Everything You Need To Know About Travel Insurance For Your Fall Trip

Dave Paisley is headed to Mexico City for a month for a Spanish language immersion program this fall, but he doesn’t want to take any chances. He needs travel insurance.

“My primary concerns are hospitalization and security,” says Paisley, a retired executive from Seattle. “So I’m looking at a few things.”

Travelers like him are doing a lot of looking lately. This fall is shaping up to be an interesting one for travelers. It’s coming on the heels of a record summer for travel in North America, and it promises to bring challenges we haven’t seen yet.

“This fall is unique,” says Anna Redmond, the founder of Braav, a security consultancy firm. “We have two major conflicts — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ conflict with Israel — creating massive instability and rippling outward into Europe and the Middle East. On top of that, it’s an election year in the U.S. with an extremely contentious election that may draw even more attention to U.S. travelers.”

Add to that the usual problems, including hurricanes, a resurgence of COVID-19, and the start of flu season and you have all the makings of a fall travel disaster that’s worthy of a “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” sequel.

It’s going to be a “very busy” fall for travel

None of that is likely to stop people from traveling. Based on TravelInsurance.com’s sales data, record summer travel looks set to continue right through fall. Travel insurance purchases for travel in October and November are up almost 20 percent overall. However, popular destinations such as France and Greece are up almost 50 percent and Spain is up over 68 percent.

“Travelers should also prepare themselves for a very busy fall travel season,” says Stan Sandberg, co-founder TravelInsurance.com.

There’s also this: Squaremouth.com reports the cost of travel has skyrocketed this fall. Average trip costs have gone up over 50 percent in a year, from $4,325 in fall 2023 to a staggering $8,898 this fall. (The hot destination for Squaremouth customers is Italy, with 14 percent of travelers heading there this autumn, compared to 8 percent a year ago.)

“When planning a fall trip, it’s essential to choose comprehensive travel insurance that covers a range of potential issues,” says Deanna Caffrey, director of Redpoint Resolutions. “I recommend policies that include trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and evacuation coverage. Given the unpredictable weather and the ongoing global health concerns, having a policy that covers unforeseen circumstances is crucial.”

Here’s how one traveler is protecting his fall trip

Paisley, the retired executive heading to Mexico, says he’s mainly worried about getting sick or hurt.

“I read there’s a traffic death every seven hours, and that drivers are a little nuts there,” he says. “Plus there are the usual concerns about just getting sick from unfamiliar food, water and viruses far from home.”

He’s looking at regular travel insurance policies, good for 30 days, that cover at least $50,000 in medical expenses.

“So far it’s between an Allianz policy and Trawick, which a friend recommended,” he says.

His other worry? Getting stuck in a hospital in Mexico. All the policies he’s considered include medical evacuation, but they’re all only to the nearest acceptable hospital.

“I’m not sure there would be an acceptable one down there for me, especially if it were something serious,” he says.

So Paisley has also opted for a MedjetHorizon membership, which will cover him if he needs to be moved to a hospital back in the States. It also has a security benefit, “So if I get kidnapped or disappear, my kids have someone to call for help.”

But for other travelers this fall, there’s even more to consider.

What do you need to know if you’re traveling this fall?

So if you’re planning a trip in September, October or November, what do you need to know? Here’s what experts say.

It’s going to be a hyperactive hurricane season

For any fall trip throughout the Caribbean, or even domestic travel — particularly in the southern U.S. — it’s important to remember that the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives in the fall and brings weather-related trip delays or interruptions.

“For 2024 in particular, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted above-normal hurricane activity at all levels,” notes Scott Adamski, head of global product development at Travel Guard. “We’ve already experienced a Category 5 with Beryl, very early in the year, so we might expect a robust hurricane season.”

Pro tip: You need to ensure your travel insurance policy adequately covers delays and interruptions. If you are unsure of your coverage needs, consider a cancel for any reason policy, which pays you between 50 percent and 75 percent of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you cancel for any reason.

Airline staffing shortages are still a problem

Another issue that’s likely to affect fall travel is airline staffing challenges. Jason Block, CEO of WorldVia Travel Group, says although some airlines have addressed staffing gaps, the industry is still recovering from pandemic-related layoffs.

An additional wrinkle is new passenger protections that went into effect this summer.

“Recent regulations requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers for cancellations may incentivize airlines to be more cautious, potentially leading to some preemptive cancellations,” he says. “Given these uncertainties, purchasing travel insurance has become more critical to protect against potential trip disruptions and financial losses.”

Flu season is just around the corner

Even if you manage to escape the bad weather and an airline meltdown or two, there’s always your health. Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners, always recommends travel insurance for international travel since your domestic medical insurance might not cover you abroad.

“And it’s important to remember that travel insurance isn’t just for major medical emergencies,” he adds. “That coverage can help you get treatment for seasonal illness. Whether it’s the flu or a particularly nasty cold, you might need to see a doctor overseas. Not only can your travel insurance cover the expenses of that visit and necessary medications, but a good insurance company can also help you find a doctor and navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system. “

This may seem like a minor issue, but according to Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, these illnesses are the main cause of trip cancellations and interruptions.

His advice? “check with your medical insurer to see if your current health plan already covers you,” he says. “While Medicare does not provide coverage for individuals traveling abroad, numerous U.S. insurers do.”

But how should you buy insurance for your fall trip? And do you really need it for every trip?

Research carefully but don’t wait too long

Travel insurance primarily covers cancellations, losses, delays, medical expenses, and needed assistance.

“Before you rely on any coverage – whether that’s the travel benefits with your credit card or the policy offered by your cruise line – be sure to read your policy carefully to help ensure you have adequate protection for your trip,” advises Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Every policy has different benefits and exclusions or restrictions, and you do not want to be surprised when you file a claim.”

If you’re traveling to a place where you’re covered by your medical insurance and have no pre-paid expensive, it’s safe to skip insurance. Experts also say selecting insurance should be based on reason and not on panic.

“Getting over-covered by insurance is the greatest mistake by many travelers, resulting in paying for already covered items,” notes Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan.

For example, many credit cards cover limited insurance for cancellations, delays, or losses. Similarly, some employers provided adequate medical or travel insurance coverage. Check on those before you book your fall trip rather than hastily buying a policy after you’ve booked your tickets and hotel.

“Buying a travel insurance policy right after booking your flights and hotel not only checks off an item on your to-do list,” says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA, “but it can also put your mind at ease.”