Travel Insurance
Coverage, Costs & When You Need It

For most international trips with significant prepaid costs, yes. A comprehensive single-trip policy typically costs 4–8% of your trip cost — a modest amount compared to losing 100% of a non-refundable booking due to a medical emergency or covered cancellation. Where it matters most: trips over $3,000 in prepaid costs, travel to destinations with high medical costs (the US, Japan, Switzerland), and any trip where you cannot afford to absorb the full loss.

CFAR is an optional upgrade that reimburses 50–75% of your prepaid trip costs if you cancel for any reason — including fear of travel, change of plans, or events not covered by standard policies. It must be purchased within 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit and requires you to cancel at least 48 hours before departure. CFAR typically adds 30–50% to your base premium.

Many premium credit cards include some travel benefits — typically trip cancellation (limited), lost baggage reimbursement, and car rental coverage. However, most credit card travel benefits have much lower limits than standalone policies (often $1,500–$5,000 vs $50,000+ for a standard policy) and frequently exclude emergency medical and evacuation coverage — the most important and expensive benefit of travel insurance.

Standard travel insurance excludes pre-existing conditions unless you purchase a pre-existing condition waiver. This waiver must typically be bought within 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit and requires you to be medically stable at the time of purchase. Travellers with chronic conditions should always confirm pre-existing coverage before buying a policy.