What is travel insurance and why do I need it?

Travel insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs on your trip, such as medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays. It gives you financial protection and access to 24/7 assistance when you’re far from home.

Do I really need travel insurance for this trip?

It depends on your plans and risk tolerance. If you’re traveling internationally, going on a cruise, spending a lot on non-refundable bookings, or you have valuable health or travel concerns, insurance can be worth it. If you’re traveling domestically on a tight budget, you might still want coverage for medical emergencies or cancellations.

What does a single-trip plan typically cover?

Most single-trip plans include: Trip cancellation/interruption (refunds for non-refundable costs if you can’t travel or must cut your trip short); medical coverage and emergency evacuation (helps with medical expenses abroad and evacuation to a suitable facility); baggage protection (reimbursement for delayed, lost, or stolen luggage); travel delay (reimbursement for meals, lodging, and essentials during a delay); 24/7 assistance and concierge services.

Is medical coverage the same as travel medical insurance?

Not always. A comprehensive travel insurance plan usually includes medical coverage and evacuation, while some basic plans focus on trip protections. If medical emergencies are your priority, look for a plan that offers strong medical and evacuation benefits, and check whether they’re primary or secondary to your health insurance.

Do plans cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Many plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver if you meet certain criteria (e.g., purchase within a specified window, obtain a medical clearance, and/or insure the full non-refundable trip cost). If you have a pre-existing condition, tell us your condition and travel dates so we can help you find the best option.

Are pandemics or illness covered?

Coverage for pandemics or illnesses varies by plan. Some plans cover illness that prevents travel or requires medical treatment abroad, while others may have exclusions or require cancellation to be for a covered reason. Always check the policy’s exclusions and any pandemic-related terms.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Premiums depend on factors like your age, trip cost, destination, trip length, and coverage levels. You’ll typically see a range from a few percent to around 10% of the trip cost, depending on how comprehensive the plan is.

Can I buy travel insurance after I’ve paid deposits?

Yes, you can usually buy coverage after you’ve paid deposits, as long as you do it before a covered reason for cancellation occurs and within the plan’s purchase window. Some plans require you to insure the full non-refundable trip cost.

How do I file a claim?

To file a claim, you’ll typically submit: your policy number and trip details; proof of the covered loss (receipts, medical records, police reports for theft, etc.); a completed claim form; and any other documents the insurer requests. Most insurers offer online claims portals and 24/7 support to guide you through the process.

What counts as a covered reason for trip cancellation?

Common covered reasons include serious illness or injury, a family emergency, severe weather affecting your destination, jury duty, or work obligations (depending on the policy). Review the “Covered Reasons” section of your SOB (Summary of Benefits) to be sure.

Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions?

If you have a pre-existing condition, you generally should disclose it during purchase. Some plans offer a waiver if you meet eligibility criteria (sale window, full trip cost coverage, no symptoms). If you’re not sure, we can review options with you.

Do I need separate travel insurance if I already have health insurance or credit card benefits?

Sometimes you don’t need a duplicative policy. Health insurance may cover medical emergencies abroad only to a point, and you may still need evacuation coverage. Some credit cards offer travel protections for purchases made with the card. Compare what each source covers and how benefits coordinate (primary vs secondary).

How far in advance should I buy travel insurance?

Ideally soon after you book your trip to maximize cancellation coverage. Some plans allow changes and additions up to a certain deadline, but late purchases may limit coverage for pre-booked costs or events.

Can I cancel or modify my plan after purchase?

Many plans permit cancellation or modification within a cooling-off period (for a full refund or credit). Some plans allow changes for a fee or with a new premium. Check the terms for your specific plan.

How do I compare two policies side-by-side?

Compare these key elements: covered reasons and exclusions; medical and evacuation limits; deductibles and co-insurance; trip cost limits and maximum benefit; pre-existing condition waivers; exclusions for destination, activities, and pandemics; and the claim process and support services.

