U.S. Travel Caution FAQ: What the State Department Advice Means for Travelers

Dawit Habtemariam

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

October 19th, 2023 at 6:18 PM EDT

This worldwide caution for Americans to stay alert in tourist spots, even often safe European capitals, is quite notable.

Dawit Habtemariam

The U.S. State Department issued on Thursday a “ worldwide caution ” to Americans traveling abroad as the war between Israel and Hamas stokes tensions globally. Americans were advised to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.”

“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” said a department spokesperson.

Why is this happening?

In short, fears of anti-American violence. Large demonstrations have taken place about the Israel-Hamas War in Iraq, Israel, Jordan, France, the UK and multiple other countries.

In Turkey, the U.S. Consulate in Adana closed due to ongoing demonstrations. The State Department expects demonstrations throughout Turkey for the next several weeks.

“We’re monitoring conditions around the world,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller at a press conference Thursday. “We take another number of factors when making that consideration. It’s not necessarily one thing, but everything we are watching around the world.” 

What does a “caution” message mean?

Americans need to be careful and stay alert while traveling abroad, especially in areas with large protests. The U.S. State Department provides guidance to U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad in different ways. On Thursday, the department issued a “worldwide caution alert.” “Alerts” tell travelers about short-term or temporary conditions posing significant risks. They are time-limited, usually for events like elections, demonstrations, or disease outbreaks.

“Warnings” recommend U.S. citizens reconsider or avoid travel to certain countries due to serious and persistent threats like terrorism, civil unrest, or armed conflict. 

What’s the precedent?

The State Department has issued 23 “worldwide caution” alerts since 2008. The most recent was issued by the State Department in 2022 in the wake of the death of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri because of fears of anti-American violence, according to an archive of State Department messages.

What are the levels of travel advisories?

The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories at various levels for American citizens. Higher level advisories indicate greater risks.

Level 4: Do Not Travel . This means the area has the highest level of risks to safety and security. There is a high likelihood of life-threatening risks to U.S. citizens. Lebanon is in this category now. Other countries in this category include Russia, Somalia, and South Sudan.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel . Travelers should avoid traveling here due to safety and security risks. Israel is now under this advisory. Other countries under this category include Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution . This means American travelers should be aware of heightened risks. Countries in this category include Ghana, Kenya, France, and the UK.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . This is the lowest level in terms of safety and security risks. Countries in this category include Greece, Iceland, and Switzerland.

What’s a practical response by travelers?

Americans can enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to stay in the know about any more severe warnings or alerts that may later be issued for specific locations. The department lists country-specific travel advisories on  travel.state.gov .

Will this have any effect on U.S. airlines?

Nothing will change for airlines or consumers regarding the booking of air travel. However, if there is decreased demand in response to the policy changes, the airlines may cut capacity even further than they already have done.

How are travel insurers impacted?

Travel insurance policies may exclude coverage or restrict certain benefits if you travel to a destination under a Level 3 or Level 4 advisory. (Level 3 Reconsider Travel, and Level 4 Do Not Travel.) This can include medical, evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and other benefits.

Some policies may exclude all coverage if you travel to a destination with a Level 4 advisory in effect. Others may exclude only certain benefits like non-medical evacuation.

Travel insurance providers generally expect policyholders to follow State Department advisories, and going into harm’s way may put coverage at risk. Consider “Cancel for Any Reason” policies if concerned about potential future advisories affecting your trip.

How are tour operators affected?

Some travel insurance companies won’t cover injuries travelers sustain on trips to areas the American government slaps a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory on, deterring tour and tour operators from going to them.

How are c orporate travel managers responding ?

Corporate travel managers will alert their road warriors about the official guidance and remind them that their travel risk management company is on standby to support them. In locations where demonstrations are big and restive or in countries close to the conflict, corporations may ask travelers if they wish to be transported home.

Corporate travel managers take several steps when responding to caution alerts from the U.S. State Department, weighing how risks vary by situation and location. The risks to an executive traveling to an urban city where there has been recent unrest or protests may be different than for staff attending a conference at a resort.

Some managers might postpone non-essential travel, limiting travel to certain areas, or arranging additional security support. The best travel managers have plans and providers in place for emergency evacuation assistance and monitor the local security environment during travel to warn employees as needed.

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Tags: alerts , duty of care , global tourism , israel , outbound tourism , outbound travel , state department , travel warning , travel warnings , us travel

Photo credit: People walk into Jerusalem's Old City via Jaffa Gate, as the conflict wreaks havoc across the tourism sector October 11, 2023. Sinan Abu Mayzer / Reuters

How do the latest Level 4 travel advisories affect your insurance coverage?

Sasha Brady

Aug 16, 2021 • 5 min read

Close-up of woman's hand holding US Passport and COVID-19 Vaccination Card in foreground with suitcase in background

Travel advisories generally don't impact travel insurance plans ©Getty Images

Under US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department guidelines, a number of destinations have been designated Level 4, and people are asked to "avoid travel" to these places. But if you have a trip already booked, or are currently in a Level 4 country, how does the advisory impact your travel insurance plan? Would you be covered if you went against government guidelines and traveled to a place you were advised to avoid? Let's find out.

What are the US travel advisories?

The ongoing risks associated with COVID-19, particularly as new variants emerge, present challenges and uncertainties for travel. To make the experience a little less confusing, the State Department has aligned its travel advisories with the CDC's Travel Health Notices to warn travelers about dangers and COVID-19 threats overseas.

With the recent surge in variants, the department and the CDC designated their Level 4 advisory, the highest alert, to a number of popular destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Israel, Panama, and more. Americans are still permitted to travel to these places but do so at their own risk; a decision that could ultimately have an impact on the validity of their travel insurance.

Read more: France and Iceland among new destinations added to US State Department's 'do not travel' list

Woman using phone while standing by senior man and woman on road

How do travel advisories impact insurance coverage?

In general, the ways in which advisories impact travel insurance varies by carrier and plan. Each policy differs widely, and when you purchase it matters. "Some plans in the market may not cover you if you knowingly travel to a country that is a Level 4," Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners , tells Lonely Planet. "Others may provide coverage if the travel warning occurred after your arrival in the affected area."

If you're knowingly going against government guidelines and traveling to a high-risk place, you'll need to do your homework. In order to understand if your coverage is affected by a travel advisory, Murchland advises travelers to review document plans and ask providers specific questions about how your coverage works.

Can you claim any expenses back if you cancel your trip?

According to insurance experts, a travel advisory on its own is not typically a covered reason for trip cancellation coverage in standard travel insurance plans. If you cancel your trip because of a travel advisory, it's likely you won't be able to claim any pre-paid expenses back.

"Most travel insurance policies do not provide cancellation coverage for Department of State travel advisories," says Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer at insurance comparison site Squaremouth . "Therefore, any new advisory issued for a traveler's current or future destination would not impact coverage, regardless of when the advisory was issued, or when the traveler was at the destination in question."

That said, coverage may be impacted if some policies include language within their cancellation or interruption benefits specifically for travel advisories. "In order to be eligible for these benefits in the event of a travel advisory, the policy must have been purchased prior to the date the advisory was issued," says Moncreif. "This coverage would only be impacted if the policy was purchased after the advisory was issued. Even in this case, only the trip cancellation and interruption benefits would be 'voided'."

So if a traveler is already abroad when the advisory is issued, the policy would remain intact and most benefits, to include emergency medical, and travel delay, would still be available.

Moncreif explains the majority of impacts to travel throughout the pandemic were due to travel bans, border closures and airline cancellations—not travel advisories—and some policies can protect you against these sudden changes in your vacation plan. "In most cases, the best chance of having coverage in these circumstances is a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy," says Moncreif.

The policy is only available up to 21 days after the initial trip booking and is considered an upgrade, which means it will cost about 40% more than a standard policy but according to Moncreif "for travelers who want the best chance of coverage for any COVID-related travel impacts, it is the benefit we recommend."

Covid test.jpg

What if I get ill in a Level 4 country?

Again, it depends on the policy you purchased but Meghan Walch, InsureMyTrip product manager, says that most will still include medical coverage even if you travel to a Level 4 country. But it's important to check your coverage details first.

"Most travel insurance plans today will treat COVID-19 like any other unexpected medical condition. So if a traveler holding a travel insurance policy unexpectedly contracts COVID prior to their departure or during their trip, the coverages should be available, irrespective of the State Department advisories," she explains.

Businesswoman prepares to board international flight

What benefits should people look for when traveling during the pandemic?

Apart from the advisories, there are many things to consider when planning a trip overseas during the pandemic. As we've seen this past year-and-a-half, the situation can change suddenly and rules around travel are constantly in flux. If you want your insurance to offer you extra peace of mind, it's best to go for a plan with benefits to cover you in most situations.

Murchland says: "having trip cancellation and delay benefits will help minimize losses when plans are cancelled or changed at the last minute. It is especially important that you prepare for the possibility of getting ill or injured by having travel medical insurance, particularly if you are leaving your home country as your medical insurance provider may not cover you in other countries."

Bottom line: generally you can still visit a country that the US Department of State advises against travel without invalidating your insurance—you just need to do your research and find a provider who will cover it. Don't just look at whether a policy will include COVID-19 claims. Ask your provider specific questions and shop around for the best travel insurance quotes. And always stay up-to-date on your destination's latest public health guidelines.

You might also like:

Do I need to buy travel insurance? American tourists can now travel to Canada - here's what to expect San Francisco is the latest US city to require proof of vaccination for indoor venues

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Travel Insurance for Countries with Travel Warnings

If the australian government advises you against travel to a specific country, travel insurance typically won't cover you..

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In this guide

How do travel warnings work?

Why do countries get tagged with 'do not travel' warnings, how do travel warnings affect travel insurance, when am i not covered, what happens if there is a travel warning issued after i've booked my trip, how can i make sure i'm covered, can i get travel insurance if i'm going to a risky country that does not have an official warning.

Destinations

If you're planning to travel to a country that is unstable, it's crucial you find out if your destination is covered by your insurer. Insurers exclude certain countries from cover due to the high risk they present to travellers.

Often travel insurers will reference the alert levels from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading (DFAT). Exclusions may apply to destinations with DFAT warnings advising either:

  • Do not travel
  • Reconsider your need to travel

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains Smartraveller, a website for Australians who are planning travel or are already overseas. Along with general information and advice on a range of travel topics, Smartraveller provides official travel advisories for destinations worldwide.

What are the advice levels?

As part of Smartraveller's travel advisories, each destination is assigned an official advice level which reflects the risks for Australian travellers. Sometimes, cities or regions within a country will have different levels because of specific risks or safety concerns. There are four levels:

  • Level 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
  • Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
  • Level 3 - Reconsider your need to travel
  • Level 4 - Do not travel

A higher advice level is applied to countries that are more dangerous to visit. This could be due to civil unrest, a severe weather warning or an act of terror. Some recent examples of travel warnings include the ​​ Zika virus outbreak in 2016 , the Lombok earthquake in 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic .

