Understanding Costco Travel Insurance: Benefits, Access, and Alternatives for Members

Introduction to Costco Travel Insurance

As travel becomes more uncertain, many Costco members are seeking ways to safeguard their trips against unexpected events such as health emergencies, trip cancellations, or baggage loss. Costco offers travel insurance plans to its members , providing a valuable safety net for both domestic and international travel. This coverage is available exclusively through the Costco Travel website and is administered by Cover-More Inc., a company of Zurich, specifically designed for U.S. residents booking travel through Costco Travel [3] .

Who Is Eligible for Costco Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance plans from Costco are available exclusively to Costco members . Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a cruise, you can secure coverage that fits your needs through the Costco Travel portal. However, these plans are limited to U.S. residents booking travel domestically or internationally, and are not available to visitors to the United States [2] . Additionally, as of 2025, plans are not available to residents of New York [3] .

What Does Costco Travel Insurance Cover?

Costco’s travel insurance is designed to offer comprehensive protection for a variety of travel scenarios. Key coverage areas include:

Trip Cancellation : Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
Trip Interruption : Covers unused, non-refundable trip components if your travel is cut short.
Emergency Medical Assistance : Provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergency evacuation during your trip.
Baggage Protection : Reimburses lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings.
Trip Delay : Offers compensation for extra expenses due to travel delays.
Rental Car Protection : Covers damage and theft of rental vehicles during your trip.

For cruise travelers, coverage includes trip interruptions and emergency medical care tailored to cruise line itineraries. Families traveling together can benefit from group protection ensuring all members are covered for emergencies [1] .

How to Purchase Travel Insurance Through Costco

To access travel insurance as a Costco member, follow these steps:

Visit the Costco Travel website at CostcoTravel.com and log in with your membership credentials.
Select your desired travel package, whether a vacation, cruise, rental car, or custom itinerary.
During the booking process, you will be offered the option to add travel insurance to your package. Review the policy details carefully.
If you choose to add insurance, complete the application and submit payment (using your Costco Anywhere Visa Card can provide additional benefits).
After booking, review your policy documentation for details on coverage limits, exclusions, and emergency contact procedures [3] .

If you need assistance, Costco Travel offers 24/7 customer and emergency support by phone at 1-844-246-8470 [3] .

Important Considerations and Limitations

While Costco’s travel insurance plans offer robust trip protection, there are some important caveats:

Not Medical Insurance : The plans are primarily trip protection, not full travel medical insurance. Emergency medical coverage is included, but travelers with specific health needs should consider supplemental policies.
Pre-existing Conditions : To be eligible for a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, you must purchase the protection plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment.
State Restrictions : As noted, coverage is not available to residents of New York as of the latest update.
Visitors Excluded : Only U.S. residents booking through Costco Travel are eligible; international visitors cannot purchase these plans [2] .

Always read the full policy details, including limitations and exclusions, before purchasing. For comprehensive coverage information, consult the policy documentation provided during the booking process or visit the official policy page at Cover-More .

Benefits for Costco Members

Costco members enjoy special deals and exclusive rates on travel insurance. Additional benefits include:

Discounted insurance rates compared to many standalone providers
Extra coverage and options tailored for members
Convenient payment through the Costco Anywhere Visa Card
Access to 24/7 customer and emergency support

Executive members may also earn an annual 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases, amplifying your value when booking travel and insurance through Costco [5] .

Practical Guidance for Accessing Costco Travel Insurance

If you wish to secure travel insurance for your upcoming trip, use the following search strategies:

Search for “Costco Travel Insurance” on the Costco Travel website
Review available packages and look for the “Add Insurance” option during checkout
For further details about policy coverage, visit the Cover-More policy portal at Cover-More
If you have questions, call Costco Travel customer service at 1-844-246-8470

For those needing more specialized coverage, such as travel medical insurance or coverage for unique circumstances, consider exploring alternative providers and comparing plans through established travel insurance marketplaces. Always verify provider credentials and ensure their websites are secure and accessible before sharing personal information.

Alternatives and Complementary Insurance Options

While Costco’s travel insurance is designed to cover most common scenarios, travelers with more complex needs may wish to explore additional options:

Standalone travel medical insurance for extended stays or high-risk travel
Supplemental coverage for adventure sports or high-value belongings
Alternative providers, such as Allianz or Travel Guard, which may offer different coverage options and price points

Always compare coverage limits, exclusions, and premium costs before selecting a plan. For more information on alternative providers, search for “best travel insurance providers 2025” using reputable review sites and travel industry publications.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Some travelers report confusion when selecting the appropriate coverage or understanding the fine print. To avoid complications:

Contact Costco Travel’s customer support for personalized guidance
Read the policy documentation in full before purchasing
Keep copies of all correspondence and policy documents for reference

If your state is not eligible for coverage, or if you require a unique travel insurance plan, consult established travel insurance marketplaces or reach out to licensed insurance agents for recommendations.

Key Takeaways

Costco travel insurance provides a convenient, member-exclusive way to protect your travel investment. By understanding eligibility, coverage details, and the step-by-step process for securing a policy, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind. For more information and the most current details, visit the official Costco Travel Insurance page or consult customer service directly.