What happens if the tour operator cancels my trip and gives me a full trip refund?
If your travel supplier cancels your trip completely and provides a full refund of trip cost, you may request a refund of your travel insurance premium.
If you voluntarily choose not to go on your trip, but the travel supplier will still be running the trip, you are not eligible for a refund of your travel insurance premium.
How to request a refund of travel insurance premium
To request a refund of your travel insurance premium, you must submit:
- A letter from the tour operator stating that they canceled the trip and gave you a full refund of your trip cost. The letter must be addressed to the insured traveler.
- An invoice showing your trip refund.
- A statement in writing – email or letter –to USI Travel Insurance Services (contact info below) stating that you have not and will not make a claim on the current plan. This statement can be in the body of the email to USI Travel Insurance Services with your tour operator letter and refund invoice. We will then start the process for the plan cost to be refunded. (Note: USI Travel Insurance Services is not involved in any trip refunds for cancelled trips; that is handled by the tour operator.)
Refund requests should be sent to:
customer.care@usi.com
USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services
3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
What is my trip has been postponed/rescheduled due to Coronavirus?
If a Traveler postpones their Trip due to the Coronavirus, Nationwide will allow the Traveler’s current insurance policy to extend to those new trip dates, provided:
- The new trip dates are no more than 18 months from their original trip dates.
- Additional premium, if needed based on the new or postponed trip, will be collected. No refund will be considered if the premium for the new or postponed trip is less than the original trip premium.
My trip got postponed and I will be traveling on later trip dates. Can I upgrade my coverage now to include Cancel For Any Reason when transferring trip dates?
No, CFAR can only be added at the initial plan purchase, and must be done within the time-sensitive period (within 14 days of initial trip deposit – review your plan document for specifics).
Will the Trip Cancellation benefit cover trips canceled solely due to fear of Coronavirus?
If cancellation is done by traveler solely due to fear of coronavirus, then no claim will be paid. Having fear of the possibilities is not a covered reason in travel insurance plans.
How can I get coverage in case I want to cancel in light of the Coronavirus outbreak?
Our recommended approach is to purchase the optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade on your plan. This option is available on the Elite Plan level. If you purchase this upgrade, you can cancel your trip for literally any reason (including fear of the virus or general uncertainty).
How can I purchase Cancel For Any Reason on my plan?
- You must purchase the Elite plan within 14 days of the date your initial trip payment/deposit is received.
- You must insure 100% of your non-refundable trip costs. You also must insure within 14 days of the trip payment/deposit the cost of any subsequent travel arrangements so that you have paid the full cost for all non-refundable trip costs prior to canceling your trip.
How can I make a claim under the Cancel For Any Reason benefit?
- You must cancel the trip 48 hours or more prior to your scheduled departure date.
- You will only receive 70% of what is not refunded to you by the tour operator at time of cancellation.
How much of my trip cost should I insure?
You should insure all prepaid trip costs that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Buy NOW for maximum coverage. Your Trip Cancellation coverage is effective the day after your transaction is completed online.
What are the Early Purchase provisions?
After your initial deposit/payment on your Trip, you have
up to 14 days to purchase coverage to obtain the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver. If you purchase the Travel Secure Elite plan within 14 days of your initial payment, you will also have the option to purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit.
What if I miss the Early Purchase 14-day period?
You may still purchase coverage at any time prior to departure, however, the coverage would not include the early purchase benefits.
What if my trip plans change or there is an increase in trip cost?
Notify Travel Insurance Services immediately in writing and include the additional plan cost in order to maintain the Early Purchase Benefits. Failure to keep your coverage at 100% of trip cost may cause loss of eligibility for certain benefits.