Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation (including medical emergency) insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or an immediate family member before or during a trip. Because we must remit early and substantial deposits to our suppliers, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations outside of our Cancellation Policy (see this page). If a participant is unable to join or continue a tour due to illness, all related expenses will be their responsibility, and no refunds can be issued for missed days. 

While you may already have insurance, it may not fully meet your travel needs. Most US plans seldom cover health costs abroad, and Medicare or Medicaid do not. Travelers without adequate protection may face significant challenges, as foreign providers often require upfront cash payment, and emergency medical evacuation can exceed $50,000.

To protect yourself, consider the following:

Review your current insurance to ensure it meets your travel needs, such as covering international travel and emergency medical expenses. Clarify whether payments are made directly to foreign providers or if you must pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.

Consider purchasing travel insurance if coverage is insufficient:

—For US citizens (other than New York and Hawaii residents; see below) we recommend Generali Global Assistance (formerly CSA), which provides comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, travel delays, baggage loss and delay, 24-hour accident protection, and emergency medical transportation. Generali offers competitive rates, 24/7 support, and peace of mind, while ensuring your coverage meets our tour requirements. To purchase, call Generali at 800-348-9505 with our agency code 45519316 or visit Generali Global Assistance.

—For New York or Hawaii residents, Generali plans are not available through our agency link above. You may purchase a Generali plan directly on their website or use an alternative provider such as InsureMyTrip, which has also received positive feedback from our clients.

—Non-U.S. citizens should consult a local insurance broker for suitable options.

Decide whether you need Pre-Existing Condition (PEC) coverage, as it has timing requirements. For PEC to be covered with Generali:

—Purchase insurance before or within 24 hours of making the final payment for the tour (based on the date your payment is sent).

—Include all non-refundable trip costs, such as flights.

—You may purchase insurance before booking flights — if major trip components are added later with a supplemental premium, PEC coverage will still apply.

For providers other than Generali, check their timing requirements, as they may vary. 

Wait to purchase insurance until the tour is confirmed to operate, as most policies are non-refundable. The best time to buy coverage is upon receiving your final payment bill.

Be familiar with your coverage and claim procedures, carry a copy of your policy while traveling, and save assistance contact numbers on your phone so help is always at hand.

Travel safely, and happy birding!