Every year, at least a few of our thousands of tour participants cannot go on the tour they have looked forward to for months. Sometimes they get sick. Sometimes someone in their family gets sick. Sometimes a hurricane hits and flights are canceled for days – or weeks. Whatever the case, travel insurance can be a way to protect your investment.
Insurance needs vary greatly from person to person, so it doesn’t make sense to include the same one-size-fits-all insurance policy in everyone’s tour. As you consider what your needs might be, don’t forget to check with insurance you already have – health or homeowners’ insurance, or coverage via a credit card – to see what, if any, coverage they provide abroad.
It’s important to investigate your options early, as eligibility for coverage can be a time-sensitive issue. There might be a sign-up window requirement depending on what kind of insurance you’d like, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. You can read more about the options we suggest via the insurance links below, or ask your Tour Manager for more information.
However, please note that it’s important to take any specific questions about coverage directly to the insurance provider. That’s the best way to be sure you’re getting exactly the insurance that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which travel insurance company does ACFEA recommend?
You are welcome to use any company you are comfortable with, but here there are two we work most closely with:
- If your group is collecting payments, please visit the USI Travel Services website for more information or to purchase coverage.
- If your group is making individual payments through GroupCollect, you will be offered the option to sign up for TravMark coverage when you register for your tour. To see policy details, please visit TravMark’s website.
What does travel insurance cover?
There are a range of travel insurance coverages with different insurers. The most basic and inexpensive policies are travel medical and evacuation overage only. There are many policies that have different coverage levels for trip delay, trip interruption, and cancellation, and luggage loss or delay, including those presented by our partners at USI and TravMark. The most comprehensive policies include Cancel For Any Reason coverage (not available in all states.)
Most insurers only cover pre-existing conditions if insurance is purchase within a short window, often 10-14 days, after you pay your deposit for the trip.
How much does travel insurance cost?
That depends on your age, the cost of the tour, and the coverage. Check with your insurer for more information.
When do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Every policy is different. Some require purchase within two weeks of your initial deposit for the tour, especially for coverage related to pre-existing health conditions. However, in most cases, you can buy insurance up to a couple of days prior to departure.
Can we get group insurance to provide to everyone on our tour?
Yes, this may be possible, however there are limitations to group policies, and you may find individual coverage needs vary. Your Tour Manager may be able to refer you to someone for more information on group policies, so you can decide if this is a good option your group.
I am staff and traveling for free. Can I still get insurance?
Yep! One of the factors of the cost of your coverage is how much you are paying for the trip, and $0 is an option.
Do I have to use one of the insurers linked to here?
No. USI and TravMark are companies we have worked with and recommend, but you are welcome to use any company you are comfortable with.
What about health insurance?
Check with your current health insurer to find out what coverage you already may have for sickness and injury abroad. If you aren’t comfortable with the amount of coverage you have, you can find travel medical insurance which is generally quite inexpensive. Please note you may be required to show proof of medical coverage upon entry to certain countries, such as Cuba.