Travel protection covers specific problems that can occur before or during your trip. When you buy a policy, you pay a fee upfront to receive coverage for:
- Trip cancellations if you get sick or face bad weather
- Medical care in foreign countries
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Emergency transportation to hospitals
- Extra costs from travel delays
You need to buy a policy before your trip starts. During your travels, keep all receipts and documentation for any problems that occur.
If something goes wrong, contact your provider immediately. You will need to file a claim with required proof. After review and approval, you receive reimbursement for covered expenses.
The cost of travel protection typically ranges from 4-10% of your total trip cost. For expensive trips, this small percentage provides significant peace of mind.
Not all travel protection plans are equal. Basic plans cover trip cancellations and minimal medical care, while comprehensive plans include more benefits.
If you frequently travel for luxury experiences, working with a luxury travel concierge can help you find the best protection options for high-end trips.
Many travelers don't realize their credit cards may already offer some travel protection. How travel credit cards work with protection benefits varies by card issuer, but many premium cards include coverage for rental cars, trip delays, and lost luggage.
Travel protection is worth the cost in many situations. You should consider it when your trip involves significant prepaid expenses.
It becomes important when you travel internationally or have existing health concerns. Remote locations also increase the need for good travel protection.
For small, domestic trips with refundable bookings, you might not need extensive protection.
