Travel health insurance is different from the trip interruption insurance in that airlines and cruise ships typically offer at the time of booking. These policies focus on reimbursing the cost of the airline or cruise fare in case the trip is cancelled for an unforeseen reason. In addition, they also tack on limited health benefits, repatriation, lost luggage coverage, etc. However, there are many exclusions and the time period is limited. Travel insurance differs from trip interruption in that the policy only covers the time that you booked for.

For example, let’s say that six months before your trip, you buy a cruise for $5k in addition to spending $2k+ on airfare. Anything can happen during that time that could force you to cancel. Your trip investment is protected with trip interruption insurance which is the main reason these coverages are primarily bought from the airline or cruise line.

Travel insurance, first and foremost, is to protect the health of the applicant during a selected time period. Some policies offer the coverages offered by trip interuption policies. Some very robust travel policies even offer coverage for pre-existing conditions that are typically excluded from trip interruption policies.

We recommend purchasing both trip interruption and travel health insurance to cover the risk of cancellation and provide health coverage while abroad. Frequent travelers often benefit from purchasing a multi-trip policy. Travel insurance can be purchased for multiple trips and groups travelling (families, schools, etc)

Keep in mind that while the elderly can also purchase travel insurance but often get reduced benefits. The age limit varies by carrier, so be sure to understand your policy. Be sure to carefully read and understand the policy terms and conditions.

*Travel Insurance can be purchased with or without coverage for pre-existing conditions subject to policy conditions.

*Purchase Single Trip, Multi-Trip, Student or Group travel policy using this link here: