travel insurance with triple a

9 Reasons to Purchase TripProtect Travel Insurance through AAA

Updated : March 27, 2024

AAA Travel Editors

Table of contents.

• Life is unpredictable.
• Don’t let sickness stop you.
• Your health insurance has its limits.
• Forgot your medication?
• Lost luggage can leave you in a lurch.
• The plan crumbles.
• Unexpected travel hiccups...
• Your credit card may not cover you.
• Tap into smart travel tools.
• Plan Your Next Trip With AAA

Nobody likes to spend more money, but the truth is that anything can happen when traveling. It’s a good idea to be protected just in case.

Below are some of the most common ways vacations can get sidetracked and how travel insurance can help. Trip delays, interruptions or even cancellations can cause unexpected headaches and expenses, but travel insurance can help make sure you are protected from any adjustments you need to make to overcome these situations. Some plans include cancellation benefits and if you have a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for prepaid nonrefundable expenses — like a covered medical emergency or loss of employment. Allianz Partners, a world leader in travel insurance and assistance services and AAA partner of over 30 years, offers many reasons to protect yourself and your family with travel insurance — helping travelers every year through unanticipated travel delays, bad weather, lost luggage and medical emergencies in foreign countries.

Here are nine reasons why experienced travelers choose Allianz Travel Insurance through AAA:*

1. Life is unpredictable.

Some trips need to be cancelled. With travel insurance, you don’t necessarily have to pay for a trip you are unable to take. Instead, enjoy more confidence knowing you’re a step ahead of unpredictable situations before and during your trip.

2. Don’t let sickness stop you.

From falls to food poisoning, illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere. It’s less scary to be sick or hurt with travel insurance to help you through these troubles with financial benefits and expert assistance services.

3. Your health insurance has its limits.

When you travel outside the U.S., you may be leaving your health insurance at home. Many U.S. plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) don’t cover international travel. Why risk it when a medical evacuation can cost $50,000+?

4. Forgot your medication?

Lost or forgotten medication can set off an alarm when you’re far from home. Let travel assistance help you locate a pharmacy to purchase a replacement. It’s always nerve-wracking when something goes wrong. But when you’re in a foreign country, you don’t want to face any kind of crisis alone.

5. Lost luggage can leave you in a lurch.

Allianz Travel Insurance provides benefits that can help you replace needed items if your bags are delayed, damaged or stolen while you’re traveling. With reimbursement for your trip essentials, you can still suit up for wherever your journey takes you next.

6. The plan crumbles.

If a travel supplier ceases operations, you may not get a refund for the money you fronted for a cruise, flight or tour. Allianz Travel Insurance offers protection in case of covered travel supplier default, so you’re less likely to pay for an experience that’s no longer possible.

7. Unexpected travel hiccups...

Flight delays can add up. Beyond being annoying, prolonged delays can cause you to accrue expenses while you wait—or worse, miss a connection. With travel insurance, a covered travel delay can mean reimbursement for rebooking fees, meals and accommodations.

8. Your credit card may not cover you.

Some travelers opt out of travel insurance, thinking credit card coverage would suffice in a crunch. Truth is, even if you have this free coverage benefit, it won’t likely be as extensive as a separate travel insurance plan.

9. Tap into smart travel tools.

Allianz Partners’ TravelSmart mobile app has recently been updated and rebranded as the Allyz® TravelSmart Mobile App . The Allyz® TravelSmart app has the same great functionality with a new look and FAQ section.

Note, there is no change to the Allianz in-app assistance services embedded in AAA Mobile.

Plan Your Next Trip With AAA  

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your dream vacation today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets. 

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*Terms, Conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. 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 (AGA) or its affiliates.  AGA compensates their suppliers or agencies for allowing AGA to market or offer products to customers of the supplier or agency 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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The many travel benefits of being a AAA member

By AAA staff

December 15, 2023

AAA Travel is one of the largest full-service leisure travel agencies in the U.S. and works with over 100 well-known partners worldwide, but you may not realize how many travel benefits are included with a AAA membership.

AAA Travel offers discounts on rental cars, hotels, vacation packages, passport photos, other exclusive offers, as well as access to AAA Travel Advisors. We look at the many travel benefits of a AAA membership and how you can save on your next vacation by becoming a member.

AAA hotel discounts

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute hotel or searching for deals on a future stay, AAA offers members exclusive discounts with hundreds of hotel brands such as Hilton , Hyatt , Marriott , and MGM Resorts .

Members can save 5% or more 1 by booking the exclusive AAA rate and still earn loyalty points at most hotels. Join AAA to unlock savings on everything from a budget hotel stay to suites at all-inclusive resorts in popular destinations such as Mexico  and Las Vegas .

AAA rental car discounts

If your vacation includes a rental car , a AAA membership can save you 10% or more on the base rate 2 from Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty. Members also receive exclusive access to limited-time sales and offers from these major rental car companies to save even more.

On top of those savings, AAA members also receive:

• 10% off fuel purchase options 3
• Free use of a child seat, which could save parents traveling with young children $13.99 a day 3
• Free addition of qualified AAA drivers, a savings of $13.50 daily 3
• No rental fee for young drivers ages 20-24, which is a savings of $29 each day 3

Members can also join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards to earn points and perks like a free rental day. 4

Vacation planning with AAA Travel Advisors

With personalized travel services from a AAA Travel Advisor, a AAA membership makes it easy to plan your dream vacation and save. Travel advisors can help you find member deals that may not be available anywhere else; help you book accommodations, flights, and must-do activities; as well as provide you with invaluable travel insight into a destination. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history and culture, find the perfect beach to relax on, or want to travel like a local, AAA Travel Advisors can customize a vacation just for you.

