Glossary
Travel Insurance Glossary
Policy language controls benefits. Start with definitions, then read the certificate.
Reviewed July 6, 2026. Educational guide, not a quote or benefit approval.
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Each page is a practical worksheet for comparing policy terms, preparing documents, and asking better questions before departure.
Accidental Death and DismembermentA benefit for certain accidental death or serious injury events during a covered trip.Additional TransportationExtra transport costs that may be reviewed after an interruption or missed connection.Annual PlanA policy designed for several trips during a year, usually with trip length caps.Baggage DelayA benefit for essential purchases when checked bags are delayed beyond a required time.Baggage LossCoverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items, subject to limits.Benefit LimitThe maximum amount a policy will pay for a specific covered benefit.Cancel For Any ReasonAn optional benefit that may refund part of the trip cost when cancellation is outside standard covered reasons.Certificate of InsuranceThe document that sets out benefits, definitions, exclusions, conditions, and claim rules.Claim FormA document used to request payment under the policy after a covered event.Common CarrierA transportation provider such as an airline, train, bus, or cruise line.Covered ReasonA specific reason listed in the policy that can trigger a cancellation or interruption benefit.Departure DateThe scheduled start date of the covered trip.DestinationThe place or places listed for the covered trip.Effective DateThe date a benefit begins under policy rules.Emergency MedicalCoverage for emergency illness or injury care during a covered trip.Emergency Medical EvacuationTransport to an appropriate medical facility when medically necessary under policy rules.ExclusionA policy provision that removes coverage for certain events, activities, or conditions.Free Look PeriodA limited review period after purchase when cancellation may be allowed under policy rules.Home CountryA country of residence or citizenship used in some travel medical policy rules.Interruption For Any ReasonAn optional benefit that may allow partial reimbursement when ending a trip early for broader reasons.Lookback PeriodThe time window used to review prior medical conditions for a pre-existing condition exclusion.Medical DeductibleAn amount the traveler pays before some medical benefits apply.Medical RepatriationTransport back to a home country or other location for medical reasons under policy rules.Missed ConnectionA benefit for extra costs when a carrier delay causes a missed cruise, tour, or onward trip.Nonrefundable Trip CostPrepaid trip expenses that cannot be returned by the supplier if the trip is canceled.Policy MaximumThe highest amount payable for a benefit or the entire policy.Pre-Existing ConditionA medical condition that existed before the policy purchase or trip date, as defined by the policy.Primary CoverageCoverage that may pay before other insurance, subject to the policy terms.Proof of LossDocuments requested to support a claim, such as receipts, notices, medical records, or forms.ReimbursementPayment back to the traveler after eligible covered expenses are documented.Return of RemainsTransport of a deceased traveler under policy rules.Secondary CoverageCoverage that may pay after other insurance or benefits have been used.Stability RequirementA policy rule requiring a medical condition to be stable for a defined period.Travel AssistanceNon-insurance services such as medical referrals, translation help, or document assistance.Travel DelayA benefit for extra expenses after a covered carrier delay reaches the required time.Travel Medical InsuranceCoverage focused on medical care and evacuation during travel.Trip CancellationA benefit for prepaid nonrefundable costs when cancellation happens for a covered reason.Trip CostThe prepaid, nonrefundable amount insured for the trip.Trip Deposit DateThe date of the first payment toward the trip, important for some optional benefits.Trip InterruptionA benefit for unused trip costs or extra transport after a covered event during the trip.UnderwriterThe insurance company responsible for the policy obligations.WaiverA policy feature that can remove or modify a limitation when conditions are met.Weather DelayA delay caused by weather, subject to policy timing and documentation rules.Medical NecessityA requirement that care or transport be medically appropriate under policy terms.Scheduled DepartureThe planned departure time used to measure some benefits.Supplier DefaultFailure of a travel supplier to provide paid services, subject to policy terms.Travel SupplierA tour operator, airline, cruise line, lodging provider, or other prepaid trip provider.Visa LetterA document that may show travel medical coverage for visa purposes.Waiting PeriodA time requirement before a benefit can apply.Written NoticeA required notice from a carrier, provider, or supplier supporting a claim.