does hth travel insurance cover covid

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Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review 2024

Jennifer Simonson

Mandy Sleight

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Kara McGinley

Updated 5:55 a.m. UTC March 19, 2024

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HTH Worldwide

Top-scoring plan

Covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

Along with a couple of other policies, HTH’s TripProtector Classic offers generous layoff coverage. You’re eligible if you’ve been continuously employed for at least a year, with no waiting period.

• Preexisting conditions can be covered if you buy a TripProtector Classic plan within 14 days of your first trip deposit.
• Best-in-class financial default coverage after only a 10-day wait.
• Top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• TripProtector Classic doesn’t offer a “cancel for any reason” upgrade, but the pricier Preferred plan does.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our  methodology below.

• 2,332 coverage details evaluated.
• 385 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact checking.

HTH Worldwide overview

Created under the Worldwide Insurance Services umbrella, HTH Worldwide provides travel insurance for both business and leisure travel. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company underwrites HTH Worldwide’s single-trip insurance plans. 

HTH Worldwide travel insurance plans

HTH Worldwide offers TripProtector plans that cover single domestic or international trips. In addition to travel protection and medical benefits, each plan includes non-insurance travel assistance such as a 24-hour emergency hotline service, destination health and security information and an online doctor search. 

HTH provides a 10-day “free look” period to give you the chance to look over your policy and cancel for a full refund if it doesn’t suit your needs. If you are not satisfied, return your policy within 10 days of receipt along with a letter indicating your reason for cancellation for a full refund (not available in NY or WA).

Economy 

HTH’s starter travel insurance plan offers basic coverages, including: 

• Emergency medical evacuation: $500,000.
• Emergency medical: $75,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement of eligible trip costs up to $5,000.
• Trip delay: $500 maximum (after an eight-hour delay and with a $100 per day limit).
• Trip interruption: 125% reimbursement of eligible trip costs.

While the Economy plan also covers baggage loss, baggage delay and missed connections, it does not include rental car damage coverage or a preexisting conditions waiver. It includes accidental death and dismemberment coverage for air only. 

TripProtector Classic 

The TripProtecor Classic plan includes everything in the Economy plan and increases the travel protection and travel medical benefits. This plan gets 3 stars in our rating of the best travel insurance companies .

• Emergency evacuation: $1 million.
• Emergency medical: $250,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement for eligible trip costs up to $25,000.
• Trip delay: $1,000 ($200 per day after a six-hour delay).
• Trip interruption: 150% reimbursement of eligible trip costs. 

The plan also includes a preexisting condition waiver if the insurance is purchased within 14 days of your first trip deposit, as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage of up to $25,000 per person. Like the Economy plan, lost and delayed baggage and missed connections coverage is also included. 

TripProtector Preferred 

The TripProtector Preferred plan offers enhanced coverage but is more expensive than the Classic and Economy plans. 

• Emergency medical: $500,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement of eligible trip costs up to $50,000.
• Trip delay: $2,000 ($200 per day after a six-hour delay).
• Trip interruption: 200% reimbursement of eligible trip costs.
• Optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR): 75% reimbursement for eligible trip costs.
• Pet medical expense: $250. 
• Rental car damage: $35,000.
• Accidental death and dismemberment: $50,000. 

Unlike the other two plans, the Preferred Benefits plan offers pet medical expense coverage, rental car damage coverage and optional cancel for any reason travel insurance coverage. You can get a preexisting conditions waiver if the travel insurance plan is purchased within 21 days of your first trip deposit. 

This plan also includes coverage for lost and delayed baggage and missed connections. 

What HTH travel insurance covers

HTH Worldwide’s three TripProtector plans include the following coverage:

• Travel medical insurance reimburses you for medical expenses like care, hospitalization, lab work and more if you get sick while on your trip. 
• Emergency medical evacuation covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate treatment center if you become seriously injured or ill while traveling and require immediate care. 
• Trip cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid, forfeited, nonrefundable trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
• Trip delay coverage reimburses reasonable extra expenses, such as meals, lodging and transportation, if your travels are delayed due to reasons like a flight being canceled due to severe weather.
• Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses such as hotel nights and missed excursions if you need to end your trip early because of a reason listed in your policy, such as a child back home getting sick. 
• Baggage loss reimburses you for luggage and personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged during transit. 
• Baggage delay reimburses for expenses paid for items like toiletries and a change of clothes needed because of delayed baggage.

Each plan has coverage limits and time frames for when coverage kicks in (like six hours for baggage delay coverage). Be sure to read your policy to understand the limits and exclusions.

What HTH travel insurance doesn’t cover

All travel insurance plans have exclusions, or things the policy does not cover. 

Some examples of the emergency medical coverage exclusions in HTH Worldwide’s TripProtector Classic plan are:

• Accidental injury or sickness when traveling against the advice of a physician.
• Being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants (except when prescribed by a physician). 
• Cosmetic surgery (except as a result of an accident). 
• Dental treatment (except as the result of injury).
• Suicide, attempted suicide or any intentionally self-inflicted injury.
• Participation as an athlete in professional sports.
• Participation in adventure sports such as canoeing, kayaking, zip-lining, water skiing, camping, hiking, backpacking and sailing. 
• Pregnancy and childbirth (except for complications of pregnancy).

Additional policy add-ons

HTH Worldwide’s TripProtector Preferred plan offers optional upgrades including “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , pet medical coverage and rental car damage coverage (not available in every state).

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage

TripProtector Preferred policyholders have the option to purchase “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. This coverage reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments or deposits if you cancel your trip for any reason at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

To get CFAR coverage, you need to buy it within 21 days of your first trip deposit. This benefit is not available in New York or Washington. 

HTH Worldwide travel medical insurance 

HTH Worldwide offers two plans for travelers who want travel medical insurance for international trips. Both plans are available to United States residents who are 95 years old or younger. 

Single-trip option for travelers with primary health insurance

This short-term international medical plan was created for travelers who have primary health insurance but want extra coverage for traveling abroad. The maximum benefit amounts range from $50,000 to $1 million, and deductibles range from $0 to $500. There is no preexisting condition exclusion.

The plan covers 100% of the following:  

• Ambulatory surgical center.
• Anesthesia.
• Dental injury expenses ($500 maximum).
• Diagnostic X-rays and lab work.
• In-hospital doctor visits.
• In-patient medical emergency. 
• Office doctor visits.
• Outpatient prescription drugs.

The plan covers mental health emergencies as it would any other condition. The single-trip plan also includes common travel insurance coverages like medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, trip interruption, trip delay and lost and delayed baggage.

Single-trip option for travelers without primary health insurance

This plan is for those traveling abroad who do not have primary health insurance. Like the plan for travelers with primary health insurance, the benefits range from $50,000 to $1 million and deductibles range from $0 to $500. 

This plan covers 100% of the following:

• Dental injury expenses ($300 maximum).
• Diagnostic X-rays and lab work. 
• In-patient medical emergency.

Like the other, this plan also covers mental health emergencies as it would any other condition. However, this plan has a 180-day preexisting condition exclusion and only covers 50% of prescription drugs. 

Expat health insurance plans

HTH Worldwide also offers two international expatriate health insurance plans for people who live or work outside their home country: 

• Xplorer Premier: Administered through GeoBlue Insurance, this plan provides complete health insurance coverage that can be used anywhere in the world by individuals or families who intend to be outside their home country for at least three months a year. 
• Navigator: Also through GeoBlue, this is a health insurance plan specifically designed for crew, missionary or student travelers who plan to be outside their home country at least three months a year.

More travel insurance companies to compare

Here’s how insurers in our rating of the best travel insurance companies compare.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Preexisting medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover preexisting medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review FAQs

Yes, HTH Worldwide’s three TripProtector plans cover both domestic and international travel. 

The cost of a HTH Worldwide travel insurance plan varies depending on several factors such as the traveler’s age, trip cost, trip destination and type of coverage. For example, the cost of HTH Worldwide TripProtector Classic plan for a $3,000 trip for two 30-year-old travelers heading to Mexico for eight days would be about $116.

Yes, HTH Worldwide travel insurance plans include coverage for COVID-19 in its emergency medical coverage.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jennifer Simonson covers everything from business to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her on Instagram at @storiestoldwell.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.

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The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

Oct 27, 2021 • 6 min read

Figuring out what your health care covers while traveling can be difficult © Stocksy

If you’re ready to travel again, it’s important to understand the scope of your travel medical insurance coverage should you contract COVID-19⁠—even when traveling with the US. Even if you’re vaccinated, you could still test positive for the virus or experience a breakthrough infection.

If you’re traveling domestically in the US, and you are covered by a US health insurance provider, or Medicare, your health plan will cover urgent care visits, medical expenses, imaging, medicine and hospital stays.  Beyond general illness or injury, if you test positive for COVID-19, or require medical treatment or hospitalization due to the virus, the scope of your coverage could vary. It’s best to check for the specific provisions of your personal health plan.

If you are fully vaccinated and planning on vacationing abroad, then purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes travel medical expense and medical evacuation coverage should be part of your travel check-list. Your US based medical insurance will not be accepted abroad.

It’s best to be prepared by purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover medical expenses you incur if you get sick, or injured while outside the US.  Many travel insurance carriers offer plans that cover COVID-19-related medical expenses. You should research and find a policy that best matches your needs. 

Beyond medical care, your travel plan may even cover the self-isolation costs tied to quarantining like lodging and meals due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Here’s what you need to know so you’re protected whether you travel to Miami or Madrid.

Here’s how to prepare if traveling within the US 

Before planning any type of travel, it’s best to check with your healthcare insurance company about the scope of your coverage. You can find your carrier’s contact information on the back of your member card.

“First and foremost, always check with your health insurance provider to see what your plan covers and what it does not and become familiar with the limits of your policy” says Kathy Kimmel, spokesperson with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison site.  

