Of April 2024
Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
The 5 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Of April 2024

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

travel insurance single trip with covid cover

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

Travelex Insurance Services
Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
Tin Leg: Best Cost
AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
$750 in missed connection coverage
$50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
$2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
Up to $1,600 for travel delays
Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
$500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
$500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
$100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
$100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
$2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
$150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
$2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
$1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
$250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
$500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express .

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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How to Find Travel Insurance That Offers COVID Coverage

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 .

Table of Contents

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

What is not covered, finding travel insurers covering covid-19, the best covid travel insurance, covid travel insurance, recapped.

Traveling now carries with it more uncertainty than ever before. If you plan on traveling anytime soon, one thing you can do to protect yourself is get a trip insurance policy that includes coronavirus coverage. Previously, many insurers excluded COVID-related claims due to the virus’ status as a foreseen event/pandemic.

But now, some insurers are changing their tune. Here’s what you need to know about how to find travel insurance providers that offer coronavirus-related coverage, as well as what is and isn’t covered.

Coronavirus coverage falls into several categories:

Trip cancellation: You need to cancel a trip prior to departure because you, a covered travel companion or possibly someone you need to care for contracted COVID-19.

Trip delay: Your trip is delayed due to changing COVID-related guidelines.

Travel medical coverage : You (or a covered travel companion) become ill with COVID-19 while traveling abroad and incur health care expenses or require an evacuation.

Of providers that are offering COVID policies, most are covering these expenses.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

Countries with Level 4 travel advisories: Some insurers disclose that if a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory is issued by the U.S. Department of State for a specific country, you will not receive coronavirus-related coverage. With cases surging in various countries unexpectedly, the list of Level 4 countries is constantly changing. Before booking a trip and purchasing a policy, make sure to check that the country does not have a Level 4 advisory.

Fear of getting sick while traveling: Canceling a trip because you’re afraid you’ll get sick does not qualify for coverage under your travel insurance policy. Travel insurance providers have a list of standard reasons that qualify for cancellation, including: car accident, jury duty, terrorist act, military duty and other extenuating circumstances. If you want ultimate flexibility to cancel a trip (no matter the reason), you’ll want to look into the cancel for any reason, or CFAR, supplemental upgrade , which is offered on some travel insurance plans. When you purchase CFAR, you can get up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as you cancel at least two days in advance. Not all plans offer CFAR as an option, so research before you purchase if you're interested in this add-on.

COVID-related events not directly related to you: If you planned on going to a conference or a family reunion that was canceled due to COVID-associated concerns, your travel insurer will not reimburse your nonrefundable flight or hotel accommodations.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Generally, the policies underwritten by U.S.-based travel insurance providers vary by state, trip information, traveler’s ages and other various details. Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) is one of the very few comparison sites that allows you to filter by policies that offer coronavirus coverage.

To find a policy that specifically covers coronavirus-related losses, input your departure and return dates, your main destination and select “Search for Policies Now.”

In our example, we input the following details: A $3,000 paid-in-full trip to Greece leaving on Oct. 9 and returning on Oct. 18 by a 40-year old U.S. citizen who is a resident of California. The policy will include trip cancellation coverage.

When incorporating the “Coronavirus Pandemic” filter, the results reveal that 57 out of 100 policies include this coverage. You can select additional filters, such as cancel for any reason, if you’re looking for that optional upgrade.

The results can be sorted by price, top sellers, top reviews and insurance providers, offering plenty of ways to easily search for the specific policy you’re looking for.

Each of the top three policies (which is just a sampling of the nearly 60 options) includes coronavirus cancellation and medical coverage, and displays the associated limits. Trip cancellation coverage is $3,000, representing the value of the trip. The price of the policy is clearly stated and ranges from 4.8% to 6.1% of the total trip cost. This range represents very typical travel insurance costs .

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

A recent NerdWallet analysis determined providers Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection , IMG and John Hancock Insurance Agency , Inc., among others.

Read the full results of best COVID-19 travel insurance .

Once you narrow your search, you’ll want to review the full policy details to ensure you’re familiar with what exactly is covered and not covered.

If you have specific questions — especially as they relate to the constantly changing travel advisories or whether coronavirus is considered as a foreseen event (which some providers will not cover) — you’ll want to reach out to the insurer. The last thing you want is to purchase travel insurance and later find out it will not cover you in your intended destination.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

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℠.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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.

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The best Covid-19 travel insurance companies to protect yourself against the uptick in cases

Travel insurance can help if you have to cancel or cut a trip short due to covid..

Though the height of the pandemic may have passed, Covid-19 continues to be a consideration in everyday life. And that's especially true for those who are traveling or booking a trip.

Getting sick on the road or having to cancel your vacation because of illness is a common concern. However, travel insurance can help you ensure you're covered. Many travel insurance policies consider Covid like they would any other illness, but not all. So, you'll still want to carefully read any travel insurance policy you're considering to make sure Covid isn't excluded. For the most comprehensive coverage, you'll want to opt for a plan with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

To find the travel insurance policies best suited to handle Covid-related issues, CNBC Select looked at Covid coverage and limits for medical coverage and evacuation, among other factors. We found four standouts for the best Covid travel insurance policies. (See our methodology to learn more about how we created this list.)

Best Covid-19 travel insurance

Best overall : AXA Travel Insurance
Runner up : Nationwide Travel Insurance
Best for luxury travel : Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Best for cancel for any reason coverage : Allianz Travel Insurance

Best overall

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

Three tiers of plans available
Highly rated for financial strength
Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

Who's this for? AXA Travel Insurance is ideal for those seeking high coverage limits for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses, as well as emergency evacuations.

Standout benefits: AXA's silver plan offers up to $25,000 of medical emergency accident and illness coverage and $100,000 of emergency evacuation coverage, higher than many of the base travel plans we compared. The company's gold and platinum plans offer higher limits, up to $250,000 of medical emergency coverage and $1 million of evacuation coverage. When comparing AXA policies, make sure you have the "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" included.

[ Jump to more details ]

Runner up

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Who's this for? Nationwide's travel insurance offers higher limits than many other base plans we reviewed, with limits of $75,000 for medical coverage and $250,000 of emergency evacuation coverage in its essential plan.

Standout benefits: Nationwide offers several plans tailored to different needs, including a cruise-specific travel insurance plan and an annual plan for frequent travelers.

Best for luxury travel

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

Wide variety of policies available
Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Who's this for? Those considering expensive travel can find sufficient coverage with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection that meets a variety of needs, including coverage for Covid if needed.

Standout benefits: Berkshire Hathaway's top-tier LuxuryCare Travel Insurance includes coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost for trip interruption coverage and $100,000 of medical expense coverage.

Best for cancel for any reason coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents.
Limited coverage for risky sports

Who's this for? For those wanting the option to cancel for any reason (CFAR), Allianz Travel Insurance plans offer lots of different options, including CFAR add-ons.

Standout benefits: Allianz's Cancel Anytime upgrade can reimburse up to 80% of non-refundable trip costs for almost any unforeseeable reason not already covered by the policy. That's higher than most other CFAR coverage, which generally covers 70% to 75% of non-refundable trip costs. It's only available on the brand's OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier policies.

More on our top Covid travel insurance companies

Axa travel insurance .

AXA offers three travel insurance plans starting at $16. Its silver plan, the lowest tier of coverage, offers high limits for emergency medical expenses at $25,000 and up to 100% of trip costs for trip interruption coverage. Many policies now include epidemic-related covered reasons.

CFAR coverage available?

Yes, up to 75% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs

24/7 assistance?

[ Return to summary ]

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide offers travel insurance plans for single trips, multi-trips and cruise-specific plans. The company has an A+ rating for financial strength from rating agency AM Best, and its most basic single trip and cruise plans offer a high limit of $75,000 of medical coverage.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway's travel coverage can be tailored towards the specific needs of cruise and luxury travelers, with options for higher coverage limits for medical coverage and trip interruption benefits.

Yes, up to 50% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance stands out for those who want cancel for any reason coverage, as the percentage reimbursed is higher than other travel insurance providers we reviewed. For traveling families, the company's OneTrip Prime plan also offers free coverage for children ages 17 and younger with a parent's coverage.

Yes, up to 80% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs through the optional Cancel Anytime upgrade

Does travel insurance cover Covid?

Travel insurance generally covers Covid-19 as it would any other illness. While fear of catching an illness isn't a cause for cancellation under most policies without a cancel for any reason (CFAR) add-on, being diagnosed with Covid-19 right before or during your trip could qualify you for cancellation, interruption or travel delay coverage.

As with any insurance coverage you're considering, read your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what it does and doesn't cover.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can cover your trip expenses if you're unable to go due to an unforeseen, covered reason or face an illness or injury during your trip. It can also help in the event that you lose your bags or face delays in your itinerary.

Bottom line

If you find yourself coming down with Covid before or during a trip, travel insurance could help you recoup funds from a lost trip or cover medical bills while you're abroad. Look for a travel insurance plan with strong medical coverage and flexible cancellation options.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products . To research the best travel insurance companies, we compiled over 100 data points on more than a dozen travel insurance companies. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance.

