cheap travel insurance for visa

Schengen Travel Insurance

Traveling to a schengen area.

• Double-check the expiration date on your passport, paying particular attention to the validity of childrens passports, which are only valid for five years.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date
• Always carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries within the Schengen Area. While there may not be any border checks at the time of your travel, officials have the authority to reinstate border controls at any time, without prior notice.

Schengen Travel Insurance of which AXA is a leading provider, covers you in all 27 Countries within the Schengen Territory that have abolished internal border controls for their citizens. The countries are:

Do I need travel insurance while traveling to Schengen Countries?

What do I receive with my Schengen travel insurance?  

What countries are covered under my axa travel plan, how can axa help with your trip to europe, how to get a travel protection quote.

Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time  

Does AXA Travel Insurance provide coverage for Schengen Visa?

AXA Gold and Platinum plans offer the necessary medical and assistance coverage in all 27 countries in the Schengen Territory.   However, the Gold and Platinum plans only provide coverage up to 60 – 90days.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact the local authority as soon as possible. Then contact us on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy. If you require assistance while traveling, call us at +1312-935-1719

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

Need help choosing a plan.

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

licensed agents available

Get Your Schengen Insurance

• Hospitalisation expenses up to 30,000€
• Assistance in the event of illness/injury and death
• Coverage in the Schengen area

Extend Your Coverage

• Hospitalisation expenses up to 60,000€
• Assistance in the event of illness/injury and death
• Coverage in the Schengen area + European Union
• Return/relocation and lodging expenses of a companion

Before traveling, please check the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, the European Union and your local government. Important restrictions are applied to the Schengen Area and visas are likely to be limited to specific travels only. Our travel insurance policies are made to protect you against unforeseeable events, such as sudden illnesses or accidental bodily injuries. We remind you that epidemics and/or infectious diseases such as CoVid 19 are excluded from our policies.

Schengen travel insurance

Europ Assistance makes it easy for you to select and purchase your travel insurance online. Your insurance will be ready in a matter of minutes and our insurance certificates are recognized by embassies, consulates and visa centers around the world , which helps you acquire a Schengen visa for your next trip to Europe. You will immediately receive the certificate and you will be able to download it at any time in any of our six languages : English, French, Spanish, German, Russian or Chinese.

Which countries are in the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is made up of 26 countries (and 3 microstates) where travelers and residents can move freely from state to state without a passport, as there is no longer common border control between Schengen states. Travel insurance is highly suggested for all travelers, and for most countries is mandatory , as it is needed to obtain the visa to enter the Schengen area. You can obtain your visa application form from the country you plan to enter through first or the one you plan to spend the most time in. ​

The leading Schengen travel insurance provider

When you choose Europ Assistance as your Schengen visa travel insurance provider, you also get the support and expertise of 750,000 partners . If something goes wrong, not only will your medical expenses be properly reimbursed, but you will also get help from competent medical professionals at qualified medical centers, no matter where you are. During stressful situations or emergencies abroad, communicating in your native language can be a source of comfort. When such a situation occurs, you can trust that Europ Assistance will be there to help you 24/7 .

If you wish to subscribe for more than 20 people, please contact us

Travel dates

• Country of residence All travellers are from the same country of residence : Yes No

A Schengen visa is not required for your trip, however, you should still consider purchasing travel insurance. You can travel with peace of mind and are covered throughout the European Union with our Schengen Plus cover.

• Hospitalisation expenses up to  60,000€
• Coverage in the Schengen area +  European Union

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On This Page

• Key takeaways

Our top picks for Schengen travel insurance

What is schengen travel insurance, schengen visa travel insurance requirements, what does schengen travel insurance cover, how much does schengen travel insurance cost, schengen visa requirements, tips for buying schengen travel insurance, schengen travel information & requirements, faqs - schengen travel insurance, related topics.

Schengen Travel Insurance: Coverage for your Schengen Visa Application

• A Schengen travel visa is required for U.S. Citizens if they plan to stay in the Schengen Zone for more than 90 days .
• The Schengen visa application requirements include having travel insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses and covers the cost of repatriating you to the United States in the event of a medical emergency.
• As of 31 March 2024, Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen zone.
• In most cases, private U.S. health insurance or Medicare won’t cover medical expenses incurred overseas, so even if you don’t opt for a Schengen visa, it’s still a good idea to purchase travel insurance when visiting Europe’s Schengen area.
• Travel insurance for Schengen visits can cost around $1 per day for basic coverage.
• To find the right travel insurance for your trip to the Schengen Zone, we recommend using our online comparison tool . This will give you a clear overview of what’s available so you can easily compare your options.

Our top picks for the best schengen travel insurance

• Tin Leg: Best Overall Coverage
• Generali Global Assistance: Best Coverage on a Budget
• Travel Insured International: Best for Non-Medical Evacuation Coverage
• AXA Assistance USA: Best Premium Comprehensive Coverage

Best Overall Coverage

Why We Like It

Editor's take

Tin Leg is known for offering high-quality travel insurance coverage at a competitive, reasonable price.

All Tin Leg policies have an A- rating or better for their financial strength from AM Best. We like the Tin Leg Gold plan because it offers great medical and evacuation coverage limits at an affordable price.

This plan comes automatically with trip cancellation and interruption coverage for coronavirus and other covered instances, as well as up to $500,000 in emergency medical expense protection and up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, just in case something were to happen while on your Italy trip.

You may also qualify for travel delay protection, baggage insurance, and insurance that protects against missed connections on your way to the Schengen area.

Read our full review

• Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
• High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
• Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
• Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best Coverage on a Budget

Generali global assistance.

Generali Global Assistance offers high coverage limits for medical expenses, emergency dental expenses, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and more for your trip to the Schengen zone.

This travel insurance provider has an A rating from AM Best and offers three tiers of travel insurance coverage to suit your needs:

• Standard plan
• Preferred plan
• Premium plan

If you’re looking for basic coverage at an affordable price point, the Standard plan may be just what you need. This plan offers coverage for up to 100% of the insured trip cost for cancellation and up to 125% of the insured trip cost for interruption. It also offers $1,000 per person in baggage coverage, up to $50,000 in medical coverage, and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

• Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Telemedicine included
• Lower coverage than other Generali plans
• Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
• No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for Non-Medical Evacuation Coverage

Travel insured international.

Travel Insured International offers two plans, Worldwide Trip Protector Edge and Worldwide Trip Protector. Of these two, we recommend the Worldwide Trip Protector plan for your trip to the Schengen area due to its superior coverage.

Worldwide Trip Protector covers 100% of the insured trip cost due to cancellation, 150% of the insured trip cost due to interruption, and $1,500 for trip delays and $500 for baggage delays after only 3 hours. It also includes $100,000 of secondary medical coverage and $1 million of evacuation coverage. it also offers $150,000 worth of non-medical evacuation coverage, providing transportation during a natural disaster or civil or political unrest.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

Best Premium Comprehensive Coverage

Axa assistance usa.

AXA Assistance USA is a highly-rated travel insurance company that offers comprehensive travel insurance plans with a ton of benefits for your trip to the Schengen area. This means the coverage you purchase from them includes medical evacuation protection as well as baggage insurance, trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage, travel delay coverage, and more. The company also offers three tiers of coverage you can choose from based on your needs and your budget.

We recommend the Platinum plan from AXA Assistance USA due to its superior medical evacuation coverage and robust limits in other categories. This plan comes with up to $1 million in protection for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, $300 per day (maximum of $1,250) in trip delay coverage, $3,000 in insurance for baggage and personal effects, and more. Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is also available as an add-on with this plan.

• High coverage limits in every category. Extremely comprehensive
• Includes identity theft coverage & non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR coverage reimburses 75% of prepaid travel expenses
• Coverage cannot be extended unlike other plans
• Medical limit is lower than other cheaper plans, but still sufficient

Schengen travel insurance is simply a travel insurance plan that offers coverage while you’re traveling in Europe’s Schengen area, which now excludes the UK . This type of insurance is required for certain Schengen travel visas.

Typically, travel insurance plans offer coverage for certain destinations or areas of travel, and can sometimes exclude other destinations as part of the plan. Therefore, Schengen travel insurance refers to plans that offer coverage for travels within the Schengen area.

When do I need Schengen travel insurance?

It’s a good idea to have travel insurance any time you travel to this region, whether it be places such as France , Spain or Germany since most traditional health plans won’t work abroad, but you definitely need health insurance for a Schengen visa as noted by travel.state.gov ) if you plan to apply for a longer stay.

Having valid Schengen travel insurance is a basic requirement for applying for a Schengen visa. In other words, you cannot get a visa for the Schengen area unless you buy travel insurance for the length of your stay.

