Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

Traveling can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. What if you get sick and can’t go on your trip? What if your flight gets delayed, or your luggage gets lost? This is where travel insurance can help. Airbnb has its own travel insurance, but is it worth it? In this article, we’ll explore what Airbnb travel insurance covers, how much it costs, and whether it’s a good choice for your next trip. Let’s take a closer look and see if Airbnb travel insurance is the right choice for you!

What is Airbnb Travel Insurance?

Airbnb Travel Insurance is an optional policy that you can purchase when booking a short-term rental on Airbnb. This insurance is designed to protect you financially in case something goes wrong with your trip. It covers a range of issues, including trip cancellations and interruptions, travel delays, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.

For example, if you need to cancel your booking due to illness or severe weather, the insurance can reimburse you for up to 100% of your non-refundable reservation costs. Similarly, if your trip is delayed for 24 hours or more, you can get reimbursed for expenses like meals and accommodation. The insurance is provided by third-party companies like Generali Global Assistance in the US and Europ Assistance Group in other parts of the world.

Airbnb Travel Insurance Coverage Details

Airbnb Travel Insurance offers a range of protections to help you manage unexpected events during your trip. Here are the key coverage details:

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption: If you have to cancel or shorten your trip because of a covered reason, such as illness or severe weather, the insurance can reimburse you for up to 100% of your non-refundable reservation costs.
2. Travel Delays: If your trip is delayed for 24 hours or more due to a covered reason, like a flight delay or a stolen passport, you can get reimbursed for expenses such as meals, accommodation, and parking costs, up to $750 per person.
3. Medical Emergencies: The insurance covers up to $50,000 per person for hospital and ambulance services, prescription drugs, and other doctor-ordered medical services.
4. Baggage and Personal Items: It provides coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage and personal items. This can help you replace essential items if your luggage is lost or delayed.
5. Emergency Assistance Services: This includes 24/7 access to emergency assistance for medical referrals, travel support, and identity theft resolution.
6. Property Damage Protection: If you accidentally damage the property you’re staying in, the insurance can cover the costs of repairs. 
7. COVID-19 Coverage: Some policies may include coverage for COVID-19 related cancellations and medical expenses, as long as you can provide proof of a positive test from a healthcare provider.
8. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Option: This optional add-on allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not covered by the standard policy and still receive partial reimbursement. 
9. Rental Car Coverage: If you’re renting a car during your trip, some Airbnb travel insurance policies may offer coverage for rental car damage or theft.

What’s Not Covered in Airbnb Travel Insurance

While Airbnb Travel Insurance offers a range of protections, there are certain exclusions you should be aware of:

• The insurance generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
• Costs for planned transport, such as flights, trains, and ferries to and from your Airbnb accommodation, are not covered if you need to cancel your reservation before your trip.
• The insurance may not cover high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or expensive cameras.
• Any non-refundable fees that are not part of the Airbnb booking, such as event tickets or separate tour bookings, are typically not covered.
• Losses or damages resulting from intentional acts, illegal activities, or reckless behavior are not covered
• Events that are foreseeable or have already happened when you purchase the policy, such as a named hurricane, are not covered

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

Airbnb travel insurance can be a valuable option if you’re looking to protect your trip from unexpected disruptions. This insurance, offered through a partnership with Generali Global Assistance, covers a range of issues that might arise before or during your stay. For instance, if you need to cancel your trip due to illness, flight delays, or other covered reasons, the insurance can reimburse you up to 100% of your Airbnb booking cost. It also covers trip interruptions, travel delays, emergency medical treatment, and lost or stolen luggage. 

However, it’s important to note that this insurance only covers the Airbnb rental itself and not other travel expenses like flights or car rentals. Additionally, the coverage includes up to $50,000 for emergency medical treatment and up to $1,000 for lost or stolen luggage. Before purchasing, it’s wise to review what protections you already have, such as through your credit card, to determine if Airbnb travel insurance is worth it for your specific trip. For costly dream vacations, third-party travel insurance may make more sense as it covers more expenses and may have higher limits. But for getaways closer to home—where the cost of your Airbnb is your biggest expense—Airbnb travel insurance may be worth it.

How Can You Get Airbnb Travel Insurance and What Does It Cost?

To get Airbnb Travel Insurance, you have a couple of options. When you book a stay on Airbnb, you can add travel insurance during the checkout process. Look for the option to include insurance before you finalize your reservation. If you decide to add insurance after booking, you can do so by accessing your booking confirmation email or visiting the reservation details page on Airbnb. There, you’ll find an option to add travel insurance to your trip. Once you purchase the insurance, you’ll receive an email with your plan details, including how to file a claim if needed.

