What is an Unforeseen Event?

An unforeseen event is an unexpected incident or situation that is outside of your control and directly impacts your trip. Travel insurance policies only cover unforeseen events. This means that in order for a situation to be covered, it must occur after you’ve purchased your travel insurance policy.

Examples of Unforeseen Events Before Your Trip

Comprehensive travel insurance plans are designed to cover traveler’s primary concerns. The single biggest concern is having to cancel a trip due to an unexpected event. In the event you have to cancel your trip, these are the most common situations that can be covered by Trip Cancellation travel insurance:

• A sudden illness or injury to you, a travel companion, or a family family
• Severe weather or a natural disaster that prevents you from reaching your destination
• Terrorist incidents at your destination
• Financial default of your airline or travel supplier
• Your time off of work being revoked, or a complete termination of your employment

If any of these unexpected situations occur and force you to cancel your trip, travel insurance can reimburse 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses. This includes expenses such as airfare, hotel accommodations, and tours, among others.

Examples of Unforeseen Events During Your Trip

While canceling before a trip is the most common concern, travel insurance also covers unforeseen situations that occur after you’ve left home. This coverage can apply for a range of travel disruptions, ranging from a flight delay to a medical emergency. These are the most common unforeseen events that can be covered during your trip:

• A significant flight delay of at least 3-12 hours. The Travel Delay benefit can reimburse you the amount you pay for meals and accommodations during the delay.
• An unexpected medical emergency during your trip. Travel insurance plans include an Emergency Medical benefit to cover the cost of treatment, as well as Medical Evacuation coverage in case you need to be airlifted to a hospital.
• An unforeseen illness, injury, or situation that forces you to cut your trip short. Trip Interruption covers all the same events as Trip Cancellation, and can reimburse you for unused trip expenses and additional transportation costs to return home.

Why Does Travel Insurance Only Cover Unforeseen Events?

Travel insurance only covers unforeseen events because its primary purpose is to prevent travelers from financial loss caused by a situation outside their control. Because these unexpected situations cannot be planned for, travel insurance offers peace of mind and serves as a financial blanket in the event of a cancellation, interruption, medical emergency, or other trip disruption.