Working with a AAA Travel Advisor also gives you the added peace of mind of knowing they’ll be there to help before, during, and after your vacation. Members can  schedule a phone, virtual, or in-person appointment online by selecting their branch .

AAA travel deals for members

Whether your idea of a perfect vacation  includes a cruise , a guided tour, flexible independent travel, a private or small-group tour, or something else, AAA members get deals and discounts on a wide variety of vacation packages , including cruises and tours.

Travel discounts on cruise packages

Join AAA to access year-round discounts; limited-time sales; and perks like onboard credits, in-room gifts, and more on cruise vacations to top destinations like Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Save on packages from well-known cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises , Viking , and AmaWaterways River Cruises . 

Travel discounts on tour packages

AAA members can get discounts and offers on guided tours from AAA Member Choice Vacations , Alexander + Roberts, Brendan Vacations, Abercrombie & Kent, Insight Vacations, and other top-rated tour providers. With tour packages on every continent, your AAA membership can help you completely immerse yourself in any destination with local guides who can show you authentic experiences.

Discover all the travel benefits of a AAA membership

Join AAA today

Passport photos

If you need to apply for or renew your passport before your vacation, AAA travel benefits include member discounts on passport photos . One of the most common reasons a passport application is denied is because the submitted photo fails to meet the strict government specifications on size, pose, background, and more.

Eliminate the guesswork and help ensure your passport application is approved by getting your passport photos from AAA. Members save at least 30% on a set of 2 passport photos taken at a AAA branch . 5

RushMyPassport

AAA memberships can help you get a visa or passport quickly and save with a 10% discount on expedited passport and visa services from RushMyPassport . 6 Avoid long delays and a trip to the passport office and get your passport application processed in as little as 5 business days once your documents are received. And with a personalized passport application review from RushMyPassport professionals, you can help prevent common mistakes.

AAA Travel resources & services

AAA memberships make travel planning easy with services, discounts, and amenities. Plus, members get peace of mind of knowing AAA is with them every step of the way.

International Driving Permit

Want to drive on your international trip? Requirements vary by destination. Some international countries recognize U.S. driver's licenses, but others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or even rent a car. Before driving overseas, members can conveniently get an IDP by mail or by visiting a AAA branch .

Travel insurance

A vacation can be a huge expense and Allianz Travel Insurance plans 7 from AAA can help protect you, your loved ones, and your investment. Travel with confidence knowing you have award-winning 24/7 support and protection from Allianz to help you manage any unforeseen issues that may occur before or during your trip. Get coverage for things such as trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical care, lost luggage, and more.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck helps travelers save time and hassle at airport checkpoints. AAA partners with IDEMIA, the authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, to offer members convenient TSA PreCheck enrollment events at AAA branches .

AAA Travel resources

AAA can help you get inspiration for your next adventure or spark your curiosity with insightful travel articles and the Traveling With AAA podcast . Plus, with road trip planning guides and maps , travel discounts , and a wealth of other travel resources , a AAA membership makes it easy to discover the world, wherever you want to go.

Become a AAA member to enjoy all the travel benefits and value a membership can provide.

1 Standard AAA rate discounts are not a lowest price guarantee. Actual discounts may vary, are available at participating hotels around the world and do not apply to all room types. Must present valid AAA/CAA membership card at check-in. Subject to availability and other terms and conditions. Offers subject to change without notice. If you don’t check-in to the hotel on the first day of your reservation and do not alert the hotel in advance, the hotel reserves the right to cancel your reservation and may charge you a penalty. Your credit card will be used to guarantee the reservation. The hotel will charge you directly for room and tax. If you decide not to use your hotel reservation you must cancel it according to the cancellation policy listed or you may be subject to a no-show penalty charged by the hotel. The hotel may require a deposit on confirmed reservations. Deposit amounts can vary from one night to all nights of the stay or another amount required by the hotel. If your hotel requires a deposit, they will charge the credit card provided at time of booking. In the event they are unable to charge the applicable deposit to the credit card provided, your reservation may be canceled.

2 Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Discount will vary depending on date, location, length of rental, car class & other factors. Taxes, fees, and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S;, Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required.

3 AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S;, Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver and Young renter must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Gas savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased at pickup.

4 HGPR enrollment offer is for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/Hertzgold or Premier members at AAA.com/Hertzpremier. Valid for new Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (HGPR) members only. Points will be added to HGPR members after first paid Gold rental. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.

5 Passport photo fee is subject to change without notice and at any time.

6 Savings applied to RushMyPassport™ service fees only. Government processing fees and shipping fees are paid separately and are not discounted. U.S. Passport and Global Travel Visa services are available online only at AAA .com/RushMyPassport. Some applications may require adjudication at a passport acceptance facility. Terms and conditions apply.

7 Must be 17 and under on plan purchase date and traveling with their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. 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 (AGA) or its affiliates. AGA compensates their suppliers or agencies for allowing AGA to market or offer products to customers of the supplier or agency. 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  customerservice@allianzassistance.com .

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WHAT’S COVERED, COSTS, AND TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR NEEDS

March 28, 2024 | 5 min read.

