Myth 1: I don’t need to buy it because I’m already covered.

People often think their health or homeowners policies, credit cards and other means will fully cover them in case of travel emergencies. However, neither health, homeowners, nor most credit card insurance policies reimburse nonrefundable travel payments if you need to cancel a trip because of illness. Likewise, domestic health policies may not cover medical evacuation, especially abroad, nor will other types of coverage help reimburse emergency expenses for accommodations and incidentals if your plans are interrupted or delayed because of a natural catastrophe. According to a survey conducted by the USTIA, no single source provides the full spectrum of coverage and services that comprehensive coverage will provide.

Myth 2: Nothing will happen to me.

One in six Americans (17%) say their trip details and schedules have been impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters, including severe weather, or mechanical or carrier-caused problems, according to another survey for USTIA. When unforeseen events — from medical emergencies to a lost passport to being caught in a storm — derail a trip, a good plan will provide financial coverage and medical services. Consider that an emergency medical evacuation alone could cost up to $100,000 or more. Travel insurance companies also provide a support network to assist you, from coordinating emergency medical care to helping locate overnight accommodations, obtaining paperwork for lost or stolen passports, and more.

Myth 3: My preexisting condition won’t be covered.

Some policies cover preexisting conditions if the policy is purchased within a set amount of time — usually two weeks — following the initial trip payment. Since requirements may vary, UStiA suggests travelers check with their travel insurance company.

Myth 4: My policy won’t cover me if something happens to my family or traveling companion.

Most policies cover trip cancellation or interruption due to an unforeseen family illness or injury back home. Likewise, policies usually cover trip cancellation, interruption, or delay due to illness or injury of a traveling companion.

Myth 5: I can always get a refund from my travel supplier.

Refund policies vary among travel suppliers like airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises and tours. Many low-cost airfares, for instance, are nonrefundable. Resorts, hotels, cruises and tours have a nonrefundable deposit and payment rules for reservations not canceled within a certain time. Without trip insurance, travelers risk losing all or part of their deposits and payments if they have to cancel for a covered reason. Some travel suppliers provide a waiver allowing travelers to rebook their trip within a given time frame. However, the right policies will refund unused nonrefundable payments without requiring the traveler to rebook their vacation arrangements.

Myth 6: Travel insurance is only cancellation coverage.

Policies typically cover far more than cancellation. It covers the entire trip from beginning to end, including interruptions or delays due to illness, injury, severe weather and more. Travel medical insurance plans cover medical expenses for emergencies during the trip. It provides assistance services, such as locating legal aid, help in replacing lost or stolen documents, finding emergency hotel accommodations and more.

What does travel insurance cover?

International travel insurance typically covers a range of unexpected events and emergencies that may occur while traveling abroad. Here’s a breakdown of common benefits: Medical Emergencies: If you fall ill or get injured during your trip, travel insurance can cover medical treatments, hospital stays and emergency transportation, including airlifts, to a medical facility if needed. Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items you must purchase while waiting for your belongings. Emergency Evacuation: If you are in a remote location or experience a natural disaster, political unrest, or a medical emergency that requires evacuation, travel insurance can help cover transportation to a safe location or back home. Personal Liability: Some policies cover liability if you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage their property while traveling. Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies, this coverage can help reimburse your nonrefundable trip costs. Review our Trip Cancellation Insurance plans. Optional add-ons, like adventure sports coverage, may also be available depending on your needs.

How does travel insurance work?

International travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected events or emergencies that occur before or during your trip. Here’s how it typically works: Purchase a Policy: Before your trip begins, you buy a travel insurance policy individually or as a group. The cost of the policy (called the premium) is based on factors such as your destination, trip duration, age, coverage options and any preexisting medical conditions. Coverage Period: The insurance is active for the specific dates of your trip. Coverage usually begins from the day you depart and lasts until your return. Some policies offer multi-trip or annual coverage for frequent travelers. Filing a Claim: If an unforeseen event happens, such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or flight delay, you can file a claim with the travel insurance company. You’ll typically need to provide supporting documentation such as medical records, receipts, or proof of trip bookings. Claims Processing: After filing a claim, the insurance company will review the details to determine whether the event is covered under your policy. The review may involve confirming the event was unexpected and not preexisting or excluded from the policy. Reimbursement or Direct Payment: If the claim is approved, the insurer will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses or pay service providers directly. Some policies offer direct billing to hospitals for medical emergencies, so you don’t have to pay upfront. Assistance Services: Many travel insurance providers also offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These include helping you find a nearby doctor, arranging medical evacuations, or assisting with emergency travel changes. Travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection when unexpected problems arise during your trip.

How much does international travel insurance cost?

Costs range from $1 to $5 per day or more, depending on your age, trip details and the overall benefits package you select for a travel medical plan. Plans with lower medical limits and higher deductibles will cost less, and vice versa. As outlined above, policies that include trip cancellation tend to be more expensive. A good travel cancellation insurance plan will cost approximately 5% of your overall trip price – more if you are older, less if you are younger. Estimated costs of a travel health plan, including trip cancellation coverage for a 40-year-old traveling for 30 days (outside of the USA) with an entire trip worth $5,000: Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation: $337 ($11.23 /day)* Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason coverage: $569 ($18.97 /day)* The costs above were calculated based on Trawick’s Safe Travels Voyager plan (available to U.S. citizens only). You can also purchase coverage on a daily or monthly basis. *Rates were last updated on June 23, 2025.

Is travel insurance worth it?

The short answer is a big, resounding yes. A 2025 survey from Aon Affinity shows that 50% of Americans have purchased travel insurance at some point and that 15% buy it for every trip they take. Key reasons for purchasing travel insurance: 28% worried about getting sick and not being able to travel 26% were concerned about bad weather or natural disasters 22% were concerned about needing supplemental medical coverage abroad

Do I need travel insurance for international trips?

It’s a great idea to have travel health insurance. Even if your domestic plan provides some coverage while you are abroad, you may have to pay “out of pocket” for your expenses until you get reimbursed by your current provider. Most health insurance for travel abroad pays or reimburses you directly and more efficiently. One of the biggest hurdles when filing a claim is working with foreign hospitals and translating the documents related to your healthcare. International travel insurance companies have expertise in working with these situations. They make international assistance call centers do the translation so that communication problems are resolved more quickly. Here are other situations where it also pays to have travel cancellation protection. For instance, say you have saved up for a vacation and are ready to head off to your destination when disaster strikes. Out of nowhere, a hurricane hits the coast you’re supposed to be sunning yourself on, the island loses power and the hotel can’t receive guests. What will you do in this situation? How will you recover the money you spent on lodging? Another situation goes like this. You have invested thousands in your planned overseas travel, but someone in your family gets in an accident and can no longer go. How can you get your money back in this situation? These are just some of the possibilities that can occur unexpectedly. There are a wide variety of calamities that can happen, and you can never plan for all possible outcomes. But if you buy a travel policy, you can protect your investments, make changes to your trip, or cancel your plans for whatever valid reason it may be, and still get the insured amount like nothing happened.

What kind of insurance do I need for international travel?

Your plans for international travel can change anytime, especially in today’s climate, with pandemics, natural disasters and other unexpected obstacles. And if they don’t change, accidents can happen. It’s harder to get medical care when you’re far from home, and the costs can really add up for you and your family. With trip cancellation coverage, you can recoup most of the money you spent on the trip. Travel medical plans will also cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies that occur while traveling. Our licensed advisors can also help you find the best medical care available where you’re going, connect you with doctors who speak your language, and arrange for transport home if things get really serious.

How many days before a trip should you buy travel insurance?

While plans can be purchased up to one day before departure, with certain travel insurance companies, you should plan further than that! For example, some plans require you to purchase coverage at least two weeks before departure to ensure that your plan is active and will cover you for the duration of your travels. When working with one of our brokers and comparing travel insurance plans, check with them about the best time to buy.

International Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps you stay protected wherever you go. From medical care to trip cancellations, it’s the smart way to travel with peace of mind.

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What Every Traveler Should Know

Understanding International Travel Insurance

Protect your health, trip costs, and peace of mind while traveling abroad. Whether you are a student studying overseas, a global professional attending meetings around the world, or a family setting off on your next vacation, international travel insurance ensures you are covered wherever you go. Unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, flight delays, lost luggage, or sudden cancellations can quickly turn a trip upside down.

With the right plan, you can access quality medical care abroad, receive emergency evacuation assistance if needed, and recover non-refundable expenses in the event of plan changes or cancellations. A comprehensive travel insurance policy is more than a formality; it is a safeguard that helps you travel smarter, safer, and with greater confidence.

Headed Abroad? We’ve Got You Covered

Before you travel, explore expert-recommended travel health insurance and trip protection plans to find the right coverage for your journey abroad.

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Choose the Right Type of Coverage

Not every traveler needs the same type of protection. The right plan depends on where you are going, how long you will be away, and what risks you want to cover. Some travelers focus on safeguarding their trip costs, while others prioritize medical protection abroad. Understanding the different types of travel insurance will help you select the plan that best suits your journey and budget.

health_and_safety

Travel Medical Insurance

Covers medical emergencies, hospital visits, and evacuation while you’re abroad. These short-term policies fill the gaps left by domestic insurance and are ideal for international trips lasting up to one year.

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Trip Cancellation Insurance

Protects your prepaid trip costs if you need to cancel, delay, or interrupt your travel plans for a covered reason. These plans may also include baggage loss and trip delay benefits.

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Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Emergency evacuation coverage ensures you can be safely transported to the nearest qualified medical facility or even back to your home country if necessary.

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Travel Coverage Options and Recommendations

Start your journey protected with a travel insurance plan designed for international trips, students, and global organizations.

Whether you’re planning a short vacation, a business trip, or an extended stay abroad, we’ll help you find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

International Group Travel Plans

For groups of five or more travelers, including corporate teams, non-profit organizations, mission groups, or educational programs, we offer comprehensive travel insurance plans at competitive rates. Our team collaborates with top providers to help you compare options and select the coverage that best suits your organization’s travel needs.

Learn more about group travel insurance plans or get started by requesting information below.

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Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Plan

As you have seen from the various types of travel protection plans outlined above, not all plans offer the same level of coverage. Some plans are more comprehensive, and certain benefits can be purchased as add-ons (or riders) to cover extreme sports or provide additional medical evacuation benefits.

Do I need preauthorization before receiving treatment, hospital admission, or other medical services?
Do I need a second opinion before receiving emergency treatment?
What are the company policies regarding coverage of care received “out of network”?
Does the company provide policyholders access to a 24/7/365 physician-backed support center?

Does this policy include or exclude coverage for treatment of injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving and mountain climbing)?
Does this policy include or exclude coverage for psychiatric emergencies?
Does this policy include or exclude coverage for treatment of injuries related to terrorist attacks, acts of war or natural disasters?

Does this policy cover exacerbations of pre-existing medical conditions?
Does this policy cover complications of pregnancy and/or neonatal intensive care?

Debunking Travel Insurance Coverage Myths

People often think their health or homeowners policies, credit cards and other means will fully cover them in case of travel emergencies. However, neither health, homeowners, nor most credit card insurance policies reimburse nonrefundable travel payments if you need to cancel a trip because of illness.

Likewise, domestic health policies may not cover medical evacuation, especially abroad, nor will other types of coverage help reimburse emergency expenses for accommodations and incidentals if your plans are interrupted or delayed because of a natural catastrophe. According to a survey conducted by the USTIA, no single source provides the full spectrum of coverage and services that comprehensive coverage will provide.
One in six Americans (17%) say their trip details and schedules have been impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters, including severe weather, or mechanical or carrier-caused problems, according to another survey for USTIA. When unforeseen events — from medical emergencies to a lost passport to being caught in a storm — derail a trip, a good plan will provide financial coverage and medical services.

