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Costco Travel Insurance Review
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Costco Wholesale
- Costco members receive discounted pricing.
- Coverage options for domestic or international travel, as well as cruises or for rental cars only.
- Higher coverage limits than credit card travel benefits.
- Only one level of coverage is available, and customization is limited.
- Annual or multi-trip plans are not available.
When something goes wrong on your trip, having travel insurance protects you personally and covers eligible travel expenses.
Many travelers rely on credit card travel protections, but those benefits generally have lower limits and only cover reservations made with that card.
If you’re considering buying Costco travel insurance, here’s what you need to know, including what it covers, how much it costs and which plan is right for you.
» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance
What does Costco travel insurance cover?
Members tend to love Costco and often look to see if it offers products and services before looking elsewhere.
When planning a trip, members might ask, "Does Costco sell travel insurance?" so they can protect their vacation. Costco offers several different types of travel insurance coverage based on the type of trip you are taking.
Insurance policies are offered by Cover-More Inc., a company of Zurich. To simplify coverage and premiums, Costco only offers one insurance option for each type of vacation.
International vacation packages
For vacation packages outside of the U.S., Costco members can choose an international travel policy. These policies generally offer the highest coverage limits and are designed for trips to all eligible countries around the world.
Domestic vacation packages
Travelers staying within the U.S. can get a travel insurance policy from Costco to cover their trip. Coverage limits are substantial enough to cover most domestic travel needs.
Whether your cruise is within the U.S. or visiting destinations abroad, cruise travel insurance protects you and your finances. A cruise insurance policy from Costco Travel covers all of your trip, not just the actual cruise.
Rental cars
Instead of buying expensive travel insurance from a rental car company, Costco trip insurance offers coverage to protect your rental car. It covers damage to the rental vehicle and post-departure trip interruption benefits. Rental car protection covers up to the actual cash value of the car. Additionally, it covers rental charges imposed while the car is being repaired.
This coverage is primary, which means that your personal auto insurance is not involved if there are any claims. However, it does not cover injuries or damage to other property.
![costco travel insurance uk Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/7dce19da-5d96-4502-9fd2-70ff9655f13a/3f8b79d90932c89dcb16ddad07861bbc7d0c804366870949527ae9b89e1df384.png)
Howver, many travel credit cards include similar coverage and benefits — so you might already have travel insurance on a card in your wallet.
You should consider skipping Costco Travel Insurance coverage if you have a credit card that includes complimentary rental car protection, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .
This card includes primary coverage for physical damage to or theft of a covered rental vehicle.
» Learn more: How rental car insurance works on your credit card
Upgrade options
When buying your policy, there are two upgrade options to increase your benefits.
Cancel For Any Reason: When you cancel at least three days before departure, you’ll receive up to 50% of your insured trip cost (maximum trip cost of $10,000).
Rental Car Damage Upgrade: Protect your rental car against collision damage, vandalism, windstorm, hail, fire or flood. Coverage is up to $50,000.
Comparison of Costco travel insurance plans
This chart highlights the coverage limits and benefits you’ll receive from the different Costco travel insurance plans.
How much does Costco travel insurance cost?
The price for travel insurance policies varies based on your destination, trip length, where you live and how much you spend per person. To lower your insurance premium, only include the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your trip.
In this chart, you’ll find sample quotes for different types of trips. The scenarios vary by destination, length of trip and cost to highlight how premiums can change.
* Quoted rates as of July 2023.
When pricing out vacation package travel insurance, the primary factor in determining the premium is the covered amount. In these scenarios, a domestic trip offered a 10% discount compared to an international trip with the same trip cost. The length of the trip did not affect premiums, except when buying rental car coverage.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
Which Costco travel insurance plan is best for me?
Since Costco travel insurance doesn’t offer different levels of coverage, the best policy for you depends on what type of vacation you’re planning. Travel insurance from Costco has one level of benefits and coverage limits for all members.
What isn’t covered by Costco travel insurance?
Travel insurance offers numerous protections that cover you, your travel companions and your nonrefundable, prepaid reservations. Before buying your policy, it’s important to understand what isn’t covered.
Pre-existing conditions. Injuries and illnesses that travelers already had before buying their policies are generally excluded from travel insurance. You may be eligible for a waiver of this exclusion, depending on your policy and travel details, as long as you buy coverage within 21 days of your initial trip payment.
Refundable reservations. Reservations that you can cancel and get a refund for are not covered. Simply contact the airline, hotel or other travel provider and cancel directly with them.
High-risk activities. Activities that take an unreasonable amount of risk of injury or death, like bungee jumping or parachuting, are excluded.
Intentional acts. Injuries, illness or losses resulting from self-inflicted actions, like drug use, intoxication or self-harm, are not covered.
Specifically designated events. Natural disasters, war, epidemics and similar events are excluded.
Is Costco travel insurance worth it?
While many travelers rely on their credit card travel insurance benefits, buying a separate travel insurance policy can be worth it.
Costco travel insurance offers higher coverage limits than what’s available through your credit card. The policies are reasonably priced, and you can easily get a free quote online in minutes.
If you’re ready to purchase, you can buy your policy online without speaking to an agent.
Costco is known for selling a variety of products and services at discounted prices. Like many of its services, Costco travel insurance is also sold through an established partner. Cover-More, a division of Zurich North America, issues all policies and is backed by Zurich Insurance Group, which has an A+ rating by A.M. Best and AA- rating from Standard and Poor’s.
