Core benefits usually include trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical and evacuation, baggage loss/delay, and travel delay. Common exclusions: known events, foreseeable risks, extreme or prohibited activities, intoxication, unlawful acts, and non-medical reasons unless covered by your plan or add-ons (e.g., CFAR). Always review your policy certificate for exact terms.

Many plans exclude pre-existing conditions unless you meet a waiver—typically buying within a set window after your first trip payment and being medically able to travel when you purchase. “Look-back” periods and definitions vary by insurer and destination; check the policy’s pre-existing condition clause.

Buy soon after your first payment to unlock early-purchase benefits (e.g., pre-existing waiver, supplier default). Insure your non-refundable costs. For medical, many travelers choose at least $100k–$250k emergency medical and $250k–$500k evacuation for international trips. Check whether coverage is primary or secondary and that 24/7 assistance is included.

Many policies treat COVID-19 like any other covered illness; cancellation for general pandemic fear is usually not covered. Weather/strikes are covered only under specific conditions (e.g., official shutdowns, delays beyond a set threshold). Supplier default coverage varies and often requires early purchase. “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) is an optional upgrade that can reimburse a portion (commonly 50–75%) if you cancel for reasons not otherwise covered—subject to strict timing rules.

Contact the 24/7 assistance line first for medical or evacuation needs. For claims, submit forms with proof such as receipts, itineraries, cancellation notes, medical records, police reports (for theft), and delay letters. File promptly and keep copies. Reimbursement times vary by insurer and completeness of documentation.