In today’s travel landscape, insurance has transformed from a nice-to-have add-on into a necessity especially for student groups.
Over the last few years, countless students have faced the heartbreak of canceling a long-awaited trip at the very last moment due to a positive COVID test, a family emergency, or an unexpected disruption. But those with solid travel insurance often received refunds for nearly every penny of their investment. “Nonrefundable” deposits, airfare, hotel stays, rental vehicles, tours—all covered.
Before the pandemic, most travel insurance policies didn’t touch epidemics or pandemics. But after the tidal wave of cancellations in 2020, the industry pivoted. Today’s plans are far more comprehensive, with many providers offering robust COVID-related protections as well as the fan-favorite Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. For parents hesitant about sending their kids across the country or globe, this assurance goes a long way.
This shift reflects a larger trend: Travelers want to protect their investment, especially if they’re planning international travel or other particularly involved/costly trips. One NerdWallet survey showed that before COVID, only 20% of U.S. travelers insured their leisure trips. Post-pandemic, that number more than doubled.
A New Standard for Group Travel
For group travel, the conversation around insurance becomes even more important. Operators often communicate with a single organizer rather than every individual participant, which means the organizer’s personal stance on insurance can unintentionally influence dozens of travelers. We believe at this point in time, insurance should always be strongly encouraged.
Parents and guardians appreciate knowing their student is protected, and it may be easier to get buy-in on the trip when they know they have an easy and affordable out.
Travel insurance also delivers far more than just cancellation protection. Today’s plans often include:
- Medical Protection:
If a student becomes ill or injured, especially abroad, families could face steep upfront medical bills. Insurance helps bridge that gap. - Lost Bags or Theft:
Policies can reimburse the cash value of lost or stolen items and cover fees to replace essentials like passports and credit cards. - Travel Assistance Services:
24/7 support can help locate medical facilities, track lost luggage, coordinate transportation, and more. - Interruption Coverage:
If a student has to leave the trip early for any reason (or, even worse, the whole excursion comes to an end), this coverage keeps you from paying for experiences you never had. - Inconvenience Coverage:
With attractions sometimes closing without warning, some plans offer “Inconvenience Bundles” that reimburse travelers for missed experiences.
These expanded offerings—and the addition of illness-related cancellation and interruption coverage—have made many previously hesitant travelers far more confident in booking trips again.
Guidance for Trip Leaders
With traveler expectations rising, travel planners must also be cautious when explaining insurance coverage. Just like professional liability policies, travel insurance can sometimes have exclusions and limits that are tricky to interpret. To avoid giving incorrect or misleading advice, direct families to the insurance provider for detailed questions. But also remember, some insurance providers are more transparent, with more comprehensive coverage than others.
Meanwhile, educators and trip leaders can help build confidence long before departure. When enrolling students, discuss insurance options upfront, provide easy-to-read materials that outline coverage benefits, and emphasize how inexpensive insurance is compared to the total cost of the trip. These conversations reduce confusion, calm parent anxieties, and help avoid the frantic refund requests that overloaded inboxes back in 2020.
This article originally appeared in the January ’26 issue of Teach & Travel.