Yes, travel insurance is available to all Costco members for any of your vacations. It is available whether you booked through Costco, directly with airlines or hotels, with a travel agent or through an online travel agency. Costco members receive preferred rates on Zurich products and services.
Yes, you can buy travel insurance from Costco online. Visit the Costco Travel website , then select the type of policy you want to buy. Enter basic trip details, including your destination, travel dates, your state of residence and how much you’re spending per traveler, to receive a quote. Select your policy and complete your payment to buy your insurance.
Yes, you can buy travel insurance from Costco online. Visit the
Costco Travel website
, then select the type of policy you want to buy. Enter basic trip details, including your destination, travel dates, your state of residence and how much you’re spending per traveler, to receive a quote. Select your policy and complete your payment to buy your insurance.
How to maximize your rewards
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: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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
![costco travel insurance uk Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/d89e10ed-e781-4d28-ae74-205056a10244/1cff93e8f8a62d1b2764b6845591fb1978a67de54a380773b1b72d9e12cd33de.jpg)
on Chase's website
1x-10x Earn 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.
75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
1x-5x 5x 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.
75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
![costco travel insurance uk Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1800,quality=85/cdn/images/marketplace/credit_cards/24bd4736-2e44-4530-a828-25cd799a34b7/e99b7c2e247acbd8d215efba93f481c0eb394e2a0d889fa13ca27c11d220bfbf.jpg)
1x-2x Earn 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.
85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It? A Detailed Review
Travel insurance can provide valuable protection when you’re on vacation. If something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or medical emergency, insurance helps cover your costs. But is Costco’s travel insurance worth buying?
Costco offers travel insurance policies throughCover-More, a division of Zurich Insurance Group. Policies are available for international trips, cruises, domestic U.S. vacations and rental cars.
Here’s what to know about Costco travel insurance and whether it’s worth it for your next vacation.
What Does Costco Travel Insurance Cover?
Costco offers a few different travel insurance options based on your trip type:
International travel: Covers vacations outside the U.S. Offers the highest coverage limits.
Cruise vacations: Protects the entire cruise vacation, not just time on the ship.
Domestic U.S. trips: For vacations within the United States. Lower coverage limits than international policies.
Rental cars: Primary insurance for rental vehicles to replace expensive rental company options.
The main coverages are similar across plans and include:
Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason.
Trip interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost to get home if you have to cut your trip short.
Travel delay: Reimburses expenses like hotels and meals if your travel is delayed.
Baggage: Covers lost, damaged and stolen luggage. International and cruise plans offer higher limits.
Medical: Emergency medical and dental care if you’re injured or get sick on your trip.
Evacuation: Transportation to get you to adequate medical facilities in a medical emergency.
Some benefits are upgraded for international and cruise vacations like missed connections coverage. Rental car protection has more limited benefits focused just on the vehicle itself.
You can also add on cancel for any reason coverage and increased rental car damage coverage for extra fees.
How Much Does Costco Travel Insurance Cost?
Costco travel insurance rates are based on:
Trip cost: The dollar amount of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip.
Trip length: Longer trips may have higher premiums.
Destination: International trips often cost more than domestic.
Upgrade options: Cancel for any reason or rental car damage upgrades raise the price.
Here are some examples of Costco travel insurance cost:
- 7-day domestic trip costing $6,000: $270
- 10-day Spain trip costing $6,000: $300
- 30-day rental car: $170
In most cases, expect to pay about 4% to 10% of your total nonrefundable trip cost. Upgrading your policy raises the percentage.
Costco’s website makes it easy to get quotes. Just enter your trip details to see exact pricing. Members can buy policies online without contacting an agent.
Pros of Costco Travel Insurance
High coverage limits: Maximum coverages go up to $200,000 for medical care and $1 million for emergency evacuation.
Cancel for any reason upgrade: Unique upgrade reimburses 50% of trip costs if you cancel more than 48 hours before departure.
Easy online purchase: Quote and buy policies completely online without phone calls.
Good value: Competitive pricing compared to plans from other insurance providers.
Strong backing: Zurich Insurance Group backing provides security and stellar financial ratings.
Cons of Costco Travel Insurance
Pre-existing condition exclusion: Typical for travel insurance, but still problematic for travelers with health issues.
High-risk activities excluded: No coverage for things like scuba diving, mountain climbing or amateur racing.
Weather exclusions: Natural disasters like hurricanes often have special exclusions.
Rental car restrictions: Daily limits and excluded car models apply to rental coverage.
Limited plan options: Only one set of benefits and coverage amounts for each trip type.
What Credit CardsCover
Before buying a Costco policy, check what your credit card covers. Many travel credit cards include some protections:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Baggage delay or loss coverage
- Rental car damage coverage
- Travel accident insurance
But credit card protections typically have lower limits, like $1,000 or $2,000. Costco travel insurance offers more robust coverage.
For a big trip or cruise, Costco insurance works well in addition to credit cards. Use the card’s coverage first, then Costco for anything else.
What’s Not Covered by Costco Travel Insurance
Like most insurance policies, Costco travel insurance excludes some things:
Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless you qualify for a waiver when you buy coverage shortly after your first trip payment.
High-risk activities: No coverage for things like extreme sports, racing or stunt flying.
Intentional acts: Injuries or illnesses caused by things like drug use or self-harm.