If you’ve traveled domestically in the past, you know you can utilize your personal insurance for issues like a fever, food poisoning, severe sunburn, stitches, or a sprained ankle.

The pandemic has caused a whole set of ‘what if’s’ for travelers⁠—even if you’re not leaving the country. As always, coverage is dependent on your particular plan. “It is best for travelers to check with their provider to know how COVID is covered and what steps should be taken to prepare should they contract the virus on a trip,” says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance.

Health insurance may cover COVID-19, Murchland says, but it typically will not cover emergency evacuations back home or quarantine expenses that may come from destination mandates. 

What about road-tripping in the US?

Bailey Foster, spokesperson with Trawick International, a travel insurance carrier, says if you have health insurance and you are traveling in the United States, your health insurance will cover the expense related to COVID-19.

“This would work like any other illness you may catch and your healthcare insurance would cover the costs associated with the travelers’ treatment,” she says. “The traveler would have to be responsible for their copays related to their medical treatment.”

Read more: Expert tips for a safe road trip during the pandemic

Will US-based health insurance cover COVID-19 infection abroad?

The simple answer is no. “Your US-based healthcare insurance will not cover COVID-19 related illness expenses while you are abroad,” says Foster with Trawick International. “It’s imperative that travelers purchase a travel insurance plan that clearly states it provides coverage related to COVID-19 losses.”

Read more: How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

If your policy includes COVID-19 coverage, it will cover medical care, hospitalization, medicine, and any other treatment needed due to COVID-19. 

It’s best to call the insurance carrier to make sure COVID-19 is covered by the policy.

Will US-based health insurance cover pre-travel testing? 

In general, pre-travel testing will be a personal expense. “Travel insurance does not cover pre-travel COVID testing or any other testing required before your trip, nor will it offer coverage for vaccines,” says Kimmel with InsureMyTrip. 

What else will my travel insurance policy provide if I contract COVID-19?

Some travel insurance carriers will transport you for more specialized medical treatment. 

“At Seven Corners, we assist in evacuations and repatriations on a normal basis for typical illnesses and injuries abroad,” explains Murchland. “Even with the added challenge of assisting someone who has contracted COVID away from home, we are ready to help make the return safe and ensure that proper care is given to the sick or injured traveler.”

In addition, your travel insurance carrier has a 24/7 travel support hotline that can assist with medical referrals, coordinating medical care and arranging lodging accommodations should you need to quarantine due to COVID-19.  Some companies even provide language translation services if you are experiencing barriers regarding your medical care. 

How do I best protect myself when traveling abroad? 

As you plan expensive international trips, the worry about COVID and the Delta variant and its impact on your travels is likely on your mind. Kimmel from InsureMyTrip states the best way to protect yourself while traveling abroad is to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy with the added Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Benefit, which is an optional upgrade to your policy that allows you to cancel for reasons beyond your standard trip cancellation policy. This add-on will increase your travel insurance policy rate about 50 percent but offers you the most flexibility to cancel. If you meet the requirements, you can be reimbursed up to 75 % of your trip’s cost.

However, this is a time-sensitive benefit and not all trips are eligible for this add-on.  There are some requirements that need to be met like canceling your trip no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Most traditional travel insurance policies do not allow travelers to cancel because of COVID-19 fears, like if there’s an increase in COVID cases at your destination.   “The Cancel for Any Reason add-on is really the only way for a traveler to recoup some of their pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if they decide not to travel because of a spike in cases,” says Kimmel.

Not all policies and carriers offer CFAR coverage upgrades. InsureMyTrip has a tool that is making it easier to find out if your policy and trip are eligible for CFAR.  

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What do I do if my flight gets cancelled—and can I get a refund? PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

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By Elaine Glusac

While the pandemic has depressed travel, it may have encouraged travel insurance, say those in the industry.

“The biggest question we get from customers is: ‘What happens if I get Covid during travel and what if I have to quarantine?’” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of Seven Corners , a travel insurance management company. “Covid has created a much broader awareness of travel insurance.”

But will it help you in light of the new Omicron variant, which has already led to new travel restrictions and requirements? In the early days of the pandemic, travel insurance largely failed to protect travelers who wanted or needed to cancel as the world shut down. The following are answers to common questions about travel insurance now.

Does travel insurance cover Covid-19, including the new Omicron variant?

For the most part, yes, travel insurance policies now treat Covid-19 in all its variants — including Omicron — like any other medical emergency.

“Consumers should know that most travel insurance plans with medical benefits now treat Covid like any other illness that you could contract while traveling or that could prohibit you from going on your trip,” said Carol Mueller, a vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . “If you become ill before your trip, you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming your illness and that you are unable to travel in order to be eligible for benefits. The benefits are the same regardless of whether you contract Omicron, another variant of Covid or any illness for that matter.”

Buyers should read the policies carefully and look out for those that exclude pandemics, Covid-19 and its variants. To make a claim, you must have had travel insurance before becoming ill.

“We always say, you can’t buy auto insurance after you’ve already had an accident,” said Meghan Walch, the product manager of InsureMyTrip , an insurance sales site. “It is designed for unforeseen issues. You have to purchase it before an event.”

I am traveling internationally. If borders close because of Omicron, am I covered through travel insurance?

No, most policies do not cover you if your foreign destination closes its borders to visitors, as Israel did recently. With a few exceptions, that also goes for a government-issued travel warning to a destination, which is generally not a covered reason to make a claim.

Given the added uncertainties of Omicron, should I consider a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ policy?

Cancel for Any Reason, or C.F.A.R., provisions would allow you to claim some of your nonrefundable costs if you decide not to go on a trip for any reason, including border closures or fear of contracting Covid. The rub is that this form of insurance — in addition to being more expensive — must generally be purchased within a few weeks of booking the trip and will only return 50 to 75 percent of nonrefundable trip costs.

“Most travel insurance policies do not cover you for wanting to cancel out of fear of Covid. We say this 10 times a week,” said Sarah Groen, the owner of the agency Bell and Bly Travel . She counsels clients to consider their worst fears — illness, for example, or quarantine — in troubleshooting travel insurance. “We’ve become like therapists,” she said.

What about quarantine and medical expenses?

Make sure the policy you choose covers these. In the case of medical coverage, check with your regular health insurer; many policies will not cover you abroad, which is an additional reason to consider coverage if you are traveling internationally.

“What travel insurance can do is cover additional hotel stays if you are able to self-quarantine and additional airfare when you’re able to come home,” said Megan Moncrief, the chief marketing officer for Squaremouth , a travel insurance sales site. She added that most policies will extend to seven days past your originally scheduled return date, effectively covering only about seven days in case of quarantine.

Do some destinations require travel insurance?

Yes, primarily to cover medical care or quarantine accommodations in the event that a traveler tests positive for Covid-19. For example, Singapore requires medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Singapore dollars, or about $22,000. Fiji requires travel insurance to cover potential treatment for Covid-19, and makes it available from about $30. Some destinations, such as Anguilla , recommend rather than require travel insurance. InsureMyTrip.com has a page devoted to countries that require travel insurance.

It bears thinking about what it would take to get home for treatment should you contract Covid-19 abroad. Thailand, for example, requires travelers to have medical insurance with the minimum coverage of $50,000. “Evacuation out of Thailand would be higher,” said Sasha Gainullin, the chief executive of Battleface , a travel insurance start-up that unbundles benefits. In the case of a Thailand trip, he advised taking medical coverage up to $100,000 for treatment locally and $500,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Do I need insurance if I have bookings with flexible cancellation policies?

Probably not, if you have hotel reservations that allow free cancellation 24 to 48 hours in advance. The same with flights; if your flight is changeable and will provide a voucher or refund in case of cancellation, you’re covered.

I have rented a house with restrictive cancellation penalties. Can I insure against those?

Yes. Vacation home rentals from Airbnb and the like can be treated just like other accommodations that do not offer refunds. In this case, you would want to get a policy in the amount you would forfeit if you had to cancel for a covered reason like illness. Again, fear of travel is not a covered reason; for that, you would need C.F.A.R.

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misstated the timeframe within which it is recommended that Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance be purchased. It is generally within about two to three weeks of booking the trip, not one or two days.

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)

We round up the best travel insurance options that offer pandemic and medical protections.

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels, airlines and other hospitality-related businesses have seen a surge in travelers . However, the concern of a new variant is consistent —  experts have identified new strains of COVID-19 as recently as Dec. 2023, which could cause some travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance.

While some travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage, others include varying terms. According to our research, the best travel insurance companies offering COVID-19 coverage are Faye and Travelex. 

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies with COVID-19 Coverage

Use the table below to compare COVID-19 coverage inclusions and details of top travel insurance companies:

10 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies

• Faye: Our top pick
• Travelex: Our pick for families
• Seven Corners: Our pick for international travelers
• Tin Leg: Our pick for customizable coverage
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Our pick for concierge services
• TravelSafe: Our pick for equipment coverage
• Generali: Our pick for emergency assistance
• John Hancock Travel Insurance: Our pick for delay coverage
• Trawick: Our pick for well-rounded coverage
• HTH Travel Insurance: Our pick for group travel

We pulled price quotes for four vacations outlined in our methodology at the bottom of this page. The costs in this article reflect the premium for each of those four trips for each provider averaged together.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Pros and Cons

Why we picked it.

Faye is our top choice for COVID-19 travel insurance because it includes a robust set of protection to support policyholders both before and after diagnosis. The company classifies COVID-19 as a standard illness under its medical insurance policies, which means you can use any medical and evacuation coverages deemed necessary by local health professionals.

Since Faye classifies its travel medical insurance as primary coverage, it goes into effect before your domestic health coverage. This is especially beneficial for COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalization in some cases and include higher diagnosis, evacuation and treatment costs.

