- Best for travelers seeking high coverage limits: Berkshire Hathaway Travel
- Best for seniors and travelers with pre-existing conditions: TravelSafe
- Best for adventure travelers and students studying abroad: Seven Corners
- Best for budget-conscious travelers: Generali Global Assistance
- Best for families and frequent travelers: Arch RoamRight
- Best for international travelers and digital nomads: GeoBlue
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection against unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during your travels, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, or other unforeseen circumstances.
What are the main types of travel insurance?
- The main categories of travel insurance are typically based on the type of coverage they provide. Here are the main categories of travel insurance:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: This covers expenses incurred if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, death, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
- Medical insurance: This provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling. It can include emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, medications, and medical evacuations.
- Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This type of travel insurance protects against loss, damage, or theft of your luggage, personal belongings, and valuables during your trip.
- Travel delay insurance: This covers additional expenses incurred due to unexpected delays, such as flight cancellations, missed connections, or severe weather conditions.
- Emergency evacuation insurance: This category assists with the cost of emergency evacuations, particularly in remote or medically inadequate areas.
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance: This provides financial compensation in the event of accidental death, loss of limbs, or permanent disabilities resulting from accidents that occur during your trip.
How much does travel insurance cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies depending on several factors, including your destination, the length of your trip, your age, the coverage options you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It is advisable to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.
Where can you buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance can be purchased from various sources, providing flexibility and options for travelers. Here are some common places where you can buy travel insurance:
- Insurance companies: Many insurance companies offer travel insurance policies. You can directly contact insurance providers to inquire about their offerings, receive quotes, and purchase a policy. These companies may have online platforms or local offices where you can access their services.
- Travel agencies: Travel agencies often offer travel insurance as part of their services. When booking your trip through a travel agency, they can provide you with options for travel insurance coverage and facilitate the purchase on your behalf.
- Online travel booking platforms: Online travel booking platforms, such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Kayak, often provide the option to purchase travel insurance during the booking process. These platforms may partner with insurance providers to offer a range of policies that you can select from.
- Credit card companies: Some credit card companies offer travel insurance as a benefit to their cardholders. If you have a credit card with travel-related perks, review the terms and benefits associated with your card to see if travel insurance coverage is included and how to access it.
- Comparison websites: There are online comparison websites that allow you to compare different travel insurance policies from multiple providers. These platforms provide a convenient way to review coverage options, prices, and customer reviews, helping you make an informed decision.
- Specialized travel insurance providers: There are companies that specialize in travel insurance, offering a wide range of policies tailored to different types of travelers and trips. These specialized providers may have additional coverage options or unique features that cater to specific needs, such as adventure travel or long-term travel.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, travel has become a more complicated affair, and ensuring your safety while exploring the world has taken on greater significance. With ever-changing travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and the unpredictability of the virus, it’s crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers Covid-19-related risks. Covid-19 travel insurance can provide peace of mind by offering protection against medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events caused by the virus.
As you plan your next adventure, consider the importance of having travel insurance for Covid-19. In this article, we will explore six of the best options available to safeguard your travels and health.
1. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Who’s it best for? Travelers seeking high coverage limits
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is an excellent option for travelers looking for high coverage limits for Covid-19-related expenses. Their plans include coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and delays due to Covid-19. Moreover, they offer “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, providing greater flexibility in case your travel plans change unexpectedly due to the pandemic.
Key features of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection:
- High coverage limits for Covid-19-related expenses
- “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage option
- Additional coverage for trip interruptions and delays
2. TravelSafe
Who’s it best for? Seniors and travelers with pre-existing conditions
TravelSafe offers specialized coverage for seniors and travelers with pre-existing medical conditions. Their plans include comprehensive medical coverage for Covid-19 and other health emergencies. TravelSafe also provides options for cancel-for-any-reason coverage, allowing travelers to cancel their trips without penalties due to Covid-19 concerns.
