Travel Insurance Glossary

When buying insurance, there are many terms and definitions to comb through, and we understand it can be daunting. Here are some key travel insurance terms you might come across when looking for the best policy.

A - D

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Provides a cash payment in the event of accidental loss of life or limb during a covered trip.

Learn more about Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Adventure Sports Coverage

Policies that can cover adventurous sports and activities that are typically excluded.

Learn more about Adventure Sports Coverage

AM Best Ratings

Evaluates and rates the financial stability of insurance companies.

Learn more about AM Best Ratings

Baggage Loss

Reimburses the cost for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.

Learn more about Baggage Loss

Beneficiary

An individual that receives a payout from a travel insurance policy’s AD&D benefit in the event of the accidental death of the policyholder while traveling.

Learn more about Beneficiary

Benefit

The specific types of insurance coverage included within a policy.

Learn more about Benefit

Cancel For Any Reason

Offers partial cancellation refund if you cancel for a reason not otherwise covered by your policy.

Learn more about Cancel For Any Reason

Car Rental Collision Coverage

Provides reimbursement for damage to, or theft of, a rental vehicle during a covered trip.

Learn more about Car Rental Collision Coverage

Certificate of Insurance

The document that outlines the contract between you and your travel insurance provider.

Learn more about Certificate of Insurance

Claim

A request for reimbursement for a covered expense or loss that occurred during your trip.

Learn more about Claim

Co-insurance

The percentage of medical expenses you are responsible for after your medical deductible.

Learn more about Co-insurance

Common Carrier

The transportation company you are traveling with, such as an airline, cruise line, or train operator.

Learn more about Common Carrier

Comprehensive

A popular type of travel insurance that provides cancellation coverage as well as extensive protection against other common unforeseen trip disruptions.

Learn more about Comprehensive

Concierge Services

Offered by your provider to help coordinate certain aspects of your trip.

Learn more about Concierge Services

Coverage for Financial Default

Covers trip cancellations if your travel supplier suspends operations due to financial circumstances.

Learn more about Coverage for Financial Default

Coverage for Inclement Weather

Provides reimbursement in the event you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to inclement weather.

Learn more about Coverage for Inclement Weather

Coverage for Terrorism

Reimburses your trip costs if you must cancel due to a terrorist attack at your destination.

Learn more about Coverage for Terrorism

Coverage Period

The duration of time you’ll be protected by a travel insurance policy.

Learn more about Coverage Period

Deductible

The co-pay amount that you are responsible for in the event of a medical emergency.

Learn more about Deductible

Departure Date

The date that you leave your home to begin your insured trip.

Learn more about Departure Date

E - H

Effective Date

The date your travel insurance coverage goes into effect.

Learn more about Effective Date

Emergency Assistance

A 24-Hour Assistance Service department to help you at any point during your trip.

Learn more about Emergency Assistance

Emergency Medical

Reimburses the costs incurred to treat a medical emergency during a trip.

Learn more about Emergency Medical

Emergency Medical Evacuation Transportation

Provides transportation to the nearest medical facility in the event of an emergency.

Learn more about Emergency Medical Evacuation Transportation

Exclusion

Provisions found within a policy that waive coverage for specific expenses, events, and scenarios.

Learn more about Exclusion

Flight Accident Coverage

Provides a cash payment in the event of accidental loss of life or limb while flying during a covered trip.

Learn more about Flight Accident Coverage

Free Look Period

The money back guarantee period in which you can cancel your policy for a full refund.

Learn more about Free Look Period

I - L

Look Back Period

A period of time in which your provider can review your medical records to determine if a medical issue is considered pre-existing.

Learn more about Look Back Period

M - P

Missed Connection

Reimburses the additional costs to catch up to your trip if your departing flight is delayed.

Learn more about Missed Connection

Multi-Trip Insurance

Travel insurance plans that cover multiple trips throughout a 12-month period.

Learn more about Multi-Trip Insurance

Pre-Existing Condition

An illness or injury that had a change in diagnosis of any kind during the lookback period.

Learn more about Pre-Existing Condition

Primary Residence

The location where you live most of the time and where you will be departing from to start your trip.

Learn more about Primary Residence

Q - T

Return Date

The date that you expect to return home at the end of your trip.

Learn more about Return Date

Single-Trip Insurance

A general term that refers to policies that provide travel protection for the duration of a single, one-off trip.

Learn more about Single-Trip Insurance

Travel Medical Dental Coverage

Reimburses some or all medical expenses relating to an unexpected dental emergency during your trip.

Learn more about Travel Medical Dental Coverage

Trip Cancellation

Covers 100% of your trip expenses if you can’t take your trip for a covered reason.

Learn more about Trip Cancellation

Trip Cost

The sum of all your prepaid, non-refundable expenses made towards a trip.

Learn more about Trip Cost

Trip Delay

Reimburses the costs of meals and accommodations when a trip is unexpectedly delayed.

Learn more about Trip Delay

Trip Deposit Date

The date in which you made your first payment towards your trip.

Learn more about Trip Deposit Date

Trip Interruption

Reimburses trip payments if part of a trip is missed or cut short due to a covered reason.

Learn more about Trip Interruption

Trip Interruption Return Air Only

Provides reimbursement for additional flights booked to return home early for a covered reason.

Learn more about Trip Interruption Return Air Only

Quote & Compare Travel Insurance Policies
Visiting multiple countries? Just enter your first destination.
Step 1 of 3

We're here to help!

Have questions about travel insurance coverage? Call us!

1-800-240-0369

Our Customer Service Team is available everyday from 8AM to 10PM ET.