Our methodology

To determine the best Covid-19 travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel insurance companies and compared them based on their Covid policies, and medical and evacuation coverage limits.

While narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on Covid-19 coverage, availability of cancel for any reason coverage, and the limits of emergency medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage. We also considered factors like whether 24-hour assistance was available, Better Business Bureau ratings, and financial strength ratings from AM Best .

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

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How COVID-19 Travel Insurance Works

From weekend getaways to extended vacations, specialized covid-19 travel insurance can provide security if the virus affects your travel plans..

3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance

7+ years in personal finance and technology

Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Featured in

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 18, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Pandemic insurance
What’s covered
Is it worth it?
Secure a policy

Travel lets you see new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. But the lurking shadow of COVID-19 can make traveling uncertain. Almost half of canceled trips in 2020 were due to the virus, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). [1]

Travel insurance can help if something goes wrong before or during your trip, but not all policies cover COVID-19 issues. Let’s explore how COVID-19 travel insurance works and how it might — or might not — shield you on your next journey.

How pandemic travel insurance works

Most travel insurance policies include protections for trip cancellations, delays, or other trip interruption coverage. However, many policies don’t cover disruptions due to pandemics. [2] That’s where COVID travel insurance comes into play.

COVID travel insurance is a specialized policy that can refund your money if the virus throws a wrench into your plans. It typically has three coverage levels: coverage for a trip delay, canceling for any reason, and medical care if you get sick.

Travel delay coverage

Illness, injury, jury duty, and other circumstances beyond your control can delay your travel plans. Travel delay insurance covers flight issues, bad weather, sudden breakdowns, and unexpected illnesses or injuries that happen before reaching your destination. It can pay you back for non-refundable expenses and cover extra costs, too — like food, hotel rooms, or cab rides.

Cancel for any reason

Travel insurance policies typically have strict rules, but a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) option offers more leeway, allowing you to cancel for reasons not covered in the original policy.

But with CFAR benefits, you might only get a partial refund amount. Reimbursements usually range from 50% to 75% of the total price. [2]

Medical coverage for COVID-19

If your health insurance is only valid in a specific area and doesn’t cover international travel, travel insurance with medical expenses coverage can fill the gap.

If medical insurance is included in your trip policy, it can help pay for medical attention and treatment costs if you, a family member, or another traveling companion becomes ill from COVID-19 before or during your trip.

Will travel insurance cover you if you need to quarantine?

Some travel protection plans cover quarantine or self-isolation due to COVID-19 concerns. It can reimburse you for lost prepaid expenses and cover additional lodging and meal costs. However, it depends on your policy and the conditions leading to the cancellation, delay, or disruption.

Protection often hinges on two factors:

Not all travel insurance plans include a pandemic as a covered reason. If COVID-19 was a significant public concern when you purchased the policy, insurers may not provide coverage because it’s a “foreseeable” threat. But some plans let you add COVID-19 coverage as an endorsement.

Even if you set out to buy COVID-19 travel insurance, it may not be available for your plan or location. Review your benefits and endorsement options to look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to see if COVID-19 is a covered event.

Is travel insurance worth it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the COVID-19 public health emergency over in May 2023, but there’s still a risk of infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). [3] [4]

Your credit card’s travel protections are worth considering, but you may not want to rely on that alone. Credit cards often limit travel coverage, and most companies don’t include trip cancellation coverage. [5]

Travel delay benefits can fill the gap — especially benefits with COVID-19 coverage. Compare the policy cost against the potential loss if you have to cancel or delay your trip to determine if it’s worth it. The up-front payment for travel insurance is typically a fraction of what you might spend out of pocket if plans go south.

The CDC reports that medical bills in the first six months of a COVID-19 diagnosis average nearly $8,400. [6] Factor in non-refundable trip costs, accommodation charges, and other miscellaneous expenses, and the expenses can skyrocket.

How to find the best travel insurance

If you’re concerned about the pandemic and the potential effects on your travels, here are some tips to help you secure a policy with the best travel insurance plan:

Research coverage and services

Compare multiple companies and policies and read reviews to see others’ experiences.

Check for pandemic coverage

Not all policies cover travel disruptions from COVID-19. Review your coverage to make sure it specifically addresses pandemic reasons.

Buy medical coverage

Travel policies don’t automatically include medical emergencies. Consider adding medical travel insurance, and ask about emergency assistance coverage and medical evacuation in case of a natural disaster.

Consider a cancel-for-any-reason insurance policy

CFAR policies can be beneficial, especially with unpredictable pandemic-related concerns and travel restrictions.

Understand refund policies

Read the fine print and policy information to verify how the insurer handles refunds. Some policies might offer partial refunds.

COVID travel insurance FAQs

The COVID-19 virus has made travel plans tricky. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 travel insurance.

Will travel insurance cover COVID cancellations?

It depends. Standard travel insurance policies don’t cover COVID-19 or other pandemic-related reasons, but some travel insurance companies offer specialty COVID-19 coverage against the virus’ potential interference. If you cancel your trip due to the virus, a COVID travel insurance policy may provide refunds or reimbursements for your expenses.

Do you get your travel insurance premium refunded if you cancel your trip?

Travel insurance offers varying refund policies depending on the travel insurance company, but it doesn’t refund your premium. Instead, coverage can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs, meals, hotel rooms, or cab rides because of the interruption.

Will travel insurance cover quarantine outside the U.S.?

It’s possible. Travel insurance policies may cover quarantine or self-isolation expenses outside the United States due to COVID-19 concerns. However, coverage depends on your specific policy and the circumstances leading to the quarantine. It’s crucial to review the specific details and look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to ensure coverage.

How does COVID travel insurance differ from regular travel insurance?

Regular travel insurance often covers typical trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays. However, many don’t address pandemic-related disruptions. COVID travel insurance provides specialized coverage for travel hiccups related to the virus, ensuring you’re shielded financially if COVID-19 affects your journey.

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Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

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

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

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

Why is travel insurance important?

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

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

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

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

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

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

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

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

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

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

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

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

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

What if I booked my trip independently?

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

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

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

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

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

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Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

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

Anything else I need to worry about?

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

How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

couple discussing over travel insurance and bills while using laptop at table.

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan.

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin.

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available.

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more: Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo.

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000.

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection. Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad.

Doctor in protective workwear taking nose swab test from young woman.

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more: PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions?

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like: What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)

We round up the best travel insurance options that offer pandemic and medical protections.

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels, airlines and other hospitality-related businesses have seen a surge in travelers . However, the concern of a new variant is consistent — experts have identified new strains of COVID-19 as recently as Dec. 2023, which could cause some travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance.

While some travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage, others include varying terms. According to our research, the best travel insurance companies offering COVID-19 coverage are Faye and Travelex.

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies with COVID-19 Coverage

Use the table below to compare COVID-19 coverage inclusions and details of top travel insurance companies:

10 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies

Faye: Our top pick
Travelex: Our pick for families
Seven Corners: Our pick for international travelers
Tin Leg: Our pick for customizable coverage
Allianz Travel Insurance: Our pick for concierge services
TravelSafe: Our pick for equipment coverage
Generali: Our pick for emergency assistance
John Hancock Travel Insurance: Our pick for delay coverage
Trawick: Our pick for well-rounded coverage
HTH Travel Insurance: Our pick for group travel

We pulled price quotes for four vacations outlined in our methodology at the bottom of this page. The costs in this article reflect the premium for each of those four trips for each provider averaged together.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Pros and Cons

Why we picked it.

Faye is our top choice for COVID-19 travel insurance because it includes a robust set of protection to support policyholders both before and after diagnosis. The company classifies COVID-19 as a standard illness under its medical insurance policies, which means you can use any medical and evacuation coverages deemed necessary by local health professionals.

Since Faye classifies its travel medical insurance as primary coverage, it goes into effect before your domestic health coverage. This is especially beneficial for COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalization in some cases and include higher diagnosis, evacuation and treatment costs.

Coverage and Cost

Add-On Options

Faye currently offers the following add-ons for international excursions:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
Adventure and extreme sports protections
Rental car coverage
Vacation rental damage protection
Pet care protection

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298.

Travelex is one of the most generous travel insurance providers we reviewed in terms of COVID-related situations and when you’re covered. Travelex travel insurance policies include specific language that ensures COVID-related hospitalizations and diagnoses are eligible for trip interruption coverage. Travelex’s policies also specify that if a loved one back home is hospitalized or determined in critical condition due to COVID-19, the policyholder is covered for an early return. These features, combined with lower overall premiums, makes Travelex a top choice for COVID-concious travelers.

Below are customizable add-ons to consider for your Travelex policy:

Accidental death and dismemberment (air travel only)
Additional medical coverage
Adventure sports coverage
Cancel for any reason coverage
Car rental collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.