Coverage and Cost

Add-On Options

Faye currently offers the following add-ons for international excursions:

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
• Adventure and extreme sports protections
• Rental car coverage
• Vacation rental damage protection
• Pet care protection

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298.

Travelex is one of the most generous travel insurance providers we reviewed in terms of COVID-related situations and when you’re covered. Travelex travel insurance policies include specific language that ensures COVID-related hospitalizations and diagnoses are eligible for trip interruption coverage. Travelex’s policies also specify that if a loved one back home is hospitalized or determined in critical condition due to COVID-19, the policyholder is covered for an early return. These features, combined with lower overall premiums, makes Travelex a top choice for COVID-concious travelers.

Below are customizable add-ons to consider for your Travelex policy:

• Accidental death and dismemberment (air travel only)
• Additional medical coverage
• Adventure sports coverage
• Cancel for any reason coverage
• Car rental collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.

Another top option for COVID-related travel concerns, Seven Corners offers a wide range of medical policies, all of which include coverage for coronavirus as a standard illness. Seven Corners policies indicate that both trip interruption and cancellation coverage extends to COVID-19-related reasons, including quarantines. Missed connection coverage may even extend to your travel plans if COVID causes you to miss a portion of your trip, specifically while on a cruise . Overall, Seven Corners offers COVID-friendly policies and includes generous cancellation and interruption benefits to give you peace of mind while traveling.

Below are add-on options you may be able to include in your Seven Corners policy:

• Trip interruption for any reason coverage
• Rental car damage coverage
• Sports and gold equipment coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Seven Corners’s average trip cost is $206.25.

Tin Leg’s Silver and Gold policies include COVID-19 hospitalization and diagnosis as a standard inclusion under trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Like competitors, Tin Leg’s policies include stipulations that allow you to use travel delay benefits for ordered quarantine periods, offering between $500 and $2,000 depending on your chosen coverage level. However, you will need to receive a documented diagnosis from a licensed medical professional to use your trip benefits — a home rapid test is not sufficient proof.

Below are add-on options for Tin Leg travel insurance:

• Rental car damage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Tin Leg’s average trip cost is $166.50.

Both of TravelSafe’s insurance policies for international travel include comprehensive coverages and protections for COVID-19 , with identical medical coverage and evacuation limits no matter the condition. Trip delay benefits — available up to $2,000 on the TravelSafe Classic policy — include coverage for mandatory quarantines if required by a licensed medical professional. Policyholders can also apply mandatory quarantine benefits to missed connections coverage, which adds another layer of protection if you have multi-leg trips planned.

Below are add-on options you may include to your TravelSafe policy:

• Accidental death and dismemberment (air only)
• Extended personal property coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, TravelSafe’s average trip cost is $241.

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers a policy endorsement to cover concerns related to COVID-19. Referred to as the “ Epidemic Coverage Endorsement ,” this benefit extends medical expense, emergency evacuation and trip delay coverage to include COVID-related situations. Like most other competitors, you will need a documented diagnosis of COVID-19 and a written order from a local government figure or medical authority requiring you to quarantine before you can use benefits.

When we requested a quote, all three available policies included the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement free-of-charge with standard pricing. However, it’s important to note that coverage for COVID-19 is not specifically written into the terms of Allianz’s policies in the same way as other illnesses, which is the standard verbiage in the industry. Be sure your policy includes this endorsement to maintain COVID-related coverage.

Below are add-ons to consider for your Allianz Travel Insurance policy:

• Rental car protection
• Required to work coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Allianz’s average trip cost is $265

In addition to including COVID as a standard coverage under medical, cancellation and interruption benefits, Generali Global Assistance includes the added peace of mind that comes with around-the-clock assistance. All policies include 24/7 emergency travel assistance with a multi-lingual support team, which can help policyholders communicate with medical staff. This is especially useful if you’re visiting an area where you do not speak the primary language.

However, as of Jan. 2020, newly issued policies include an exclusion that prevents you from using trip delay benefits to cover a quarantine period unless officially diagnosed with COVID-19. This exclusion does not apply if you are sick and quarantined with the virus, in which you can access your benefits to cover the cost of related expenses. This exclusion remains in effect even if a local government mandates your quarantine due to exposure — so we recommend researching the quarantine procedures for the country you’re visiting beforehand if you choose Generali.

Below are coverages you may be able to add to your Generali policy:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Generali’s average trip cost is $255. 

Under most travel insurance verbiage, COVID-19 is now considered a known threat, and the announcement of a new variant is considered a risk you accept when booking. This means that travel insurance may not allow reimbursement for trip cancellation due to concerns about the emergence of a new variant.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage extends your cancellation benefits to include fear of traveling due to COVID-19 or a new variant. In addition to classifying COVID-19 as a standard medical condition, John Hancock allows you to add CFAR coverage to a wider selection of policy choices, including its lower-cost Bronze package. Comparatively, most travel insurance providers limit your ability to add CFAR coverage to the most expensive plan.

Add-on options for John Hancock travel insurance:

• Rental car collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, John Hancock’s average trip cost is $225.

Trawick International offers one policy with coverage for COVID-19: Safe Travels International . This plan includes up to $1 million in medical coverage, up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits for potential quarantines and up to $2 million in medical evacuation coverage. This general range of coverage combined with CFAR add-on availability can make Trawick a customizable choice for travelers looking to add protections that cover COVID-19 without reviewing multiple plans.

Below are Trawick International add-on options:

• 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment
• Additional accident and sickness medical coverage
• Interruption for any reason coverage
• Upgradable trip delay coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $212.

While HTH’s policy details do not outline special benefits specifically for COVID-19 , its plans include standard medical interruption language allowing the use of benefits if you’re hospitalized. HTH’s policies include generous medical coverage and evacuation limits of $500,000 and $1 million respectively. The company also offers higher-than-average trip interruption benefits with a maximum benefit of 200% in reimbursements.

Below are additional options that may be available through HTH Travel Insurance:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, HTH’s average trip cost is $221.

HTH also offers discounted pricing for group travel insurance policies.

What To Look for in Pandemic Travel Insurance

Once you understand how travel insurance can benefit you in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or emergency, you can get into the details of each coverage option. We’ve compiled a few essential features to consider when shopping for travel insurance with a focus on COVID-19 coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage

If you’re traveling to an area where you think you might be at risk of catching COVID-19, consider choosing a travel insurance policy with higher medical coverage limits. Travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments you receive outside the U.S. if you become sick or injured. Most travel insurance policy providers now classify COVID-19 as a standard illness, meaning you can qualify for reimbursement if hospitalized with coronavirus abroad. 

Trip Delay Coverage

If you contract COVID abroad, depending on the country’s requirements, you may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before you can leave or enter another country. In these circumstances, your trip delay benefits could help cover the cost of expenses like meals, additional hotel stays and any toiletries you might need. To qualify to use trip delay benefits, most policies state a licensed medical professional must order a quarantine for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until expiration. 

Trip Interruption Coverage

If you’re leaving dependents or older loved ones at home and concerned about the effect COVID-19 could have on their care, consider a policy with higher trip interruption coverages. Trip interruption insurance compensates you for things like the cost of an early return flight home and unused trip expenses if you must leave your trip ahead of schedule due to a covered reason. Some travel insurance providers like Seven Corners and Travelex include the illness of a family member and hospitalization with COVID-19 as a valid reason to use interruption benefits. Other providers only consider the health status of the insured traveler.  

CFAR Coverage

CFAR coverage is an optional add-on that allows you to receive a partial trip reimbursement if you cancel your trip for a reason not covered by insurance. For all providers on our list, this includes fear of a new variant of COVID-19 emerging at home or your destination. If this is a concern for you, consider a provider like John Hancock, which offers more options for policyholders to buy CFAR-level benefits. 

Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Directly?

Most travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage. This means coronavirus is usually treated the same way as any other illness or injury you might sustain abroad or before your trip. While this offers protection for your travel plans if you’re hospitalized due to COVID-19, fear of new variants and minor illnesses will usually not qualify you for a reimbursement . 

Let’s take a look at sample situations when you might need to use COVID-19 coverage as a part of your travel insurance. First, say you fall sick before traveling and are diagnosed with a serious case of COVID-19. Your physician determines you require hospitalization a day before you’re supposed to travel. If you purchased travel insurance, you could file a claim to reimburse nonrefundable trip costs, such as airfare and lodging, because you’re medically unable to travel. 

Now, let’s imagine you have a trip planned to Germany. A few days before your travel, information on a new Covid variant becomes available and officials advise the public to avoid travel if possible. While you may be hesitant to travel due to the new strain, you would not be entitled to reimbursement with travel insurance unless specifically outlined in your policy. However, if you opted for CFAR coverage during enrollment, you could cancel your trip and get a refund for nonrefundable expenses regardless. 

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

Your travel insurance policy might cover the COVID-19 quarantines if ordered by a medical professional, which includes expenses related to additional lodging. If you’re diagnosed with a new variant of the virus before your trip and forced to quarantine at home, you will usually qualify for trip cancellation benefits under your policy’s illness cancellation clause. However, travel insurance will not compensate you for additional domestic quarantine-related expenses like food and rent. 

If you’re advised to quarantine abroad after being diagnosed with COVID-19, you could also qualify for coverage under your insurance’s travel delay benefits. While travel delay benefits are designed to help cover hotel rooms and alternate airfare if you’re forced to miss a connection, you can also use coverage for mandatory quarantine orders. To qualify, you will usually need to provide documentation of both your illness and a quarantine recommendation from a local medical professional. 

If you’re concerned about the cost and possibility of an international quarantine, it’s important to look at the travel delay benefits included with your insurance coverage. Policies with higher total travel delay benefits will cover more quarantine-related expenses, which can make these policies more valuable. Be sure to note both overall and daily limits on trip delay benefits, which can also influence policy value.

