travel insurance for trip interruption

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Trip Interruption Insurance Explained

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Table of Contents

What is trip interruption insurance?

What does trip interruption insurance cover, what is not covered by trip interruption insurance, how much does trip interruption insurance cost, what's the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay vs. trip interruption coverage, how do i get trip interruption insurance, which insurance coverage is best for me.

Trip insurance is an important consideration if you plan on traveling, and understanding the difference between plan benefits is crucial. Some benefits protect you before your trip begins, such as trip cancellation, while others offer coverage during your travels like trip interruption.

Trip interruption insurance will reimburse the unused portion of your trip if it has already begun and an unexpected incident forces you to return home early. This post-departure benefit is particularly useful when booking expensive trips. Here’s what you need to know about trip interruption insurance and how to get it.

If you miss a portion of your trip due to a covered reason, you can use trip interruption benefits to get reimbursed for any unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, such as hotel nights or excursion bookings. You may also be reimbursed for additional charges such as booking a new flight home, additional hotel nights and airport taxi fare. Importantly, trip interruption also applies if your trip is cut short due to a covered COVID-related medical reason .

Because trip interruption insurance kicks in after your trip has begun, it's considered a post-departure benefit. A list of valid reasons for coverage are stated in each policy, but they are usually extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances. For example: illness, injury, the death of the traveler or traveling companion, severe weather, terrorist action, job loss, etc.

Many comprehensive travel insurance plans and some premium travel credit cards offer trip interruption insurance. Depending on the policy, the coverage can range from 100% to 200% of the total trip cost, be capped at a predetermined dollar amount or purchased as an optional add-on.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Imagine you go on a $5,000, two-week hiking trip to Bariloche, Argentina, and on the third day of the trip, you fall and hurt your ankle. You go to a local hospital and the doctor tells you that it's sprained and advises you to stay off your feet and not do any hiking. After a few days of taking it easy, the pain becomes worse and you decide to cut your trip short and head home for X-rays and an appointment with a specialist.

If you have trip interruption insurance, you will be reimbursed for the unused, prepaid, nonrefundable hotel stay, your original return flight, the cost of new airplane tickets to return home early and additional transportation expenses such as a taxi to the airport and from your return airport home. The reason for the interruption is considered covered since you’ve sustained a serious injury that prevents your continued participation in the trip. You will need to notify the insurer of the incident within a specified time frame (which will be stated in the policy) and follow the protocol to ensure you receive reimbursement.

Using the Argentina trip example above, if your policy reimburses up to 200% of the trip cost, the benefit payable to you can be up to $10,000. The percentage can be above 100% to account for extra costs that a policyholder may incur to return home. Generally, the reimbursement of your return transportation cannot exceed the cost of economy plane tickets (or the same airfare class as the original ticket), and will be reduced by the amount of any refunds already received from the airline and must usually be the most direct route.

If you don’t have trip interruption insurance, you’ll be at the mercy of the hotel when trying to negotiate a refund for the unused portion of your hotel stay. You would also be liable for the additional costs to get home (a new flight, change fees, and transportation to the airport and from the airport to your home). So, if a last-minute flight home costs $1,000, you’d have to absorb that entire amount.

If you plan on traveling during the ongoing pandemic, ensure that you find a policy that offers COVID-19 coverage .

» Learn more: What kinds of trips should you protect with travel insurance?

Not every reason for interrupting your trip qualifies as a covered reason. Losses sustained due to intentional acts (such as self-harm), pregnancy or childbirth, mountain climbing, war, illegal acts, drug use, and trips taken against the advice of a physician will not be covered. Other exclusions may apply; check your policy for specifics.

Some policies also exclude pre-existing conditions that have occurred within a specified time frame prior to departure. The list of exclusions can vary based on the insurer and the state you live in, so you’ll need to check your policy's fine print to ensure you’re aware of what is and isn’t covered.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

Trip interruption coverage is usually included within comprehensive travel insurance plans.

Using the same $5,000, two-week trip to Argentina, a search of policies on travel insurance broker SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) ranged from $115 to $361, representing 2.3% to 7.2% of the total trip cost. The coverage ranged from 100% to 200% of the trip cost, and some of the lower-priced plans offered coverage in excess of 100%. The more expensive plans usually offered higher limits on medical expenses and evacuation.

If you have a premium travel credit card that offers trip interruption insurance, this coverage is provided free of charge as long as the trip is purchased with the applicable credit card.

Trip cancellation coverage applies in situations where you cancel your trip before it starts. If you haven't left yet, and you have to scrap your plans for a covered reason (such as an injury or illness), you can get some or all of your trip expenses reimbursed through trip cancellation coverage.

Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, is about when something happens during your trip. Let's say you're on a trip and you suddenly have to get home to deal with a death or injury in the family. Trip interruption insurance will cover this situation, recompensing some or all of the remaining expenses in the trip.

Trip delay insurance covers situations where your trip is delayed, such as when an airline bumps your flight to a later date (which may entitle you to additional flight delay compensation ). The expenses accrued from a delay, such as rebooking fees for hotel rooms, will be covered by trip delay insurance.

Trip interruption insurance, meanwhile, only applies if something happens that makes you cancel the remainder of your plans altogether — rather than just having them delayed.

In general, trip delay insurance will apply when your transportation goes awry. Trip interruption coverage applies when something else (like a medical emergency ) affects your trip.

The two most common ways to get trip interruption coverage are by buying a travel insurance policy or applying for a premium travel credit card that has trip insurance benefits.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and many other American Express cards provide up to $10,000 per trip ($20,000 per year) in trip interruption benefits. Terms apply. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® will also reimburse you or your immediate family members up to $10,000 in losses per trip interruption.

These premium cards also include other insurance benefits like trip cancellation, trip delay , emergency assistance and more. If you frequently purchase trip protection benefits, applying for one of the cards that offer travel insurance could make a lot of sense. All these cards offer a multitude of useful travel benefits and various statement credits that will usually offset at least part of the annual fee.

If you’re going on a trip that is more expensive than the limit provided by the credit card, purchasing a separate travel insurance policy is a good bet. Also check that your credit card will cover COVID-related claims before you decide to forego a separate policy.

If you’re going on an expensive trip, getting a travel insurance plan that includes trip interruption coverage makes a lot of sense. If the trip is relatively inexpensive or you already have coverage through your credit card, you may not need to purchase a trip insurance coverage.

However, if you’re looking for additional coverage like travel medical insurance , Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and/or your credit card doesn’t have sufficient limits, consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy from providers such as AAA , Allianz , or AIG .

In some cases, purchasing travel insurance may not be necessary . So familiarize yourself with all available options before you decide whether or not you should purchase a policy.

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Trip Interruption Benefits

What is trip interruption.

Trip Interruption offers coverage if a trip is disrupted or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances such as sicknesses, severe weather conditions, or other eligible events that are out of the traveler's control. Trip Interruption Coverage typically covers expenses such as the cost of additional transportation, accommodation, and other expenses incurred because of the interruption. The exact coverage and benefits vary depending on the insurance policy.

Is Trip Interruption necessary?

Whether Trip Interruption insurance is necessary or not depends on several factors, including the type of trip you're taking, the cost of the trip, and your personal risk tolerance. The Trip Interruption benefit can provide coverage for unexpected events such as sickness, weather-related cancellations, and other eligible events that can cause you to interrupt your trip. Trip Interruption also allows travelers to rejoin their trip after an interruption has occurred. In general, having a trip interruption is a personal decision that should be based on the traveler's specific needs and circumstances. However, it's always a good idea to consider trip interruption coverage, especially if the trip involves a significant investment of time and resources. This can help to protect against financial losses if the trip is interrupted for a covered reason.  

What Qualifies as Trip Interruption  

AXA Travel Protection coverage can provide travelers with coverage when they face situations that force them to interrupt their travel schedule. 

 Let us delve into these scenarios and benefits coverage: 

1. Health-Related Interruptions: If you, as a traveler, suffer from sickness, accidental injury, or face a tragic event leading to death or a certified physician deems it necessary to impose medical restrictions preventing your continued participation in the trip due to the reasons listed above, this coverage comes to your aid. A physician must advise trip cancellation on or before the scheduled return date. 

2. Family and Travel Companion Health: This coverage extends to the health of family members or traveling companions booked to join you on your trip. It applies if they fall ill or sustain accidental injuries while on the trip, requiring necessary treatment and imposing medically certified restrictions on their participation. 

3. Non-Traveling Family Member: In the unfortunate event of sickness, accidental injury, or death of a non-traveling family member, AXA Travel Protection's trip interruption coverage ensures you are covered. 

4. Host at Destination: If the host at your trip's destination faces death or hospitalization during your visit, you can rely on this coverage to assist you. 

5. Employment-Related Interruptions: Employment-related issues, such as termination or layoff from full-time employment after one year of continuous service through no fault during your trip, are covered. 

6. Employment Transfer: If your employment requires a transfer of 250 miles or more during your trip, provided you were employed with the transferring employer on your effective employment date, and the transfer necessitates relocating your home, this coverage applies. 

7. Business Disruption (Exclusive to Platinum Plan): If you or your traveling companion's company becomes unsuitable for business due to fire, flood, burglary, vandalism, or other natural disasters, and you are responsible for policy and decision-making within the company and are actively involved in disaster recovery, the coverage is valid. 

