What Is Travel Insurance and Why You Need It

Planning a trip is exciting—until life throws you a curveball. From sudden cancellations to lost bags or medical emergencies abroad, unexpected events can disrupt even the best-planned journeys. That's where travel insurance steps in.

You might be wondering, “What is travel insurance?” And you're not alone—it's a common question for travelers looking to feel more prepared before takeoff. Understanding your options before you go can make all the difference.

Here, you'll discover how travel insurance works, what it covers, and why so many travelers trust Assist Card to safeguard their plans. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or a mix of both, this guide will help you make informed choices before you go.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a safety net that protects you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your trip. It is a service designed to safeguard your plans and your investment when things don't go as expected.

When to Buy Travel Insurance

Timing matters. Getting travel insurance at the right moment can give you access to broader coverage and more flexible benefits.

Here are five situations where buying early makes a real difference:

1. When traveling with children, seniors, or someone with a medical condition: buying early gives you access to more benefits and peace of mind for everyone.
2. When your trip includes multiple stops or countries: planning more than one trip? Buying coverage each time can be time-consuming or expensive. Our Multitrip Travel Insurance is perfect for frequent travelers who want ongoing protection all year long.
3. If you're traveling during peak seasons or holidays: delays and disruptions are more common. Early coverage helps you stay protected in busy travel periods.
4. Right after booking a flight: plans can change quickly. Lock in coverage early and protect your airfare with our Air Ticket Protector.
5. If your trip is a major financial investment: protect what you’ve planned—and what you’ve paid—with coverage that starts as early as you need it.

The earlier you buy, the more protected you’ll be—before, during, and even after your trip.

How to Get Travel Insurance for Your Trip

Travel insurance doesn’t just make your trip easier— it’s also easy to get. In just a few steps, you can secure the protection you need and start your journey with confidence.

1. Get a quote: enter your trip details in the quotation tool to see your options instantly.
2. Compare plans: review different levels of protection. For a single trip, explore our Single Trip Travel Insurance . Planning to travel more often? Our Annual Travel Insurance is a great fit.
3. Purchase your plan: choose the coverage that works best for you and complete your purchase online in just a few steps.
4. You're all set: once your policy is active, you’ll be free to focus on your trip, not on what could go wrong.

Getting covered is fast, simple, and one of the smartest steps you can take before your trip.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Will it fit my budget?” The good news is, travel insurance is often more affordable than expected—and you can choose the level of protection that works for you.

The final price depends on a few key factors:

• Trip duration and destination: longer trips and faraway locations may increase the cost, but also the value of coverage.
• Traveler age and number of travelers: prices can vary depending on who’s going and how many people are covered under one plan.
• Type of coverage and optional upgrades: comprehensive plans may cost more, but offer broader protection—so you can choose what fits your trip best.

At Assist Card, you can find flexible options to match different budgets without sacrificing quality. You get to decide how much protection you need—and how much you want to spend.

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

Once you buy your plan, coverage starts based on the travel dates you selected. If something unexpected happens, you can reach out to Assist Card for help—whether you need medical support, assistance with delays, or help filing a claim.

Our team is always just a call or message away, ready to guide you whenever you need it.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Some things are out of your control—but being prepared isn’t one of them. Travel insurance gives you the freedom to enjoy the moment, knowing that if something does happen, you're ready to face it. And that kind of peace? It’s hard to put a price on.

Travel with Confidence—Backed by 50 Years of Experience

Getting travel insurance is one of the easiest—and smartest—steps you can take before leaving home. It’s fast to quote, simple to buy, and designed to travel with you wherever you go.

Choose Assist Card and enjoy:

• Global presence in 190 countries, so you're supported wherever you travel
• Multilingual assistance, including 24/7 support in English
• More than 50 years of experience in protecting travelers worldwide

Get a quote today and move forward with confidence, knowing Assist Card has your back.