Why travel insurance should be on your checklist this holiday season

illustration of a snowman wearing a purple scarf

From cozy gatherings to snowy getaways, the holidays are all about creating magical moments with loved ones. But let’s be real: holiday travel comes with its own challenges. Long lines at security, unpredictable weather, and fully booked hotels can throw your plans off track in an instant.


In 2022, over 3,000 flights departing from or arriving into the U.S. were canceled on Christmas day alone, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. While you can’t predict every hiccup, you can prepare for them. That’s where travel insurance comes in—to keep your holiday as joyful (and stress-free) as possible. And don’t worry, you don’t need to know any of the jargon to be able to secure yourself an insurance policy with Faye in as little as 60 seconds.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is like a gift you didn’t know you needed. It’s there when things go sideways, helping you recover costs for everything from delayed flights to medical emergencies.

Think of it as your safety net during the busiest (and often most chaotic) travel season of the year. It lets you focus on what matters most: making memories, not worrying about those pesky what-ifs.

How travel insurance can help during the holidays 

  1. Snowstorms happen
    Winter weather doesn’t always cooperate with your itinerary. Snowstorms, icy conditions, and heavy winds can cancel flights and derail plans. With Faye, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable costs like pre-paid hotels, tours, or event tickets if your trip gets canceled for covered reasons, such as severe weather.

  2. Airports are packed
    Lost bags, flight delays, or missed connections—it’s par for the course during the holiday rush. In January 2024, over 10,000 flights were delayed or canceled during a single weekend due to extreme winter conditions.

  3. You could get sick
    No one wants to think about getting sick or injured on their holiday vacation, but it happens. Travel insurance can help cover emergency medical expenses like  prescription drugs, hospitalization and physician costs.

“But travel insurance is too expensive”

It’s more affordable than you think. According to Forbes, travel insurance usually costs about 5% of your total trip. When you think about the potential costs of cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies, it’s an investment that can save you big in the long run. 

Looking for more flexibility? Faye’s Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) add-on could be a game-changer. It can reimburse you for up to 75% of your non-refundable trip costs, giving you the freedom to cancel for reasons other than those already covered in your policy – like simply not wanting to go anymore Just make sure to purchase this within 14 days of booking your trip and cancel at least 48 hours before departure.

Holiday travel insurance in 3 easy steps

  1. Visit our website or download the Faye app (available on Apple and Android).
  2. Enter a few trip details—your destination, travel dates, etc.
  3. Choose from supplemental coverage like CFAR or Rental car care.

     

And with the Faye app you can do more than just manage your policy. It’s designed to make your trip as seamless as possible. It includes the ability to purchase an eSIM when you go abroad, a space to upload your most precious documents protected by two-factor authentication,  local destination app recommendations and emergency contact info, and even a built-in digital wallet for fast reimbursements on approved claims, giving you plenty of tools to navigate your destination like a pro.

Illustration of three mobile phones showing different features of an app

Why now is the time to consider travel insurance

The holidays are unpredictable—from the weather to the lines at the airport. Travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a way to protect your plans and enjoy the season without thinking about every bump in the road.

With Faye, you’re never on your own. Our 24/7 support team is here to help, whether you’re filing a claim, looking for the best local restaurant, or figuring out how to make the most of a delay.

So, as you pack your bags this holiday season, don’t forget to add travel insurance to your list.

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