best business travel insurance with covid cover

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The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

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 COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

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

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

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

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

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

Best Covid-19 travel insurance   

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

Best overall  

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

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

[ Jump to more details ]  

Runner up   

Nationwide travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

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

Best for cancel for any reason coverage 

Allianz travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

More on our top Covid travel insurance companies 

Axa travel insurance  .

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

CFAR coverage available?    

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

24/7 assistance?   

[ Return to summary ]

Nationwide Travel Insurance 

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  

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

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

Allianz Travel Insurance 

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

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

Does travel insurance cover Covid?  

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

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

What does travel insurance cover?  

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

Bottom line  

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select? 

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

Our methodology  

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

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

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

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

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies with COVID-19 Coverage

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

10 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies

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

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

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

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

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Pros and Cons

Why we picked it.

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

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

Coverage and Cost

Add-On Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Rental car damage

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

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

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

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

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

Allianz Global Assistance

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

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

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

• Rental car protection
• Required to work coverage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Add-on options for John Hancock travel insurance:

• Rental car collision coverage

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

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

Below are Trawick International add-on options:

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

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

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

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

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

HTH also offers discounted pricing for group travel insurance policies.

What To Look for in Pandemic Travel Insurance

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

Medical Expense Coverage

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

Trip Delay Coverage

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

Trip Interruption Coverage

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

CFAR Coverage

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

Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Directly?

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

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

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

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

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

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

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

How Much Does COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cost?

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

Factors That Impact Cost

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

Is Pandemic Travel Insurance Worth It?

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

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

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

What are the advantages of purchasing pandemic travel insurance?

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

Can you cancel your flight if you have COVID?

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

What does travel insurance not cover?

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

Methodology: Our System for Rating the Best Travel Insurance Companies

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

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

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

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Travel Insurance

How to find the best business travel insurance

Jennifer Simonson

Kara McGinley

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 7:22 a.m. UTC Jan. 18, 2024

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• Business travel insurance can cover trip cancellation, interruption and delay, medical and emergency evacuation, lost baggage and stolen personal belongings.
• Not all travel insurance plans cover work equipment.
• Consider buying business travel insurance if you are self-employed, traveling overseas for business or planning to add leisure time to your business trip.

While business travel insurance might not be the first thing you think of when preparing for a business trip, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can help protect you from financial loss. 

Business travel insurance may make sense for you if you are self-employed and footing the bill for your business trip, or if you are traveling internationally and are worried about the cost of medical care abroad. It may also be a smart purchase if your company won’t reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience flight delays or need to cut your trip short because of an emergency back home. 

Compare the best travel insurance offers

Travel insured.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Covers COVID?

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

Atlas Journey Preferred

Seven Corners

RoundTrip Basic

$500,000/$1 million

What does business travel insurance cover? 

Business travel insurance bundles together several types of coverage, which typically include:

• Trip cancellation insurance.
• Trip interruption insurance.
• Trip delay insurance.
• Travel medical insurance.
• Emergency evacuation insurance. 
• Baggage insurance. 
• Death and dismemberment insurance.

Coverage types and amounts vary depending on the travel insurance plan you buy.

“Travel insurance may cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, medical expense and baggage for both leisure and business,” says Christina Tunnah, spokesperson for World Nomads. 

“The specific outcome of a claim, however, depends on the nature of the loss,” she says. “No matter what type of policy you choose, be sure to read the policy in its entirety so you understand any limitations or exclusions.”

Trip cancellation insurance for business trips

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for 100% of the insured cost of your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, such as airline tickets and hotel reservations, should you need to cancel your trip because of a reason listed in your policy. 

Reasons that are acceptable for trip cancellation benefits typically include severe weather and injury, serious illness or death of you, your traveling companion or a family member. 

Some travel insurance plans, such as AIG Travel’s Travel Guard Deluxe, will allow you to cancel if your business partner is injured, becomes seriously ill or dies. The Deluxe plan also provides trip cancellation benefits for select work reasons, such as unexpected job loss, employer-initiated transfer more than 100 miles from home and being required to stay and work during the scheduled trip. 

Trip interruption insurance for business trips

Trip interruption insurance can reimburse up to 150% of your insured trip expenses when you need to end your business trip early for a reason in your policy. 

If you have a death in your immediate family and need to return home early, trip interruption benefits could cover the cost of transportation to the airport and a last-minute flight home. It can also reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses like a hotel room that you will no longer need if you cut your trip short. 

Trip delay insurance for business trips

If your connecting flight is delayed or canceled, travel delay insurance can cover the cost of unexpected expenses you incur, like a meal at the airport or a night at a hotel. 

Trip delay insurance typically has a waiting period before benefits begin, so check your policy to see how many hours the delay must be before you can file a claim. Also, look for the daily and overall maximum benefits per person. If your trip delay insurance only provides $250 in coverage per day, that might not be enough for a taxi and hotel room. 

Know more about flight cancellations: Flight cancellations

Travel medical insurance for business trips

When on your business trip, if you get hurt or sick, travel medical insurance can help pay for medical care, imaging tests, lab work, medicine and a hospital stay. This can be particularly valuable if you travel to a country where your U.S. health care plan does not provide coverage. 

Emergency evacuation insurance

If you are badly injured or become severely ill in a remote location or underdeveloped country, emergency evacuation travel insurance covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest adequate medical facility for treatment. On some occasions, this coverage pays to fly you home for treatment. It may also include coverage for repatriation of remains if you die on the trip. 

Baggage insurance

If your luggage or personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, baggage insurance can cover the depreciated value of your belongings. This is typically secondary insurance, which means you’d have to file a claim with your airline or homeowners insurance first.

Baggage delay coverage can reimburse you for extra expenditures if you are without your bags for a period of time. There is usually a waiting period, such as six or 12 hours before benefits begin. If your bags still haven’t arrived after the waiting period, you can buy replacement items and file a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to note the maximum coverage limit per person as baggage delay coverage might only be a few hundred dollars.  

Many travel insurance plans do not include coverage for lost business equipment, so be sure to read your policy for exclusions. 

Death and dismemberment insurance

Business travel insurance often includes accidental death and dismemberment insurance. This might cover death or dismemberment that happens while traveling on public transportation, that results from a common carrier accident, that happens in any way except on a common carrier or that occurs at any point during your trip. Read your plan for details. 

What to look for in a business travel insurance plan

Business travelers should look for plans that include coverage for rental cars, business equipment, travel delays and trip cancellations. 

While most trip cancellation insurance policies cover emergency situations like the death of a family member or severe weather, some policies also cover business-specific cancellations. 

The Explorer plan from World Nomads, for example, includes trip cancellation coverage for certain business reasons, such as your company’s acquisition, merger or bankruptcy, physical damage to your company from a natural disaster, vandalism or theft and a requirement to stay by your boss. 

If your business trip requires you to travel with equipment, make sure it is covered under your policy. 

Allianz offers an annual AllTrips Executive insurance plan that covers both personal and business travel for an entire year. The AllTrips Executive Plan offers benefits for business equipment. If your business equipment is lost, stolen or damaged, Allianz will reimburse reasonable costs for equipment rental, replacement or repair. The policy covers up to $1,000 for replacement or repair and up to $1,000 for business equipment rental, per person, per trip.

Not all insurance plans cover work equipment. Insurance providers like World Nomads exclude coverage for professional equipment. If your bags are stolen, your personal belongings may be covered but your work devices or work-related gear like samples or trade show materials would not be, Tunnah says. 

Do you need medical evacuation insurance? 

Medical evacuation insurance is a good idea if you are traveling abroad to remote islands or regions of a country that have limited medical facilities or staff, says Scott Adamski, AIG Travel’s Head of Global Product Development. 

If this were to happen on your business trip, you might be close enough to get to a local clinic, but it might not be sufficient if the injury sustained requires advanced imaging or emergency surgery. In that case, you would need to be quickly transported to the nearest metropolis. 

Having medical evacuation insurance would be critically important because the costs associated with medical evacuations are expensive. 

“Even just from the Caribbean to Miami, an air ambulance will come with a five-figure cost, and we have seen many evacuations that land in the six figures. Because payment has to be confirmed before the air ambulance will even take off, travelers need to consider where the funds would come from,” Adamski says. 

He adds that while some group health policies offer coverage for evacuations, they may come with a coverage limit of $5,000 to $10,000. In the case of a $100,000 evacuation, you might be responsible for the balance. Facing such a financial burden while trying to get home could be overwhelming. A travel insurance plan with sufficient medical evacuation coverage would be vitally important in a case like this.

Most comprehensive travel plans include coverage for emergency medical transportation, but coverage amounts are typically lower in the more basic plans. If this is important to you, look for a plan with a high coverage limit.

Travel insurance company Travel Guard offers a coverage enhancement called “Medical Bundle” that doubles the coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation on certain travel insurance products.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Travel insurance covers your financial investment in a trip and extra money you spend because of unforeseen events that happen before and during your trip. 

A comprehensive travel insurance plan will include several types of coverage, including trip cancellation , trip delay, trip interruption, emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation, baggage delay, and loss. 

When comparing travel insurance plans, look for what is covered and excluded from coverage, the daily and maximum coverage amounts, and the waiting times before coverage begins.

Travel insurance policies typically exclude routine physicals and dental care, elective medical procedures, mental health care, routine pregnancy, and injuries sustained during high-risk activities such as rock climbing or scuba diving. 

If you want coverage for extreme activities, look for a plan that offers an adventure sports upgrade, such as the Travel Guard Deluxe plan.

Business travel insurance can help protect you from unexpected incidents during a work trip such as travel delays or interruptions, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. 

It can be smart to buy business travel insurance for a business trip, even if your company is paying for your travel. Here are a few reasons why:

• Your company might not pay for a last-minute, one-way plane ticket if you need to cut your business trip short because of a family emergency back home.
• Your company might not pay your medical bills if you get sick or hurt while on a business trip abroad.
• Your company might not reimburse you if your personal belongings are lost or stolen while on a business trip.   

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jennifer Simonson covers everything from business to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her on Instagram at @storiestoldwell.

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.

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• Travel Insurance

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

On This Page

• Key takeaways

Compare the best COVID-19 travel insurance plans

Our picks for the best covid travel insurance of 2024, does travel insurance cover covid-19, is covid-related quarantine covered by travel insurance, is covid-19 travel insurance necessary in april 2024, what to look for in a travel insurance covid policy, how to purchase a covid-19 travel insurance plan, how to get quarantine reimbursement from your travel insurance company.

