How to Get Free Travel Insurance Without Paying for a Plan

Travel insurance doesn’t have to cost you. Here’s how to get solid coverage for free.

1. Use Travel Credit Cards With Built-In Insurance

Cards like:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Amex Platinum or Gold

Cover:
- Trip delay/cancellation
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency evacuation
- Rental car insurance

You must pay for part of your trip with the card.

2. Book With Sites That Include Protection

Some booking platforms offer built-in coverage:
- Expedia VIP Access hotels
- StudentUniverse flights
- Select Google Flights booking partners

Look for “trip protection included” notes in booking terms.

3. Check Your Employer or School

Coverage may include:
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation
- Trip interruption
- Lost luggage

Even personal trips may be eligible through work portals.

4. Fly Airlines That Offer It Free

Some airlines include basic protection:
- Emirates (COVID + travel insurance)
- Etihad (health coverage)
- Icelandair (limited delay coverage)

Check “travel insurance” sections on airline websites.

5. Use Travel Wallet Apps

Apps like:
- Revolut
- Wise
- N26

Offer free or low-cost travel protection with usage-based tiers.

6. Know Your Legal Protections

EU (Regulation 261):
- €250–€600 for delays over 3 hours
- Compensation for denied boarding

U.S.:
- Airlines must reimburse for delayed baggage (essentials only)
- Refunds required for canceled flights

7. Your Health Insurance Might Work Abroad

Some plans offer:
- Emergency out-of-network care
- ER reimbursement overseas
- Urgent care coverage

Call your provider before travel to confirm details.

8. Use Credit Card Disputes for Interruptions

Didn’t get what you paid for?
- File a chargeback
- Mark as “services not rendered”
- Helps with tour cancellations, scammy hotels, etc.

9. Use Elite Status Perks

Some hotel and airline elite programs offer:
- Trip disruption alerts
- Rebooking assistance
- Lost luggage support
- Concierge help

10. Final Tip

Travel protection isn’t just for high-end travelers. It’s for everyone — and you can get it free with smart bookings, the right card, and a little research.