8. Required Work (Exclusive to Platinum Plan): If you or your traveling companion are required to work during the trip, substantiated by a notarized statement from an officer of the employer, this benefit provides coverage. It is unavailable to independent contractors, temporary employees, self-employed individuals, or company owners or partners. 

9. Company Events (Exclusive to Platinum Plan): Your or your traveling companion's company is directly involved in a merger, acquisition, government-required product recall, bankruptcy or default proceedings, and active involvement in the said event makes you eligible for coverage. 

10. Military Duty: If a previously approved military leave is revoked or a military reassignment during the trip, this coverage provides protection. It excludes war-related incidents. 

11. Weather and Natural Disasters: Inclement weather causing the complete cessation of services for at least 48 consecutive hours by your common carrier or a natural disaster at your destination rendering accommodations uninhabitable can offer coverage. 

12. Terrorist Incidents: In the event of a terrorist incident occurring in your departure city or a city listed on your trip itinerary during your trip, you are covered. It is important to note that benefits are not provided if the travel supplier offers a substitute itinerary. 

13. Assault and Other Incidents: If you or your traveling companion are victims of felonious assault, experience hijacking, quarantine, jury duty, subpoena, or if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or burglary during the trip, this coverage applies. 

14. Traffic Accident: A direct involvement in a traffic accident while en route to departure, supported by a police report provided to AXA, is a valid reason for trip interruption coverage. 

15. Travel Supplier Default: The coverage extends to cases of bankruptcy or default of a travel supplier, leading to a cessation of travel services during your trip. If no alternate transportation is available, benefits are provided, and if alternate transportation is available, the coverage is limited to change fees to transfer to another airline. 

16. Common Carrier Strike: In the event of a strike by the common carrier with whom you or your traveling companion are scheduled to travel, resulting in complete cessation of services for at least 48 consecutive hours, this coverage comes into play.  File for a free quote

Do I need Trip Interruption coverage?

Having trip interruption coverage is a savvy idea. It offers coverage for multiple reasons to help you get your trip back on track. All three of AXA’s travel plans include Trip Interruption coverage, maximum coverage per person is up to:  

Maximum Benefit: 100% of Trip Cost Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100

Maximum Benefit: 150% of Trip Cost Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100  

Maximum Benefit: 150% of Trip Cost Reasonable Expenses Per Day: $100

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Why choose axa travel protection.

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA provides assistance with a wide range of features that include:  •    Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency •    24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling

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Trip Interruption Insurance FAQs

How much does trip interruption cost.

• Length of Stay
• Destination
• Type of Trip
• Number of Travelers
• Extent of Guarantees

What types of vacations does Trip Interruption apply to?

When does trip interruption coverage begin.

• Trip Interruption coverage begins when a specific travel package has been selected
• Trip Interruption coverage will begin on the day after the required premium for such coverage is received by the authorized representative

When does Trip Interruption coverage end?

• The scheduled return date as stated on the travel tickets
• The date and time you return to your origination point if prior to the scheduled return date
• The date and time you deviate from, leave, or change the original trip itinerary (unless due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances covered by the policy)
• If you extend the return date, coverage will terminate at 11:59 P.M., local time, at your location on the scheduled return date unless otherwise authorized by the Company in advance of the scheduled return date
• When your trip exceeds ninety (90) days
• The return date as stated on your purchase confirmation

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What Is Trip Interruption Insurance?

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What, Exactly, Is Trip Interruption Insurance?

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you become ill, are injured, or die after your travel begins. Trip interruption insurance also covers you if a family member or travel companion gets sick, is injured, or dies once your trip has commenced. Depending on which coverage you choose, your travel insurance policy's trip interruption clause may reimburse you for all or part of the prepaid cost of your trip, or it may just pay enough to cover the change fees for your airfare home.

Trip Interruption Insurance Specifics

Most policies specify that you (or the ill or injured party) must see a doctor and obtain a letter from him or her stating that you are too ill or disabled to continue your travel. You must get the doctor's letter before you cancel the rest of your trip. If you do not do this, your trip interruption claim may be rejected.

The definition of "travel companion" may include the requirement that the companion must be listed on a travel contract or other registration document. In some cases, the companion must also intend to share accommodations with you. Some insurance companies will pay all or even 150 percent of your nonrefundable trip deposits and trip costs.

Others will pay up to a certain amount, typically $500, to cover the cost of changing your return airline, train, or bus ticket so you can get home. In either case, the trip interruption must be the result of a covered reason, such as illness, death in the family, or a situation that seriously threatens your personal safety. These covered reasons will be listed on your travel insurance policy certificate.