• Traveling during the pandemic Best practices

Countries with COVID travel restrictions

Covid-19 travel insurance faq.

• Recommended articles

Related topics

• Reports from the CDC show an increase in cases of COVID within the US and a spike in hospitalizations during the start of 2024. This makes COVID travel insurance all the more important as you plan your vacations for the new year.
• Our findings show that the best COVID travel insurance plans come from Tin Leg, Travelex, Generali & Seven Corners ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• While almost all travel insurance companies now include coverage for COVID-19, not all plans are created equal.
• Some insurance providers offer more coverage for COVID-related illnesses and higher expense limits than others.
• The best COVID-19 travel insurance plans treat coronavirus-related illnesses the same as any other medical condition covered under the policy.
• To find the best COVID travel insurance plan for you, we recommend using a comparison tool . We also cover our top picks for the best travel insurance policies for COVID below.

It seemed like COVID was starting to become a thing of the past until the new variant Eris , known technically as EG.5, started to appear in greater numbers last Summer.

According to Yale Medicine, the new COVID variant Eris is “ more transmissible or severe than previous Omicron sub-variants. ”

Data from the CDC shows the Eris variant accounted for more than 20.6% of new COVID cases in the U.S. by the end of August last year.

Similarly, a risk Evaluation from August 9, 2023, published by the CDC stated: “Based on its genetic features, immune escape characteristics, and growth rate estimates, EG.5 may spread globally and contribute to a surge in case incidence.”

The new year brings with it another subvariant, JN.1. The CDC reports that the JN.1 subvariant, is responsible for an estimated 3.5% of U.S. cases.

With this in mind, it’s important to ensure you and your trip are covered for COVID in case future travel is affected.

We compared some of the top policies for travel insurance with COVID coverage on the market today to identify plans with the most robust coverage and benefits.

Here are our recommendations for the best COVID-19 travel coverage for 2024:

Our top picks for the best covid-19 travel insurance

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best COVID Coverage for Families & Adventure Travel
• IMG: Best COVID Coverage for a Cruise
• Tin Leg: Best for High Customer Satisfaction Ratings
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Active Travelers with Equipment
• Faye Travel Insurance: Best for Customer Service

Best COVID Coverage for Families & Adventure Travel

Travelex insurance services, why we like it.

Editor's take

Travelex is another great company offering robust travel insurance plans.

What sets this provider apart is that it offers travel insurance coverage specialized or families where children ages 17 and under are covered for free with certain plans . This is a huge benefit for families on a budget.

Travelex also treats coronavirus as any other illness, meaning you are likely covered if you or a traveling companion tests positive for COVID before or during your trip. We recommend the Travel Select plan from Travelex for families or other traveling groups who want excellent coverage for COVID. This plan automatically includes children ages 17 and under listed alongside adults on the policy, and it comes with up to $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses with no deductible and a 15-day pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.

If you are taking an adventure trip, it also covers things like: Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rafting, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, etc.

Other important benefits include trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost, trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the prepaid trip cost, trip delay coverage worth up to $2,000, $750 in coverage for missed connections, up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation, and a baggage insurance plan.

Read our full review

• Plans can be customized with upgrades
• Children 17 and under included for free with some plans
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions available
• CFAR coverage is available as an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance plan
• Optional CFAR coverage only reimburses 50% of prepaid travel expenses, which is less than some competitors
• Travel Select plan only has $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, which is lower than some competitors
• The baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour waiting period
• CFAR coverage is not available with all Travelex plans

Best COVID Coverage for a Cruise

This plan is great for travelers of any age and offers extremely robust coverage for a low price. Depending on your trip parameters, this plan can work out to be hundreds of dollars cheaper than similar plans while still offering great coverage and a 10-day money-back guarantee.

As an example, you will be covered for up to $500,000 of primary emergency medical coverage, meaning you won’t have to pay first and wait to be reimbursed should you need unexpected medical treatment while traveling. IMG will pay the bills for you up to $500,000. You also get travel cancellation, interruption, and travel delay coverage as well as protection for baggage delays and baggage loss comes standard.

• 10-day money back guarantee
• Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
• Rental car coverage included
• Recently developed pre-existing conditions may not be covered
• CFAR and IFAR coverage only available as an add-on with premium plans

Best for High Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Tin Leg is known for offering high-quality travel insurance coverage for a reasonable price. The Gold plan is no different. This plan is a great option for an affordable travel insurance policy that covers COVID and ticks all the boxes. It has quite high limits, great inclusions, and usually comes in at an affordable price (depending on your specific trip details). Contrary to the USA Only plan, which we also listed, this plan is suitable for international travel!

Tin Leg is also one of the best providers of COVID-19 coverage due to their transparency regarding coronavirus and that most of their policies treat coronavirus as any other illness. They also have some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings around.

We recommend the Gold plan from Tin Leg for several reasons, including its generous coverage limits for emergency medical expenses. This plan comes automatically with trip cancellation and interruption coverage for coronavirus and other covered instances, as well as up to $500,000 in emergency medical expense protection with no deductible and up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Travelers also qualify for travel delay protection, baggage insurance, and insurance that protects against missed connections.

Other benefits include coverage for lost or delayed sports equipment and 24-hour travel assistance services.

• Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
• High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
• Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
• Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best for Active Travelers with Equipment

Generali global assistance.

Generali Global Assistance states that insured members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 before or during a trip and meet the requirements for coverage due to sickness can be covered for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, medical and dental expenses, emergency transportation services, and 24-7 travel emergency assistance. This provider also offers exceptional coverage for active travelers and sports enthusiasts who bring their own equipment on trips (more on this below).

The Premium plan from Generali Global Assistance offers exceptional coverages and high limits for coronavirus-related medical treatment and myriad other perils. For example, this plan comes with up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses and up to $1 million in protection for emergency medical evacuation. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is also included along with rental car coverage.

Other perks include coverage for lost luggage and baggage delays, trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000 per person, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Finally, this plan offers special protections for active families who may travel with equipment like golf clubs or skis. As a special feature, insured members qualify for up to $2,000 in protection for sporting equipment and $500 per person in insurance for sporting equipment delays.

• High coverage limits with top tier Premium plan
• Some plans let you add on CFAR coverage
• Pre-existing conditions covered in the Premium plan
• Comes with 24-7 worldwide travel assistance services
• The standard plan comes with low plan limits, including just $50,000 per traveler in medical and dental expense
• CFAR coverage must be purchased within 24 hours of the initial trip deposit
• A 12-hour waiting period is required for luggage delay coverage

Best for Customer Service

Faye Travel Insurance

Faye is a new travel insurance disruptor that offers an innovative solution to travel insurance with a digital-first approach. What sets them apart is their user-friendly solution to a traditionally bureaucratic system. With Faye, users can manage everything online or via the Faye app – including the entire booking and claims process. Although it’s a newer provider in the travel insurance industry, Faye is already rising as a fan favorite among young, tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads who want quick, convenient, and reliable travel insurance without having to go through an agent.

Apart from their online-first approach, Faye is easy to use and caters to all types of travelers including those who may want help via phone support.

Another feature that sets Faye apart from the competition is their plan offerings. Faye offers one base plan with an array of comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons to customize your plan.

Potential Add-ons include:

• Rental car care
• Cancel for any reason
• Vacation rental damage
• Adventure & extreme sports

If you are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to insure your vacation, consider opting for Faye travel insurance. *Note: Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

• Friendly agents
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
• Prompt replies to questions
• Long wait times for reimbursement
• Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

At the start of the pandemic, many travel insurance companies excluded COVID-19 as a covered illness. The good news is that most major insurance providers now offer travel insurance COVID plans standard when you book.

That said, some low-cost travel insurance plans and flight insurance may exclude coronavirus as a covered scenario. So, it’s always best to confirm coverage ahead of time.

Typically travel insurance COVID plans will cover emergency medical expenses relating to COVID and treat it as any other illness. Some COVID travel insurance will also offer you trip cancellation and interruption coverage as well. This is useful if you cut your trip short or cancel it altogether as a result of a COVID diagnosis.

The best COVID-19 travel insurance plans will also allow you to extend your trip due to quarantine and cover incidental expenses when the quarantine is under a doctor’s orders.

What isn’t covered by COVID travel insurance?

Despite most plans offering COVID-19 coverage, there are still COVID-related situations that are often not covered by these plans.

Here are a few different situations that typically do not qualify for reimbursement:

Pre-travel COVID tests

Many people may wonder – does insurance cover COVID testing for travel? The answer is no, not usually. If you become ill on your trip and get a COVID test done as part of a medical exam, this will typically be covered. However, pre-travel COVID tests are not usually covered by travel insurance or health insurance.

A physician advises you not to travel

Even if your physician advises you not to travel due to fears you may catch COVID-19, this is typically not a reason covered under travel insurance plans. If you end up canceling, they will ask you if your physician advised you not to travel. This is especially important to keep in mind for immunocompromised individuals like senior citizens looking for coverage.

Self-imposed quarantine during travel

Quarantine advised by a physician due to catching coronavirus is often covered under travel insurance plans. However, if you decide to quarantine abroad without a physician’s order or regulation from the local government, most travel insurance plans will not cover your expenses.

Fear of travel due to the pandemic or catching COVID

If you are traveling to an area where COVID is active and growing, you most likely won’t be able to cancel and be reimbursed based on fear of catching COVID alone. Being uneasy about traveling due to the pandemic is understandable. However, this is not a scenario covered under the majority of travel insurance plans.

Pro Tip: Opt for CFAR insurance if you are uneasy about traveling

If you’re worried you won’t want to travel or that the destination you’re visiting will experience a COVID-19 surge right before your arrival, protect yourself and your trip by purchasing a travel insurance policy with either trip cancellation insurance or an optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This type of plan gives you the option to cancel your trip for any reason at all, even if you simply decide it’s best to stay home.

Adding CFAR coverage to your travel insurance plan may make your policy cost up to 50% more, but you’ll usually get 50% to 75% of your prepaid travel expenses back if you cancel.

According to the insurance provider Squaremouth, most COVID-19 travel insurance policies cover quarantine in certain situations. For example, a policy may provide reimbursement or payment of travel expenses if a trip is interrupted by a quarantine ordered by a physician.

Squaremouth also notes that coverage for a trip delay can also apply if you are stuck in a COVID-related quarantine ordered by a physician and are unable to return home on the date and time you originally planned.