Finder survey: What is the biggest concern for Australian travellers of different ages ?

Travel insurance policies detail what is and isn't included in its Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and this is where you will find a list of general exclusions . These are scenarios where you will not be covered for any reason.

One common exclusion is if your trip is affected by a natural disaster or known event. Some insurance providers will consider an event a known event if there is a travel warning against visiting that destination.

What is a known event?

A known event, in insurance terms, is when an event that's unexpected, sudden or unforeseen actually happens. For example, if a volcano erupts at your destination, that becomes a known event. If you choose to book a trip once the event happens or are already overseas and choose to continue travelling, then your insurance will likely become void for that event.

Like any type of insurance there are certain conditions you need to be aware of before you purchase. When it comes to travelling after a travel warning is issued, it's clear that you will not be covered. Some insurers will not cover you for destinations with a 'Do not travel' warning and others will also include destinations with a 'Reconsider your need to travel' warning in its list of exclusions.

There are, however, other scenarios when you may not be covered on your insurance policy:

Travel insurance purhased after the fact

Most insurers will not cover a claim if you buy travel insurance before your trip but after a travel warning is issued for your destination. This includes both cancellations fees if you need to cancel and medical expenses if you do decide to travel and become sick or injured.

Changing your mind

You won't be covered if you purchase your trip and insurance policy and then decide not to travel to a country where no warning has been issued because you feel you would be unsafe. Most insurers will not accept change of mind as an acceptable reason for trip cancellation .

Travelling anyway

If you decide that you must travel to a country with a travel warning in place or after an event occurs that can be considered a known event, you will not be covered by your travel insurance. The Australian Government advises that it's not responsible for your safety and consular assistance won't be provided.

General exclusions

  • Severe weather
  • Any act of war (whether war has been declared or not) as a result of rebellion, revolution, insurrection or taking of power by the military
  • Contagious diseases and epidemics
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Nuclear reaction or contamination as a result of nuclear weapons or radioactivity
  • Biological and/or chemical materials, substances or compounds

The only circumstance in which you will be covered for countries or regions with travel warnings is if the warning is issued after you have booked your trip and purchased your travel insurance. In this situation, you are sometimes covered for any cancellations that occur.

If you've purchased insurance and already started your trip when a travel warning is issued, you may not be covered if you receive advice from the government to leave and choose not to.

  • Review your destination's travel advisory and check the travel warning before booking any travel
  • Purchase insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip and make sure to review the PDS for inclusions and exclusions
  • Sign up for Smartraveller alerts for your chosen destination so you're aware when a travel warning is issued
  • Avoid unsafe areas and high-risk situations
  • Follow advice from local media or any government or official body while travelling
  • Don't intentionally expose yourself to unnecessary risk

Some countries are considered dangerous but not enough to attract any official warning from travel advisories.

For example, India is known for high levels of crime, civil unrest and traffic accidents, but no more so than many other developing nations, so they do not attract an overall travel warning. However, the Australian Government advises against travel to some parts of India due to local political and religious tensions and the threat of terrorism. The same is true for parts of southern Thailand.

Claiming for the avoidable

While you might be technically covered under your policy if there is no travel warning, your insurance may not be valid due to another common travel insurance exclusion: If you fail to act responsibly or take care.

travel insurance do not travel warning

Jessica Prasida

Jessica Prasida is a travel insurance expert for Finder. She lives and breathes travel, having worked as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel for over 4 years, then writing about travel insurance with Finder for another 5 years. Jess has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification.

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6 Responses

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Hi Allison,

Unfortunately there are no travel insurers we are aware of that cover do not travel countries. Sorry I can’t be more help.

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Hello, I am considering travelling to Istanbul in Turkey. DFAT has issued a “reconsider the need to travel” warning for some parts of Turkey, but only a “exercise high degree of caution” for the rest of the country (ie. Istanbul). Would Turkey be considered as a country with a travel warning or not by insurers, would they factor in the more specific location?

Also, do you know if any travel insurance policies currently cover for trip cancellation if the warning for the rest of Turkey gets upgraded to the “reconsider the need to travel” status? Thank you.

There are so many inaccuracies and conflicting statements on this page. For example, 1Cover and iTrek have the same underwriting and stance on terrorism cover, however you say that 1Cover doesn’t cover for ‘reconsider your needs’ warning and that iTrek does. So, which one is it???

Additionally, you failed to point out to Sarah that in addition to whether or not you are covered for travel to Turkey due to Govt warnings being in place, you should also consider whether a military take over is noted as a general exclusion in the policy. Many insurers exclude this.

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Thanks for pointing out the discrepancy – it appears that we missed this crucial error. 1Cover and iTrek now show the same information!

As for the previous comment you’re referring to, it was posted earlier in February, before the recent events in Turkey :)

I hope this helps,

Thanks for your question. Most policies will typically cover you in a city where the travel status is considered “exercise high degree of caution” even if another part of the country has a “Reconsider your need to travel” or a “Do not travel” warning. You must however, take reasonable care to avoid those areas with warnings. When you apply for travel insurance, make sure you declare the country you are going to and where in the country, so that your insurer can confirm that you will be covered.

Make sure you keep an eye on the country’s overall status to see if it gets upgraded before you travel and while you’re over there.

I hope this answers your questions,

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How travel advisories affect your insurance plan.

As a responsible traveler, you know that having an international insurance plan that covers you outside of your home country is essential in case you get sick or injured during your travels. It’s also important to know how your insurance plan is affected when travel advisories are issued for your destination country. Global outbreaks, such as COVID-19 for example, have especially left travelers asking, “Under what circumstances am I covered or not covered?”

Travel advisories can be issued for many different reasons, at many different levels. Generally, they are issued by a government agency or organization, such as the United States or the United Nations, advising caution and providing safety information for those traveling to a specific country, region, or destination. In the United States, travel advisories are issued by the Department of State in response to safety and security matters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue advisories due to health concerns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues advisories due to inclement weather.

Most governments and organizations distinguish between long- and short-term travel advisories. A travel advisory issued by the Department of State can be issued in three levels: watch, alert or warning. The CDC also issues watches, alerts, and warnings.

  • Travel Watch (Level 1) — A travel watch is issued by the CDC to indicate the baseline or slightly above baseline health risks of traveling to a certain destination. A watch is a reminder to follow usual precautions for this destination, like receiving recommended vaccinations and immunizations.
  • Travel Alert (Level 2) — A travel alert is issued for a short-term event that might make your travel or visit unsafe or even dangerous. Examples of these types of events include strikes, demonstrations, or disturbances; a short-term health risk or disease outbreak; a forecasted weather event; or an elevated risk of terrorist attacks. Travel alerts are canceled after the short-term event is over. You should take extra precautions when traveling to the specified destination.
  • Travel Warning (Level 3) — A travel warning is issued when a long-term or serious situation puts travelers and visitors at risk, and non-essential travel to this destination should be avoided. Some examples of conditions that might result in a travel warning include civil war, unstable government, significant crime or violence, or frequent acts of terrorism. An imminent natural disaster or weather condition is issued as a warning. Travel Warnings are only canceled after the situation has been resolved. Many travel warnings remain in effect for years.

Ultimately you are traveling at your own risk, so neither a travel alert nor a travel warning can legally keep you from traveling to your desired destination. It is simply an advisory to help you evaluate your own risk. Your travel insurance policy is there to minimize your risk, so how does a travel warning or alert affect your insurance? What are some examples of these conditions in popular insurance plans? Moreover, how does a travel warning or alert affect your overall decision to travel?

Benefits To Look For

Travel advisories can affect certain aspects of your insurance coverage, depending on your insurance company and the details of your plan. Some benefits are triggered by these advisories (as long as you meet certain conditions), while others are null and void if you choose to continue your travel in places with effective advisories. All plans will list these details in their master policy. Here is a list of insurance benefits that could be affected by a travel advisory:

1. Medical Benefits — Your travel medical plan is designed to cover you in case you get sick or injured. Some illnesses and injuries may be excluded under the policy wording (like pre-existing illnesses and injuries resulting from organized sports, for example). However, in special cases involving travel advisories, insurance companies have been making special announcements to make their coverage terms in these types of cases clear.

WorldTrips Medical Insurance Services, the plan administrator of our Atlas Travel plan, issued this explanation on their long-standing travel medical plan covers illnesses related to travel advisories, such as major outbreaks of Ebola or COVID-19 that have occurred in previous years:

“As noted in the Atlas Travel Description of Coverage, a warning/alert level 3 issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a specific destination, or global or worldwide warning/alert level 3 issued by the CDC, can affect your coverage for treatment of disease. Here’s how:

Imagine you were to contract a disease as a result of an outbreak in a location currently under a CDC-issued level 3 travel warning. Your insurance would not cover you for treatment if the CDC-issued warning had been in effect within the 60-day period prior to your arrival in that location.

If the CDC were to issue a level 3 warning for your location after your arrival, you would be covered for disease-related expenses for up to 10 days following the level 3 warning issue date, given that your expenses did not arise directly or indirectly from another policy exclusion.

If you were to remain in the warned-against location for more than 10 days following the date the CDC issued the level 3 warning, you would not be eligible for expenses related to diseases contracted in the warned-against location. You would still be covered for other eligible expenses incurred in the warned-against location.

2. Terrorism — Many travel medical insurance plans include coverage for injuries and illnesses that result from an Act of Terrorism. However, many of these plans also include conditions that void this benefit if a travel advisory has been issued.

demonstration

For example, WorldTrips takes travel advisories very seriously and clearly states that the Terrorism benefit provided by their Atlas Travel plan is only available if the following conditions are met: “1) The Act of Terrorism is not in a country or location where the United States government has issued a travel advisory that has been in effect within the 6 months prior to your date of arrival; and 2) You have not unreasonably failed or refused to depart a country or location following the date an advisory to leave that country or location is issued by the United States government.”

Similarly, the Patriot Travel plan covers Terrorism, unless “the United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Travel Warning on or within 6 months prior to the date of arrival, or if the Warning becomes effective on or after arrival and the insured unreasonably fails or refuses to heed such warning and thereafter remains in the area.”

Other terms and conditions may apply for this benefit to be provided and it is important to know how an “Act of Terrorism” is defined by your policy terms. If an injury or illness occurs and it is not consistent with the definition the company has provided, it may be covered under your regular medical benefit instead.

3. Natural Disaster — In the event of natural disaster (hurricane, flood, tornado, tsunami, etc.) both the Atlas Travel insurance plan and the Patriot Travel plan provide a benefit of up to $100 a day for 5 days if the member is displaced from planned, paid accommodations due to evacuation from a forecasted disaster or following a disaster strike.

Double check to see if your insurance plan covers natural disasters or if it limits this benefit in the event of a weather-driven travel advisory.

4. Political Evacuation — TThis benefit is most often activated when a travel advisory goes into effect after your arrival in your destination country. It is designed to provide transportation to safety or even back to your home country in some cases. WorldTrips allows you 10 days from the issuance of a travel warning to notify them to arrange for an evacuation under the Atlas Travel plan.

hazmat

In most cases, you are only eligible for this benefit if the travel advisory is not in place when the plan goes into effect. The Patriot Travel plan specifies in their exclusions that a Political Evacuation will not be covered if there is a travel advisory in effect on or within 6 months prior to the insured’s date of arrival in their destination country.

5. Trip Cancellation — Trip cancellation coverage protects you from losing the cost of your trip in case you need to cancel before you leave. This type of coverage is usually not included in traditional travel medical plans and is often purchased as a separate plan or optional rider. Typical covered reasons for cancellation include your own illness, injury or death; or the injury or death of a family member or traveling companion.

Most travel insurance policies do not cover trip cancellations in response to a travel alert or travel warning. The Trip Cancellation plan is available as a stand-alone plan or as a rider to the Patriot Travel plan. This plan will not pay for any illness or injury or loss caused by or as a result of “[a]ny known, expected or reasonably foreseeable events or conditions that would cause a loss or claim..” A travel advisory would indicate a foreseeable event or condition.

Some plans may cover a cancellation in the event of a terrorist incident or a travel alert due to terrorism after your arrival. For example, the Roundtrip trip cancellation plans offered by Seven Corners covers a cancellation due to Terrorism according to the following terms:

“A Terrorist Incident that occurs in a city listed on your Trip itinerary and within 30 days prior to your Scheduled Departure Date. This same city must not have experienced a Terrorist Incident within the 90 days prior to the Terrorist Incident that is causing the cancellation of your Trip.”

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is an enhanced benefit offered as a rider to a trip cancellation plan that allows you to cancel your trip, usually up to 48 hours before your departure, and to recover from 50 – 100% of your pre-paid trip expenses. This coverage is available on the iTravelInsured LX option , and allows you to change your mind about traveling in the event of a travel advisory or other circumstance. Additional cost applies if CFAR is selected. Travelers who are concerned about taking their trips in light of a travel advisory must have purchased their insurance prior to the alert being issued.

Remember, always be aware of exclusions in your policy wording that could negate or void your benefits in certain circumstances. For example, most travel medical plans will exclude injuries or illnesses that occur due to war, including nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare. Your insurance plan will clearly define any exclusions that apply, so be sure to read and understand them.

Additional Considerations Before Traveling

Travel warnings and travel alerts are issued for many different circumstances and situations. Each should be properly evaluated and researched before allowing it to inhibit or deter your travel choices. Some things to consider are:

  • Identify whether or not the entire country is affected. Sometimes, the reasons for travel advisories are confined to particular areas of a country while other regions are perfectly safe. Another example includes advisories against travel to the Gulf Coast states of the US during hurricane season.
  • Research the danger. Be sure to research and evaluate the danger and determine if the situation is improving or getting worse. If, for example, the advisory is in response to violence, find out where and what kind of violence is taking place. If the primary targets of attacks are foreign tourists rather than civil unrest amongst locals, you may have more cause for concern.
  • Check travel advisories from multiple sources. For a more accurate perspective, check other government and organizational advisories to see what’s really happening in a country. Some advisories are said to be influenced by politics, so it’s a good idea to view several sources before deciding on your travel plans.
  • Notice of Travel Alerts and Warnings regarding your destination countries.
  • A means for the US Embassy in your destination country to contact you in case of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, or family emergency.
  • Important information from the US Embassy about safety conditions in the area so that you can make informed travel plans.
  • Enrolling in STEP is free of charge. You can request email alerts for several countries, if needed, and you can begin monitoring your destination countries far in advance of a trip.

In Conclusion

Travel advisories can have an impact on your travel insurance. Carefully evaluate your benefits when purchasing a plan to make sure you have the coverage you need in case something unexpected happens. Consider getting ‘cancel for any reason’ protection in case alerts are issued at a later point and you decide to cancel your trip.

When a travel advisory is issued and you’ve already purchased a plan, read your policy wording or contact your insurance company to see how the advisory affects your plan and your coverage. Carefully evaluate the travel advisory to decide if it is serious enough to change your travel plans.

If you are already in the country, check with your insurance company to see what actions you should take, if any. In certain situations, this could include evacuating the country altogether.

For assistance finding a travel insurance plan for your upcoming trip, give us a call at (877) 758-4391 or send us an email at [email protected]

Return to our "Insurance Explained" section for more information and help

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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

A jet at an airport terminal gate.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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Travel Insurance Might Not Cover COVID-19 — Unless You Upgrade 

Sally French

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

When traveling during the COVID-19 era, it can make sense to have travel insurance. These days, trips have been canceled for all sorts of COVID-19-related reasons, beyond actual illness, such as disinclination to travel if cases spike or government restrictions that prohibit you from traveling at all.

Given the myriad of pandemic-era travel challenges, springing for travel insurance seems like a smart choice.

But standard travel insurance plans might not actually cover all pandemic-related trip problems.

What most travel insurance plans cover

Most travel insurance plans — including those offered as a complimentary benefit with certain credit cards — cover you to some degree if you can prove that either you, a covered travel companion or possibly someone you need to care for contracted COVID-19.

Within the umbrella of travel insurance, coverage can look a lot of different ways. Trip cancellation coverage is there if you cancel a trip because you got sick prior to departure. Trip interruption coverage can cover you if something happens in the middle of your trip, such as testing positive and needing to stay longer to quarantine. If your policy includes travel medical coverage , expect reimbursement for health care expenses if you become ill with COVID-19 while traveling abroad.

The thing is, getting sick isn’t actually the reason why many travelers aren’t able to go forth with their trip.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

What most travel insurance won’t cover

Most policies explicitly do not cover travel impacted by restrictions or travel warnings issued by any governmental body or health authority. Fear of COVID-19 problems (whether it’s getting stuck somewhere or getting sick yourself) is also typically not a covered reason.

For example, “Trip cancellation that is due solely to concern or fear of travel related to an epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19, is not covered,” according to travel insurance provider AIG .

Meanwhile, “claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered,” according to a statement from Allianz Travel Insurance .

And most insurance policies state that COVID-19 — and any issues that arise from it beyond you actually getting sick — is a known event.

“COVID-19 became a known event on Jan. 22, 2020, and was recognized as an epidemic as of Feb. 3, 2020,” according to Allianz Travel.

Sure, you might not know when the next variant might appear — in turn, prompting countries' borders to be shut down. And you might not know if quarantine requirements will be reinstated in the country you're traveling to — turning your week lying on the beach into a week staring out a window at the beach. But since COVID-19 is a known event, many policies won’t cover such scenarios.

Even two years into a pandemic, it’s not surprising to find yourself surprised. Beyond needing a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to many countries, some places have recently begun requiring boosters , too. And in the wake of the omicron surge, many countries that had been previously reopened to tourists were then shut down again.

Yet many general travel insurance plans will not cover your trip for those types of updates to restrictions. That is, unless you have the right kind of travel insurance.

Video preview image

Types of travel insurance that cover COVID-19 issues (beyond actually getting sick)

Every individual policy is different, but generally speaking, you’ll need to purchase a travel insurance policy that specifically covers COVID-19-related challenges. For even more comprehensive coverage, purchase Cancel For Any Reason, which — like it sounds — gets you some money back no matter the reason why you want to abandon your trip.

Note that these plans are typically sold as second plans or as add-ons to existing plans.

Specific epidemic coverage

Some insurers have begun offering more COVID-19-specific coverage, such as the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement offered through Allianz Global Assistance, which is slightly more comprehensive than your standard policy.

For example, you might not necessarily have a positive COVID-19 test result, but the airline won’t let you board because they scanned your temperature for fever, and it was too high. This level of coverage would come to your rescue.

But even an epidemic-specific policy might be insufficient. For example, Allianz’s Epidemic Coverage Endorsement won’t cover common issues, such as failing to show a required negative COVID-19 test to board a flight (maybe you took the test, but the results didn’t come back in time). It also doesn’t cover travel restrictions that apply broadly to some segment or all of a population, such as a certain country banning all American travelers from entering, period (as some did during the recent omicron surge). For those situations, you’ll need Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage

No matter your reason, you can cancel your trip with Cancel For Any Reason coverage , or CFAR, which is typically offered as an add-on to travel insurance policies. With it, you’re covered for all the reasons that other policies won’t cover. Exact terms vary by provider, but expect a partial reimbursement (typically 50% to 75% of prepaid nonrefundable trip plans, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners).

The trade-off is that this added coverage can be pricey. CFAR coverage usually will cost about 6% to 12% of overall trip expenses, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. Contrast that with standard trip insurance without this add-on, which typically costs about 4% to 8% of the total cost of a trip.

And note that even with it, you typically don’t get a full trip refund.

The bottom line

Don’t assume that merely having travel insurance will ensure you get money back on a canceled or interrupted trip. Most policies have a long list of exclusions, so read the fine print to ensure you’re covered for everything you intended to be covered for.

For COVID-19-related reasons to cancel that don’t actually involve getting sick — like border shutdowns, a vaccination requirement that makes you ineligible for travel or a mere disinclination to travel — you’ll likely need a more comprehensive policy.

And with that, be prepared to pay more.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

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.

60,000 Earn 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℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

travel insurance do not travel warning

For Americans Abroad, the Level 4 Travel Advisory Could Impact Insurance

By Jenna Scatena

How the Level 4 Travel Advisory will Impact Insurance Coverage

When the U.S. State Department issued a global Level 4 travel advisory this month, it effectively deemed every country on the planet a high-risk country. A Level 4 advisory is the State Department's highest advisory level, usually reserved for war zones and countries experiencing a natural disaster or severe unrest. In the official statement, the U.S. advised its citizens to avoid all international travel and return to the U.S. immediately. While the directive is clear, for many travelers—especially expats, digital nomads, and those in the midst of a year abroad—the reality of following it is far from simple. There are many reasons why those who live abroad might stay there instead of returning stateside, but if you're one of them, it's essential to know how doing so might impact one of the most important things you have right now: your travel or medical insurance . The advisories can have a direct impact on your insurance plan, even if you're in a country not heavily impacted by COVID-19. This puts many Americans abroad at risk of losing coverage. Here's what to know to make informed decisions and protect yourself in the complicated time ahead.