Another top option for COVID-related travel concerns, Seven Corners offers a wide range of medical policies, all of which include coverage for coronavirus as a standard illness. Seven Corners policies indicate that both trip interruption and cancellation coverage extends to COVID-19-related reasons, including quarantines. Missed connection coverage may even extend to your travel plans if COVID causes you to miss a portion of your trip, specifically while on a cruise . Overall, Seven Corners offers COVID-friendly policies and includes generous cancellation and interruption benefits to give you peace of mind while traveling.

Below are add-on options you may be able to include in your Seven Corners policy:

Trip interruption for any reason coverage
Rental car damage coverage
Sports and gold equipment coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Seven Corners’s average trip cost is $206.25.

Tin Leg’s Silver and Gold policies include COVID-19 hospitalization and diagnosis as a standard inclusion under trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Like competitors, Tin Leg’s policies include stipulations that allow you to use travel delay benefits for ordered quarantine periods, offering between $500 and $2,000 depending on your chosen coverage level. However, you will need to receive a documented diagnosis from a licensed medical professional to use your trip benefits — a home rapid test is not sufficient proof.

Below are add-on options for Tin Leg travel insurance:

Rental car damage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Tin Leg’s average trip cost is $166.50.

Both of TravelSafe’s insurance policies for international travel include comprehensive coverages and protections for COVID-19 , with identical medical coverage and evacuation limits no matter the condition. Trip delay benefits — available up to $2,000 on the TravelSafe Classic policy — include coverage for mandatory quarantines if required by a licensed medical professional. Policyholders can also apply mandatory quarantine benefits to missed connections coverage, which adds another layer of protection if you have multi-leg trips planned.

Below are add-on options you may include to your TravelSafe policy:

Accidental death and dismemberment (air only)
Extended personal property coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, TravelSafe’s average trip cost is $241.

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers a policy endorsement to cover concerns related to COVID-19. Referred to as the “ Epidemic Coverage Endorsement ,” this benefit extends medical expense, emergency evacuation and trip delay coverage to include COVID-related situations. Like most other competitors, you will need a documented diagnosis of COVID-19 and a written order from a local government figure or medical authority requiring you to quarantine before you can use benefits.

When we requested a quote, all three available policies included the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement free-of-charge with standard pricing. However, it’s important to note that coverage for COVID-19 is not specifically written into the terms of Allianz’s policies in the same way as other illnesses, which is the standard verbiage in the industry. Be sure your policy includes this endorsement to maintain COVID-related coverage.

Below are add-ons to consider for your Allianz Travel Insurance policy:

Rental car protection
Required to work coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Allianz’s average trip cost is $265

In addition to including COVID as a standard coverage under medical, cancellation and interruption benefits, Generali Global Assistance includes the added peace of mind that comes with around-the-clock assistance. All policies include 24/7 emergency travel assistance with a multi-lingual support team, which can help policyholders communicate with medical staff. This is especially useful if you’re visiting an area where you do not speak the primary language.

However, as of Jan. 2020, newly issued policies include an exclusion that prevents you from using trip delay benefits to cover a quarantine period unless officially diagnosed with COVID-19. This exclusion does not apply if you are sick and quarantined with the virus, in which you can access your benefits to cover the cost of related expenses. This exclusion remains in effect even if a local government mandates your quarantine due to exposure — so we recommend researching the quarantine procedures for the country you’re visiting beforehand if you choose Generali.

Below are coverages you may be able to add to your Generali policy:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Generali’s average trip cost is $255.

Under most travel insurance verbiage, COVID-19 is now considered a known threat, and the announcement of a new variant is considered a risk you accept when booking. This means that travel insurance may not allow reimbursement for trip cancellation due to concerns about the emergence of a new variant.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage extends your cancellation benefits to include fear of traveling due to COVID-19 or a new variant. In addition to classifying COVID-19 as a standard medical condition, John Hancock allows you to add CFAR coverage to a wider selection of policy choices, including its lower-cost Bronze package. Comparatively, most travel insurance providers limit your ability to add CFAR coverage to the most expensive plan.

Add-on options for John Hancock travel insurance:

Rental car collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, John Hancock’s average trip cost is $225.

Trawick International offers one policy with coverage for COVID-19: Safe Travels International . This plan includes up to $1 million in medical coverage, up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits for potential quarantines and up to $2 million in medical evacuation coverage. This general range of coverage combined with CFAR add-on availability can make Trawick a customizable choice for travelers looking to add protections that cover COVID-19 without reviewing multiple plans.

Below are Trawick International add-on options:

24-hour accidental death and dismemberment
Additional accident and sickness medical coverage
Interruption for any reason coverage
Upgradable trip delay coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $212.

While HTH’s policy details do not outline special benefits specifically for COVID-19 , its plans include standard medical interruption language allowing the use of benefits if you’re hospitalized. HTH’s policies include generous medical coverage and evacuation limits of $500,000 and $1 million respectively. The company also offers higher-than-average trip interruption benefits with a maximum benefit of 200% in reimbursements.

Below are additional options that may be available through HTH Travel Insurance:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, HTH’s average trip cost is $221.

HTH also offers discounted pricing for group travel insurance policies.

What To Look for in Pandemic Travel Insurance

Once you understand how travel insurance can benefit you in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or emergency, you can get into the details of each coverage option. We’ve compiled a few essential features to consider when shopping for travel insurance with a focus on COVID-19 coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage

If you’re traveling to an area where you think you might be at risk of catching COVID-19, consider choosing a travel insurance policy with higher medical coverage limits. Travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments you receive outside the U.S. if you become sick or injured. Most travel insurance policy providers now classify COVID-19 as a standard illness, meaning you can qualify for reimbursement if hospitalized with coronavirus abroad.

Trip Delay Coverage

If you contract COVID abroad, depending on the country’s requirements, you may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before you can leave or enter another country. In these circumstances, your trip delay benefits could help cover the cost of expenses like meals, additional hotel stays and any toiletries you might need. To qualify to use trip delay benefits, most policies state a licensed medical professional must order a quarantine for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until expiration.

Trip Interruption Coverage

If you’re leaving dependents or older loved ones at home and concerned about the effect COVID-19 could have on their care, consider a policy with higher trip interruption coverages. Trip interruption insurance compensates you for things like the cost of an early return flight home and unused trip expenses if you must leave your trip ahead of schedule due to a covered reason. Some travel insurance providers like Seven Corners and Travelex include the illness of a family member and hospitalization with COVID-19 as a valid reason to use interruption benefits. Other providers only consider the health status of the insured traveler.

CFAR Coverage

CFAR coverage is an optional add-on that allows you to receive a partial trip reimbursement if you cancel your trip for a reason not covered by insurance. For all providers on our list, this includes fear of a new variant of COVID-19 emerging at home or your destination. If this is a concern for you, consider a provider like John Hancock, which offers more options for policyholders to buy CFAR-level benefits.

Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Directly?

Most travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage. This means coronavirus is usually treated the same way as any other illness or injury you might sustain abroad or before your trip. While this offers protection for your travel plans if you’re hospitalized due to COVID-19, fear of new variants and minor illnesses will usually not qualify you for a reimbursement .

Let’s take a look at sample situations when you might need to use COVID-19 coverage as a part of your travel insurance. First, say you fall sick before traveling and are diagnosed with a serious case of COVID-19. Your physician determines you require hospitalization a day before you’re supposed to travel. If you purchased travel insurance, you could file a claim to reimburse nonrefundable trip costs, such as airfare and lodging, because you’re medically unable to travel.

Now, let’s imagine you have a trip planned to Germany. A few days before your travel, information on a new Covid variant becomes available and officials advise the public to avoid travel if possible. While you may be hesitant to travel due to the new strain, you would not be entitled to reimbursement with travel insurance unless specifically outlined in your policy. However, if you opted for CFAR coverage during enrollment, you could cancel your trip and get a refund for nonrefundable expenses regardless.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

Your travel insurance policy might cover the COVID-19 quarantines if ordered by a medical professional, which includes expenses related to additional lodging. If you’re diagnosed with a new variant of the virus before your trip and forced to quarantine at home, you will usually qualify for trip cancellation benefits under your policy’s illness cancellation clause. However, travel insurance will not compensate you for additional domestic quarantine-related expenses like food and rent.

If you’re advised to quarantine abroad after being diagnosed with COVID-19, you could also qualify for coverage under your insurance’s travel delay benefits. While travel delay benefits are designed to help cover hotel rooms and alternate airfare if you’re forced to miss a connection, you can also use coverage for mandatory quarantine orders. To qualify, you will usually need to provide documentation of both your illness and a quarantine recommendation from a local medical professional.

If you’re concerned about the cost and possibility of an international quarantine, it’s important to look at the travel delay benefits included with your insurance coverage. Policies with higher total travel delay benefits will cover more quarantine-related expenses, which can make these policies more valuable. Be sure to note both overall and daily limits on trip delay benefits, which can also influence policy value.

How Much Does COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cost?

In our comprehensive review of travel insurance policies, we found the average cost of a plan with COVID-19 coverage is about $220 per trip. However, the price of your premium will vary depending on the level of benefits included with your policy. Browse the table below to compare how some of our top travel insurance providers compare in terms of average price and included benefits.