That said, we recommend buying travel insurance any time you travel to this region, regardless of if you plan to apply for a Schengen visa.

Travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa has the following requirements :

• It must be valid in all Schengen Zone countries and remain in effect until the end of your trip.
• It must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
• Your insurance policy must cover repatriation due to medical emergencies. Repatriation is the technical term for returning to your own country.

Every insurance policy is a little different, but travel insurance usually covers these expenses:

Medical expenses:   If you want a Schengen visa, your policy must include medical insurance . This type of insurance covers expenses arising from certain illnesses and injuries. Read your policy carefully, as Schengen travel health insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions. Regardless of whether you require a Schengen visa or not, having medical insurance is a must for anyone traveling outside of the US . Medical insurance is generally broken down into two categories; emergency medical coverage, and emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Schengen medical insurance covers you for things such as hospitalization, emergency room treatment, X-rays, emergency dental care, and more. Emergency medical evacuation coverage will cover you for any transportation you require to receive medical care. This can include an ambulance to the nearest hospital or a pricey evacuation via a helicopter or plane.

• Lost/damaged luggage:   Many Schengen visa travel insurance plans cover lost and damaged luggage. Your policy may even reimburse you for the cost of purchasing essential items while you wait for your delayed bag to arrive.
• Cancellations:   Comprehensive travel insurance usually covers trip cancellations, giving you extra peace of mind in the event you have to cancel your plans due to severe weather, illness, serious medical problems, natural disasters or legal obligations. According to the Department of Financial Services , Schengen visa insurance won’t cover cancellations due to COVID-19 in most cases unless you have COVID-19 travel insurance . This is because it’s no longer an unforeseen complication.
• Delays:   Some types of travel insurance cover losses arising from trip delays. This coverage kicks in if you experience a delay while traveling via one of these common carriers: airline, passenger railroad, ferry or long-distance bus service. Your policy may cover meals, hotel accommodations, toiletries and other related expenses.

What doesn’t Schengen travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance coverage depends heavily on the plan you choose. The more comprehensive your plan, the more things you will have covered.

That said, there are some common things not covered under travel insurance that extend to Schengen visa travel insurance.

Schengen visa travel insurance may not cover:

• Some scenarios relating to pregnancy – such as childbirth ( see pregnancy travel insurance )
• Some pre-existing conditions – depending on the plan and waiver criteria
• Some COVID-19 scenarios – such as self-imposed quarantine
• Anything mentioned in the “Exclusions” section of your specific plan – always read the fine print.

It’s important to review all the specific inclusions and exclusions of the plan you choose as there can be loopholes and exceptions to each of these scenarios.

For example, pre-existing conditions , which are health problems that existed before you purchased your policy, typically aren’t covered. However, there is often a limit to how far back this applies and certain criteria for waiving the exclusion.

Schengen travel insurance can cost as low as around $1 per day for the most basic coverage.

For more comprehensive travel insurance, you can expect to pay around $4 per day.

That said, the exact cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, including:

• The duration of your trip
• The cost of your trip
• The coverage limits you select
• The destination of your trip

For example, medical insurance usually costs less for younger people than it does for older people, so a 65-year-old can expect to pay more than a 23-year-old.

Let’s walk through a real-world example comparing coverage types. We got travel insurance quotes for the following trip information:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Schengen area
• Trip Length: 14 days
• Trip cost: $3,000
• Date: September, 2024

The requirements for Schengen visa travel insurance are quite simple, so you can get a relatively inexpensive plan . In this first table, we got price quotes for basic Schengen travel insurance.

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

While you are at it, you may want to opt for more comprehensive benefits. For the example below, we chose plans that will reimburse the full cost of your trip.

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

When you purchase travel insurance, it’s up to you whether you want to stick with the required minimums or give yourself a little extra peace of mind. That can have a big impact on the cost of your policy. For example, it costs a lot more to purchase €100,000 in medical insurance than it does to purchase the minimum €30,000 in medical insurance.

Where can I purchase Schengen travel insurance?

Where you ultimately purchase Schengen visa travel insurance is up to you.

If you are going as part of a larger tour or study program, you may be able to purchase Schengen visa travel insurance through your tour operator. That said, you may be able to find a better deal buying Schengen travel insurance online. Most major travel insurance providers offer plans that match the Schengen visa requirements.

You can also have a look at an online comparison tool . To see Schengen visa travel insurance plans you can enter your trip details in the tool below. Once you reach the quote pages, there is a filter to select “Schengen Visa” under the preset filter options. This will highlight all the plans that match the Schengen visa requirements from multiple travel insurance companies at once.

Before you travel, you may need to obtain a Schengen visa. Here’s what you need to know about the visa requirements.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

Any American citizen who intends to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days must obtain a visa before traveling. This includes both business travelers and leisure travelers.

How does a Schengen visa work?

A Type D Schengen visa, also known as a national long-stay visa, allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. It also allows you to travel from one Schengen country to another Schengen country.

If you need to travel to the Schengen Area several times, you may be able to obtain a 3-year, multiple-entry Schengen visa or a 5-year, multiple-entry Schengen visa.

It’s important to note that if you plan to get a Schengen visa, you must have valid Schengen travel insurance for the entirety of your stay within the Schengen area.  Multi-trip insurance insurance can be especially beneficial in such cases.

Schengen visa requirements for children

Age criteria for Schengen Visa:

• Children aged 6 and over will often require their own Schengen Visa. This specific age can vary from country to country, so it is important to check the specific age requirements of the Schengen country you plan to visit.

Application Process:

• Minors need to pass through the same Visa application process as adults. This process generally contains the following stages:
• Applicants must complete a Schengen visa application form.
• You must gather the appropriate supporting documents (see below).
• Schedule an appointment with the respective embassy or consulate.
• Pay the Visa fee.

Required Documentation:

• A child’s Schengen Visa application requires the following documents:
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
• A completed Schengen Visa application form. Parents or legal guardians must ensure they sign this form for young children.
• A recent passport-sized photo.

Parental Consent:

• When a minor is traveling without one or both parents, it is important to provide a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This letter contains information such as the child’s name, the names of the traveling and non-traveling parents or guardians, the travel dates, and a brief explanation of the trip’s purpose.

How do I apply for a Schengen visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa, follow these steps:

Type of Schengen visa.

Determine what type of Schengen visa you need.

Submit your Schengen visa application.

If you plan to visit one country, submit it to the consulate or embassy for the country you’ll be visiting. If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, submit it to the consulate or embassy for the first country on your itinerary.

Purchase travel insurance.

Make sure your policy meets the minimum requirements.

Submit documents.

Submit your passport, proof of financial insurance and proof that you’ve met all Schengen visa requirements to the embassy.

Travel insurance is a worthwhile expense, but not all plans offer the same level of protection, so it’s important to shop around.

Follow these tips to find a policy that meets your needs.

Decide what type of travel insurance you’d like

Remember, your U.S. health insurance won’t cover medical expenses incurred overseas, so you’ll need to purchase a Schengen insurance plan that includes medical coverage.

You should also consider the following types of travel insurance.

• Medevac:   Medical evacuation insurance , commonly called medevac coverage, covers the cost of transporting you to a medical facility if you get into an accident or develop a serious illness while you’re traveling.
• Rental car insurance:   If you decide to rent a car while traveling in the Schengen, rental car insurance covers you in the event of an accident. Many policies also cover theft and vandalism.
• Cancel-for-any-reason insurance:   CFAR insurance allows you to recoup some of your expenses if you have to cancel a trip for a reason that’s not covered by your standard insurance policy. For example, if you encounter financial difficulties, you may have to cancel your trip to save money.

Compare plans

Several companies offer insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirements for a Schengen visa. Before you purchase coverage, use the LA Times comparison tool to find the best plan for the best price.

Check the limitations of your policy

Most insurance policies have limitations. Before you apply for a Schengen visa, review your policy to make sure it meets the minimum requirements. During your review, make sure you have coverage for common travel scenarios.

See if your credit card already provides trip insurance

Some travel credit cards offer rental car insurance, trip interruption insurance and other types of insurance coverage. Before you travel, check your credit card terms to find out if you have any of these benefits available to you. If you have certain types of coverage through your credit card company, you won’t have to purchase them.

Tips for visiting the Schengen area

Where is the schengen area.

Named after a small village in Luxembourg, the Schengen Area is the largest free travel area in the world, according to the European Council . As of 2024, there are 27 Schengen countries, most of which belong to the European Union. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are in the Schengen Area, but they aren’t in the EU. As part of the Schengen Borders Code, these countries don’t perform border checks unless there’s a specific threat.