How the Level 4 travel advisory could impact your coverage

The first thing to keep in mind is that advisories issued by the CDC, WHO, and U.S. State Department can trigger restrictions on travel and impact international medical insurance policies by limiting where your coverage is valid. Insurance providers tend to follow these official guidelines—and they often expect their policy holders to do so too. In the context of the current advisories, non-essential international travel can be considered high-risk behavior by your provider, which could compromise your coverage. So as the U.S. State Department has advised citizens to either return home or remain in their foreign country of residence, insurance providers are likely to expect people to follow suit.

The advisory has direct implications too: “Most travel medical insurance plans will exclude any coverage if you enter into a Level Four Advisory Country,” says P.K. Rao, president of INF Visitor Insurance. Since all countries are currently categorized at Level 4, that makes crossing any international border a risk, but it depends on your plan. For some plans, Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners insurance says, “It's possible the Level 4 travel advisory may affect only specific benefits,” such as not covering non-medical emergency evacuation.

Restrictions are more complicated than the Level 4 definition

Even if your insurance is valid in Level 4 countries, you would probably not be covered if the country you're in is deemed a “restricted country” by your insurance plan. Restricted countries include high-risk places or destinations where the insurance provider might not be able to administer benefits. Or it could mean a country where the provider is concerned about a high volume of claims, like China or Italy . “Traveling to a restricted country could void coverage,” according to Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com. These countries are determined by the insurance company, not the government, so check with your provider prior to booking any travel arrangements, even if you’re headed somewhere without any reported cases.

In addition to the global Level 4 advisory, the U.S.’s advisory also defines regions with additional travel restrictions, like the E.U., which now has a higher risk associated with it. This is different from what the insurance defines as a restricted country but could still impact your coverage if you transit through. “If you move through any country which has travel restrictions with the U.S., your coverage may not be effective. If you're a digital nomad, the best thing to do would be come back to the U.S., if possible, or stay where you are if you have coverage,” Rao advises.

What to know if you plan to stay abroad

If you stay put in your current location, your coverage should be valid as long as you arrived in that country prior to the Level 4 advisory going into effect. But with some policies, remaining in a Level 4 country for too long could be a cause for loss coverage. “For certain coverages, some plans do require that you leave the country within a reasonable amount of time [after it's deemed a Level 4 country],” says Meghan Walch, a travel insurance expert at InsureMyTrip.com.

For expats, digital nomads , and other travelers holding annual plans, there may be options to increase or extend coverage for better benefits. For travelers without any current coverage, only a limited number of providers will let you purchase a policy if you’re already abroad, though some can be purchased for medical coverage only. Enroll in a comprehensive package if possible, and make sure your current location is a covered destination—and ask specifically if it covers COVID-19 treatment, as not all plans will.

Best Travel Insurance - Caribbean Lede

What to know if you plan to repatriate

With reduced international flights , you may be forced to transit through restricted countries in order to reach the U.S. Proceed carefully: With travel bans and flight cancellations happening without much warning, you don't want to get stuck in a country that your provider doesn't cover, so be sure to consult them prior to booking plans. Your coverage may also depend on the U.S. travel warnings at the time of your departure, so enroll in the State Department’s STEP program to stay informed. Murchland offers a bit of consolation, adding, “It may be difficult to invoke limitations onto travelers who are traveling home, but this depends on the insurance carrier.”

If you're on a single-trip plan and you're stuck abroad beyond your coverage date due to travel delays, quarantine, or receiving medical care, Kasara Barto with Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, says most policies will extend coverage for seven days and adds, “We have heard that providers are working diligently to extend coverage on a case by case basis for travelers stuck abroad who are unable to return home.”

How to be prepared and plan ahead

Hospitals are inundated, travel logistics are increasingly complex, and insurance help lines have long wait times. Don't wait for an urgent matter to find out if your coverage has been impacted by current events. Instead, be proactive: Call your provider and review your policy to understand your current coverage and its limitations. Know which hospitals your provider can administer benefits for, and which ones near you are equipped to test and treat COVID-19, as not all do.

Keep in mind that emergency medical evacuation and repatriation have become increasingly limited due to flight reductions, border closings, and health system overload—especially in countries heavily impacted by COVID-19. Even with insurance coverage, you may have trouble accessing evacuation points. If you plan on staying abroad, remaining in your current location means putting your coverage and your health in the least amount of risk.

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Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories

Caroline Tanner

When traveling abroad, the top concern for many Americans is safety.

Whether it is due to ongoing conflict, special events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics , natural disasters like a volcano currently erupting in Iceland or an uptick in crime , conditions of countries can change rapidly, affecting both travelers and locals.

To help keep American travelers safe, the U.S. Department of State issues and maintains travel advisories for U.S. citizens based on current circumstances.

These advisories can be particularly helpful for first-time and younger travelers, though the agency encourages all people to review them for their desired destination ahead of travel.

What are travel advisories based on?

Although travel warnings originate from the State Department and live on its website , they are a joint effort between the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services and U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide.

"We've got our diplomats and consular officers on the ground in all those places, who have more up-to-date information than anyone in Washington could have," said Angela Kerwin, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizens Services, during a Zoom interview Thursday. "But we use a variety of information in order to look at the criteria that go into our travel advisories around the world."

In addition to crime reports, nongovernmental organization reports and those from international organizations such as the United Nations, the government considers nine risk factors in determining the level at which each country's advisory should be set:

  • C — Crime : Widespread violence or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
  • T — Terrorism : Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups or other targets may exist.
  • U — Civil Unrest : Political, economic, religious and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions and/or safety risks.
  • H — Health : Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country's medical infrastructure. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notice may also be a factor.
  • N — Natural Disaster : A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
  • E — Time-limited Event : Short-term events, such as elections, sporting events or other incidents that may pose safety risks.
  • K — Kidnapping or Hostage Taking : Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
  • D — Wrongful Detention : The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals exists.
  • O — Other : Potential risks are not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country's travel advisory for details.

Although the most recently added category, Wrongful Detention, only applies to a handful of countries, it's an important criterion for travelers to note when a country has detained a U.S. citizen without cause.

Level 1 to 4 tiered warning system

travel insurance do not travel warning

Based on that nine-rubric system, plus reports and input from U.S. consulates and embassies in these countries, the agency assigns each country a Level 1 to 4 tiered warning , with 1 being the lowest level, indicating relative safety, and 4 being the highest, meaning travelers should not visit.

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

This is the lowest level a country can achieve, making it among the safest for Americans to visit. As with any travel, there is always some risk, so every country will always have at least a Level 1 advisory.

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Under a Level 2 designation, a country has increased safety or security risks, but they likely won't preclude you from traveling there.

Level 3: Reconsider travel

A Level 3 advisory tells travelers to potentially defer trips to the country in question, as serious potential risks exist.

Level 4: Do not travel

The most serious advisories are Level 4 recommendations, which alert you to avoid travel to designated countries and areas due to a greater threat of potentially life-threatening risks and limited resources to help Americans.

What else to know about travel advisories

In addition to the State Department's general travel advisory, a country's information page will also provide any timely alerts from the corresponding U.S. embassy and/or consulate to consider.

There are also certain countries where the agency can provide "carve-outs" to communicate information related to specific areas or regions within a particular country.

"Perhaps the country itself is a Level 3 country, but there is one particular border area that has ongoing kinetic activity of some sort, and we'd say that would be a Level 4," Kerwin explained.

These carve-outs are most often found in Mexico , as the U.S. shares a border with the country and more Americans travel to Mexico for tourism than elsewhere.

"Mexico is a special case. We also have more U.S. consulates than we do in any other country in the world, and for that reason, we are able to provide state-by-state travel advisory levels in Mexico," Kerwin said. "[With] other countries around the world, [we] just simply don't have the ability to have that level of detail; the specificity is greater for Mexico."

travel insurance do not travel warning

Because data is the main source of information for crafting these advisories, not all alerts can be created equally.

"It is impossible to say that we can apply all nine criteria exactly the same in country A as we do in country B. You're going to have more statistical data of a reliable type for ... Germany than you would Chad," Kerwin explained. "So to compare the exact same report for Germany with the exact same report for Chad is not something that makes sense because it's generally not going to be available."

In those cases, the government relies on its embassies and consulates, which are present in most of these countries, to help inform its alerts.

"We've got people on the ground who are often best positioned to help us evaluate the number of kidnappings, the level of civil unrest, how many terrorist attacks reported or not reported," she said.

Note that a lack of readily available or accurate data doesn't make the country inherently riskier or more dangerous for travelers.

"It just means that we don't have the exact type of data that we would have in another country," Kerwin said. "We would have to rely more heavily on embassy reporting and our folks there, but it does not necessarily mean it is a more dangerous country."

Does a Level 4 alert mean I should avoid traveling there?

In short, the answer is yes.

At the time of publication, there were 19 countries with Level 4 alerts, per the State Department.

"These are the places we deem as the most dangerous for U.S. citizens to travel to, and we would really like U.S. citizens to look at other destinations," Kerwin said. In part, that's because of the limited consular or embassy services available in these places should an American need help.

"Every U.S. citizen gets to make up their own mind on where they want to travel. That's all we can do as a government," she continued. "If a U.S. citizen finds themselves in a situation where they need to travel to one of these countries for whatever reason, we would ask that they look at our travel advisories in advance, read our country information sheet. We would certainly recommend if we have a functioning embassy, that they save that information on their phone so they can contact the embassy if necessary."

But overall, travelers should avoid traveling to Level 4 countries if possible.

"Each of these Level 4 countries will tell you what our concerns are with these countries and [that] our criteria has been met," Kerwin said. "We believe it is quite dangerous to go there."

How often are State Department travel advisories updated?

travel insurance do not travel warning

When viewing a travel advisory, you'll note at the top the date it was last updated, as alerts are updated on a rolling basis.

Generally speaking, Level 4 and Level 3 alerts are updated at least once every six months, while Level 1 and Level 2 alerts are examined at least once per year, pending evolving circumstances.

"If something changes or some precipitating event, we would do it earlier as needed," Kerwin said.

For example, on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik issued its own alert regarding a volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland that morning. When embassy alerts are issued for isolated events in a particular region of a country, it does not necessarily reflect the overall level of the country as a whole.

Despite the volcano warning, Iceland remained at Level 1 , as it has since July. If it had been a more widespread eruption affecting general European air travel, that would have prompted the agency to update the travel advisory as a whole.

"Right now, by sending out that security alert, we're saying stay away from the volcano, but if you wanna go have dinner in Reykjavik, follow our regular information we have on our travel advisory," Kerwin said.

That volcano alert also went out via the agency's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , which sends relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. Consulate, and which Kerwin advised travelers to enroll in as another way to stay safe abroad.

"So anybody who is registered in STEP traveling to or who is living in Iceland would've gotten an email to say, 'Hey, be aware the volcano erupted again today, we're watching it closely; pay attention,'" she explained. "We have those various security alerts that we can send out at any time in a country based on late-breaking events."