Factors That Impact Cost

Factors that affect the cost of your travel insurance include your age, where you’re traveling to, the cost of your trip and the length of your trip. Adding various custom riders, like protection for a rental car or cancellation for any reason coverage, will also increase the cost.

Is Pandemic Travel Insurance Worth It?

While almost all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the U.S., the virus is still a global health threat. Even if travel insurance isn’t required for a trip, purchasing insurance that includes COVID-19 protections can help you avoid a financial burden if you contract the virus before or during the trip.

You might not need the pandemic travel coverage if you’re taking a low-cost trip and not crossing international borders. Your health insurance may cover medical costs within the country, and the money you lose from canceling an affordable trip could be too low to justify shopping for and buying coverage. It’s different if you pay a lot of money up front for a long, expensive vacation.

Another option is looking at the travel protections that your credit card company provides. Some cards offer trip protection for emergencies that could include coverage if you call off a trip or end a trip early after contracting COVID-19. But travel costs usually have to be paid for with the card for them to qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

What are the cheapest ways to get travel insurance for a pandemic.

The best way to find cheap travel insurance with pandemic coverage is by shopping around with different providers. Many offer free quotes online, and it takes minutes to check rates.

What are the advantages of purchasing pandemic travel insurance?

The advantage of pandemic travel insurance is that it reimburses prepaid travel costs if you cancel or cut short a trip because of getting COVID-19 before or during the trip. And if a family member contracts COVID-19 while you’re away, pandemic travel insurance may reimburse you for expenses related to returning home early to care for a loved one.

Can you cancel your flight if you have COVID?

Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19. However, coverage is usually included under standard medical inclusions, which means you must be medically unable to travel at the time of your scheduled departure to claim a reimbursement. Review your specific travel insurance coverage to learn more about flight cancellation benefits.

What does travel insurance not cover?

Travel insurance usually does not cover cancellations due to fear of travel, government restrictions or pre-existing medical conditions. You generally cannot cancel your trip and claim any reimbursements unless it’s for a covered reason such as the illness or death of a family member or natural disasters. Carefully read your policy to understand the exclusions and limitations unique to your coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Rating the Best Travel Insurance Companies

A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

More Travel Insurance Guides

Best cruise insurance plans
Best travel insurance companies
Cheapest travel insurance
Best group travel insurance companies
Health insurance for visitors to USA
Best senior travel insurance
Best travel insurance for families
Best student travel insurance plans
Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
Best travel medical insurance plans
How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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Single Trip Travel Insurance

Single-trip travel insurance

No age limit and all medical conditions considered

Kids go free on family policies(1)

Flight Delay Assistance Plus – available on our premier policies

Mother with her young daughter and son standing on and old town path looking out to the distance

Off on your travels? Pack our single-trip travel insurance

Wherever you’re travelling to and however long you're going for, don't forget about your travel insurance. It might not be the most exciting thing to think about but it's just as important as your passport and travel tickets.

Single-trip travel insurance is suitable cover for you if you're about to go away on just one trip. Any more than that and you may be better off with annual multi-trip travel insurance .

Woman holding her mobile up to her face on a video call with a male doctor looking back at her

Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support

Have peace of mind when you travel knowing health professionals are just one click away.

Medical Assistance Plus (2), powered by Air Doctor, comes free with all our travel insurance policies. It gives you access to outpatient medical support while you’re away.

Through the service you can book an in-person or video consultation with a doctor. You can also get prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

We’ll send you an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for single-trip and backpacker cover) or the day before your policy begins (for annual multi-trip cover).

What’s covered?

Here’s a summary of the cover our single-trip policies provide. For full details check our policy documents. Terms and conditions apply.

Cancellation and cutting short your trip

We'll repay you for any non-refundable, unused travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel or cut short a trip due to reasons set out in the policy

Emergency medical expenses

We may be able to help if you need emergency medical treatment, return to the UK and more while you’re abroad

Missed departure (3)

We’ll also cover any extra travel and accommodation costs you're charged if you arrive too late to travel on your booked transport. As long as they match the reasons set out in the policy

Items that are usually carried or worn during a trip are covered if they get lost, stolen or damaged

Personal liability and legal costs

You’ll also get protection for any unexpected legal costs you might be charged while you’re away

Sporting activities included

We cover over 100 sports and activities free of charge, but there are some we don’t cover at all. Check your policy wording for the full list and our terms and conditions, as some aren’t covered for personal injury or personal liability

Choose a travel insurance cover level

We can offer you a choice of economy, standard and premier cover levels.

Policy wording

Upgrade your cover with ease

Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.

This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes, terrorist acts or Covid-19 (5)

If you’re happy with the cover offered, but worried about excess fees, you can opt for an excess waiver. For an additional premium, you can add it to any Post Office level of cover for zero excess fees (5)

Insure all your devices with our easy-to-add gadget cover. It’s perfect to protect all your smartphones, tablets, laptops and consoles (5)

Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk of emergency costs. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes (5)

If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more (5)

Trip extensions are available up to 45 or 60 days, increasing from the standard 31 days (5)

Woman wearing swimsuit, swim cap and water shoes running in shallow sea water with shingle beach

All medical conditions considered

Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.

At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.

If we can't help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777 .

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2023

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our travel insurance policies with premier level cover are Defaqto 5-star rated

Common questions

Does single-trip travel insurance cover covid-19.

Policies purchased from the 28 March 2024 onwards provide cover if:

You test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip and are required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, the NHS or any UK government body
A medical practitioner certifies you as too ill to travel due to Covid-19
You, someone you’re travelling with, or someone you’re staying with is required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, UK government body or health authority
You, an immediate relative (6) or someone you plan to travel or stay with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19

If an insured trip has to be cut short, the unused portion of it can be claimed for if:

You, an immediate relative (6) or someone you’re travelling or staying with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19

There’s also cover for medical and repatriation costs if you fall ill with Covid-19 while away. Call our emergency assistance line and we’ll help you seek treatment if needed, we can also arrange to bring you back to the UK.

There’s no other coronavirus cover on our policies but, for extra reassurance, you can add our trip disruption cover upgrade option. This gives you added protection against missed departures and expenses charged due to change of testing or quarantine requirements. Add it to your preferred policy for an extra premium.

If you bought your policy with us between 31 March 2022 and 27 March 2024 , some cover for Covid-19 is included as standard. Please visit our coronavirus FAQs page for the full details.

Should the FCDO advise against all travel to your destination, there is no cover under any section of the policy if you decide to travel.

It’s important to follow FCDO advice on essential travel. If you choose to travel and the trip’s not essential, we’ll only cover a claim if the cause isn’t linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you’ve purchased an optional trip disruption cover upgrade . You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise, in writing, that your trip’s essential before you travel. To request this, please email  [email protected] .

Please make sure you’re clear what’s covered and what’s not. Check the answers to common questions about coronavirus cover and the full policy wording for more details.

What’s covered with single-trip travel insurance?

With single-trip travel insurance, you’re covered for a range of issues that might happen while you're away. These include medical expenses, cancellation or cutting short your trip, plus the loss of your belongings. But check the policy details before you decide on which cover to get. The amounts and things you're covered for a will depend on the level of cover you take out. Take a look at our policy document to find out which one best suits your needs.

Does single-trip travel insurance cover cancellation?

Yes, your single-trip travel insurance policy will cover you if your trip's cancelled or cut it short, for some situations. These can even include cancelling or shortening a trip due to coronavirus, in some cases. You’ll find full details of what’s covered and what isn’t in the policy wording .

Will I need extra cover with single-trip travel insurance?

It depends on what level of cover you need for your trip. The level of cover you have with a single-trip policy is the level you chose when you applied for the travel insurance.

It’s a good idea to list out the cover you think you might need while you’re away. That makes it easier to compare policies to find the one that’s right for you.

For instance, some policies include cover against the impact of Covid-19. But you might want to add extra protection in case the virus causes you to miss a departure or other delays. Check our new trip disruption cover upgrade for further information on how we can help.

Some activities require mandatory additional cover. If you’re going skiing or on a cruise, you’ll need to take out extra specialist cover. That’s because these types of trips involve a different level of risk for insurers. Please be aware that these covers will add an extra cost to your insurance package.

There are some adventure sports and activities that are covered as standard on our single-trip travel insurance and others that aren’t. It’s important to fully understand your policy document so you don’t become involved in something that you’re not covered for.

What are the advantages of single-trip travel insurance?

If you don't travel too often – perhaps only once or twice a year – then you might want to take out a single-trip policy. If you're taking a single trip of lasting duration (up to 365 days(7)) then a single-trip policy can cover you too. Terms and conditions apply.

If it's likely you'll take more than one trip in a year, Post Office Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance may be a more cost-effective way for you to get covered.

What different cover levels are there for Post Office single-trip travel insurance?

Post Office offers three levels of travel insurance. These are economy, standard and premier. With our premier policy, there's complimentary airport lounge access if your flight's delayed for one hour or more (8).

When is the best time to start my single-trip travel insurance?

