Travel Insurance 101: What to Know Before You Buy

Travel insurance can protect your trip, health, and wallet when plans go sideways. Learn what it covers, what to watch for, and how to choose the right policy for your needs. A little research now can save money and stress later.

Travel insurance is a safety net for unpredictable journeys. It can reimburse you for trip cancellation, delays, or lost baggage, and it can step in if an illness or injury strikes abroad. With travel insurance, you gain peace of mind that unexpected costs won’t derail your itinerary. Strong medical coverage is especially important when visiting countries where your domestic plan won’t pay.

Most plans fall into two buckets: comprehensive and medical-only. Comprehensive policies bundle trip cancellation, interruption, baggage, delays, and more, often including emergency evacuation if you need to be transported to a higher level of care. Medical-only policies focus on hospital and doctor bills, which can be essential for international travel. Match the plan type to your destination, activities, and budget.

When comparing quotes, read the fine print for policy exclusions, benefit limits, and the deductible you’ll be responsible for. Verify coverage for high-cost scenarios like emergency evacuation and hospitalization. Check maximums for medical coverage, baggage, and delays, and review the claims process and required documentation so you’re not scrambling under stress.

Buy early—ideally right after your first trip payment—to lock in trip cancellation benefits and access time-sensitive upgrades. Compare what your credit card already covers to avoid overlaps, then fill the gaps with a standalone plan if needed. Finally, align travel insurance with your risk tolerance: spend a little more for robust protection, or choose leaner coverage if your costs and risks are low.