Travel insurance can be an overwhelming expense to consider atop an already costly vacation. Admittedly, even as a seasoned travel industry professional with three decades of globe-trotting under my belt, I have a moment of pause each time I’m confronted with this. Ultimately, I almost always purchase some travel insurance coverage, especially when it’s a complex international trip. It’s primarily motivated by my aging parents—heaven forbid anything should happen to them—and wanting a safety net to return home at a moment’s notice without incurring massive out-of-pocket costs. This parental paranoia is just a small piece of the greater solace that travel insurance can provide, says AAA Tour Product Manager Randy Osborne. “Everyone can benefit from travel insurance,” he says. “The unexpected happens. It can provide peace of mind and reduce stress during a traumatic situation, as well as a contact to call when traveling abroad.” Osborne has seen it all. He works directly with AAA Travel Advisors and AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider, Allianz . It’s a vantage point that continually provides him with real-life cautionary travel tales. “I’ve never heard of anyone who needed and used travel insurance regretting having purchased it,” Osborne says. He says the biggest mistake people make is this: “Not getting it at all.” Here are some key things to keep in mind when navigating travel insurance   

IT’S A FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR YOUR VACATION INVESTMENT There is no “one-size-fits-all” travel insurance plan, says Osborne, since available plans will be based on the trip cost, vacation destination(s) and age of the traveler(s). Most comprehensive travel insurance plans, however, will include varying degrees of coverage for the following:

• Trip Cancellation: This is a predeparture benefit that provides the ability to recoup travel costs if you cannot travel. It’s typically limited to specific reasons covered in the plan. Osborne advises understanding what these covered reasons are upfront when reviewing plan options.
• Trip Interruption: This helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons typically include an illness or injury during the trip, or a family emergency at home—which, as mentioned earlier, has always been this author’s primary motivator to purchase travel insurance.
• Travel Delays: This helps to cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. Osborne advises understanding what constitutes a “travel delay” within the travel insurance plans you are considering.
• Medical Expenses: This helps to cover unforeseen medical expenses while traveling to destinations where your U.S.-based health insurance may not work. “Frequently, the biggest covered amounts are for medical,” Osborne says.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage: This typically helps to cover the cost of transportation (plus related medical services and supplies) to a medical facility if you’re seriously injured or ill. The best plans will provide up to $1 million per person for medical evacuation. This can seem high, but evacuation costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you’re traveling to a remote destination.
• Baggage Loss or Delays: This helps to recoup costs for lost luggage, as well as damaged or stolen baggage while you are on your trip.

COMPARE PLANS

In some cases, such as when booking a cruise or a guided group tour vacation, the travel provider may require you to purchase a certain level of travel insurance before you can join the excursion. In these situations, representatives often have options that allow you to bundle travel insurance into the cost of the vacation at the time of booking. Even if this is the case, however, Osborne says it pays to shop around and compare travel insurance plans to see if there is a policy that better suits your needs.   

Most travel insurance companies, including Allianz Insurance, have easy-to-use websites that highlight several levels of travel insurance for your trip. These quotes can be used as baselines for building upon or removing elements. Gather a few online quotes, then speak over the phone with a representative to customize.    

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Allow a AAA Travel Advisor to guide you through the process and identify a travel insurance policy that works for your needs, risk tolerance, and budget. The best part: This service is free.

PURCHASE EARLY FOR THE MOST BENEFITS

You’ll get the best and most comprehensive coverage if you purchase travel insurance within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit. (That clock starts ticking once you put a down payment on any part of the vacation.) The biggest benefits include:  

• Trip Cancellation: The earlier you buy travel insurance, the sooner you are protected—even before you step on that plane, train, or cruise ship. “Often I get calls from travelers who didn’t expect to need insurance and then have a [medical] diagnosis before travel that prevents them from going,” Osborne says.
• Better Trip Cancellation Coverage Options: Many travel insurance companies offer more covered reasons for trip cancellation if you purchase it within 14 days of making an initial trip deposit.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, most travel insurance will not cover medical situations due to this condition that arise during your travels— that is, unless you purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit.

ASSESS MEDICAL COVERAGE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans won’t offer medical coverage on non-U.S. soil. Even if you have outstanding health insurance, it may not be very helpful during an international vacation where unexpected medical and health issues arise. This is certainly the case if you’re traveling to more remote areas with limited medical facilities or your vacation includes high-risk excursions and activities. Osborne says it’s important to understand whether travel insurance you’re considering offer primary or secondary medical coverage, and to assess which is best for you.   

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic health problems, medical coverage is an especially critical piece of the policy to scrutinize, Osborne says. He recommends consulting a travel insurance specialist so that you are covered accordingly.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NOT COVERED IN THE POLICY It’s easy to focus on what’s included when comparing trip insurance plans. Osborne recommends paying close attention to what is excluded from coverage, too.

Case and point: I recently read about a couple who booked a return flight home after their original flight had been cancelled. When the couple filed a claim with their insurance provider to recoup this cost of this new flight, they learned that this specific scenario was not covered under the policy. (The flight was cancelled due to crew not arriving on time, and the airline was able to rebook the couple on a less-desirable flight home, which the couple declined.)

Clearly understanding the exclusions—and this could be achieved with a simple phone call to the insurance provider’s customer service—could have prevented this financial oops. BE

Find An Agent

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CAREFUL RELYING ON CREDIT CARD TRAVEL INSURANCE Just as you should not rely on your U.S.-based health insurance to cover you while traveling internationally, it’s wise to not make assumptions about a credit card that offers travel insurance as one of its perks. Osborne advises reviewing the credit card’s travel insurance coverage amount; the medical coverage policy; whether all trip purchases need to be made with that credit card; and if approved claims results in a cash refund or a travel credit.  

