Travel is unpredictable, but your peace of mind doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re planning a foodie getaway to Italy, a wine weekend in Napa Valley, a Far East tour, or a dream cruise through the Mediterranean, one thing can derail your perfect plans fast – the unexpected.
That’s where travel insurance comes in. We never travel without it!
Why You Need Travel Insurance
Think of travel insurance as your safety net for life’s “what ifs.” Here’s why it’s worth every penny:
Protect Your Investment
If you’ve prepaid for flights, hotels, cruises, or tours, travel insurance can reimburse you if something forces you to cancel for a covered reason – like a sudden illness, natural disasters, or severe weather.
Get Medical Help Abroad
Many health plans don’t cover you overseas. Travel insurance includes medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation, so you’re protected if you get sick or injured far from home.
Handle Lost Luggage & Travel Delays
From missing bags to flight delays, things go wrong. Reasons for flight delays may include: Weather and extreme conditions, air-traffic congestion, staffing shortages, strikes, aircraft maintenance issues, and cybersecurity. Travel insurance can cover replacement costs, meals, and extra nights if your plans get disrupted.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Most policies include round-the-clock global assistance. With travel insurance, you always have access to a 24/7 travel and medical emergency assistance provider to ensure you receive the help you need as soon as possible. Get help finding medical care, translating paperwork, or arranging emergency transport.
Emergencies can happen anytime. From skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling mishaps to hiking or biking injuries, swimming or boating accidents and water-sports incidents, travel insurance ensures you’re never alone when the unexpected happens. With 24/7 emergency assistance, you’ll have access to help, guidance, and coverage when you need it most, no matter where your travels take you.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you’re covered means you can relax, explore, and truly enjoy your trip, without the “what ifs” hanging over you. In other words… peace of mind.
The Risks of Skipping It
Choosing not to get travel insurance might save a few dollars upfront, but can cost you thousands of dollars later.
Without coverage, travelers face:
- Non-refundable losses from canceled trips.
- Massive medical bills abroad or during evacuation.
- Out-of-pocket costs for lost bags or missed flights.
- No support during emergencies or delays.
- Stress and uncertainty instead of peace of mind.
A single emergency can easily cost more than your entire trip.
Travel Insurance Basics
Look for these three core pillars that should be included in any travel insurance you purchase:
1. Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption
Trip Cancellation: Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you must cancel before departure for a covered reason (illness, injury, death in the family, weather events, etc.).
Trip Interruption: Covers unused portions of your trip or unexpected return costs if your journey is cut short.
2. Medical Expense & Medical Evacuation
Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, and even air evacuation if you’re seriously ill or injured. Essential for international travel, especially in countries with high medical costs.
3. Travel Loss & Delay
Covers baggage loss, theft, travel document replacement, or unexpected delays that lead to extra expenses.
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
Timing matters. Buy travel insurance soon after booking your first trip payment, ideally within 14–21 days.
Why?
- You’ll qualify for extra benefits like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR).
- You’re protected if something happens before your departure.
- Waiting until a storm or illness arises is usually too late.
What is “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR?)
CFAR is the most flexible upgrade you can buy. It lets you cancel your trip for almost any reason, not just those listed in standard policies.
Here’s how it works:
- Must be purchased shortly after your initial trip deposit (usually within 14–21 days).
- You must insure your full, non-refundable trip cost.
- You must cancel at least 48 hours before departure.
- You typically receive 50%–75% reimbursement of prepaid costs.
If your plans are uncertain, or you simply want maximum flexibility, CFAR can be worth the extra cost.
Common Customer Questions
Q: Do I really need travel insurance?
A: If you’ve prepaid for your trip, are traveling internationally, or would face high costs if something went wrong… then YES, you need it.
Q: Does it cover COVID or pandemics?
A: Some plans do, others don’t. Always check the fine print.
Q: When should I buy it?
A: Right after booking. Early purchase gives you broader protection.
Q: What’s not covered?
A: Typically, fear of travel, voluntary cancellations, or known events (like a hurricane already forming) aren’t covered unless you have CFAR.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Most policies range from 4–10% of your total trip cost. That’s a small price for major protection.
Travel Insurance Made Easy: Why We Love Yonder
We like to protect our trip, our money and our peace of mind before we travel.
Here’s what makes Yonder stand out:
- Easy online comparison of trusted insurers.
- Coverage tailored by travel style (cruise, adventure, family, business, student).
- Helpful, “friendly humans” to answer questions.
- Transparent plan summaries and customer reviews.
- Donations made to charity with each purchase. Your trip helps others too.
