Revenge Travel’s Must Have Accessory: Travel Protection for International Journeys

Jun 23, 2021 | AON

2020 was the summer of the great American road trip. 2021 is the summer of revenge travel. And consumers are taking that term seriously. In fact, according to a recent survey by Destination Analysts, 80% of Americans now say they are ready to travel and initial booking data indicates they are ready to go beyond U.S. borders.

While many countries are reopening to American tourists, each is doing so with its own unique requirements that balance welcoming guests with maintaining progress in reducing COVID-19 cases. For some countries – like Costa Rica, those requirements include a specific level of travel protection to enter, even for vaccinated tourists. According to visitcostarica.com, “Tourists must acquire mandatory travel insurance that covers lodging in the event of quarantine as well as medical expenses due to contracting COVID-19. If the tourist has already been vaccinated, this does not exempt them from this requirement, and they must acquire an insurance policy as described. This requirement remains in force.”

Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice, noted that these requirements underscore how instrumental travel protection will be in revitalizing international travel. “Travel protection gives consumers the confidence to invest in a longer haul trip and it gives countries the confidence to welcome them at the very moment when tourism business is much needed,” Godlin said. “It’s a win-win as both groups look to a return to normal.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the travel insurance industry has been adapting coverage to meet evolving needs and concerns and enable consumers to travel safely – including creating new products to address travel insurance entry requirements. For example, Aon recently launched Travel Pro Plus, which may supplement an existing travel protection plan to help meet certain country requirements or be purchased as a stand-alone post departure plan. The plan’s maximum benefits include $50,000 for accident and sickness medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19, and $2,000 for trip delays, including delays due to COVID-19 exposure/quarantine orders. The plan is valid for up 30 days of travel; extended trips require purchase of an additional plan.

To choose adequate coverage for their journey, Godlin strongly recommends travelers research their destination’s entry requirements before booking and continue to monitor those requirements ahead of departure. “Even though the pandemic is easing in many regions around the world, this is still a fluid situation. Country requirements are subject to change, so travelers should check prior to arrival to determine whether a product meets their needs,” she said.

Aon Travel Takeaway: As travelers prepare to cross borders once again, they should remember that no two COVID-19 travel protection plans are the same. Travelers should carefully review each plan’s terms and conditions and compare them to their destination’s requirements to determine the most appropriate plan for their trip.

Aon Affinity Travel Practice Blog Homepage
Aon Affinity Travel Practice Blog Preview
View The Business of Travel Insurance Blog

More Blog Posts

Travel Tips:
The Evolution of Luxury Travel
Traveler Beware: Why Relying Solely on the DOT Rule for Protection isn’t Enough
Top Travel Troubles and The Role of Insurance
Smooth Sailing: Three Reasons Why You Should Purchase Insurance Through Your Cruise Line
Three takeaways from DOT airline passengers’ rights rule
2024 Summer Travel Trends: Destination Dupes, Adventure Escapades and More
Three ways tour operators can ride the ‘silver tsunami’
Wanderlust for Words: Five Destinations for Book Lovers
Lights, Camera, Boarding – What to Know When Traveling to Movie and Show-Inspired Locales
Rest & Relaxation: Worldwide Wellness Destinations
Five Destinations for Every History Buff
Four Ways the Cruise Industry is Leading the Way in Responsible Tourism
The Kick-Off to Summer Travel: A One-on-One with our President Beth Godlin
Summer Travel: What the Industry Should Expect
Weather Impact Data Underlines Importance of Customizing Travel Insurance
Dive into Tour Operator Industry Trends with USTOA Data
Five Reasons to Book an Expedition Cruise
Ride Wave Season Like a Pro
Why You Should Consider Working with a Travel Insurance Broker
Top Four Spots for Music Lovers
Top Five Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations
Cruising: Family Style
When Not to Buy Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance During Hurricane Season: Your Questions Answered
Five Trips for the Adventure Seeker
How travel insurance is evolving to meet customization demands
MythBusters: The Top Four Myths About Travel Insurance
Five Places to Visit If You Love Wine
Avoiding the Crowds: Five Unspoiled Wonders to Visit in 2022
Travel Looks Forward to 2022
Five Travel Experiences to Check off Your Bucket List in 2022
Post-Departure Benefits: Did You Know Your Travel Insurance Does This?!
Five International Destinations for a Non-Traditional Thanksgiving
Fall Traditions Around the World
Safety at Sea
Adventure Awaits: Five Unforgettable National Park Experiences
Top Spots Abroad to Visit Off-Peak
All Aboard for the North American Rail Renaissance
Revenge Travel’s Must Have Accessory: Travel Protection for International Journeys
Experience European Charm Sans Passport
The Boomers are Back and They’re Helping Fuel a Summer Travel Surge
Be Travel Ready with These Five Tips
The Future of International Travel: Recovery and Beyond
Staying Stateside for Your Next Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance Trend: Medical Benefits are In-Demand
Travel Protection and Your Credit Cards
How to Read the Fine Print of Your Travel Insurance Policy
Leisure travel insurance purchase trends
Holiday Travel Safety Advice

Insider Insights:
Three Things We Learned This Year
Filing a claim doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s why.
Taking Your Postponed Honeymoon? Tips Travelers Need to Know
Honeymoon Travel Advice
Where to Soak in a Long Weekend - 4th of July Destinations
4 Cruise Experiences at any Budget
20 for 20: The tech travel tips we've tried, tested and learned

Travel Primer:
Greatest Risks to Big Summer Travel
24/7 Access – The On-Call Travel Insurance Claims Process
Top Events that Trigger Travel Insurance
Will My Health Insurance Cover It?
Top Travel Protection Terms

Destination Spotlight:
Unforgettable Winter Sports Getaways
Five international destinations for food lovers
Grand Advent Festivities Await in Austria
Colorful Cues in Europe
Spook-tacular Halloween Travel Destinations

Real Life:
Severe Weather, Serious Protection
Wellness-Driven Travel Trends
How to Make 2018 the Year for Travel
Home Care Checklist Before Traveling
Study Abroad Smarts for Today’s Student Travelers
First-Time Cruisers: What to Know Before Packing a Bag
Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
Planning the Ultimate Bucket List Trip

Ask Aon:
Your Travel Protection Questions, Answered by the Pros