Emergency assistance services: Many policies offer 24/7 services. These can help with medical referrals, travel arrangements, and other urgent situations.

Cancellation for Any Reason (CFAR): This coverage allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. There are usually specific requirements and limitations to this coverage.

Rental car collision damage waiver: This provides coverage for rental car damage or theft.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): This provides a benefit to your beneficiaries or you if you have an accident while traveling that results in death or serious injury.

Adventure and sports coverage: If you’re planning to participate in high-risk sports or adventures during your travels, consider a policy that covers such activities.

Pre-existing medical conditions: Some policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. You need to meet certain criteria and purchase the policy within a specific time frame after booking your trip and/or meet other conditions specified in the policy.

Travel Insurance Associated with a Credit Card

If you use a premium or high-end credit card for your travel, the card may offer travel insurance. The offerings can vary widely depending on the provider and the specific credit card. When considering travel insurance associated with a credit card, you need to be sure that you are fully insured when traveling. These policies often are not as comprehensive as independent travel policies, and may not cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

Here are some common types of travel insurance coverage that may be associated with credit cards.

Trip cancellation and interruption: This may reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel the trip before you travel, or if your trip is interrupted due to reasons included in the insurance coverage, such as illness, injury, death, or unforeseen events.

Travel delay: If your trip is delayed for a specified period due to a covered event, this can reimburse you for additional expenses during the delay, such as accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Luggage and personal belongings: This provides coverage for the replacement or repair of your luggage if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies include coverage for essential items purchased due to luggage loss or delay.

Emergency medical and dental coverage: This offers limited emergency medical and dental coverage while you’re traveling.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: This may cover the cost of emergency evacuation or repatriation to your home county in the event of a medical emergency or security threat.  

Rental car collision damage waiver: This provides coverage for rental car damage or theft.

Travel accident: This provides a benefit to your or your beneficiaries if you have an accident while traveling that results in death or serious injury.

Purchase protection: This applies to items you buy during your trip. It can help repair or replace items that are stolen, damaged, or lost.

Concierge services: These can assist you with travel planning, restaurant reservations, and other travel-related arrangements.

We hope we’ve given you a good idea of what types of coverage to consider and what you might ask about. Whether you choose a travel insurance policy from an independent provider or from your credit card company, be sure you understand what is and what is not covered before you sign on the dotted line. 

Do some comparison shopping as costs vary. It is an added piece of security to know that certain situations that may unexpectedly occur when you travel can be covered by insurance. Taking the time to research and buy insurance, if appropriate, will help you experience your best trip.

TripSava recommends you review and consider:

One service that can help you in selecting the right insurance coverage for you is Squaremouth (www.squaremouth.com). It allows you to enter the parameters of your insurance needs and it will search a number of insurance options for you to choose from.