It’s often best to buy single-trip travel insurance as soon as you book any part of your trip. Cover for cancellation won’t begin until you buy it. The start date needs to be the start date of your trip, but by taking it out straight away, should something happen between now and the start of your trip, you can be covered for cancellation in some circumstances. It’s another thing sorted and out of the way, and one less thing to forget as you get nearer to your trip and things get busy.

How much is single-trip travel insurance?

The price you pay for single-trip travel insurance really depends on what you need your policy to cover. When you get a quote from Post Office we’ll ask what level of cover you need for all of the things you might like to protect, or issues you may want to safeguard against, when the time comes to travel. So we’ll work out a competitive price for that cover based on the options you choose.

Is there a discount for students?

Yes, there is. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a student discount. To claim it simply log in with your Student Beans account . If you don’t have one, you’ll need to register for a Student Beans account and verify you’re a student first. You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter into the promotion box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Do you offer a discount for graduates?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to graduates. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, manage your account online, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

Register your policy

If you haven’t yet registered your Post Office Travel Insurance policy, enter your details and create a log in so you can access it any time

Travel insurance policy types

Single-trip cover.

Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad
Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days (7)
No age limit

Annual multi-trip cover

Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

Backpacker cover

Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions.
For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break

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Policy documents

To access your policy documents, select your cover level then tell us the date you bought your cover.

Economy, standard and premier

Core, extra and max.

Policy numbers starting with TC

Policies are underwritten by Collinson Insurance:

Policy wording - purchased on or after the 28 March 2024
Policy wording - purchased on or after the 31 August 2023
Policy wording – purchased on or after 17 August 2022
Policy wording – purchased on or after 31 March 2022

Policy numbers starting with TA

About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

The above details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

(1) Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on our single-trip and annual multi-trip policies provided they have no medical conditions.

(2) Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service.

For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home.

If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

(3) Missed departure is available with on our standard and premier cover levels.

(4) Increased to £750 if you bought your foreign currency from Post Office.

(5) Terms and conditions apply.

(6) Immediate relative: your mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, civil partner, fiancé/e, your children (including adopted and fostered), grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, daughter-in-law; sister-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, niece, step-parent, step-child, step-brother, step-sister or legal guardian.

(7) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to: 365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years 90 days for those aged between 71 and 75 31 days for those aged 76 years and above

(8) You need to register your flight online at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Your free lounge access or ability for a monetary cash value will become available on the announcement of a minimum one-hour delay, this can either be announced as one single period of delay or reached as a consequence of multiple incremental shorter delays provided that your flight departs from an airport terminal with a lounge that's part of the LoungeKey network.

Travel Insurance with COVID Cover

All Medibank Travel Insurance Plans have some COVID-19 cover included as standard.

Plus, Medibank and ahm health members save 15%.

What is travel insurance with covid cover?

A travel insurance policy with COVID-19 benefits includes cover for certain unforeseen COVID-19-related scenarios and can help reduce the financial risk of travelling. Depending on the level of cover you choose, benefits can include such things as COVID-19 overseas medical expenses, trip amendments & cancellation costs, and additional expenses.

COVID-19 policy benefits are for both international and domestic plans, but it's important to understand that not all COVID-19 scenarios will be covered. Continue reading to learn more about what you are - and aren't covered for when it comes to travel insurance with covid cover.

What COVID-19 benefits do we offer?

When taking out travel insurance with Medibank, cover will be provided for some common scenarios related to COVID-19. This means there's no need to "add covid cover" when purchasing Medibank Travel Insurance because every policy will come with some level of inbuilt covid cover.

Which benefits are included and the cover amount will depend on the travel insurance plan you select. Benefits may include:

Cover for COVID-19 overseas medical costs ¹

Cover for covid-19 cancellation and amendments ², cover for additional covid-19 expenses ³.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply to COVID-19 travel insurance benefits. Please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

COVID-19 travel insurance options

All Medibank Travel Insurance Plans contain some inbuilt COVID-19 Cover. The information below helps you understand some of the high level inclusions at a glance.

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

$Unlimited COVID-19 overseas medical costs 1
Up to $10,000 for COVID-19 trip cancellations and amendments 2
$Unlimited additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to a hospital 3
Up to $5,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 and unfit to travel 3

International Medical Only Travel Insurance

$Unlimited COVID-19 overseas medical costs 1
No cover provided for COVID-19 trip cancellation and amendments
$Unlimited additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to hospital 3

Domestic Travel Insurance

No cover provided for any COVID-19 medical costs
Up to $5,000 for COVID-19 trip cancellations and amendments 2
Up to $10,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to hospital 3
Up to $5,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 and unfit to travel 3

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply to COVID-19 travel insurance benefits. Please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

Multi-award winning travel insurance

We're proud to be winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 & 2023 and Canstar's 2023 Most Satisfied Customer - Travel Insurance award.

We're proud winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 and 2023.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 cover: what is included?

COVID-19 benefits are available on our International Comprehensive and Medical Only , and Domestic travel insurance plans. Covid benefits apply to both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies.

What is covered depends on the type of policy you purchase. COVID-19 benefits may include:

Pre-trip cancellation:², cover for your on-trip cancellation and amendment costs:², additional expenses:³, cancellation due to a relative or business partner having life-threatening covid-19:², $unlimited overseas medical costs:¹, cover for essential health care workers:.

What is not covered:

Cancellation and Amendment cover is not available if you purchase an International Medical Only Plan.
Medical and Hospital Expense cover is not available on a Domestic Plan.

Medibank Travel Insurance is proud to offer COVID-19 benefits, but unfortunately, we can’t cover every scenario that may arise as a result of COVID-19.

For example, we will not pay any claims arising from or caused by COVID-19 if:

Your destination is subject to a ‘Do not travel’ advice on the Smartraveller website at the time you enter the country or part of the country. (This ‘Do not travel’ exclusion does not apply if your destination is Australia or New Zealand).
Your claim is related to you having travelled on a multi-night ocean or sea cruise and you have not purchased the additional Cruise Cover for your policy. (Note: Cabin confinement cover is not available even if Cruise Cover has been added).
Your costs are related to a government directed border closure.
Your costs are due to mandatory quarantine or isolation orders required to cross a border, such as a border between states, countries, or regions.

It is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement before you consider purchasing a travel insurance policy. Please take note of limits to cover. For full details on our covid travel insurance benefits, please read the PDS here.

FAQs: Before you travel

Remember to check the PDS for full details. For more information, contact 13 23 31 .

Is COVID-19 cover an additional add on?

No, our COVID-19 benefits are in-built into every Medibank Travel Insurance policy. This means you do not need to add additional COVID-19 benefits cover when purchasing a policy.

However, don't forget that if you are travelling on a multi-night ocean or sea cruise then you will need to make sure you have purchased Cruise Cover to be eligible to make any claims that are in any way related to cruise travel (this includes COVID-19 related cruise claims).

Not every policy has the same level of covid cover, so it's important to carefully read the PDS to understand any limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions that apply to COVID-19 benefits.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and they confirm that you are unfit to travel, you may be able to claim the non-refundable cancellation costs.

Cover details:

Domestic Plan: Cancellation and amendment benefit limit $5,000.
International Comprehensive Plan: Cancellation and amendment benefit limit $10,000.
International Medical Plan: No cover for cancellation and amendment costs.

Cover conditions:

Subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis as diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner who certifies you are not fit to travel.
There is no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy.
Pre-booked sea and ocean cruises are included provided you added Cruise Cover to your policy.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am deemed to have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

Unfortunately, no cover is provided if you are deemed to be a close contact and must isolate and can therefore no longer go on your trip.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I want to cancel as the government issued a ‘do not travel advice’ to my destination after I booked?

Unfortunately, no. If you booked your trip to a destination deemed safe to travel by the Australian Government and purchased Medibank Travel insurance, but prior to travelling that destination is now under a ‘Do not travel’ warning on smartraveller.gov.au , you may need to cancel your trip due to the risks of travel. There is no cancellation cover when cancelling your trip due to COVID-19 related travel warnings, regardless of the warning level.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country. However, for trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
This cover is subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis (confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner).
No costs or expenses are covered if a quarantine or isolation order is placed on you by a government or public health authority.

Can I buy travel insurance if I am not vaccinated?

Yes, there are no limitations on getting an insurance policy with Medibank due to vaccination status.

FAQs: During your trip

Remember to check the PDS for full details. For more information, contact 13 23 31 .

Who should I contact if I get COVID-19 while overseas?

If you suspect you have COVID-19 you should call the Medibank 24/7 emergency assistance line. They'll be able to give you advice on what you need to do in order to make a claim against your policy. This can include how and where find a qualified medical practitioner to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Learn more about our 24/7 emergency assistance .

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to extend my stay?

If you get sick on your journey and need to extend your stay because a qualified medical practitioner certifies that you're unfit to travel as a result of COVID-19, then you'll be able to claim up to $5,000 of additional accommodation and transport expenses.

