airbnb travel insurance

AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance

AirCover for guests is different from travel or reservation insurance. AirCover for guests is provided for free with every booking, while travel insurance for guests in the EU and UK , travel insurance for guests in the US , or reservation insurance (for guests in FR) can be purchased separately during checkout.

What is AirCover for guests?

If there’s a serious issue with your Airbnb that your Host can't resolve, we’ll help you find a similar place, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If a similar place isn’t available or you’d prefer not to rebook, we’ll give you a full or partial refund.

AirCover for guests provides support if your Host cancels within 30 days of check-in, you’re unable to check-in, or the listing is significantly different than advertised and your Host can’t fix it or you feel unsafe in your Airbnb.

Learn more about AirCover for guests .

What is travel or reservation insurance? 

Travel is rewarding, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. People can get sick, flights can get canceled, and bags can go missing. To help protect you financially, there’s travel or reservation insurance.

• Airbnb guests who live in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal can purchase travel insurance on the checkout page. The travel insurance policies are offered by Generali's Europ Assistance Group, trading under the Generali name in the US and Europ Assistance in the EU and UK. Learn more about what’s covered .
• Airbnb guests who live in France can purchase reservation insurance on the checkout page. The policy is underwritten by Europ Assistance, a leading travel insurer. Learn more about what’s covered .

Don’t live in any of the above counties? Guests everywhere can purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb, directly through a travel insurance company’s website or by shopping around on a comparison site.

How AirCover for guests works with travel or reservation insurance

Here’s an example of how AirCover for guests and travel or reservation insurance can work together.

You arrive at your destination and learn that the airline has sent your baggage to the wrong city and you won’t get it back for at least 24 hours. You then check-in at the place to stay and find out that the number of bedrooms at the place are less than advertised.

In this situation, AirCover for guests can help you find a new place to stay, depending on availability at comparable pricing. If you purchased travel or reservation insurance with your Airbnb reservation or booking, you can also file a claim with Generali or Europ Assistance SA to get reimbursed for certain extra things you have to buy while waiting for your baggage, like clothing and toiletries.

For US residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is offered by Airbnb Insurance Agency LLC, 222 Broadway, Floor 26, New York, N.Y. 10038, (California license number 6001912), which is licensed as an insurance agency in all states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, and underwritten by Generali US Branch (NAIC #11231) of New York, N.Y. Generali US Branch operates in the following jurisdictions under these names: California: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch); Colorado: Assicurazioni Generali – (U.S. Branch); Oregon: Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice; Virginia: The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – (U.S. Branch). The insurance policy benefits and services are described on a general basis and are subject to certain conditions and exclusion. 

For EU residents

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance SA (Irish branch) and offered by the insurance intermediary Aon Iberia Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A.U. with Airbnb Marketing Services S.L.U. acting as an external collaborator. Europ Assistance SA is supervised by the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) in France, and its Irish branch is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Full terms and conditions apply. 

For France  residents

The reservation insurance is offered by Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A. Irish Branch. Airbnb Ireland Insurance Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and conditions apply. 

For UK residents 

The travel insurance policy described in this article is underwritten by Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch. Europ Assistance S.A. is supervised by the French Supervisory authority (ACPR), 4, place de Budapest, CS92459 - 75436 Paris Cedex 09, France. Europ Assistance S.A. UK Branch is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available on request.

This travel insurance is arranged by Airbnb UK Services Limited. Airbnb UK Services Limited is an appointed representative of Aon UK Limited, who is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Aon UK Limited’s FCA register number is 310451, you can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register | FCA or calling 0800 111 6768. Travel Insurance is available to guests aged 18 and over. Full terms and conditions apply. FP.AFF.344.LC.

Related articles

Travel insurance through europ assistance, reservation insurance for eu residents, host liability insurance.

Airbnb Travel Insurance: What Guests Should Know

Airbnb travel insurance can protect your finances if your trip goes awry..

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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 26, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Airbnb insurance
• What’s covered
• What’s not covered
• Filing a claim

Staying in an Airbnb can be more convenient and affordable than renting a hotel room. And now, Airbnb offers travel insurance for guests in certain regions. Travel insurance can offer valuable financial protection if you need to cancel a prepaid trip for a covered reason.