Key features of TravelSafe:
- Coverage tailored for seniors and travelers with pre-existing conditions
- Options for cancel-for-any-reason coverage
- Comprehensive medical coverage for Covid-19
Navigator Tip
Before you start looking for travel insurance, evaluate your specific needs and concerns related to Covid-19. Consider factors such as your travel destination, the duration of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, any pre-existing medical conditions, and the level of Covid-19 risk in both your home country and your destination.
3. Seven Corners Inc.
Who’s it best for? Adventure travelers and students studying abroad
Seven Corners Inc. is an excellent choice for adventure travelers and students studying abroad. Their plans include coverage for Covid-19 medical expenses, trip cancellations, and interruptions. Seven Corners Inc. also offers 24/7 assistance services, ensuring you have support when facing Covid-19-related challenges during your trip.
Key features of Seven Corners:
- Coverage tailored for adventure travelers and students studying abroad
- 24/7 assistance services
- Comprehensive coverage for Covid-19 medical expenses
4. Generali Global Assistance
Who’s it best for? Budget-conscious travelers
Generali Global Assistance is ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking Covid-19 coverage without compromising on essential benefits. Their plans offer comprehensive medical coverage for Covid-19 and other emergencies. Additionally, Generali Global Assistance provides excellent customer service and has a user-friendly claims process.
Key features of Generali Global Assistance:
- Affordable options for Covid-19 coverage
- Comprehensive medical coverage for emergencies
- User-friendly claims process
Navigator Tip
Look for travel insurance plans that explicitly state coverage for Covid-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment, testing, and quarantine costs. Ensure that the coverage includes emergency medical expenses in case you contract the virus during your trip.
5. Arch RoamRight
Who’s it best for? Families and frequent travelers
Arch RoamRight is an excellent choice for families and frequent travelers seeking Covid-19 coverage. Their plans offer robust medical coverage, including emergency medical expenses related to Covid-19. Additionally, Arch RoamRight provides coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to Covid-19-related issues. This ensures that if you or your family members contract the virus before or during your trip, you won’t suffer financial losses.
Key features of Arch RoamRight:
- Comprehensive medical coverage for Covid-19
- Trip cancellation/interruption protection related to Covid-19
- Flexible plans for families and frequent travelers
6. GeoBlue
Who’s it best for? International travelers and digital nomads
GeoBlue specializes in providing coverage for international travelers and digital nomads. Their plans include extensive medical coverage for Covid-19, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care while abroad. GeoBlue also offers access to a global network of healthcare providers, making it easier to find quality medical services in different countries.
Key features of GeoBlue:
- International travel coverage with a focus on Covid-19
- Access to a global network of healthcare providers
- Plans tailored for digital nomads and long-term travelers
Frequently asked questions
Travel insurance for Covid-19 provides essential coverage and protection against the uncertainties of the pandemic. It can cover medical expenses related to Covid-19, trip cancellations or interruptions due to the virus, and other unforeseen events. Having travel insurance ensures you are financially safeguarded and can receive necessary medical care if you contract the virus during your trip.
Not all regular travel insurance plans provide coverage for Covid-19. Due to the pandemic’s unique nature, many insurers introduced specific policies or add-ons to cover Covid-19-related risks. It is essential to review the policy details and confirm that Covid-19 coverage is explicitly mentioned in the insurance plan.
Covid-19 coverage typically includes medical expenses related to the virus, such as testing, treatment, and quarantine costs. It may also cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to Covid-19-related issues, such as contracting the virus before your trip or getting infected during your journey.
Travel insurance typically does not cover the cost of Covid-19 vaccinations, as they are considered preventative measures rather than emergency medical expenses. However, some insurance plans may offer coverage for medical treatment related to vaccine complications.
Once your trip has started or if you have tested positive for Covid-19, it is generally too late to purchase travel insurance to cover the current trip. Travel insurance needs to be purchased before the trip commences to be valid for potential claims related to Covid-19.
Ask the Navigators: Do I need travel insurance?
by travelers, for travelers.