If you’re worried about having to quarantine due to coronavirus during your trip, make sure you clearly understand what is covered by your policy and when quarantine coverage applies.

Investing in COVID travel insurance is a still smart idea if you’re traveling far from home and are concerned about receiving adequate medical care when catching COVID-19 or having to cut a trip short due to COVID-related reasons.

Even though the pandemic has died down, it would be a foolish move to count COVID out of the equation. New variants are on the move coming in to 2024, and most travel insurance plans now cover you for COVID as a standard practice. So it’s a “no-brainer” to buy a cheap travel insurance plan that can reimburse you and offer you peace of mind while traveling.

To ensure you are covered, it’s important to seek out an insurance company that lists coronavirus as a covered medical condition in your policy such as the ones listed in this article.

It’s also a good idea to look for a plan that has adequate limits for:

• emergency medical treatment
• emergency medical evacuation

As you shop for travel insurance that covers COVID and other mishaps, make sure you carefully read over the fine print of every plan you’re considering.

When looking for a travel insurance policy, make sure to understand the following from the fine print:

• The coverage limits on each type of insurance a plan provides
• All exclusions, if any.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have the following types of coverage in place:

Travel insurance that covers COVID quarantine

As you read over different policies and compare the best travel insurance for COVID on the market, look for each company’s specific benefits and how they apply if quarantine is required. Sometimes there are specific requirements for quarantine to ensure you get a reimbursement. You’ll want to make sure the plan also covers incidental expenses relating to extending your trip due to quarantine. These can typically be found as part of trip interruption or trip delay coverage.

Emergency Medical Coverage for COVID-19

Emergency medical expense coverage is arguably the most important type of travel insurance to have. This coverage is crucial for every trip, and that’s true whether you are worried about coronavirus or not.

Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance that covers COVID if you’re traveling somewhere that your own health insurance is not accepted, even if it’s just over the border into Canada . Ideally, you’ll opt for a plan that has at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.

Insurance for medical evacuation & repatriation

It’s important to have coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. This is often included in the emergency medical coverage, but it’s best to double-check as some plans only cover the hospital fees (not evacuation or repatriation).

Evacuation protection can come into play if you have to be transported by ambulance, helicopter, or plane to receive adequate medical care. Meanwhile, repatriation of remains insurance can pay for the transportation of your body or a traveling companion’s body home upon death.

Also, consider how much protection your plan offers for emergency medical evacuation. This insurance is a crucial component of your plan since long-distance evacuation by ambulance, helicopter, or plane can become costly in a hurry. $1 million in coverage should be enough for trips abroad.

Trip cancellation benefits

Make sure your plan comes with trip cancellation benefits worth up to 100% of the prepaid trip costs. This type of insurance will let you cancel your trip for a covered reason, including if you become sick with COVID-19 before departure.

It’s also important to have trip cancellation insurance if you’re embarking on a cruise since COVID-19 can cause your cruise to leave late or not leave at all. See which cruise travel insurance plans we recommend.

Optional “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage

Many travel insurance plans let you add on CFAR coverage for an additional cost. This type of insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all — even if you just decide it’s best to stay home. You’ll pay more for CFAR coverage, but you can get reimbursement for 50% to 75% of your prepaid trip costs with proper documentation.

Trip interruption coverage

This protection can reimburse you for some or all of your prepaid travel expenses when your trip is cut short or ruined post-departure.

Trip interruption insurance becomes even more crucial during trips abroad, such as when a physician orders you to quarantine mid-trip due to coronavirus. It can pay for the extra costs of extending your trip and reimbursement of some prepaid travel expenses if your trip is interrupted due to coronavirus or another covered reason.

Optional “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage

IFAR coverage takes trip interruption coverage a step further and lets you interrupt your trip for any reason at all and still be reimbursed. This could be related to the coronavirus, but your reasoning can be almost anything.

Like with CFAR coverage, IFAR protection costs more and you typically get 50% to 75% of your prepaid trip costs returned to you with proper documentation.

Travel delay coverage

Travel delay coverage can be useful for COVID-19 quarantine if your trip is delayed before you depart or you are delayed for your arrival home. Note: Quarantine must be prescribed by a physician for this coverage to apply.

If you’re planning to travel multiple times within a year, it may be worth getting annual travel coverage to cover all of your trips instead of just one. All annual travel coverages include medical coverage. However, other typical travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation or interruption coverage, may not be included.

Whether you plan to buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan for COVID from Travelex or you’re considering other providers like Tin Leg or Seven Corners, you’ll need to take the following steps to lock in coverage for your trip.

You can use the quick comparison tool by following these simple steps to receive a quote in minutes.

Calculate the total cost of your trip

You’ll need the total cost of your trip handy to make sure you choose the correct amount for potential reimbursement. Information to gather can include receipts for your prepaid travel costs such as transportation, lodging, tours, etc.

Enter your travel details in the search tool above

Begin the quote process by entering the travel dates for your trip and the country you plan to visit. You’ll be taken to step 2 on a separate page where you will enter the trip cost, and travelers’ ages, as well as the dates of your first payment.

Select the “Coronavirus Pandemic” filter

Once you reach the page with listed plans, you will see popular filters off to the left. Select the “Coronavirus Pandemic” filter to see only plans that cover COVID.

Compare travel insurance quotes & policies side-by-side

Finally, take the time to compare all the different travel insurance quotes presented to you. You can filter search results to look for specific policy benefits, or even to customize your coverage with select add-ons like rental car coverage or CFAR insurance.

First off, make sure you choose the right type of policy!

For example, interruption-only coverage can reimburse you, but only if you cancel after you have started the trip. If you get COVID and need to cancel the trip before leaving, then you will need to make sure you have trip cancellation coverage.

Additionally, how you are reimbursed depends on the type of policy you choose.

Some policies may require you to make upfront payments and wait to be reimbursed, whereas others may send you to a specific hospital of their choice where you aren’t required to make any upfront payments.

If you prefer to have the insurance company pay upfront, you’ll need to select a plan with “primary medical coverage.”

Regardless, insurance companies are notoriously strict about requiring documentation and proof of your reason for using your insurance policy.

Therefore, when it comes to receiving proper reimbursement from your travel insurance company in any scenario — including quarantine — you will want to make sure you keep and properly store every piece of documentation you receive.

This means it’s important to keep track of:

• Test results
• Doctor’s notes
• Physician orders to quarantine
• Any other paperwork given to you while you’re receiving medical care or under quarantine orders.

If you have all of this information handy, you’ll receive faster reimbursement for travel expenses related to quarantine. If you fail to keep this documentation and cannot retrieve it, on the other hand, your claim may be denied.

Keep in mind that it may take several weeks or months to receive an answer to your claim. Having all of your documentation in order ahead of time will speed up the process.

Traveling during the pandemic: Best practices

• Look for COVID-19 travel restrictions by destination.

Check the U.S. Department of State website for information on country-specific travel restrictions regarding coronavirus. This government resource lists a range of information for each country around the world, including the ongoing threat level and any travel restrictions in place due to the pandemic, such as if you’re required to have international travel insurance with coronavirus coverage to enter the country.

• Invest in COVID trip insurance.

Purchasing travel insurance is worth it to gain considerable peace of mind as well as financial protection before you depart on a trip. Some countries even require you to have international travel insurance that covers COVID-19, whereas others leave the choice up to you.

• Wear a mask for extra protection.

If you’re worried about contracting coronavirus during your trip, it never hurts to wear a mask when you’re in a crowded space. For example, you can plan to wear a mask on planes and public transportation, or when you’re visiting crowded restaurants, museums, and other high-traffic areas. This can be particularly helpful on trips to populous cities, such as when visiting Tokyo, Japan .

• Expect the unexpected.

Finally, remember that a lot has changed within the travel landscape since COVID came around. You may need to keep your travel plans flexible and have an open mind. This way you can enjoy a worry-free trip and rest assured you’re covered if you get sick.

According to the travel website KAYAK , as of September 2024, all countries have reopened their borders to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers except Turkmenistan.

That said, we recommend that you research entry requirements for the country you hope to visit.

The new variant Eris has been growing worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Asia.

Will my trip be covered if I cancel because of getting COVID-19?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some travel insurance plans offer a cancellation benefit that applies if you have to cancel a trip due to any illness, including COVID-19. However, you will need to prove your positive status with a letter from a physician for this coverage to apply.

Can I cancel my trip due to a CDC Alert and still be reimbursed?

Some travel insurance plans let the insured use their trip cancellation benefit when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory, yet this isn’t always the case. If you want to be able to cancel a trip due to updates from the CDC, make sure you add optional CFAR coverage to your travel insurance plan.

Can I cancel my trip due to government restrictions or lockdowns and still be reimbursed?

This depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies allow you to cancel a trip and get reimbursed for prepaid travel expenses due to government lockdowns. A good example of this is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). Double check if your plan covers government travel restrictions due to COVID-19.

Am I covered if I miss my flight because of airport delays from COVID-19?

Many travel insurance policies offer protection for missed connections and various travel delays. Read over the terms and conditions in the fine print to see if your policy covers missed flights due to coronavirus. If you purchased flight insurance directly from the airline you’re flying with, be sure to check with them to make sure COVID related delays and cancellations are covered.

Does insurance cover COVID testing for travel?

In almost every case, travel insurance doesn’t cover home testing for COVID-19. However, your plan’s emergency medical expense benefit may cover testing in a hospital or another medical facility during a trip.

Does my travel insurance policy cover me if I cancel an upcoming trip because I am concerned about COVID-19?

Fear of traveling due to COVID-19 is not covered by travel insurance. If you want to be able to cancel due to fears of contracting coronavirus, make sure you select a plan that comes with optional CFAR protection.

If I am forced to quarantine overseas due to COVID-19, will my coverage be extended through these dates?

Many travel insurance plans include coverage for quarantine due to coronavirus, and your plan may be extended automatically if you are participating in a physician-ordered quarantine overseas.

Make sure to read over the details of your policy before you travel so you know for sure.

Can I get a refund on my policy if my trip was canceled because of COVID-19?

Trip cancellation benefits do not lead to a refund of the price you paid for your COVID travel insurance policy. Instead, they provide reimbursement for travel expenses you have already paid for, such as flights, hotel stays, and tours.

Will COVID-19 coverage increase the cost of my travel insurance policy?

They are many factors that determine how much travel insurance costs . These include but are not limited to trip cost, age of travelers, coverage limits, pre-existing conditions, deductible amount, and adding on additional coverages.

