Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet.
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Megan Lee is a former editor on the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She had more than 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
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When it comes time to hop on a plane, train or automobile, there’s one thing that can offer some peace of mind: travel insurance. But while lost luggage, delayed flights or interrupted plans may be top-of-mind concerns, coverage for unforeseen circumstances like travel-related accidents should also be considered.
Here’s a breakdown of what travel accident insurance is, what it covers and what to know when purchasing a policy for a vacation.
Keep in mind that specific policy coverage varies by provider, so it is wise to check the terms and conditions of each provider to understand what you’re covered for. Also, you may consider applying for a travel card that offers travel accident insurance benefits .
Travel accident coverage is largely what it sounds like — a specific benefit of travel insurance that provides financial protection for accidents that happen while you’re traveling. But there are limitations and variations for not only what’s covered, but also what the term means depending on the plan you select.
Travel accident insurance coverage is sometimes called "Emergency accident coverage" or "Emergency medical coverage," depending on the plan. As well, travel accident insurance may include or be offered separately from accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Jump to learn more about definitions »
Via credit cards
Chase Sapphire cardholders, for example, receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage as part of their travel accident insurance policy. Coverage applies when the cardholder pays for their air, bus, train or cruise transportation with the card.
Via third-party plans
In contrast, most policies purchased from travel insurance providers cover you no matter when or where during your travels an accident strikes (so long as you’re within your originally selected travel dates and actively traveling, but more on that in a minute).
Other policies might offer accident coverage as an optional upgrade on top of a baseline policy.
Because this type of insurance can be presented in a variety of ways, it’s important to understand the differences and read your policy for clarification.
Travel accident insurance: This coverage is often an umbrella term that includes death and dismemberment and/or emergency medical coverage. But some policies don’t use the term at all, while others use it to describe death and dismemberment benefits exclusively. Still others lump the term “accidents” in with emergency medical.
Emergency medical: This term is typically used for just what it sounds like: any sort of emergency medical care required during your travels, accident-related or otherwise. This coverage will reimburse you for any emergency medical costs up to the policy limit.
Accidental death and dismemberment : This benefit is generally a set amount, not a cost-specific reimbursement-related coverage like with emergency medical. This means that if you die as a result of an accident during your travels or have a dismemberment or severe disability, you or your chosen beneficiary will receive the flat amount listed in your policy — usually 100% of the maximum benefit in the case of death and 50% in the case of a lost limb.
Exact verbiage may differ, which can impact the sort of coverage offered versus what you think you’re getting. So always read up on the details.
Specific coverage differs from one policy to another.
Generally, though, travel accident insurance or emergency accident coverage, especially when lumped in with death and dismemberment benefits, will cover any sort of loss of life or limb, whether that’s eyesight, a hand or a foot, or an accident that results in required emergency medical attention during your travels.
When it’s presented as emergency medical coverage, it may also reimburse you for expenses like doctor visits, hospitalizations, necessary medication, X-rays or ambulance fees.
Not every injury from all types of accidents is covered by every travel insurance policy.
Adventure sports. Many policies don’t cover injuries that happen as a result of extreme sports or similar activities, so if you plan on bungee jumping, mountain biking or snowboarding, you may need to consider a plan that specifically covers adrenaline-based activities .
Additional care back home. You’re covered only for accidents that occur during your trip and for medical services rendered while you’re still traveling. If you seek additional medical care after you get home, it’s usually not covered by travel insurance.
Alcohol and drugs. As a general rule, travel accident insurance (and travel insurance more broadly) doesn't cover the consequences of being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, especially above legal limits.
Many travel cards offer built-in travel accident coverage when you use them to book a trip.
Terms and coverage vary, so make sure you read the fine print, but here's a look at some popular cards and the insurance coverage they offer.
Cards with travel accident insurance and other coverage
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on Chase's website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on Chase's website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on American Express' website
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
on Chase's website
Annual fee Travel protections (not a comprehensive list)• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
Learn more Read Review Read Review Read Review Read ReviewWhen planning for travel and choosing accident insurance, make sure to read policy information carefully, as with all travel insurance.
Ensure that you understand the differences in coverage, payout and limitation information between offerings like travel accident insurance, emergency medical coverage, and death and dismemberment benefits. Read detailed policy information before you buy to know what’s covered and what to do if the worst happens.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .American Express insurance disclosures
Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance
Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card About the authorYou’re following Alisha McDarris
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
Alisha is a freelance travel writer and photographer. She is the creator of Terradrift.com. See full bio.
Cards for Travel Insurance from our Partners
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Reserve® NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Rewards rateEarn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Intro offerEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Rewards rate5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
Intro offerEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
on Chase's website
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Rewards rateEarn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro offerEarn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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