What is travel insurance and how does it work? 

Travel insurance is designed to help protect travelers financially when unexpected events impact a trip. Depending on the plan you choose, coverage may be available for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and emergency medical evacuation. If a covered event occurs, you can submit a claim for eligible expenses according to the terms and conditions of your plan. Travel insurance can help provide peace of mind before and during your trip by helping protect both your travel investment and your health while away from home.

Is travel insurance worth it? 

Travel insurance can provide valuable financial protection when unexpected events disrupt your plans. A canceled trip, medical emergency abroad, travel delay, or lost baggage can result in significant out-of-pocket costs. Travel insurance helps reduce financial risk and can offer you added peace of mind when planning a trip.

What does travel insurance cover? 

Coverage varies by plan, but travel insurance may include benefits for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, missed connections, emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage loss or delay. Some plans may also include access to Telehealth services, benefits for pet owners, and other niche coverage. Always review your plan details to understand what benefits are included.

What does travel insurance not cover? 

Travel insurance does not cover every situation. While many travelers purchase travel insurance for financial protection if they need to cancel a trip, each plan has different covered reasons and exclusions. Common exclusions may include known risks at the time of purchase, claims related to intoxication, participation in certain high-risk activities, or losses resulting from circumstances specifically excluded by the plan. Be sure to review your plan documents carefully to understand what is and isn't covered before you travel.

When is the best time to buy travel insurance? 

The best time to buy travel insurance is shortly after making your initial trip deposit or booking your travel arrangements. Purchasing early helps ensure you're protected if unexpected issues arise before your departure date, which is particularly important if you are purchasing the plan for trip cancellation benefits.

How much travel insurance do I need? 

The right amount of coverage depends on your destination, trip cost, planned activities, and personal needs. Generally, travelers should consider enough coverage to protect their non-refundable, prepaid trip expenses and potential medical costs that could occur while away from home. Different plans offer varying levels of coverage. For trip costs of $10,000 or less, consider the iTravelInsured Choice suite of products. For trips over $10,000 per person, look into iTravelInsured Travel SE or iTravelInsured Travel LX. 

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation? 

Many travel insurance plans include trip cancellation benefits that can reimburse eligible, prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel for a covered reason. Covered reasons may include illness, injury, severe weather, or other situations specified in the plan documents. These covered reasons vary by plan, so be sure to review the plan documents to understand what situations are and aren’t covered before purchasing a plan.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations? 

Travel insurance may help if your flight is canceled for a covered reason and causes additional expenses or interrupts your trip. Coverage varies by plan and circumstance, so it's important to review your plan to understand what situations are eligible for benefits.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses abroad? 

Many travel insurance plans include coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip. This can help reimburse you for eligible medical treatment, hospital stays, and other covered healthcare expenses while traveling outside your home country.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions? 

Some travel insurance plans may provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if certain requirements are met, such as purchasing the plan within a specified timeframe after your initial trip deposit. Eligibility varies by plan, so review details carefully. 

Does travel insurance cover lost luggage? 

Many travel insurance plans include baggage benefits that may help reimburse eligible losses if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. Coverage limits and documentation requirements vary by plan. For benefits like baggage delay, often times there is a time threshold that must be met before benefits kick in. Be sure you to review your plan wording and understand what those limits are before purchasing.

Does travel insurance cover cruises? 

Yes, many travel insurance plans are designed to cover cruise vacations. Benefits may include trip cancellation, travel delays, baggage protection, emergency medical coverage, and emergency medical evacuation while traveling. Our iTravelInsured Choice Cruise plan is designed specifically for those setting sail. It offers well-rounded benefits you’d expect of a standard travel insurance plan, plus benefits and covered reasons specific to cruise travel. 

How do I use travel insurance during my trip? 

If an issue occurs during your trip, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. Many insurers offer 24/7 travel assistance services that can help with medical referrals, emergency support, and guidance on the claims process. Keep copies of receipts and supporting documents for any expenses you may later claim. If you purchase an IMG travel insurance plan, you can access important plan information through MyIMG, including your ID card, coverage details, and contact information for travel assistance services. In the event of a medical emergency, travel delay, baggage issue, or other covered situation, contacting IMG's team can help you understand available benefits and next steps.

How do I file a travel insurance claim?

To file a claim, gather any required documentation, such as receipts, medical records, travel itineraries, or proof of cancellation. Submit your claim according to your provider's instructions, either online or through the designated claims process. Providing complete documentation can help reduce delays in processing your claim. At IMG, you can manage your claims online through MyIMG. Learn more here (link to claims portal)

What is the difference between iTravelInsured Choice and iTravelInsured Choice Lite?

Both iTravelInsured Choice and iTravelInsured Choice Lite are plans designed for cost-conscious travelers with trip costs of $10,000 or less per person. Both include primary medical coverage, 24/7 non-insurance emergency travel assistance services, and benefits for trip cancellation/interruption, lost and delayed baggage, trip delay, and missed trip connections. On iTravelInsured Choice you’ll get the addition of telehealth, the ability to customize coverage with optional add-ons (including one for Cancel For Any Reason/Interruption for Any Reason coverage*), additional covered reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, higher maximum benefit amounts for emergency evacuation, and the ability to insure trips longer than 30 days.

What is primary insurance? 

Primary insurance means eligible benefits are paid by the travel insurance plan first, without requiring you to submit a claim to another insurance provider beforehand. This can simplify the claims process and may help you receive reimbursement more quickly. Many travelers appreciate primary coverage because it reduces the need to coordinate benefits with their domestic health insurance or other applicable coverage.

What is Cancel for Any Reason/Interruption for Any Reason Coverage?

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR)* are optional upgrades available on certain travel insurance plans that provide additional flexibility beyond standard covered reasons for cancellation or interruption.

With CFAR coverage, travelers may be eligible to cancel a trip for reasons that would not otherwise be covered under the base plan and receive partial reimbursement for eligible prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. IFAR coverage works similarly after a trip has begun, allowing travelers to interrupt a trip for reasons outside of the standard covered reasons and receive a partial reimbursement of eligible trip expenses.

These benefits typically have specific eligibility requirements, including purchasing coverage within a designated timeframe after making your initial trip deposit. Review the plan documents carefully to understand eligibility requirements, reimbursement percentages, and other terms and conditions.

Have more questions about buying travel insurance? Check out some of these resources:

• How to Choose the Best Travel Protection Plan for You
• Is Travel Insurance Worth it?
• Comparing Travel Insurance
• How to Use Your Travel Insurance If You Get Sick Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Family Travel Insurance: Protecting Your Partner, Children, and Relatives on Every Trip
• Compare: "Add-On" vs. Independent Travel Insurance Plans