Coverage for COVID related scenarios isn’t an additional add-on, it is a normal coverage that either is or is not included in a policy based on provider. The inclusion of this coverage should not directly influence the price of your plan.

Does my health insurance cover international travel?

US-based health insurance policies will not be valid when you travel abroad to other countries. Therefore, you will need to pay for any medical procedures or care you receive during your vacation. Travel insurance, particularly one that covers COVID, is therefore essential should you travel outside of the US.

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

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

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

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

Why is travel insurance important?

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

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

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

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

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

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

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

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

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

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

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

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

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

What if I booked my trip independently?

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

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

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

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

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

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

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

Anything else I need to worry about?

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

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• The Best Pandemic Travel Insurance

Even if you're vaccinated, it's a good idea to protect yourself and your trip by purchasing insurance that covers Covid-related issues.

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The pandemic is not over, even if you are fully vaccinated. That’s why you may want to consider travel insurance for your next trip that covers Covid-related medical care and medical evacuation coverage, particularly if your travels will take you to a country not known for its top-notch health care.

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Be sure to confirm the medical coverage requirements of your destination country before visiting. Some places abroad require the purchase of specific medical coverage before you’re allowed to visit.

We used data provided by Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website, to evaluate the best pandemic travel insurance providers based on their trip cancellation and medical benefits. We favored issuers who offer so-called cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Highlights: Cat 70’s Travel Plan offers the best coverage of the top features we look for in pandemic travel insurance. It’s Covid medical coverage is primary, meaning it trumps whatever coverage your own health plan offers. And it offers the highest medical coverage limit—$500,000–among the insurers we rated. This policy also offers 100 percent reimbursement on trip costs due to Covid-related cancelations.

Potential drawbacks: We found none.

HTH Worldwide

Highlights: Similar to Cat 70, HTH Worldwide’s TripProtector Preferred plan offers up to $500,000 in medical coverage per insured person and full trip reimbursement in case of a Covid cancellation. This is also a primary medical insurance plan.

Potential drawbacks: In most cases, you’ll have to add cancel-for-any-reason coverage within 10 days of making your trip deposit, although some plans extend that deadline to up to 21 days.

Related: Compare over 22+ Travel Insurance Companies

Highlights: Tin Leg’s Gold Plan offers $500,000 in Covid medical coverage per person and a full refund on Covid-related trip cancellations.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services

Highlights: Like the other issuers on our list, USI Affinity’s Diamond Plan offers up to $500,000 in Covid medical coverage per insured person and full trip reimbursement in case of a Covid-related cancellation.

Tips for Pandemic Travelers

Before taking off on a business trip, a holiday getaway or a long-overdue vacation, make sure you:

• Check government requirements at your destination. Some places may insist that you wear a mask in certain areas, be tested for Covid-19 or adhere to other public health rules in order to visit.
• Monitor Covid-19 data. In advance of your trip, closely monitor whether infection rates are increasing or decreasing at your destination. If rates are on the rise, you might want to reconsider taking the trip.
• Get tested. Even if it’s not required where you’re going, consider getting tested for Covid-19 before you leave home. This is particularly important if you’re not vaccinated or if you’re experiencing Covid symptoms. Pre-trip testing might prevent you from spreading the virus. You also should get tested within three to five days of returning from your trip.
• Pack pandemic essentials. Among the items that should be in your bags are face masks, facial tissue, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and a thermometer.
• Limit your international itinerary. Until the pandemic ends, it’s wise to limit your travels abroad to no more than a couple of countries. By doing so, you decrease the chances of contracting or spreading the virus to others.
• Scope out the health care system. Ahead of your journey, check out the availability of medical care and Covid testing where you’ll be staying. Also, see whether your health insurance will cover any of the care or testing you would receive at your destination.

What to Look for in a Pandemic Travel Insurance Plan

When you’re shopping for pandemic travel insurance, play close attention to the following four elements of the coverage.

• How does the plan cover health issues related to Covid? Keep in mind that some plans don’t include coverage for all medical problems that arise from contracting Covid.
• How much coverage do you need? Consider buying at least $100,000 in emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage in case you must go elsewhere for Covid treatment while you’re traveling.
• Should you get cancel-for-any-reason coverage? Standard travel insurance doesn’t reimburse you for every type of trip cancellation. For example, you might decide to cancel your trip because a country where you’re planning to travel suddenly institutes a travel ban. However, standard coverage might not take effect in that case. But cancel-for-any-reason coverage would provide at least some form of reimbursement in this situation.
• Which non-pandemic benefits are available? While it’s important to take into account how a travel insurance plan would address matters related to Covid, don’t forget to look at other coverage. This includes coverage for travel hassles such as missed connections, flight delays and lost baggage.

Related: Compare Travel Insurance Quotes For 2021

Methodology

We used data provided by Squaremouth to evaluate pandemic travel insurance policies based on available Covid medical coverage, coverage limits whether the coverage is primary or secondary to your own medical insurance policy and whether it offers cancel-for-any-reason coverage, which generally adds about 40 percent to the policy cost. We, however, gave the most consideration to whether the policy specifically offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage if the insured person contracts Covid.

John Egan is a freelance writer, editor and content marketing strategist in Austin, Texas. His work has been published by Experian, Bankrate, National Real Estate Investor, U.S. News & World Report, Urban Land magazine and other outlets. 

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What's the Best Business Travel Insurance?

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Coronavirus travel insurance: who has the best 'Covid cover'?

Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take Covid tests before departing from or after arriving in the UK from Friday 11 February. But travel insurance remains as important as ever for pandemic-era travel.

Even with this rule relaxation, Covid-19 could still wreck your holiday plans, meaning you may need your insurer to step in to recover lost funds.

Here, Which? explores the kind of cover you'll need for any potential holiday, and the insurers that provide it.

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What does Omicron mean for insurance?

You'll need to check entry requirements for any country you're planning to visit. Some nations are specifically restricting travellers from the UK due to its high case numbers.

If you're now required to quarantine upon arrival, you likely won't be able to cancel and claim on your insurance, though you may be able to postpone your trip if your travel provider is flexible (see below).

With a high number of cases, you might be more likely to catch Covid yourself. This would require you to self-isolate and miss your holiday.

In either of these cases, there are some insurers who will consider cancellation claims. But not every insurer will, so check policy details carefully before you buy.

• Find out more: where can I go on holiday without quarantine?

Will my holiday firm refund me?

Before you claim on your travel insurance, you'll first need to check if you can get a refund from your travel provider. Or, if you've booked the flights and accommodation yourself, you'll need to seek refunds from them before contacting your insurer.

Sadly, the pandemic has shown that not all holiday firms play by the rules when it comes to refunds.

Many firms have rapidly refunded customers for cancelled trips, but others have hung onto cash for months, and in some cases broken the law .

Nearly half of firms made our Green category for having rapid refunds and no-quibble cancellation policies. Among these were Which? Recommended Providers (WRPs) Jet2 Holidays, Kuoni and Hays.

Only a handful of companies made the Green+ list, including WRPs Explore and Exodus. To make this category, Green-rated firms also need to refund those unable to travel because NHS Test and Trace has told them to isolate.

As for the other firms we looked at, one in five were classed as Amber - for following legal obligations but nothing more - and three in ten were Red. Firms with this rating might stall or pass the buck on refunds, while others weren't transparent about their terms and conditions - a major problem for would-be travellers.

Which policies have the best coronavirus cover?

From possible new restrictions to getting sick, there are still dozens of ways the pandemic could wreck your holiday, even if you've been vaccinated.

Thankfully, there are some insurers who offer protection for all or many of these.

We reviewed hundreds of policies in 2021, sorting them into four categories based on the strength of their Covid cover. From weakest to strongest these are:

• Basic For policies providing emergency medical cover and repatriation for coronavirus while you're away.
• Low Insurance that covers unrecouped costs from cancelling your holiday if you're diagnosed with Covid-19.
• Superior Policies that cover cancellation if you're told to self-isolate without testing positive yourself, for example if you receive a test and trace notification via the NHS app.
• Complete Our highest rating. Complete policies cover you for cancellation if you can't travel due to changes in FCDO advice or because of a lockdown.

We know of just five policies that meet the criteria for our Complete rating. These are from Barclays, Churchill, Direct Line, HSBC and Nationwide.

You can read our Nationwide travel insurance review here. The policy is available as part of its FlexPlus packaged account , which costs £13 a month and comes with other benefits.

The Barclays Travel Pack add-on is for current account holders, and HSBC's Select and Cover is available to current account, savings account, mortgage and credit card customers.

You'd be eligible for HSBC's travel insurance if you opened an Online Bonus Saver account with a minimum of £1.

Direct Line Group, which also provides the Churchill and Nationwide policies, told Which? that its recent increase in cover was intended to 'give customers back their freedom' and support the travel industry's recovery.

All readers can find a breakdown of different policies' Covid cover levels on our best and worst travel insurance page . We've also given each of them a policy score, based on their wider cover, including for non-Covid related incidents. Which? members can log in to see these on the same page.

• Find out more: best and worst travel insurance
• Find out more: best travel insurance if you have a medical condition

What should I look for when I'm buying travel insurance?

When searching for a policy, make sure you look for the following things:

• Coronavirus medical and repatriation cover To cover you if you're infected when you're away.
• Coronavirus cancellation cover You'll need this if you want to be able to claim on insurance for refunds if Covid stops you travelling for any reason. Our ratings will tell you how much Covid cover an insurer has.
• Scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI) To cover you if your airline goes bust.
• Excesses This is what you'll pay towards what your insurer pays out. You'll need to be able to afford them if you're claiming.

Which? recommends getting the following levels of cover:

• Emergency medical cover £5m worldwide
• Cancellation, curtailment and missed departure £2,000 or the value of your holiday
• Personal belongings and money £1,500
• Personal liability £1m

Find out more: flight cancellations and compensation

How can I make a claim?

The pandemic has left thousands of holidaymakers out of pocket. If you had a trip booked that you now can't take, you might need to make a claim yourself.

Insurers will only pay out for costs that can't be refunded by travel or accommodation providers, so you should get in touch with them first. If you approach insurers with a claim before exploring the refund route, they will want you to do that before you can progress further.

Next, make a list of all the non-refundable costs you want to claim for. Not just hotels and flights, but transfers, tours and excursions.

After that, you're ready to contact your insurer. We've gathered the claims numbers for more than 40 travel insurance providers in the table below. Click the name of the insurer to see our review of its service and find more details about how to make a claim.

If we don't have a review, contact your insurer directly for more information.

