How U.S. Residents Are Traveling After COVID-19

Last Updated: July 8, 2020March 29, 2024 — 1 min read

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. July 8, 2020 – The effects of COVID-19 have changed travel for the foreseeable future. 

According to data from travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth.com, travelers’ post-COVID-19 concerns have impacted their travel behavior.  

Travelers Purchasing Cancellation Coverage

Travelers looking for coverage to cancel are showing caution and doubt following COVID-19, booking shorter trips further in the future compared to last year.

• Travelers purchased their policies 5 months prior to their departure, 48% further out than last year. 
• Travelers are taking shorter trips than last year, only traveling for an average of 13 days. 

• Travelers are spending 24% more on international trips this year, and 18% more on domestic trips. 

Travelers Purchasing Emergency Medical Coverage

As travel suppliers are offering fully refundable trips, travelers taking advantage of those deals are only looking for medical travel insurance. 

• These travelers are taking trips over a month-long on average, traveling 62% longer than last year. 
• Travelers are purchasing policies earlier, an average of 55 days prior to departure, compared to just 26 days in 2019. 

View Squaremouth’s previous report on how COVID-19 has changed where travelers are going.

Methodology: Data is based on all travel insurance policies purchased through Squaremouth.com between January 21-June 21, 2020. Statistics reflect year-over-year changes unless otherwise noted.

For regularly updated information about Covid-19 and travel insurance, please visit our Covid-19 travel insurance information hub.