How Much Does COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cost?

In our comprehensive review of travel insurance policies, we found the average cost of a plan with COVID-19 coverage is about $220 per trip. However, the price of your premium will vary depending on the level of benefits included with your policy. Browse the table below to compare how some of our top travel insurance providers compare in terms of average price and included benefits. 

Factors That Impact Cost

Factors that affect the cost of your travel insurance include your age, where you’re traveling to, the cost of your trip and the length of your trip. Adding various custom riders, like protection for a rental car or cancellation for any reason coverage, will also increase the cost.

Is Pandemic Travel Insurance Worth It?

While almost all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the U.S., the virus is still a global health threat. Even if travel insurance isn’t required for a trip, purchasing insurance that includes COVID-19 protections can help you avoid a financial burden if you contract the virus before or during the trip.

You might not need the pandemic travel coverage if you’re taking a low-cost trip and not crossing international borders. Your health insurance may cover medical costs within the country, and the money you lose from canceling an affordable trip could be too low to justify shopping for and buying coverage. It’s different if you pay a lot of money up front for a long, expensive vacation.

Another option is looking at the travel protections that your credit card company provides. Some cards offer trip protection for emergencies that could include coverage if you call off a trip or end a trip early after contracting COVID-19. But travel costs usually have to be paid for with the card for them to qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

What are the cheapest ways to get travel insurance for a pandemic.

The best way to find cheap travel insurance with pandemic coverage is by shopping around with different providers. Many offer free quotes online, and it takes minutes to check rates.

What are the advantages of purchasing pandemic travel insurance?

The advantage of pandemic travel insurance is that it reimburses prepaid travel costs if you cancel or cut short a trip because of getting COVID-19 before or during the trip. And if a family member contracts COVID-19 while you’re away, pandemic travel insurance may reimburse you for expenses related to returning home early to care for a loved one.

Can you cancel your flight if you have COVID?

Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19. However, coverage is usually included under standard medical inclusions, which means you must be medically unable to travel at the time of your scheduled departure to claim a reimbursement. Review your specific travel insurance coverage to learn more about flight cancellation benefits.

What does travel insurance not cover?

Travel insurance usually does not cover cancellations due to fear of travel, government restrictions or pre-existing medical conditions. You generally cannot cancel your trip and claim any reimbursements unless it’s for a covered reason such as the illness or death of a family member or natural disasters. Carefully read your policy to understand the exclusions and limitations unique to your coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Rating the Best Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

More Travel Insurance Guides

• Best cruise insurance plans
• Best travel insurance companies
• Cheapest travel insurance
• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for visitors to USA
• Best senior travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for families
• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

More Travel Insurance Resources

How COVID-19 Travel Insurance Works

From weekend getaways to extended vacations, specialized covid-19 travel insurance can provide security if the virus affects your travel plans..

3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance

7+ years in personal finance and technology

Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Featured in

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 18, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Pandemic insurance
• What’s covered
• Is it worth it?
• Secure a policy

Travel lets you see new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. But the lurking shadow of COVID-19 can make traveling uncertain. Almost half of canceled trips in 2020 were due to the virus, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). [1]

Travel insurance can help if something goes wrong before or during your trip, but not all policies cover COVID-19 issues. Let’s explore how COVID-19 travel insurance works and how it might — or might not — shield you on your next journey.

How pandemic travel insurance works

Most travel insurance policies include protections for trip cancellations, delays, or other trip interruption coverage. However, many policies don’t cover disruptions due to pandemics. [2] That’s where COVID travel insurance comes into play.

COVID travel insurance is a specialized policy that can refund your money if the virus throws a wrench into your plans. It typically has three coverage levels: coverage for a trip delay, canceling for any reason, and medical care if you get sick.

Travel delay coverage

Illness, injury, jury duty, and other circumstances beyond your control can delay your travel plans. Travel delay insurance covers flight issues, bad weather, sudden breakdowns, and unexpected illnesses or injuries that happen before reaching your destination. It can pay you back for non-refundable expenses and cover extra costs, too — like food, hotel rooms, or cab rides.

Cancel for any reason

Travel insurance policies typically have strict rules, but a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) option offers more leeway, allowing you to cancel for reasons not covered in the original policy.

But with CFAR benefits, you might only get a partial refund amount. Reimbursements usually range from 50% to 75% of the total price. [2]

Medical coverage for COVID-19

If your health insurance is only valid in a specific area and doesn’t cover international travel, travel insurance with medical expenses coverage can fill the gap.

If medical insurance is included in your trip policy, it can help pay for medical attention and treatment costs if you, a family member, or another traveling companion becomes ill from COVID-19 before or during your trip.

Will travel insurance cover you if you need to quarantine?

Some travel protection plans cover quarantine or self-isolation due to COVID-19 concerns. It can reimburse you for lost prepaid expenses and cover additional lodging and meal costs. However, it depends on your policy and the conditions leading to the cancellation, delay, or disruption.

Protection often hinges on two factors:

Not all travel insurance plans include a pandemic as a covered reason. If COVID-19 was a significant public concern when you purchased the policy, insurers may not provide coverage because it’s a “foreseeable” threat. But some plans let you add COVID-19 coverage as an endorsement.

Even if you set out to buy COVID-19 travel insurance, it may not be available for your plan or location. Review your benefits and endorsement options to look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to see if COVID-19 is a covered event.

Is travel insurance worth it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the COVID-19 public health emergency over in May 2023, but there’s still a risk of infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). [3] [4]

Your credit card’s travel protections are worth considering, but you may not want to rely on that alone. Credit cards often limit travel coverage, and most companies don’t include trip cancellation coverage. [5]

Travel delay benefits can fill the gap — especially benefits with COVID-19 coverage. Compare the policy cost against the potential loss if you have to cancel or delay your trip to determine if it’s worth it. The up-front payment for travel insurance is typically a fraction of what you might spend out of pocket if plans go south.

The CDC reports that medical bills in the first six months of a COVID-19 diagnosis average nearly $8,400. [6] Factor in non-refundable trip costs, accommodation charges, and other miscellaneous expenses, and the expenses can skyrocket.

How to find the best travel insurance

If you’re concerned about the pandemic and the potential effects on your travels, here are some tips to help you secure a policy with the best travel insurance plan:

Research coverage and services

Compare multiple companies and policies and read reviews to see others’ experiences.

Check for pandemic coverage

Not all policies cover travel disruptions from COVID-19. Review your coverage to make sure it specifically addresses pandemic reasons.

Buy medical coverage

Travel policies don’t automatically include medical emergencies. Consider adding medical travel insurance, and ask about emergency assistance coverage and medical evacuation in case of a natural disaster.

Consider a cancel-for-any-reason insurance policy

CFAR policies can be beneficial, especially with unpredictable pandemic-related concerns and travel restrictions.

Understand refund policies

Read the fine print and policy information to verify how the insurer handles refunds. Some policies might offer partial refunds.

COVID travel insurance FAQs

The COVID-19 virus has made travel plans tricky. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 travel insurance.

Will travel insurance cover COVID cancellations?

It depends. Standard travel insurance policies don’t cover COVID-19 or other pandemic-related reasons, but some travel insurance companies offer specialty COVID-19 coverage against the virus’ potential interference. If you cancel your trip due to the virus, a COVID travel insurance policy may provide refunds or reimbursements for your expenses.

Do you get your travel insurance premium refunded if you cancel your trip?

Travel insurance offers varying refund policies depending on the travel insurance company, but it doesn’t refund your premium. Instead, coverage can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs, meals, hotel rooms, or cab rides because of the interruption.

Will travel insurance cover quarantine outside the U.S.?

It’s possible. Travel insurance policies may cover quarantine or self-isolation expenses outside the United States due to COVID-19 concerns. However, coverage depends on your specific policy and the circumstances leading to the quarantine. It’s crucial to review the specific details and look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to ensure coverage.

How does COVID travel insurance differ from regular travel insurance?

Regular travel insurance often covers typical trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays. However, many don’t address pandemic-related disruptions. COVID travel insurance provides specialized coverage for travel hiccups related to the virus, ensuring you’re shielded financially if COVID-19 affects your journey.

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Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn .

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June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova; North Korea; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

UPDATED APRIL 6, 2022

The information in this FAQ is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change .  Please see our Coverage Alert for the latest coverage information.  The information in this FAQ is intended to provide general information only and is not a coverage determination in any respect on any claim.  All claims are evaluated under the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan purchased based on the particular facts and circumstance of that claim.  The below FAQ responses address only losses incurred on or after the publication date of these FAQs . If a loss was incurred prior to that date, these responses may not apply to you or may vary. Please contact us at the number listed on your plan with any questions about coverage or to file a claim.

For customers purchasing a new travel protection plan, some of our plans now include an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds epidemic-related covered reasons for certain benefits. Benefits vary by plan and by state of residence, and are not available in all jurisdictions.

Please read your plan documents to see if the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement is included in your plan. We are also offering certain temporary accommodations as described in our COVID-19 coverage alert .

For frequently asked questions regarding details of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, see below section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement.”

General COVID-19

+ - i am worried about covid-19 impacting a trip i have scheduled or plan to schedule. should i buy an allianz travel protection plan to cover me in case covid-19 impacts my trip.

COVID-19 is a known and evolving epidemic that is impacting travel worldwide, with continued spread and impacts expected.  Our travel protection plans do not generally cover losses directly or indirectly related to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel.

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021.  This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19) to some of our most popular insurance plans.  Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information.  Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions.  To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

Additionally, in response to the ongoing public health and travel crisis, we are temporarily extending certain claims accommodations as follows*:

1. For plans that do not include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, we are temporarily accommodating claims for the following:

• Emergency medical care for an insured who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip (if your plan includes the Emergency Medical Care benefit)
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption if an insured, or that insured’s traveling companion or family member, becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during the insured’s trip (if your plan includes Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits, as applicable)

2. If an insured or their traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on their trip, that insured will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).

