Travel insurance FAQ
Plain answers to the questions travelers ask most. Every plan is different — the policy wording always decides what is covered.
What does travel medical insurance cover?
Emergency treatment of a new illness or injury while you travel: doctor visits, hospital, surgery, medicines and emergency dental care, up to the plan's medical maximum. It is not regular health insurance — check-ups, ongoing treatment and elective care are not covered.
What is the difference between travel medical and trip protection?
Travel medical insurance pays medical bills abroad. Trip protection ("trip insurance") mainly protects the money you paid for the trip — cancellation, interruption, delays and baggage — and usually adds some medical and evacuation cover. Many US residents buy trip protection; visitors to the US usually need a travel medical plan.
Primary vs secondary (excess) coverage — what does it mean?
Primary coverage pays first, without asking you to claim from other insurance. Secondary or "excess" coverage pays only what your other insurance (for example a health plan at home or a credit card) doesn't. Secondary plans are often cheaper but can mean more paperwork and slower claims. Some plans are primary for some benefits and secondary for others.
What is a deductible, and what is coinsurance?
The deductible is the amount you pay before the plan starts paying (per trip or per claim — check which). Coinsurance is a share you still pay after the deductible, for example 20% up to a cap. A $0 deductible with 100% coverage costs more but leaves you less to pay when something happens.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
It depends on the plan. Some exclude them entirely; some cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up ("acute onset") up to a limit and age; trip protection plans often include a waiver if you buy soon after your first trip payment. Always answer health questions truthfully — a wrong answer can void a claim.
What is medical evacuation, and how is it different from repatriation?
Medical evacuation moves you to the nearest hospital that can treat you, or home when medically needed — it can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Repatriation usually means returning remains home. Evacuation must almost always be arranged by the insurer's assistance team: call them before you go.
Does insurance cover sports and adventure activities?
Usual leisure activities are often covered, but many plans exclude "hazardous" activities — skydiving, mountaineering at altitude, deep diving, motor racing and more — or cover them only with a paid add-on. Plans differ in exactly which activities they include, so tell us yours and we'll show which plans cover them and what the add-on costs. Professional or paid sport is never covered.
What about baggage and travel delay?
Many plans pay for lost or damaged checked baggage (often with a per-item limit and lower limits for valuables) and for extra costs when you're delayed (usually per day, after a minimum number of hours). Travel medical plans often have low limits or none — compare them if they matter to you.
What are optional riders (add-ons)?
Extra cover you can buy with a plan — for example sports, cancel for any reason, higher accidental death limits or rental car damage. They cost extra and are added on the insurer's checkout page.
When should I buy?
Before you leave — and for trip protection, soon after your first trip payment, which can unlock extra benefits such as the pre-existing condition waiver and cancel for any reason. Some travel medical plans can be bought after departure, with a short waiting period.
What should I do in a medical emergency abroad?
Get care first. Then call the insurer's 24/7 assistance number on your ID card or policy email as soon as you can — they can find hospitals, arrange direct billing and approve evacuation. Keep every receipt and report.
How do I make a claim?
See our Claims page: it lists each insurer's claims contact, explains the steps and documents, and can find your insurer from your policy number.
Who issues my policy and pays claims?
The insurer. i4trip.com is an insurance agency: we compare and help you buy, and we're glad to help afterwards, but the policy, claims decisions and payments are the insurer's.