Natural disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes and other major weather or events known when you purchase coverage.
Refundable reservations: Anything you can cancel for a full cash refund.
War: Injury or loss due to declared or undeclared war or civil unrest.
Pay attention to exclusions when choosing a travel insurance policy and reading the full terms.
Is Costco Travel Insurance Worth It?
Costco travel insurance can be worth it for the right kind of traveler and trip.
Good for big, expensive vacations: Policies with high coverage limits protect costly trips. Good for cruises, exotic locations or extended travel.
Nice upgrade over credit cards: More robust benefits than even the best travel credit cards. The cancel for any reason upgrade is hard to find.
Peace of mind for worriers: Comprehensive coverage lets anxious travelers relax. Insurance can seem worth it for the trip protection.
Not worth it for everyday trips: Lower cost domestic travel may not need big coverage limits or extra insurance cost. Credit cards work fine.
Is Costco Travel Insurance Right for You?
Think about your upcoming trip and how you handle travel risks. Ask yourself:
How expensive is this vacation? Higher cost trips get more value from insurance.
How worried will I be about potential issues? More nervous travelers appreciate the peace of mind.
Does my credit card already cover some risks like baggage or rental cars? If so, a big policy may not be necessary.
Are we doing risky activities excluded by insurance? Consider passing if you’ll have coverage gaps.
For many frequent travelers going on higher cost trips, Costco insurance can definitely be worth considering. It provides solid protection that goes beyond most credit card coverage. Just be sure to understand what is and isn’t covered before making your purchase.
The Bottom Line
Costco travel insurance provides good value at reasonable prices for members. For international vacations, cruises, and other big trips, it’s worth considering to supplement credit card protections. Make sure to evaluate your trip, risk factors, and existing coverage when deciding if you should buy a policy.
For the right person and the right vacation, Costco insurance can give useful trip coverage and peace of mind. Just know what you’re buying and make sure it fits your needs.
Costco Travel Insurance Review: Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Costco’s Travel Insurance Policy
What travel insurance company does Costco use?
Is Costco a good place to buy insurance?
What is the benefit of booking with Costco Travel?
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Everything you need to know about Costco Travel — and why I love it for saving money
![costco travel insurance uk Madison Blancaflor](https://thepointsguy.com/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net%2Fus%2Foriginals%2F2023%2F06%2FMadison-Blancaflor-Headshot.png&w=3840&q=75)
Costco isn't just the place where you can buy toilet paper in bulk, inexpensive gas, cheap hot dogs and gift cards. You can also book great trips via the company's online travel agency, Costco Travel.
I know, I know: At TPG, we're often staunchly against booking travel through third-party sites , as there can be tradeoffs versus booking directly. But in recent years, I've become a big fan of the travel deals I can find via Costco Travel.
When planning our annual beach trip back in 2022, my best friend found a few options for Mexican all-inclusive resorts on Costco Travel and shared the links with me. I promptly told her we'd probably be better off booking directly and brushed off the idea of booking through Costco — neither of us even had a membership at the time.
However, comparing the prices and benefits at a few of the resorts proved my initial reaction wrong.
I actually got a Costco membership to book the deal since the cost of the membership was less than what we'd save by booking through Costco. We saved around $300 on a three-night stay at TRS Coral near Cancun (one of TPG's best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun ), not including the free hydrotherapy spa circuit and the $241 Digital Costco Shop Card included in the package.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison Blancaflor (@madison_ave18)
Our stay was fantastic, and I officially became a Costco Travel convert.
If you're curious about how to use Costco Travel to find deals, here's everything you need to know about Costco Travel — and why I love it for saving money on travel.
What is Costco Travel?
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-25-at-9.53.08%E2%80%AFPM.png?width=3840)
All Costco members have access to the Costco Travel booking platform, where you can find and book a wide range of travel — from vacation packages to hotels, cruises and rental cars. You can even book theme park vacation packages to Disney and Universal or specialty vacations such as an African safari.
Related: Costco cruise deals: How to save money booking travel at a warehouse club
Once you log in to Costco Travel, you can search for specific dates or destinations or browse through available deals and featured destinations. I personally love perusing the limited-time deals when I know I want to plan a getaway but don't have a specific destination in mind.
Trips booked through Costco Travel are often discounted and/or include perks and benefits you may not get by booking directly or through other booking portals. Usually, a trip booked through Costco Travel will also include a Digital Costco Shop Card (essentially a type of Costco gift card) of varying value.
What travel can you book through Costco Travel?
You can book hotels, cruises, rental cars and vacation packages through Costco Travel. Vacation packages range from hotel-only offers to all-encompassing packages that include airfare, hotel stays and rental cars. You can even build your own package.
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2021/08/20210527_Andaz-Mayakoba-Mexico_SHull-104.jpeg?width=3840)
However, one thing to note is that you can't book stand-alone flights via Costco Travel. There is an option to book flights through some vacation packages, but if you're only looking for airfare, you'll want to head to Google Flights to check out your options and book.
You can book Costco Travel offers both online and by phone.
Do you have to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?
Yes. Costco Travel is an exclusive service for Costco members.
There are two personal membership levels: Gold Star and Executive. Gold Star costs $60 per year, while an Executive membership costs $120. The basic membership will give you access to all of Costco's services, including Costco Travel, while the Executive membership also comes with a 2% reward on all Costco (and Costco Travel) purchases.