Trip interruption coverage may also protect you against a whole host of problems, provided they take place after your trip begins. These problems may include weather issues, terrorist attacks , civil unrest , strikes, jury duty, an accident en route to your trip departure point, and more. The list of covered events varies from policy to policy. Carefully read the policy certificate before you pay for travel insurance. 

Trip Interruption Insurance Tips

Before you buy a policy, be sure you understand what kind of documentation you will need in order to make a claim. Save all paperwork related to your trip, including contracts, receipts, tickets, and emails, in case your trip is interrupted, and you need to file a claim with your travel insurance provider.

Travel insurance providers will not cover known events, such as named tropical storms, named winter storms, or volcanic eruptions. Once a storm has a name or an ash cloud has formed, you will not be able to buy a policy that covers trip interruptions caused by that event.

Find out how "imminent threat to your personal safety" is defined by your travel insurance provider. Some policies will not cover imminent threats unless the US Department of State issues a Travel Warning regarding that threat. In nearly all cases, the Travel Warning must be issued after the start date of your trip.

Look for a policy that covers situations that are likely to arise at your destination. For example, if you are traveling to Florida in August, you should look for trip interruption insurance that covers delays caused by hurricanes.

Carefully read your entire insurance policy certificate before paying for trip interruption insurance. If you do not understand the certificate, call, or email the insurance provider and ask for clarification.

If you think you might need to cut your trip short for a reason that is not listed on your policy, consider buying Cancel For Any Reason coverage, too.

What Is the Difference Between Trip Interruption and Travel Delay Insurance?

Some travel insurance providers classify situations caused by everything except illness, injury, or death as "travel delay" rather than "trip interruption," so you must look at both types of travel insurance as you investigate possible insurance policy options. You may decide that you need only one of these types of coverage, or you may discover that you need both. If you are confused, do not hesitate to call your insurance agency or contact your online travel insurance provider. It is far better to clear up questions or concerns before your trip.

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Trip Delay and Trip Interruption Insurance — Are They Worth It?

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What Are Trip Delay and Trip Interruption Insurance?

What’s covered with trip delay and trip interruption insurance, how to get trip delay and trip interruption insurance, you’re traveling within the u.s. , your trip only includes air travel, you booked with points and miles, you don’t have a lot of prepaid expenses, you’re an employee taking a business trip, your credit card offers it, why you may want trip delay and trip interruption insurance, are trip delay and trip interruption insurance worth it, final thoughts.

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It’s never fun to experience a hiccup in your travel plans, whether it be a delayed flight causing you to arrive at your destination later than expected or a family member back home falling ill and leading to a premature ending to your trip.

These situations aren’t predictable, but they do happen. In 2023, around 20% of flights in the U.S. were delayed, and just over 1% were canceled, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. ¹ Since you can never be certain if or when you’ll encounter a delay or interruption to your trip, having insurance that covers these types of situations can provide peace of mind . But are trip delay and trip interruption coverage really worth it?

Let’s take a closer look at each of these types of coverage so you can decide whether they’re necessary for your next trip.

Trip delay insurance and trip interruption insurance are 2 different products .

Basically, trip delay insurance provides coverage when travel booked on a common carrier — think airline, bus, train, or passenger boat tickets — is delayed for a period of time. Trip delay insurance covers reasonable expenses (up to the daily dollar limit as specified by your plan) incurred once your trip is delayed by a certain number of hours (also specified by your plan).

On the other hand, trip interruption insurance covers you if something happens that forces you to cancel the remainder of your plans. 

Trip delay insurance is typically considered to be supplemental coverage as it only pays in excess of any reimbursement you’ve received elsewhere , like from an airline or from another insurance policy. With this insurance, you can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses that you have to pay for as a result of the delay, such as meals, a hotel stay, transportation, and lost prepaid expenses. 

Say, for example, an airline cancels your flight but then rebooks you on a different flight for the next day and provides you with a hotel stay and meal vouchers. Your trip is delayed, yes, but since the airline paid for the necessary expenses to get you through the delay, you cannot also submit a claim to your travel insurance provider for additional accommodations and meal reimbursements.

With trip interruption insurance, you can be reimbursed for unused prepaid nonrefundable expenses and for transportation back home or to your next destination . Examples of reasons your trip might be interrupted include a family emergency, a natural disaster, or either you or a travel companion experiencing an illness or injury.

Keep in mind that many policies have exclusions , and not every reason for interrupting your trip will qualify for coverage. This includes reasons such as childbirth, illegal acts, and drug use. Some policies may also exclude preexisting conditions.

Be sure to keep track of any expenditures and receipts during your delayed or interrupted trip. You may need to submit them in order to be reimbursed by your insurer.

