Does my credit card already provide this?

Many premium travel credit cards offer trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage delay insurance. However, they rarely provide sufficient medical coverage, and almost never include emergency medical evacuation.

Can I buy insurance after I have already booked my trip?

Yes, but some benefits like 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR) or pre-existing condition waivers usually require you to purchase the policy within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Is medical evacuation the same as medical coverage?

No. Medical coverage pays your hospital bills. Medical evacuation pays to transport you to a better facility or back to your home country, which can cost upwards of $50,000 without insurance.

Choosing Between Travel Insurance and Trip Cancellation Coverage

Buy trip cancellation insurance if you are worried about losing money on non-refundable bookings due to personal reasons. Buy medical travel insurance if your primary health insurance does not cover you abroad or if you need emergency medical evacuation.

Check your existing coverage. Log into your health insurance portal or call the provider to see if they offer international coverage. Most US-based plans provide zero coverage outside the country.
Review your booking policies. Look at the 'cancellation policy' for your flights and accommodation. If you have booked refundable rates, you likely don't need trip cancellation insurance.
Calculate your 'at-risk' cost. Add up all non-refundable expenses (flights, pre-paid tours, hotels). If this total is less than 5% of your annual income, you may choose to self-insure against cancellation.
Assess your risk tolerance. Consider your health and travel stability. If you are traveling to a remote area, prioritize medical evacuation. If you have family obligations that might force a sudden cancellation, prioritize cancellation coverage.
Select a comprehensive plan. Most travelers find the best value in a single 'comprehensive' policy that bundles both medical and cancellation coverage. Only buy them separately if you are a frequent traveler using an annual medical-only policy.

Does my credit card already provide this?: Many premium travel credit cards offer trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage delay insurance. However, they rarely provide sufficient medical coverage, and almost never include emergency medical evacuation.
Can I buy insurance after I have already booked my trip?: Yes, but some benefits like 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR) or pre-existing condition waivers usually require you to purchase the policy within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit.
Is medical evacuation the same as medical coverage?: No. Medical coverage pays your hospital bills. Medical evacuation pays to transport you to a better facility or back to your home country, which can cost upwards of $50,000 without insurance.