Most people understand that travel insurance is a good thing, but beyond some rather vague ideas, not many, when questioned, know what they should be covered for.

The following is a quick list of things travel insurance can cover you for – make sure the following items are included in your policy – use this post as a quick reference point / checklist!

What Travel Insurance Can Cover (Quick List)

Finding the Right Insurance

Your travel insurance should reflect the value of your trip and also any unusual or high-risk elements such as possible weather disruption or forced interruption or cancellation due to changing travel laws and restrictions.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the right insurance for you will be different to the right insurance for someone else, and the cover you buy should reflect your specific needs and the areas of the world you are visiting. 

For instance, a severe weather event might be unlikely in mainland Europe but could be a much greater certainty in, say Vietnam, where floods, typhoons and storms are relatively commonplace.

It’s important to personalize your insurance based on trip specifics, like your destination, luggage, medical history, etc. And it’s absolutely cruicial to answer all questions honestly when buying a policy, disclosing information like pre-existing medical conditions. 

On occasion, access to certain types of insurance may be denied due to information on a background check or your credit file, and this is why it’s important not to lie or omit information – claims are denied if you’re found to have bought a policy under false information.

If this becomes a problem, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to see what’s in your file and may dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. Consumer Reporting Agencies can often help to resolve errors on a background check and remove the bar on your travel insurance cover. 

#1 Cutting a Trip Short Due to External Factors

This could be something as simple as a bad weather event or a political crisis in an unstable country.

#2 Delayed Departure or Missed Connections

A strike or industrial action at the airport could impact your travel itinerary. Something here to note is that travel insurance covers you for delays on your departing flight from your home country and your flight returning – it doesn’t cover delays on your other flights overseas.

Also, travel delay cover typically only applies to flights, not other modes of travel. So, if you’re leaving on a cruise, for instance, you should take out cruise travel insurance instead, which will cover your cruise delays.

Click here for more info on how travel delay claims work.

#3 Medical Emergencies and Personal Injury

Most people are aware of the importance of this element of insurance cover. It can include the cost of treatment in the country where you are taken ill plus funds to repatriate you back to your home.

#4 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Items

You won’t lose sleep over a few missing souvenirs, but if you discover your passport and money stolen, this can result in complex problems and a complete bar on any further travel until the issue is resolved.

Travel insurance is something you should never leave home without. Even for short trips, travel insurance can just save the day. 

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.