   EPIDEMIC AND PANDEMIC COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE The events of 2020 turned travel on its head, and also impacted the travel insurance industry. As a result, travel insurance companies evolved and most now offer epidemic and pandemic coverage options. “Having coverage for quarantine is at the forefront of people’s minds now,” says Osborne, pointing to the out-of-pocket costs that came with many travelers having to quarantine in a vacation destination when Covid-19 was at a peak.    BUDGET FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE The average cost of travel insurance is 5% – 6% of your trip costs, according to Forbes Advisors’ analysis of travel insurance rates. If you’re planning an international, bucket-list vacation—and want to protect your investment in the unfortunate event that things go sideways—it’s wise to keep this cost in mind when creating your trip budget. “As much as we don’t want to think about the unexpected, things happen and having the coverage you need when you need it can be a huge benefit,” says Osborne. “If you need it, you will never regret having it.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

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

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

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

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

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12 AAA Travel Benefits You Probably Never Considered

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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If, like me, you thought AAA travel benefits only cover roadside assistance, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that they offer much more. With plans starting at $52 annually, you can save a lot on travel with an AAA membership—here’s how.

Free or Discounted Passport Photos

Depending on membership level, some AAA subscribers are entitled to a free set of passport photos per year. They’re discounted ($8) for basic members. You can also get a passport application at your AAA branch—although AAA doesn’t process passports.

International Driving Permits (IDP)

Renting a car overseas? You can get an international driving permit ( IDP ) at any AAA location, or you can mail in your application. An IDP is a necessary form of driver identification abroad, is valid in over 150 countries, and comes printed in 10 languages. To get an IDP through AAA you’ll need a valid U.S. license, the $20 fee, and two passport-sized photos on a white background.

Travel Money: Money Cards and Foreign Currency

For foreign currency, AAA travel benefits afford members a few different options to choose from: The Visa TravelMoney card is a pre-paid and reloadable card not attached to your personal bank account. AAA members get a discount on the card activation fee ($4.95 per card) and it can be reloaded online, by direct deposit, or at an AAA branch.

AAA members can also order over 90 types of foreign currency. Getting cash ahead of time can be a great way to avoid high fees and unfavorable exchange rates at airports and hotels. AAA currency must be ordered in person, and purchases are shipped to the branch location in about three business days. Plus, orders over $200 are shipped free.

Car Rental Plans  

AAA has its own rental car search engine and offers coupons with Hertz for additional savings. Some highlights include a waived young renter fee (for those between 20 and 25) as well as up to a 20 percent discount on daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rentals.

Travel Insurance

AAA offers members Allianz Global Assistance as well as travel protection plans by region. According to its website , the AAA Northeast Travel Protection Plan offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

Theme Park & Ticket Discounts  

AAA offers small to significant discounts on parks like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, as well as at movie theatre chains like Showcase and AMC. For families, check out AAA’s special Orlando Vacations packages for even more savings.

Additionally, AAA members get special discounts on cruising and Rail Europe .

Road Trips & Planning

The traditional AAA roadside benefits include towing, flat tire assistance, vehicle lockout service, fuel delivery, and more, but there are other AAA travel benefits when it comes to hitting the road.

AAA also offers online travel guides , free guidebooks and maps at branch locations (or you can place an order online ), and even a handy map planning feature called TripTik . TripTik helps you plan your ideal road trip and plots rest areas, pit stops, scenic sights, and reports construction and traffic conditions.

Lodging Discounts

Search for hotels via AAA’s hotel search engine for the best member rates. Preferred partners include Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and MGM Resorts. AAA rates are also eligible for partner loyalty point credits, too.

Travel Planning  

The AAA website is also a booking website for hotels, flights, cars, cruises, and vacations. AAA agents at branch offices and over the phone will help you plan and book group trips and destination weddings and honeymoons using its bookings services and member savings. For group travel, you can even fill out an online form ahead of time stating your group’s interests and requirements.

Avoid the DMV

Most AAA branches also have registry services, which is a huge time saver and avoids trips to the DMV. This is even more beneficial now since you can renew your license to a REAL ID, which will be necessary for domestic air travel by 2020.

Notary Service

If you need forms notarized for travel purposes (or other reasons), AAA also provides this service for free.  

Identity Theft Protection

With any AAA membership you get basic ProtectMyID coverage which includes credit monitoring, lost wallet protection, and fraud resolutions support, other levels of membership get even more benefits.

“Identity theft is a growing problem worldwide—especially for travelers, who are very vulnerable, forced as they are to use unsecured Internet connections, carry extensive personal documentation with them at all times, and share their credit cards with merchants …” says SmarterTravel’s Ed Hewitt.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Best AARP Travel Benefits to Use in 2018
• 11 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling
• Do AAA Travel Discounts Really Save You Money?

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Editor’s Note: All information is based on research done on the AAA website using a Boston area code. Services, pricing, and benefits vary based on location.

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on   Twitter   and   Instagram   for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Best travel insurance plans for 2024: a unique and comprehensive list for travelers from international citizens insurance.

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and international health insurance from various carriers.

Contact Information

Joe Cronin President [email protected] 617-500-6738

Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits [email protected] (339) 221-5190

SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance

View the original press release on newswire.com.

More From Forbes

Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

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Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

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But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

• If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
• If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
• When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
• If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

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Brown: Preakness Stakes date should change to keep Triple Crown relevant, protect horses

The worst phrase spoken in any language, dialect or accent is, “this is the way we’ve always done it.”

Following tradition is fine until it no longer makes sense to continue in the same manner. The Triple Crown is headed for that territory where tradition needs to change.

Something’s got to move. Either leave the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes at their current dates and move the Preakness Stakes to July. Or bump the Preakness back to Memorial Day weekend and the Belmont to the Fourth of July.

Any change is going to have ripple effect and that has to be weighed. But it all should be on the table for discussion and the three racing associations and tracks involved need to be in on the conversation because having the Preakness Stakes two weeks after the Kentucky Derby is untenable. This isn't about the keeping one race viable, the entire industry stands to benefit from the Triple Crown remaining relevant.

