Do I need travel insurance? Why travelers should protect their next flight, cruise
Seasoned travelers know to expect the unexpected. From canceled flights to food poisoning, travel plans can go awry for a number of reasons.
A way to safeguard yourself from financial loss when your trip doesn’t go as planned is by having travel insurance.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: insurance for the financial investment you’re putting into your trip, from the costs of your flight to your hotel stay. Travel isn’t cheap, and it would be unfortunate to see your money go to waste.
“Buying travel insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and headaches, allowing you to head into your holiday trip with confidence knowing you’re covered if your travel plans hit a snag,” said Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations at Squaremouth.
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Over half of Americans have purchased travel insurance before, with about 15% doing so for every trip they go on, according to a February 2025 survey by Aon. The top reason people opt for travel insurance is so they don’t lose money if they cancel their trips, followed by concerns about unexpected delays or getting sick. However, travel insurance can protect you against so much more.
Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travelers check the status of their flights ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on June 30, 2023.
Travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect the money you put into a trip, especially during hectic travel times like the holidays. It acts as a safety net for unforeseen costs and disruptions like flight cancellations, unexpected hotel stays or replacing lost luggage.
“The holidays are one of the most stressful times to travel, and even a short delay can turn into an expensive setback,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip. “A six-hour delay can easily cost travelers hundreds in meals and transportation, while a longer disruption can derail entire vacation plans.”
Your typical comprehensive travel insurance is broken down into two parts: pre- and post-departure. Pre-departure includes circumstances like weather disruptions (before a storm is named, so keep that in mind) or if you get sick before your trip starts and you need to cancel it. Post-departure spans whatever happens on the trip, such as your luggage being stolen and you need to buy toiletries and clothes at your destination, or you end up in the hospital.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything that can happen on your trip, so make sure you read the fine print. For example, a flight delay may not be covered until it crosses a certain time threshold.
Additionally, pre-existing medical conditions or plans for more adventurous activities like scuba diving or hiking in remote areas are often not included in standard coverage due to being considered a higher risk by insurance companies. Your best bet is to give the company a call to get a full understanding of the policy.
Can I cancel my trip with travel insurance for any reason?
No, not unless you specifically pay for it. Buying travel insurance doesn’t guarantee a refund if you cancel simply because you no longer want to go. However, if you do want that flexibility, there is an option for that, aptly named the “cancel for any reason” add-on. You can cancel your trip for any reason as close as two days before your departure and still get reimbursed 50% or 75% of your nonrefundable costs.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan? Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Those traveling internationally could find travel insurance useful, given that your insurance provider from home may not cover medical expenses in a foreign country if you were to get sick or injured.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
A street sign reading “All Cruise Ships Delayed Due To Storm” is on display before the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Tampa, Florida., U.S., October 8, 2024. REUTERS/Octavio Jones
If you’re taking a cruise, travel insurance can definitely come in handy, so shop around and see what type of coverage is offered. Cruise lines typically offer their own insurance, but they’ll often have quite a bit of restrictions, so make sure to read the fine print.
It’s also very likely that your usual health insurance won’t cover visits to the cruise infirmary or clinic at a port, and you’ll end up having to pay out-of-pocket.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do I need travel insurance? What travelers should know.
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