Special events, such as the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, will also trigger additional and/or more frequent alerts.

"We will be paying special attention to that. We expect there will be a large number of U.S. citizens that are headed in that direction to cheer on our team, and we want to make sure that we are giving them the best information we can about their time when they're traveling," Kerwin said.

Other things to consider when traveling abroad

As with travel in general, the State Department advises Americans heading overseas to prepare in advance.

"We have a slogan we've been using, and I like it; it's called 'travel smart from the start,' and that starts even before you decide what destination," Kerwin said. That slogan applies to details like checking that you have enough validity on your passport (most countries require six months at the time of entry) and buying travel insurance.

Kerwin also advises procuring the contact information for the nearest U.S. government presence (i.e., the embassy or consulate) via the State Department's list of U.S. embassies and consulates .

"Jot down on paper, take a picture on your phone and save the U.S. Embassy/Consulate phone number or email address so you can get in contact with us if there's a problem," she said. "And always be aware of your surroundings ... a heightened level of awareness ... is important for travelers no matter where they're going."

Bottom line

travel insurance do not travel warning

With travel comes an inherent risk, and the government aims to help travelers remain safe domestically and abroad.

While the decision to travel is ultimately up to the traveler, these travel advisories should be taken seriously.

"Our goal is to always provide the best advice and information we can for U.S. citizens so they can make their decisions as to where they wish they travel," Kerwin said.

Therefore, heed these travel warnings from the State Department via U.S. embassies, consulates and the department's STEP program.

"The final thing — and this is an important one — is to have fun," Kerwin added. "Travel is fantastic — you get to see new cultures, and you get to experience new languages and beautiful countries and beautiful cities. We want U.S. citizens to travel and have fun on their adventures around the world."

Related reading:

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  • The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
  • US issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know
  • Finally: US passport processing back to pre-pandemic time frame

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

TOPSHOT - Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv  on February 24, 2022. - Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine today with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning a "full-scale invasion" was underway. (Photo by Aris Messinis / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Travel Insurance And Travel Warnings

Seeing the world is one of the most exciting life changing things you can do, however travelling to new destinations and foreign lands certainly comes with it’s fair share of thrills and spills!

If you’re going to traverse the globe it’s a good idea to keep yourself informed about your chosen destination, and the go-to place for all travel advice is Smartraveller.gov.au.

What Is Smartraveller?

The Goverment's Smartraveller website provides up-to-date advice and travel warnings for all destinations to ensure you stay smart when you’re travelling the world.

But What Exactly Is A Travel Warning?

A  travel warning ,  travel alert , or  travel advisory  is an official statement issued by a government agency to provide information about the relative safety of   travelling to or visiting one or more specific foreign. They could be anything from a severe weather warning, civil unrest or an act of terror.

Some examples of recent travel safety updates included Ebola breakout in Africa,  Zika virus , Sars in China or natural disasters like the Tsunami in Thailand, Earthquake in New Zealand or the  Bali ash cloud .

So How Do Travel Warnings Affect My Travel Insurance Policy?

Like every type of insurance there are conditions you need to pay attention to. You may find that travel to particularly risky or unstable regions may invalidate your cover. Especially so if you have not taken appropriate action to avoid, or minimise, any potential claims. The following points explain when you are unlikely to be covered in regards to updated travel warnings issued by the Australian government.

What's Not Covered?

  • Travel insurance purchase as an afterthought You wouldn’t be covered if you decided you needed to purchase after a travel warning had been issued. For example, if you heard about a hurricane warning in the mass media and only then did you decided to buy insurance, you couldn't cancel your holiday and claim for any out of pocket expenses.
  • Intentionally putting yourself in harm’s way If you decide to visit a destination with a heightened travel warning and you were aware of the risks but decided to go anyway, it’s unlikely that you would be able to claim.
  • Deciding not to go  You are unlikely to be covered for wanting to cancel your trip for fear of travelling or change of mind. Even if a travel alert was issued before your trip commenced, you wouldn’t be covered unless your destination was directly affected.
  • General exclusions Most standard travel insurance policies have a set of general exclusions that apply to your cover. So regardless of when a travel warning is issued, and whether you took advice from the government or not, you may find you will not be insured for certain events. General exclusions that tend to be across the board include:  terrorism, any event to do with nuclear or chemical weapons, contagious diseases and/or epidemics or pandemics

So When Are You Covered?

If you are affected by an event and subsequent warning is issued, you’d typically be covered for the following:

  • Medical treatment If you’re on holiday and an incident happens unexpectedly then you’ll be covered for any necessary medical treatment you require, including evacuation. Although most insurers exclude cover for acts of war or terrorist attacks, if you were injured in one of these scenarios, it’s likely you would still be covered for any injuries sustained.  See our guide for more information around  travel insurance and terrorism.  
  • Cancellation cover If an event has occurred and a warning is issued, you may have provision to claim for cancellation assuming the event happened after the issue date of your insurance policy, not before.  
  • Disruption of journey If your trip is disrupted due to circumstances out of your control, you will be covered for any travel, and accommodation expenses you occur.

Travel Insurance And Natural Disasters

In the majority of cases travel insurance covers you for unforeseen natural disasters that affect your holiday. However there are a few insurers where you need to pay attention to their conditions of cover as explained in the table below.  

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Can I Still Buy Travel Insurance For High Risk Countries?

Yes, irrespective of government warnings, you can still buy travel insurance for every country and plenty of the benefits will still apply.

For example, let’s say you were travelling to Thailand during their declaration of martial law in May 2014. While on holiday you were involved in an accident completely unrelated to the warning, and you needed medical evacuation. In this instance you would be covered for any treatment you required, irrespective of the upgraded travel warning.

Alternatively, if you were travelling in Egypt and you knew there are riots in the country. But while visiting the pyramids you accidently dropped your camera, then your policy would cover the cost to replace or fix your camera.

In both these examples, you would still have all the usual benefits of travel insurance, but any claims relating to the warning (that you already knew about) may be invalid.

How Can I Find Out If The Destination I’m Visiting Has A Travel Warning?

You should always check with  smartraveller.gov.au  and/or  who.int  before you even decide on your next holiday. Many insurers will also provide travel warning information on their websites.

Remember, if you do not follow the advice from the mass media or any government or official body’s warning against travel to a particular country or parts of a country, you could invalidate your cover.

In a nutshell if you intentionally expose yourself to unnecessary risk you’ll be travelling without protection. 

Always Read The Small Print

All insurers have different rules when it comes to their policies. If you’re unsure if your destination is covered, or whether it is safe to go there, you should read the policy documentation to understand the insurer’s exclusions or simply give them a call.

Words Of Wisdom

We know it’s an exciting world out there, but its far better to live to tell the tale. Think twice before you decide to travel to a particularly dangerous destination. If Smart traveller is advising against all travel – just don’t go there. For those adventure seekers out there  - take a look at our tips on  how to stay safe when you’re travelling.

Contributor Carolina

Carolina Tran

Carolina has been working exclusively in the travel insurance industry for over two years. With a customer consultancy background and currently studying law, she is a fine-print wizard who loves helping travellers find a policy that actually works for them. Speaking two languages and having travelled all over the world, Carolina discovered that she is not cut out for working holidays after a stint on her grandparents’ southern Vietnam farm, and is definitely a lounge-by-the-pool kind of lady.

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Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Budget Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, InsureandGo, iTrek, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Wise Traveller, Zoom Travel Insurance . The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

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Travel Advice: Important information about cover for Coronavirus. Read more . View the latest travel warnings here .

Travel with Jane Do Not Travel Country List

These ‘Do Not Travel’ destinations are not covered by Travel Insurance

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Thinking of going completely off-map in 2020? Just remember, your travel insurance can only push the boundaries so much, so when it comes to a handful of ‘Do not travel’ countries, you’re on your own, sister. Read on to see the list of countries that most insurers can’t provide cover for.

As at 07 Mar 2020. Planning a girl’s trip to Chad to see the highest volcano in the Sahara Desert? Or maybe a jaunt through Yemen to visit the ancient tombs at Sanaa? You might want to rethink your bold itinerary for just a second.

Both countries come with a warning to ‘ do not travel ‘ on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT)  Smartraveller website . This is the reddest ‘red flag’ warning on DFAT’s four-tier travel advisory system.

At the time of writing, DFAT applies a “do not travel” advisory to 15 countries. You’ll find the obvious conflict zones in the mix like Afghanistan, Iraq and South Sudan, as well as newer entries like politically flammable Venezuela.

You can see which countries are deemed risky on the Australian Government’s travel advisory site, Smartraveller . 

Countries on the ‘do not travel list’ are the places where travel insurance providers can’t look after you if should need to claim. That’s why we automatically prevent red flag countries from being added to your insurance policy during the creation of your quote.

Afghanistan Burundi Central African Republic Chad China Iraq Iran Libya Mali Niger Somalia South Sudan Syria Venezuela Yemen

Of course you can go to these places if you wish, but if something happens during your time in a ‘do not travel’ country we won’t be able to support your claim.

Rethink your need to travel

It’s also smart travel planning to look at the ‘reconsider your need to travel’ list. This category  is the next level down from ‘do not travel’ warning, and consists of 15 countries including tourist favourite, Egypt.

The ‘reconsider your need to travel’ list doesn’t automatically put you in the insurance no-claim zone, but these are the sorts of destinations where things can change rapidly, so best to keep an eye on them too if you’re planning to go rogue on your next overseas mission.

Algeria Bangladesh Burkina Faso Democratic Republic of the Congo Egypt Eritrea Haiti Italy Mauritania Nigeria North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Pakistan Saudi Arabia South Korea Sudan

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NBC4 Washington

Can you get a trip refund if the US issues a travel advisory for your destination? Here's what to know

Even if there's a "do not travel" warning, you're likely not entitled to a refund for your flight or resort purchase. but a travel pro shares a suggestion, by susan hogan, news4 consumer investigative reporter • published february 2, 2024 • updated on february 4, 2024 at 9:20 am.

If you’re planning a trip in the next few months, perhaps for spring break, you might be wondering what to do about travel advisories issued for some popular destinations for Americans during the colder months.

The U.S. State Department recently issued travel advisories for both the Bahamas and Jamaica. If you've booked a trip to either location, here's what to know.

Travel advisory for Americans planning to go to Jamaica:

On Jan. 23, the State Department issued a Level 3 warning for travel to Jamaica , which suggests that Americans "reconsider travel." This comes after reports of violent crime at all-inclusive resorts and concerns over medical services.

We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.

Travel advisory for Americans heading to the Bahamas:

And on Jan. 26, the State Department issued a Level 2 warning for travel to the Bahamas , urging travelers to exercise increased caution. This comes after a security alert posted by the U.S. embassy in Nassau expressed concerns that Americans might be victims of gang violence in the Bahamian capital. There have been 18 reported murders this year, although none involved tourists, state officials say.