I've found that the Costco Travel deals alone are worth paying the $60 Gold Star annual membership fee, even though I don't regularly use Costco for my grocery store runs.
Check sites like Groupon for discount Costco memberships, as you can sometimes save on that rate — or get an included gift card that helps offset the cost.
Is Costo Travel worth it?
Costco Travel has its pros and cons, but there are definitely times when it's worth it.
For example, let's look at a five-night stay in Maui in early April. At the time of writing, Costco is currently offering a hotel and rental car package for Hotel Wailea, a Relais & Chateaux affiliated property and one of TPG's favorite Maui hotels .
Here's one cost comparison breakdown of Costco Travel's deal versus booking directly:
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-25-at-7.28.17%E2%80%AFPM.png?width=3840)
Even without including the additional benefits, you're already saving more than $400 via the Costco deal. Add in the value you get from the card, daily breakfast and resort credit (which is more than $1,000 in value if you maximize all benefits), and you're looking at $1,442.45 in savings by booking through Costco Travel versus directly.
And since Hotel Wailea isn't a member of any major hotel loyalty program, booking through Costco Travel wouldn't mean missing out on elite night credits or other loyalty program benefits.
Here's another example — this time for a Universal Orlando theme park trip from June 4-6 for one adult and two children from Houston. The total cost when booking each part (hotel, tickets and airfare) individually came to $2,701.35, while booking it as a package via Costco saved just over $300.
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2022/04/20220420_Harry-Potter-World-Orlando_MBlancaflor-7.jpg?width=3840)
That's a fair amount of savings you could use for some frozen butterbeer or even a new wand inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter .
When is Costco Travel not worth it?
Not every offer on Costco is worth booking.
For one, you won't necessarily find the same availability on Costco Travel. For example, flights booked through Costco may have some seats blocked off, and certain dates for hotel stays may be unavailable. Additionally, not all rental car companies are bookable through Costco Travel (such as Hertz*, which is my preferred rental car company due to the perks I get through my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ).
Plus, some hotel stays have a minimum stay requirement. If you're on the hunt for a long weekend getaway, you may not be able to take advantage of some Costco Travel deals.
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-25-at-9.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?width=3840)
Even when you do find availability, you should always price-check what you can find by booking directly or through your credit card travel portal and hotel programs.
After booking our fantastic stay at TRS Coral just north of Cancun through Costco, I looked at booking through Costco again in 2023 when planning our annual beach vacation.
While Costco had a deal available for the same resort, we happened to be booking when the resort chain was having a Mother's Day sale for anyone booking directly. We were able to try out a new TRS resort closer to Playa Del Carmen, TRS Yucatan; we saved more than $100 on an even nicer suite than Costco Travel offered by booking directly (even when considering the Digital Shop Card we would have gotten by booking with Costco).
Something else to consider when booking hotels through Costco Travel is loyalty program rewards and elite status. There are a lot of hotels available to book through Costco Travel that are part of major loyalty programs, from Hyatt Honors to Marriott Bonvoy to IHG One Rewards and more. But booking through Costco Travel — just like booking through most other third-party services such as Expedia — means you likely won't earn loyalty rewards, elite night credits or have any elite night benefits honored.
You'll also have to use Costco customer service if you run into any issues rather than going directly to the brand. This is especially important when considering booking a vacation package that includes flights, given the higher potential for delays or cancellations.
Why I love Costco Travel
I am typically a staunch proponent of booking directly, but Costco Travel is an exception. I've found that the benefits I can get by booking some trips via Costco outweigh the cons (some of which include having to go through Costco for any customer service help or occasionally losing out on elite night credits).
Digital Costco Shop Cards
My favorite thing about booking trips through Costco Travel is the Digital Costco Shop Card I get after booking. The card's value varies from trip to trip (generally depending on how expensive the package you book), but you can get hundreds of dollars back to use at Costco.
The Digital Costco Shop Cards can be used for Costco warehouse purchases (a game changer with grocery prices so high due to inflation), but you can also use them toward future Costco Travel bookings. And remember — Costco doesn't just carry bulk grocery items. You could use a Digital Costco Shop Card to buy a new flat-screen TV for movie nights and game days, a new outdoor patio setup ahead of summer or even Costco Pharmacy prescriptions.
I admittedly don't use Costco for groceries often (buying in bulk doesn't make a lot of sense for someone who lives alone), but I have used shop cards to help pay for Christmas presents and future Costco Travel trips. I've actually been looking into using my most recent Digital Costco Shop Card on a new pair of AirPods and a new TV mount for my living room.
Deals on non-points hotel stays and all-inclusive resorts
When I'm looking at booking a hotel stay at a brand like Hyatt or Marriott, I generally choose to book directly in order to earn elite night credits and points. However, when looking at properties not part of a major loyalty program, Costco Travel is often a go-to anytime I can find a deal.
Costco Travel has a nice deals section, and I usually look there first if I'm not sold on a specific destination for a getaway. While deals found on Costco generally have a narrow booking window, I've found that many offer a lot of flexibility for the actual trip dates.
A few examples of limited-time deals for January include Hotel Wailea from the example earlier in this guide, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico's Riviera Maya, and Disney and Universal theme park packages.