These temporary accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available to customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit.  These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I want to cancel my travel plans because I’m afraid to travel due to COVID-19?

No, canceling a trip because you’re afraid to travel due to COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

However, if you’re concerned about traveling during this time, many airlines and other travel suppliers are allowing their customers to change the dates of their travel without change fees. If you change your trip’s dates, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

This temporary accommodation is strictly applicable to COVID-19.  This accommodation applies to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel or interrupt my trip due to COVID-19?

Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered.  As such, our travel insurance plans do not generally cover trip cancellations or interruptions directly or indirectly related to COVID-19. 

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021.  This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19) to some of our most popular insurance plans. Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information.  Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions.  To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

+ - What if my travel supplier (e.g. airline, cruise line, tour operator, etc.) cancels a portion or all of my trip due to COVID-19?

Travel supplier cancellations due to COVID-19 are generally not covered under our travel protection plans. However, if your supplier cancels your trip, you may be eligible for a refund directly from your supplier, and we encourage you to contact them for assistance.

If you have rescheduled your trip or rebooked a new trip, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.*  For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

Alternatively, if your travel supplier has canceled your trip due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a refund of the cost of your travel protection plan.*  For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on canceling your plan .

These temporary accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19.  These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel my travel plans because of a travel ban or other government-imposed restriction on travel related to COVID-19?

No, canceling a trip because of a travel ban or other government-imposed restriction on travel directly or indirectly related to COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

Please note, many airlines and other travel suppliers are allowing their customers to change the dates of their travel without change fees.  If you change your trip’s dates, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

Alternatively, if your travel supplier has canceled your trip due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a refund of the cost of your travel protection plan.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on canceling your plan .

+ - How do I know if COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required for my destination?

Check our interactive map for the latest information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

Please keep in mind that travel restrictions change often, so you should check the travel requirements again before you leave for your trip.

+ - What should I do if my destination requires proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

If your destination requires proof of travel insurance, we're happy to provide a summary letter that describes your travel insurance plan benefits, also called Proof of Insurance. Click here to request Proof of Insurance (please allow approximately 48 hours for a response).

If you’re not sure whether the information provided in the Proof of Insurance satisfies the requirements of your destination country, we recommend that you or your travel advisor contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm.

+ - Can travel insurance cover trip cancellation or interruption if I don't meet the COVID-19 entry requirements for my destination?

Failing to meet a country’s entry requirements, whether for COVID-19 or any other reason, is not a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption. It’s the responsibility of the traveler to check international entry requirements before booking a trip.

Before you book, and before you travel, use our interactive map to see current information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

+ - I have an upcoming trip to an area with reported cases of COVID-19. Will I be covered if I cancel my trip?

No, canceling a trip because of an area being affected by COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel or interrupt my trip because the government has issued a travel advisory or warning for my destination due to COVID-19?

Our plans do not generally cover losses directly or indirectly resulting from government-issued travel advisories or warnings related to COVID-19, including those issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State.

However, as a temporary accommodation, please note that the accommodations and other coverage for which you are otherwise eligible under your plan continue to apply regardless of any U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State travel alerts regarding COVID-19 that exist on the effective date of our COVID-19 Coverage Alert . For the latest information and updates, please see our COVID-19 Coverage Alert .

+ - Can I cancel my travel protection plan and get the cost of my travel protection plan refunded?

You may be eligible to cancel your plan and receive a refund of your plan cost in the following situations:

• You generally have 15 days (or more, depending on your plan and state of residence) from the date your plan was purchased to request a refund of the cost of your plan, provided you have not started your trip or initiated a claim. Please note, plan refund rules vary by state and plan purchased, so please see your plan for details.
• Additionally, for a temporary period, we are offering refunds for the cost of your single-trip travel protection plan if your travel supplier cancels your trip due to COVID-19, as long as no payable claim has been filed under the plan. (This is not available for annual travel insurance plans, which may be canceled any time for a refund of unearned premium.) Refunds must be requested within 770 days of the original plan purchase date.*

To cancel your plan for one of these situations, please call us at the number listed on your plan. 

Unless earlier canceled or otherwise ended in accordance with its terms or the accommodations stated here, plans end 770 days after the original plan purchase date.  Plans do not provide any coverage or accommodation for any loss incurred after the plan ends.

+ - If I rebook my trip to a later date, can I change my travel protection plan’s effective dates to cover the rebooked trip?

Yes, you may change your travel protection plan’s effective dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, as long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.  Changes can be made at www.allianztravelinsurance.com or by calling the phone number on your plan. 

Please note, if you wish to move your plan’s covered trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, you must update your trip dates prior to the departure date of that new or rescheduled trip and prior to any loss for which you seek coverage.*  Additionally, if your trip costs for your new or rescheduled trip are different than the cost of your original trip, you will need to update your plan’s coverage limits accordingly.  Any change in trip cost insured for the new or rescheduled trip may result in a change in premium.  If you update your plan’s trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip but do not adjust your limits, the original plan limits will apply to the new or rescheduled trip.

+ - What are your temporary accommodations for COVID-19?

To learn more about the temporary, specific accommodations we are currently offering, please read our Coverage Alert .  These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered for trip cancellation due to COVID-19 if I have a Cancel Anytime plan?

Our Cancel Anytime plans provide up to 100% reimbursement of non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when a trip is canceled for a covered reason, and up to 80% of those costs for most other unforeseen reasons for cancellation. However, our plans do not provide “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage, and coverage under these plans is subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions. Specifically, Cancel Anytime plans generally exclude coverage for losses directly or indirectly resulting from any of the following: known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, and government prohibitions, and certain other causes of loss. As such, losses directly or indirectly resulting from COVID-19 are not generally covered under our Cancel Anytime plans.

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021.  This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19) to some of our most popular insurance plans.  Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information.  Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions.  To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

+ - Am I covered if I need emergency medical care because I become ill with COVID-19 while on my trip?

Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered.  As such, our travel insurance plans do not generally cover medical claims directly or indirectly related to COVID-19. 

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021.  This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19), including related to emergency medical care if you or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, to some of our most popular insurance plans. Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information.  Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions.  To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

Please note, the above applies to emergency medical care for insured individuals who become ill with COVID-19 while traveling.  For the elimination of doubt, we do not provide coverage or reimbursement for the cost of COVID-19 testing required for travel, the cost of COVID-19 vaccination, or any other such expenses.

We urge any customer who has a medical issue while traveling or needs help to call us.  We are assisting customers 24/7/365 who wish to change their travel plans, need travel assistance, or would like to file a claim.  Our assistance team is ready to help all of our customers who need help while traveling, such as locating medical facilities or rebooking transportation.  You can also use our self-service options on this website. We review every claim based on its unique facts and circumstances and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

+ - Is a “long-haul” or an ongoing or active case of COVID-19 considered a pre-existing medical condition?

Our plans generally define a pre-existing medical condition as an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the purchase date of your travel protection plan:

• Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

The illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed in order to be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

If your medical documentation indicates that COVID-19 symptoms/treatment were present within the 120 day look-back period prior to your insurance purchase, the condition could fall under the definition of a pre-existing medical condition.

Please note:  Many plans include a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver. If your travel insurance plan includes this Waiver, and you meet the conditions of the Waiver, then this exclusion will not apply to your plan.  One of the conditions to qualify for this Waiver is that you must be medically able to travel on the day you purchased your plan.  As such, if you are not medically able to travel on the day you purchase your plan as a result of “long-haul” or an ongoing or active case of COVID-19, you may not be eligible for this Waiver. Please see your plan documents for details, and learn more about pre-existing medical conditions here .

Epidemic Coverage Endorsement

+ - if i was exposed to someone with covid-19, would trip cancellation benefits apply.

Exposure to someone with COVID-19 is not by itself a covered reason under the Trip Cancellation benefit. However, the Trip Cancellation benefit would apply if you or a traveling companion test positive for COVID-19 or you are diagnosed with COVID-19 by your physician. 

The Trip Cancellation benefit would also apply if you or your traveling companion are individually-ordered to quarantine as a result of your exposure. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

Please note, this answer is specific to products that include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement and applicable benefit(s) and covered reason(s) described. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

+ - What happens when a traveling companion or I become ill with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 or is ordered to quarantine?

If you or a traveling companion become ill due to an epidemic disease (such as COVID-19) or are individually-ordered to quarantine, these are covered reasons that could trigger Trip Cancellation or Trip interruption benefits for the insured .  Note, the plan only covers expenses of the insured. Expenses of traveling companions are not covered unless they are also an insured under the plan.  Benefits may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits.  For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ below on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine . 

+ - What is meant by “individually ordered” quarantine?

A quarantine is considered “individually ordered” when these conditions, as specified in the plan, are met:

i. The quarantine is specific to you or a traveling companion, meaning that you or a traveling companion must be specifically and individually designated by name in an order or directive to be placed in quarantine due to an epidemic; and

ii. The quarantine does not apply generally or broadly (a) to some segment or all of a population, geographical area, building, or vessel (including without limitation shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, or other similar restriction), or (b) based on to, from, or through where the person is traveling. This condition (ii) applies even if the quarantine order or directive specifically designates you or a traveling companion by name to be quarantined.