Can you get a refund for a trip if there's a travel advisory?

If you want to cancel your trip because of these travel warnings, unfortunately you're probably not entitled to a refund for your flight or resort purchase, even if an advisory is at level 4, which means "do not travel" — unless you got travel insurance or booked refundable trips.

travel insurance do not travel warning

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However, you could contact the airline or resort directly and ask them to work with you.

"If you’re concerned, afraid, and you don’t want to risk anything right now, sometimes the airlines will be flexible," said Clint Henderson, managing editor at The Points Guy . "You’ll see airlines issue travel waivers sometimes."

What to do before international travel:

Before booking any international trips, pay close attention to this map showing State Department-issued travel advisories across the globe.

If you travel to any area where there is an advisory:

  • be careful when you’re out at night
  • keep a low profile
  • be aware of your surroundings
  • don’t fight back if you're confronted by robbers

Before you travel, the State Department recommends that you sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ). Through that program, you can:

  • get information from the U.S. embassy in your destination about safety conditions
  • help the U.S. embassy contact you in an emergency, whether it's a natural disaster, civil unrest or a family emergency
  • help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency

This article tagged under:

travel insurance do not travel warning

U.S. warns tourists ‘do not travel’ to this Caribbean destination due to kidnappings and gang violence

  • Updated: Mar. 15, 2024, 9:12 p.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 14, 2024, 1:05 p.m.

U.S. Department of State Haiti Travel Advisory 2024

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the island country as it is overwhelmed by political unrest, increased gang activity, violent crime, kidnapping and poor health care infrastructure. Canva

  • Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. government has issued another travel advisory ahead of spring break .

The U.S. Department of State released a formal warning not to travel to Haiti and urged American citizens there now to leave immediately due to the rise in gang violence, crime, political unrest, kidnapping and poor health care infrastructure.

The Level 4 travel advisory comes after one of the country’s most notorious gang leaders, Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, held an armed rebellion and forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to formally resign on March 12 .

“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens,” the warning added.

Many U.S. citizens, who have been kidnapped, were physically harmed and held at ransom, causing families of victims to pay thousands to save them.

Violent crime involving firearms is common, including armed robbery and carjackings. “Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince International Airport,” according to the travel advisory.

Protests and roadblocks, many of which become violent, occur often and are unpredictable. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services. Assistance falls on local authorities, like the Haitian National Police and ambulance services, but they have limited resources to respond effectively.

Also, the country has an outbreak of cholera , according to the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP).

However, for U.S. citizens who decide to travel to Haiti, the U.S. State Department offers the following guidance :

  • Stay away from demonstrations and crowds, and avoid roadblocks.
  • Coordinate for your host meet you once you arrive at the airport or schedule airport transfers and hotels before arriving in the country.
  • Do not give unauthorized individuals, including people without official uniforms or credentials, your personal information in the immigration, customs or other areas inside or near any airports.
  • Drive to the nearest police station immediately, if you notice someone following you when you leave the airport.
  • Travel by vehicle to avoid walking in public when possible.
  • “Travel in groups of at least two people.”
  • Always lock vehicle doors and close your windows while you are driving.
  • Be cautious and alert at all times, “especially when you are driving through markets and other traffic congested areas.”
  • “Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.”
  • Before your scheduled travel, buy travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance.
  • “Review information on Travel to High-Risk Areas .”
  • Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • “Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) .”
  • “Review the Country Security Report on Haiti.”
  • “Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .”

You can find more information about the travel advisory, further safety guidance and U.S. Embassy contact details here .

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.

an aerial view of a beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.

My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.

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I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department. 

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.

Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.

At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.

According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.

Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.

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a graphic showing the U.S. Department of State's advisory levels

Deciphering the alerts

The State Department issues  travel advisories  for every country and assigns one of four grades:

  • Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
  • Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • Level 3: Reconsider travel.
  • Level 4: Do not travel.

Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.

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The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.

Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.

Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.

“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.

“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”

What about Mexico?

The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers,  Mexico  evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.

The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.  

“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos,  Cancún  and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.

Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.

How to protect yourself

Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:

Register for STEP.  Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.

Buy travel insurance.  Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the  wildfires that hit Maui  in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Consult the CDC.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own  four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.

Hire a travel adviser.  The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.

Check your travel provider’s website.  Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.

Listen to locals.  Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.

Use common sense.  Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:

  • Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
  • Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
  • Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
  • Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
  • Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Ken Budd has written for  National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine  and many more. He is the author of a memoir,  The Voluntourist.

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Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

What does travel insurance cover, what does credit card travel insurance cover, what travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for, choosing the right travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions, understanding what travel insurance covers.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

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  • Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
  • Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
  • When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

  • Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
  • Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
  • Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
  • Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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What Are Smartraveller Travel Advisories?

What are Australian Government travel warnings and what do they mean?

What Are Smartraveller Travel Advisories?

  • Smartraveller Travel Advisories Explained

Fast Cover - Alex

What are Smartraveller travel advisories?

The Australian Government uses a rating system with four levels to represent the potential dangers of travelling to a particular country or region.

  • Level 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
  • Level 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
  • Level 3 - Reconsider your need to travel
  • Level 4   - Do not travel

The purpose of the scale is to assist travellers to stay safe by making them aware of the threats they may face at that destination, as well as highlighting areas that are clearly not safe for travel.

E XERCISE NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Level one indicates no current significant threats in these regions. Travellers can generally expect a stable and secure environment similar to Australia with functioning law and order, comparable healthcare and responsive emergency services.

Will travel insurance cover me in an ‘Exercise normal safety precautions’ region?

Yes, travel insurance will cover you for travel in these regions, subject of course to the terms and conditions of the individual policy.

Health and safety tips for ‘ Exercise normal safety precautions ’ travel destinations:

  • Respect local laws and customs which may be very different to home.
  • Use your common sense and exercise standard safety precautions.
  • Be aware you may still be at risk of petty crime such as theft and scams.
  • Keep in mind   terror attacks   and other threats can still occur anywhere and at any time.
  • Monitor media and   Smartraveller   for any changes to local conditions.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses and all of the   activities   you want to do on your holiday.

EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION

Travelling to a country with a cautionary level warning is still considered relatively safe, but indicates a higher level of risk than what you would typically expect at home.

This could be due to a temporary event such as a political protest or a short-term increase in the region’s domestic security threat. It could also indicate a higher risk of crime, unreliable law enforcement and/or a lower standard of healthcare and emergency services.

Will travel insurance cover me in an ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’ region?

Most travel insurance policies will still cover travel to destinations at this level, subject of course to the terms and conditions of the individual policy.

Health and safety tips for ‘ Exercise a high degree of caution ’ travel destinations:

  • Research specific threats and take extra precautions.
  • Seek medical advice about   vaccinations   and general health risks in this region.
  • Pay close attention to your personal safety at all times.
  • Be vigilant and monitor local media as the level may indicate instability in the region.
  • Be aware that security conditions may change quickly with little warning.
  • Consider purchasing an   international travel insurance   that covers medical evacuation and repatriation if you need to be transported home for emergency treatment.

level three

Reconsider your need to travel.

A level three travel warning means that there are dangerous and potentially life-threatening risks in these regions. These could include an ongoing threat of terrorism, current civil unrest, a high occurrence of violent crime or other serious health and safety concerns. It may also be due to a temporary but significant event such as a natural disaster.

If a country is listed as ‘reconsider your need to travel’, it means the Australian Government considers the destination to be unsafe for most travellers and recommends cancelling or deferring your trip if possible.

Will travel insurance cover me in a ‘Reconsider Your Need to Travel’ region?

Some travel insurance policies will still cover travel to destinations at this level, subject of course to the terms and conditions of the individual policy.

Health and safety tips for ‘ Reconsider Your Need to Travel ’ destinations:

  • As the warning says: reconsider any non-essential travel to these regions.
  • Research the specific threats and dangers you may encounter.
  • Consider the location and security of your planned accommodation.
  • Consider how you will travel within the region as public transport may not be the safest option.
  • Discuss contingency arrangements and have an emergency response plan.
  • Ensure that you’re able to depart independently and that your travel documentation is up-to-date.
  • You’ll likely require a specialised insurance policy for travel to these destinations.

DO NOT TRAVEL

If a country is on the ‘Do Not Travel’ list it means the Australian Government believes it to be extremely dangerous and you should   NOT   travel to that destination.

This may be due to a very high risk of terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, or critical levels of violent crime or violent unrest. It is often also a combination of these factors.

While it’s not illegal to travel to a country on the ‘Do not travel’ list, it’s certainly   not   advisable. The Australian Government doesn’t issue these warnings lightly, so if you travel against the advisory you are knowingly putting yourself at a very high level of risk.

If you’re already in a country that is upgraded to a ‘Do Not Travel’ status, you should consider leaving immediately.

Will travel insurance cover me in a ‘Do Not Travel’ region?

Most travel insurers will   not   cover you for travel to countries listed as ‘Do Not Travel’.

If a region you intend to visit is upgraded to this level   after   you have purchased a policy, you may have provision to claim for   cancellation   expenses or the costs involved in delaying your holiday until it’s safe to travel again.

Refer to your travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered before making a purchase.

Health and safety tips for ‘ Do Not Travel ’ destinations:

  • The safest option is to avoid travelling to these regions at all costs.
  • If you choose to travel despite the advisory, exercise extreme caution and consider seeking professional security advice and hiring personal protection.
  • Make contingency arrangements and have a detailed emergency evacuation plan in place.
  • Know that the Australian government is unlikely to be able to assist your evacuation if a crisis occurs.
  • Check if you will require a special visa or permission to enter or leave the country.
  • Keep in mind it may be very difficult and dangerous to cross borders in or out of these areas.

How do travel warnings affect my travel insurance?

Your policy may exclude cover for regions that have a “Do Not Travel” or “Reconsider Your Need To Travel” rating. Visit Smartraveller.com.au to check the rating level of the country you intend to travel to, and ask your travel insurer what they cover.

Keep in mind that travel warning levels may vary across different regions within the same country.

A country may have an overall travel warning of Level 1 or Level 2 but some specific regions within the country may have a higher travel warning of Level 3 or 4. Ensure that you check the travel warning for all the regions that you’ll be travelling to, and ask your travel insurer if you’ll be covered should you travel to those regions.

It's also important to check for any terrorism-related exclusions or limits for:

  • Medical benefits
  • Evacuation and repatriation
  • Cancellation
  • Travel delays
  • Alternative transport
  • Accidental death and disability

Each travel insurance policy will have different exclusions and benefits, so make sure you consider the Product Disclosure Statement carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered before you make a purchase.

What events can affect the levels of travel advice?

Travel warnings are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) , who consider any potential risks which might affect a traveller’s health, safety and security overseas.