Trip delay and trip interruption insurance are usually packaged with other types of travel coverage , including trip cancellation, baggage loss, medical emergency, and evacuation insurance. A comprehensive travel insurance policy that you can purchase from a third-party provider typically includes both trip delay and trip interruption coverage, but you’ll want to review any policy you’re considering to be certain.

Third-party travel insurance providers include Allianz Travel Insurance , Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance , and World Nomads Travel Insurance . Using a site such as Squaremouth is an easy way to compare policies and pricing across multiple travel insurance providers.

Many popular travel credit cards include trip delay and trip interruption insurance as perks . Coverage varies by card but usually kicks in after a delay of 6 to 12 hours. However, if you need more coverage than your credit card benefits offer or you need Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance, you should look into buying a separate travel policy with inclusions for trip delay and trip interruption insurance.

Why You May Not Need Trip Delay and Trip Interruption Insurance

The average American takes 2 or 3 vacations each year , with most travelers remaining within the U.S., as domestic leisure travelers made up the majority of direct travel spending in 2022.

Travel within the U.S. is often a lot less expensive than international travel . With the national average domestic airfare in the third quarter of 2023 being around $368, you may not have a huge amount of money on the line if your trip gets delayed or goes awry while in progress. 

And if you’ve booked a hotel with a free cancellation policy, you also don’t have money at risk of loss if you cancel before the deadline specified by your reservation. Depending on the situation, some hotels may allow you to cancel or rebook for a different date for no fee, even beyond the cancellation deadline.

As a passenger, knowing your rights when you experience delayed or canceled flights can help ensure you’re rebooked and/or compensated as per the airline’s policy, which, in many cases, can negate the need for trip delay insurance. 

For example, all of the major U.S. domestic airlines will rebook you on the same airline at no additional cost for a controllable delay or cancellation (a “controllable” delay or cancellation is one that is caused by the airline, such as maintenance or crew problems). Some airlines will also rebook you on a different airline at no additional cost, but a few do not.

You also have the right to a refund if you decide not to travel because of a canceled flight or a significant delay/schedule change.

Should your travel plans be interrupted and you need to stay at your destination longer or for an unknown amount of time, often you can cancel the unused portion of your airline ticket and receive travel credit to be used in the future (though basic economy fares are typically excluded from these situations). 

You may not be able to use trip delay or trip cancellation coverage from a general travel insurance policy to recover the value of points and miles that you redeemed for travel. However, many airline and hotel programs have generous change and cancellation policies for award travel where you can change your travel dates or receive a refund for the points or miles used and taxes paid, either for free or for a low fee.

Booking through a bank’s travel portal — such as Chase Travel or AmexTravel.com — with flexible points can qualify you for trip delay and trip interruption reimbursement through the associated credit card , so you would not need separate coverage in this instance. 

If you need to advance your return date and head home sooner, many airlines now allow changes for no additional fee , though you will have to pay any difference in fare (again, basic economy tickets are typically excluded from this policy). Sometimes the fare difference can be significant, so you may want to weigh the cost of paying a potential fare difference versus purchasing a travel insurance policy with trip interruption coverage.

If you don’t have many prepaid or nonrefundable expenses, your losses from a delayed or interrupted trip could be minimal . For a delayed flight, there may be many other flight options that would get you to your destination at a reasonable time. For a trip in progress that’s interrupted, you may be able to use points or miles for a last-minute flight to get back home quickly. In these instances, you’re basically “self-insuring” because you don’t have much money at risk.

An as employee traveling for work, you may have trip delay and trip interruption coverage through your employer’s business travel insurance policy. However, it’s best to check with your employer to be certain rather than assume you are covered. 

Should you decide to extend your business trip for personal reasons, like visiting family or enjoying leisure activities either before or after the work portion is completed, it could be a good idea to have separate, personal coverage.

If you’re self-employed, you may want to purchase a comprehensive business travel insurance policy — not just to cover unexpected delays or interruptions — but also because it may have higher limits for expensive business equipment you may be traveling with compared to personal travel insurance policies.

You may not have been thinking about travel insurance when you signed up for a new credit card with a big welcome offer , however, many midtier and premium travel cards do include it as a perk.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card has a trip delay benefit of up to $500 for each ticket purchased when you are delayed due to a covered hazard for more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay. The benefit includes reimbursement for reasonable additional expenses incurred during your delay, including meals, lodging, toiletries, and medication.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also has a trip interruption benefit of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip, if your trip is cut short for a covered reason.

Check out our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage to compare benefits by card.

If you have extensive prepaid or nonrefundable expenses, you should definitely take a close look at trip delay and trip interruption insurance, and make sure the policy you select has sufficient coverage .