Example 1 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers and you or your traveling companion demonstrate a temperature outside the accepted range, causing you both to be ordered to quarantine while on board. This would qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 2 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers. As a result of a passenger (not part of your traveling party) demonstrating a temperature outside the accepted range, all passengers on the ship are ordered to quarantine while on board. Because this quarantine applies generally or broadly to the population of the entire vessel, this would not qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 3 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is conducting random COVID-19 testing of passengers.  A passenger who is not part of your traveling party but with whom you have had close contact tests positive for COVID-19.  As a result, you or your traveling companion are ordered to quarantine while on board.  Other passengers who are not close contacts of the ill passenger are allowed to continue freely moving about the ship as normal.  This would qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 4 : You fly to a country that requires all persons entering the country to quarantine for fourteen days prior to being permitted to freely travel in the country.  Because this is a general/broad quarantine that applies based on the country to which you are traveling, this would not qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

+ - Will the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement meet government requirements for my trip?

Travel requirements vary by country and continue to rapidly shift and evolve.  While we continually monitor and adapt our products and services as best as we can to meet these requirements, and our plans offer robust benefits in an effort to provide products that meet our customers’ needs, we cannot guarantee that a plan will meet the need in all situations.

Though it is the insured’s responsibility to comply with the specific country requirements, we can assist in locating this information. Our interactive map shows current information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. Check your destination’s entry requirements here. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

We also can provide a summary letter of travel insurance plan benefits, which we refer to as Proof of Insurance. If your destination requires proof of travel insurance, we're happy to provide a summary letter that describes your travel insurance plan benefits, also called Proof of Insurance. Click here to request Proof of Insurance  (please allow approximately 48 hours for a response).

If it is unclear whether the information provided in the Proof of Insurance satisfies the requirements of the destination country, we recommend that you or your travel advisor contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm. To the extent you determine the plan you purchased does not meet your needs, contact us so that we can help you find one that does.

+ - If I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 but I’m asymptomatic, would Trip Cancellation benefits apply?

Even if you or a traveling companion are asymptomatic, proof of a positive COVID-19 test or confirmation of a COVID-19 diagnosis by a doctor would be accepted as verification of illness and may be coverable under Trip Cancellation. For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

+ - Is a positive COVID-19 test administered by someone other than a doctor considered sufficient proof of illness?

To confirm COVID-19 illness, we require a physician's diagnosis or confirmation, or the verified record of a positive molecular (e.g. PCR) or antigen COVID-19 test performed by a third party testing service provider.

+ - Which types of COVID-19 test results can be accepted as proof of illness?

+ - if i believe i’m sick with covid-19 but my test result is negative, how can i show proof of illness.

If you’re sick but test negative for COVID, a doctor must advise you to cancel your trip before you cancel it. If this isn’t possible, a doctor must examine or consult with you within 72 hours after the cancellation to confirm the decision to cancel.

+ - If I’m asymptomatic when I arrive at my destination, and then test positive for COVID-19, would trip interruption benefits apply?

Even if you or a traveling companion are asymptomatic, proof of a positive COVID-19 test would be accepted as verification of illness and may be coverable under Trip Interruption.

Please note, this answer is specific to products that include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement and applicable benefit(s) and covered reason(s) described. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Coverage is subject to the plan’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.

+ - What happens if I’m denied boarding based on suspicion of COVID-19 illness, but do not test positive and I end up not being ill?

Even if you never test positive or become ill, if you or a traveling companion is denied boarding due to suspicion of COVID-19 illness, and your plan includes the denied boarding covered reason under Trip Interruption or Travel Delay, you may be eligible for coverage under that benefit. The specific expenses that may be covered depends on the benefit and may vary by plan.  Please note, this does not include being denied boarding as a result of your refusal or failure to comply with rules or requirements of entry to your destination.  You may file a claim under multiple benefits, but you may not be paid more than once for the same expense.

+ - If I’m denied boarding due to suspicion of being ill with COVID-19, would travel delay benefits apply?

If you or a traveling companion is denied boarding due to suspicion of COVID-19 illness, and your plan includes the denied boarding covered reason under Trip Interruption or Travel Delay, you may be eligible for coverage under that benefit. The specific expenses that may be covered depends on the benefit and may vary by plan.  Please note, this does not include being denied boarding as a result of your refusal or failure to comply with rules or requirements of entry to your destination.

Example 1 : The crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers prior to allowing them to reboard following a shore excursion.  You or your traveling companion demonstrate a temperature outside the accepted range, causing you both to be denied boarding.  This may qualify for coverage under the denied boarding covered reason.

Example 2 : During the process of reboarding a cruise ship after a shore excursion, you are required to fill out a form indicating whether you have attended any gatherings of 50 or more people while off the ship, which the cruise ship has indicated is prohibited for cruise ship passengers.  However, you did not follow that rule and attended a party with more than 50 people during the shore excursion.  You indicated that on the ship’s form, and as a result, you were not allowed to reboard the ship.  This boarding denial would not qualify for coverage under the denied boarding covered reason because you did not follow the travel supplier’s rules and requirements to travel, an express condition of the denied boarding covered reason.

+ - If I contract COVID-19 after starting my trip and must quarantine, would I qualify for both quarantine and interruption benefits?

Being individually ordered to quarantine while on your trip is a covered reason under the Trip Interruption benefit.  However, “Quarantine” is not itself a benefit under the plan that provides any separate coverage from Trip Interruption. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

If you or a traveling companion later become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, in addition to the Trip Interruption, you may also be eligible for other benefits as well, such as Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Transportation benefits. You may file a claim under multiple benefits, but you may not be paid more than once for the same expense.

+ - Do your insurance plans cover the cost of additional accommodations for an individually-ordered quarantine?

If an insured is individually ordered to quarantine while on their trip, they may be eligible for coverage under the Trip Interruption benefit for expenses incurred for additional accommodations while quarantined.  Benefits may not cover the full cost of quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

Additionally, as a temporary accommodation, if you or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, you will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).*

This temporary accommodation is strictly applicable to COVID-19 and is only available to customers whose plan includes the Trip Interruption benefit.  This accommodation applies to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - If I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 and need emergency medical care while traveling, would Emergency Medical Care benefits apply?

If you are diagnosed with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 or test positive with COVID-19 and require necessary emergency medical care while traveling, then you can be reimbursed for reasonable costs for emergency medical care up to your specific plan’s maximum limit for the Emergency Medical Care benefit. For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

+ - If products including the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement become available in my state before I travel, do I need to buy one of the new products to have any coverage related to COVID-19?

The introduction of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement does not affect any terms or conditions of existing policies. Accommodations that were applicable to existing policyholders prior to the introduction of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement products remain applicable to those policyholders, including temporary claims accommodations for customers who become ill with COVID-19. For information on these accommodations, please see our Coverage Alert .

Please note, this answer is specific to products that include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement and applicable benefit(s) and covered reason(s) described. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation .

+ - Will your current COVID-19 accommodations be expanded to include the broader coverage that the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement offers?

No, this new coverage is only available under plans containing the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement.  For other plans, our existing temporary accommodations continue to apply, including temporary claims accommodations for customers who become ill with COVID-19.  For information on these accommodations, please see our Coverage Alert .

These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our  Coverage Alert  for the most up to date information before purchasing. 

* - The accommodations described here are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit.  All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal. All plans continue to generally exclude losses for epidemics, including COVID-19, except as expressly covered in that plan’s Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits, day limits, and daily maximums.  Please read your plan for details.  The above-described accommodations are an explicit and limited expression of donative intent only, which is for only the limited purposes expressly specified here and for no other further purpose, express or implied.  Further, this is expressly not a guarantee of coverage or admission of legal or equitable liability.  Nothing contained or described here, nor any payment made pursuant to the position described here, is or should be construed to be a waiver of any term, condition, or exclusion of any plan, or any applicable rights, remedies, or defenses under any plan or at law or equity.  We and our applicable underwriters and reinsurers reserve all rights, remedies, and defenses under the plan and under applicable law and at equity.  Please note, the above accommodations, refunds, and opportunities to change dates may not apply to any third party travel cancellation fee waiver you purchased from a travel supplier.

For all of the above FAQs :  Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, including specific benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here.  Benefits may not cover the full cost of your expense or loss.  All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.  Benefits and limits vary by plan. Be sure to review your plan carefully to understand what coverage is available and what limits apply to your plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declaration of Coverage and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company, or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel, Event Ticket, and Registration insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through Allianz Global Assistance. Any non-insurance travel cancellation fee waiver purchased is provided by the travel supplier from whom you purchased that travel cancellation fee waiver. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Do You Need Special Health Insurance to Travel Internationally?

Some countries are requiring proof of medical coverage in the covid-19 era.

Before your next international trip , you may have to add an item to your packing list: proof of health insurance.

As the world begins to reopen to tourism, Americans are finding that some countries, including many Caribbean nations, now require arriving passengers to document that they have medical coverage. And a few, such as Costa Rica , are even demanding special policies that cover up to $2,000 for the expense of quarantining in a hotel if a visitor tests positive for COVID-19, as well as at least $50,000 of expenses relating to coronavirus care.

"We're seeing this more and more,” says Brook Wilkinson, an editor at travel-advice website WendyPerrin. “If someone wants an easy-breezy trip 2019-style, that's going to be tricky."

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You may already be covered by a health insurance plan in the U.S. A health insurance policy for international travel may be necessary if you don't have your own health plan, if your plan doesn't cover medical care outside of the U.S. or if your destination requires a special country-specific plan.

Here are questions to ask when considering whether you need to purchase travel health insurance.

Does the country you're visiting require travel health insurance?

Before COVID-19, some countries already required visitors to prove they had health insurance coverage, and now a growing number are requiring a special country-specific policy related to the pandemic.

While Western European countries haven't adopted the requirement, countries that have include Cambodia, which requires visitors to buy COVID-19 insurance from a local company ($90 for 20 days); Aruba; the Bahamas; the British Virgin Islands; Dubai; Egypt; Grenada; Jordan; Mauritius; Namibia; Rwanda; Saba; St. Martin/Sint Maarten; the Seychelles; Sri Lanka; and Thailand.

