Travel insurance is more than just a box you can check when you purchase airline tickets. It can cover a wide variety of issues, from minor snafus like lost luggage to emergency medical care in foreign countries. And while it may not be crucial for every trip, it could protect you from significant unexpected expenses if disaster strikes before or during your travels.
Policies and coverage vary by provider, but in general, you can purchase individual or family policies that can cover a single trip, multiple trips, or a time frame (a full year, for example).
* Trip cancellation insurance. Basic policies usually reimburse you for emergency cancellations for illness or injury and may cover additional expenses like lodging or meals if a delay leaves you in the lurch. The policies don't automatically cover cancellation for any reason, or CFAR — for CFAR coverage, you'll usually need to purchase add-on coverage or a different policy entirely.
* Travel medical insurance. These policies generally cover acute illness or emergency care only, and often exclude pre-existing conditions. Don't wait until the last minute to buy travel medical insurance, since many policies must be purchased at least 14 days before departure. These policies may also exclude injuries that involve alcohol or occur during high-risk activities like adventure sports.
* Lost luggage insurance. Your renters or homeowner's insurance may cover lost or stolen baggage, so check your policy carefully. If not, lost luggage policies can reimburse you for baggage and personal belongings or costs related to extended baggage delays.
* Emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and repatriation insurance. If you become ill or get injured on a trip, these policies cover transportation to hospitals and return flights to your home country.