Say you’ve spent $10,000 for a cruise or $15,000 for a safari, and you’re delayed or need to leave early — you’d potentially be forfeiting a big sum of money . If that’s more money than you’re willing to lose, you shouldn’t “self-insure” in that scenario by not having coverage.

Other situations where you may especially want to have trip delay and trip interruption insurance would be if you’re traveling internationally , are concerned about the weather impacting your trip , or you have a family back home you may need to get back to on short notice. 

With international travel, typically trips are longer in duration compared to domestic travel, and you may have spent a significant amount on flights, hotels, and other nonrefundable expenses. And with weather issues, many airline policies exclude providing compensation, like a hotel room or meal vouchers, because they consider it an uncontrollable delay, so having separate coverage means you’ll be reimbursed for those expenses.

The decision to have trip delay and trip interruption insurance depends on each individual’s situation and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some primary considerations include whether your travels are domestic or international, whether you already have coverage from your credit card, and how much you have spent on prepaid or nonrefundable expenses.

It may be surprising to hear that you might not need trip delay and trip interruption insurance for every type of trip. While there are times when having them may be helpful or even essential, they’re not always necessary. Plus, you may already have a credit card that covers you as long as you use it to pay for at least a portion of your travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between trip delay and trip interruption insurance.

Trip delay covers you when your travel plans are delayed by the carrier. This could be as you’re beginning your trip, transiting between cities, or returning home. Trip interruption applies when you end your trip early and return home for a covered reason.

Where can you buy trip delay and trip interruption insurance?

Trip delay and trip interruption insurance are both typically included in a general travel insurance policy that you can purchase from a third-party provider. They may also be included as benefits on your credit cards.

How do I prove my flight delay for insurance?

Most insurers require you to submit documentation from the carrier (e.g., the airline, bus, train, or cruise line) confirming the delay with your reservation details and explaining the reason for the delay. You will also have to submit receipts for your expenses along with the delay confirmation.

How do I claim a trip interruption?

You will need documentation explaining the reason for canceling the remainder of your trip, such as a doctor’s note or accident/police report. You will also need receipts for the expenses that you’re requesting reimbursement.

Should you purchase trip delay and trip interruption insurance if your credit card includes it?

If you think you’ll need more coverage than your credit card benefits offer, then you should consider getting a general policy from a travel insurance company. For example, if your credit card’s trip delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours, but you’d like to be covered for a delay of 5 hours, you’ll want to find a policy with that coverage.

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About Senitra Horbrook

Senitra Horbrook is a frequent solo traveler who began using points and miles in 2012. Formerly credit cards editor at The Points Guy, Senitra has also contributed to Forbes Advisor, AwardWallet, Insider, among others.

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What Is Trip Interruption Insurance?

Everyone needs a break to go on vacation, but sometimes, a planned trip doesn’t work out in your favor. 

A trip interruption occurs when unforeseen events, such as a natural disaster, severe weather or a health emergency , disrupt or cut short your travels. 

The last thing you want to worry about when you’re supposed to be relaxing is lost airfare and the cost of prepaid hotels. 

That's where trip interruption insurance comes in to save the day.

Understanding Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption vs. trip delay vs. trip cancellation insurance, what is interruption for any reason travel insurance, what does trip interruption insurance cover, what is not covered, how much does trip interruption insurance cost, pros and cons of trip interruption insurance, how to get trip interruption insurance.

• Compare the Best Trip Interruption Insurance From Benzinga's Top Providers
• Enjoy Your Vacation With Peace of Mind 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Trip interruption insurance is a type of travel insurance that provides coverage for expenses related to unexpected interruptions or disruptions during your trip. You may be reimbursed for several charges, including: 

• Nonrefundable trip expenses
• Hotel stays 
• Excursion bookings 
• Airport taxi fare 
• Airfare for flight home 

Trip interruption insurance benefits become effective when a traveler departs from their home destination. It's post-departure coverage as opposed to the predeparture protection provided by trip cancellation insurance.

Each insurance policy specifies the circumstances under which the trip interruption benefits will come into effect: 

• Illness 
• Injury 
• A traveler's death 
• A traveling companion's death 
• Terrorist action 
• Medical evacuation ( such as during the COVID-19 lockdown) 
• Natural disasters or extreme weather conditions (hurricane, flood or earthquake) 

Unlike trip interruption insurance, trip cancellation insurance covers the cancellation of your trip before departure. 

Suppose you're planning a trip to Hawaii, and wildfires spread in the area a week before your scheduled departure. The authorities declare it unsafe for travel. 

In this case, trip cancellation insurance works to refund nonrefundable trip expenses like airfare, car rentals, excursions and accommodation bookings. 

But say you've already landed in Hawaii. You stay for a day or two before the wildfires intensify. 

The authorities issue evacuation orders, and you have to cut your trip short. Here's where trip interruption insurance comes in. 

