Travel insurance is a policy you buy that helps protect against certain risks associated with travel, especially non-refundable costs if you cancel, medical emergencies while abroad, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, etc.

Some of the main reasons:

• You’ve paid non-refundable trip costs (flights, hotels, tours) and want protection if you must cancel or interrupt.

• Your regular health insurance doesn’t cover you abroad (or doesn’t cover evacuation back home) so you want medical/evacuation coverage.

• You want assistance if things go wrong while traveling (e.g., lost passport, travel delay) — many policies bundle 24/7 support services.

Coverage varies by plan, but common benefits include:

• Trip cancellation or interruption (if you must cancel or interrupt for a covered reason)

• Emergency medical treatment while traveling, and sometimes medical evacuation (transport back home or to a suitable medical facility)

• Baggage loss or delay, travel delay, missed connections in some cases

• Travel assistance services (help finding a doctor, replacing passport, etc.)

• It’s best to buy soon after you make your first trip deposit, which ensures more of your trip is covered and can enable benefits like “pre-existing condition waiver” or “cancel for any reason” options.

• Some plans allow purchase right up until departure (sometimes within 24 hours) but earlier is better.

Some travel insurance plans may cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain requirements are met. In many cases, travelers must purchase coverage within a specified time after making their initial trip deposit to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. Coverage varies by plan.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage is an optional upgrade available with certain travel insurance plans. It allows travelers to cancel a trip for reasons not otherwise covered by the policy and receive partial reimbursement of eligible non-refundable trip costs.

Yes. Many travel insurance plans offer protection for cruise vacations, including trip cancellation, medical emergencies, missed port departures, baggage issues, and emergency medical evacuation.

Yes. Travel insurance is commonly purchased for international trips and may help cover emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip interruptions, and other unexpected travel-related costs.

Yes. Many travel insurance plans provide coverage for domestic trips, including trip cancellation, travel delays, baggage issues, and other covered travel disruptions.

Many health insurance plans provide limited or no coverage outside the United States. Travel medical insurance can help fill this gap by providing coverage for eligible medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad.

Emergency medical evacuation coverage may help pay for transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or, when medically necessary, transportation back home for treatment.

Many travel insurance plans provide benefits for covered travel delays, including reimbursement for eligible meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses.

Many policies provide coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, as well as reimbursement for essential items if baggage is delayed.

Yes. Travel insurance is available for travelers of all ages, including retirees and Medicare beneficiaries. Specialized plans may be available for older travelers and those seeking higher medical coverage limits.

Original Medicare generally provides very limited coverage outside the United States. Many Medicare beneficiaries purchase travel medical insurance to help protect against unexpected medical expenses while traveling abroad.

Yes. Many plans can be purchased after a trip is booked, although some benefits may only be available if coverage is purchased shortly after the initial trip deposit.

The amount of coverage depends on factors such as trip cost, destination, traveler age, health concerns, and desired protection for medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage.

Some plans offer coverage for activities such as skiing, scuba diving, hiking, and other adventure sports. Coverage varies by carrier and plan, so it's important to review policy details before traveling.

Many travel insurance plans can be purchased online within minutes, and coverage may begin as soon as the policy is issued or on the effective date selected.