Travel Insurance

What travel insurance does

Travel insurance protects two things: your health while you are away, and the money you have spent on your trip. Travel medical coverage helps pay for care if you become ill or are injured, including emergency transport when a serious situation requires it. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs — airfare, tours, cruises, hotels — when you have to cancel or cut a trip short for a reason the policy covers, such as illness, injury or a death in the family.

Why it matters, especially abroad

Many people are surprised to learn that their usual health coverage may pay little or nothing outside the U.S. Original Medicare generally does not cover care abroad, and hospitals in other countries may ask for payment up front. A medical evacuation can cost far more than the trip itself. A travel medical plan is designed for exactly these situations, and many include a 24-hour assistance line that can help you find a doctor or arrange care.

Choosing a plan

The right plan depends on where you are going, how long you will stay, your age and health, and how much of your trip is prepaid. Some travelers need only medical coverage; others want cancellation protection as well. If you travel several times a year, an annual plan can be simpler than buying coverage for each trip. For long stays visiting family overseas, we look for plans with benefits that suit an extended visit.

How we help

We start by reviewing the coverage you already have — health insurance, Medicare, a Medicare Supplement plan or credit card benefits — so you only pay for what fills a real gap. Then we compare travel plans side by side, explain the exclusions in plain English and help you apply. If something happens during your trip, we are a phone call away to help you understand the next steps with the insurance company.

Things to consider

• Buy early. Purchasing soon after your first trip payment can unlock extra benefits on some plans.
• Check medical limits. Look closely at the maximum for medical care and for emergency evacuation.
• Read the covered reasons. Trip cancellation pays only for the reasons listed in the policy; “cancel for any reason” upgrades, where available, reimburse only part of your costs.
• Keep records. Save receipts, medical reports and confirmations — claims go much more smoothly with documentation.