Family Travel Insurance — Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated: July 31, 2024September 16, 2024 — 7 min read

Traveling with your family is an exciting and enriching memory-making experience, but it can also come with headaches, challenges, and risks, from unexpected illnesses to baggage delays. This is where family travel insurance comes in. Understanding family travel insurance plans can bring relief, security, and peace of mind, knowing you’re ready for unforeseen circumstances.

At Squaremouth, we understand the unique needs of families on the go. We are committed to providing you with the information you need to get the best travel insurance plan for your family.

Let’s get started.

Why Buy Family Travel Insurance?

When planning a family vacation, there’s much to consider—flights, accommodations, activities, safety, and more. However, with all the planning and prepaid expenses, it’s wise to consider travel insurance coverage to protect your hard-earned dollars from being lost due to unforeseen circumstances. Family travel insurance, designed to cover multiple traveling family members under one policy, offers unique benefits such as protection, convenience, and ease of use.

What Does Family Travel Insurance Cover?

Before you rush to protect your trip deposit or trip payment and get a travel insurance quote, consider reviewing what you need to help save time and ensure a smooth, stress-free trip.

Family travel insurance policies can vary, but typically, they include the following coverages:

Emergency Medical Expenses: If you or your kids need to rush to a hospital to treat an injury or sickness from some food that didn’t suit, you can use your travel insurance with medical protection to cover costs associated with medical treatment, hospitalization, or if need be, emergency medical evacuation.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, plans change. Family travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut short your vacation due to covered reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or severe weather conditions.You can also purchase the add-on, cancel for any reason (CFAR), which will allow you to cancel your trip without explanation.
Baggage Loss and Delay: Lost or delayed baggage can be a major inconvenience, especially when traveling with children. Family travel insurance covers the cost of essential items you must purchase while waiting for your luggage. This type of coverage can be a lifesaver if you’re without your belongings—including kids’ toys or toiletries—in a foreign country.
Travel Delay: Travel delays are expected. With family travel insurance, you can get compensation for additional expenses incurred due to delays, such as meals, accommodation, and transportation. This helps reduce the stress and inconvenience caused by unexpected disruptions.
24/7 Assistance Services: Access to a helpline for medical, legal, and travel assistance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Family Travel Insurance

Selecting the right travel insurance for your family involves considering several factors:

Coverage Limits: Look at the coverage limits for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and personal belongings to ensure they meet your needs.
Destination: Ensure the policy covers all the countries you plan to visit. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations based on the destination.
Activities: If you plan activities such as skiing, hiking, or other adventure sports, check if your policy covers them.
Pre-existing Conditions: If any family member has a pre-existing medical condition, ensure the policy provides coverage for related emergencies.
Age Restrictions: Some policies have age limits for children or may require separate policies for older adults traveling with you.

Recommended Family Travel Insurance Providers

When choosing a travel insurance company for your family trip, we suggest you go with providers known for their comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. Some top providers through the Squaremouth marketplace offer robust coverage to ensure you and your family are well-protected. Take a look at who we recommend:

Generali Global Assistance: With a strong focus on customer service and comprehensive coverage, Generali is ideal for families seeking dependable travel insurance. As one of the biggest insurance companies in the world, they provide a 24-hour emergency hotline from anywhere in the world to help customers access a global network of physicians and care providers. They boast a 4.5/5 star rating from Forbes Advisor, all policies hold at least an AM Best’s Rating of A, and policies underwritten by Generali U.S. Branch
AXA Assistance USA: AXA offers customizable plans that you can tailor to fit your family’s specific needs, making it a flexible and trustworthy option. Certain policies can also be upgraded at checkout with additional benefits, such as Rental Car damage protection and Cancel For Any Reason coverage, for those wanting even further protection. It was given a 4.5/5 star rating by Forbes Advisor, all plans hold an AM Best’s Rating of A+, and plans are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Tin Leg: Highly-rated provider with plans underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway, Starr Insurance, and Spinnaker Insurance Co. It was also named ‘Best Value Travel Insurance’ provider by USA Today. These plans offer comprehensive coverage options, and well-rounded benefits that offer coverage for most travel disruptions.