If you are hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 then $10,000 of additional expense cover applies to Domestic Plans and $Unlimited additional expense cover applies to International Comprehensive and Medical Only Plans to help cover the cost of additional accomodation and transport as a result of extending your stay.

Please note, there is no cover for this event if your COVID-19 diagnosis requires you to enter a period of cabin confinement while on board the cruise ship, even if your policy includes Cruise Cover.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country. However, for trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
Other expenses you may incur (such as food, drinks, groceries, laundry etc.) are not included.

Terms conditions and exclusions apply, for full details, make sure you check out the PDS .

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefits cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need medical treatment?

Yes, on the International Comprehensive and International Medical Only plans, cover is available if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and require medical treatment overseas.

Non-cruise travel: Yes, cover is available.

Cruise travel: Yes, cover is available for overseas emergency medical expenses and ship-to-shore expenses if Cruise Cover is added to your policy.

There is no cover for medical expenses on the Domestic plan.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country.
For trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
Cover is subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis (confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner).

Do I need medical proof of my COVID-19 positive test result?

Yes, you will need a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose you with COVID-19 and certify that you are unfit for travel. A positive test result will not be sufficient proof to make a claim.

Ready to book?

Great, use our handy tool for a quick and easy online quote or give us a call on 132 331 to chat through your options.

Things you should know

1 Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

2 Conditions and limits apply to COVID-19 cancellation cover. Cancellation cover applies to the International Comprehensive and Domestic policies. See the Combined FSG/PDS for more information.

3 Cover is for reasonable Additional accommodation expenses (room rate only) and Additional transport expenses. Conditions apply to COVID-19 additional expense cover. See the Combined FSG/PDS for more information.

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations , visit medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/

Request a call back

Leave your details and a Medibank expert will be in touch to take you through your options. In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance.

We'll have someone call you soon to help with any questions you have.

COVID-19 Health Assist - Expression of interest

Complete this form to express your interest in one of our programs. If you're eligible, a member of our team will call you within 2-3 business days.

What program are you interested in?

Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

Your membership details

Please provide your details so we can know how to contact you.

Your contact details

By clicking Submit, I understand that Medibank or its subsidiaries may contact me to discuss my eligibility for the Covid-19 Heath Assist program(s), and will disclose my personal information within the Medibank Group of companies and to third party service providers. Please see Medibank’s privacy policy for further information about how Medibank will handle my personal information, and how to contact Medibank: https://www.medibank.com.au/privacy/

Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

There is no cost to participate, however some referred services may incur an out of pocket cost.

Car Insurance
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AA Membership
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EU Breakdown

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Protect your trip from as little as €4.42!*

AA Single Trip Travel Insurance

Features and benefits 🏝.

Single Trip

Cover for one trip only . You can get cover up to 60 consecutive days away.

Looking to cover more than one trip? Check out our Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance

Baggage Cover

If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours we cover you for up to €300 (€50 per day).

Cancellation Cover

You’re covered for up to €6,000 for any lost travel and accommodation costs where cancellation of your trip is unavoidable.

Add Annual Multi Trip

Upgrade your cover for the whole year to Multi Trip Insurance . You’re covered before, during and after your holidays.

Add Backpacker Cover

Cover for the year if you will be outside Ireland for more than 30 consecutive days.

Add Winter Sports Cover

Covers a wide array of winter sports activities including skiing and snowboarding.

Add AA Car Hire Excess

Add AA Car Hire Excess Cover & avoid any harsh excess costs when hiring cars abroad.

Hitting the slopes? We’ve got you covered 👌

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If you’re hitting the slopes this year it’s important to make sure you have AA Winter Sports Cover on your Essential or Extra Travel Insurance policy. As well as all the great benefits of AA Travel Insurance, adding on Winter Sports covers you for things like your ski pass, lessons and equipment.

Make sure to add it to your Travel Insurance policy when you get a quote.

Single Trip Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Cover. Enjoy your holidays without worry 👌

Our cover for covid-19 gives you the peace of mind you need for a stress-free return to travelling.

Our cover for COVID-19 gives you benefits such as:

Cancellation cover if you, a close relative or travelling companion receive a positive diagnosis for COVID-19
Cancellation cover if you, or any person insured by the policy, are required to self-isolate on your scheduled departure date
Curtailment cover if The Department of Foreign Affairs (or any other equivalent government body in another country) advises you to return home due to COVID-19
Related Medical Expenses if you contract COVID-19 while abroad
Additional accommodation if you contract COVID-19 while you are abroad and are unable to return home as planned

Please note that cancellation claims relating to government restrictions for COVID-19 are excluded and any Pandemic illness is not covered within 48 hours of your policy purchase date.

Cover is subject to Terms & Conditions and some exclusions will apply. For full details of cover available please click here

*Please note that cancellation claims relating to government restrictions for COVID-19 are excluded and we will not cover any claim where your travel to a country or specific area or event to which the Travel Advice Section of the Department of Foreign affairs or the World Health Organisation has advised the public not to travel to.

With AA Travel Insurance, we have something for everyone.

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Get cheap multi trip holiday Insurance from as low as €14.99* . We Cover Medical, Baggage, Single Trip, Cancellation etc.

Already Insured with us? 🤝

We hope your trip will go off without a hitch, but should something change. We’re here.

Have a question? Get in touch with our customer service 👌

0818 227 228.

RelAAx, Yellow & Black have got your back

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SAFE TRAVELS START WITH SINGAPORE'S BEST COVID-19 TRAVEL INSURANCE

Protect Yourself with Singapore’s Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance

Important Notice

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put up travel advisories against non-essential travel to Israel and Palestinian Territories, and to Iceland. Please click here if you intend to or have purchased a travel plan to these areas.

current promotion

Purchase your travel insurance policy with HL Assurance and you’ll have the chance to win a flight ticket of your choice to your dream destination. The more you purchase, the more points you earn and the more chances of winning! Terms apply.

How to participate.

Get your dream holiday!

Protect you and your family with our COVIDSafe Travel Protect360.

Stand a chance to WIN a flight ticket of your choice

Single Trip

Travel insurance promotion 45% discount, ncd th customer + 1 buddy + ncd-->.

Be protected from COVID-19 with the new travel insurance offer in Singapore – COVIDSafe Travel Protect360! Not only will you be covered for Overseas Medical Expenses and Trip Cancellation due to COVID-19 under our travel protection plan, but we are also now rewarding you with No Claim Discount. *Terms apply.

Please refer to below Single Trip Travel Insurance Promotion Terms and Conditions for more redemption details.

Annual Unlimited

Annual travel insurance promotion 50% discount, ncd.

Travelling more than twice in a year? Get our annual multi-trip insurance policy and additional travel perks at just $0.52 / day. This travel insurance annual promotion in Singapore could be better value than buying single trip insurance for each holiday! Take advantage of our best annual travel insurance promotion and discounts today!

Please refer to below Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance Promotion Terms and Conditions for details.

COVIDSafe Travel Protect360.

Packed with all-inclusive enhanced benefits to give you peace of mind, COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 is the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore. Choose from a variety of recommended plans that secure protection and peace of mind today: single trip, annual, long term, family, seniors and more. Buy your travel insurance online to ensure a hassle-free trip for you and your loved ones.

Enhanced Benefits with COVID-19 Cover

*NEW FEATURE* Making your vacation safe even during a pandemic

Get a peace of mind when you are travelling during the pandemic with our new COVID-19 benefits for Travel Protect360! Even if you require medical assistance or trip cancellation due to COVID-19, you can be assured that you are well covered!

Travel No Claims Discount

Get Rewarded for Safe Travels

We want to celebrate your safe travels with you! If you do not make any claims from your travel insurance, you get additional up to 10% off your next travel insurance purchase on top of our promotions.

Travel Inconvenience Protection

Be protected with comprehensive Travel Inconvenience cover

No traveller will wish for travel cancellations and travel interruptions and we are here to protect you from these inconveniences! No matter if it is the loss of baggage or insolvency of travel agencies, be assured that you are well protected!

Why You Should Choose Our COVID-19 Travel Insurance in Singapore?

Packed with all-inclusive enhanced benefits to give you peace of mind, COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 is the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore. Choose from a variety of recommended plans that offer secure protection and peace of mind today: single trip, annual, long term, family, seniors and more. Buy your travel insurance online to ensure a hassle-free trip for you and your loved ones.

24/7 COVID-19 Travel Concierge

With regional alarm centres available 24/7, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing support is #OneClickAway. Connect with Global Teleconsultation via your communication method of choice. Click here to find out more.

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Coverage

Travelling during a pandemic can be stressful, not knowing if your insurance plans provide proper coverage. With our enhanced COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance, you can travel knowing that you are covered up to $200,000 in overseas medical expenses incurred due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Quarantine Allowance

Be reimbursed with up to $1,500 even when you are quarantined overseas as part of our many COVID-19 travel insurance coverage benefits.

Enjoy No Claim Discount

If you do not make any claims from your travel insurance, you get up to 10% off your next travel insurance purchase with HL Assurance.

