Source: Getty Images

6 Reasons for Travel Insurance Coverage Beyond Peace of Mind

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 3 MIN. SPONSORED

Travel insurance, which once seemed like an afterthought for the overcautious, has now become a must-have for many vacationers concerned about canceled flights, quarantines, sick relatives or other mishaps that could affect our long-awaited getaways. Despite the industry's $15.6 billion market value, not all travel protection plans are created equal.

Forbes Advisor awarded Trawick International top honors in their Best Travel Insurance Companies list for consumers. Out of 15 travel insurance companies ranked by the financial news outlet, Trawick International came in first, based on Forbes' data-driven methodology.

But what does that mean for the LGBTQ consumer? While many of our needs align with the average policyholder, one important stand-out is Trawick's domestic partnership benefits. Maybe you haven't officially tied the knot with your longtime partner – we've been in a pandemic, after all – but with some basic documentation (evidence of cohabitation, shared financial assets and obligations for at least the previous six months and an affidavit of domestic partnership, if recognized by the jurisdiction within which you reside), your loved one may be covered under the definition of "Family Member" in Trawick International's travel plans.

Founded in 1998, Trawick International will continue to provide the best possible customer service to each and every person for all types of travel needs of the 21st-century traveler, including international travel insurance, comprehensive travel products including trip cancellation or interruption, and student insurance plans.

Here are six reasons to get travel insurance:

Trip Cancellation – There's simply not one policy for every trip you may plan. Trawick International offers numerous Safe Travels Trip Protection Plans, underwritten by Nationwide, that may cover the nonrefundable financial penalties or losses you incur when you cancel a prepaid tour or flight for an unforeseen reason. Whether you or your partner can't travel because of sickness or a death in the family, or unforeseen circumstances like termination of employment, a mere fraction of your trip cost can protect your larger investment.


The "C" Word – Just say it. The coronavirus pandemic has upended travel plans for more than a year. Fortunately, according to Nationwide, the underwriter of the Trawick plans, coronavirus/COVID-19 will be treated the same as any other sickness for any sickness-related losses while you are insured.

Depending on your needs, different options are available, including the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage available on Safe Travels First Class Plan and Safe Travels Voyager Plan. When you purchase this added benefit, you can cancel your trip for any reason not otherwise covered. For instance, if you change your mind and decide you no longer want to travel, you are scared to travel, etc. the CFAR benefit may reimburse you up to 75% of your non-refundable insured trip cost, provided you cancel the trip two days or more before your scheduled departure date. (CFAR is not available for NY or WA residents.)


Medical – A variety of plans allow travelers to customize everything from deductibles to the maximum amount of coverage. Find a plan that suits your needs and budget, knowing you have the option for accident and sickness travel medical that treats COVID-19 as any other sickness, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

Vacation Rentals – According to a recent report by CNBC, vacation rentals are booming, and with good reason. Many of us dipping our toes back into the travel pool have sought quieter, socially distant accommodations. Still, you may be able to protect nonrefundable costs with Safe Travels Vacation Rental Protection, which covers vacation rentals, hotels, air and additional pre-paid non-refundable amounts for your trip.

Adventure Awaits – A change of scenery is long overdue, and we're not talking about from your bedroom to your couch. Dive deep (up to 50 feet) or soar to new heights, knowing that you're protected with an Adventure Travel Plan. For those who love the adrenaline rush, the SafeTreker Extreme overs everything from sports equipment rental and search and rescue to non-medical evacuation for a wide variety of extreme sports and activities.

Use That Stockpiled Vacation – Has your annual vacation accumulation turned from days to months? Maybe you want to work remotely for a few weeks and build in some vacation time around your new locale or take a much-needed sabbatical if the boss allows. Trawick International offers three levels of Safe Travels Annual Plans, including 24/7 emergency assistance services, $20,000 in emergency medical expense coverage (Deluxe level), and up to $250,000 for emergency evacuation (Executive level). (Not available for FL, NH, NY, OR, or WA residents.)

Visit TrawickInternational.com.


by Matthew Wexler

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

Read These Next