What Happens If You Get Sick Before or During Your Trip?
Explore how travel insurance handles illness and what to expect if you need to cancel or return early
Illness is one of the most common reasons people cancel or cut short their travel plans. Whether you’re hit with the flu the day before departure or experience a medical emergency mid-trip, being sick while traveling can be both stressful and expensive.
This becomes especially important if you're traveling with children, have pre-existing health concerns, or are going abroad where healthcare costs are high. You might consider this the next time you plan an overseas vacation or a long-haul trip with multiple stops.
If You Get Sick Before Your Trip
Most standard trip cancellation insurance covers illness that prevents you from traveling—as long as it is unexpected and medically documented. Coverage may apply if:
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You develop a sudden illness before your departure date
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A doctor advises you not to travel and provides written documentation
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Your condition would pose a risk to yourself or others during travel
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A travel companion or close family member becomes seriously ill
Covered expenses can include:
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Non-refundable flights or train tickets
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Hotel reservations
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Tour packages or activities
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Cruise deposits
Note: Routine or minor health issues, such as mild colds or seasonal allergies, may not qualify unless they are severe enough to interfere with your ability to travel and are documented by a healthcare provider.
If You Get Sick During Your Trip
If you fall ill while already on your trip, emergency medical insurance and trip interruption coverage are the most important protections to have.
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Emergency medical insurance covers hospital visits, prescriptions, ambulance transport, and sometimes even medical evacuation back home
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Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused trip days, early flights home, and other covered expenses if illness forces you to cut the trip short
| Situation | Coverage Type | What It Pays For |
|---|---|---|
| Flu before departure | Trip cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable travel costs |
| Appendicitis during vacation | Emergency medical | Pays for treatment, tests, hospital stay |
| COVID-positive test at destination | Interruption or medical | Covers quarantine, rebooking, or evacuation |
| Returning home early due to illness | Trip interruption | Pays for missed reservations and new flights |
Tip: Always get written proof from a medical provider, even at a travel clinic or local hospital. Without documentation, your claim may be delayed or denied.
Considerations for Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a known medical condition, it may or may not be covered depending on the policy. Some insurers offer pre-existing condition waivers, but only if you meet specific requirements like:
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Buying the policy within a set number of days after your first trip payment
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Being medically stable before booking the trip
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Not increasing your risk during travel through high-altitude or adventure activities
Getting sick on vacation is no one’s idea of a good time, but the right insurance can turn a stressful event into a manageable one. From cancellations to emergency care, being prepared ensures your trip stays financially protected—even when your health takes an unexpected turn.