![costco travel insurance uk](https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/us/originals/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-25-at-8.47.58%E2%80%AFPM.png?width=3840)
Simplifying group vacations
I'm often the travel planner in my friend group (which makes sense, considering what I do for a living), but not everyone is an avid points and miles user like myself. For group trips where we're splitting the cost of hotel rooms among multiple people, it often doesn't make sense to use points and miles to book.
Costco Travel vacation packages offer a way for all of us to save money, and it makes narrowing down potential destinations and hotels easier. Rather than everyone having to spend hours researching ideas and prices from across the internet — which might be my idea of a fun Wednesday night but isn't for some of my friends — I typically just send them to Costco Travel to see if any of the featured deals catch their eye.
Having reservation information for multiple aspects of a trip, such as a hotel and rental car package, makes sharing and saving the itineraries a breeze.
Bottom line
Whether or not you currently have a Costco membership, you shouldn't dismiss Costco Travel as just another online travel agency.
If you know where to look and are willing to price-check the deals you find, you can save a lot of money with Costco Travel deals. I've personally had a lot of success booking friends getaways to popular destinations like Mexico through Costco. Using the service has helped me save on other expenses with the Digital Costco Shop Card I've gotten with my bookings.
For me, the $60 annual membership fee to Costco has been more than worth it to utilize Costco Travel.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- How my Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a workhorse when it comes to cash back
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always important, to help ensure that you, your family or visitors to Canada will be protected for emergency medical expenses and many other unforeseen costs during a trip. Without it, travellers can be left to deal with large out-of-pocket expenses.
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Travel Insurance UK: Complete Guide (2024)
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Travelling between the UK and Canada presents great opportunities, but it also means careful consideration of getting a good travel insurance UK plan, for the cost of healthcare may be extremely high.
But how does it work? What are the types of coverage you can get? What are the best travel insurance UK plans? We've got you covered.
This guide will walk you through every aspect of travel insurance UK plans, including coverage, costs, pros, cons, and more. You can use our comparator to compare plans and get free quotes so you can pick a policy that suits your unique needs the best.
Travel Insurance UK: 5 Key Takeaways
- Travel insurance UK is not a legal requirement, but highly recommended for Canadians travelling to the UK.
- There are different types of insurances available: single-trip, multi-trip and annual travel insurance.
- The cost of travel insurance varies based on policy, age, health condition, length of trip and activities you plan to do.
- Some leading providers are World Nomads, Allianz, Manulife, Tugo, AIG and Blue Cross travel insurance.
- Compare plans and get free quotes using the HelloSafe comparator.
What is travel insurance UK?
Travel insurance Canada to UK is not a legal requirement for Canadian citizens travelling to the UK, but it is highly recommended. This is because Canada does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, so you will not be eligible for free healthcare if you fall ill or are injured while in the country.
Medical costs in the UK can be very high without insurance, so travel insurance for visitors to UK is therefore critical and can help to protect you from heavy financial burden. But what about travel insurance UK to Canada? Well, the same applies. If you're travelling from the UK to Canada, getting a private health and dental insurance plan is essential because Canadian provincial healthcare does not cover visitors.
What should you look for in a travel insurance UK policy?
When choosing travel insurance for a trip from Canada to the UK (or from the UK to Canada), it’s important to make sure that the policy covers all of your needs. Some of the things to look for when buying a worldwide travel insurance UK plan:
- Medical coverage: This should include coverage for both emergency and non-emergency medical expenses, as well as repatriation costs if you need to be flown home for further treatment.
- Cancellation cover : This will reimburse you if you have to cancel or shorten your trip for any reason, such as illness, bad weather, or a strike.
- Baggage loss and delay cover: This will cover the cost of replacing lost or delayed luggage.
- Personal liability cover: This will protect you if you are sued for accidental injury or damage to property.
You should also make sure that the policy is valid for the length of your stay in the UK (or in Canada if you’re travelling the other way).
The cost of travel insurance for a trip to the UK will vary depending on the length of your stay, the level of coverage you choose and your age and health. It's best to compare multiple options before buying a policy. All you need to do is use our comparator tool below and get free personalised quotes from the best travel insurance providers.
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What are the different types of travel insurance UK for Canadians?
There are three types of coverage options that you can choose from. These are single-trip coverage, multi-trip coverage and annual-trip coverage. Here's a quick overview of these three options:
Single-trip travel insurance UK
Single-Trip Travel Insurance for Canadians travelling to the UK is designed for travellers who are embarking on a specific journey, whether it's a short vacation or a longer stay in the UK. This type of insurance provides coverage for the duration of that particular trip.
Multi-trip travel insurance UK
Multi-trip travel insurance, also known as annual travel insurance, provides coverage for multiple trips within a year. It's ideal for frequent travellers who plan to make multiple visits to the UK or other destinations. It's also an economical option as compared to getting insurance every time you travel.
Annual travel insurance UK
Annual travel insurance, sometimes referred to as year-round travel insurance, is a broader term that covers travel to various destinations over a year, including trips within Canada. It's suitable for travellers who want continuous coverage for all their travel needs. For Canadians travelling to the UK, this insurance can offer the same coverage as single-trip and multi-trip policies, but with the added benefit of covering travel within Canada as well.
Expert advice
When choosing the right travel insurance option for your trip to the UK, consider your travel frequency, trip duration and the activities you'll be participating in. Always carefully read the policy documents, understand the coverage limits and exclusions and compare options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Also, the rules may change based on your source country. For instance, travel insurance India to UK may not be the same as flying in from Canada.