Do I need a passport to visit the Schengen?

Yes. All U.S. citizens must obtain a passport before traveling to the Schengen Area. You’re allowed to enter the Schengen countries as long as your passport doesn’t expire until at least 90 days following your planned departure date. For example, if you plan to leave the Schengen countries on September 1, your passport should be valid until at least December 1. However, if you’re looking for places to travel without a passport , you might consider exploring countries and destinations that don’t require

Do I need to be vaccinated to enter the Schengen?

You don’t have to get vaccinated before traveling to the Schengen countries. However, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting routine vaccines before you travel outside the United States. For example, the CDC says you should have vaccinations for chickenpox, influenza, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, shingles and measles-mumps-rubella before traveling to France.

This is some important travel information you should know before visiting the Schengen.

Schengen insurance protects you when you’re traveling in the Schengen Zone, a group of 27 European countries. If you have a covered loss, the insurance company reimburses you for certain expenses. If you need a visa for travel to the Schengen Zone, one of the requirements is having travel insurance that will cover you in this part of the world. This is often referred to as Schengen insurance or Schengen travel insurance

What type of insurance is required for a Schengen visa?

At minimum, your travel insurance must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses. It must also cover your repatriation costs. If you purchase a comprehensive policy, it may also cover losses arising from trip delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage or damaged baggage.

Do I need travel insurance to visit the Schengen?

You’ll need travel insurance if you plan to stay in the Schengen Zone for more than 90 days. Although you don’t need a short-stay visa for trips lasting 1 to 90 days, you do need a visa for longer trips. See more at travel.state.gov .

Does Schengen insurance cover countries that are not part of the Schengen Area?

No. Your Schengen visa insurance only covers the 23 EU and four non-EU countries in the Schengen Zone.

Per travel.state.gov ,{:rel=’nofollow’ target=’_blank’} the following countries are members of the Schengen Zone: Austria, Belgium, Czech, Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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Policy Details

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance from VisitorsCoverage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: September 8, 2023

VisitorsCoverage is a travel medical insurance broker headquartered in the US. They sell insurance for all international travel including US trips and Schengen Visa. 

VisitorsCoverage’s Europe Travel Plus meets all the requirements of Schengen visa insurance such as the minimum policy cover, copay and visa letter. 

VisitorsCoverage is also the cheapest Schengen travel insurance, costing about $1 per day. 

In this article, you will learn how to buy Schengen travel insurance from VisitorsCoverage and how to cancel and get a refund in case of visa refusal. 

Table of Contents

Documents needed before starting the purchase.

Keep the following documents handy before you start the purchase.

• Your passport
• Your travel dates
• A credit or debit card

Steps to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance

• Go to the VisitorsCoverage Europe Travel Plus page
• Click on the green “Buy” button.

You will be taken to the “Purchase Your Policy” page.

Step 1: Enter Your Trip Details

Enter the following information on the “Purchase Your Policy” page.

Section: Enter your trip details

• Destination Country [ Comment: Select your main Schengen country of application ]
• Citizenship [ Comment: Select your country of citizenship as per your passport ]
• Residence / Home Country [ Comment: Select your country of residence ]
• Coverage Start Date [ Comment: Select the policy start date ]
• Coverage End Date [ Comment: Select the policy end date ]
• Arrival Date [ Comment: Select your trip start date, which can be the same as the coverage start date ]

Destination Country Select the main Schengen country where you will be applying for your visa. For example, if you are applying for a Schengen visa at the France embassy or consulate, select “France” as your destination country.

Section: Enter travel information

• Traveler 1: Date of Birth [ Comment: Enter your date of birth as per your passport ]

Add more travelers and their date of birth by clicking on the + button. 

Section: Where can we email your policy details?

• Email Address [ Comment: Enter the email address where you would like to receive your policy documents ]

Click on the blue “Continue” button.

You will be taken to the “Coverage Details” page. 

Step 2: Choose Your Coverage

Section: Choose your deductible and policy maximum.

• Deductible [ Comment: Select $0 ] 
• Policy Maximum [ Comment: Select at least $50K ] 

Deductible A deductible of $0 will be selected by default. Even then, make sure $0 is selected. $0 deductible is the Schengen visa insurance requirement. If you choose a different amount, the insurance will not be accepted for your Schengen visa. 

Policy Maximum A policy maximum of $50,000 will be selected by default. You can increase your coverage if you prefer. But $50,000 is the minimum requirement for a Schengen visa. 

Section: Do you require any additional coverage?

You can select the below additional coverage if necessary. But these are not required for a Schengen visa.

• Aventure Sports Rider [ Comment: This additional coverage may be beneficial if you plan to engage in adventure sports during your Europe trip ]
• Personal Property and Liability Rider [ Comment: This additional coverage may be beneficial if you prefer to insure your electronics, etc. ]

You will be taken to the “Applicant Details” page.

Step 3: Enter Applicant Details

Section: Provide additional travel information

Traveler 1: Primary Applicant

• First Name/Given Name [ Comment: If your passport has a Given Name, enter the given name here. If your passport has a First name, enter your first name here ]
• Middle Name [ Comment: If your passport has a Middle name, then enter the middle name here. Else leave it blank ]
• Last Name/Surname [ Comment: Enter your last name or surname as per your passport ]
• Gender [ Comment: Enter your gender ]

Traveler 2: 

If you have more than one traveler in your policy, enter their details.

Section: Home Country Address

Enter your current residential address in the following fields. 

• Address 1 [ Comment: Enter address line 1 of your current residential address ]
• Address 2 (optional) [ Comment: Enter Address line 2 of your current residential address ]
• City [ Comment: Enter your city ]
• State [ Comment: Enter your state ]
• Zip/Postal Code [ Comment: Enter your postal code ]
• Country [ Comment: Enter your country ]

Enter your current mobile phone number in the following fields.

• Country Code [ Comment: Enter the country code of your phone number ]
• Mobile Phone Number [ Comment: Enter your mobile phone number ]

Section: Communication Preferences

In this section, select how you would like to receive your purchase confirmation, policy documents and visa letter. 

Email is mandatory, but you can also opt for phone or WhatsApp. 

Section: Provide an AD&D Beneficiary

Enter the information of the beneficiary who will receive the benefits in case of accidental death of the insured. 

• Beneficiary Name [ Comment: Enter the beneficiary’s full name as per their passport or ID card ]
• Relationship [ Comment: Select the relationship of your beneficiary ]

Section: Acknowledgement

Check the box to confirm that you have read and understood the coverage information. 

You will be taken to the “Review and Pay” page.

Step 4: Review Application and Payment

Section: Review the details of your application

Review all the information you have entered so far. Make sure the information is as per your passport. 

Section : Enter your card details

In this section, enter your card details for payment. 

Section : Enter the billing address

In this section, enter the billing address associated with your credit/debit card entered above.

Section : Complete your purchase

In this section, check all three boxes. 

Click on the green “Complete your purchase” button.

Once your purchase is complete, you will receive an email confirming your purchase. 

Steps to Download Visa Letter and Coverage Letter

You can download your visa letter and coverage document from the customer portal dashboard. You only need these two documents as proof of travel insurance for Schengen visa .

To go to the customer portal, you can click on the “Sign In” button in the email. Or you can follow the below steps.

Log into Customer Portal

• Go to the VisitorsCoverage Customer Portal page
• Log in using your Policy ID and Date of Birth or using your Email.

Once you log in, you will see your policy details such as the names, policy types, coverage duration, etc.

Download your Visa Letter

In the “Download Policy Documents” section, click on “Visa Letter” to download the visa letter for your Schengen visa. 

You can also download the coverage letter from IMG International by clicking the “Cover Letter” button. 

Sample Visa Letter from VisitorsCoverage

Sample Coverage Letter from IMG International

Steps to Cancel Your Policy in Case of Visa Refusal

In order to get a full refund, you must cancel your policy before the insurance start date. If your visa is refused, cancel your policy right away to avoid any issues with your refund.

Follow the below steps to cancel and receive a full refund of your policy. 

• Go to VisitorsCoverage Customer Portal

Initiate Policy Cancellation

Within the “My Account” dashboard, click on the “Cancel Policy” button.

Step 1: Cancel Your Policy

• Travel plans changed
• Found a cheaper plan
• Purchased a wrong policy
• Accidentally submitted incorrect information
• Concerned with Coronavirus
• Select the cancellation date [ Comment: Select the most recent date so you can get your refund as soon as possible ]

You will be taken to the “Verify and Submit” page.

Step 2: Verify and Submit

• Are you the primary policy holder? [ Comment: Select “Yes” ]
• Send code to: [ Comment: Select your email from the dropdown ]

Click on the blue “Send Code” button.