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Entry requirements are changing frequently. Ask your travel agent or search online for the latest updates. The best source of information is usually the country's tourism office and the U.S. State Department . Other helpful resources include CanITravel.net and WendyPerrin.com , which maintains a comprehensive list. The sites also have the latest traveler requirements for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and quarantining. Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises delaying international trips until you are fully vaccinated.

If a country requires special health insurance, you must bring written proof, sometimes specifically mentioning coverage for COVID-19, which the insurer can provide. Without it, airlines may not let you board and some countries may not admit you.

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Travel Insurance Terms

Travel health insurance  covers medical issues that arise while you're traveling. You may need it if you don't have another form of  health insurance , your health insurance doesn't fully cover you outside the U.S. or your destination requires visitors to purchase a particular plan.

Medical evacuation insurance  covers transportation to a medical facility if there isn't one in your immediate destination. It may be included in a travel health insurance policy or bought separately.

Trip cancellation  or disruption insurance  allows you to recoup the nonrefundable portion of a trip canceled for a covered reason. Sometimes it covers cancellation in case of illness, but it doesn't cover medical care. It may or may not cover cancellation due to disease outbreaks (such as  COVID-19 ) in your destination.

Does your current health insurance policy cover medical care outside the United States?

Even if you have health insurance and special coverage isn't required for entry to your destination country, you may still need a travel health policy. Many traditional health insurance policies, including basic  Medicare plans , do not provide coverage outside the U.S. And while some Medicare supplement polices include overseas coverage, it may be limited.

"A lot of U.S. travelers really aren't aware of how much medical coverage they have when they're traveling internationally,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com. “They're assuming that health insurance travels with them, but in many cases it doesn't."

If you don't have health insurance (travel or otherwise) that covers you in your destination, you could face bills running many thousands of dollars if a health emergency arises.

Will you be particularly vulnerable during your travels because of a health condition or high-risk activities?

The CDC recommends travel health insurance for international travel, particularly for those who “have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than six months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.”

You can find travel health insurance plans that cover  preexisting conditions , but you often need to purchase one shortly after paying for your trip (usually within two or three weeks). And some plans won't cover medical care for injuries resulting from activities that are generally considered high risk. So be sure your plan does if you want to be adventurous and, say, skydive.

Do you need emergency evacuation coverage?

Even if your health insurance includes medical transportation, it may just cover the cost of getting you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. For example, if you sustained a serious injury on a safari in South Africa, your carrier may pay for transportation to a hospital in Johannesburg but not the cost to fly you back home.

Some travel health insurance policies include emergency evacuation home, and other companies, such as Medjet (MedJetAssist.com) and GlobalRescue.com, sell stand-alone plans that provide the coverage.

Choosing a travel health insurance plan

Travel health insurance generally isn't super expensive. A policy for a 65-year-old going to Europe for two weeks could cost less than $35 for $50,000 in coverage, Sandberg says. Paying just a bit more can bring higher policy limits and extras like lost-baggage coverage. (By contrast, trip cancellation insurance is pricier, costing up to 10 percent of the price of your trip. And coverage that lets you cancel for any reason runs even more.)

Shop around. Sandberg's company offers quotes from multiple plans, as do platforms such as InsureMyTrip.com. These companies also sell travel cancellation insurance, but you can narrow your search for travel health insurance policies by entering $0 as your total trip cost.

And, as noted above, you may want to consider whether a policy covers medical care for preexisting conditions or for COVID-19 and whether it includes emergency evacuation.

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Introduction to Aegis Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options
• How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy
• Customer Service and Claims Process

Compare Aegis Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

Aegis Travel Insurance Review 2024 (Formerly GoReady)

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

No one likes thinking about the ways things can go wrong, but the truth is that anything can happen. Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss if something goes wrong while you're away and even cover pre-paid trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a qualified reason.

There are many different types of travel insurance, so it's important to choose the right policy for your needs. And Aegis General Travel Insurance offers a variety of policies to suit different travelers. Keep reading to find out how Aegis performs and whether its coverage makes sense.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a CFAR upgrade add-on on certain plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comprehensive insurance plans include generous coverage for baggage loss, plus protection from hurricane and other intense weather-related issues
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Competitive pricing
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Online complaints about claims not being paid and non-responsiveness
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all more expensive plans include CFAR coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dropping rating with AM Best
• Annual and multi-trip plans available
• All plans include pandemic coverage for COVID-19
• Coverage for weather-related delays, cancellations and other incidents

Aegis General Insurance Agency provides several types of insurance such as homeowners, life, and pest insurance. Aegis added travel insurance to its list of offerings, when it acquired April Travel Protection in early 2021, operating as GoReady.

Now Aegis General, the Pennsylvania-based company offers five single-trip insurance plans and two multi-trip plans that have a wide range customization options including CFAR and sports coverage. The plans also offer a diverse range of coverage from its more comprehensive VIP and Pandemic Plus options to its Trip Cancellation, which offers low-cost coverage for cancellations and trip interruption. The Aegis Trip Cancellation plan is even included in our guide on the best affordable travel insurance .

That said, Aegis has a relatively complicated claims process that has received mixed reviews from customers. You're required to get in contact with a claims agent to start the process, which can be difficult.

Coverage Options with Aegis

Aegis travel insurance offers a variety of plans from which to choose. Picking the right one will depend on your trip and whether you want single-trip coverage or something like an annual plan. The answer to the question of what does travel insurance cover varies.

If you're looking for a single-trip plan, you'll have a few different choices:

Aegis Annual Multi-Trip Plans Available

Annual/Multi-Trip Preferred plan – This annual travel insurance plan is ideal for those who take multiple trips per year that are less than 31 days. It provides comprehensive coverage for an unlimited number of trips, including important types of protection like travel delay ($750), trip inconvenience ($200), baggage coverage ($1,000), and baggage delay ($200). In addition, the plan includes $100,000 per person for medical emergency assistance and transportation. The Preferred plan is not available for New York residents.

Annual/Multi-Trip Primary plan – This policy is ideal for you if you're a frequent flyer who goes on three or more trips each year or travels for up to 90 days at a time. It includes baggage coverage ($1,000), baggage delay ($100 per person, $300 policy limit), and $30,000 in initial coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenditures.

Aegis Additional Coverage Options

Some Aegis travel insurance plans offer the option to upgrade for improved coverage. For instance, Aegis's Choice plan includes $250,000 in emergency medical assistance and transportation — but with an upgrade, you can buy up to double that amount ($500,000).

There are add-ons, too, like CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage , which reimburses you 75% of your prepaid trip expenses, or "cancel for work reasons." which covers 100%. CFAR coverage is only available for the Choice, Pandemic Plus, and Cruise plans.

Depending on the play you choose, other upgrades include coverage for rental car damage, missed port of call, sporting equipment coverage, and more.

Aegis Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for the plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Aegis's coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following Aegis travel insurance quotes:

• Trip Cancellation: $43
• Choice: $53
• Pandemic Plus: $105
• Cruise: $112

Premiums for Aegis plans are between 2.7% and 4.2% of the trip's cost, well below the average cost of travel insurance. It's also relatively cheap compared to many of its competitors

Aegis provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Trip Cancellation: $59
• Choice: $70
• Pandemic Plus: $140
• Cruise: $142

Once again, premiums for Aegis plans are between 3.6% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following Aegis quotes:

• Trip Cancellation: $438
• Choice: $404
• Pandemic Plus: $372
• Cruise: $620

Premiums for Aegis plans are between 6.5% and 9.2%, which is roughly in line with the average cost for travel insurance. This is to be expected, as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

Aegis Annual Travel Insurance Cost

Quotes for Aegis' annual plans are as follows for a 35-year-old from Iowa:

• Preferred Plan: $145
• Primary Plan: $198

How to Purchase and Manage Your Aegis Policy

To purchase an Aegis policy, you'll have to obtain a quote on its website. You'll need to be able to provide information about yourself and your trip including: 

• Destination(s)
• Total trip cost
• Age of traveler(s)
• Primary email
• Travel dates
• Date of deposit
• State of residence

Aegis gives you quotes on all five of its policies on one page. Once you make a decision, you can also add any available upgrades to your policy, such as pre-existing condition waivers, CFAR coverage, rental car damage, and higher coverage limits. 

How to File a Claim with Aegis

To start a claim, you need to first contact a claims agent over the phone at 866-753-0945 (option 3), sending an email on Aegis' website , or through its live chat service. They'll help you determine which benefits you should file for and supplementary documents you should provide. Your files may even be pre-screened to ensure you have the correct information.

You'll receive an email that gives you access to Aegis's claims portal, where you can file claims and monitor their statuses. Aegis says that claims will be processed within seven to 10 business days. 

Aegis Customer Service and Claims Process

Customer reviews of Aegis are almost solely concentrated on SquareMouth, where it has 4.06 stars out of five across over 1,100 reviews. Reviews that focused on the process of buying a policy were almost unanimously positive. Customer service was helpful in adjusting any policies pre-departure.

However, reviews on Aegis's claims process were more mixed. According to customers, the claims team was hard to get a hold of and the process often took over a month, well over the promised processing window.

Learn more about how Aegis Travel Insurance stacks up against the competition. 

Aegis Travel Insurance vs. HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide's most popular TripProtector Preferred plan comes with $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, $50,000 in trip cancellation, $2,000 in baggage loss/damage, and $2,000 in trip delay insurance.

With Aegis's Choice plan, you'll get $250,000 in emergency medical assistance, 150% of trip cost in trip cancellation, $500 in baggage loss/damage coverage, and $200 for baggage delays, and you can get upgraded protection.

In comparing the two plans, you'll see that Aegis travel insurance offers better coverage when it comes to medical protections, but falls short, compared to HTH Worldwide, when it comes to travel coverages.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Aegis Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Like Aegis travel insurance, Allianz offers single-trip policies as well as policies for those who plan to travel for a longer period of time. And, like with all insurance, the different plans provide varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000, trip interruption coverage up to $150,000, emergency medical coverage for $50,000, coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000, and travel delay coverage up to $800.

