Traveling offers adventure and relaxation, but unexpected disruptions can lead to significant financial losses. Travel insurance provides protection against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other travel-related risks. While not every trip requires insurance, knowing when to invest in a policy can help ensure a stress-free experience.
What Does Travel Insurance Usually Cover?
Most travel insurance policies include:
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption – Covers prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to covered reasons.
- Medical Emergencies – Covers hospital visits, doctor’s fees, and emergency medical treatment, especially if your health insurance does not cover international travel.
- Lost, Stolen, or Delayed Baggage – Reimburses replacement costs for personal belongings.
- Travel Delays – Helps cover meals, accommodations, and transportation if flights or other travel plans are delayed.
- Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – Covers costs of medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home in severe emergencies.
What is Not Covered by Travel Insurance?
While comprehensive, travel insurance has exclusions:
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – Coverage may require additional policies or waivers.
- High-Risk Activities – Extreme sports like scuba diving, skydiving, or mountaineering often require specialized coverage.
- Civil Unrest or War – Travel insurance typically does not cover disruptions due to political instability.
- Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents – Claims related to intoxication may be denied.
Destinations Where Travel Insurance is Essential
Some destinations make travel insurance highly advisable due to high medical costs or risk factors:
- United States – Medical care is expensive, and many foreign insurance policies do not provide coverage.
- European Schengen Countries – Some require proof of insurance for visa approval.
- Remote or Adventure Destinations – Evacuation coverage is essential in areas with limited medical facilities.
When Travel Insurance Might Not Be Necessary
If you are taking a short domestic trip with refundable bookings or have strong credit card travel protections, insurance may not be necessary.
Recommended Travel Insurance Options
For those booking through American Sailing Vacations, travel insurance can be purchased through TravelInsurance.com, which offers a variety of coverage options tailored to travelers’ needs.
Additionally, American Sailing members can access DAN (Divers Alert Network) Insurance, which provides specialized coverage, including medical and emergency evacuation insurance for those participating in water activities.
Should You Pay for Supplemental Insurance?
Supplemental insurance, such as “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) or additional medical coverage, is beneficial for travelers with pre-existing conditions or expensive trips. However, for budget travel or trips with strong existing protections, additional coverage may not be necessary.
