Travel Insurance Explained

Travel insurance bundles several different protections into one policy, and not every plan includes all of them.

Common coverage types:

• Trip cancellation/interruption — reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if a covered reason forces you to cancel or cut the trip short.
• Medical — pays for care while traveling, which matters most internationally, where your domestic health plan may not cover you.
• Baggage and delays — covers lost bags or extended delays.
• Rental car coverage — can overlap with or replace what rental agencies sell.

What to check before buying: covered reasons for cancellation, exclusions (many adventure sports require add-ons), pre-existing condition rules, and coverage limits.

Travel insurance recommendations are not guarantees of coverage — policy terms vary by plan, provider, and traveler. Always read the actual policy document before purchasing.