It reimburses you for the unused portion of your trip. The reimbursed costs for each policy vary. 

Trip delay insurance is effective when a traveler's flight is delayed for reasons that are not their fault. 

Suppose your flight gets delayed because of mechanical issues or weather conditions. You had booked arrangements in Hawaii, such as a zip-lining excursion you missed because of the delay. 

The flight delay will also affect your other arrangements, which you may have to reschedule. Trip delay insurance reimburses you for some or all of the additional expenses incurred resulting from the delay. 

However, trip delay coverage is only applicable if the delay is for reasons beyond the traveler's control. If the delay is because you missed your flight or didn’t arrive at the airport on time, the policy will not cover you. 

Interruption for any reason (IFAR) travel insurance is usually an upgrade to your trip interruption insurance policy. It lets you cut your trip short for any reason and get a partial refund for unused expenses. 

Insurance companies usually offer this coverage at an extra 3% to 10% of policy cost. IFAR covers up to 75% of the trip costs, depending on the policy. 

If you're planning a vacation, get IFAR within two to three weeks of booking your trip. Most insurers require you to be two to three days into your trip before they activate the coverage.

IFAR is helpful for people with unpredictable work schedules or families with children and elderly relatives who may need unexpected assistance during the trip. 

Read your trip interruption insurance policy's fine print to understand what it covers.

• Severe weather events: If a flood , earthquake or a similar natural disaster strikes your vacation destination, you can use trip interruption insurance. 
• Bodily injury: If you or a travel companion gets severely injured during the trip, your insurance policy will cover medical expenses and compensate for the unused portion of your vacation. 
• Airline employee strike: Trip interruption insurance also covers expenses if an organized airline employee strike interrupts your travel plans. 
• Terrorism: Some insurance policies cover trip interruptions caused by terrorism. 
• Accidental death: If you or a travel companion dies during the trip, your insurance policy kicks in. 

Your trip interruption insurance plan may not provide coverage under certain circumstances. 

• Preexisting medical condition: A preexisting condition is not covered if it leads to an interruption of your trip. 
• Personal change in plans: If you change your mind about the trip or cancel it for personal reasons, your insurer will not cover the costs. 
• Acts of war: If civil unrest or war breaks out in your vacation destination, whether declared or undeclared, most insurance policies will not cover the interruption. 
• Long trips: The insurance plan won't cover trips lasting longer than 60 days. 
• Financial insolvency: The insurance policy doesn’t cover trip interruptions because of the financial insolvency of a travel provider, such as a cruise line or an airline. 

If you take a trip against your doctor's advice or engage in acts of self-harm, you will not be covered. Losses resulting from childbirth and pregnancy are also excluded from coverage. 

Most travel insurance policies include trip interruption insurance as part of coverage. They usually cost 5% to 10% of your total trip cost. 

If your travel insurance doesn't include trip interruption insurance, you can purchase it as an add-on. The cost of your travel insurance will vary depending on several factors. 

• Age: The older you are, the more expensive your travel insurance will be. 
• Trip duration: Longer trips typically have higher insurance costs. 
• Destination: Certain destinations may have higher risks or require specific coverage, leading to higher insurance costs. 
• Activities: If you plan to participate in high-risk activities like extreme sports or adventure travel, your insurance costs will increase. 

Suppose you're a 35-year-old planning a two-week trip to Europe. If your vacation costs $10,000, the trip interruption insurance will cost between $500 and $1,000. 

Depending on the insurer, the plan would include trip interruption coverage for up to 150% to 200% of nonrefundable trip costs. You may also get additional coverage, such as $500 for a travel companion's hospitalization and $1,000 for your return flight expenses. 

• Reimburses nonrefundable costs
• Provides peace of mind
• Covers unexpected emergencies 
• Protects against financial loss 
• Adds to the overall cost of your trip 
• May have exclusions and limitations 
• Only covers specific reasons

The process of getting trip interruption insurance is the same as any other insurance policy. 

• Check different providers: Narrow your options by researching insurance providers. Look into their reputations and customer reviews. 
• Compare quotes: Provide trip details and insurance requirements to get quotes from different providers. 
• Purchase travel insurance: Select a policy based on your requirements and budget. 
• Add trip interruption coverage: If your plan doesn't include trip interruption insurance, add it as a rider.  

You can also purchase travel insurance through a travel agent. Alternatively, apply for a credit card that offers trip interruption insurance as a perk. 

Compare the Best Trip Interruption Insurance From Benzinga’s Top Providers

Benzinga's top insurance providers offer comprehensive trip interruption insurance with various coverage options.

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

Enjoy Your Vacation With Peace of Mind 

An unexpected issue during a trip can be a stressful experience, but with trip interruption insurance, you can rest easy knowing you are protected financially. 