Consider that an emergency medical evacuation alone could cost up to $100,000 or more. Travel insurance companies also provide a support network to assist you, from coordinating emergency medical care to helping locate overnight accommodations, obtaining paperwork for lost or stolen passports, and more.
Some policies cover preexisting conditions if the policy is purchased within a set amount of time — usually two weeks — following the initial trip payment. Since requirements may vary, UStiA suggests travelers check with their travel insurance company.
Most policies cover trip cancellation or interruption due to an unforeseen family illness or injury back home. Likewise, policies usually cover trip cancellation, interruption, or delay due to illness or injury of a traveling companion.
Refund policies vary among travel suppliers like airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises and tours. Many low-cost airfares, for instance, are nonrefundable. Resorts, hotels, cruises and tours have a nonrefundable deposit and payment rules for reservations not canceled within a certain time. Without trip insurance, travelers risk losing all or part of their deposits and payments if they have to cancel for a covered reason.

Some travel suppliers provide a waiver allowing travelers to rebook their trip within a given time frame. However, the right policies will refund unused nonrefundable payments without requiring the traveler to rebook their vacation arrangements.
Policies typically cover far more than cancellation. It covers the entire trip from beginning to end, including interruptions or delays due to illness, injury, severe weather and more. Travel medical insurance plans cover medical expenses for emergencies during the trip.

It provides assistance services, such as locating legal aid, help in replacing lost or stolen documents, finding emergency hotel accommodations and more.

Your Peace of Mind is Priceless

Getting the right coverage should be one of the first items on your travel checklist. Enjoy your trip with confidence, knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens.

International Citizens Insurance is a trusted leader in global insurance solutions. Our licensed brokers are here to guide you every step of the way and help you choose the plan that best fits your travel needs.

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Why Work with ICI?

At International Citizens Insurance, you’ll get world-class service from your personal global insurance advisor, including the following:

You Get Unbiased Advice – International Citizens Insurance has been giving expats and world travelers independent advice on international insurance for 10 years. We are one of the largest global insurance agencies, with over 20,000 clients.
You Pay Nothing for Our Service – We do not charge our clients a fee for our services; the insurance company reimburses us.
You Have More Choices to Compare – Our goal is to help you get the right plan with the right coverage for your personal needs. Our advisors have access to the best information on available plans and are compensated in a way that ensures their goals align with yours.
You Will Receive Ongoing Support – Our services don’t stop once you purchase your plan. Our commitment to you is long-term. You can contact us if you need further assistance during your policy term, including support with claims or renewal issues.

Helpful Guides for Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

International travel insurance typically covers a range of unexpected events and emergencies that may occur while traveling abroad. Here’s a breakdown of common benefits:
1. Medical Emergencies: If you fall ill or get injured during your trip, travel insurance can cover medical treatments, hospital stays and emergency transportation, including airlifts, to a medical facility if needed.
2. Lost or Delayed Luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items you must purchase while waiting for your belongings.
3. Emergency Evacuation: If you are in a remote location or experience a natural disaster, political unrest, or a medical emergency that requires evacuation, travel insurance can help cover transportation to a safe location or back home.
4. Personal Liability: Some policies cover liability if you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage their property while traveling.
5. Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies, this coverage can help reimburse your nonrefundable trip costs. Review our Trip Cancellation Insurance plans.
Optional add-ons, like adventure sports coverage, may also be available depending on your needs.
International travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance in case of unexpected events or emergencies that occur before or during your trip. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Purchase a Policy: Before your trip begins, you buy a travel insurance policy individually or as a group. The cost of the policy (called the premium) is based on factors such as your destination, trip duration, age, coverage options and any preexisting medical conditions.
2. Coverage Period: The insurance is active for the specific dates of your trip. Coverage usually begins from the day you depart and lasts until your return. Some policies offer multi-trip or annual coverage for frequent travelers.
3. Filing a Claim: If an unforeseen event happens, such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or flight delay, you can file a claim with the travel insurance company. You’ll typically need to provide supporting documentation such as medical records, receipts, or proof of trip bookings.
4. Claims Processing: After filing a claim, the insurance company will review the details to determine whether the event is covered under your policy. The review may involve confirming the event was unexpected and not preexisting or excluded from the policy.
5. Reimbursement or Direct Payment: If the claim is approved, the insurer will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses or pay service providers directly. Some policies offer direct billing to hospitals for medical emergencies, so you don’t have to pay upfront.
6. Assistance Services: Many travel insurance providers also offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These include helping you find a nearby doctor, arranging medical evacuations, or assisting with emergency travel changes.
Travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and financial protection when unexpected problems arise during your trip.
Costs range from $1 to $5 per day or more, depending on your age, trip details and the overall benefits package you select for a travel medical plan. Plans with lower medical limits and higher deductibles will cost less, and vice versa.

