What Does “Accommodation” Mean for Travel Insurance?

Last Updated: November 20, 2013November 20, 2024

In relation to travel insurance, the term “accommodation” refers to temporary lodging in which a reservation is required. Popular examples of accommodations include hotels, motels, resorts, and vacation rentals.

The majority of travel insurance policies provide some form of coverage for accommodations you book ahead of time, as well as accommodations you’re forced to book out of necessity due to travel disruptions.

Travel Insurance Coverage for Accommodations

Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for temporary accommodations in a wide-range of scenarios. Below are a few scenarios in which popular travel insurance benefits can provide coverage:

• Travel Delay: In the event you experience significant delays on route to your destination, your policy may cover the cost of overnight accommodations as you await your new departure time.
• Trip Cancellation: If you’re forced to cancel your trip for a covered reason, your travel insurance company may reimburse up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable accommodation expenses.
• Trip Interruption: If a natural disaster or severe weather event renders your accommodation inhabitable during your trip, your policy may cover costs for you to return home and reimburse any unused travel expenses.
• Emergency Medical: If an unexpected illness or injury prevents you from traveling home on your scheduled return date and forces you to extend your trip, your policy’s medical benefits may cover any additional accommodation costs until you’re able to travel.

How Do Travel Insurance Providers Define “Accommodation”?

Like other travel-related terms, travel insurance providers may have their own unique definition of accommodation. Knowing how your provider defines the term is important when determining if the bookings you made are eligible for travel insurance coverage.

Oftentimes, travel insurance providers will include unique definitions within their Certificate of Insurance. Specific questions about accommodation coverage can also be directed to a provider’s customer service department.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Vacation Rentals?

Yes, most travel insurance providers consider a vacation rental, such as a booking made through Airbnb or VRBO, an accommodation. Comprehensive policies that include cancellation coverage will reimburse your non-refundable vacation rental expenses if you’re forced to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Much like hotel accommodations, many travel insurance providers will also cover additional expenses incurred if your vacation rental is rendered inhabitable, or if your vacation rental company goes into financial default.

Filing an Accommodation Claim

In the event you need to file a claim for reimbursement for an expense related to an accommodation, it’s essential that you keep record of any receipts, confirmations, correspondence, and other documentation relating to your booking. Your travel insurance provider will require these documents in order to properly reimburse you for your losses.

This information can vary based on the travel insurance policy. Please review the policy certificate to verify coverage. If you have questions about a specific policy, please contact us directly at 800-240-0369. Our customer service representatives are available from 8am to 10pm ET seven days a week and are delighted to help!