Travel Insurance

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What does travel insurance actually do?

Travel insurance is a short-term policy bought for one trip, or for a year of trips, that pays back money you lose when a trip goes wrong. It is not one coverage but a bundle, and plans differ a lot in what they include. The main pieces are below. Before you buy, read which events trigger each one, because “covered reasons” are listed in the policy, not assumed.

What travel insurance can cover

• Trip cancellation — prepaid, nonrefundable costs when you cancel before departure for a reason the policy lists, such as illness or a death in the family.
• Trip interruption — unused prepaid costs and the extra fare to come home early for a covered reason.
• Travel delay and missed connection — meals and lodging when a covered delay strands you.
• Emergency medical — doctor and hospital bills while you are away, especially outside the U.S.
• Medical evacuation — transport to an adequate hospital or home when local care is not enough.
• Baggage loss and delay — replacement of essentials and lost or stolen bags, subject to per-item limits.

Does Medicare cover me when I travel abroad?

Usually not. Medicare.gov says Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S., with some exceptions, and that Medicare drug plans don’t cover prescriptions bought outside the U.S. On a cruise, Medicare may cover services only if the ship is in a U.S. port or no more than 6 hours from one. Medicare.gov suggests a travel insurance policy for more coverage and cautions that travel insurance doesn’t necessarily include health insurance, so read the conditions carefully. Medicare supplement (Medigap) policies may cover emergency care abroad. Source: Medicare.gov, Travel outside the U.S.. If you have a regular health plan, ask the plan what it pays out of the country before you leave.

What travel insurance usually excludes

Pre-existing medical conditions, unless the plan offers a waiver and you buy within its time window; events that were already known when you bought the policy, like a named storm; changing your mind (only optional “cancel for any reason” upgrades address that, and they typically repay only part of the cost); high-risk activities the plan does not list; and losses tied to alcohol or drug use. Rental car damage is a separate question; check your auto policy and the rental counter’s terms.

When should I buy it?

Soon after your first trip payment. Some benefits, such as a pre-existing condition waiver, are available only if the plan is purchased within a short period after the first deposit, and cancellation coverage cannot help with something that already happened.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Comprehensive travel plans are usually priced from the prepaid trip cost you insure, the travelers’ ages, the length of the trip and the destination, plus any upgrades such as cancel-for-any-reason or higher medical and evacuation limits. Medical-only plans for travelers who do not need cancellation coverage are priced differently. We show the price of each plan next to what it actually pays.

What we need to quote travel insurance

• Travel dates and every destination, including cruise ports.
• Each traveler’s age and state of residence.
• Total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost per traveler.
• Date of your first trip deposit.
• What your health plan or Medicare coverage looks like away from home.
• Planned activities: diving, skiing, hiking at altitude.

Insurance City is an independent brokerage in Stockton. We walk you through what each travel plan pays and what it excludes before you buy. Call (209) 670-1556 or request a quote below.