4 trip protection benefits that could save your vacation

June 27, 2024

It’s the best feeling in the world for someone who loves to travel: That moment when you board your flight, buckle in, and anticipate all the good times ahead. When everything goes smoothly, that great feeling stays with you throughout your vacation. The question is, what do you do if things go awry? 

That’s where trip protection comes in. Whether you’re touring the natural wonders and great cities of the U.S., or ticking global destinations off your bucket list, trip protection coverage can be an essential part of making your travels as worry- and hassle-free as possible. Check out our helpful information, including:

What is trip protection?
1. Need to cancel? Have a plan in place.
2. Held up by a delay? There’s a plan for that too.
3. Who hasn’t lost a bag?
4. An added benefit: 24/7 help

What is trip protection?

Trip protection plans can cover a wide range of situations where cancellations, delays, or unexpected complications may change your travel arrangements. For example, a plan such as SafeTrip Travel Protection kicks in if a domestic connecting flight is delayed, and an unexpected night at a hotel becomes necessary. Or if you’re overseas traveling to multiple destinations and one of your connecting flights is cancelled, coverage like SafeTrip International Travel Medical Plus can help you recover costs if you have to reschedule a flight or book another means of transportation to get to your next destination. In short, a good trip protection plan offers financial coverage and in-the-moment support. Here are four ways that trip protection can help.

1. Need to cancel? Have a plan in place.

Sometimes, you have to call off part or all of a trip for reasons out of your control. Without trip protection, you’re simply out of luck for many of your expenses, particularly deposits or non-refundable reservations or transportation tickets. However, with a trip protection plan that includes cancellation coverage, your financial losses may be covered if you or a travel companion are:

• Injured or fall ill before your trip begins, and as a result can’t travel or participate in your planned itinerary
• Unable to use vacation time because it is revoked by your employer or in the worst-case scenario, a job is terminated and you or a travel companion are laid off
• Involved in a traffic accident en route to your departure point
• Affected by a fire, flood or other natural disaster at either your residence or destination
• Prevented from traveling because of weather that halts services for at least 48 consecutive hours

2. Held up by a delay? There’s a plan for that too.

Experienced travelers know to be ready for slight delays at any time — and that significant delays are bound to happen, too. Be aware, however, that when you have connecting flights, non-refundable excursions, or other time-restricted aspects of your trip, a delay can have financial ripple effects. Most trip protection plans may reduce your financial risk by kicking in if a plane, ship or train is delayed, if lost travel documents such as passports prevent you from boarding on time, or even if a road is closed, preventing you from getting to the next leg of your journey. With trip interruption and delay coverage, you may:

• Get reimbursed for the cost of an additional flight to catch up to your planned itinerary if your trip is interrupted by illness, weather or a natural disaster
• Be covered for additional lodging accommodations, car parking fees and pet kenneling costs for your four-legged friend back home

3. Who hasn’t lost a bag?

Another unfortunate reality of today’s travel experience: Checked bags can get misdirected, lost or stolen while you’re on your vacation. If your trip protection includes baggage and personal effects coverage, you can recoup expenses such as loss of jewelry, watches, electronics and other valuables as well as travel documents.

4. An added benefit: 24/7 help

When you’re exploring a far-off destination, you’re typically on your own if something goes awry. When researching trip protection, consider finding coverage that also includes access to experts in on-the-road support. For example, SafeTrip plans include 24/7 travel assistance through an Emergency Response Center (ERC), which gives you:

• Access to live agents who can help with travel-related issues
• Assistance with booking hotels and transportation in a crisis
• Help with lost or stolen passports and other important documents — invaluable if you don’t speak the local language
• Translations and legal referrals if needed

Trip protection is more than a feel-good add-on. With robust coverage such as SafeTrip plans, you’ll have backup in a crisis situation and coverage that may help minimize financial implications.