TRAVEL BASICS
Why travel agents should offer travel insurance, and how to explain it
Published October 27, 2026
Offering travel insurance is both good service and good business. It protects the client from costs they cannot control, and it gives you a more complete product to sell. The key is to explain it honestly and leave the detail to the policy.
Travel insurance commonly covers things such as medical costs abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, delayed or lost baggage and travel delays. What is actually covered, and the limits that apply, differ by policy. Exclusions are important, for example for existing medical conditions or for certain activities.
Some destinations or visa types require proof of travel insurance, so check the requirement early for each trip. If insurance is required, make sure the policy matches the dates, the destination and any minimum cover the authority asks for.
Explain the value in simple terms. A client who understands that one hospital visit abroad can cost far more than the premium will usually see why it is worth it. Avoid describing it as covering everything. Encourage the client to read the policy summary themselves.
Do not give detailed claims or medical advice yourself. Point the client to the insurer for claims, and keep a copy of the policy document with the booking file so that you can help quickly if something goes wrong.