Check your email for the verification code.

• Enter your verification code [ Comment: Enter the verification code that you received to your email ]

Click on the blue “Verify” button

Then click on the red “Cancel My Policy” button.

Step 3: Cancellation Success

You will be shown that your policy cancellation request was successfully submitted.

You will also receive emails from VisitorsCoverage and IMG International confirming your cancellation and refund. Save those emails as a reference if you need to contact VisitorsCoverage for any issues with refunds. 

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Guide to Schengen Visa Travel Insurance (2024 )

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor with over seven years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she’s not working, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Is Insurance Required for a Schengen Visa?

With a few exceptions, travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa for the Schengen area if staying for 90 days or less. Americans visiting for over three months, permanent residents without citizenship and foreign nationals traveling from the U.S. will need a Schengen visa if they are citizens of a country without a visa-free arrangement with Schengen countries.

The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria , Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark , Estonia, Finland, France , Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia,  Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are currently not Schengen countries.

Travelers from the U.S., Canada , and other visa-exempt countries only have to go through immigration and customs in the first country they visit in the Schengen zone. After that, they can travel to any other nation in the alliance without taking out their passport. For instance, you can fly, drive or take a train from Sweden all the way to Spain on the same visa.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. don’t need a visa or travel insurance to visit Europe. However, because of the high price of healthcare in Europe, travel insurance is still a good idea for visa-free travelers. But note that if you have to visit with a Schengen visa, you need to meet specific health insurance mandates.

Schengen visa holders must have comprehensive health insurance coverage. It should last for the length of their stay in the area (but does not need to cover the duration of the visa).

When you apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit first or spend most of your time in, they will explain the specifics of the travel insurance requirements. You will need proof of a travel insurance plan for visa approval.

Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance . However, the policy must have specific features and minimum limits for medical coverage and medical evacuation.

Here is a closer look at the requirements for Schengen visa eligibility.

• Medical emergency insurance
• Repatriation coverage for death
• Medical evacuation insurance if you need long-term care in your home country
• Coverage limits of at least €30,000 (US$32,000)
• Coverage lasting for the entire length of your stay in the Schengen area

The purpose of these requirements is to ensure you can pay for medical treatment without requiring assistance from your host country’s healthcare system.

You need a document from your travel insurance company as proof that you have a visa-compliant policy. This insurance certificate shows that you have met the minimum requirements. It is a vital part of your visa application, and you won’t gain approval without it.

Types of Travel Insurance Policies

Schengen visa insurance plans focus on medical expenses, but travel policies can also offer other protections. Comprehensive travel insurance covers additional risks, including those related to cancellations and delays.

Here is a look at the different travel insurance coverages.

• Medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage is required for visa approval.
• Trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursement if your trip gets canceled due to covered reasons, such as an unexpected illness or injury or a crisis or disaster in your European destination.
• Trip delay and interruption coverages pay for expenses related to delays or incidents that cancel your journey earlier than planned.
• Baggage delay or loss reimburses you for missing items so that you can replace necessities and continue your travels.
• Add-ons to standard policies may include rental car insurance, pre-existing condition coverage and insurance for exclusions from standard insurance like scuba diving or climbing.

Schengen visa applicants can purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage to protect the non-medical aspects of their trip. International travel can be expensive, so cancellation insurance and other protections available through a complete travel policy can save you from frustration and financial loss.

Which Insurance Provider is Best for Schengen Visa?

Use the table below to compare the top recommended choice for travel insurance for a Schengen visa.

• Travelex offers budget and mid-range plans for international travelers. You can opt for both medical and trip cancellation coverage.
• Trawick International travel insurance offers stand-alone medical and cancellation policies, so you can opt for minimum requirements for your Schengen visa if you wish.
• AIG Travel Guard offers several tiers of travel insurance, all of which offer comprehensive coverage and provide optional add-ons.
• Seven Corners has customizable travel plans that include medical emergency, evacuation, and repatriation coverage necessary for a Schengen visa
• IMG offers stand-alone medical insurance policies and separate plans providing cancellation, lost baggage and delay benefits.

Choosing the Right Schengen Visa Insurance

There are several factors to consider when selecting travel insurance.

• Coverage limits are the maximums that the insurer will pay for each claim type. Schengen visas require €30,000 (about $32,800) in medical emergency, evacuation, and repatriation insurance, but you can get a policy with higher limits if you wish.
• Pre-existing conditions are another important factor. Insurers may or may not cover them on a standard policy, but those that do not provide coverage directly may sell waivers that add coverage for your conditions.
• Deductibles are another factor to consider. This amount is an out-of-pocket payment you have to make before the insurer takes over payment. Some low-cost policies have high deductibles.

Finally, you should always get insurance with a reputable company that can provide the necessary documentation for your visa application.

Applying for Schengen Visa with Travel Insurance

You apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you intend to travel to first or spend most of your time during your stay.

You must purchase a policy that covers the entire duration of your stay and is valid throughout the Schengen area, not just in the countries you plan to visit.

You need proof of insurance to include with the rest of application documents when applying for the visa. This means you need to purchase the insurance before submitting your application. You should only choose insurance companies able to provide the necessary documentation to include with your application.

Additional Expert Tips

There are some other considerations for Schengen visa insurance.

First, you should make copies of your insurance card, policy documents and other information and bring them with you on your trip.

Second, regulations require that you have coverage for the entire duration of your stay. If you have a multi-trip visa, you will need insurance that provides benefits for the entire stay. The best option in these cases is to get an annual or multi-trip policy that meets visa requirements for coverage types and limits.

Before leaving, you should perform a thorough policy review to ensure you have the appropriate coverage. You can consider the potential costs of medical care in your host countries and decide if the coverage you have is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schengen Visa Insurance

Do you need travel insurance to visit schengen countries.

Travelers from visa-exempt countries can visit Europe without insurance, though they would not be protected from medical expenses or cancellations. However, those requiring a Schengen visa need €30,000 worth of medical coverage for approval.

Is Schengen travel insurance refundable?

You would be able to cancel your insurance if your visa application is not approved. Most companies will allow you to cancel the policy and get a full refund if you show evidence that your visa application was not approved.

Does travel insurance cover all of Europe?

Travel insurance for a Schengen visa must cover all 27 countries. However, some travel insurers may require that you specify all the countries you plan to visit to get comprehensive coverage.

What are the benefits of Schengen visa insurance?

In addition to being a requirement for the visa application process, Schengen insurance will cover medical costs if you get sick or suffer an injury during your Europe travel experiences. While travel health insurance is the only necessary policy component for the visa application, you can get additional benefits by purchasing a comprehensive policy.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

How To Find Cheap Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip | Money

Travel insurance can cover your medical bills if you experience an injury or illness during your holiday. Depending on the policy you select, the best travel insurance policies can also cover trip interruption, lost baggage, rental car damage and emergency evacuations.

If you’ve invested a good deal of money on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses or are planning an extended vacation, you don’t want to leave on a trip without protecting yourself from the unforeseen. But you also don’t want to overpay for that sense of security.

Read on to learn how to find cheap travel insurance for your next trip and get tips on buying the right coverage to meet your needs.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance varies significantly. According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, you can expect to pay between 4% and 8% of your total trip cost on a travel insurance policy. The exact price will depend on the trip’s length, your age and the coverage amount you select, among other factors.

For example, if your trip costs $5,000, you’ll pay between $200 and $400 for travel insurance. However, if you’re older or planning to be out of the country for a prolonged period, you can expect your insurance premium to reflect those risks.

You may also pay more or less depending on the type of coverage you purchase. For instance, a policy with trip cancellation and medical evacuation coverage will likely cost more than one that provides travel medical benefits only.

What is considered cheap for travel insurance?

Your definition of affordability may be very different from that of other travelers. So, if you want to find the least expensive travel insurance option, there’s no getting around comparison shopping. Cheap travel insurance can be any policy that affords the coverage you need at a lower price point than other options.

Say you’re traveling with professional equipment like cameras. Purchasing a medical-only travel insurance policy could be more affordable than buying one that provides generous coverage for baggage loss and personal effects. However, going for the cheaper option may result in higher out-of-pocket costs if your bags are lost or stolen.

How to find cheap travel insurance for an upcoming trip

Finding the most affordable travel insurance will require some legwork. Here are some tips to make your search easier.

1. Only purchase the travel insurance coverage you need

Buying more insurance coverage than you need will increase your expenses. With that in mind, it’s best to start by understanding what travel insurance covers and then defining your needs.

Most travel insurers offer different plan tiers with various levels of coverage. Plans that cover more scenarios and offer higher coverage limits will cost more. Purchasing add-ons like rental car coverage will further increase the cost of your policy.