Since winning Kentucky Derby 150 , trainer Kenny McPeek slow-walked whether Mystik Dan would participate in the Preakness Stakes. And it was primarily based on the event being just two weeks after the Derby.

That’s cutting it close on recovery time, especially during this critical juncture in horse racing where the safety of horses is at a premium.

McPeek wasn’t afraid of running a horse back quickly; he noted he once did off just seven days' rest. But Mystik Dan had a lung infection last November after running 13 days between races, and McPeek didn’t want to risk that again.

Not even for the Preakness.

“If he’s healthy, we’re not scared to go,” McPeek said.

If Mystik Dan scratched for the Preakness, the industry would have failed to capitalize off attracting its largest broadcast audience since 1989 for the Derby.

As it stands, three of the last six Derby winners failed to compete in the second leg of the Triple Crown:

In 2019, Country House came down with a respiratory infection after being awarded first when Maximum Security was disqualified for interference in the second turn. The son of Lookin At Lucky never ran again after the Derby.

In 2021, Mandaloun skipped the Preakness to rest and didn’t race again until June. At the time, trainer Brad Cox said on a National Thoroughbred Racing Association conference call, "We just feel like in the best interest of the horse to run him back in two weeks is just not the right thing for him."

(Technically, Medina Spirit was still considered the Derby champion during the running of the 2021 Preakness despite having tested positive for the drug betamethasone just six days prior. His disqualification would not become final until February 2022.)

In 2022, Rich Strike trainer Eric Reed opted to keep the Keen Ice colt on the same schedule that helped him win the Derby as an 80-1 long shot. He sat out the Preakness and waited to run in the Belmont Stakes, where he finished sixth.

It’d taken nearly 40 years for a healthy Derby winner to skip the Preakness. Spend a Buck did in 1985 because of a gimmick promotion that would lead the colt to win a $2 million bonus at Garden State Park in New Jersey.

Horses in this era are no longer bred for three races in five weeks. Last year's Preakness attracted only 2023 Derby winner Mage from the Derby field. This year, Catching Freedom and Just Steel are the only other Derby horses continuing to Pimlico Race Course .

The lack of participation speaks volumes.

As recently as last September, the Maryland Racing Commission has had discussions about moving the Preakness dates, but so far, it hasn't amounted to anything more than just talk. They were considering moving the race back to four weeks after Derby , which would then make it a just a week before the Belmont. When the idea was floated out publicly last August, the New York Racing Association said it had no plans of moving its race.

The way it’s always been done mentality is still winning, although it actually has not always been done that way.

The Triple Crown didn’t fall into its current order of Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes until 1932. So that means for nearly the first 60 years of the races, there wasn’t any continuity. Derby ran on the same day as the Preakness or after it 13 times including a stretch from 1923-31.

Changing the dates won’t destroy tradition. Not attracting the best quality in the field of each race will.

Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown at  [email protected] , follow him on X at  @CLBrownHoops  and subscribe to his newsletter at profile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latest  to make sure you never miss one of his  column s.

Travelers is the latest California insurer to raise rates. How to find coverage in your area

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Travelers Insurance, one of California’s largest home and auto insurers, is set to increase its rates by an average of 15%, the latest in a string of rate increases and policy limitations that major insurers say is caused by wildfire risks, reinsurance costs and inflation.

Given the go-ahead by the California Department of Insurance this week, Travelers will update its rates for more than 320,000 homeowners starting June 24. It’s not immediately clear what areas in the state will see higher rates.

Michael Soller, the state Department of Insurance’s deputy commissioner for communications, said the shortage of information is “frustrating across the board.”

The department, he said, is doing its best to make sure consumers don’t pay more than they’re required. Travelers’ premium increases, he said, are completely legal under Proposition 103, the 1988 ballot measure that regulated property and casualty insurance pricing.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in the state is $1,250 per year, or about $104 per month. That’s less than the national average of $1,915, according to Nerdwallet . The average cost for a homeowner in the city of Los Angeles is $1,485 a year, or about $124 a month.

Travelers is the latest major insurer to increase rates, limit the number of new policies issued or pull out of the California market altogether — all actions that are straining the market.

In April, Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and Trans Pacific Insurance Co. notified the insurance department that they will not renew 12,556 homeowners policies with a premium value of $11.3 million, starting July 1.

State Farm, Farmers and Allstate have limited their offerings in California by cutting back on the new policies issued or tightening underwriting standards. State Farm, for example, announced in March that it would not renew 72,000 policies. Allstate, however, has stated that once the industry-favored insurance reforms that Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara proposed go into effect, it will begin writing new homeowner insurance policies in the state, Soller said.

Last year, Geico removed all its in-person offices in the state and is offering policies only through the company’s website or app.

To make insurance rates “more predictable and insurance more available” in the state, Soller said the department is continuing its progress in updating its regulations.

That update could let insurers use algorithms to predict the future risk that properties face from wildfires. Lara is proposing to let insurers use catastrophe modeling when setting the price of policies. Currently, premiums are based on an insurance company’s past losses. This is one of several proposals Lara advanced in a Sustainable Insurance Strategy announced last year.

Even though insurers are making significant changes to their coverage offerings, many are still issuing new policies in California. Here is a partial list:

Farmers Insurance Group offers limited homeowners insurance policies in California, with a monthly cap at 7,000 new business policies.

Mercury is not only offering new policies and renewing existing ones, it’s also taking on customers from Tokio Marina America and its subsidiary, Trans Pacific Insurance Co. — both agencies that pulled out of the California market.

Chubb and its subsidaries, which include Federal Insurance Co., Vigilant Insurance Co. and Pacific Indemnity Co., offer and renew home policies, but with two limitations. It stopped writing high-value homes with higher wildfire risk and isn’t renewing some high-value homes.

