How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip

Travel insurance is one of those things that's easy to skip until the one trip you needed it. A little bit of upfront research saves a lot of stress later.

Know What You're Actually Covered For

Not all policies are the same, even when they look similar on price. Read the exclusions section before the coverage section — that's usually where the real differences show up.

• Medical coverage, including emergency evacuation

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Coverage for adventure activities, if your trip includes any

When to Buy It

Ideally, as soon as you book — some cancellation benefits only apply if the policy was purchased within a short window of your first trip payment. Waiting until a week before departure can mean missing out on that protection entirely.