So, for example, you probably don’t need a policy that covers baggage delay or flight cancellation if you’re driving over the border into Canada. Instead, you can save money by selecting a more basic plan offering only emergency medical and personal effects coverage.

Similarly, paying for an annual travel insurance policy doesn’t make sense if you only leave the country once or twice a year for a couple of days each time. It might sound like a good idea because these plans often offer cheaper medical travel insurance coverage per trip, but they will cost more if you don’t travel frequently enough to make them worthwhile.

2. Choose the right type of policy for your trip

If you purchase travel insurance, make sure to select a plan that covers the risks you’re likely to face during your trip. For instance, you might go with a policy that covers missed connections and trip delays if your travel plans are complicated and involve numerous stops.

Similarly, if you’re participating in high-risk activities such as rock climbing or scuba diving, look for a policy that covers these, as not all plans do. And if you are taking a cruise, a cruise travel insurance policy can cover risks unique to this form of travel, such as medical emergencies that necessitate an airlift to an on-shore medical facility.

3. Check whether you already have some form of rental car coverage

You’ll need rental car insurance if you’re renting a car during your travels. Depending on your destination, you may already be covered under your car insurance policy. That could be the case if you’re traveling to Canada in a rental vehicle, for example. However, if you’re traveling to Mexico, you’ll need a separate policy.

Similarly, your car insurance policy from back home typically won’t cover you overseas. In that case, you can purchase insurance from a rental car company at your destination or check whether your credit card offers such protection. Many of the best travel credit cards include rental car coverage. If your card does, check whether that coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary coverage applies after you’ve exceeded the limits of any other applicable insurance policies.

With this in mind, you may not need to purchase rental car coverage from your travel insurance company. If your travel insurer offers you a better deal on a collision damage waiver — which is what travel insurers generally offer — call your rental car company first to see if it accepts this form of coverage, as some companies do not.

4. Check your credit card for travel protection benefits

Your credit card may also offer travel protection benefits beyond rental car coverage. Depending on your credit card, you could receive reimbursement for baggage loss and delays, trip interruptions and cancellations, and travel accidents. Some cards also provide emergency medical, dental, and even medical evacuation coverage.

However, every card is different, so contact your credit card issuer to learn what it covers and whether limits and restrictions apply (and they generally do). For example, only trips you purchased with the card would be covered, and you may be required to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in.

Just as with a travel insurance policy, you’ll have to cover any expenses out of pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement. You’ll also be required to provide documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills. So, whether you purchase travel insurance or rely on your credit card’s travel benefits, always budget for contingencies.

5. Consider purchasing group coverage

Not all companies offering group travel insurance policies consider the travelers’ ages when pricing these plans. That means group coverage may be more affordable than buying individual policies for each group member. If you’re traveling with family, friends or colleagues, shop for group travel insurance instead.

Just keep in mind that group policies aren’t as customizable and coverage limits may be lower than what you need.

6. Comparison shop

We really can’t stress this enough, but comparison shopping is the best way to get a good deal on any kind of insurance, even travel insurance. If you don’t have time to do the legwork yourself, a travel insurance marketplace can help you quickly compare options from various insurers in a single place. It can also give you a better idea of how much travel insurance will cost you .

One possible drawback of doing business with an insurance marketplace is that they don’t partner with all providers, so you could be missing out on a good deal from a carrier the comparison site doesn’t do business with.

Is cheap travel insurance good?

Whether an affordable insurance policy is adequate will depend on what it includes and the specifics of your trip. If you’re flying to multiple countries, a cheap policy that doesn’t cover flight interruption may not suffice. However, that policy may suffice if you drive over the border for a few days and only require basic emergency medical coverage.

A cheap policy that covers all of your main risks is better for you than an expensive plan that doesn’t, so it all comes down to the coverages you need to best protect yourself. When searching for a policy, consider where you’re going, what you’ll be doing and how long you’ll be gone.

Summary of Money’s guide to finding cheap travel insurance for your next trip

Planning a trip takes time, and finding the ideal travel insurance policy will add to your workload. However, travel insurance can give you great peace of mind during your travels by helping you protect your savings. Moreover, affordable options exist.

To save even more on travel insurance, define your coverage needs, check whether you already have other forms of insurance or travel benefits that can protect any aspects of your trip and comparison shop.

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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What is the minimum coverage required for a Schengen Visa?

What is the minimum requirement you need from your travel and medical insurance when obtaining a schengen visa.

When applying for a visa in order to enter any of the 27 Schengen Area countries, you need travel insurance that meets several basic criteria. Your travel insurance must cover you for medical and repatriation expenses up to at least €30,000 . In addition, your policy must cover you for travel to all Schengen states, not just the ones you are visiting, and be valid for the whole of your trip. The full rules stipulated by the European Parliament in Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 are below:

Article 15 - travel medical insurance

1. Applicants for a uniform visa for one or two entries shall prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.

2. Applicants for a uniform visa for more than two entries (multiple entries) shall prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit. In addition, such applicants shall sign the statement, set out in the application form, declaring that they are aware of the need to be in possession of travel medical insurance for subsequent stays.

3. The insurance shall be valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be €30,000 . When a visa with limited territorial validity covering the territory of more than one Member State is issued, the insurance cover shall be valid at least in the Member States concerned.

How do I ensure my travel insurance meets this criteria?

The easiest way to get coverage is to obtain specialized Schengen Visa insurance from a reputable provider like AXA. We have tailored our products to ensure all you need to do is go through a few easy steps to obtain a quote and purchase insurance that will meet the minimum requirements that are mandatory for the issuance of a Schengen Visa.

To begin the quick and easy journey to getting your Schengen Visa insurance, click here .

What are my options when buying travel insurance?

For those on a tighter budget or who want basic coverage, AXA provides Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements from as little as €22 per week. The policy will cover you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries and offer you coverage in case of repatriation. A certificate proving you are insured will be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

Europe Travel

As the number one brand for Schengen Visa travel insurance, AXA also offers other options and tailor-made products. For instance, there’s the Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week. It’s perfect for those traveling with family as it covers children under the age of 18, or for those planning more adventurous activities during their trip, as it covers expenses up to €100,000. With this type of policy, you may also be covered for loss of documents or important items, as well as other problems you might encounter.

Schengen Multi Trip insurance, perfect for regular travelers, is available for €328 for a year’s coverage and has the same benefits as Europe Travel but can be used throughout a year on multiple trips. It’s perfect for business travelers who need comprehensive coverage to ensure their trips aren’t disrupted by any mishaps.

Additional information

All of AXA’s travel insurance policies allow you to enjoy certain guarantees. These relate to hospitalization, assistance for solo travelers, trip extensions, daily compensation, and much more.

We do not discriminate by age when pricing our policies and include all taxes and all costs. There are no nasty surprises - what you see here is what you pay!

If your visa is refused, AXA will refund your insurance fees in most circumstances but you will need documentation from officials showing why your application was turned down.

Related topics on Schengen insurance

• What is the health insurance for Schengen visa?
• Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How to book Schengen insurance online ?
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance online?
• Where can I get my Schengen travel insurance certificate?
• What are the requirements for Schengen travel insurance?
• What are the warranties for Schengen travel insurance?

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance

Is the minimum coverage option all i can buy if i buy more comprehensive insurance- will this comply.

The regulations only state the minimum insurance required to obtain your visa- so more comprehensive coverage is fine as long as it meets the other criteria required by the rules. As stated above - AXA has policies that offer coverage above the minimum level required by the Schengen Area’s regulations.

What will happen if I apply for my visa with insurance that doesn’t meet Schengen Area requirements?

Your visa application will be refused as it is a mandatory condition for obtaining your Schengen Visa.

If I am only traveling to one country- can I buy insurance for just that place?

No. If you need a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe then you must obtain travel insurance that covers you in all 27 Schengen countries.

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

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Travel insurance

What is trip interruption insurance?

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Alyce Meserve

Published 5:00 a.m. UTC Aug. 13, 2024

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• Trip interruption insurance is typically included in a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
• If you have to cut your trip short for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption coverage can reimburse you for unused, nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses.
• Trip interruption coverage can also reimburse additional expenses you pay to go home early, such as a new one-way economy plane ticket. 

A comprehensive travel insurance policy typically includes the trip interruption insurance benefit. If your trip has to be cut short for a covered reason, trip interruption coverage can help you recoup nonrefundable travel expenses and additional transportation expenses to get you home early.

