what does travel insurance cover?

Missed Flights, Government Shutdowns, Strikes & More

Everything travel insurance does & doesn't cover

Every time you book a flight, hotel, cruise, rental car, etc there's always that one window that pops up before the final "book now" button asking you if you want travel insurance. When you see it, odds are you ask yourself the question: "Do I really NEED travel insurance?" And the best way to determine the answer to that question is to get into what travel insurance is, what it covers, the different types of travel insurance, and, of course, where to purchase the best travel insurance. If you're looking to FINALLY get an answer to that question, you've come to the right place. I've currently been to 17 different countries and counting, and I've traveled on airplanes, gone on cruises, stayed in hotels, and I'm here to clue you in on the truth about travel insurance.

WHAT IS TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Travel insurance is a special type of insurance that protects a traveler financially in case something goes wrong on their trip. Examples of a few things that travel insurance may cover includes trip cancellations/delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, travel accidents, and more. Many travelers opt to get travel insurance when leaving for a long trip, an international trip, or a trip that they are worried might get cancelled.

WHAT DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER?

Travel insurance can cover an array of issues, but specific coverage depends on what you're purchasing the travel insurance for. For example, travel insurance for your flight might include coverage of a cancelled/delayed flight, missed connections, or lost baggage while medical travel insurance may cover emergency medical expenses if you get sick or injured while abroad. Most comprehensive travel insurances focus on coverage for trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, etc., though.

THE BENEFITS OF TRAVEL INSURANCE

There are many benefits when it comes to opting for travel insurance before a trip abroad, including but not limited to:

Peace of mind. It can be quite stressful to spend your vacation worrying about what would happen if an issue arose. Instead, by deciding to purchase travel insurance, there's no worrying necessary! Regardless of what may happen during your trip, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're covered.

Financial protection. Whether your trip is hundreds of dollars or thousands of dollars, a cancellation can be devastating after you saved up to go on vacation. With travel insurance, you don't have to worry about all that money going to waste if things go awry because you'll be financially protected. 

Online support whenever you need it. One of the best things about travel insurance is the support you get if you do need to file a claim or have any issues. The entire system was made to help travelers experiencing unforseen circumstances during their trip, so you can trust online support to be there and ready to help out should you need it. 

Confidence to travel internationally knowing that you're safe. So many people are worried about traveling because of all the unforseen things that can happen...but with travel insurance, there's no need to worry. Vacationers can travel confidently knowing that they're covered wherever they go should anything crazy come up. 

TYPES OF TRAVEL INSURANCE

Despite the fact that there is comprehensive travel insurance that covers travel overall, there are also specific types of insurance based on the type of trip you plan on going on. Below outlines each type of insurance so you understand which types are best for each type of trip:

Trip Cancellation Insurance: Covers you if you need to cancel your trip before leaving for a covered reason (illness, injury, death of a family member, severe weather, job loss, terrorist attack, etc) 

Trip Interruption Insurance: Protects you if your trip is cut short due to emergencies like illness or family issues.

Travel Medical Insurance: Provides emergency medical coverage while you're traveling, especially abroad.

Baggage and Personal Belongings Insurance: Reimburses you for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and personal items.

Travel Delay Insurance: Helps cover meals, accommodations, or other costs if your trip is delayed.

Rental Car Insurance: Covers damage to a rental car if you’re involved in an accident while traveling.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance: A bundle that usually includes most or all of the above types for full coverage in one plan.

DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER MISSED FLIGHTS?

Yes, travel insurance does cover missed flights. However, it depends on the reason you miss your flight. If the reason you missed your flight is because you overslept or you were just simply late, it will not be covered. If you missed your flight because of a delay from your first flight, extreme weather, or a medical emergency, situations like that will be covered. Expect that the reimbursement will be different per plan as well. Some plans may reimburse you for rebooking fees, additional transportation, and/or accommodations.

DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS?

Most travel insurance does not cover government shutdowns or political actions. Typically the only way you will be covered in those instances is if the shutdown causes your airline, hotel, or cruise to cancel your trip. You can double check if your travel insurance will cover it though by reading the fine print and understanding exactly which situations you are and are not covered for.

DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER STRIKES?

If you buy travel insurance before a strike is announced, you’re often covered for trip cancellations, delays, or missed connections caused by the strike (like airline or transportation worker strikes).If you buy travel insurance after a strike has been publicly announced, it’s usually considered a “known event” and won’t be covered. That's why it's always best to check your policy's "covered reasons" before purchasing and to make sure any specific events you want coverage for are includes. Some policies are more flexible than others.

WHERE CAN I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SHORT OR LONG TRIPS?

