There are many types of travel-related insurance products, which can be confusing. In general, there is “trip cancellation insurance,” “travel insurance,” and “travel protection.”
“Trip cancellation insurance” usually provides coverage for specific circumstances that prevent you from travelling. These typically include documented medical emergencies, severe travel disruptions, or official travel warnings from government bodies like the State Department (US) or Foreign Office (UK). You will need to ensure that any policy you choose covers the circumstances that are most relevant to you.
“Travel insurance” usually covers trip cancellation and expands to emergency and, sometimes acute, medical care.
“Travel protection” often represents the most extensive coverage available. Some insurers offer enhanced cancellation flexibility known as “Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)” for an added premium. It is important to note that for CFAR to apply you will typically need to purchase an applicable policy within a short window (often about 14 days) of your initial trip confirmation.
The terms mentioned here can be used interchangeably by different companies. Reviewing the policies themselves is more important that the term used.
Travellers may need to consider additional coverage for adventurous trips that involve activities such as scuba diving. In these instances, rescue insurance, medical evacuation or medical care in remote locations are not always covered by general policies.
Finally, we encourage you to confirm whether you have sufficient coverage for medical costs in case anything arises while you are travelling (e.g., emergency care in-country and, potentially, medical evacuation).