How trip interruption insurance works

Trip interruption coverage is a post-departure benefit that will reimburse you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to shorten your trip for a covered reason. When a covered event occurs, you can file a claim under your trip interruption benefit for the unused expenses, plus eligible extra costs like a new flight home and local transportation to the airport.

For example, let’s say you and your friend are soaking up the rays with a drink in hand, staring out at the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea. Two days into your five-day beach vacation, an unforeseen hurricane slams into the island, causing your accommodations to lose power. 

Since your destination is now uninhabitable because of a natural disaster and this is a covered reason to end your trip early, you can get reimbursed for the rest of your unused, prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs. You can also claim costs incurred from changing your original return flight home.

Do I need trip interruption insurance?

Travel is expensive, costing an average of $6,878 for a 16-day trip, according to Squaremouth data. If you have to interrupt your trip to return home early and don’t have a travel protection plan, you could lose a lot of money. 

If you have to return from a trip early, trip interruption coverage is often the only way to recoup financial losses.

“Trip interruption is often used because a traveler’s family member gets sick or passes away and the traveler decides to come home early,” said Angela Borden, Product Specialist at Seven Corners. “Having this benefit removes a lot of the stress around what to do when the unexpected happens.”

Other common reasons you might use trip interruption coverage are if you or your traveling companion become seriously injured or sick during your journey or if inclement weather occurs en route to or while you’re at your destination.

What does trip interruption insurance cover?

If you must end your trip early for a covered reason, trip interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for:

• Unused, prepaid trip costs or deposits that aren’t refundable, including excursions, tours and entry tickets.
• Additional, required accommodation fees, such as a single supplement that a cruise line may charge if you prepaid for double occupancy and your traveling companion must interrupt their trip because of an unforeseen event.
• Reasonable transportation costs you have to pay to return home, or to catch up to your trip.

Covered reasons can vary by insurer and travel insurance policy, but typically include:

• You or your traveling companion developing a medical condition or becoming injured or ill after starting your trip.
• A non-traveling family member getting an injury, illness or medical condition that is life-threatening or requires hospitalization.
• You, your traveling companion or an immediate family member dying during your trip.
• You or your traveling companion needing to medically quarantine during your travels.
• You being required to attend jury duty or other legal proceedings during your travel dates.
• Your primary residence or destination becoming uninhabitable following a natural disaster, fire, flood or burglary.
• A terrorist incident within 100 miles of where you’re traveling.
• Government authorities ordering a mandatory evacuation of your destination.
• A mechanical failure, unplanned strike, severe weather or natural disaster that prevents the common carrier you’re traveling on from getting you to your original destination within a specific time frame. 

To qualify for reimbursement through trip interruption insurance, you should notify travel suppliers, such as the hotel, airline or cruise ship, as quickly as possible that your travel plans will be interrupted. If a severe injury or illness prevents you from notifying travel suppliers, notify them as soon as you are able.

What is not covered by trip interruption insurance?

It’s a good idea to review your plan document for the full list of what’s covered and not covered before your trip departure. “If a reason isn’t specifically named in the plan, then it won’t be covered,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com. 

“The trip interruption benefit does not cover losses resulting from the insured’s choices, such as deciding to cut a trip short due to dissatisfaction with the destination, accommodations or elective medical treatment,” said Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance . 

There are a number of things that trip interruption insurance coverage might also exclude, like:

• Normal pregnancy complications or childbirth.
• Pre-existing medical conditions.
• Committing a criminal or illegal act.
• Getting injured or sick while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Attempted suicide, intentional injury and suicide.
• Injuries sustained during an adventure activity, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, canoeing, kayaking, mountaineering or playing sports.

Exclusions and limitations can differ by insurance company and plan type. The policy will only cover up to the maximum benefit amount for each insurance coverage in the plan documents. 

There are sometimes exceptions to the exclusions, such as time-sensitive benefits like a pre-existing condition waiver. For instance, some travel insurance policies will cover claims related to pre-existing conditions if you purchase them within a specific time frame, usually 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit, insure the total trip cost and are medically able to travel on the day you buy the policy.

You can also purchase an adventure activity-specific travel insurance policy if you plan to participate in activities a standard policy won’t cover. Many policies, such as those sold by World Trips , AIG Travel , Travelex , Tin Leg, and World Nomads , offer adventure activity add-ons.

How much does trip interruption insurance cost?

Trip interruption insurance is a part of a complete travel insurance plan, so it does not have a separate cost. “Generally, a comprehensive travel insurance policy will cost anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost,” said Suzanne Morrow, senior vice president of InsureMyTrip. 

The cost of a travel insurance policy will vary and is based on the:

• Ages and number of travelers.
• Total trip cost.
• Travel insurance company and plan you choose.
• Any optional coverages you add to the plan.

For example, some plans offer an optional upgrade called “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage. IFAR allows you to interrupt your trip for any reason without exclusions. Depending on the travel insurance plan you buy, IFAR coverage may reimburse you up to 50% or 75% of your unused prepaid, nonrefundable trip arrangements. If you’re interested in IFAR coverage, look at the top-rated WorldTrips Atlas Journey Elevate or Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protector plans. 

How do I get trip interruption insurance?

Trip interruption insurance is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans. You can purchase a policy directly from the travel insurance company or through a travel insurance comparison website. Some credit card issuers also provide coverage for trip interruption.

For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card will reimburse up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip of eligible prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. American Express offers similar trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage for its members.

Coverages, limitations and exclusions will vary by insurance company and credit card issuer. Be sure to compare policy details to ensure you understand what’s covered to find the right policy to protect yourself financially.

Trip delay vs. trip cancellation vs. trip interruption insurance

The main difference between trip delay, interruption and trip cancellation insurance is when coverage kicks in. 

“Trip cancellation covers you up to your departure date. Once you’ve left on your trip, trip interruption coverage will cover your insured trip cost for the duration of your trip. Trip delay coverage handles the travel to and from your destination,” said Sandberg.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan will bundle these three coverage types, along with others such as travel medical insurance , in a single plan. Travel insurance plans will have varying compensation amounts, eligibility requirements and coverage limits for each coverage type.

See how travel insurance protects your trip investment: What does travel insurance cover?  

What are the benefits of trip interruption insurance?

Trip interruption insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection if you have to shorten your trip because of an unforeseen event such as a severe injury or the death of a loved one back home. Some travel insurance plans will cover up to 200% of your total trip cost if you need to interrupt your trip for a covered reason, which can reimburse you for the extra cost of changing your flight itinerary if you have to fly home early.

If you purchase an IFAR upgrade, you have even more financial security. Since there are no covered reasons you have to meet to use your trip interruption benefits, you could cut your trip short and potentially claim up to 75% of your unused, prepaid, nonrefundable travel arrangements. 

Things to consider when choosing trip interruption insurance

Different travel insurance policies have different coverages and benefit limits. Comparing travel insurance plans and insurers can help you find the best policy for your travel needs. You can also narrow your choices by comparing exclusions, eligibility requirements and other travel insurance benefits.

“On some economy plans, trip interruption may be included at 100% of the trip cost with fewer covered reasons,” Morrow said, “while higher-end plans can cover up to 200% of the trip cost and have more covered reasons.”

If you want maximum flexibility, the additional cost of IFAR coverage may be worth the extra expense, though few travel insurance plans offer this upgrade. 

Expert tip: It’s wise to buy travel insurance when you make your first trip deposit. Buying early may make you eligible for benefits like CFAR, IFAR and a pre-existing medical condition waiver. You can always increase your policy limit at a later date if your final trip costs exceed your initial policy coverage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Trip interruption benefits will reimburse you for lost prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you have to cut your trip short or are delayed starting it for a covered reason. These benefits are part of a travel insurance policy, usually including coverage for medical evacuation and emergencies, trip delay insurance, and lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.

Valid reasons for trip interruption vary by travel insurance policy . Common covered reasons include a traveler’s injury, illness or death during the trip, severe weather, natural disasters, unplanned strikes and terrorism.

Trip interruption insurance can reimburse nonrefundable, prepaid expenses, like cruise excursions, guided tours, plane tickets or lodging, if you need to cut your trip short for reason listed in your policy. It can also cover a new one-way economy ticket home.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn 3% cash back when you choose online shopping plus earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Money blog: Couples reveal how they split finances when one earns more than other

Welcome to the Money, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Read our weekend feature on relationship finances below and let us know how you and your partner divide money in the comments box. We'll be back with live updates on Monday.

Saturday 17 August 2024 12:43, UK

Essential reads

• Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other
• What's gone wrong at Asda?
• The week in money
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Tips and advice

• All discounts you get as student or young person
• Save up to half price on top attractions with this trick
• Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing next month
• TV chef picks best cheap eats in London
• 'I cancelled swimming with plenty of notice - can they keep my money?'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Emily Mee , news reporter

Openly discussing how you split your finances with your partner feels pretty taboo - even among friends.