Before you book a short-term rental through Airbnb, you should review and understand the available insurance options. Here’s what you need to know about Airbnb insurance, including what’s covered, what’s not covered, and how to file a claim.

Airbnb travel insurance explained

Airbnb travel insurance is an optional policy that you can purchase when booking a short-term rental. If you need to cancel your Airbnb booking for a covered reason, your insurer will reimburse you for up to 100% of your non-refundable reservation costs. It also provides coverage for things like travel delays and medical emergencies.

Airbnb travel insurance is currently available for customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and some European countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. [1]

The cost of Airbnb travel insurance is a percentage of your total reservation cost. When you book your stay, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation. The cost is added to the total reservation cost as a line item, and you pay for the policy when you check out online.

AirCover vs. Airbnb travel insurance

Every Airbnb booking includes AirCover, which covers things like last-minute booking cancellations by the host and problems during check-in. There’s also a 24/7 safety line that Airbnb guests can call if they feel unsafe. [2]

In addition, AirCover provides certain protections for hosts, like guest identity verification, $3 million in property damage protection, liability insurance, and loss of income insurance.

AirCover and Airbnb travel insurance are different products. AirCover is free with all bookings and covers significant issues that arise with a booking, like inaccurate listings or missing amenities.

On the other hand, Airbnb travel insurance is optional, and you can add it to your reservation for an additional cost. Unlike AirCover, Airbnb travel insurance will refund you for prepaid booking expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, like flight delays or illness.

What Airbnb travel insurance covers

Airbnb travel insurance provides coverage for many unforeseen situations that can arise during travel. Here are some of the things an optional Airbnb travel insurance policy covers. [3]

Trip cancellation

If you need to cancel your Airbnb reservation for a covered reason, you can file a claim and get refunded for up to 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable costs. Covered reasons include illness and injury, flight cancellations and delays, and government mandates for evacuations due to a natural disaster or other inclement weather events.

Travel delays

This part of the policy will reimburse you for additional expenses if your trip gets delayed by more than 12 hours for a covered reason. Some covered situations include delayed flights, bad weather, and stolen passports and travel documents.

Medical emergencies

If you get sick or injured during your trip, an Airbnb travel insurance plan will reimburse you for medical costs, including prescription medication, emergency transportation in an ambulance, and hospital bills.

Delayed baggage

Guest travel insurance from Airbnb will reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. In addition, this policy will cover damaged travel documents and unauthorized credit card transactions that occur while traveling.

24/7 emergency and travel assistance

Airbnb offers 24/7 assistance while you’re traveling. Whether you experience a medical emergency and need to go to the nearest hospital or have questions about booking restaurants on your trip, a representative from Airbnb can provide the appropriate assistance, day or night.

What Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, so it’s important to read your policy’s fine print before purchasing coverage. You’ll have the option to review the terms of Airbnb’s travel insurance contract before you add it to your reservation.

For example, for bookings made on or after May 31, 2022, having COVID-19 is no longer considered an extenuating circumstance that would allow you to cancel your trip for a refund.

There are also some location-specific restrictions. For UK travelers, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover the cost of travel to and from your Airbnb listing, such as trains and ferries. It also won’t cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. [3]

How do you file an Airbnb travel insurance claim?

The insurance company that underwrites the policy handles Airbnb’s travel insurance claims. For U.S. residents, the underwriter is Generali. For UK and EU residents, the underwriter is Europ Assistance. [3]

You can initiate the claim process by visiting the coverage overview page on the Airbnb website and selecting “Start a Claim.” You can also contact the insurance company that underwrites your policy directly to start a new claim. [3]

Airbnb travel insurance FAQs

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Airbnb travel insurance.

How do you add Airbnb travel insurance to your booking?

When you reserve an Airbnb, you’ll have the option to add travel insurance to your reservation before you check out. The travel insurance premium will already be generated, so you can simply check the box to add the insurance policy to your total reservation cost.

Does Airbnb travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, the Airbnb host’s cancellation policy will apply. Additionally, Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t cover unexpected travel disruptions due to COVID-19, like quarantine mandates or border closures.

Are hosts covered by Airbnb travel insurance?

Airbnb travel insurance doesn’t provide any protection for hosts or their Airbnb property. However, AirCover, which is included for free in every booking, does provide protections for Airbnb hosts, such as damage to their rental property.

Should you get insurance for Airbnb?