USAA is offering new policies if the homes meet its underwriting criteria, which confine the insurer to low-risk properties.

Other insurers that continue to renew or issue new policies in the state are Auto Club of Southern California, Liberty Mutual and American Family.

When a prospective or current homeowner is having trouble finding a policy in their area, the last resort is the California FAIR Plan Assn. A state-established program funded by insurers doing business in California, its mission is to provide homeowners with an affordable policy option when the traditional market fails them.

To find which insurers are offering policies in your area, the California Department of Insurance has a “Home Insurance Finder” tool that will help you locate a provider within 5 to 75 miles of your property.

More to Read

Gov. Newsom seeks faster review of insurance rate hikes. What to know

May 13, 2024

Amid homeowner insurance crisis, consumer advocates and industry clash at hearing

April 24, 2024

California exodus of home insurance companies continues

April 19, 2024

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Money blog: The 'fast food' appearing on menus at Michelin starred restaurants

With hospitality struggling like never before due to staff shortages, inflation and changing consumer habits, even those at the top of the food chain are having to adapt. Read this and more in the Money blog - and share your own problem or dispute below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 07:51, UK

• Strong wage growth shrinks hope of interest rate cut
• The rise of Michelin starred 'fast food'
• 600 new skyscrapers on way for London, report finds
• Gen Z would rather deliver parcels than work in restaurants, Michel Roux Jr claims

Essential reads

• What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• 'Loud budgeting': The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee
• Money Problem: My workplace is bringing in new clock-in system to pay us by the minute - is this allowed?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Wages grew by 6% in the three months to March, excluding bonuses, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This is slightly above economists' expectations - bad news for the Bank of England, which wants to see wage growth fall to help ease inflation as it weighs when to cut 16-year-high interest rates.

The Bank is watching wages closely as it looks to bring inflation back to its 2% target, and cooling earnings growth is seen as being key to paving the way for it to begin cutting rates.

In real terms - taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account - pay rose 2.4% across the period.

In March alone, that figure was 3% - the highest level of growth since July 2021, when it hit 3.9%.

"Earnings growth in cash terms remains high, with the recent falls in the rate now levelling off while, with inflation falling, real pay growth remains at its highest level in well over two years," said ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown.

Meanwhile, unemployment ticked up to 4.3% from January to March, compared to 4.2% in the previous three months, December to February. 

The number of job vacancies remains about pre-pandemic levels, but has been declining for 22 consecutive months, said Ms McKeown.

"With unemployment also increasing, the number of unemployed people per vacancy has continued to rise, approaching levels seen before the onset of COVID-19."

By Jimmy Rice, Money editor

Michelin starred restaurants are supposed to be the antithesis of fast food, a place to enjoy ingredients that have been laboured on for days over several hours. 

But with hospitality struggling like never before due to staff shortages, inflation and changing consumer habits, it seems even those at the top end of the food chain are having to adapt. 

An increasing number of the country's most celebrated restaurants are now promising you a tasting menu in less than an hour. 

One-starred Pavyllon is located in the Four Seasons on Hyde Park, the kind of place you might have seen bustling with pinstriped business lunchers in another decade. But these days it's attracting customers with its "Lunch in 55" menu for £55.50 - four courses for half the price of its regular offering. 

Head chef Benjamin Ferra Y Castell says the industry is having to adapt. 

"Living costs have increased so, understandably, in general people will spend less," he tells the Money blog. "It's important to have a more affordable option at lunch." He says the amount of competition at this end of the market in London means you have to get creative. 

"It's noticeable that more restaurants across London are offering affordable lunch menus, including Michelin starred establishments and across Mayfair."

Castell says half the people now coming in for lunch are choosing the in-and-out option. 

"Four courses served in less than an hour fits in with busy schedules and offers convenience and versatility," he says. 

In the past couple of weeks, the flagship restaurant of Great British Menu winner Adam Handling launched its own speedy lunch. 

Frog by Adam Handling usually charges £195 for a full tasting menu but its new lunch offering has been priced at £100, with a mailing list promotion assuring people they can be out within an hour (though they can stay longer if they wish). 

"People aren't indulging at lunch like they used to and we just had to adapt," Handling told the Money blog. "We understand that things aren't going to go back to the way they were, at least not for a while. 

"Inflation has hit everyone hard and people don't have the luxury of spending time to sit and eat three to four-hour lunches." 

UKHospitality data shows 40% of Britain's restaurants are barely breaking even - but Handling is optimistic that better times are ahead. 

"We're not expecting it [cheaper, speedy lunches] to be a long-lasting trend," he says. "We won't be keeping it forever but, for now, we understand things are difficult at the moment and so, as we always do, we're adapting to our guests needs."

By Jake Levison , news reporter

Basically, PIP (personal independence payment) is a tax-free payment given to people to help with the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or disability.

There are two parts to it:

• A daily living part - for those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
• A mobility part - for people who have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around

It's possible to meet the criteria for one part or both parts, and payments vary for each.

Who is eligible?

People aged 16 to 64 can get PIP regardless of whether they work if they expect their difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started.

Anyone told they may have 12 months or less to live can also apply and may get PIP more quickly.

Those with both physical disability and cognitive or mental health conditions like anxiety can meet the criteria for both types of PIP.

There is no list of medical conditions that qualify you for PIP. Instead, you're assessed on the level of help you need with specific activities.

For the daily living part, you might need help with things like:

• Preparing food
• Eating and drinking
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Washing and bathing
• Using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Socialising and being around other people
• Talking, listening and understanding.

For the mobility payments, it's things like:

• Working out a route and following it
• Physically moving around
• Leaving your home

How does the government make its decisions?