As a consequence, it can be difficult to know how to approach these conversations with our partner or what is largely considered fair - especially if there's a big imbalance salary-wise. 

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown suggests in an average household with a couple, three-quarters of the income is earned by one person. 

Even when there is a large disparity, some couples will want to pay the same amount on bills as they want to contribute equally. 

But for others, one partner can feel resentful if they are spending all of their money on bills while the other has much more to spend and is living a different lifestyle as a result. 

At what stage of the relationship can you talk about money?

"We've kind of formally agreed there is some point in a relationship you start talking about kids - there is no generally agreed time that we start talking about money," says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown. 

Some couples may never get around to mentioning it, leading to "lopsided finances". 

Ms Coles says if you want to keep on top of finances with your partner, you could set a specific date in the year that you go through it all. 

"If it's in the diary and it's not emotional and it's not personal then you can properly go through it," she says.

"It's not a question of 'you need to pull more weight'.  It's purely just this is what we've agreed, this is the maths and this is how we need to do that."

While many people start talking about finances around Christmas, Ms Coles suggests this can be a "trying time" for couples so February might be a "less emotional time to sit down". 

How do you have the conversation if you feel the current arrangement is unfair?

Relationship counsellor at Relate , Peter Saddington, says that setting out the balance as "unfair" shouldn't be your starting point. 

You need to be honest about your position, he says, but your conversation should be negotiating as a couple what works for both of you. 

Before you have to jump into the conversation, think about: 

• Letting your partner know in advance rather than springing it on them;
• Making sure you and your partner haven't drunk alcohol before having the conversation, as this can make it easy for it to spiral;
• Having all the facts to hand, so you know exactly how much you are spending;
• Using 'I' statements rather than 'you'. For example, you could say to your partner: "I'm really worried about my finances and I would like to sit down and talk about how we manage it. Can we plan a time when we can sit down and do it?"

Mr Saddington says if your partner is not willing to help, you should look at the reasons or question if there are other things in the relationship that need sorting out. 

If you're having repeated arguments about money, he says you might have opposite communication styles causing you to "keep headbutting". 

Another reason could be there is a "big resentment" lurking in the background - and it may be that you need a third party such as a counsellor, therapist or mediator to help resolve it. 

Mr Saddington says there needs to be a "safe space" to have these conversations, and that a third party can help untangle resentments from what is happening now. 

He also suggests considering both of your attitudes to money, which he says can be formed by your early life and your family. 

"If you grew up in a family where there wasn't any money, or it wasn't talked about, or it was pushed that you save instead of spend, and the other person had the opposite, you can see where those conversations go horribly wrong. 

"Understanding what influences each of you when it comes to money is important to do before you have significant conversations about it."

What are the different ways you can split your finances?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are several ways you can do it - with Money blog readers getting in touch to let us know their approach...

1. Separate personal accounts - both pay the same amount into a joint account regardless of income

Paul Fuller, 40, earns approximately £40,000 a year while his wife earns about £70,000. 

They each have separate accounts, including savings accounts, but they pay the same amount (£900) each a month into a joint account to pay for their bills. 

Paul says this pays for the things they both benefit from or have a responsibility for, but when it comes to other spending his wife should be able to spend as she likes. 

"It's not for me to turn around to my wife and expect her to justify why she thinks it's appropriate to spend £150 in a hairdresser. She works her backside off and she has a very stressful job," he says. 

However, their arrangement is still flexible. Their mortgage is going up by £350 a month soon, so his wife has agreed to pay £200 of that. 

And if his wife wants a takeaway but he can't afford to pay for it, she'll say it's on her.

"Where a lot of people go wrong is being unable to have those conversations," says Paul.

2. Separate personal accounts - whoever earns the most puts more into a joint account

This is a more formal arrangement than the hybrid approach Paul and his wife use, and many Money blog readers seem to do this in one form or another judging by our inbox.

There's no right or wrong way to do the maths - you could both put in the same percentage of your individual salaries, or come up with a figure you think is fair, or ensure you're both left with the same amount of spending money after each payday.

3. Everything is shared

Gordon Hurd and his wife Brenda live by their spreadsheet. 

Brenda earns about £800 more a month as she is working full-time while Gordon is freelance. Previously Gordon had been the breadwinner - so it's a big turnaround.

They each have separate accounts with different banks, but they can both access the two accounts. 

How much is left in each account - and their incomings and outgoings - is all detailed in the spreadsheet, which is managed weekly. 

Whenever they need to buy something, they can see how much is left in each account and pay from either one. 

Gordon says this means "everyone knows how much is available" and "each person's money belongs to the other". 

"We have never in the last decade had a single disagreement about money and that is because of this strategy," he says.

Money blog reader Shredder79 got in touch to say he takes a similar approach. 

"I earn £50k and my wife earns just under £150k. We have one joint bank account that our wages go into and all our outgoings come out of. Some friends can't get their head around that but it's normal for us."

Another reader, Curtis, also puts his wages into a joint account with his wife. 

"After all, when you have a family (three kids) it shouldn't matter who earns more or less!" he says. 

Reader Alec goes further and says he questions "the authenticity of any long-term relationship or the certainly of a marriage if a couple does not completely share a bank account for all earnings and all outgoings". 

"As for earning significantly more than the other, so what? If you are one couple or long-term partnership you are one team and you simply communicate and share everything," he says. 

"Personally I couldn't imagine doing it any other way and I do instinctively wonder what issues or insecurities, whether it be in trust or something else, sit beneath the need to feel like you need to keep your finances separate from one another, especially if you are a married couple." 

A reader going by the name lljdc agrees, saying: "I earn half of what my husband does because I work part-time. Neither of us has a solo account. We have one joint account and everything goes into this and we just spend it however we like. All bills come out of this too. Sometimes I spend more, sometimes he spends more."

4. Separate accounts - but the higher earner pays their partner an 'allowance'

If one partner is earning much more than the other, or one partner isn't earning for whatever reason, they could keep separate accounts and have the higher earner pay their partner an allowance. 

This would see them transfer an agreed amount each week or month to their partner's account.

Let us know how you and your partner talk about and split finances in the comments box - we'll feature some of the best next week

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

The centre-point of a significant week in the economy was inflation data, released first thing on Wednesday, that showed price rises accelerated in July to 2.2%.

Economists attributed part of the rise to energy prices - which have fallen this year, but at a much slower rate than they did last year. 

As our business correspondent Paul Kelso pointed out, it felt like the kind of mild fluctuation we can probably expect month to month now that sky high price hikes are behind us, though analysts do expect inflation to tick up further through the remainder of the year...

Underneath the bonnet, service inflation, taking in restaurants and hotels, dropped from 5.7% to 5.2%.

This is important because a large part of this is wages - and they've been a concern for the Bank of England as they plot a route for interest rates.

On Tuesday we learned average weekly earnings had also fallen - from 5.7% to 5.4% in the latest statistics.

High wages can be inflationary (1/ people have more to spend, 2/ employers might raise prices to cover staff costs), so any easing will only aid the case for a less restrictive monetary policy. Or, to put it in words most people use, the case for interest rate cuts.

Markets think there'll be two more cuts this year - nothing has changed there.

Away from the economy, official data also illustrated the pain being felt by renters across the UK.

The ONS said:

• Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024;
• Average rents increased to £1,319 (8.6%) in England, £748 (7.9%) in Wales, and £965 (8.2%) in Scotland;
• In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 10% in the 12 months to May 2024;
• In England, rents inflation was highest in London (9.7%) and lowest in the North East (6.1%).

Yesterday, we found the UK economy grew 0.6% over three months to the end of June. 

That growth rate was the second highest among the G7 group of industrialised nations - only the United States performed better with 0.7%, though Japan and Germany have yet to released their latest data.

Interestingly, there was no growth at all in June, the Office for National Statistics said, as businesses delayed purchases until after the general election.

"In a range of industries across the economy, businesses stated that customers were delaying placing orders until the outcome of the election was known," the ONS said.

Finally, a shout for this analysis from business presenter Ian King examining what's gone wrong at Asda. It's been one of our most read articles this week and is well worth five minutes of your Friday commute or weekend...

We're signing out of regular updates now until Monday - but do check out our weekend read from 8am on Saturday. This week we're examining how couples who earn different amounts split their finances.

Each week we feature comments from Money blog readers on the story or stories that elicited most correspondence.

Our weekend probe into the myriad reasons for pub closures in the UK prompted hundreds of comments.