The cost of Airbnb travel insurance is calculated as a percentage of your total booking amount, so it varies depending on the price of your stay and your location. On average, travel insurance costs between 4% to 6% of your trip’s total cost. For example, if your Airbnb booking costs $1,000, you might pay around $40 to $60 for insurance.

How to Cancel and File a Claim for Airbnb Travel Insurance

Here’s how you can cancel your Airbnb travel insurance or file a claim:

How to Cancel Airbnb Travel Insurance

If you decide that you no longer need Airbnb Travel Insurance, you can cancel it within a specific period after purchasing. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Your Plan Details Page: After purchasing the insurance, you will receive an email with a link to your plan details page. You can also access this page through your Airbnb account.
2. Select “Cancel Plan”: On the plan details page, look for the option to cancel your plan. Click on “Cancel Plan” to initiate the cancellation process.
3. Cancellation Period: You can cancel your insurance within 10 days of purchasing it for a full refund, as long as you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim. For UK residents, the cancellation period is 14 days.

How to File a Claim for Airbnb Travel Insurance

If you need to file a claim, follow these steps:

1. Access Your Plan Details Page: Go to the plan details page through the link provided in your confirmation email or via your Airbnb account.
2. Start a Claim: On the plan details page, select the “Start a Claim” option.
3. Provide Necessary Information: You will need to provide details about your trip interruption or delay, including any associated costs. This may include receipts, medical records, or other documentation to support your claim.
4. Contact the Insurance Provider: For U.S. guests, claims are handled by Generali Global Assistance. You can also contact them directly for assistance. For guests in other regions, Europ Assistance handles the claims.

By following these steps, you can easily cancel your Airbnb Travel Insurance if needed or file a claim to get reimbursed for covered expenses.

Pros and Cons of Airbnb Travel Insurance

Here are some pros and cons of Airbnb travel insurance to help you decide if it’s worth it:

Pros:

• Coverage for trip cancellations
• Protection against trip interruptions
• Compensation for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage
• Baggage loss or damage coverage

Cons:

• Limited coverage compared to traditional travel insurance
• Higher costs for some travelers
• Does not cover issues with the rental property itself
• May not cover all travel-related expenses
• Coverage limitations for high-value items

How Does Airbnb Travel Insurance for Guests Differ from Airbnb AirCover for Guests?

Airbnb Travel Insurance and Airbnb AirCover for Guests serve different purposes. Airbnb Travel Insurance is an optional add-on that you can purchase during checkout. It covers a range of travel-related issues like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. This insurance is provided by third-party companies and is available for guests in certain countries.

On the other hand, Airbnb AirCover for Guests is automatically included for free with every booking. It helps if there are significant problems with your stay, such as if the listing is not as described, you can’t check in, or the host cancels within 30 days of your arrival. AirCover can help you find a new place to stay or give you a refund if a similar place isn’t available.

Alternatives to Airbnb Travel Insurance

If you’re considering alternatives to Airbnb Travel Insurance, here are some options that might offer more comprehensive coverage or better value:

1. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: These policies cover a wide range of travel-related issues, including trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. Companies like Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard, and World Nomads offer comprehensive plans that can cover your entire trip, not just your Airbnb stay.
2. Travel Medical Insurance: If you’re primarily concerned about medical coverage while traveling, you can opt for travel medical insurance. This type of insurance covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and sometimes medical evacuation. Providers like IMG and Seven Corners specialize in travel medical insurance.
3. Flight Insurance: This is a more specific type of insurance that covers incidents related to your flight, such as delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. Companies like Allianz and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offer flight-specific insurance.
4. Credit Card Travel Insurance: Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk. This can include trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage, as well as baggage loss and travel accident insurance. Check with your credit card provider to see what coverage is included.
5. Third-Party Travel Insurance Providers: Companies like Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip allow you to compare different travel insurance policies from various providers, helping you find the best coverage for your needs.

By exploring these alternatives, you can find a travel insurance plan that best fits your needs and provides comprehensive protection for your trip.

FAQs

Conclusion

Deciding whether Airbnb Travel Insurance is worth it depends on your individual travel needs and circumstances. This insurance offers comprehensive coverage for trip cancellations, travel delays, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage, providing peace of mind for travelers.

However, it can be more expensive than other travel insurance options and may offer limited coverage for non-Airbnb related travel expenses. If you already have travel insurance through your credit card or another provider, you might find overlapping coverage. By weighing the pros and cons and considering alternatives, you can make an informed decision that best suits your travel plans. Ultimately, Airbnb Travel Insurance can be a valuable investment for those seeking extra protection and convenience during their travels. 

Shubham

Shubham is a passionate insurance expert with years of experience in the industry. I write about home, auto, travel, life, and health insurance to help readers make informed decisions. My goal is to break down the details of coverage, costs, and claims in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way, so you can protect what matters most without the confusion.