Why Trip Protection Matters
Travel is one of the best investments you can make. Trip protection makes sure that investment is never lost to the unexpected.
"At Roche Travel, we strongly encourage every client to consider a trip protection plan. We have seen firsthand what happens when travelers go without it. We will always present protection options with your proposals. The decision is yours, but we want you to have all the information."
What Is Trip Protection?
Trip protection (also called travel insurance) is a plan that reimburses you or covers costs when something goes wrong before or during your trip. Plans vary by provider, but most cover a combination of the situations below. We will always recommend the plan that best fits your specific trip and budget.
What Trip Protection Typically Covers
Trip Cancellation
If you have to cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason such as illness, injury, death of a family member, job loss, or certain natural disasters, trip cancellation coverage reimburses your non-refundable prepaid costs.
Trip Interruption
If your trip is cut short after it begins due to a covered emergency, trip interruption coverage reimburses the unused portion of your trip and may cover the cost of getting home early.
Emergency Medical Coverage
Your regular health insurance often does not cover you abroad, and Medicare does not cover international travel at all. Emergency medical coverage pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatment if you get sick or injured during your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
If you suffer a serious medical emergency in a remote location or a country without adequate medical facilities, evacuation coverage pays to transport you to the nearest appropriate hospital or back home. This can cost $50,000 or more without coverage.
Baggage Loss and Delay
If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, baggage coverage reimburses you for your belongings and may cover the cost of essential items you need to purchase while waiting for delayed bags.
Travel Delay
If your flight is significantly delayed due to weather, mechanical issues, or other covered reasons, travel delay coverage reimburses meals, accommodations, and other expenses incurred during the delay.
What Trip Protection Generally Does Not Cover
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless a waiver is purchased at the time of booking)
- Cancellations due to fear of travel or change of mind (unless a "Cancel for Any Reason" upgrade is added)
- Losses due to intoxication or illegal activity
- Extreme sports or adventure activities (unless specifically added)
- War or acts of terrorism in certain regions
- Pandemics or epidemics (coverage varies widely by plan and provider)
Coverage details vary by plan and provider. We will always review the specific terms with you before recommending a plan.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)
Standard trip cancellation only covers specific listed reasons. Cancel for Any Reason is an optional upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for literally any reason, including simply changing your mind, and receive a partial reimbursement (typically 50 to 75 percent of your prepaid costs). CFAR must usually be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.
A Special Note for Cruise Travelers
Cruise lines operate on strict cancellation schedules. Depending on how close to departure you cancel, you may forfeit 25 to 100 percent of your cruise fare. A missed port departure, even due to a flight delay, means the ship leaves without you. Trip protection is especially important for cruise vacations where the financial stakes are higher and the logistics are less forgiving.
Traveling Internationally from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico residents traveling internationally should be especially aware that U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically provide no coverage outside the United States. Emergency medical care abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We strongly recommend medical and evacuation coverage for any international trip.
Common Questions
When should I buy trip protection?
As soon as you make your first trip deposit. Many benefits, including pre-existing condition waivers and Cancel for Any Reason upgrades, are only available within a short window after your initial booking.
Does the cruise line's own protection plan cover everything?
Cruise line protection plans are convenient but often limited. They typically offer cruise credits rather than cash reimbursements, and they rarely include emergency medical or evacuation coverage. We recommend comparing third-party plans before deciding.
How much does trip protection cost?
Trip protection typically costs between 4 and 10 percent of your total trip cost. For a $3,000 trip, that is $120 to $300. A small price compared to losing the entire investment.
Will Roche Travel help me choose a plan?
Yes. We will always present protection options alongside your travel proposals and help you understand what each plan covers. We work with reputable travel insurance providers and will recommend the plan that best fits your trip.
What if I already have travel credit cards with travel benefits?
Some premium credit cards include limited travel protection. However, these benefits are often capped at lower amounts and may not include emergency medical or evacuation coverage. We recommend reviewing your card benefits carefully and supplementing with a dedicated plan if needed.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
When you request a proposal from Roche Travel, we will always include trip protection options tailored to your specific trip. Your safety and peace of mind are part of every proposal we deliver.
Have questions? Contact us directly.