A comprehensive trip interruption policy covers everything from medical emergencies and deaths to natural disasters and bodily injuries. It's best to get a travel insurance plan with interruption coverage. 

If you get trip interruption coverage as an add-on, factors like age, travel destinations, trip duration and activities can affect the cost. Compare quotes from different providers before deciding on one.  

Keep in mind that trip interruption insurance is only available for unforeseen events. If you want more flexibility, opt for an interruption for any reason plan. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is trip interruption insurance worth it.

Trip interruption insurance can be worth it for travelers who want peace of mind and financial protection in case their trip is disrupted. It’s especially useful for people traveling to high-risk destinations or participating in activities with a higher risk of injury.

Is trip interruption insurance refundable?

You may be eligible for a refund or partial refund if your insurance provider has a review period or a money-back guarantee. Cancellation outside the review period or guarantee time frame does not qualify for a refund.

Are flights booked with points applicable for trip interruption insurance?

Flights booked with points may qualify for trip interruption insurance, but it depends on the specific terms of your credit card or insurance provider. Check with your insurance provider and airline loyalty program to get a better idea.

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.

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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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

• Trip cancellations
• Trip interruption
• Baggage coverage
• Baggage delay
• Travel medical expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
• Medical evacuation
• Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
• Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
• Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
• Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
• Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

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.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

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 .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

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 insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . 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.

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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Ed Perkins on Travel: Travel insurance: What you really need

Y ou've probably seen a lot of stories explaining why you need travel insurance. They concentrate on speculating about all the really bad stuff that might happen before or during your trip. Although the bad stuff is important, focusing on it is misdirected: You need travel insurance for only one reason – money.

Insurance is all about money. It can't stop a war or quiet a volcano, all it can do is make sure that you don't lose money due to that war or volcano. So the formula is simple: If you have more money at risk than you can comfortably walk away from if something bad unexpectedly happens, you need insurance. If you don't have money at risk, fuggedaboutit.

Most of you face two big potential money risks — risks that could amount to many thousands of dollars:

• Loss of nonrefundable prepayments and deposits if you have to cancel a trip before you leave home or while you're traveling because something bad happens to you or a family member. These days, many airfares let you retain the value if you cancel, but cruises, tours, vacation rentals, and many resort hotel packages involve totally nonrefundable advance payments or stiff cancellation penalties. Trip-cancellation/trip-interruption (TCI) insurance covers the risk of losing those payments if you have to cancel.
• High transportation costs if you suffer an accident or illness during a trip that necessitates special transport home. Travel medical insurance (Medevac) covers you the costs of repatriation, as high as the cost of a private jet, if you can't get home the way you arrived. It also covers hospital and doctor costs if your regular health insurance doesn't cover you while you're traveling. This is especially important for seniors who depend on Medicare, which does not cover outside the United States.

Many forms of travel insurance cover nuisance items such as a hotel bill if your air connection is canceled or buying stuff you need if your baggage is lost. But in total dollar risk, these items are chump change — and your regular insurance or credit card may cover them, anyhow.

You need to know a few technicalities of travel insurance, as well:

• Travel insurance is "named peril" insurance: It pays only if the bad stuff that happens to you is specifically included in the fine print.
• Travel insurance covers only unexpected bad stuff. It won't cover a volcano eruption if the volcano is erupting at the time you buy the policy. And it won't cover you if grandma dies due to an illness she was suffering when you bought the policy.
• Most policies exclude coverage if anyone covered by the policy cancels because of a pre-existing medical condition. Many policies, however, waive that exclusion if you buy a policy covering the full value of your trip with a week or two of the time you make your first payment.

A comprehensive bundled policy, including both TCI and Medevac, usually costs 5 percent to 15 percent of the total trip costs. The price of most such policies is based, in part, on your age, with rates getting very high past age 70.

You can buy "cancel for any reason" TCI, often as an add-on to a regular policy, in effect removing the "named peril" limitation. It usually won't cover the full amount — maybe 50 percent to 75 percent — but it lets you decide when to cancel.

You can, of course, avoid the big money risks entirely: Don't have any money in the game up front. Over the last few years, I've never needed TCI because I never had any big bucks at risk: I've been flying on frequent-flyer miles, which I could redeposit if I had to cancel, and made only no-deposit hotel reservations. But you can't do that with cruises, vacation rentals, and many tours.

If you need travel insurance, don't blindly take whatever your airline, cruise line, or tour operator suggests; instead, check the big online travel insurance agencies that publish elaborate side-by-side comparisons of different policies, including insuremytrip.com, quotewright.com, squaremouth.com , and others.

(Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at [email protected] . Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com .)

©2024 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.