Fine Print Guide

Guide

Planning a trip

Before buying travel insurance, check what you already have. Then buy early, since the best protections depend on when you buy.

At a glance

  1. Check what you already have Optional
  2. Buy soon after your first payment Optional
  3. Check the medical and evacuation limits Optional
  4. Keep receipts and records Optional

  1. 1 Check what you already have

    Optional

    You may already be partly covered:

    • Credit card: many cards include trip delay, cancellation, lost baggage and rental car damage if you paid with the card.
    • Health plan: check whether it covers you abroad. Many pay little, and Medicare generally pays nothing outside the US.
    • Home or renters policy: covers theft of your belongings while traveling.

    Read more: Health insurance · Renters insurance

  2. 2 Buy soon after your first payment

    Optional

    The pre-existing condition waiver and cancel for any reason upgrade usually must be bought within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment. Buying early also protects you before a storm is named.

    Read more: Travel insurance

  3. 3 Check the medical and evacuation limits

    Optional

    Emergency care abroad and a medical evacuation can each cost $50,000 to $100,000 or more, especially from remote places. Compare that with the limits in the policy.

  4. 4 Keep receipts and records

    Optional

    Claims need proof: airline delay notices, receipts for meals and hotels, doctor's notes, and police reports for theft.

Things that often surprise people

  • If an airline cancels a flight to, from or within the US and you don't accept the alternative, it owes you a cash refund. You don't need insurance for that.
  • Once a hurricane is named, it's no longer covered for policies bought afterward.
  • "Changed my mind" is only covered with cancel for any reason, and only partly.