Greater Flexible Coverage

If you have to make changes to your trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 allows you to make adjustments to your policies. When your family is protected by COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 insurance, we are happy to make adjustments even when the trip needs to be cancelled because of one person in the family.

Stay Protected From Travel Inconvenience

Be it loss of baggage or insolvency of travel agencies, our comprehensive COVID-19 travel insurance cover ensures that you are well protected from travel cancellations, travel interruptions and other inconveniences! Buy your travel insurance online today.

Enhanced Benefits of our Travel Insurance

With our enhanced travel insurance, you can now be ready for all your adventures and travel with peace of mind. COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 insurance provides the comprehensive travel insurance coverage you need for your holiday.

COVID-19 Cover

Overseas Medical Expenses

Extensive Travel Inconvenience Benefits

What Our Customers Have To Say About Us

preferred travel insurance in singapore.

Customer Review by Lee Meng Tong

Thank you so much for your efforts in processing and finalising my travel claims. My wife and I are very appreciative of the care and excellent service provided by you and your staff. Rest assured that HL Assurance would be our preferred insurance for all our travels.

Hassle-Free Claims

Customer Review by Jack Wong

For my annual travel insurance, I always go with HLAS, their price is most reasonable with good enough coverage and the claim process is hassle-free. I always recommend my friends and colleagues to them.

Prompt And Excellent Service

Customer Review by H L

What professionalism! Prompt and excellent service for travel insurance as well as car insurance. I had immediate attention and was certainly impressed! 😀👌🏻

Seamlessly Easy And Convenient

Customer Review by Rasidah Maya

We get our travel insurance regularly from HL Assurance. Seamlessly easy and convenient online purchase. Thank you Jerry He for assisting me with the changes I needed and the advice given for my queries.

Good Choice For Travel Insurance

Customer Review by Choon Xiang

I am really inspired with HLAS travel NCD. You get rewarded for Safe Travels which everyone wishes. No doubt is your good choice for travel insurance.

No Claim Travel Insurance Discount Programme Terms and Conditions

Promotion terms and conditions.

The promotion is held from now until 30 June 2024, customers who purchase any Travel Insurance policy (COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Single Trip or Travel Protect360 Annual Trip) will automatically be enrolled into COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 No Claim Discount programme.
For COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Single Trip Policyholder(s) who return from Trip and has no claims within stipulated timeframe of 30 days from the policy end date, will be eligible for a 5% discount promotion code.
For subsequent travel purchases with the utilising the 5% discount promotion code, where the policyholder(s) who return from Trip and has no claims within stipulated timeframe of 30 days from the policy end date, will be eligible for an additional 10% discount promotion code.
Thereafter for subsequent travel purchases utilising the 10% discount promotion code, where the policyholder(s) who return from Trip and has no claims within stipulated timeframe of 30 days from the policy end date, will be capped at 10% discount promotion code.
For COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Annual Plan Policyholder(s) who has completed the policy period of one (1) year and has no claims during the policy period and within stipulated timeframe of 30 days from the policy end date, will be eligible for a 10% discount promotion code refund upon the next Travel Protect360 Annual Plan renewal.
Promotional codes provided for the Single Trip can only be utilised for the next Single Trip purchase and can only be used once.
The promotional codes are not transferable.
Should there be any claims incurred, the No-claims discount promotion code will no longer be applicable.
Each policy is only eligible for one promotion code.

Note: Swipe left or right to view the full table on your mobile screen.

HL Assurance, at any time, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, can vary, modify, delete or add to these terms and conditions. Please refer to the policy wording for full details.
In the event of any dispute, HL Assurance management’s decision is final.
HL Assurance’s full disclaimers, terms, and conditions apply to individual products. © 2021 HL Assurance is a registered service mark of Hong Leong Group. HL Assurance Private Limited Co. Reg. No. 201229558W.
“HL Assurance” means HL Assurance Private Limited.
HL Assurance’s Travel Insurance is underwritten by HL Assurance Pte. Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 201229558W. This policy is protected under the Policy Owner’s Protection Scheme, which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic, and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact HL Assurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the GIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg). This is not a contract of insurance. Accordingly, the information should be read and construed in the light of, and subject to, all terms and conditions contained in the Policy. Full details are stated in the Policy.

Terms and Conditions for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance Promotion (Single Trip)

The promotion is held from now until 30 June 2024.
Eligible customers who successfully purchase any COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Single Trip policies during the Promotion Period will be entitled to 45% discount.
This promotion is only applicable for new purchases made via HL Assurance website at www.hlas.com.sg/personalinsurance/travelinsurance.
New purchases refer to purchases via HL Assurance website (as per stated above), and are not applicable to any purchase from HL Assurance’s agency partner.
This promotion is not valid with any ongoing travel discounts, schemes or privileges.

Terms and Conditions for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance Promotion (Annual Trip)

Eligible customers who successfully purchase any COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Annual Trip policies during the Promotion Period will be entitled to a 50% discount, provided that the policy is not subsequently cancelled.
New purchases refer to purchases via HL Assurance website (as per stated above), and is not applicable to any purchase from HL Assurance’s agency partner.

What our Travel Insurance in Singapore Covers

Read the full terms and conditions

Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact HL Assurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the GIA or SDIC websites ( www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg ).

Frequently Asked Questions for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance

Q: can i continue my medical treatment for injury or sickness sustained overseas when i return to singapore.

A: Yes. We pay for the medical expenses, up to the Sub-limit, reasonably incurred by you in Singapore within 30 days after your return from the trip.

Q: If I was injured or sick overseas but did not seek medical treatment, can I do so upon my return to Singapore?

A: Yes. The Company will indemnify you up to the Benefits Payable under the Policy for the treatment sought within three (3) days after your return from the Journey where initial treatment for Bodily Injury or Sickness was not sought overseas, up to a maximum of thirty (30) days from the date of first treatment in Singapore.

Q: What is the time frame for submitting a travel claim when I return to Singapore?

A: You will need to submit a claim within thirty (30) days upon returning to Singapore.

Q: What should I do if I lose my money or travel documents during my trip?

A: If your loss arises out of robbery, burglary or theft, you should report the loss to the local police within 24 hours after the loss / incident and obtain a written statement from the police to substantiate your travel insurance claim.

Q: What should I do if I need assistance while overseas?

A: One of the benefits of our travel insurance is the 24 hours Travel, Emergency Medical and Evacuation Assistance which provides for loss of travel documents and baggage, air ticket arrangements, emergency medical evacuation, referral services for interpreters / translators, legal, embassy, hospital admission and other medical facilities etc. These services are available 24/7 by calling our Hotline at (65) 6922 6009.

Q: I am currently under medication for some medical conditions. Can I claim for medical expenses related to these medical conditions during the trip?

A: No. Our Travel Insurance Policy excludes all pre-existing medical conditions prior to the trip.

Q: If I am pregnant, am I covered for any medical treatment incurred overseas?

A: No. Our travel insurance policy does not cover any pregnancy-related issues.

Q: Is dental treatment covered while I am overseas?

A: Yes, dental treatment is covered (as a result of Bodily Injury only).

Q: Will I be covered if I am going overseas to receive medical treatment?

A: No. The travel insurance plan does not cover you if you are travelling contrary to the advice of any Qualified Medical Practitioner or for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.

Q: Are adventure activities and indoor / outdoor sports covered by COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 insurance?

A: No. Our travel insurance does not cover adventure activities. You can find the list of exclusions in our policy wordings .

Q: Is there a waiting period for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance coverage to take effect?

A: A 3-day waiting period applies only to trip cancellation, postponement, and curtailment due to COVID-19 in Enhanced Travel Inconvenience (for COVID-19).

Q: How to buy travel insurance from HL Assurance?

A: Buying your travel insurance from HL Assurance is a straightforward process. You can purchase your desired policy online. Simply visit our travel insurance section, select the plan that suits your needs, and follow the steps for a hassle-free purchase experience.

Q: Can I extend my travel insurance coverage if my trip is extended?

A: Yes. This is subject to our underwriter’s approval. You can call or email us before the policy expires. If you’re wondering where to buy travel insurance for extended trips, you can easily do so through our website or contact our customer support at 6702 0202 for assistance.

Q: Can I buy travel insurance after departure?

A: Generally, travel insurance should be purchased before your trip commences.

Q: Can I cancel my travel insurance policy if my plans change?

A: You may cancel the Policy before the start of your trip with administrative charges applicable.

Q: Annual Trip Insurance vs Single Trip Insurance - Which is better?

A: Single Trip Travel Insurance provides coverage for the destination you’ve indicated. Meanwhile, an Annual Trip Travel Insurance gives better value should you have already planned to go on more than two trips in the year.

Q: Does COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance cover me if I travel to multiple countries?

A: Please indicate the countries you will be travelling to when you buy your travel insurance online. If you’re wondering where to buy travel insurance online, simply visit our website’s travel insurance section for a seamless online purchase experience.

Q: What are the Terms and Conditions for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance?

A: You can find out more about our Terms and Conditions for COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 here .

Q: What does COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Insurance cover?

