Travel Insurance FAQ Archives

Will Travel Insurance Cover an Airline Change Fee?

Yes, some travel insurance policies will cover an airline imposed reissue fee in the event you must reschedule your trip for a covered reason. Under the Trip Cancellation benefit of travel insurance, a benefit included in most single trip plans, travelers may be reimbursed for the reissue fee charge by the airline. This reimbursement is […]

Until When May I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Many travel insurance policies require purchase of travel insurance on the date prior to departure or earlier. A few insurance carriers will allow you to purchase on your departure date. However, the policy does not go into effect until the day following purchase. Additionally, certain benefits are dependent upon when the insurance is purchased. In […]

May I purchase travel insurance up to my date of departure?

Who do travel insurance providers consider immediate family members?

Most travel insurance providers have a very broad definition of an immediate family member, which typically includes your child, spouse’s child, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, brother, sister, mother, father, grandparents, grandchild, step-brother, step-sister, step-parents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, legal guardian, caregiver, and legal ward. The policy certificate will list the specific definition for that […]

Will travel insurance cover my timeshare costs in the event of cancellation?

No. Generally, costs associated with ownership of a timeshare are not covered for trip cancellation or trip interruption benefits. You may however purchase travel insurance to cover your additional travel expenses such as airfare, etc.

What is the Emergency Reunion benefit in travel insurance?

The travel insurance benefit for Emergency Reunion means covering the expenses for having a family member transported to the injured or ill insured during a medical emergency. Lodging expenses are generally covered. This is sometimes referred to as “visitor to bedside” and is usually included in the medical evacuation benefit for international travel protection plans.

What is "supplier default" insurance?

The supplier default benefit in travel insurance covers money you lose because of the bankruptcy of an airline, cruise line, tour operator, or other provider of travel services. Some travel insurance companies have eliminated this benefit while others pick and choose which travel suppliers they will and/or will not insure. The bankruptcy must be “unforeseen” […]

My travel insurance policy excludes hazardous sports? What is considered a hazardous sport?

The definition of hazardous sports can vary by travel insurance policy and provider. Generally, it is extreme sports and/or activities. These activities can include mountaineering, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping, water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and snow boarding. Always refer to the policy certificates to determine which specific activities are excluded and any conditions that […]

What does "underwritten by" mean when purchasing travel insurance?

“Underwritten by” refers to the Insurance Company standing behind the travel protection plan.

My travel insurance includes a benefit for "common carrier". What is this?

Many travel insurance policies include benefits for Common Carrier and/or Air Flight Accident AD&D. Common Carrier coverage pays in the event of death or dismemberment while you are traveling on ANY form of public transport. This differs from Air Flight Accident which provides coverage ONLY for the flight portion of your trip.