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May 28, 2025

What Is Travel Insurance & What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

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Frequent travelers are aware that, no matter how well you plan, the unexpected may happen. Travel insurance protects you against uncertainties that may stem from unforeseen events before or during a trip, putting your travel plans at risk. Purchasing travel insurance can safeguard you from unpredictable occurrences or circumstances, helping you deal with these situations more cost-effectively.

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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.

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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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Travel insurance may cover many needs, depending on the coverage you select. These include, but are not limited to, injury, sickness, lost luggage, and last-minute trip cancellations or interruptions. While there are numerous options on the market, CLEAR+ Members are in a great position to try out two services. TravelInsurance.com compares travel insurance rates and helps you find the best quote for the coverage you need, while Medjet offers emergency medical transportation during travel. CLEAR+ Members receive a discount on both of these valuable travel insurance services. Learn more about travel insurance and discover how you can get peace of mind for your travel journeys without breaking the bank.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected expenses and losses that may occur when you travel domestically or abroad. It acts as a financial safety net, covering a range of risks that could disrupt or derail your trip. Coverage is available for unanticipated events ranging from medical emergencies to flight delays. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel insurance was not as popular among both domestic and international travelers as it has since become. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association notes that Americans spent almost $4.27 billion on travel insurance from 2020–22, and more than half of all travel insurance was purchased online. Travel insurance may be costly, depending on the coverage and when you purchase a policy.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

While travel insurance typically covers unforeseen costs, risks, and damages associated with domestic or international travel, losses from catastrophic risks like hurricanes are not covered by travel insurance. Depending on the travel insurance policy you choose, travel insurance may cover:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Emergency medical evacuations
  • Medical transportation necessary during your trip
  • Trip interruption or trip delay
  • Loss or delay of luggage
  • Medical emergencies that occur during your trip
  • Injury or sickness that occurs during your trip
  • Accidental death and dismemberment occurring during your trip
  • Rental cars
  • Tour operator defaults

A few travel insurance policies offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) protection, which will allow travelers to cancel their trip regardless of cause and receive a partial refund of travel expenses that they have already paid. Such policies are usually more expensive, however, and will only reimburse you for a percentage of what you have spent. 

Many travel insurance plans will not cover medical care required due to a pre-existing condition. Select policies will address these types of conditions and cover any necessary medical care because of a pre-existing condition, acting as a replacement for health insurance while you are traveling.

Some credit card companies provide limited travel insurance coverage, but most do not offer all of the types of coverage listed above. Cruise lines may also offer some travel insurance, but again, most will not cover everything a traveler might want or need, such as health insurance or emergency medical care. If you are preparing to travel either domestically or abroad, you should examine all of the types of travel insurance available and choose a plan that provides the benefits you need. 

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What Travel Insurance Benefits Do CLEAR+ Members Enjoy?

CLEAR+ Members are already experts in how to get through security faster at the airport. As a CLEAR+ Member, you also enjoy CLEAR Perks, exclusive Members-only offers that help to make your travel journey even more friction-free. Medjet and TravelInsurance.com—both available at discounted rates as a CLEAR Perk—can help you travel worry-free.

What Is TravelInsurance.com?

CLEAR+ Members also receive a discount on TravelInsurance.com. This travel insurance comparison website allows you to compare and purchase travel insurance plans at the guaranteed lowest rates to find the best quote. Using this service, you can make sure your travel insurance plan covers everything you need, from trip cancellations to emergency medical insurance, so you or your family members will not incur excessive medical expenses in the event of an emergency. 

Simply input your destination, dates and cost of your trip, the number and ages of travelers, country and/or state or residence, citizenship, and the date of your first trip payment. TravelInsurance.com will provide quotes for travel insurance covering various benefits, allowing you to choose the best plan at the best price and purchase it online.

Even better? As a CLEAR+ Member, you're guaranteed the best rates on any plan you purchase throughout TravelInsurance.com.

What Is Medjet?

One of the CLEAR Perks that CLEAR+ Members enjoy is Medjet travel insurance. Medjet provides medical transportation to your hospital at home if you are hospitalized more than 150 miles away while traveling. CLEAR+ Members who enroll in Medjet coverage receive air medical transfer and a 24/7 security response.  As a CLEAR+ Member, you are entitled to a 15% discount on a Medjet annual membership. Once you have enrolled in Medjet, simply call the 24/7 transport or crisis response line if you require medical transportation during your trip. 

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Providing Peace of Mind for CLEAR+ Members

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, knowing you are protected from incurring huge financial losses or unexpected medical expenses in the event of an emergency is priceless. As a CLEAR+ Member, receiving this protection at a discount means you can have this peace of mind without spending a fortune. Take the worry out of booking your next trip, since you know you'll be protected.

If you are not already a Member, learn about these and many other advantages of this airport fast pass and enroll today. 

AMEX Platinum CardAMEX Business Platinum CardAMEX Gold Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

AMEX Platinum Card
American Express® Business Platinum Card

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.

AMEX Business Platinum Card
American Express®
Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

AMEX Gold Card

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