Airbnb travel insurance can be beneficial if you’re spending a lot of money on non-refundable bookings or want to ensure coverage for unexpected issues, like travel delays and lost baggage. However, if you’re driving a short distance to stay in a vacation rental for the weekend, this policy may not be worth the added cost.

Related articles

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
• What Is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance?
• Airbnb . " Understanding Travel Insurance ."
• Airbnb . " Aircover for guests ."
• Airbnb . " Travel insurance through Generali ."

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com . 

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Understanding travel insurance for Airbnb guests

Travel insurance pays guests up to 100% of their Airbnb booking costs when they cancel for covered reasons

Guests in the US, UK, and eight countries in the EU can add travel insurance when reserving a stay

Emergencies and unexpected trip interruptions happen, and having to turn down a guest’s request for a refund can be tough. As a Host, you want to be sympathetic, but you also need to earn a living and avoid bad reviews.

To better support guests and Hosts, we’ve partnered with Aon and Europ Assistance Group and its US subsidiary, Generali Global Assistance, to introduce travel insurance for guests. We’re offering guests in 10 countries the option to insure their Airbnb reservations against certain risks during the booking process.

When guests who buy a policy cancel their booking for a covered reason, they’ll be able to file a claim to seek reimbursement for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb booking cost. This may reduce the possibility of guests asking Hosts for a refund outside the terms of their Hosts’ cancellation policies.

How travel insurance works

Guests in the US,* UK,** and Europe*** (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal) can buy travel insurance when booking a trip on Airbnb. We plan to make travel insurance available to guests in other countries in the future.

We’ve built the option to purchase travel insurance into the booking process, which varies slightly by location. Here’s how it works:

• During booking, guests are given the option to add travel insurance.
• Dedicated screens provide details about what the policy covers and key exclusions.
• If they’re interested, guests simply add travel insurance to their booking and check out.

The guest’s travel insurance premium is a percentage of their total trip cost and will appear as a line item at checkout.

Depending on the guest’s location, the policies are issued by either Europ Assistance SA or Generali US Branch, subsidiaries of the Generali Group, a leading multinational insurer. After completing their reservation, guests who added travel insurance will receive an email confirmation with their policy details and information about how to file a claim.

“The option for guests to buy travel insurance is very welcome news for a Host like me with a strict cancellation policy,” says Alexandra, a Superhost in Chicago.

What travel insurance covers

AirCover for guests provides them with protection for unexpected issues like listing inaccuracies and missing key amenities.

Travel insurance adds insurance coverage for guests, including payment for up to 100% of their non-refunded Airbnb reservation costs if their trip is impacted by specific events, such as bad weather, stolen travel documents or serious illness.

For example, if the Host refunds 50% of the Airbnb reservation cost based on their cancellation policy, travel insurance can refund up to the remaining 50% if the guest cancels for a covered reason. The insurance provider will not seek to recover any money from the Host if a guest files a travel insurance claim.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.

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Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests | What it is and How it Works

Traveling opens doors to new experiences and cultures, but unexpected events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Trip cancellations, flight delays or medical emergencies can leave you scrambling for solutions and facing financial losses. This is where travel insurance steps in, offering a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Airbnb, recognizing this need, offers travel insurance as an add-on purchase for guests during the booking process. But how does it differ from the existing Airbnb Host Guarantee programs like AirCover for guests? Let's delve into the world of Airbnb travel insurance and understand how it can protect your next Airbnb adventure.

AirCover vs. Travel Insurance

It's important to distinguish between Airbnb travel insurance and AirCover for guests . AirCover is a free program offered by Airbnb. It acts as a safety net for situations directly related to the host or the listing itself.

Let's dissect what AirCover covers:

• Listing inaccuracy: Did the pool in the pictures turn out to be a kiddie inflatable? AirCover comes to the rescue if the listing significantly differs from reality and the host can't rectify it. Guests will be assisted in finding similar accommodation or offered a full or partial refund.
• Host cancellation within 30 days: Imagine booking your dream getaway only to have the host cancel last minute. AirCover ensures guests aren't left scrambling. It will help them find alternative accommodation or provide a full refund.
• Unable to check-In (host's fault): You arrived at your stay, but the host is nowhere to be found, or there's a problem with access? AirCover steps in, helping guests find a similar place or offering a full refund depending on the circumstances.

