Travel Insurance FAQ Archives

What Does ‘Departure Date’ Mean?

The departure date is the date that the traveling party is scheduled to leave their home and begin the trip. For travel insurance, this date is usually the date that coverage begins. It’s important to note that when buying travel insurance, your departure date is not necessarily the date that a flight is scheduled, but […]

How late can I change my travel dates for my travel insurance plan?

It is extremely important that in the event your travel dates change, you advise your travel insurance company immediately of the change. The change must be made prior to the original scheduled departure date AND prior to revised departure date. If you forget to call with an earlier or later date, or if you call […]

Will travel insurance cover me for trip cancellation in the event of a close friend’s death?

Most single trip travel insurance plans have a list of covered reasons for Trip Cancellation that include unforeseen injury, illness or death to you, a traveling companion or family member. Policies do not not typically cover for the death of a friend. However, many policies have a Cancel For any Reason upgrade which can be […]

What is the difference between travel delay and missed connection?

Travel insurance policies typically cover travel delay and missed connections. Travel delay is usually an amount paid per day ($150 – $200) to cover unplanned accommodations and/or meals as a result of a covered delay. Missed connection typically reimburses you for additional transportation expenses to “catch up” to your trip in the event of a […]

Will Travel Insurance Cover an Airline Change Fee?

Yes, some travel insurance policies will cover an airline imposed reissue fee in the event you must reschedule your trip for a covered reason. Under the Trip Cancellation benefit of travel insurance, a benefit included in most single trip plans, travelers may be reimbursed for the reissue fee charge by the airline. This reimbursement is […]

Who do travel insurance providers consider immediate family members?

Most travel insurance providers have a very broad definition of an immediate family member, which typically includes your child, spouse’s child, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, brother, sister, mother, father, grandparents, grandchild, step-brother, step-sister, step-parents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, legal guardian, caregiver, and legal ward. The policy certificate will list the specific definition for that […]

What is the Emergency Reunion benefit in travel insurance?

Emergency Reunion is a travel insurance benefit often included in overseas medical travel insurance policies that covers the transportation costs for a family member to visit the injured or ill insured during a medical emergency. Lodging expenses are generally covered. This is sometimes referred to as “visitor to bedside” and is usually included in the […]

What is "supplier default" insurance?

The supplier default benefit in travel insurance covers money you lose because of the bankruptcy of an airline, cruise line, tour operator, or other provider of travel services. Some travel insurance companies have eliminated this benefit while others pick and choose which travel suppliers they will and/or will not insure. The bankruptcy must be “unforeseen” […]

What does "underwritten by" mean when purchasing travel insurance?

“Underwritten by” refers to the Insurance Company standing behind the travel protection plan.

My travel insurance includes a benefit for "common carrier". What is this?

Many travel insurance policies include benefits for Common Carrier and/or Air Flight Accident AD&D. Common Carrier coverage pays in the event of death or dismemberment while you are traveling on ANY form of public transport. This differs from Air Flight Accident which provides coverage ONLY for the flight portion of your trip.