• Find out more: claiming on your travel insurance

Can I claim on insurance if I'm offered rebooking vouchers?

If you accept vouchers or refund credit notes (RCNs) as compensation, you can't claim for cash from your insurer as well, as this would be a double claim.

Legally, you should be able to reject vouchers and get cash refunds instead, but many holiday firms have ignored this rule.

Your insurer will likely advise you to pursue this legal right if you're in this situation. The ABI told us: 'Where travel operators have a legal obligation to refund customers, insurers expect them to honour that legal agreement. Insurance cancellation cover kicks in when no other safety net is available.'

After campaigning from Which?, the government confirmed that RCNs will be covered by the travel industry's Atol scheme. This means if you accept an RCN and your holiday provider goes bust, your money will be protected.

If you're not offered a cash refund by your travel operator, and you don't want to accept an RCN, Which? believes banks should refund customers under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 , for purchases by credit card of more than £100, or through the chargeback scheme for other purchases.

Banks don't always accept these claims, but card issuer Mastercard has confirmed that chargeback is valid in these cases.

Find out more: claiming from your bank for coronavirus holiday and event cancellations

This story was originally published on 25 February 2020 and has been updated since then. The latest update was to reflect the changing rules and was published on 31 January 2022. Additional reporting by Dean Sobers.

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Why Insurance Is a Travel Essential for Businesses

Sending your employees abroad? Here’s how travel has changed since Covid-19 and how you can protect your employees — and your company — from risks when flying.

As the world continues to recover in the wake of a pandemic and global conflict, the travel industry remains strong when it comes to both personal and business travel.

With many businesses beginning to embrace global expansion , they are turning their attention to in-person conferences and connections for their employees, meaning travel insurance is possibly more important than ever.

Years of travel restrictions coupled with economic uncertainty have more people than ever before wanting to travel and, more importantly, needing to travel safely. As such, businesses must educate and prepare their employees adequately ahead of their journeys.

2023 Travel Statistics

According to a recent survey :

• Almost 75 percent of U.S. citizens who flew had their flights canceled or delayed in 2023.
• Over 80 percent of those surveyed have started paying closer attention to cancellation policies, planning their trips earlier and purchasing travel insurance.
• Searches for travel insurance online have increased by over 60 percent.

More on Travel 5 Companies That Pay You to Travel

How Travel Has Changed Since Covid-19

The travel landscape is undergoing profound shifts due to changing regulations, emerging health concerns and geopolitical tensions. Governments worldwide are implementing new travel restrictions and protocols in response to evolving health crises and security threats. 

These include Covid-19 restrictions, as well as policies that require travelers to have new visas or insurance before visiting the country. Travelers are becoming more aware of the need to prioritize their safety and flexibility, and are seeking insurance policies that offer comprehensive coverage for unexpected disruptions and emergencies during their journeys.

Illness is a main concern of most travelers, and a travel insurance plan can offer protection if an individual needs to seek medical care during their trip. Additionally, add-on coverage for trip insurance such as the Cancel For Any Reason benefit can allow businesses to cancel a trip and receive reimbursement regardless of the reason, whether related to health, political unrest or newly imposed regulations.

Risks of Traveling Uninsured

Travel insurance is often perceived as a luxury rather than a necessity. The truth, however, is that the travel insurance landscape is vast, and there are endless protection policies that can cover everything from the cost of flights to a medical emergency , making it a necessity for companies looking to have employees travel. 

The real value of travel medical insurance has come to light in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare costs greatly differ from country to country and domestic health insurance typically does not offer international coverage. Having medical coverage when traveling abroad can save travelers from the substantial financial burden of illness or injury while traveling.

Whether it’s mitigating the financial fallout of an unexpected illness or covering nonrefundable trip expenses, the stakes of unprotected travel vary but remain significant for both the traveler and their company. For trip insurance, the financial risk will equate to the total cost of nonrefundable trip expenses, which can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on trip plans.

The cost of having to visit a doctor for illness or injury is one that you should avoid across the board. While no one wants to plan for the worst to happen on their trip, having a comprehensive travel insurance plan can be crucial for unexpected emergencies and peace of mind for both a company and its employees. 

Features and Benefits of Travel Insurance Policies

When navigating the travel insurance purchasing process, reviewing and comparing policy benefits and coverage amounts is essential for choosing the right plan to best fit a company’s needs. It’s also critical to be aware of any possible exclusions.

Businesses should consider the duration of the intended trip, whether they are sending an individual or group they can bundle policies for and the destination, as some countries require travel insurance for entry. 

There are two big categories for travel insurance: travel medical insurance and trip insurance. For travel medical insurance, businesses should keep in mind the age and health of the traveler to choose a plan that has adequate coverage and desired benefits, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or emergency medical evacuation .

Trip insurance offers coverage for eligible nonrefundable trip costs in the event of a trip interruption, cancellation, delay, lost baggage and more. Travel medical insurance can cover emergency medical care for new and unexpected illnesses or injuries during these business trips.

 A common misconception about travel insurance is that claims are always denied. In reality, having a travel insurance policy can help alleviate the financial burden that some of these events can have on a company, especially when sending employees abroad.

More on Insurance 52 Insurtech Companies Making Coverage Simpler

Protect Your Employees — and Your Business

Every individual has the same chance that something can go amiss during a trip. With even a minimal investment in travel insurance, businesses can rest assured knowing their employees can enjoy their trip knowing that they’ll have financial protection in unforeseen situations. 

In the long-term, investing in travel insurance can potentially save a business money that otherwise may have been lost if something unexpected occurred during a trip and an employee did not have that added layer of protection.

Travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all option, and it should not be treated as such. In-person connection is a critical aspect of today’s business landscape, and businesses should be taking every opportunity to educate themselves on all of their options and get the most from their insurance.

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Will My Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

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

If you have upcoming travel plans and are considering a travel insurance policy, check if it covers COVID. Not all providers do, and it's important to know for sure. So, does your travel insurance cover COVID? How can you tell?

As with many things in life, the short answer is: "It depends." And the long answer is: You can only start to determine if your insurance covers COVID when you understand what type of coverage you have, which provider you bought it from and what the exact reason is for your trip cancellation.

While we can give general guidance as to most travel insurance plans, it is in your best interest to give your insurance provider a call to verify whether a given policy will cover coronavirus-related interruptions.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance policies that include COVID coverage

Reasons travel insurance typically covers

While not a comprehensive list (and remember all insurance policies are different), here are some standard reasons when a comprehensive travel insurance policy will kick in:

Sickness, injury or death.

Common carrier cancellations or delays.

Labor strike.

Car accident.

Hijacking or quarantine.

Home uninhabitable.

Destination uninhabitable.

Travel document theft.

Medical evacuation.

Military duty.

Military leave revoked.

Terrorist act.

New vaccination requirements.

Civil disorder.

Some of those reasons might apply to your specific coronavirus situation, such as if you are already ill or under quarantine by a doctor's orders. If you (or your travel companion) contract COVID-19, your travel insurance provider may cover cancellation for a medical reason. You will likely be required to submit a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Nonetheless, we recommend giving your travel insurance provider a call before your trip to verify coverage. And, since many airlines and hotels have loosened change and cancellation policies due to COVID-19, first try to get a refund from the travel supplier. It may be an easier process than dealing with the insurance provider.

Is coronavirus a foreseen event?

If you purchased travel insurance after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, then COVID-19 might be viewed by your insurance company as a foreseen event and it may not be covered.

In other words, the company says that you should have known about the potential risks but still chose to travel, so the cost of travel and its consequences are on you. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the "known" or "foreseeable" status dates of the coronavirus outbreak and how this may affect your specific coverage.

Claims due to known, foreseeable or expected events, epidemics or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, some underwriters are currently accommodating claims for:

Under Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Medical Transportation Benefits: Emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation Benefit: Nonrefundable, nontransferable trip cancellation expenses for customers who purchased their plan prior to January 22, 2020, for trip components in Mainland China, South Korea or the Lombardy or Veneto regions of Italy and departing prior to April 1, 2020.”

However, due to the evolving pandemic over the last few years, many providers have updated their policies to include coronavirus coverage. For example, in May 2021, Allianz announced the addition of epidemic-related covered reasons to its popular insurance plans. Plans are now offering accommodations for COVID-19.

» Learn more: Where U.S. citizens can travel right now

Is "I’m afraid to travel" a legit reason?

Almost all travel insurance policies have a "fear of travel" clause. According to AIG , one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers, "Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic, or pandemic, including Coronavirus, is not covered."

If you bought a ticket, then become afraid to travel because of any sickness, that is probably not a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility in canceling your trip for any reason, you’ll want to consider "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance coverage.

Consider Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance

"Cancel For Any Reason" coverage allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and receive a partial refund (up to 75%) of your nonrefundable trip costs as long as the trip is canceled at least two days in advance. You cannot purchase CFAR coverage on its own; it is an optional upgrade that is sometimes available when you buy travel insurance. Not all providers offer it, so if you’re looking for the CFAR supplement, you’ll have to ask your travel insurance provider about it or filter your online search accordingly.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Use your credit card's built-in travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies offer the highest levels of trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Some premium travel credit cards include trip insurance as a complimentary benefit. Although the coverage limits may be below those offered by travel insurance companies on comprehensive plans, the limits may be sufficient for you. As with paid travel insurance, check with the provider to confirm if known conditions such as the coronavirus are covered.

» Learn more: Travel insurance benefits on American Express credit cards

As an example, we took a look at the policy for one of the popular travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . There are some notable bullet points that are common across many programs.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Similarly, this insurance will not cover a "disinclination to travel based on a pandemic." If you decide that you don’t want to travel because you might get sick or you are afraid to go, you won’t be covered.

The insurance does clearly state, however, that if you are sick or hospitalized before or during your trip, you may be covered by the plan:

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or your traveling companion which prevents you or your traveling companion from traveling on the trip.

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when the accidental bodily injury or sickness is considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or such immediate family member requires care by you or your traveling companion.

If either you or your traveling companion becomes sick and you are prevented from traveling, you may be covered. Also note that if a family member of either you or your traveling companion requires hospitalization and you are needed to care for them, that may be covered as well.

As with all things insurance-related, if you have specific questions about your policy or your credit card’s coverage, it’s always best to give the company a call beforehand. Still, the general consensus is that if you’re afraid you might contract COVID-19, your insurance won't cover you.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's trip cancellation and travel insurance

How travel medical insurance differs

If your trip doesn't include nonrefundable trip costs paid to a travel provider or the trip insurance coverage you have from your credit cards is sufficient, purchasing a standalone travel health insurance policy may be your best bet for an upcoming trip.