In these scenarios, Airbnb will help you find a similar place to stay or offer a full or partial refund.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance acts as a broader umbrella, shielding guests from a wider range of potential disruptions beyond the scope of AirCover.

Unlike AirCover, travel insurance is an optional add-on purchased during the booking process. It's provided by a third-party insurance company, currently Generali Global Assistance in the US and Europ Assistance Group in other parts of the world) and offers broader coverage for unforeseen circumstances outside the control of you and your host.

What does Airbnb travel insurance cover?

Airbnb travel insurance offers a safety net for various situations that could derail your trip. Here's a breakdown of some key coverages:

• Trip cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip entirely for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for up to 100% of your non-refundable Airbnb booking cost. Covered reasons typically include illness, injury (to yourself or a travel companion), natural disasters at your destination or unexpected work obligations.
• Trip interruption: Imagine having to cut your Airbnb stay short (due to a covered reason). You can get reimbursed for the unused portion of your accommodation cost, potentially up to 150% (including the initial cancellation reimbursement). This additional 50% might cover some additional expenses incurred due to the disruption.
• Travel delay: Flight delays can wreak havoc on your itinerary. If your trip is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a covered reason (like bad weather or a mechanical issue), you might be reimbursed for expenses like meals, accommodation and local transportation incurred during the delay, up to a certain limit per person (typically $750).
• Emergency medical and evacuation: Accidents or sudden illness can occur anywhere. You get coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation (including repatriation) if needed during your trip.
• Baggage delay or loss: Misplaced luggage can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If your checked baggage is delayed or lost for 24 hours or more, you might be reimbursed for essential items like toiletries and clothing to tide you over until your luggage arrives.

What does Airbnb travel insurance NOT cover?

This depends on how the coverage is defined and the country of residence of the Airbnb traveler. For example, UK residents are not covered for travel costs such as flights, trains and ferries as well as pre-existing medical conditions.

Policy details relevant to each country including areas of coverage and key exclusions can be found here .

How Does Airbnb AirCover Work with Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb’s AirCover for guests and travel insurance are two different but complementary products that work well together. For example, if a guest arrives at their destination only to find the host has canceled the reservation at the last minute. Meanwhile, they are informed at the airport that their baggage is missing. While AirCover will help the guest find a new place to stay at no extra cost, they can file an insurance claim to get reimbursed for their missing baggage.

Key Considerations for Guests When Choosing Travel Insurance

While AirCover offers valuable protections related to Airbnb itself, Airbnb travel insurance provides a broader safety net for various trip disruptions.

By understanding the coverage details and comparing it to your specific needs and risk tolerance, you can decide if Airbnb travel insurance is a worthwhile addition to your Airbnb booking. Here are some additional tips:

• Compare costs: Don't just rely on the travel insurance offered during booking. Consider comparing it with independent travel insurance providers to see if you can find a better deal with similar coverage.
• Read reviews: Researching online reviews of Generali's travel insurance can give you insights into their claim settlement process and customer service.
• Consider trip protection on credit cards: Some credit cards offer trip cancellation or interruption insurance as a benefit. Check your credit card's benefits to see if it might already offer some coverage.
• Always review the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.
• File claims promptly according to the insurer's guidelines.
• Keep all documentation related to your trip cancellation or disruption, including receipts and communication with the host or airline.

By being prepared with Airbnb travel insurance, you can embark on your Airbnb adventure with greater confidence, knowing you have some financial protection if the unexpected arises. Now you can focus on creating lasting memories during your stay!

Who should consider Airbnb travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be a wise investment for:

• Those with non-refundable bookings: If you've booked an Airbnb with a strict cancellation policy , travel insurance can provide peace of mind in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel.
• Those booking expensive trips: For trips with a significant financial investment, travel insurance can help mitigate potential losses due to cancellations or interruptions.

Ready, Set, Go!

Airbnb travel insurance is more than just a step in creating new revenue streams. It’s also a means of providing added convenience to users inclined to purchase travel insurance while keeping them inside the Airbnb platform.

By incorporating this optional safety net, you can approach your Airbnb adventure with a sense of security, ready to embrace the possibilities and forge unforgettable memories. Remember, travel insurance provides a financial buffer, but prioritizing safety and well-being throughout your travels should always be your top priority. Now, bon voyage!

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