What is A Single-Trip Travel Insurance Policy? (2024)

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Single-trip travel insurance covers one trip, with coverage extending from the time of purchase to the date you return home. Single-trip plans are best for casual travelers or those who do not travel internationally often. Frequent travelers may find more value in a multi-destination or annual travel insurance plan.

Single-trip travel insurance protects you from certain risks while traveling. Policies typically reimburse costs related to:

• Trip cancellation (including your flight and hotel)
• Emergency medical treatment or evacuation
• Travel delays and interruptions
• Lost or damaged baggage
• Stolen valuables, like a camera or laptop

Trip interruption and cancellation coverage are limited to unforeseen and uncontrollable events such as natural disasters, unexpected illnesses, a death in the family or an accident. You won’t get reimbursem*nt if you change your mind or break up with your traveling companion before the trip — unless you purchase additional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

Insurers list coverage exclusions so you are aware of limitations when buying a policy. The fine print will also include coverage limits or the maximum amounts the policy pays for a covered event.

Most insurance providers offer multi-trip or annual policies that provide coverage for more than one journey. This option provides more value than single-trip plans in certain situations.

Here are situations in which a single-trip policy may be the better option:

• If you travel frequently but rarely go abroad and want coverage for international travel.
• If you are planning a once-a-year family trip and want cancellation coverage to protect your investment.
• If you are traveling for a special occasion and want protection so you can travel elsewhere if the trip gets canceled.
• If you might require medical coverage while traveling abroad and want to avoid paying for treatment out-of-pocket.

Annual policies are better in some circ*mstances, including:

• Frequent international travelers may be able to get a better rate with annual coverage.
• Digital nomads and expatriates living abroad for work often need health coverage provided by an annual plan.
• Anyone with more than two trips planned during a calendar year may get better value from multi-trip policies.

In most cases, the decision comes down to how much time you spend abroad and the number of trips you take during a given year.

Single-trip travel insurance can benefit individuals, families or groups who don’t travel frequently and want to cover a specific trip. A travel insurance policy can offer financial protection for trips that require a significant investment.

Many travelers purchase single-trip policies to cover medical expenses. According to the U.S. Department of State, American health insurance does not usually work overseas. If you need emergency care abroad, you will have to pay out of pocket unless you have a travel medical plan.

Here is a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of single-trip travel coverage:

Benefits of Single-Trip Travel Insurance

Single-trip travel protection provides certain benefits to travelers.

• Flexibility: You can purchase a policy with specific coverage and limits based on what you need for your trip without paying for extras you won’t use.
• Protection from unexpected events: Cancellation and interruption coverage can help you avoid losing your travel investment or spending extra because of an accident, disaster or another event beyond your control.
• Peace of mind: Even if you do not make a claim, travel insurance provides peace of mind knowing you have financial support if you encounter an emergency abroad.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, travelers use their coverage more than other insurance services — 17.3% of people who purchase trip coverage file a claim. In contrast, only 7.3% of homeowners utilize their house insurance.

Downsides of Single-Trip Travel Insurance

There are a few negatives to be aware of when purchasing travel insurance.

• Redundancies: You may already have some travel coverage through a credit card or health insurance. Check what coverage you have to avoid paying for double protection if you purchase comprehensive insurance.
• Age limits and pre-existing conditions: Insurers may deny coverage based on your age or pre-existing medical conditions. Check your policy for coverage exclusions if you have an existing health condition. Your provider may require you to purchase a waiver before your trip to qualify for coverage.
• Coverage limits: Policy maximums can limit payout amounts. In general, cheaper single-trip policies have lower maximums. Make sure your policy covers the amount you expect to spend for your trip.

Reading the fine print of your insurance policy can help you avoid these downsides and get the most out of your single-trip insurance benefits

One of the advantages of single-trip insurance is the ability to select the best policy for each journey. You can choose the best travel insurance provider based on how well a policy meets your needs for your specific trip plans.