Here is a table of the common coverages for travel insurance UK for Canadians:
These are the coverage options that are generally covered by most travel insurance policies. Exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, can be added to your policy on request, but you'll have to pay for them accordingly.
What are the best travel insurance UK plans for Canadians?
When choosing UK travel insurance for Canadians, it’s important to consider the following factors the length of your stay in the UK, the level of coverage you need, your age and health, your budget and the activities you plan to do while in the UK.
Here are some options for the best UK travel insurance:
- World Nomads travel insurance
- Allianz travel insurance
- Manulife travel insurance
- Tugo travel insurance
- AIG travel insurance
- Blue Cross travel insurance
World Nomads
World Nomads is a prominent travel insurance provider renowned for extending its services to both annual and single-trip coverages, catering to the needs of travellers, including those from Canada. The company excels in furnishing insurance solutions tailored to individuals engrossed in daring or prolonged journeys, encompassing backpackers, digital nomads, and enthusiasts of diverse outdoor pursuits.
Tailored to thrill-seekers, World Nomads offers the Standard and Explorer plans, which prove ideal for those pursuing exhilarating escapades like mountain biking, skydiving, and heli-skiing. Here are its pros and cons:
- Offers coverage for scuba diving, rock climbing and skydiving
- Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
- Round-the-clock travel assistance hotline, ensuring immediate support regardless of the hour
- Coverage encompassing theft or loss of sports equipment, an aspect encompassed in both plan options
- No "Cancel for any reason" option
- No coverage for those aged 65+
- Lower trip cancellation/interruption maximums
Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Travel Insurance is a well-established insurance company that offers a range of travel insurance plans, including coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage loss and more. This insurer also offers a range of Allianz travel insurance UK policies, including a policy that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
While Allianz offers comprehensive coverage with great features, it has some exclusions and restrictions you be aware of. Read your policy carefully to make sure that it covers things you need coverage for. Here are its main pros and cons to give you a better understanding of Allianz's travel insurance policies:
- You get free coverage for dependent children — must be less than 17 years
- Offers extensive coverage options for long trips
- You may find lower coverage limits compared to other providers
- The policy doesn’t cover adventure and extreme sports activities
Manulife Travel Insurance
Manulife travel insurance offers flexible plans that cater to different types of travellers. They have options for single trips, multi-trip coverage and coverage for seniors. What's more? There's a collaboration between Costco and Manulife which brings forth Costco-Manulife travel insurance, presenting a fusion of their strengths. Notably, this partnership extends enticing discounts tailored for Costco members.
For Executive members, an opportunity to curtail expenses arises, with potential savings of up to 5% on a wide array of insurance plan premiums. Adding to the benefits, as a Costco member, you gain access to an exclusive Flight & Travel Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit courtesy of the Manulife Covid-19 Pandemic Travel Plan.
Within this framework, Executive Members receive substantial coverage of $25,000 CAD, while Gold Star and Business Members are entitled to coverage amounting to $10,000 CAD, showcasing the advantages aligned with different Costco membership tiers. Here are its pros and cons:
- Offers coverage for single and multiple trips
- You can get up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits
- There’s a medical questionnaire for people more than 60 years
- Failing to call before treatment will cost you 20% of the expense
TuGo Travel Insurance
TuGo travel insurance is a Canadian company that specializes in travel coverage. They offer various plans, including coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip interruption and more.
TuGo's one notable highlight is its extensive emergency medical coverage, extending up to $10 million. Additionally, TuGo distinguishes itself by providing the option to enhance coverage with the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade. TuGo stands out by accommodating adventurous sports enthusiasts through an optional rider.
Tailored to the preferences of snowbirds and frequent young travellers with a penchant for thrilling activities, TuGo proves to be an optimal choice. Here are its pros and cons:
- Offer comprehensive coverage, which includes emergency medical coverage
- There are multi-trip plans for frequent travellers
- Has ease of purchase
- Some travellers find the premiums to be high compared to others
- The policy doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions
- Has an age limit of 59 for its all-inclusive package
Travel Guard by AIG
AIG Travel Guard offers travel insurance plans with varying levels of coverage. They provide medical expense coverage, trip cancellation/interruption coverage and more. Here is a quick overview of its plans:
- All-Inclusive Package: This comprehensive coverage is a prime choice, offering a substantial minimum of $2 million CDN for emergency medical expenses. It encompasses various aspects including trip cancellation, interruption, delay, emergency evacuation, and luggage coverage. Ideal for those seeking all-encompassing protection for their travels.
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Package: Crafted to safeguard your investments, this package covers pre-paid expenses, aids in rearranging travel arrangements, and facilitates recovery from lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. Particularly suitable for individuals who are concerned about potential disruptions to their travel plans.
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance: This package addresses the core concern of unexpected medical emergencies during your journeys. Tailored for those who prioritize their health and well-being while venturing abroad.
- Annual All-Inclusive Package: Geared towards frequent travellers embarking on a minimum of 3 trips annually, this plan ensures peace of mind. It extends coverage for emergency medical situations, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and incidents of baggage loss or delay. This package brings together flexibility and convenience for your travel needs.
- AIG offers multiple coverage options, including security evacuation coverage and last-minute coverage
- You also get coverage for adventure travel and your pets
- The price may be higher than the average
- Some people find it hard to navigate the website and find the relevant information
Blue Cross Travel Insurance
Blue Cross Canada offers travel insurance plans that cover medical expenses, trip cancellations and other travel-related issues. To be eligible for insurance coverage through Blue Cross, you need to satisfy the following requirements:
- You must be a Canadian resident with coverage under a government health insurance plan.
