Travel Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Travel Insurance Guide

Coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost luggage while traveling

Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.

Key Features

Coverage details and benefits
What’s typically included
Common exclusions to be aware of
Cost factors that affect premiums

Who Needs Travel Insurance?

Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.

How to Choose a Policy

Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about travel insurance answered.

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Data Sources

Travel insurance data in this guide come from the US Travel Insurance Association (opens in new tab) , State Department (opens in new tab) , and industry reports. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses abroad, medical evacuation, lost/delayed baggage, and travel delays. Some policies include ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage (at higher cost) and rental car damage coverage.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Buy travel insurance soon after making your first trip payment to maximize cancellation coverage. Some benefits (like pre-existing condition waivers) require purchase within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit. Coverage for trip cancellation usually ends once the trip begins.

Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance is worth considering for expensive trips, international travel (where your health insurance may not apply), trips with non-refundable components, or travel to destinations with political instability or health risks. For a cheap domestic weekend trip, it’s usually unnecessary.