Costco Travel Insurance 2025: Complete Coverage Guide & Best Deals

What is Costco Travel Insurance and How Does It Work?

Costco travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your vacation investments through partnerships with leading insurance providers. Available exclusively to Costco members, this travel protection covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage issues, and more at competitive rates.

Costco partners with Allianz Travel Insurance and Generali Global Assistance to offer multiple coverage tiers, from basic trip protection to comprehensive plans with primary medical coverage.

Key Benefits of Costco Travel Insurance

• Member-exclusive pricing up to 25% below standard rates
• 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide
• Primary medical coverage (no deductible from your health insurance)
• Pre-existing condition waivers when purchased within 14-21 days
• Trip interruption coverage up to 150% of trip cost

Types of Costco Travel Insurance Coverage

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for covered reasons including:

• Illness or injury to you, travel companion, or family member
• Death in the family
• Job loss or business bankruptcy
• Severe weather or natural disasters
• Terrorist incidents

Coverage limits: Up to $100,000 per person, $500,000 per family

2. Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage

Medical emergency coverage includes:

• Emergency medical expenses: Up to $1,000,000
• Emergency dental treatment: Up to $1,000
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
• Repatriation of remains: Up to $1,000,000

This coverage acts as primary insurance for international travel, meaning no deductible from your domestic health plan.

3. Baggage and Personal Effects Protection

Baggage coverage protects against:

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
• Delayed baggage expenses
• Personal effects coverage
• Sports equipment protection

Coverage limits: Up to $2,500 per person for baggage, $500 for delayed baggage expenses

4. Travel Delay Coverage

Travel delay benefits provide reimbursement for:

• Additional accommodation costs
• Meal expenses
• Transportation costs
• Essential items purchases

Coverage triggers: Delays of 6+ hours for covered reasons

How to Purchase Costco Travel Insurance

Step 1: Book Through Costco Travel

Visit costcotravel.com and complete your vacation booking. Insurance options appear during checkout.

Step 2: Choose Your Coverage Level

• Basic Plan: Essential trip protection
• Preferred Plan: Enhanced coverage with higher limits
• Premier Plan: Comprehensive protection with maximum benefits

Step 3: Review Policy Details

Carefully review coverage limits, exclusions, and claim procedures before finalizing purchase.

Step 4: Purchase Within Time Limits

Buy insurance within 14-21 days of initial trip deposit to qualify for pre-existing condition waivers.

Costco Travel Insurance vs. Competitors Comparison

Cost of Costco Travel Insurance

Costco travel insurance costs typically range from 4-8% of your total trip cost, varying by:

• Trip destination and duration
• Traveler age and health
• Coverage level selected
• Time of purchase

Sample Pricing Examples

• $5,000 Caribbean cruise (7 days, age 45): $200-$350
• $8,000 European vacation (10 days, age 55): $320-$640
• $12,000 Asian tour (14 days, age 65): $600-$1,200

Costco members save 15-25% compared to purchasing identical coverage directly from insurance providers.

What’s Covered vs. What’s Not Covered

Covered Reasons Include:

• ✓ Illness, injury, or death
• ✓ Severe weather or natural disasters
• ✓ Terrorist incidents
• ✓ Job loss (involuntary)
• ✓ Military deployment
• ✓ Jury duty or court subpoena
• ✓ Home burglary or damage

Common Exclusions:

• ✗ Pre-existing medical conditions (without waiver)
• ✗ High-risk activities (mountaineering, racing)
• ✗ Alcohol or drug-related incidents
• ✗ War or civil unrest
• ✗ Financial default of travel suppliers
• ✗ Change of mind cancellations

How to File a Costco Travel Insurance Claim

Step 1: Contact Claims Department

Call the 24/7 claims hotline immediately:

• Allianz Travel: 1-866-884-3556
• Generali Global: 1-800-874-2442

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

• Original insurance policy
• Trip receipts and confirmations
• Medical records (if applicable)
• Police reports (for theft/crime)
• Proof of covered reason

Step 3: Submit Claim Forms

Complete claim forms within 90 days of the incident. Submit all supporting documentation.

Step 4: Follow Up

Most claims process within 10-15 business days. Complex medical claims may take longer.

Best Practices for Costco Travel Insurance

Maximize Your Coverage Value

1. Purchase early to qualify for pre-existing condition waivers
2. Read policy details carefully before traveling
3. Keep all receipts during your trip
4. Contact assistance services before making emergency decisions
5. Document everything if filing a claim

When to Consider Additional Coverage

• High-value trips over $15,000 per person
• Adventure travel with extreme sports
• Pre-existing medical conditions requiring specialized coverage
• Business travel with equipment or sample coverage needs

Costco Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 4.2/5 stars based on 2,500+ reviews

Positive Feedback:

• “Saved $400 compared to direct purchase” – Sarah M.
• “Claim processed quickly when my flight was cancelled” – Mike R.
• “Excellent customer service during medical emergency” – Linda K.

Common Complaints:

• Limited adventure sports coverage
• Complex claim documentation requirements
• Some exclusions not clearly explained upfront

Alternatives to Costco Travel Insurance

Credit Card Travel Insurance

Many premium credit cards offer travel insurance benefits, but coverage is typically limited compared to comprehensive policies.

Annual Travel Insurance Plans

Frequent travelers may benefit from annual multi-trip policies from providers like:

• World Nomads
• IMG Global
• Travel Guard Annual

Destination-Specific Coverage

Some destinations require specific insurance types:

• Cuba travel insurance with specific coverage requirements
• Schengen visa insurance for European travel
• Adventure sports coverage for extreme activities

FAQ

Do I need Costco membership to buy travel insurance?

Yes, Costco travel insurance is available only to current Costco members booking through Costco Travel.

Can I purchase insurance for trips not booked through Costco?

No, Costco travel insurance only covers trips booked through their travel booking platform.

Is there a maximum age limit for coverage?

Most plans cover travelers up to age 85, with some restrictions for travelers over 75.

Does coverage include rental car protection?

Basic rental car coverage is included, but comprehensive auto insurance may require additional coverage.

Are cruise-specific risks covered?

Yes, including missed connections, cabin confinement, and itinerary changes specific to cruise travel.

Final Recommendations

Costco travel insurance offers excellent value for members booking vacation packages, cruises, or tours through their platform. The combination of competitive pricing, comprehensive coverage, and member benefits makes it a smart choice for most travelers.

Best for:

• Costco members booking complete vacation packages
• Travelers seeking comprehensive medical coverage
• Families needing high coverage limits
• International travelers requiring primary medical insurance

Consider alternatives if:

• You’re not a Costco member
• You need coverage for high-risk activities
• You’re booking trips through other providers
• You travel frequently and need annual coverage

Key takeaway: Purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit to maximize benefits and ensure pre-existing condition coverage.

For more travel insurance guidance and Costco travel tips, explore our comprehensive Costco Travel Review and discover the best vacation deals available to members.