These can include potential dangers such as:

  • Threat of terrorist attack
  • Violent crime
  • Cyclone, hurricane or tornado
  • Epidemics and pandemics
  • Political unrest
  • Riots and civil unrest

While your safety is ultimately your own responsibility when travelling overseas, the advisory may assist travellers to make informed decisions and avoid, minimise or prepare for potential threats overseas.

Why do travel warnings affect my travel insurance?

Travellers pay a premium upfront to insure themselves against potential expenses if something unexpected happens. In a simplistic sense, this money all goes into a ‘pool’ which is then used to pay out claims if something unfortunate does happen to someone.

You may have never thought about it this way before, but if you’ve ever had a travel insurance claim paid then you were actually helped by other travellers who you’ve never met!

The reason that travel insurance companies take the Smartraveller advisories into consideration when paying claims is the same as the reason they consider other factors like dangerous activities or intoxication.

If a traveller knowingly puts themselves at a greater risk of injury or illness by participating in high-risk behaviour like drinking to excess or visiting an extremely dangerous location, it wouldn’t be fair to all the other travellers who have also contributed their premiums to the ‘pool’ and who do the right thing to avoid unnecessary risks. Those factors are therefore dealt with in the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the Product Disclosure Statement.

If none of these factors were considered when paying claims, the price of insurance premiums would skyrocket for everyone in order to account for all the extra claims needing to be paid.

How do I choose a safe travel destination?

Although you can never be sure that nothing will go wrong when you travel overseas, there are a few steps you can take when planning your trip to minimise your chances of running in trouble on your holiday.

Step 1: Choose a safe destination

A good starting point is to look at a large-scale report like the 2017 Global Peace Index to get an idea of which countries are generally considered to be the safest. Then consider which of those destinations are compatible with the type of trip you want to have or activities you want to do.

Planning a holiday around your priorities will help you to significantly narrow down your destination options. For example, if you want to laze around on the beach and soak up some rays, Portugal is ranked as a much safer option in the index than Greece or Thailand.

For a skiing or snowboarding holiday, Austria, Canada and New Zealand are great options that all made it into the top ten safest countries for 2017.

Check out our article on Terrorism and Travel Insurance to see which other countries made it into the top 10 safest travel destinations, and which are best to avoid.

Step 2: Research your trip

Once you have a few possible destinations in mind, you can do some research on the options that are available to you. Some good places to start include:

  • Checking the advisory level on  Smartraveller.gov.au   and reading the travel guides for that destination.
  • Reading travel blogs to get first-hand accounts from experienced travellers who have visited that location for advice and itinerary ideas.
  • Browsing websites like   Lonely Planet   for more general information and advice.
  • Checking reviews on forums like   TripAdvisor   to get an idea of which areas and attractions are safe to visit, accommodation recommendations, as well as places and things to avoid.

Step 3: Book your holiday

Once you have chosen your destination, it’s time to book!

Browse booking websites to see what accommodation options are available and compare prices. These are also generally safer and more secure than booking through small independent tour companies or websites.

Remember to also consider factors such as the location and security of your accommodation, the availability of transport (including how you will get to and from the airport) and only book with recognised and reputable tour companies.

Smartraveller tips to stay up to date with travel alerts:

Conditions can change suddenly no matter where in the world you travel.

To stay up-to-date with the latest travel warnings and advice, Smartraveller recommends that you:

  • Download the app
  • Register your travel plans
  • Get the right travel insurance
  • Follow Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter

Get an instant quote for travel insurance direct from our website now by clicking the button below!

Fast Cover - Alex

About the author

Alex is a content writer at Fast Cover who inherited the family travel bug at an early age. When she’s not researching and writing guides to help travellers stay safe overseas, she can usually be found gazing out of the nearest window, daydreaming about her next adventure.

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Travel Alerts & Warnings

Travel Warnings and Alerts are issued when a long-term, protracted condition makes a country dangerous or unstable and leads the U.S. State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. They are also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a draw-down of its staff.

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Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 3, 2024, see individual summaries.

Updated to reflect the termination of authorized departure status for family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel.

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or immediate family members needing assistance to depart Gaza, please click here.  

Summary:  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Do Not Travel To :

  • Gaza due to  terrorism and  armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To :

  • Israel due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest
  • West Bank due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

  • Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy  website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.  
  • Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. 
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
  • Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. 
  • Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. 
  • Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks. 
  • Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.  
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to  terrorism and  armed conflict .

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza may close without advance notice depending on the security situation. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .  

If you decide to travel to Gaza:

  • Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
  • Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
  • If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
  • If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful. 

Israel – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to  terrorism and civil unrest .

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under COM security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:

  • Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon;
  • Within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders; and
  • Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under COM security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under COM security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank other than Route 443 and traveling to Allenby Bridge via Route 1 and Route 90 via Jerusalem. Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations and terrorist attacks.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under COM security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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U.S. Warns Spring Breakers Headed to Mexico, Jamaica or the Bahamas

In recent weeks, American travelers to some of the busiest international destinations during spring vacation have been urged by the State Department to exercise extra caution.

A sunset over a calm harbor turns the water and the ski into hues of dark blue and black.

By Vjosa Isai

Don’t wander off the resort after dark. Keep the flashy clothing and jewelry to a minimum. Stay aware of your surroundings. Those are some of the travel rules that Ginger Moore, a retired logistics analyst from Panama City, Fla., adheres to on her solo trips throughout the Caribbean.

Ms. Moore, 75, has always felt safe during her stays in Jamaica, where she’s returning for the fourth time on Wednesday. But this year, while she’s still happy to take a trip, a travel advisory for Jamaica, reissued in January by the U.S. State Department, has elevated her concerns.

“I’m sure there are parts, just like the United States, that you can go into that are not recommended,” said Ms. Moore. Nonetheless, she has taken new precautions for her upcoming trip, like packing additional health supplies and purchasing a security bar for the sliding balcony door of her hotel room.

In recent weeks, the State Department and U.S. Embassies have issued new and updated advisories urging travelers to Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas — some of the busiest international spring break destinations — to exercise extra caution after recent violent events, some in tourist areas. Security experts suggest that the advice is largely consistent with advisories of previous years.

Caroline Hammer, a global security analyst at the risk intelligence company RANE , said tourists should interpret the advisories as warnings to exercise caution and avoid specific hot spots for crime, but not as a blanket rule to restrict their travel anywhere in the region.

What do the travel warnings say?

Warnings about spring break travel to certain parts of Mexico came in recent days, while the security alerts and updated travel advisories for Jamaica and the Bahamas were issued in late January.

The State Department has classified Jamaica at Level 3 since 2022, recommending visitors “ reconsider travel ” because of episodes of violent crime. The agency reissued the travel advisory in January to also alert tourists about access to medical services, and warned that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s foreign affairs and foreign trade minister, said in a statement published two days later that the country made “serious improvements” in responding to crime and in its health care infrastructure and disagreed with the scope of the advisory.

“The government of Jamaica is disappointed that the language used does not reflect our country’s significant progress,” she said.

Data from the Jamaican national police force shows that as of March 1, several crime categories, including murders, break-ins and rapes, had declined compared with the same period in 2023, though shootings and assault had risen.

In the Bahamas, gang violence and a number of murders prompted U.S. officials to urge tourists to “ exercise increased caution ,” especially in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Recreational boat tours, jet ski rentals and other water activities are unevenly regulated, the advisory additionally notes, and have led to injuries and deaths.

In early February, two female travelers said their drinks had been spiked during a cruise stop in the Bahamas and accused resort staff of sexually assaulting them .

Last week, in a statement specifically discussing spring break travel, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico reiterated precautions outlined in a State Department travel advisory, last updated over the summer, issued because of crime and kidnappings. It reminded tourists to be cautious when visiting the downtown areas of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, all in Quintana Roo State.

The advisory also recommends travel by toll road in daytime hours, and to remain near major cities, which have a heightened police presence and other emergency services.

What’s behind the warning in Mexico?

Organized crime groups in Mexico have largely kept violent activity outside resorts to avoid hurting the tourism industry, said Ms. Hammer, of RANE. The cartels, she said, depend on tourists themselves, by selling drugs to visitors and extorting local businesses, and it would generate a heightened response from the Mexican government.

In 2023, tourists spent close to $3.1 billion in Mexico, up 10 percent over 2022, according to data from the tourism ministry, with many travelers Cancún-bound.

A handful of violent episodes last year included the kidnappings of two Americans who had crossed the border near Brownsville, Texas, and were found dead, as well as heated disputes between rival taxi and Uber drivers in Cancún. The violence came on the heels of a number of gunfights and assassinations in late 2021 and early 2022 that rattled tourists along the Riviera Maya .

“The good news is that those incidents that have been reported inside of resorts are extremely, extremely rare,” Ms. Hammer said.

In its latest advisory, the State Department warns that shootings by rival gangs, “while not directed at tourists,” have caught some in the crossfire, even on resorts. Last month, an American woman was killed during a drug-related shooting in a beach club in Tulum. Prosecutors in Quintana Roo said she was a bystander.

Despite these incidents, the security picture in Mexico has generally remained unchanged, said Zachary Rabinor, the founder and president of Journey Mexico , a luxury travel company.

“A lot of this is kind of general, stereotypical fears,” he said, adding that tourists shouldn’t interpret violent episodes as sweeping events, especially in resort destinations most popular with visitors.

“There are definitely still areas that are troublesome, but in general, they are not where tourists are going,” Mr. Rabinor said.

What’s behind the warning for the Bahamas?

In January, the Bahamian prime minister, Philip Davis, shared his government’s plan to tamp down criminal activity after a spate of murders, mostly gang-related.

“If you choose crime, you will face the full weight and might of the law,” Mr. Davis said during a national address on Jan. 24. The admonishing tone was a sharp turn from a celebratory moment just a month earlier, when the Bahamian tourism ministry announced the country had hit a record of eight million travelers in 2023.

While the police grapple with crime off resorts, the Bahamian foreign affairs ministry said, in a statement published shortly after the U.S. Embassy alert, that the country does not believe that tourists are under any new “elevated or increased security risk.”

What can you do to stay safe?

Effective safety measures can be as simple as remaining vigilant, and planning ahead by purchasing travel insurance and updating emergency contact lists. Other general steps recommended in the advisories include avoiding walking or driving off the resort areas at night, avoiding public transit and heeding local laws.

High traveler volumes around spring break may make tourism police forces, in places where they have them, slower to respond to emergency calls, Ms. Hammer of RANE Network warned.

Arranging transportation through a travel company or a resort for excursions or trips to the airport is highly recommended, said Scott Stewart, the vice president for intelligence at the security firm TorchStone Global.

“A lot of times, there’s not a lot of a gap between criminals and taxi drivers in many countries, so using a trusted transportation provider is huge,” said Mr. Stewart.