The best place to buy travel insurance, whether you plan on going on a short trip, long trip, or staying abroad for a while, is SafetyWing. SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that provides coverage for tourists visiting any country besides their foreign country,  and their coverage is very affordable. A few reasons why SafetyWing is best when it comes to travel insurance is because:

Affordable Travel Medical Coverage: Starting at just under $60 every 4 weeks for ages 18–39, basic plans cover unexpected illnesses, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications while abroad.

Flexible Duration: Coverage lasts from 5 to 364 days per plan, and you can keep purchasing new plans as often as needed until age 70.

Home Country Protection: Includes up to 30 days of medical coverage in your home country, perfect for those making occasional visits home. This is a great feature if you plan on traveling or staying in a different country most of the time! 

Extras You Actually Need: Covers lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency evacuations, giving peace of mind during any and all trips that you take. 

Upgrade to Full Global Health Coverage: The Complete Plan (currently $161.50/month for ages 18–39) adds routine care, mental health support, wellness, and even cancer treatment, making it ideal for long-term nomads. 

Customizable for Adventurers: Add optional adventure sports coverage for peace of mind while hiking, diving, or surfing on that bucket list vacation you'd been planning!

Easy, Flexible Enrollment: No long-term contracts—you can start, stop, or extend coverage as your plans change. If you only need coverage for a month long vacation, that's totally fine! If you're a nomad who plans on going to live in another country for a little bit, you can get coverage for multiple months. 

Created for Digital Nomads & Long-Term Travelers: Built by nomads, for nomads—This means that SafetyWing understands what long-term travelers really need because they've been in your shoes as well. 

when is the best time to buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is always right after you book your trip. This is because a lot of plans have time-sensitive benefits like “cancel for any reason” or coverage for pre-existing conditions are often only available if you buy insurance within 14–21 days of making your first trip payment. In addition, booking early protects you from unexpected events (like injury or illness) before your departure, not just during your trip. This means that purchasing travel insurance early is the best way to ensure that you're covered before AND during the trip, utilizing full coverage.

What's the travel insurance claims process like?

Well, the answer to this depends on the travel insurance company you deem best for your specific trip. If you're using SafetyWing, one of the best travel insurance companies out there, you can expect the process to be about 5 minutes long. All you have to do is log into your dashboard with any original receipt/invoices, medical reports, or itineraries nearby and to follow the prompts. You can then expect any claim updates to be displayed in the dashboard within 21 days or less after filing. If more information is needed, our team will reach out to you via email. If your claim is accepted, you will be reimbursed.

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS & HELPFUL INFORMATION

Travel insurance can be difficult to navigate, especially if you don't travel often or you're going on a longer trip. To some it might seem like an extra expense, but it can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens. Whether it's a missed flight, a medical emergency abroad, or a lost suitcase, having coverage offers peace of mind and financial protection. No matter where you're headed, investing in the right travel insurance means you can explore the world with confidence, knowing you're backed up every step of the way. If you're looking for more helpful travel content straight to your inbox, click the subscribe button below or scroll down to explore more posts about travel logistics like Global Entry, credit card perks, and more!

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip with insurance?

    You may be reimbursed if your reason for canceling is covered under your plan, like illness, injury, or death of a family member. Some plans offer “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage for more flexibility.

  • Is COVID-19 covered by travel insurance in 2025?

    Many providers now offer COVID-19 coverage, including trip cancellation due to illness, quarantine delays, or emergency medical treatment—check your policy to confirm.

  • Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen luggage?

    Most plans cover the loss, theft, or delay of luggage, including reimbursement for essentials you need to buy if your bags are delayed.

  • Can I buy travel insurance after booking my trip?

    Yes, you can usually purchase travel insurance anytime before your departure date, though some benefits—like pre-existing condition waivers—may only be available if you buy soon after booking.

  • Is travel insurance worth it for domestic trips?

    Travel insurance can still be worth it for domestic trips, especially if your plan includes trip interruption, cancellation, or health coverage where your regular insurance might not apply.

  • Can you get travel insurance that covers trip cancellation for any reason?

    Yes, many providers offer a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) add-on. This upgrade allows you to cancel your trip for virtually any reason and still receive partial reimbursement—usually up to 50–75%—as long as you meet specific timing and purchase requirements (typically within 14–21 days of booking your trip).

  • What documents do I need to file a travel insurance claim successfully?

    To file a travel insurance claim, you'll usually need proof of purchase (flight or hotel confirmations), receipts for any expenses you're claiming, medical reports (if applicable), and a copy of your insurance policy. Some providers may also require a police report for theft or a cancellation notice from your travel provider.