- Your age must be a minimum of 30 days old as of the departure date of your trip.
Additionally, for travellers aged 55 and above, the subsequent conditions are essential:
- You must not have received medical advice against travel.
- You should not be undergoing medical treatment for a terminal-stage condition.
- You should not be undergoing dialysis treatment for kidney failure.
- A diagnosis of metastatic cancer or treatment for it within the last five years should not be present.
- You must not have been prescribed or treated with home oxygen within the past 12 months.
Here are its major pros and cons:
- Offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies during travel, including trip cancellation
- You get access to a broad network of healthcare providers
- There are high deductibles on certain policies and the insurance cost may be higher for elders
Good to know
Medical travel insurance, including medical travel insurance for the UK, is a basic necessity. Travel health insurance UK is covered by all the policies offered by the above travel insurance providers.
Before you decide upon a travel insurance UK compare multiple options. All you need to do is use our comparator below and get free personalized quotes from the best travel insurance providers, and in just a few moments.
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!
How much does Travel insurance UK cost?
The cost of travel insurance for the UK from Canada will vary depending on the specific policy you choose, your age and health, the length of your trip and the activities you plan to do. It is always a good idea to get quotes from a few different insurers before you buy a policy. Use our HelloSafe comparator above to get free quotes in seconds.
Here is how the above factors can affect the cost of travel insurance:
- Your age: Younger travellers typically pay lower premiums than older travellers.
- Your health: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to pay a higher premium.
- The length of your trip: The longer your trip, the higher the premium.
- The activities you plan to do: If you plan to participate in any high-risk activities, such as skiing or scuba diving, you will need to pay a higher premium.
Here is a table of the estimated costs for single and multi-trip travel insurance for each of the insurers we discussed above:
How to get cheap travel insurance UK from Canada?
Here are some tips on how to get cheap travel insurance and medical travel insurance UK from Canada:
- Compare quotes from different insurers: There are many different travel insurance providers, so it is important to compare quotes from a few different companies to get the best deal. You can compare quotes online or by calling different insurers.
- Buy your insurance early: The earlier you buy your insurance, the more likely you are to get a good deal. This is because insurers typically offer discounts for early purchase.
- Consider a multi-trip policy: If you are planning on travelling multiple times in the next year, a multi-trip policy can save you money.
- Opt for a lower level of coverage : If you are healthy and do not plan on participating in any high-risk activities, you can save money by opting for a lower level of coverage.
- Look for discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for things like being a student, being a member of a professional organization, or being a frequent flyer.
- Read the fine print : Before you buy any travel insurance policy, be sure to read the fine print carefully to make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
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Costco is behind schedule when it comes to 1 important thing: here's what it means for investors.
Warehouse-style retail chain Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) is a stock that investors are willing to pay up for right now. Any stock's valuation -- how expensive or cheap it is -- can be measured relative to the size of its business. And Costco's is objectively high.
One way to value a stock is by the profits from the business. This is called the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Among the hundreds of companies in the S&P 500 , the average P/E is about 25, according to YCharts. However, the P/E valuation for Costco is double this at 51. This is Costco's highest valuation since the 1990s.
Considering the valuation for Costco stock is at a 25-year high, shareholders may have a problem on their hands. Investors might soon decide that the stock is overvalued and they could consequently sell to take profits off the table. And if there are more sellers than buyers for the stock, then the stock price would start to fall.
There is a remedy for Costco's high P/E ratio problem. If the company's earnings increase faster than the stock does, it would bring the stock's valuation down to more normal levels. And if that happens, investors are less likely to sell on valuation concerns.
When it comes to increasing its earnings, Costco does have a powerful lever at its disposal. And the company is actually behind schedule when it comes to pulling this lever. Depending on your perspective, that could actually be a really good thing.
Costco's behind-schedule profit lever
Before I go any further, it's important to highlight an important nuance with Costco's business model. The company has annual net sales in excess of $200 billion, making it one of the largest retailers on the planet. But this is not the moneymaker for the business.
Costco is a membership-based chain. The only reason shoppers join the club is to buy products at some of the lowest prices possible. Therefore, management doesn't strive to make much money from retail sales. Through the first three quarters of its fiscal 2024, its gross profit margin for retail sales was a paltry 11%. After adding in operating expenses, Costco makes next to nothing from selling products.
By contrast, Costco makes its money by charging membership fees -- there's virtually no cost to this, making it pure profit. Through the first three quarters of 2024, the company had operating income of $6.2 billion. But revenue from membership fees was $3.3 billion. In other words, more than half of its profits came from charging these membership fees.
Therefore, when Costco increases its membership fees, it has an outsize impact on profits. And right now, the company is way behind schedule.
CFO Gary Millerchip just told investors, "We've historically looked at increasing the membership fee every five years or so." But the company last boosted the fee back in 2017. So what's keeping it from doing so right now?
Millerchip went on to say that inflation and consumers' fears about an economic recession have kept Costco from increasing its membership fees in recent years. And in its fiscal third quarter of 2024, management noted that it has a 93% renewal rate from its members. This is quite high and management doesn't want to mess this up by increasing the fees.