In comparison, Aegis's Choice plan offers $250,000 in emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation insurance. And it comes with up to $500 in baggage loss or damage coverage and $200 if your bags are delayed. Upgraded protection is also an option.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Aegis Travel Insurance vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Be sure to take a look at your travel credit card's insurance coverage before buying a separate policy. Some coverages, like rental car coverage, might already be included.

Let's say, for example, you're taking a road trip and have very minimal (if any) pre-paid or non-refundable trip expenses. In that case, the coverage from your credit card will likely suffice. Or maybe your main concern is trip and baggage delay and cancellation coverage because your current health coverage covers you overseas. That's another instance where credit card insurance coverage might do the trick!

Worth noting, though, is that sometimes credit card coverage is secondary. This means you'll have to make a claim with your other applicable insurance before making a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Aegis Travel Insurance

When reviewing Aegis travel insurance travel insurance, we considered various factors such as types of coverage, claim limits, available policy add-ons, and costs. We then compared these findings to similar plans from other top travel insurance companies.

In the end, the best policy is the one that offers an adequate amount and type of coverage depending on your needs and budget. It should also be user-friendly in case you have to make a claim sometime in the future.

Read more about how Business Insider reviews insurance products here.

Aegis Travel Insurance FAQs

Aegis covers COVID-19 like any other illness under its medical and cancellation coverage. It also offers coverage for travel delay due to COVID quarantine.

No, you cannot purchase an Aegis plan for a trip in progress.

To file a claim with Aegis, you must first contact a claims agent, who will email you access to the Aegis claims portal, where you can file your claim and keep track of any updates.

Aegis will cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 24 hours or 14 days of your initial trip deposit, depending on your policy. Aegis's Choice plan offers pre-existing condition coverage as an upgrade instead of an inclusion, though the 14-day window still applies.

Aegis' Pandemic Plus, Choice, and Trip Cancellation coverage can be extended by up to seven days.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in May 2024

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Table of Contents

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance that covers COVID

An overview of the best travel insurance for covid , top travel insurance for covid options , additional resources for covid-19 travel insurance shoppers.

No matter how well you prepare, travel plans don’t always go as expected. Some travelers buy travel insurance to protect their investment in prepaid travel costs. Amid the ongoing pandemic, exploring travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is recommended. With the right policy, you can protect yourself if you need to cancel your trip or end it early due to illness. Many insurers offer travel insurance policies with this kind of coverage. 

This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for COVID options: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.  

Seven Corners . 

Travelex Insurance Services . 

Travel Insured International . 

WorldTrips . 

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight in our best travel insurance for COVID list: 

Range of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered with COVID-19 coverage, plus the range of available plans. 

Depth of coverage: We compared the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims between carriers and plans.

Medical benefits: We examined whether plans included emergency medical benefits for COVID-19 reasons and whether plans included medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. 

Cost: We determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices by looking at the basic coverage costs for plans with COVID-19 benefits across multiple companies.

We looked at quotes from various companies for a six-night trip in May 2023 to Croatia. The traveler was 30 years old, from Texas and planned to spend $1,500 on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan with COVID-19 coverage was $47.22. The prices listed below are for the most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage. All insurers offer multiple COVID-19 policies with greater coverage coming at a higher cost. 

Let's take a closer look at our eight recommendations for travel insurance with COVID coverage: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

What makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Several plans allow policyholders to cancel for COVID-19 sickness as part of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance benefits. 

Several plans include COVID-19 medical coverage benefits.

Medical evacuation benefits are included in these plans. 

Plans include limited sports and activities coverage and sports equipment loss benefits. 

Basic Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection will run you $50 for an ExactCare Value policy, the company’s most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage option.

What makes IMG great:

Many plans include COVID-19 cancellation benefits.

Most of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits (the Travel Essentials plan doesn’t include this). 

Medical evacuation coverage is available on select plans. 

Coverage for adventure travel is available for an extra cost. 

IMG is a good option for the budget-minded: Its Travel Essential plans cost more than $10 less than average based on our comparison. 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. 

What makes John Hancock Insurance Agency great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage. 

These plans offer COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation coverage is included in all COVID-19 coverage plans. 

The John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. basic plan (Bronze) costs $56. 

Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans include COVID-19 medical benefits and evacuation and repatriation benefits.

There is no medical deductible. 

Seven Corners’ basic coverage plan (RoundTrip Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $44.

Travelex Insurance Services

What makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Multiple plans include Covid-19 sickness coverage, which reimburses prepaid and nonrefundable trip payments if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to a traveler contracting the virus.

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits are included. 

Basic coverage (Travel Basic) from Travelex Insurance Services costs $44 for our sample trip, which is slightly cheaper than average. 

Travel Insured International

What makes Travel Insured International great:

Multiple plans cover COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits, including medical evacuation. 

Limited sports and activities coverage is included in plans with COVID-19 coverage. 

Travel Insured International's basic coverage (Worldwide Trip Protector Edge) begins at $55 — only a few dollars more than the average basic policy price. 

What makes Tin Leg great:

A wide range of plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

All of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits. 

All of these include medical evacuation benefits. 

An adventure travel policy is available. 

Another plus: Tin Leg’s basic coverage plan (Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $48.85 — making it right around the average price for the policies we covered. 

WorldTrips 

What makes WorldTrips great:

Several plans include medical coverage for COVID-19. 

Sports and activities and sports equipment loss are included. 

Coverage can be extended for up to thirty days, including for medical quarantine purposes. 

WorldTrips’ most affordable plan with COVID-19 coverage (Atlas Journey Economy) starts at $44, making it a low-cost option. 

Do you want to learn more about travel insurance before you spend money on a policy? Take a look at these resources: 

What is travel insurance?  

What does travel insurance cover? 

The best travel insurance companies 

How to find the right travel insurance for you

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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More From Forbes

Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

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Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

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But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

• If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
• If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
• When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
• If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

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Travelers is the latest California insurer to raise rates. How to find coverage in your area

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Travelers Insurance, one of California’s largest home and auto insurers, is set to increase its rates by an average of 15%, the latest in a string of rate increases and policy limitations that major insurers say is caused by wildfire risks, reinsurance costs and inflation.

Given the go-ahead by the California Department of Insurance this week, Travelers will update its rates for more than 320,000 homeowners starting June 24. It’s not immediately clear what areas in the state will see higher rates.

Michael Soller, the state Department of Insurance’s deputy commissioner for communications, said the shortage of information is “frustrating across the board.”

The department, he said, is doing its best to make sure consumers don’t pay more than they’re required. Travelers’ premium increases, he said, are completely legal under Proposition 103, the 1988 ballot measure that regulated property and casualty insurance pricing.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in the state is $1,250 per year, or about $104 per month. That’s less than the national average of $1,915, according to Nerdwallet . The average cost for a homeowner in the city of Los Angeles is $1,485 a year, or about $124 a month.

Travelers is the latest major insurer to increase rates, limit the number of new policies issued or pull out of the California market altogether — all actions that are straining the market.

In April, Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and Trans Pacific Insurance Co. notified the insurance department that they will not renew 12,556 homeowners policies with a premium value of $11.3 million, starting July 1.

State Farm, Farmers and Allstate have limited their offerings in California by cutting back on the new policies issued or tightening underwriting standards. State Farm, for example, announced in March that it would not renew 72,000 policies. Allstate, however, has stated that once the industry-favored insurance reforms that Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara proposed go into effect, it will begin writing new homeowner insurance policies in the state, Soller said.

Last year, Geico removed all its in-person offices in the state and is offering policies only through the company’s website or app.

To make insurance rates “more predictable and insurance more available” in the state, Soller said the department is continuing its progress in updating its regulations.

That update could let insurers use algorithms to predict the future risk that properties face from wildfires. Lara is proposing to let insurers use catastrophe modeling when setting the price of policies. Currently, premiums are based on an insurance company’s past losses. This is one of several proposals Lara advanced in a Sustainable Insurance Strategy announced last year.

Even though insurers are making significant changes to their coverage offerings, many are still issuing new policies in California. Here is a partial list:

Farmers Insurance Group offers limited homeowners insurance policies in California, with a monthly cap at 7,000 new business policies.

Mercury is not only offering new policies and renewing existing ones, it’s also taking on customers from Tokio Marina America and its subsidiary, Trans Pacific Insurance Co. — both agencies that pulled out of the California market.

Chubb and its subsidaries, which include Federal Insurance Co., Vigilant Insurance Co. and Pacific Indemnity Co., offer and renew home policies, but with two limitations. It stopped writing high-value homes with higher wildfire risk and isn’t renewing some high-value homes.

USAA is offering new policies if the homes meet its underwriting criteria, which confine the insurer to low-risk properties.

Other insurers that continue to renew or issue new policies in the state are Auto Club of Southern California, Liberty Mutual and American Family.

When a prospective or current homeowner is having trouble finding a policy in their area, the last resort is the California FAIR Plan Assn. A state-established program funded by insurers doing business in California, its mission is to provide homeowners with an affordable policy option when the traditional market fails them.

To find which insurers are offering policies in your area, the California Department of Insurance has a “Home Insurance Finder” tool that will help you locate a provider within 5 to 75 miles of your property.

More to Read

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April 24, 2024

California exodus of home insurance companies continues

April 19, 2024

Upscale Westside L.A. neighborhoods hit very hard by State Farm home insurance cancellations

April 10, 2024

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Karen Garcia is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the team that has a pulse on breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. She was previously a reporter on the Utility Journalism Team, which focused on service journalism. Her previous stints include reporting for the San Luis Obispo New Times and KCBX Central Coast Public Radio.

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