Landlords and campaigners, researchers and residents revealed to Sky News the "thousand cuts" killing Britain's boozers - and what it takes to survive the assault.

Here was your take on the subject...

I've been a publican for 19 years. This article is bang on! It's like you've overheard my conversations with my customers - COVID, cost of living, wages - the traditional British boozer going out of fashion. (My place: no food, no small children). Hey Jood

I own a small craft ale bar or micropub as some say. The current climate is sickening for the whole hospitality sector. This summer has been ridiculously quiet compared to previous ones. Micropubs were on the rise pre-COVID, but not now even we're struggling to survive… Lauren

I am an ex-landlord. It's ridiculous you can buy 10 cans for £10 or one pint for £5 now. It's not rocket science, it's a no-brainer: reverse the situation. Make supermarket beer more expensive than pub beer, then people will start to go out and mix again rather than getting drunk at home. Ivanlordpeers

Bought four pints of my regular drink at a supermarket for less than one pint in our local pub. It's becoming a luxury to go to a pub these days. Torquay David

Traditional pubs are being taken over by conglomerates who don't sell traditional beer, only very expensive lager, usually foreign, and other similar gassy drinks. How can they be called traditional pubs? Bronzestraw

The main reason for pubs closing is twofold! 1: The out-of-reach rents that the big groups charge landlords. 2: Landlords are told what stock they can hold and restrict where they can purchase it from. Strange, but most pubs belonged to the same groups! A pub-goer

Less pubs are managed now, pub companies are changing them to managed partnerships, putting the pressure onto inexperienced young ex-managers. Locals complain that their local pub has gone. but they don't use them enough. Can government regulate rents and beer prices for business owners? John Darkins

I was a brewery tenant in Scotland for many years and sequestrated because of the constant grabbing at my money by greedy brewers who wanted more and more. I made my pub very successful and was penalised by the brewery. James MacQuarrie 

The only reason pubs are closing is locals only use them on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and one Sunday a year. Plus breweries don't need pubs, they sell enough through supermarkets! Use them or lose them. Peter Smith

The closing of pubs is a terrible shame. I still go to my local and have great memories of getting drunk in many in my hometown. They are important places in society. As someone once said: "No good story ever started with a salad." Kev K

It's the taxman killing pubs. £1 of every £3 sold. Utter disgrace. Stef

I go with my girlfriend, Prue, every day to my local. It's a shame what's happening to prices. It used to be full of people and joy but now it's a ghost town in the pub since prices are too high now. I wish we could turn back time and find out what went wrong. Niall Benson

Minimum wage is around £11 and the tax threshold is £12,600 per year. How can you possibly afford a night in a pub out when a pint costs between £3 and £8 a pint on those wages? Allan7777blue

Unfortunately, the very people who have kept these establishments going over the years (the working man) have been priced out, and they're paying the price. Dandexter

The pubs are too expensive for people to go out regularly as we once did a decade or so ago. People's priorities are on survival, not recreation. Until the living wage increases beyond an inflation that wages haven't risen above in years, then we will see shops, pubs, etc. close JD

Who wants to spend hard-earned money going into a pub that's nearly always empty. It takes away one of the main attractions - socialising. Michael

Monzo has been named the best bank in the UK for customer satisfaction, according to a major survey. 

More than 17,000 personal current account customers rated their bank on the quality of its services and how likely they would be to recommend to friends or family. 

Digital banks made up the top three, with Monzo coming out on top, followed by Starling Bank and then Chase. 

Some 80% of Monzo customers said they would recommend the bank. 

The digital banking app said topping the tables "time and time again" was not something it would "ever take for granted". 

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was bottom of the ranking for another year. 

The banks with the best services in branches were Nationwide, Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank. 

Gail's bakery chain has come under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.

The retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".

The scheme has been hit with criticism online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.

One X user said: "The audacity of bragging about it being part of their 'Waste Not' range like we should be grateful to them and proud of ourselves for contributing to reducing food waste when they could just sell it for less money – not one pound more than yesterday.

"Unsure whether to be impressed or horrified that someone has come up with a concept to capitalise on yellow sticker goods to make more profit."

It should be added, however, that the practice was not invented by Gail's - and almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.

When factoring in the extra ingredients (almond frangipane and flaked almonds) and baking time, the bakery chain would likely defend the increased price by pointing to the additional costs incurred.

It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.

After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.

The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area (see yesterday's 11.54am post for more).

Gail's has been contacted for comment.

British retailers saw a rise in sales last month after a boost from Euro 2024 and summer discounting, according to official figures.

High street retailers said sales of football shirts, electronics such as TVs, and alcoholic drinks were all stronger amid the Three Lions' journey to the final.

Total retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It was, however, slightly below predictions, with economists forecasting a 0.7% increase.

It followed a 0.9% slump in volumes in June as retail firms blamed uncertainty ahead of the general election and poor weather.

ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, said: "Retail sales grew in July led by increases in department stores and sports equipment shops, with both the Euros and discounting across many stores boosting sales.

"These increases were offset by a poor month for clothing and furniture shops, and falling fuel sales, despite prices at the pump falling."

The data showed that non-food stores saw a 1.4% rise, driven by a strong performance from department stores, where sales grew by 4% for the month as summer sales helped to stoke demand.

However, clothing and footwear shops saw a 0.6% dip, whilst homeware retailers also saw volumes fall 0.6%. Food stores, meanwhile, saw sales remain flat for the month.

There are fears that the £2-cap on single bus fares could be scrapped after the government declined to say whether the policy would continue past December.

Bus companies said it was vital the cost of using their services is kept low for young people to "enhance their access to education and jobs".

Alison Edwards, director of policy and external relations at industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: "Bus operators are working closely with the government so that together we can find a way to avoid a cliff edge return to commercial fares.

"Analysis has shown that supporting fares, which can be done in a range of different ways, is great value for money and can support many other government objectives.

"For example, keeping fares low for young people would enhance their access to education and jobs, while also encouraging them to develop sustainable travel habits to last a lifetime."

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said in a recent interview with the PA news agency that her officials were "looking at various options" in relation to the cap, including whether they could "target it better".

It's been a busy week on the economic front.

There was no major shift in the overall outlook - since Monday we've had it confirmed that the UK economy has lower inflation and more growth than the last two years, while wages have grown faster than the overall pace of price rises.

On the back of all that news the pound is at the highest rate since early this month against the dollar, worth $1.2882, and the highest since July when it comes to buying euro with one pound equal to €1.1733. 

Signs of a recovery from the global market sell-off of Monday last week can be seen in the share prices of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Share prices have grown among the most valuable companies on the stock exchange, those that comprise the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 list of most valuable companies.

Today though, this benchmark UK index fell 0.19% but finishes the week higher than the start.

Also finishing the week higher than the start are the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250 (the 101st to the 250th most valuable firms on the London Stock Exchange).

On Friday morning that index was up 0.08%. 

With tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe high as Iran mulled a retaliatory strike on Israel and Ukraine made incursions into Russian territory, there had been concern about energy price spikes.

But the benchmark oil price has remained steady at $80.13 dollars for a barrel of Brent crude oil.

Gas prices have remained below the Monday high of 100 pence a therm (the measurement for heat) and now are 94.50 pence a therm. 

A Cabinet Office minister has said it is "unfair" to suggest other public sector workers will be queuing up for a pay rise after the government's offer of a 15% increase for train drivers and junior doctors.

"I think that's an unfair characterisation as well," paymaster general Nick Thomas-Symonds told Times Radio.

"I think what is absolutely crucial here is we are a Government again that is sticking to the promises we made in opposition.

"We promised we would sit down and find solutions, and people expressed scepticism about that, but actually that is precisely what we have done in Government."

Last month, the government and the British Medical Association struck an improved pay deal for junior doctors in England worth 22% on average over two years.

Meanwhile, train drivers will vote on a new pay deal following talks between representatives of drivers' union ASLEF and the Department for Transport.

The new offer is for a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022/23, a 4.75% rise for 23/24, and 4.5% increase for 24/25.

The Dartford Crossing is the highest-earning toll road in the UK, new data shows. 

The Kent to Essex route raked in £215.9m in the last year - 2,159 times more than the Whitney toll bridge in Hereford. 

The crossing, which was supposed to stop charging customers in 2003, costs between £2 and £6 to use (depending on the vehicle you're driving) between 10am and 6pm every day. 

Car finance company Moneybarn found it earned just over £209m in 2022. 

It topped the chart of 13 toll roads in the country, making over £100m more than the second highest-earning road in 2023 - the M6 Toll in the West Midlands. 

In third place was the Mersey Gateway Bridge between Halton and Cheshire, which made £48.9m. 

You can see how the other toll roads fared below... 

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