First you need to decide what you want to cover. Is that medical emergencies while you are traveling or some kind of medical emergency you might have before you travel causing you to cancel? Does your current insurance cover international? IF you are of Medicare age then no, Medicare does not cover but yes, some of the supplements have International coverage.

Do you also want to cover the cost of prepaid expenses on a trip such as a RS or other company's tour? I usually book airfare with a legacy airline and I know what they will do if I have to cancel at the last moment but you should look at your airline of choice to see what their parameters are on the ticket level you are buying. I don't do non-refundable hotels so can cancel pretty close to my travel date.

Some like the Cancel For Any Reason insurance but I don't get that. It will typically only cover 60-75% of your insured costs AND will not really cover cancellation for ANY reason, only the reasons the company lists.

I'll also say that what I might decide is "best" for me insurance-wise might not be best for others.

Posted by Horsewoofie

Phoenix🌵

04/05/25 07:34 PM

3248 posts

Carrie, first read through the links provided so you are well informed about your options.

Then read the policy fine print carefully before buying. Most comprehensive trip insurance has a pre-existing conditions clauses that require you buy insurance with in 14 to 21 days after spending the first dollar on your trip. Allianz trip insurance is often recommended on the forum.

If you only need Medical, look at GeoBlue. I know their annual policy does not have the pre-existing clause. Your US insurance might have some medical coverage.

You have more financial risk if you need medical evacuation. Look at Medjet. They are evacuation only, not medical insurance. They will get you to the hospital of your choice after you are deemed safe to travel (hospital to hospital transfer).

Posted by rankin5

04/05/25 09:54 PM

1 posts

An option we have used is AARDY https://www.aardy.com/ After submitting some basic information about your total cost of travel, location, length of stay, etc. you receive multiple quotes. You can compare the insurance premiums; amount of coverage; etc. It is a simple way to compare options.

Posted by Mala2025

Florida

04/07/25 04:36 PM

21 posts

For the Costco Travel Insurance, do you have to have booked your tour/travel through Costco? If so, I don't think this would work for Rick Steves Tours as I don't think his tours can be booked through Costco Travel. That's the way I'm reading it. Can anyone shed some light? Also does anyone know what threat level is not covered by Travel Insurance. For Instance, Italy is listed at Level 2 right now - Exercise Increased Caution. I assume trip/medical insurance would still be valid under a Level 2?

Posted by Lynn

04/07/25 07:23 PM

346 posts

I bought travel insurance from Costco last year for an Alaska cruise bought through them. The price was good compared to others as I remember because it wasn't age based. So good option for older travelers. I didn't make any claim.

You are eligible to purchase if any part of the trip is through Costco. For instance just the rental car allows you to insure the whole trip.

Posted by kansasrod

04/10/25 03:58 PM

37 posts

We buy GeoBlue because we take several international trips each year in addition to RS and GeoBlue covers all trips for a full year from the purchase date.
But has anyone ever filed a claim with GeoBlue?
We have not.