Understanding Travel Insurance Add-ons & Riders

When planning a trip, whether it's for adventure, leisure, or business, the unexpected can always happen. That's where travel insurance and its various riders come into play, offering tailored protection for a myriad of scenarios.

As you sift through travel insurance plans, you may have come across plans that offer add-on coverage or insurance riders. These additional benefits can help expand the coverage of your plan and provide a safeguard for certain conditions that otherwise may not be covered under a standard travel insurance plan.

What Are Riders on an Insurance Policy?

Riders on an insurance policy, specifically a travel insurance policy, are add-on benefits for a standard travel medical or trip insurance policy that provide additional benefits and coverage for travelers.

Most riders or add-ons for travel insurance introduce coverage on your plan that otherwise wouldn’t be included, such as medical coverage for participating in riskier activities.

If you have specific travel plans or certain health conditions, travel insurance add-ons may be something you want to consider when purchasing a policy.

Let's dive into the different types of riders available and what they offer.

Adventure Sports Rider

For thrill-seekers, the Adventure Sports Rider is a must if you are planning on partaking in what travel insurance companies define as adventure sports or riskier activities such as bungee jumping, scuba diving, snowboarding, kayaking, and more.

Most travel insurance policies will exclude coverage for medical care related to injuries as a result of participating in adventure sports, so an adventure sports rider can help add this coverage to your plan if you know you’ll be participating in these types of activities during your travels for an additional fee.

The adventure sports rider can offer medical coverage in the event that you are injured or need emergency medical evacuation during an adventurous sport.

Pre-Existing Conditions Rider

Pre-existing conditions are often excluded from coverage in travel insurance plans. However, there are some plans that offer an optional pre-existing condition rider, which can offer limited coverage for medical care related to the worsening of a pre-existing condition during one’s travels for an additional fee.

Pre-existing conditions coverage can be tricky, so it is important to read and understand the pre-existing condition rider and what it covers.

Dental and Vision Rider

Routine dental and vision care are often excluded from travel insurance plans. On select plans, you can add a dental and vision rider, which can provide coverage for certain dental or vision expenses related to unexpected injuries during one’s travels.

Personal Property & Liability Rider

A personal property and liability rider can protect you in the event that you are liable for accidental damage, injury, or the death of another, or the accidental loss or damage to another person's property.

This add-on coverage allows you to purchase additional personal liability coverage for your plan.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance is often included in travel insurance plans and provides coverage for your family in the unfortunate event of your death or dismemberment during your travels. It pays a lump benefit sum to your stated beneficiary.

Some travel insurance plans offer additional AD&D riders which increase the benefit maximum on your plan for extra coverage.

Mobile Device Protection Rider

The mobile device protection rider can cover the replacement of or reimburse you for the loss, theft, or repair of a mobile device.

For repairs, the damage to your mobile device can include accidental damage such as water damage, malfunction, or a broken screen that occurs during your period of coverage.

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR)

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) is an optional rider that can be added on to select plans that allows you to interrupt your trip and return home early for any reason, and still be reimbursed up to a certain amount for your eligible lost expenses.

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) rider allows you to cancel your trip for any reason that's not covered by the standard cancellation policy and receive a partial refund.

Crisis Response Benefit Rider

In case of a crisis, this rider provides assistance and financial support to help you navigate through the situation.

Some plans do offer crisis response assistance as part of their policy, so you may want to check to see if your plan already offers coverage for this. If so, this rider would add more coverage for crisis response to your plan.

Sports and Club Activities Rider

For those participating in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, this rider offers coverage for injuries or accidents related to these activities.

Rental Car Damage and Theft

If you're renting a car, this rider can offer coverage for damage to a rental car while it is in your possession or the theft of the vehicle, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Pet Care

Should your travel be delayed or extended, the Pet Care rider provides coverage for additional pet boarding fees.

Baggage Upgrade

This rider offers additional coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.

Rental Accommodations Protection

Protect yourself against the loss of rental accommodation costs due to various covered risks.

School Activities

For students traveling for school-related activities, this rider provides additional coverage specific to their needs.

Hunting and Fishing

For trips focused on hunting and fishing, this rider offers coverage for equipment and other specific risks associated with these activities.

Destination Wedding

Ensure that your special day is protected against unforeseen events with a rider that covers wedding-related risks.

Primary Medical

This rider enhances your medical coverage, providing a primary layer of protection for medical expenses.

Medical Evacuation Upgrade

In case of a medical emergency, this rider covers the costs of medical evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility.

Most travel insurance plans do offer coverage for medical evacuation, but coverage can be increased with an additional rider.

Return to Home Country Coverage

If you need to return to your home country for medical care, this rider covers the costs associated with the travel.

Sports Activity Coverage

For those participating in non-professional sports activities, this rider offers coverage for injuries or accidents related to these activities.

Adventure Activities

For more extreme adventure activities not covered under the standard Adventure Sports Rider, this additional coverage ensures you're protected.

Athletic Sports & Hazardous Activity Coverage

This rider is designed for those engaging in athletic sports or hazardous activities, providing coverage for the increased risks involved.

Get Covered for Your Next Trip

When considering travel insurance, it's essential to review the details of each rider and understand the coverage it provides.

Remember, the right travel insurance rider can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and secure trip, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the what-ifs.

Still have questions? Visit our Knowledge Center to learn more or contact our Customer Success Team for assistance.