A pessimist might look at this and say that Costco doesn't have pricing power because it's afraid of losing customers -- that wouldn't be good. But an optimist would look at this as an opportunity to boost profits sooner rather than later. It also feels inevitable. When the time is right, management will pull the lever.
For those wondering if they should buy Costco stock today, I should point out that raising the membership fee won't grow profits enough to bring the valuation down to a reasonable level. In 2017, it raised membership fees in the U.S. by just 9%. A future raise could be similar in size and it wouldn't bring the P/E ratio all the way down to historical levels.
However, for those who are nervous about the valuation, this is simply a reminder that Costco has options when it comes to growing its profits -- I've only highlighted this one overdue option here. But there are others. Therefore, it's possible that Costco will do enough to justify its valuation before there's a valuation-motivated sell-off.
Should you invest $1,000 in Costco Wholesale right now?
Before you buy stock in Costco Wholesale, consider this:
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Costco Is Behind Schedule When It Comes to 1 Important Thing: Here's What It Means for Investors was originally published by The Motley Fool
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Kroger Health revamps weight management program to include GLP-1 drugs
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Taking out annual multi-trip travel insurance means you can travel without the worry, or the hassle, of getting cover every time you go. If you're travelling more than once this year, consider choosing multi-trip cover. So whether you;re simply popping over to watch the football, fancy a weekend shopping trip to Paris, or are taking a two week ...
None of our travel insurance policies cover for "disinclination to travel" i.e. not wanting to travel due to fear of a pandemic or epidemic, such as the Coronavirus or any similar diseases. I've booked an event, excursion and/or a tour but they've been cancelled by the provider due to Coronavirus, can I make a claim?
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Costco Travel UK Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registration No.09961545. Registered off Hartspring Lane, Bushey, England, WD25 8JS . x. We use essential cookies to make our site work and, if you consent, optional analytics cookies to understand our website and improve your user experience. You can accept all cookies, or click to ...
Car Hire Insurance. Amending a Car Hire Reservation. Collision Damage Waiver. Car Hire Cancellations. Cruise Stateroom Types. View All Frequently Asked Questions. Costco Travel UK offers everyday savings on top-quality, brand-name cruises, car hires and guided holidays exclusively for Costco members.
Think Costco First. You trust Costco because of our 25 year long commitment to quality, value, and most of all, to our members. That commitment extends far beyond the Costco warehouse, which is why we have created Costco Services - to support all of our members' needs. From mortgage services to pet insurance to payment processing, every one of ...
Costco travel insurance can be worth it for the right kind of traveler and trip. Good for big, expensive vacations: Policies with high coverage limits protect costly trips. Good for cruises, exotic locations or extended travel. Nice upgrade over credit cards: More robust benefits than even the best travel credit cards.
There are two personal membership levels: Gold Star and Executive. Gold Star costs $60 per year, while an Executive membership costs $120. The basic membership will give you access to all of Costco's services, including Costco Travel, while the Executive membership also comes with a 2% reward on all Costco (and Costco Travel) purchases.
Compare travel insurance quotes, business insurance and gadget insurance from Costco Compare. powered by Broker Partnerships. Get A Quote. On Friday we open 9:00am to 5:00pm. 0330 606 2559Call us today. Home; Insurance. ... This site is for UK residents only. ...
Here are five things you should know about Costco Travel and why you might look at your wholesale retailer membership before booking your next getaway. 1. You Can Book Hotels, Rental Cars, Flights ...
Costco Travel offers everyday savings on top-quality, brand-name vacations, hotels, cruises, rental cars, exclusively for Costco members.
Contact us. For more information and to speak to a Licensed Insurance Advisor, call. 1-866-707-4922. (Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm ET) Or email [email protected].
Costco Travel doesn't sell travel insurance. However, we do offer Costco preferred rates through our partner Zurich when you book your vacation with Costco Travel. ... You may purchase Zurich travel insurance up until 10 days before departure. To receive a quote, please visit https://47-0351.covermore.com or call 1-844-246-8470. Plans aren't ...
Travel insurance UK is not a legal requirement, but highly recommended for Canadians travelling to the UK. There are different types of insurances available: single-trip, multi-trip and annual travel insurance. The cost of travel insurance varies based on policy, age, health condition, length of trip and activities you plan to do.
In the chart above, the Costco Travel insurance costs a total of $305.80 for travelers 55 and 60 years old. Their price is competitive compared to Trawick First class, costing $310.31. However, they do not have equal footing. Costco Travel Medical Insurance is a problem.
By contrast, Costco makes its money by charging membership fees -- there's virtually no cost to this, making it pure profit. Through the first three quarters of 2024, the company had operating ...
We'd love to send you exclusive offers and the latest info on insurance and financial services from us by email, post, SMS, phone and other electronic means. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care and will never sell them to other companies for marketing purposes.
Rate it below. Heading to New York, Rio, Tokyo… or just a weekend trip to the alps? We all want our holidays and journeys to be safe and have peace of mind. Therefore, our teams provide support in all kinds of situations when it comes to travel, all around the world.
Costco's CFO recently confirmed that the $1.50 hot dog deal is safe. The mega-retailer makes most of its money through subscription fees. Its a great business model, but the stock looks overvalued ...
Show more companies. June 7 (Reuters) - Kroger Health, the arm of grocer Kroger (K.N) that runs pharmacies and clinics across the U.S., said on Friday it had revamped its weight management program ...