A: We provide comprehensive travel insurance coverage of four (4) levels with diverse limits: Basic, Enhanced, Superior and Premier. Though the limits vary, the coverage is broad and has everything you’re looking for in a travel insurance plan.

All plans cover the following travel benefits:

Overseas Medical Expenses (Child, Adult, Senior / Elderly)
Medical Expenses in Singapore
Personal Accident: Accidental Death & Permanent Disablement
Travel Inconvenience
Travel Postponement
Travel Misconnections
Insolvency of Travel Agency (Excluding Basic Plan)
Trip Disruption
Flight Inconvenience and Diversion
Hijack of Common Carrier
Kidnap & Hostage (Excluding Basic Plan)
Personal Liability
Loss of Home Contents
Credit Card Protections (Excluding Basic Plan)
Rental Car Excess
Enhanced Medical Benefits due to COVID-19 (Excluding Basic Plan)
Enhanced Travel Inconvenience, Cancellation, Postponement or Curtailment due to COVID-19 (Excluding Basic Plan)

Chat with us if you have any questions via WhatsApp and we will be happy to answer your queries!

For 24-Hour Emergency Travel Assistance Service, please contact 6922 6009 .

File a travel insurance claim, claims procedure and documentation.

Please submit your claim to us with the original Claim form and supporting documents within 30 days upon returning from your trip.

Common documents required for all Travel Insurance Claims:

Copy of flight itinerary
Proof of travel, i.e. original boarding pass, air tickets, copy of passport, etc.

Supporting documents needed when making a claim for:

Medical Report and Medical Certificate
Original Medical bills / receipts
Death Certificate, autopsy report, coroner’s findings, if applicable (for death claim)
Documentary proof of relationship between deceased and claimant (for death claim)
Motor accident report / police report (for injury / death resulting from a traffic accident)
Baggage loss or damage report / Property irregularity report from the carrier / airline
Baggage tag(s) issued from the carrier / airline during check-in
Written confirmation of carrier / airline’s settlement / rejection of claim for damage / loss of property
Photographs of damaged items
Original purchase receipts of damaged/lost items
Copy of police report lodged at place of loss within 24 hours
Receipts for replacement of passport / visa
Transportation and / or hotel bills / receipts incurred for replacement of document
Baggage delay report
Written confirmation from carrier / airline on reason and duration of delay
Acknowledgement receipt of baggage received
Medical Report and other medical documents / Death Certificate
Proof of relationship (if due to sickness, injury or death of related person)
Written advice or medical certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner to cancel / curtail trip
Original tour booking invoice / receipt
Travel agent and / or airline’s confirmation of the refund amount
Original invoice / receipt for charges incurred in amending or purchasing additional air ticket (for trip curtailment)
Written confirmation from carrier / airline on reason and duration of delay, overbooked flight, travel misconnection, and / or diversion
Air ticket and Boarding pass
Copy of police report lodged within 24 hours upon discovery
Invoice of damaged items / quotations
Original photographs of damaged items
Do not admit any liability or make any offer, promise or payment without our prior consent
Forward all correspondence / documents from third parties concerning the accident to us immediately
Copy of police report lodged (if applicable)

We will contact you for any additional documents that may be required.

You may submit your claims online . Kindly note that it may take longer to process a claim if we require additional information or documents from you. For any claims enquiry, amendment of details or submission of supporting or original documents, please email our friendly claims officers at [email protected] with our acknowledgement reference number – MTC/YYYY/000000.

We will keep you updated on your claim(s) by email. You can also call our Hotline at 6922 6003 to check on your claim(s).

Thank you for insuring with us.

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance .

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back.

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
The best Covid-19 travel insurance policies all offer a "cancel for any reason" travel insurance upgrade that provides 75% reimbursement of your insured trip cost. The best policies also ...
The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
A COVID-19 travel insurance plan can help cover costs of testing, quarantine and treatment. ... Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available. COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan.
Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in April 2024
This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for COVID options: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. IMG. John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. Seven Corners. Travelex Insurance Services ...
9 Best Travel Insurance Companies 2024
The single-trip insurance is available in two plans: Essential and Prime. ... COVID travel insurance ... this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, ...
What Travel Insurance Covers COVID Quarantine?
Fortunately, there are still insurance providers that'll provide coverage in the event you're affected by COVID-19, including: Trip cancellation. Trip delay. Medical care/hospitalization ...
How to Find Travel Insurance That Covers COVID
Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) is one of the very few comparison sites that allows you to filter by policies that offer coronavirus coverage. To find a policy ...
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance of 2024
AXA Travel Insurance. AXA offers three travel insurance plans starting at $16. Its silver plan, the lowest tier of coverage, offers high limits for emergency medical expenses at $25,000 and up to ...
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If your travel insurance includes coverage for COVID-19, you can typically stay in your destination country for up to seven days past your original return date. Your travel insurance benefits can cover your meals and accommodations during quarantine in this case. A typical travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage provides between $50 and ...
How COVID-19 Travel Insurance Works
It depends. Standard travel insurance policies don't cover COVID-19 or other pandemic-related reasons, but some travel insurance companies offer specialty COVID-19 coverage against the virus' potential interference. If you cancel your trip due to the virus, a COVID travel insurance policy may provide refunds or reimbursements for your expenses.
Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies
LV Travel Insurance : one of the UK's largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering single and multi-trip cover. PJ Hayman ( pjhayman.com ): strong on customer care, with cover for medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.
How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?
Foster says Trawick's travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection. Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. It's important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is ...
The best travel insurance policies and providers
For a single trip, multiple trips or long term. Covered by most policies. $15/25. IMG. Single trip or multiple trips (travel insurance and travel medical insurance options are available). Waived under set conditions for travel insurance; covered but capped for single-trip travel medical insurance. $17/$94.
Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
According to our research, the best travel insurance companies offering COVID-19 coverage are Faye and Travelex. 4.6/5. Fast and easy online sign-up 5+ customizable coverage add-ons Quick claims ...
Travel Insurance With COVID Cover
Travel insurance with Covid-19 cover will typically include medical costs should you fall ill during your trip. This covers the costs of any emergency treatment required and returning you home ‒ which is called repatriation ‒ because you have the virus (should this be necessary). You may also be covered if you have to extend your stay ...
Travel Insurance with COVID Cover
Holidays are back, and we've got your back with award-winning travel insurance that includes COVID cover as standard. All new single trip and annual travel insurance policies with us include COVID-19 cover at no extra cost. We even cover most pre-existing medical conditions, and there's no upper age limit.
Travel insurance with Covid Cover
Find cheaper travel insurance with Covid cover included. Compare quotes today! Find cheaper travel insurance with Covid cover included. Compare quotes today! Skip to content . ... Based on quotes from £4.80 for an individual aged 30 taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Cover starts on 9th October 2023 and ends on 12th October 2023.
Single Trip Travel Insurance
With Single-Trip Travel Insurance from us, you'll get up to 90 days cover - with no maximum age and virtually all medical conditions considered. ... don't leave without getting a single trip travel insurance quote from us first. Covid cover included Cancellation and medical expenses are covered by us, as standard, if you're diagnosed ...
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Does single-trip travel insurance cover Covid-19? Policies purchased from the 28 March 2024 onwards provide cover if: You test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip and are required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, the NHS or any UK government body;
Travel Insurance with Covid Cover
What is travel insurance with covid cover? A travel insurance policy with COVID-19 benefits includes cover for certain unforeseen COVID-19-related scenarios and can help reduce the financial risk of travelling. Depending on the level of cover you choose, benefits can include such things as COVID-19 overseas medical expenses, trip amendments & cancellation costs, and additional expenses.
Single Trip Travel Insurance from only €4.42!
Get covered with AA Single Trip Travel Insurance from only €4.42 per trip! Cover includes lost or stolen luggage, medical expenses + More! ... Our cover for COVID-19 gives you benefits such as: Cancellation cover if you, a close relative or travelling companion receive a positive diagnosis for COVID-19;
Buy Best Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage in Singapore
Single Trip Travel Insurance Promotion 45% Discount, NCD. ... Enhanced Benefits with COVID-19 Cover *NEW FEATURE* Making your vacation safe even during a pandemic. Get a peace of mind when you are travelling during the pandemic with our new COVID-19 benefits for Travel Protect360! Even if you require medical assistance or trip cancellation due ...
Single trip travel insurance
3. NOW Premier ST - 4.5/5 stars. Price for 7-day family trip to Spain: £35.73* Cancellation cover: £3,000. Excess: £75. Why we picked it. For £35, each person can claim up to £3,000 for trip ...
Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers
Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance.
Family travel insurance: What is it and do you need it?
Families leaving on an adventure-oriented trip will need to find a travel insurance policy that covers adventure activities ... Covid-19 or job loss. Foreseeable events like childbirth ...
#NewsBeat
#NewsBeat | #NewsBeat | By Metro TV Ghana | Good afternoon, welcome to ... ... #NewsBeat

Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024

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What coverage do I have if I cancel my trip from contracting Covid-19?

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