Here are factors to consider when shopping for single-trip insurance:

• Trip duration: The cost of a single-trip policy often depends on how long you will be outside the U.S. For example, a two- or three-week trip is likely to cost more than a week-long vacation.
• Total trip cost: Calculating the cost of pre-booked portions of your trip can help you determine how much coverage you need. Your insurer will require you to specify a trip amount to obtain a quote.
• Your location and destination: Insurance costs can vary based on where you live. For example, coverage for a traveler from New York may cost more than the same policy for someone in Virginia.
• Deductibles: A policy deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but force you to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.

Single-trip plan costs vary depending on the above details. We recommend you get quotes from different providers, compare conditions, research exclusions and verify coverage limits before purchasing a policy. Look for a policy that meets your coverage and budgetary needs without too many extras.

Which providers should you choose? Here are five major travel insurance providers that offer single-trip plans:

• International Medical Group (IMG) offers comprehensive and travel medical care plans.
• Seven Corners has a range of insurance products, including single and multi-trip plans.
• AIG has various travel insurance plans, including coverage for last-minute travel.
• Trawick International offers comprehensive plans, including specialized coverage for students and adventure travelers.
• Travelex sells both domestic and international travel insurance policies.

It pays to get as much information as possible about each insurer so you can make an informed decision about your travel coverage purchase. You can use our quote tool to get started:

Comprehensive single-trip insurance covers the following:

• Medical emergencies and evacuations: Single-trip travel health insurance reimburses you for medical treatments if you fall ill or have an accident. It also pays for medical evacuation or transport home if you need long-term or specialized care.
• Trip interruptions: This insurance pays for accommodations and transportation if you experience extended delays due to a disaster, conflict or other uncontrollable events.
• Delayed or lost luggage: This coverage allows you to replace lost or delayed luggage due to mishandling by your airline or other transportation provider.
• Trip cancellations: This part of the policy reimburses you for nonrefundable, prepaid portions of your trip that get canceled due to unforeseen circ*mstances.
• Repatriation: If you pass away on your trip, this insurance pays to have your remains returned home.
• Other coverage: Some policies protect against device or equipment theft or offer additional coverage for certain activities, like rental car usage or travel excursions. While comprehensive policies may include this coverage, other providers may allow you to purchase protection as a policy add-on.

Additional Considerations and Optional Coverages

Keep in mind that policies may have age restrictions or limit coverage for customers with pre-existing conditions. Restrictions vary by provider, so it is best to research insurers individually to understand specific limitations and requirements. However, some insurance companies allow customers to purchase pre-existing medical condition waivers.

Insurers use a similar approach for other risks, such as adventure sports like scuba diving or rock climbing. Some providers allow you to purchase add-ons to increase medical insurance coverage limits or add protection for sporting equipment and other gear.

Finally, CFAR coverage is an add-on that reimburses a portion of trip cost without requiring you to provide the rationale for your cancellation. CFAR coverage offers an alternative to standard trip cancellation insurance, which outlines specific reasons that qualify you for reimbursem*nt.

Travel insurance costs can vary based on your trip details and coverage needs. We gathered quotes from multiple providers to give you an idea of what single-trip coverage might cost for different travelers.

• Two 40-year-old travelers from New York going to Jamaica for two weeks in November with a $2,500 itinerary can expect to pay $134 with IMG Global. The policy covers trip cancellation, $250,000 in medical expenses and $500,000 in evacuation insurance.
• A 30-year-old traveling from Florida to Germany for a week in October with a trip worth $2,500 would pay $86.44 for a plan from Trawick International. Coverage includes $150,000 in emergency medical expenses, $1 million in evacuation insurance and full cancellation coverage.
• A family of four going to Mexico for two weeks in December would pay $124 per person for Travelex Insurance. The policy includes cancellation and interruption coverage, $50,000 per person in medical insurance and $500,000 in evacuation coverage.

The above examples include prices from midrange plans that offer comprehensive coverage.

Learn more about Alex Carver

Learn more about Tori Addison