Travel Insurance Essentials for Everyone

Ideally, purchase travel insurance within 14-21 days of making your initial trip deposit. This ensures you're covered for trip cancellation benefits and may provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. However, you can buy insurance up until the day before you depart, though some benefits may be limited.

Many travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 coverage, but it varies by provider and policy. Coverage may include medical expenses if you contract COVID-19 abroad, trip cancellation if you test positive before departure, or trip interruption if you get sick during your trip. Always verify COVID-19 coverage details with your insurer.

CFAR is an optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered in a standard policy and receive partial reimbursement (typically 50-75% of prepaid expenses). You must purchase CFAR within 14-21 days of your initial trip payment and cancel at least 48 hours before departure. It costs about 40-60% more than standard coverage.

It depends on your trip cost and risk factors. For expensive domestic trips with non-refundable bookings, travel insurance can provide valuable trip cancellation/interruption protection. However, your health insurance likely covers you domestically, so you may not need medical coverage. Consider trip cancellation insurance if you're spending significant money on non-refundable reservations.

Common exclusions include: pre-existing conditions (unless covered under specific conditions), mental health issues, alcohol or drug-related incidents, extreme sports without additional coverage, acts of war, travel to countries under travel warnings, and cancellations due to fear of traveling or changing your mind. Always review policy exclusions carefully.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident. Document everything: take photos, save receipts, get medical reports, obtain police reports for theft, and collect any relevant documentation. Submit your claim with all supporting documents within the time frame specified in your policy (usually 20-90 days). Keep copies of everything you submit.