He also recommends “traveling gray,” a term used in security circles for keeping a low profile, such as by not displaying luxury items that might draw the attention of criminals.

The State Department’s reissued warning raised concerns for Ms. Moore, the traveler heading to Jamaica, but it hasn’t deterred her from making the trip.

“In the tourist areas, I just feel very comfortable,” she said. “I’ve just never had any bad experiences, knock on wood, and I love Jamaica. That’s why I keep going back.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the title of Philip Davis. He is the prime minister of the Bahamas, not its president.

How we handle corrections

Vjosa Isai is a reporter and researcher for The Times based in Toronto, where she covers news from across Canada. More about Vjosa Isai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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FinanceBuzz

FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 12, 2023

<p> Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.  </p> <p> Travel insurance can help you <a href="https://financebuzz.com/seniors-throw-money-away-tp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=1&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=avoid+wasting+money&synd_backlink_position=1&synd_slug=seniors-throw-money-away-tp">avoid wasting money</a> if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.  </p> <p> However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.</p><p>  <a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=1&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=Compare+the+best+travel+credit+cards+for+nearly+free+travel&synd_backlink_position=2&synd_slug=top-travel-credit-cards">Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel</a>  </p>

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

<p> The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.  </p> <p> In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.  </p> <p> And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.</p><p>  <p class=""><b>Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%?</b> <a href="https://financebuzz.com/worthy-community-signup-wealth-testimonials-v2-synd?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=2&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=Sign+up+for+Worthy+to+get+ideas+and+advice+delivered+to+your+inbox.&synd_backlink_position=3&synd_slug=worthy-community-signup-wealth-testimonials-v2-synd">Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.</a></p>  </p>

Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

<p> Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.  </p> <p> Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile. </p>

Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

<p> Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.  </p> <p> Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.  </p> <p> Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.</p><p>  <p><a href="https://financebuzz.com/southwest-booking-secrets-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=4&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=7+Nearly+Secret+Things+to+Do+If+You+Fly+Southwest&synd_backlink_position=4&synd_slug=southwest-booking-secrets-55mp">7 Nearly Secret Things to Do If You Fly Southwest</a></p>  </p>

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

7 Nearly Secret Things to Do If You Fly Southwest

<p> Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.  </p> <p> Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.  </p>

Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

<p> A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process. </p> <p> Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage. </p>

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

<p>You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear. </p> <p> You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.  </p> <p> Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.</p><p>  <p class=""><a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-no-interest-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=7&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=Pay+no+interest+until+nearly+2025+with+these+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=5&synd_slug=top-no-interest-credit-cards">Pay no interest until nearly 2025 with these credit cards</a></p>  </p>

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

Pay no interest until nearly 2025 with these credit cards

<p> While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.  </p> <p> If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees. </p>

Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

<p> Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.  </p> <p> If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans. </p> <p> Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location. </p>

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

<p>Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits. </p> <p> Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.</p><p>  <p class=""><a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-cash-back-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=10&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=Earn+up+to+5%25+cash+back+when+you+shop+with+these+leading+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=6&synd_slug=top-cash-back-credit-cards">Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with these leading credit cards</a></p>  </p>

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with these leading credit cards

<p> If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back. </p> <p> Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet. </p> <p> This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. </p><p>In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered. </p> <p> Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance. </p>

Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

<p> Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=12&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=top+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=7&synd_slug=top-travel-credit-cards">top credit cards</a> offer travel protections.  </p> <p> Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.  </p> <p> Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option. </p>

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

<p> If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.  </p> <p> Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it. </p> <p> One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.</p><p>  <p class=""><a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-signs-of-financial-fitness?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=13&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=5+Signs+You%E2%80%99re+Doing+Better+Financially+Than+the+Average+American&synd_backlink_position=8&synd_slug=top-signs-of-financial-fitness-2">5 Signs You’re Doing Better Financially Than the Average American</a></p>  </p>

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

5 Signs You’re Doing Better Financially Than the Average American

<p> Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.  </p> <p> In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. </p><p>Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back. </p>

Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

<p> If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now. </p> <p> Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.  </p>

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

<p> One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.  </p> <p> Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.  </p> <p> Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.</p><p>  <p class=""><a href="https://financebuzz.com/recession-coming-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=16&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=9+Things+You+Must+Do+Before+The+Next+Recession&synd_backlink_position=9&synd_slug=recession-coming-55mp">9 Things You Must Do Before The Next Recession</a></p>  </p>

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

9 Things You Must Do Before The Next Recession

<p> Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.  </p> <p> If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.  </p> <p> Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival. </p>

Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

<p> Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.  </p> <p> Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to <a href="https://financebuzz.com/ways-to-make-extra-money?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=make+extra+cash&synd_backlink_position=10&synd_slug=ways-to-make-extra-money">make extra cash</a> for travel funds.</p><p>  <p class=""><b>More from FinanceBuzz:</b></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.financebuzz.com/supplement-income-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=7+things+to+do+if+you%E2%80%99re+barely+scraping+by+financially.&synd_backlink_position=11&synd_slug=supplement-income-55mp">7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.</a></li> <li><a href="https://financebuzz.com/ways-to-make-extra-money?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=12+legit+ways+to+earn+extra+cash.&synd_backlink_position=12&synd_slug=ways-to-make-extra-money">12 legit ways to earn extra cash.</a></li> <li><a href="https://r.financebuzz.com/aff_c?source=%2Fshould-you-buy-travel-insurance&offer_id=16866&aff_id=1006&aff_sub=msn&aff_sub2=&aff_sub3=&aff_sub4=feed&aff_sub5={impressionid}&aff_click_id=&aff_unique1={aff_unique1}&aff_unique2=&aff_unique3=&aff_unique4=&aff_unique5={aff_unique5}&rendered_slug=/should-you-buy-travel-insurance&contentblockid=984&contentblockversionid=16460&ml_sort_id=&sorted_item_id=&widget_type=&cms_offer_id=637&keywords=&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=Can+you+retire+early%3F+Take+this+quiz+and+find+out.&synd_backlink_position=13" rel="nofollow">Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.</a></li> <li><a href="https://financebuzz.com/extra-newsletter-signup-testimonials-synd?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=12377&synd_backlink_title=9+simple+ways+to+make+up+to+an+extra+%24200%2Fday&synd_backlink_position=14&synd_slug=extra-newsletter-signup-testimonials-synd">9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day</a></li> </ul>  </p>

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

More from FinanceBuzz:

  • 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
  • 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
  • Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
  • 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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DeSantis deploys 250 officers, soldiers in Florida to stop illegal immigration from Haiti. What we know

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Amid the chaos and violence taking place in Haiti, Florida Gov. Ron DeSanti s announced steps he's taking to "stop potential influx of illegal immigration " from the Caribbean nation.

Located southeast of Florida, Haiti is about 600 miles from Miami. Boats of immigrants fleeing the country are common on Florida shores.

On Feb. 29, a boat carrying 24 men, women and children from Haiti was stopped in the Sebastian Inlet in what law enforcement authorities said was a disrupted smuggling attempt.

Smuggling attempt stopped: Smuggling attempt stopped in Sebastian Inlet; 24 Haitian people taken from fishing boat

Here's what you should know about what's happening in Haiti and DeSantis' announcement.

What's happening in Haiti?

Late Monday,  Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced plans to resign  while he was stranded in Puerto Rico.

Heavily armed gangs have taken control of and attacked the country's infrastructure, including Haiti's only international airport.

Henry said he would stay in his post until a transitional council is created and an interim premier named.

Over the weekend,  the U.S. military airlifted some nonessential personnel from the American Embassy .

Conditions are continuing to deteriorate in the country. The U.N. and other aid groups said food and water supplies are dwindling. The ongoing violence, a political crisis and a drought have left an estimated 5.5 million Haitians — roughly half the entire population — in dire need of humanitarian assistance,  according to the U.N.

“It is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Monday. "We are deeply distressed it is already too late for too many who have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs.”

Henry's government declared a state of emergency after gangs attacked the country’s largest prison in Port-au-Prince, allowing about 3,500 inmates to escape.

US State Department lists Haiti as 'do not travel' destination

Haiti has been declared a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination by the U.S. State Department since before  the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 .

The Level 4 travel warning is "due to  kidnapping, crime, civil unrest , and poor health care infrastructure," the State Department said.

The  U.S. Embassy in Haiti repeated that warning on Sunday , urging Americans not to travel there.

Haiti travel: Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

'Lucky to get out': Author Mitch Albom among a group of 10 Americans rescued

Author Mitch Albom was among a group of 10 Americans rescued Tuesday from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Albom is a longtime columnist for the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Albom had gone to Haiti to visit the  Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage  he has run since a devastating 2010 earthquake ravaged the country's infrastructure and killed at least 100,000.

Others remain trapped in the country.

"Many other Americans, Canadians and others are still stuck in Haiti in an extremely volatile situation and they need help getting out and it seems very little is coming from our governments," Albom said.

The rescue was a collaborative effort between Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who reached out to Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., an Army veteran who has played a role in getting Americans out of other countries in dangerous situations. McClain said she contacted Mills after failing to get any other help.

"We tried to use the government channels. ... We tried to go through the proper channels,” McClain said. “No one was calling us back. We couldn’t get any answers.”

What is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doing to prevent illegal immigrants from Haiti?

In anticipation of a "potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti," DeSantis announced Wednesday he was sending additional assets to the Keys and Florida's southern waters.

“Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state.

"No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,” DeSantis said.

Manpower, equipment adding to Operation Vigilant Security in Florida

The additional personnel and equipment ordered Wednesday is in addition to the "security and surveillance assets" already in place as part of Operation Vigilant Security in South Florida and the Keys to stop illegal immigration at sea.

Here's the breakdown of what DeSantis will be sending:

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 39 additional officers.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 23 additional officers with eight additional seacraft.
  • Florida National Guard: 48 additional Guardsmen with four additional helicopters.
  • Florida Highway Patrol: 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance.

Florida State Guard deployed to help stop illegal immigration

DeSantis also authorized the deployment of 133 soldiers with the Florida State Guard to the Keys.

What is the Florida State Guard? Florida State Guard helps during disasters. 13 things to know about volunteer group

DeSantis: Florida has a 'right and duty to defend its territory and people'

"Illegal immigrants feel empowered to enter the sovereign territory of the United States because of the federal government’s refusal to diligently enforce our immigration laws and protect the integrity of the border," according to a news release issued by DeSantis.

"When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida will act."

Contributors: Todd Spangler, Kirkland Crawford, Kim Hjelmgaard , USA TODAY Network

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  1. Understanding Travel Insurance Coverage For Covid Test ...

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  2. U.S. State Department Travel Advisories

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    Yes, irrespective of government warnings, you can still buy travel insurance for every country and plenty of the benefits will still apply. For example, let's say you were travelling to Thailand during their declaration of martial law in May 2014. While on holiday you were involved in an accident completely unrelated to the warning, and you ...

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