The Department for Work and Pensions carries out an assessment to work out the level of help a person should receive.

A person's needs are judged through a points system, wherein the more severe the impact in a particular area and the more help required, the more points a person gets and the more money they receive.

The answers are assessed by health professionals, who then provide a report for DWP case managers with recommendations on what to give the applicant, if anything.

Applicants can provide assessors with additional medical evidence as part of a claim, but it's not a requirement, as a person's self-assessment about the impact their condition is prioritised when making a decision.

What does the government want to change?

It is looking at changing PIP in a number of ways, potentially affecting those who are eligible for it and the type of help those who are granted it will get. Below we summarise the key points in the consultation:

Different assessment model

The government is looking at introducing an assessment model based entirely or partly on the diagnosis given to an individual.

It says it is considering whether "evidence of a clinical diagnosis made by a healthcare professional could provide a more objective assessment of need" than a self-assessment.

Eligibility reform

This is an alternative to changing the assessment model.

The government says it may keep the current assessment, but change the questions so that they are less repetitive and to "ensure they are working as intended".

The government is also considering looking at changing the length someone needs to have been suffering for due to their disability before they become eligible for PIP, because "we know many people who have short-term illnesses can make a full recovery".

It has not specified the length of time this would change to. As it stands, people have to show that the negative effects of their condition have been present for three months before applying and that they are likely to last for another nine months after PIP is first given to them.

Changes to payments

In the current system, PIP claimants are given monthly cash payments which they can use as they see fit, whether that be things like aids and mobility devices, covering increased energy costs due to special equipment or paying higher premiums due to their condition.

The government says claimants often use the money for common household costs or some "view their PIP award as compensation for being disabled rather than as an award for extra costs".

With this in mind, the government is considering the following alternatives to cash transfer:

• Catalogue/shop scheme - where there would be an approved list of items from which disabled people could choose items at reduced or no cost
• Voucher scheme - where disabled people could receive vouchers to contribute towards specific costs
• Receipt-based system - where claimants buy approved aid, appliances or services for themselves and then provide proof of purchase to claim a contribution from the government
• One-off grants - a contribution to specific, significant costs such as for home adaptations or expensive equipment.

Why does the government say it wants to change PIP?

It says PIP caseloads and costs are "spiralling" as there are now 2.6 million people of working age claiming it.

There are 33,000 new awards for PIP each month, which it says is more than double the rate before the pandemic.

In its proposal, the government adds: "This is expected to cost the taxpayer £28bn a year by 2028/29 - a 110% increase in spending since 2019.

"This is in part fuelled by the rise in people receiving PIP for mental-health conditions such as mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, with monthly awards doubling from 2,200 to 5,300 a month since 2019."

It says its main three priorities through making changes are:

• Providing the right support to the people who need it most
• Targeting our resources most effectively
• Supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to live independently and reach their full potential.

Announcing the consultation on 29 April, Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, told the Commons: "This government's priority is to make sure that our welfare system is fair and compassionate. Fair on the taxpayer, by ensuring that people of working age who can work, do work, and fair on those who are in most need of the state's help."

What do critics say?

Some believe the proposed changes are going to target people with mental health problems and stop them getting PIP, and they have not been encouraged by the fact the government has not specified which conditions would be eligible for PIP under reforms.

Mr Stride suggested to the Times that people with "milder mental health conditions" would no longer receive financial support, adding talking therapies, social care packages and respite care could be used as alternatives.

James Taylor, the executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called for an end to the "reckless assault" on disabled people and to fix the "real underlying issues".

"It's hard to have any faith that this consultation is about anything other than cutting the benefits bill, no matter the impact," Mr Taylor said.

The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) branded the consultation "cynical and cruel".

Speaking on behalf of DBC, Ceri Smith head of policy at the MS Society, said: "If the government truly wants a 'stronger, healthier and fairer society', they should start by addressing NHS waiting lists and fixing social care. Instead, this approach will punish disabled people and push even more into poverty."

How can you have your say?

You can view the consultation, which is open until 23 July,  here .

Once you have read it, you can respond online  via the government's form  or by emailing [email protected]

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

Young homebuyers are being forced to gamble with their retirement prospects by taking on ultra-long mortgages, according to a former pensions minister.

Sir Steve Webb described data - supplied by the Financial Conduct Authority to the Bank of England - as "shocking".

It suggests that more than one million new mortgages have been issued over the past three years with end dates beyond the state pension age.

The ex-Liberal Democrat MP, who is now a partner at the consultancy firm LCP, voiced fears that borrowers could be forced to raid their pension savings to clear their mortgage in a worst-case scenario.

Sir Steve saw the potential for harm in any case, as longer-term mortgages deprive people of a period running up to retirement when they could be mortgage-free and boosting their pension.

What does the data say? 

• 42% of new mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2023 - or 91,394 - had terms going beyond the state pension age;
• In the final quarter of last year, people aged 30 to 39 accounted for 30,943 new mortgages lasting beyond state pension age;
• People aged 40 to 49 accounted for 32,305;
• Under-30s made up 3,676 of these mortgages;
• People aged 50 to 59 accounted for 18,854, and there were 661 who were over 70.

Mortgage rates have been rising since the end of 2021 when the Bank of England began action to tackle rising inflation.

Taking home loans with longer maturity dates tends to be more attractive when interest rates are high, as monthly repayments are lower.

You can read more on this story below...

Waitrose has become the only supermarket to receive a royal warrant from the King. 

The recognition means the company has regularly provided the royal household with products for at least five years. 

It also means it can use the King's coat of arms on packaging, as part of advertising or on any stationary it creates. 

Waitrose was first granted a royal warrant in 1928 for supplying King George V with groceries and cleaning materials.