These policies provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including evacuations, while you’re traveling. Again, it's important to check if the policy you’re considering has any clauses related to pandemics or exclusions for travel to countries that have current travel advisories to ensure you don't nullify your medical coverage.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: emergency coverage while you travel internationally

It depends. Fear of travel generally isn't an allowable reason, so you won't benefit from trip cancellation coverage for nonrefundable payments made to a trip supplier. The reason for cancellation has to fall into one of the unforeseen events listed in the policy. However, if you’ve purchased a CFAR add-on and want to cancel, you will be covered for up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit as long as you cancel at least two days before the departure date.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s requirements/restrictions for travelers (such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s

requirements/restrictions for travelers

(such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

How can I be sure if my travel insurance covers COVID?

Deciding whether to travel during the coronavirus pandemic is a personal decision. Get familiarized with the different insurance protections and airline change/cancellation policies that may be applicable for your trip, as they could help you get your money back in the event of a trip cancellation.

When considering the health implications of travel, keep in mind that travel medical insurance is an option, especially if you don’t need the trip cancellation coverage provided by comprehensive policies. Regardless of which policy you choose, confirm that coronavirus-related losses are covered by insurance before purchasing coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business | Money

Best Covid travel insurance 2023

Covid-related travel restrictions have now been lifted across the vast majority of the globe – including all the British holiday hotspots such as the US, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Malta.

Yet, Covid is still a consideration when it comes to overseas travel – for example, if you catch Covid before the start of a holiday, or require medical treatment for the virus while away.

Using our travel insurance comparison tool, we’ve pulled together our pick of what we believe to be the best five travel insurance policies that include cover for Covid. However, always conduct a fresh search at the time of choosing a policy.

1. Admiral - 5/5 stars

Premium: £22.32*, cancellation cover: yes, cover for covid-related risks if travelling against fcdo advice: no.

Why we picked it

Each traveller listed on Admiral’s Gold policy can claim up to £3,000 for trip cancellation if they, or a travel companion, falls ill with Covid. The policy also accepts claims for emergency treatment and arrangements to get a policyholder back home if they fall ill while away.

However, it will not pay out if policyholders travel against FCDO advice.

• Cover if symptoms while boarding plane
• Cover for missed excursions due to getting Covid while away
• Curtailment cover if family member is hospitalised/dies from Covid
• No hospital benefit

2. Coverwise Select Silver Plus - 5/5 stars

Premium: £20.07*.

This policy offers £2,000 for trip cancellation due to contracting Covid. It provides cover for Covid medical claims so long as there was no Covid-related FCDO advice in place against the destination at the point of departure, even if that changes after arrival.

If travelling against FCDO advice, payouts will be limited to losses for reasons related to the travel advice. For example, if the advice was Covid-related and the policyholder travelled anyway, they would not be covered for Covid.*

• Excess only £50
• Cancellation cover capped at £2,000
• No cancellation cover if insured travel companion gets Covid

3. Southdowns Select Silver Plus - 5/5 stars

Premium: £20.14*, cancellation cover: no.

There’s up to £2,000 per person on this policy, to cover trip cancellation as a result of falling ill with Covid.

It will pay out for Covid medical claims so long as there was no pandemic-related FCDO advice in place before departure, even if that changes after arrival.

Policyholders travelling against the advice of the FCDO will only be able to claim for unrelated losses.

4. Virgin Money Standard Single Trip Med - 4.5/5 stars

Premium: £26.73*.

As well as providing cover for medical treatment for policyholders who fall ill with Covid abroad, policyholders can claim up to £2,000 in cancellation cover if the virus prevents the holiday from going ahead.

It pays out for trip cancellation if a policyholder, a relative or someone a policyholder was due to stay with falls ill with Covid, or if a travel companion, relative or the person the policyholder planned to stay with dies from the virus. Policyholders can claim if they need to cut their holiday short due to a relative dying from Covid too.

However, there is no cover when travelling against FCDO advice.

• Curtailment cover if family member dies from Covid
• No medical cover if unvaccinated

5. Puffin Gold Medical Single Trip - 3.5/5 stars

Premium: £28.53*.

There’s up to £3,000 for holiday cancellation on this policy, if a policyholder, or a close relative, has been diagnosed with, or contracted Covid, or if the person a policyholder was due to stay with while away, needs to self-isolate due to contracting the virus.

The same amount is provided if a policyholder needs to cut their trip short because they have been denied boarding due to showing Covid symptoms, the FCDO has released advice to return home from their destination or a relative has fallen ill with the virus. This policy also covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation, if a policyholder falls ill with the virus while away.

• Cancellation cover if family member is diagnosed with Covid
• Cancellation cover if family member policyholder was due to stay with must self-isolate
• Highest premium in top 5

* Correct at time of research but premiums vary according to your personal circumstances and the wider market.

Methodology

Using data from our travel insurance partner CYTI, we assessed policies on the following:

• Cover for Covid-related risks: We looked at whether policies offer some form of cancellation cover in addition to medical and curtailment cover, to protect against Covid-related risks. 
• Cancellation cover: We looked at the cancellation cover provided to identify the most generous limits.
• Cancellation excess: The lower the excess, the higher we rated the policy. No -excess policies scored best. An excess is the amount deducted from any successful claim.
• Curtailment cover: Here we favoured policies which provide a higher level of cover to those who need to cut their holiday short.
• Medical cover: The policies which performed best were those with a higher level of pay-out for medical costs.
• Medical excess: Again, we favoured policies charging a low or zero excess.
• Hospital benefit: Policies scored highly if they offered higher levels of this cover than other contracts.

To arrive at our top-5 ranking, we combined the scores for each company, giving added weight to policies providing cancellation cover, in addition to medical and curtailment cover for Covid-related risks. 

Holidays 2023: What you need to do

1. check entry requirements at your destination.

The vast majority of countries have now dropped all Covid-related entry restrictions, even for unvaccinated travellers. But always check regardless, both when you book your trip and again advance of your departure. And keep a close eye on developments ahead of your trip.

2. Buy insurance when you book

One of the most important features of travel insurance is cancellation cover . Getting insured straight away means cancellation protection is in place from the get-go.

There are many reasons why you might need to cancel your trip, regardless of Covid. These include illness, bereavement, divorce and redundancy.

3. Check that the policy covers Covid

Nearly all (99%*) of insurance policies now include cover for risks linked to Covid-19 should you need medical treatment for the virus or need to cut your holiday short due to an problem related to the virus.

Many also include cover which allows you to make a cancellation claim should the virus stop you from taking your holiday. Almost 100% (95%*) cover cancellation due to a positive Covid test.

Also, 53%* will offer protection should you be denied boarding on your outward journey, but only 4%* will provide the same if you’re denied boarding on your return.

The specific circumstances for which you can claim vary between travel insurers. Check the details of a policy carefully before buying to avoid any potential for misunderstanding. If necessary, check with the provider directly.

4. Follow Government advice

It’s vital you check the government website for the latest travel guidance. Few insurers will cover you if you travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) . These include:

• Avanti Travel Insurance
• CoverForYou
• Direct Line
• Voyager Insurance

You are even less likely to be covered for cancellation of your holiday due to changes in the FCDO’s advice. Only 3%* of policies provide cover in this circumstance. These include policies from the following providers:

If your holiday or flight is cancelled by your tour operator or airline, you should be offered a refund or alternative arrangements. Your policy will not pay out if you are able to get your money back by another method.

*Data from financial information business Defaqto

What protection does travel insurance provide?

Travel insurance policies typically cover the following as standard:

• Medical expenses: Pays forhospital treatment or medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident
• Personal liability: Meets the cost of claims made against you, if you’re found responsible for causing injury, death or damage while you’re away
• Cancellation, curtailment and missed departures: Covers you against a holiday being cut short, or you end up not going away
• Baggage and personal belongings: Covers claims for loss or theft of belongings. If items are stolen, these should be reported to the local police and an incident number obtained. Your policy may also stipulate that you should use a hotel safe if one is available.

There are various other reasons why you might need to claim on your travel insurance, including:

• Gadgets : Claim for the loss, theft or damage done to devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops
• End supplier failure: Reimbursement in the event your hotel, travel company, or airline goes into administration
• Scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI): You will be reimbursed the cost of your flight if the airline should go bust
• Personal accident: Your policy will make a payment to you or to your estate if you are permanently disabled or killed in an accident while on holiday. Note, however, that some policies specify that they will not pay out if such an incident occurs if you are intoxicated through alcohol or drugs
• Legal expenses: If you become embroiled in a legal dispute while you are away, your policy may contribute towards your legal costs, and you may be given access to expert legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i buy travel insurance including cover for covid-related risks with a pre-existing condition.

It depends on the provider but, yes, it is possible. Cover for Covid-19-related risks might include cancelling a trip because someone on the policy tested positive for coronavirus prior to travel, or for medical costs should coronavirus be contracted while away. Premiums tend to be more expensive for pre-existing conditions and the more severe the condition, the dearer the cover becomes. Check specific policy details before you buy.

Can I buy travel insurance including Covid-19 cover for travel within the UK?

Yes, a range of insurers provide this sort of cover for domestic travel. Again, the aim is that it pays out on cancelled trips should anyone named on the policy contract Covid-19 before going away.

What if I contract Covid-19 overseas?

Assuming you’ve got the requisite cover, contact your provider immediately and inform them. Your policy should meet the expenses of any medical support that’s required. But to avoid any surprises, check your policy details before travelling.

What if my airline goes out of business?

Airline failure is rarely covered under most standard travel insurance policies, so check your policy details. However, if your booking came with ATOL protection you are guaranteed a refund and you would also be found an alternative flight home.

How do I make a travel insurance claim?

When you head off on your travels, remember to pack your travel insurance policy number as well as relevant emergency contact information. Should a crisis arise, keep receipts for anything relevant you paid for, so that your paperwork is in good shape for when you make a claim.

Where applicable, get your insurer to agree to medical treatment before it’s carried out. Report lost or stolen items to the police within 24 hours of them going missing.

UK holidays: should you get travel insurance?

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Best backpacker travel insurance

Couples travel insurance – how does it work?

