2 Top Travel Insurance Companies

What to check before buying travel insurance

Travel policies bundle several kinds of cover, and the limits for each one matter more than the headline price. Read the policy wording for the trip you are actually taking.

• Cancellation reasons: trip cancellation pays only for the reasons listed, such as illness or certain emergencies. Changing your mind is not usually one of them.
• Cancel-for-any-reason upgrades: where offered, these usually refund only part of your costs and must be bought soon after your first trip payment.
• Medical care abroad: your home health plan may not cover you overseas. Check emergency medical limits and whether evacuation is included.
• Pre-existing conditions: some policies cover them only if you buy within a set time after booking. Declare conditions honestly.
• Activities and destinations: skiing, diving and other sports may need extra cover, and travel against government advice can void a policy.

Common problems and ways around them

Reviews often mention claims refused for missing paperwork, small payouts for lost luggage and confusion between insurance sold at checkout by a travel site and the insurer who handles claims. Keep receipts, medical reports and written confirmation of delays from airlines. Note the emergency phone number before you leave. CandorRated company pages show who runs the website, its domain age, contact details found and reviews, so you can see who you are buying from.

Frequently asked questions

When should I buy travel insurance?

Soon after you book. Cancellation cover protects you only from the date the policy starts.

Does my credit card already cover me?

Some cards include limited travel cover. Read the card's benefit terms to see what is included and what is not.