"We are honoured and proud that His Majesty has granted us his warrant," James Bailey, executive director of Waitrose, said. 

"It means the world to all of us, and our farmers and suppliers. There couldn’t be a more powerful symbol of our commitment to service and quality, and our determination to have the highest environmental and animal welfare standards." 

Waitrose was previously granted a royal warrant by the late Queen in 2002 and the King when he was Prince of Wales in 2010.

The Queen has also granted her first royal warrants, picking seven companies, including luxury department store Fortnum & Mason and the florist that supplied her coronation flowers, Shane Connolly & Company. 

The royal nod could be bad news for customers, however, with a brand finance expert telling Sky News that having a royal warrant allows firms to charge a price premium.

David Haigh said his company's research estimated this to be "between 10% and 25%".

A royal warrant says a company or a product is luxurious, high quality and sustainable, he explained. 

He estimates the scheme is "worth billions to UK companies and… therefore it's a very high value to the UK economy".

"And one of the reasons for that is that a lot of foreign tourists and buyers have a preference for royal warrant holder products. We found that 100% of Chinese buyers would pay in excess of 10% for a royal warrant holder product."

Read more on the Queen's choices here :

Gordon Ramsay's restaurants tripled losses to £3.4m last year, as the chef warned businesses in the industry were facing a "challenging" climate. 

The chef's group spent millions opening five new restaurants in 2023, including a Lucky Cat in Manchester, a Bread Street Kitchen in Battersea Power Station and a Street Pizza in Edinburgh. 

Sales at his wide-ranging establishments rose, however, by 21% to £95.6m in the year to August, according to The Telegraph. 

"It's been a really hard-fought year, but at the same time an exciting year, and in tough times it amazes me how strong and vibrant our industry is," Ramsay told the news outlet. 

"It's challenging out there and businesses are battling to stay afloat, rising costs, rent and food costs, multiple strikes. It's a battle" 

He was optimistic, however, saying there hasn't been "so much passion and vibrancy" in the industry since he opened his first restaurant in 1998.

"We've still got something wonderful to celebrate, and I truly believe the industry has never been so exciting."

Once the UK's favourite alcoholic beverage, beer's popularity seems to be fading among the younger drinking generation... 

In fact, only 30% of people aged 18 to 24 ever drink it, according to a study commissioned by the Society of Independent Brewers. 

Instead, younger drinkers say they prefer drinking spirits, wine and cider. 

Pub visits appear to be suffering as well, with almost a quarter of the 2,000 people surveyed saying they have never visited their local. 

SIBA's 2024 Craft Beer Report paints a more positive picture for small and independent brewers, however, with more than 55% of beer consumers saying they now drink "local craft beer". 

It also found average beer production volumes among independent breweries has risen by 14% since last year - a return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 4 years. 

"Demand for local, independently brewed beer in the UK is strong, with independent brewers reporting production volumes up by 14%, meaning they have returned to 2019 volumes again," Andy Slee, SIBA's chief executive, said. 

But, he said, it's time for "cautious optimism" only, with the industry still plagued with a number of issues. 

"The short-term issue for small independent breweries isn't demand; it's profitability, rising costs and financial pressures such as lingering COVID debt," he said. 

"Far too many breweries are simply trying to survive rather than thrive, so while there are many positives signs highlighted in the report, for now it's cautious optimism."

Earlier this year, our Money reporter Emily Mee explored whether the UK's big night out culture was dying out. 

Nightlife experts warned we're losing one club every two days at the moment - and if we stay on this trajectory, we will have none left by 2030.

You can read more about her findings here...

A total of 583 skyscrapers are "queuing up in the pipeline" to be built across central London, a development thinktank has said. 

That is more than double the 270 built in the past decade. 

In the eastern borough of Tower Hamlets alone, 71 tall buildings were completed in that time that time, the report by New London Architecture found. 

A further 24 were in the City of London and 27 in Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs. 

The report said the rapid change has been fuelled by a "burgeoning demand" for office and residential space, overseas investment and a supporting planning environment. 

"Tall buildings have changed the face of London substantially over the last 20 years and will continue to do so - the pipeline that NLA has tracked means there is at least 10 years' supply that has already been defined," Peter Murray, the organisation's co-founder, said. 

"London's population continues to grow, passing the 10 million mark at the end of this decade.

"We'll still need tall buildings; and NLA will continue to keep a close watch on what's going on." 

Restaurants might only be able to open three or four days a week due to staffing problems, Michel Roux Jr has warned. 

Speaking to The Telegraph as he gears up to open his new restaurant Chez Rouz, the Michelin starred chef admitted the industry needs to change to accommodate flexible working hours. 

"Just because I worked 80 hours a week or more doesn't mean the next generation should," he said. 

"Quite the contrary. That is something that we have to address in our industry."

But, he warned that the move will come at a cost... 

"It will mean ultimately that going out is going to be more expensive, and that maybe your favourite restaurant is no longer open seven days a week - it's only open three or four days a week," he said. 

The industry is known for its long, unsociable working hours, and Roux Jr explained that the real issue hit after the pandemic, with people no longer wanting to work weekends. 

"People don't want to work unsociable hours and would rather work delivering parcels as and when they want to. It's as simple as that," he added. 

Earlier this year, Roux Jr said goodbye to his famous restaurant Le Gavroche in London. 

It had been opened by his father Albert Roux and uncle Michel Roux in 1967. 

Now, he said it's "brave" to open a new restaurant, with the market "very, very tough". 

"I really feel for anyone that is brave enough to open up a restaurant now. It's incredibly difficult," he added. 

Chez Rouz at The Langham in Marylebone, central London, is due to open on 22 May. 

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