Squaremouth only offers policies from companies with an AM Best Rating of “Excellent” or higher. By focusing on top-rated insurers, we ensure you have access to providers who are trustworthy and capable of delivering the protection you need. While the three providers above are great choices for families, every provider on Squaremouth.com meets our strict standards and could be a great option for your trip.

How to Make the Most of Your Family Travel Insurance

Read the Policy Document Carefully: Understanding the terms and conditions, inclusions, and exclusions is crucial to ensuring you’re prepared to claim if necessary.
Keep Documentation Handy: Having all the necessary documents, such as receipts, medical reports, and police reports, will streamline the process in case you need to file a claim.
Use the Assistance Services: Most family travel insurance policies come with 24/7 assistance services. Don’t hesitate to use these for help with medical emergencies, legal issues, or even travel advice.
Notify Insurers Promptly: If you have a claim, notify your insurance company immediately. Delays in reporting incidents can sometimes complicate the claims process.

Common Myths About Family Travel Insurance

“I Don’t Need Travel Insurance for Short Trips”: Short trips can encounter unforeseen issues like medical emergencies or lost luggage. Travel insurance provides peace of mind regardless of the duration of the trip.
“My Credit Card Offers Enough Coverage”: While some credit cards offer travel insurance, it may not be as comprehensive as a dedicated family travel insurance policy. Check the coverage limits and exclusions carefully.
“Travel Insurance is Too Expensive”: Travel insurance costs a fraction of your total trip cost and can save you thousands of dollars in an emergency. It’s a small investment for significant peace of mind.
“I Can Buy Insurance Right Before I Travel”: While you can purchase insurance up until the day before your trip, buying it as soon as possible provides coverage for trip cancellation, protecting you from the moment you book your trip.

Tips for Planning Your Family Vacation with Kids

Planning a family vacation with kids can feel like a juggling act, but with some preparation and the right mindset, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. This preparation is crucial to ensure you’re ready for any medical situation.

Here are some tips to make your next family vacation a breeze.

Choose the Right Destination: When planning a family trip, picking the right destination is crucial. Look for places that offer a mix of activities for both kids and adults. Think about locations with family-friendly attractions, parks, and interactive museums. Beach resorts, national parks, and cities with rich cultural experiences can be great options.
Involve Your Kids in the Planning: Get your kids excited about the trip by involving them in planning. Let them help choose activities or attractions they’d like to visit so they can make them feel more engaged and excited about the vacation.
Pack Smart: Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip, especially with kids. Make a checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials like medications, favorite snacks, or comfort items like a stuffed animal. Don’t forget to pack a small first aid kit and any travel documents.
Keep the Kids Entertained: Long flights or road trips can be challenging for kids. Pack plenty of entertainment options, such as books, games, and tablets with their favorite movies. Consider downloading new apps or games before you leave to keep their interest.
Plan for Breaks: Kids have shorter attention spans and get tired more quickly, so plan your itinerary with plenty of breaks. Allow for downtime to relax and recharge. This will help keep everyone happy and minimize meltdowns.
Stay Flexible: Even the best-laid plans can go awry when traveling with kids. Stay flexible and go with the flow. Have a backup plan if an attraction is closed or the weather doesn’t cooperate. Sometimes, unexpected moments make the best memories.
Prioritize Safety: Travel safety is paramount, especially with children. Travel insurance is one way to protect yourself and your family during your trip, offering comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical issues, trip cancellations, and more. Knowing you’re covered can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Capture the Memories: Remember to capture those precious moments that will become mementos for years. So, take plenty of photos and encourage your kids to keep a travel journal to help them engage in the activities and create a story worth retelling.

Bottom Line: Traveling with your family is an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with challenges and risks, from unexpected illnesses to baggage delays. Family travel insurance is essential for providing relief, security, and peace of mind, ensuring you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

At Squaremouth, we understand the unique needs of families on the go. We are committed to offering the best travel insurance plans, whether you need coverage for international travel, or travel medical insurance. With Squaremouth, you and your family can enjoy your trip with confidence and peace of mind.