As outlined above, policies that include trip cancellation tend to be more expensive. A good travel cancellation insurance plan will cost approximately 5% of your overall trip price – more if you are older, less if you are younger.

Estimated costs of a travel health plan, including trip cancellation coverage for a 40-year-old traveling for 30 days (outside of the USA) with an entire trip worth $5,000:
- Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation: $337 ($11.23 /day)*
- Travel Medical plan with Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason coverage: $569 ($18.97 /day)*
The costs above were calculated based on Trawick’s Safe Travels Voyager plan (available to U.S. citizens only).

You can also purchase coverage on a daily or monthly basis.

*Rates were last updated on June 23, 2025.
The short answer is a big, resounding yes.

A 2025 survey from Aon Affinity shows that 50% of Americans have purchased travel insurance at some point and that 15% buy it for every trip they take.

Key reasons for purchasing travel insurance:
- 28% worried about getting sick and not being able to travel
- 26% were concerned about bad weather or natural disasters
- 22% were concerned about needing supplemental medical coverage abroad
It’s a great idea to have travel health insurance. Even if your domestic plan provides some coverage while you are abroad, you may have to pay “out of pocket” for your expenses until you get reimbursed by your current provider. Most health insurance for travel abroad pays or reimburses you directly and more efficiently.

One of the biggest hurdles when filing a claim is working with foreign hospitals and translating the documents related to your healthcare. International travel insurance companies have expertise in working with these situations. They make international assistance call centers do the translation so that communication problems are resolved more quickly.

Here are other situations where it also pays to have travel cancellation protection.

For instance, say you have saved up for a vacation and are ready to head off to your destination when disaster strikes. Out of nowhere, a hurricane hits the coast you’re supposed to be sunning yourself on, the island loses power and the hotel can’t receive guests. What will you do in this situation? How will you recover the money you spent on lodging?

Another situation goes like this. You have invested thousands in your planned overseas travel, but someone in your family gets in an accident and can no longer go. How can you get your money back in this situation?

These are just some of the possibilities that can occur unexpectedly. There are a wide variety of calamities that can happen, and you can never plan for all possible outcomes. But if you buy a travel policy, you can protect your investments, make changes to your trip, or cancel your plans for whatever valid reason it may be, and still get the insured amount like nothing happened.
Your plans for international travel can change anytime, especially in today’s climate, with pandemics, natural disasters and other unexpected obstacles. And if they don’t change, accidents can happen. It’s harder to get medical care when you’re far from home, and the costs can really add up for you and your family.

With trip cancellation coverage, you can recoup most of the money you spent on the trip. Travel medical plans will also cover your expenses for illness and medical emergencies that occur while traveling.

Our licensed advisors can also help you find the best medical care available where you’re going, connect you with doctors who speak your language, and arrange for transport home if things get really serious.
While plans can be purchased up to one day before departure, with certain travel insurance companies, you should plan further than that!

For example, some plans require you to purchase coverage at least two weeks before departure to ensure that your plan is active and will cover you for the duration of your travels.

When working with one of our brokers and comparing travel insurance plans, check with them about the best time to buy.

Find a Plan

International Travel Insurance

What Every Traveler Should Know