Vietnam Visa for US Travelers: The Complete 2026 Guide

Nearly every US traveler to Vietnam needs a visa — and for almost everyone, the answer is the 90-day e-visa: $25, fully online, no embassy required. Since August 2023 Vietnam’s e-visa is open to citizens of all countries and territories, valid up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. Apply only at the government portal, expect about 3–5 working days of processing, and ignore the swarm of lookalike sites charging triple for the same document. Here’s the complete, current picture.

Verified against official Vietnamese government sources as of August 2, 2026 — visa rules change, so confirm on the official portal before you book. Not legal advice.

Your Options at a Glance

Route	Who it’s for	Stay	Cost
E-visa (the default)	All nationalities, including US citizens	Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry	$25 single / $50 multiple
Visa-free entry	Citizens of ~24 listed countries (the US is not on the list)	Typically 45 days	Free
Visa on arrival (legacy route)	Air travelers with a pre-approval letter arranged in advance	Varies	Approval letter fee + stamping fee

US, Canadian, and Australian citizens are not visa-exempt — the e-visa is the standard route.

The E-Visa, Step by Step

Go to the official portal only: evisa.gov.vn (the Immigration Department’s portal — also reachable at thithucdientu.gov.vn). If the domain doesn’t end in .gov.vn, it is not the government — it’s a reseller marking up the $25 fee to $80–200.
Prepare three things: a passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival with blank pages, a clear color scan of your passport’s photo page, and a 4×6 cm passport-style photo (white background, no glasses, JPEG).
Fill the form exactly as your passport reads — name order, passport number, dates. Mismatches are the top rejection reason. You’ll declare entry/exit dates and your port of entry.
Pay $25 (single) or $50 (multiple) by card. Non-refundable even if refused, so accuracy matters. Save the registration code.
Wait ~3–5 working days (budget 7–10 around Tet and peak summer; weekends and Vietnamese holidays don’t count). Check status with your code, then download and print two copies of the PDF.

Five Details That Trip Travelers Up

Your e-visa is tied to the port of entry you selected. It’s honored at 83 checkpoints (17 airports including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, plus land borders and seaports) — but you enter through the one on your document. Landing in Hanoi with a Ho Chi Minh City e-visa is a problem.
Single-entry visas die when you exit — even with 60 days left. Planning a Cambodia or Laos side trip? Pay the $50 for multiple entry.
The validity window is fixed by your declared dates. Arriving before your start date doesn’t work; arriving late doesn’t extend the end.
Ho Chi Minh City arrivals: complete the digital arrival declaration. Since April 15, 2026, passengers landing at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) must complete the Immigration Department’s online arrival declaration before reaching the immigration counters.
Overstays are fined on a rising scale — small delays cost tens of dollars, longer ones hundreds, plus real trouble re-entering. Extensions are possible in-country; start the process a week or more before expiry.

Costs and Timing for Related Steps

For deeper dives on the money and the wait, see our focused guides to Vietnam visa costs and processing times. Using the legacy visa-on-arrival route? It still functions for air arrivals with a pre-approval letter, but for most travelers the e-visa has made it unnecessary. And before any international trip, run through our travel documents checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. The US is not on Vietnam’s visa-exemption list, so American travelers need a visa for any visit — the 90-day e-visa is the standard route.

How much is a Vietnam visa in 2026?

$25 for a single-entry e-visa, $50 for multiple entry — paid by card on the official government portal. Anything higher is a third-party markup.

How long does the Vietnam e-visa take?

About 3–5 working days after payment; up to 7–10 around Tet and in peak season. Apply one to two weeks before your flight.

Can I stay in Vietnam for 90 days?

Yes — since August 2023 the e-visa allows stays up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries depending on which version you buy.

Which website is the real Vietnam e-visa site?

Only the Immigration Department’s portal: evisa.gov.vn (also thithucdientu.gov.vn). Check for the .gov.vn ending — “official-looking” .com sites are resellers or scams.

Can I extend a Vietnam e-visa?

In-country extensions are possible through the immigration authorities (fees and processing vary; agents charge more). Start before your visa expires — overstaying triggers escalating fines.

Sources

Note: Facts verified August 2, 2026 against the official portal and current guidance. Rules change — always confirm before booking.