Guides / Injuries, illness, delays and lost bags
Getting sick before or during a trip: what travel insurance covers
The short answer
If you get sick before you leave and a doctor advises you not to travel, trip cancellation can reimburse your non-refundable costs. If you get sick during the trip, emergency medical covers treatment, and trip interruption covers coming home early. You'll need a doctor's note; feeling unwell without seeing a doctor usually isn't enough.
Sick before the trip
Trip cancellation usually covers illness of you, a traveling companion or a close family member when a doctor advises against travel. You'll typically need:
- A doctor's statement that you couldn't travel
- Proof of your non-refundable costs and any refunds received
- Your cancellation notice to the airline, hotel and tour operator
Cancel with your travel suppliers as soon as you know, so you lose as little as possible.
Sick during the trip
Common problems: food poisoning, stomach bugs, flu, COVID-19, ear and chest infections, and dehydration. Emergency medical pays for clinic and hospital visits, tests and medicine. Some plans include telehealth for minor problems.
If you're too sick to continue, trip interruption can pay for unused prepaid costs and a later or earlier flight home.
Pre-existing conditions: if the illness is related to a condition you already had, you'll need a pre-existing condition waiver for most claims. See pre-existing conditions.
Tips that make claims easier
- See a doctor, even for something that seems minor, and get a written note.
- Keep pharmacy receipts and photograph prescriptions.
- Call the assistance line before changing flights home.
Common questions
Does travel insurance cover cancelling if I get COVID-19?
Many current plans treat COVID-19 like any other illness for cancellation and medical. Check the plan wording.
Can I cancel because my child is sick?
Usually yes, if your child is a covered family member and a doctor advises against travel.
Does travel insurance cover food poisoning?
Yes, treatment is covered under emergency medical.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or medical advice. Cover, prices and rules vary by insurer, plan, state and country, and they change. Read the policy wording, and check official sources for entry and passenger-rights rules, before you buy or travel.