6 Best Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage in Singapore (Apr 2024)

COVID-19 might be the last thing on your mind…but it could be the first thing to ruin your next trip. Whether you end up quarantined overseas or have to cancel the holiday entirely, there are plenty of ways COVID-19 could make a vacation go awry. And that’s before you consider things like lost luggage, flight delays , getting pickpocketed, and more.

Good news—there’s an easy way out. Before you jet off to your  dream travel destination , don’t forget to buy travel insurance . Covering you for your potential travel disruptions, travel insurance is the next most important thing besides your flight ticket!

Most insurance providers have added COVID-19 coverage to their travel insurance plans, but to varying extents. Some have COVID-19 as an optional add-0n that you have to purchase. Coverage wise, some providers offer far better COVID-19 protection than others.

Find out how to choose, what to look out for, and the cheapest travel insurance you can buy with our comparison of the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage  in Singapore and their ongoing promotions. Promotions are generous this Apr 2024— you could even win a Rolex Oyster Perpetual , 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000), all-expenses paid trip, or a 2D1N staycation!

Best Travel Insurance in Singapore with COVID-19 Coverage (2024)

• Best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

• FWD travel insurance
• Starr travel insurance
• MSIG travel insurance
• Singlife travel insurance
• Etiqa travel insurance
• Cheapest travel insurance in Singapore
• Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
• How do I choose the best travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage?
• What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19 during or after travelling?

1. Best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage

With the sheer number of travel insurance providers out there, it can be overwhelming to compare everything against everything else. We know that pain, because that’s exactly what we’ve just done.  Wipe away those tears of exasperation— we’ve done the legwork for you and picked out the top 6 travel insurance plans in Singapore:

Why are these the top 6? We’ve compared them based on affordability, COVID-19 cover inclusion, emergency medical coverage, and trip cancellation coverage. (If you’re an adventure seeker, that’s more niche—refer to this article for all the best travel insurance for extreme sports and outdoor adventure instead.)

Ready to dive into the deets? We compared the coverage and prices of most popular  travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore. So if you’re looking for a specific type of coverage for your travel needs, e.g. high trip cancellation coverage, this is a better summary table for you to work with:

Note: All travel insurance options above are before promotional discounts are applied. Unless otherwise stated, all include COVID-19 coverage.

Back to top

2. Bubblegum Travel Insurance

Bubblegum Travel Insurance  is a great option if you’re looking for fuss-free, essential coverage at affordable rates. Bubblegum’s travel insurance model is simple, offering just 1 travel insurance plan. Here are its pricing and coverage benefits:

If fuss-free, essential travel insurance is your top priority, we think Bubblegum is a good option for you. Their travel insurance is all-inclusive with coverage for travel inconveniences like cancellations and delays, and also gives you coverage for COVID-19 related expenses at no additional cost.

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking at adventurous activities, Bubblegum Travel Insurance will also cover you for hot air ballooning, scuba diving and skiing, with no restriction on height or depth.

Bubblegum travel insurance promotion

Total Premium

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   •  Enjoy 10% off  your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. •  Additionally, receive up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.

Key Features

Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

Bubblegum is currently offering a 10% discount on all their travel insurance plans. That means you can cover a 7-day trip to ASEAN with just $38—about $5+ a day !

Truth is, the discount is even greater when you consider the fact that Bubblegum will also give you My Millennium Points and cashback when you purchase Bubblegum travel insurance:

• Get  2,400 My Millennium Points (worth $16) with every policy purchased.
• Plus, get  $15 Cash via PayNow when you buy a Bubblegum Travel Insurance plan with a premium of $80 to $119.99 OR  $25 Cash via PayNow with a premium of $120 and above.

Promotion valid till 30 Apr 2024.

3. FWD Travel Insurance 

FWD travel insurance offers some of the cheapest travel insurance plans in Singapore, so this is a budget-friendly option which still offers you great value for every dollar. I like that coverage for emergency medical evacuation is unlimited for all tiers, and overseas medical expenses go up to a generous $1,000,000 (which is about as high as it gets).

Here’s a quick run-through of the price and benefits offered by FWD travel insurance plans:

When you’re purchasing FWD travel insurance, the COVID-19 benefits are an add-on. The price of the COVID-19 add-on costs between $11 to $22  depending on the part of the world you’re travelling to. If you choose to add it on, it’ll give you comprehensive coverage of the following:

• Trip disruption
• Trip cancellation
• Overseas hospital cash
• Hospital cash while in Singapore
• Medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

The plan reimburses your travel-related expenses if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 no more than 30 days before your scheduled departure date, or if you have to change your itinerary because of a COVID-19 diagnosis while overseas. You also get to claim medical expenses and a hospital cash benefit if you get hospitalised overseas or for up to 14 days in Singapore upon your return.

On top of that, there’s also an automatic policy extension of up to 21 days should you be prevented from travel as per foreign government regulations due to:

• You contracting COVID-19; or
• You or your travel companion needing to be self-isolated due to being in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19

Read the full T&Cs of FWD’s COVID-19 coverage .

FWD travel insurance promotion

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy 25% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased.  T&Cs apply.    BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)    Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

Enjoy cashless medical outpatient treatment in Singapore, access to emergency assistance and your travel policy documents through the FWD SG app!

Add on coverage for COVID-19 available for both Single & Annual Trips for travel period of 90 days or less.

Optional add on coverage available when your trip is cancelled for any reason for Single Trips. (To be purchased within 7 days of your initial trip deposit for your trip).

Plan Highlights

Covid-19 protection, leisure activities.

Currently, you can take 25% off the prices for all FWD travel insurance tiers. That brings the rate for a 7-day ASEAN trip down to $25 to $42, or just $3+ to $6 a day !

We haven’t gotten to the really good part yet. Purchase FWD Premium , FWD Business , or FWD First travel insurance and stand a chance to win over $10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw ! Prizes include:

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual – 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000)
• All Expenses Paid Trip
• 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)

Promotions valid till 7 Apr 2024 (Prizes 2 and 3) / 30 Apr 2024 (Prize 1).

4. Starr Travel Insurance

Starr’s travel insurance   Starr TraveLead Comprehensive is a leader in terms of how customisable their insurance is. When signing up, medical coverage (including COVID-19 coverage) is automatically included in all plans, but you can choose whether or not you want to add trip coverage (e.g. document loss, travel delay) and baggage coverage (e.g. baggage delay). Then, you can also easily add riders for Golf Protection, Cruise Vacation, Scuba Diving, and Snow Sports.

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive comes in 3 tiers: Gold , Silver and Bronze . While all are pretty comprehensive (as the name suggests), we advise you go for at least Silver . This affords you $500,000 overseas medical coverage, as well as $30,000 medical coverage for COVID-19 and $250 coverage for COVID-19 related trip curtailments and cancellations. You won’t get the COVID-19 trip curtailment/cancellation coverage in the Bronze plan, which only offers $15,000 for COVID-19 medical coverage. Better be safe and  go for Silver or Gold.

Here are the prices and coverage amounts for each tier. Prices are given with trip coverage included in the plan.

Note: Starr also has a travel insurance called Starr TraveLead Essential, which also comes in Bronze , Silver and Gold tiers. They look very attractive because of their low prices—for example, Starr TraveLead Essential Bronze costs just $20 for a 7-day trip to an ASEAN destination.

However, unless you’re on a really tight budget, I wouldn’t recommend these plans because of their more limited coverage. For example, while the Starr TraveLead Essential Bronze plan does cover you for $200,000 worth of overseas medical expenses (which is already the bare minimum), it doesn’t cover you at all for trip cancellation and loss/damage of baggage. Neither do the Silver or Gold tier plans.

Starr Travel Insurance promotion

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Silver

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy 50% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$50 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

For Cruise to nowhere insurance: Find out more here

Flexible coverage allows you to create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and add-ons that can adapt to your needs

Overseas Covid-19 related medical expenses of up to $30,000 SGD included (Excluding China).

Covid 19 Trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $250 SGD included (Excluding China).

Covers Travel Expenses for return of Child(ren) during the hospitalisation of the insured person.

No sublimit or restriction on outpatient expenses and number of visits

24 hours Global Emergency Assistance Services help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation

Seamless and Cashless claims via PayNow

Please note that travelling to Russia and Ukraine is not covered in Starr’s insurance with immediate effect.

With the ongoing 42% discount promotion on Starr travel insurance, prices are very affordable. Coverage for a week-long ASEAN trip is just $24+ ($3+ a day), while a trip of the same duration to countries like USA costs $30+ ($4+ a day).

The best part? Purchase Starr TraveLead travel insurance of any tier and stand a chance to win over $10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw ! Prizes include:

5. MSIG Travel Insurance

MSIG travel insurance is categorised into 3 plans— Standard , Elite , and Premier . The cheapest, basic plan still offers pretty adequate coverage in medical emergencies and trip cancellations or delays.

Here’s a quick run-down of the plan’s key benefits:

One more unusual area of coverage that MSIG includes is emergency dental expenses. You get $5,000 to $15,000 in coverage, depending on the travel insurance tier you select.

MSIG’s Areas A and B refer, roughly speaking, to ASEAN and Asia respectively. Here’s a more comprehensive list of the countries in each category:

• Area A : Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam
• Area B : Australia, China (excluding Inner Mongolia and Tibet), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and including countries in Area A
• Area C : Worldwide

MSIG Travel Insurance’s COVID-19 coverage is an automatic inclusion to its travel insurance plans and offers the following coverage:

• Trip cancellation, postponement, shortening, disruption
• Replacement of traveller
• Overseas medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Overseas quarantine daily cash allowance

This is quite a decent list of benefits, but do note that daily hospital cash allowance is missing from the list.

MSIG travel insurance promotion

MSIG TravelEasy Standard

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy up to   40% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

COVID-19 coverage of up to $150,000 medical cover and up to $1,500 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

Packaged tour coverage for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies).

Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

Currently, you can take 40% off all MSIG travel insurance plans with their ongoing promotion. That means your 7-day ASEAN trip now costs just $37 to $70 to cover compared to $62 to $116.

On top of the 40% discount, you’ll receive lots of goodies with your MSIG travel insurance purchase:

• Receive  2,400 My Millennium Points (worth $16) with every policy purchased.
• $15 cash via PayNow with a premium of $65 to $119.99
• $25 cash via PayNow with a premium of $120 to $239.99
• $45 cash via PayNow or an Apple AirTag (worth $45.40) with a premium of $240 and above .

Promotion valid till 12 Apr 2024.

6. Singlife Travel Insurance

Singlife travel insurance comes in 3 tiers— Lite , Plus , and Prestige . The price you pay and the coverage you’ll get increase with each plan.

Here are Singlife travel insurance’s key prices and benefits:

On top of the coverage above, Singlife also covers you for chiropractor and/or chinese physician treatment : $250 ($50 per visit) for Lite, $500 ($75 per visit) for Plus, and $1000 ($100 per visit) for Prestige.

As far as COVID-19 coverage goes, here’s a quick run-down:

• Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation
• Overseas quarantine allowance
• Trip cancellation, postponement, interruption

While Singlife travel insurance’s coverage for non-COVID medical expenses, travel delay and trip cancellation is comprehensive, we have to dock some points for the lack of overseas hospital cash allowance and pretty low COVID-19 trip cancellation coverage.

Also, do note that the lowest tier, Lite, doesn’t come with certain coverage, such as trip cancellation or postponement for any reason and COVID-19 overseas quarantine allowance.

Singlife travel insurance promotion

Singlife Travel Plus

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   •  Enjoy 25% off  your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. •  Additionally, receive up to S$30  via PayNow with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.

Covers trip cancellation for any reason, T&Cs apply.

Covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19 and cover your medical treatment should you contract COVID-19 whilst overseas.

Payout of up to S$150** should your trip be affected by excessive rainfall.

**For single trips (minimum 3 days) where more than 50% of trip duration is affected by rainfall levels of >6.4mm in a 24-hour period.

Seamless claims experience with PayNow

It’s a win-win situation—get 28% off your Singlife travel insurance premiums these goodies thrown in:

• $10 cash via PayNow with a premium of $65 to $129.99
• $20 cash via PayNow with a premium of $130 to $329.99
• $30 cash via PayNow or an Apple AirTag (worth $45.40) with a premium of $330 and above .

Promotion valid till 29 Feb 2024.

7. Etiqa Travel Insurance

Do you hate making travel insurance claims? I do. That’s why when a friend of mine told me that you don’t need to make any claim on Etiqa to receive compensation for your flight delay, I was very intrigued.

I’ve been fortunate—all my recent flights have left on time. But from what I’ve heard from friends who weren’t as lucky on their recent travels, it’s true that Etiqa has the most seamless claim process for flight delays . All you need to do is enter your flight details when purchasing your insurance. Etiqa will monitor your flight and know if your flight is delayed (to count as a delay, it needs to be pushed back at least 3 consecutive hours). If that happens, they’ll transfer money into your Etiqa TiqConnect eWallet—even if you don’t submit a claim! You can then encash that sum via PayNow.

On top of this travel delay claim benefit, Etiqa also provides flight check-in reminders and baggage belt collection details via SMS when you land. I’ve experienced this myself when I bought Etiqa’s travel insurance for my trip to the UK this year. Now that’s what I call service.

Etiqa’s travel insurance is called Tiq Travel Insurance  and comes in 3 tiers: Tiq Entry , Tiq Savvy , and Tiq Luxury . Here are their costs and coverage components:

Tiq Entry is sufficient to give you essential coverage for travel disruptions. But if you’ve just a little more to spend, go for Tiq Savvy . This will more than double your coverage limit for overseas medical expenses from $200,000 to $500,000 for just an additional $5 a week—that’s less than $1 a day.

[MoneySmart Exclusive]    • Enjoy 40% off your Single Trip policy premium and 60% off Covid-19 add-on for Annual Plans. T&Cs apply • Additionally, receive 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.    [Etiqa's 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw] Stand a chance to win S$10,000 cash or a Singapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth S$173) with eligible Etiqa/Tiq by Etiqa plans purchased. T&Cs apply.

Comprehensive COVID-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

Covers Cruise to Nowhere

Get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim

Instant claims encashment via PayNow

24-hour worldwide emergency travel support

The only disadvantage to Tiq travel insurance is that COVID-19 coverage is not included in the base price and you’ll have to pay for their optional  COVID-19 Add-On to be covered. Some people might say this is an advantage—it gives you a greater degree of flexibility to decide if you want to have COVID-19 coverage or not, especially as COVID-19 becomes less and less prevalent. However, the fact remains that you need to pay extra for it compared to travel insurance plans where COVID-19 coverage is already included.

Here’s how much the COVID-19 Add-On will cost for a 7-day trip:

To be covered for travel disruptions and medical expenses related to COVID-19, you’ll need to add the costs above to the base Tiq travel insurance prices.

Etiqa travel insurance promotion

Comprehensive Covid-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

Enjoy  40% off Tiq Single Trip Travel Insurance plans —that means your week-long ASEAN trip now costs just $23 instead of $39 under Tiq Entry.

Getting annual travel insurance instead? Get  60% off COVID-19 add-on for Annual Plans!

From now till 15 Aug 2024, purchase Tiq travel insurance to enter  Etiqa’s 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw . 5 lucky winners will walk away with  $10,000 cash , and 150 will receive a S ingapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth $173)!

8. Cheapest travel insurance in Singapore

When I buy travel insurance, I don’t really care whether the insurer has 900 years of experience or if the plan comes with extra coverage for Chanel bags. Just give me the cheapest travel insurance plan can  l iao !

If that sounds like you too, you’ll be glad to know we’ve done the legwork for you. After assessing the most popular travel insurers in Singapore, the honour of cheapest travel insurance in Singapore goes to… FWD travel insurance .

FWD Premium

[ Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]     • Enjoy 25% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased.  T&Cs apply.     BONUS:  For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw . • Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • All Expenses Paid Trip • 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)     Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply.

But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Will you regret being a cheapskate and lose out on important coverage if the only number you look at is the price?

In a way, yes. Because FWD travel insurance is only the cheapest option with 2 caveats.

Firstly, travel insurers have limited-time discounts all the time. This is no secret. It does, however, make it difficult to compare prices when an expensive plan is on 40% off but a cheaper one is on 10% off. That’s why for the table above, we compared base prices without discounts .

But when you take into account promotional prices, which plan is the cheapest? There’s no need to open a million tabs to compare every travel insurance plan out there. Just use our travel insurance comparison tool with the “Lowest Price” filter  on. You’re welcome!

The second caveat is this: FWD came out the cheapest when we looked at its price  without its COVID-19 add-on. If you’re looking for a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for disruptions due to COVID-19 (which you should!), the real winners are  Amex travel insurance and  Starr travel insurance .

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze

Personalise your travel insurance-Flexible coverage allows you to create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and addon that can adapt to your needs

Overseas Covid-19 related medical expenses of up to $15,000 SGD included (Excluding China).

Covers travel expenses for sending back an unattended child during the hospitalisation of the insured person

At the end of the day, ask yourself what specific travel insurance coverage you want to have, and assess the travel insurance options to find one that suits your needs.

Need some help? Read our travel insurance guide to understand all you need to know about choosing the best travel insurance. Don’t forget to use our travel insurance comparison tool to seamlessly compare plans across different providers in Singapore.

9. Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, most insurers did not extend their coverage to COVID-19-related mishaps. (Read more here .) The pandemic was quickly considered a “known event”, which insurers usually do not offer compensation for. So, if your flight got cancelled because of COVID-19, you’d be out of luck trying to get your insurance claims approved.

Now that practically all travel restrictions are lifted, insurance companies are rushing for a slice of the pie. Since the virus looks like it’s here to stay, most insurers are offering coverage that includes specific benefits for COVID-19. Where COVID-19 benefits aren’t already included in the policy, insurers offer an optional COVID-19 rider you can pay for to add on to the existing regular coverage.

Read your policy documents carefully to see if COVID-19 is covered, and add it on if you need to.

10. How do I choose the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage?

COVID-19 coverage  can vary quite a bit from insurer to insurer . When you’re shopping for the best insurance policy,  there are 4 things you want to look out for when it comes to choosing the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage:

• Medical expenses coverage

Do note that the plans still exclude travelling against a travel advisory put in place by the Singapore government or by the local authority at your trip destination. Meaning, if your destination country goes on red alert for COVID-19, visitors are highly likely to come into contact with the virus and your insurance is highly likely to reject any COVID-19 claims. So be sure to check announcements on both ends before you depart.

Another common exclusion is failing to take precautions against COVID-19. This is worded kinda vaguely in those lengthy insurance policies, but could include not following any COVID-19 regulations at your destination or on the plane. So make sure you wear your mask whenever it’s required (or even when it’s not, if you want to play extra safe) and don’t attend any illegal raves.

11. What do I do if I get COVID-19 during or after my travels?

First of all, when booking your trip, you should retain all receipts, tickets and itineraries in case your trip has to be cancelled or altered.

At the first sign of a COVID-19 infection or related travel disruption, you should call your insurer and ask for guidance. Many insurers maintain a 24-hour hotline for travel claims. Save that number before you depart Singapore so that you aren’t stuck somewhere without wi-fi or 4G to Google the hotline.

To make a claim , you will usually have to submit your insurer’s form with supporting documents by the deadline mentioned in your contract (usually 30 days). Don’t wait until you’re back in Singapore to check which documents you need.

If you catch COVID-19 while you’re in Singapore , you will likely have to submit the results of a PCR Swab Test or Antigen Rapid Test conducted at a clinic or hospital.

It gets a bit more complicated if you’re overseas . The insurer will likely require documentation from the hospital as well as a doctor’s letter stating that you are unfit to travel and/or recommending treatment.

If you need to be quarantined overseas , you should make sure you have a quarantine order from the government, otherwise you may not be able to claim for quarantine allowance. Remember to ask for this as not all countries automatically issue such documentation.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 Travel Insurance Claim Guide

Planning to get travel insurance for your next trip? Learn how to claim for COVID-19 here!

About the author

Vanessa Nah  is a personal finance content writer who pens articles on the ins and outs of travel insurance, the T&Cs of credit cards, and the ups and downs of alternative investments. She’s a researcher at heart and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to breaking down complex finance concepts and making them easy to understand for the everyday Singaporean. When Vanessa’s not debunking finance myths, you’ll find her attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, or (most im paw tently) fulfilling her life mission to make her one-eyed cat the most spoiled and loved kitty in the world.

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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

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

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

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

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

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

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

What does travel insurance cover?

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

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

Trip cancellation and interruptions

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

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

Travel delays and missed connections

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

Medical emergencies and evacuations

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

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

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

Baggage and personal belongings

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

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

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

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

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

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

Foreseen weather events

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

Medical tourism

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

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

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

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

Extreme sports and activities

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

Navigating claims and assistance

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

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

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

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

Choosing the right travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

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

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

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

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

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

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

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

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

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

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

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

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

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