Your Ultimate Travel Insurance Glossary: Terms starting with I

 Glossary on Travel Insurance Terms starting with I

Understanding travel insurance can be complex, but knowing the key terms and concepts can simplify the process. This glossary is designed to answer essential questions about travel insurance, such as “What is included in travel insurance?” and “What is LTA in travel insurance?” It covers a wide range of topics, from the most common type of travel insurance to specifics like global travel protection and what “worldwide” means in the context of coverage.

Whether you're curious about the duration of travel insurance, what international and domestic policies cover, or what travel insurance does not cover, this guide has you covered. Discover the different types of travel insurance, the importance of having coverage, and how global travel insurance terms apply, especially with considerations for COVID-19.

With clear explanations and examples, you’ll learn about global travel policies, what is covered in international travel insurance, and how to obtain the right travel insurance for your needs. Dive into our glossary to gain a comprehensive understanding of travel insurance and make informed decisions for your next trip.

To help you decode this complex landscape, we've compiled a comprehensive glossary from A to Z. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to understand and make the most of your travel insurance coverage.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T
U	V	W	X	Y	Z

1. Immediate Family: A group of relatives that typically includes parents, siblings, children, spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, and sometimes in-laws. Travel insurance policies often provide coverage benefits for events affecting immediate family members.
2. Incapacitation: A state in which a traveler is rendered unable to perform normal daily activities due to illness or injury. This condition can trigger certain insurance benefits, such as trip interruption or cancellation.
3. Incidental Coverage: Additional coverage that may be included in a travel insurance policy to cover minor expenses related to a specific risk, such as incidental hospital charges during a covered medical event.
4. Injury: Physical harm or damage to the body caused by an external force or accident. Travel insurance policies typically cover medical expenses arising from injuries sustained during the insured trip.
5. Insurance Certificate: A document provided by the insurer that outlines the specifics of the travel insurance policy, including coverage limits, covered events, exclusions, and the policyholder’s information.
6. Insurance Premium: The amount of money a traveler pays for a travel insurance policy. Premiums vary based on factors such as the type of coverage, trip duration, destination, and the traveler’s age.
7. Insured: The person or people who are covered under a travel insurance policy. The insured can include the primary policyholder and any additional travelers listed on the policy.
8. Insurer: The insurance company that underwrites and issues the travel insurance policy, providing financial protection and coverage as outlined in the policy agreement.
9. Itinerary: A detailed schedule of travel plans, including destinations, accommodations, transportation, and activities. Travel insurance may require submission of the itinerary to validate claims related to trip cancellations or interruptions.
   
   
   
10. International Coverage: Travel insurance that provides protection for trips outside the policyholder's home country. This coverage typically includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related incidents.
11. Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR): An optional travel insurance benefit that allows travelers to interrupt their trip and receive reimbursement for a portion of their trip costs for reasons not
12.  In-Patient: A traveler who is admitted to a hospital for at least one overnight stay. Travel insurance policies often distinguish between in-patient and out-patient care when determining coverage and benefits for medical treatment.
13. Incident: Any event or occurrence that may trigger a claim under a travel insurance policy, such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or loss of personal belongings.
14. Insurance Claim: A formal request made by the policyholder to the insurance company for payment or reimbursement of covered expenses under the terms of the travel insurance policy. Claims must be supported by relevant documentation and submitted within the policy's specified timeframe.
15. Insurance Deductible: The amount the insured must pay out-of-pocket before the travel insurance policy begins to pay for covered expenses. Deductibles can apply to medical claims, trip cancellation, or other covered events, depending on the policy terms.
16. Insurance Policy: The contract between the insurer and the insured that outlines the terms, conditions, coverage limits, exclusions, and obligations of both parties. The policy is the definitive guide to what is and isn't covered.
17. Inbound Travel Insurance: Insurance coverage purchased by travelers visiting a foreign country. This type of insurance typically provides medical coverage, emergency assistance, and other benefits for non-residents traveling to a specific destination.
18. Insurable Interest: The financial or emotional interest a policyholder has in the subject matter of the insurance policy. In travel insurance, insurable interest refers to the traveler's stake in the trip, such as prepaid expenses or non-refundable deposits.
19. Indemnity: The principle in insurance that aims to restore the insured to the same financial position they were in before a covered loss occurred. Travel insurance policies often operate on an indemnity basis, providing reimbursement for covered expenses up to the policy limits.
20. Itinerary Change: A modification to the original travel plans, such as changes in flight schedules, accommodation bookings, or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may offer coverage for additional expenses incurred due to itinerary changes, such as rebooking fees or accommodation upgrades.
21. Identity Theft Assistance: A service provided by some travel insurance policies to assist travelers in the event of identity theft while traveling. This may include help with reporting the theft, obtaining replacement documents, and resolving fraudulent transactions.
22. International Medical Coverage: Insurance coverage that provides reimbursement for medical expenses incurred while traveling outside the insured's home country. This coverage typically includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.
23. Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Sports: Competitive sports activities organized by educational institutions, such as college or high school sports teams. Some travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for injuries sustained while participating in intercollegiate or interscholastic sports events.
24. Incident Report: A formal document submitted to the insurance company detailing the circumstances of an incident that may lead to a claim under the travel insurance policy. The incident report provides essential information for the claims processing and investigation.
25.  Inpatient Rehabilitation: Medical treatment provided in a rehabilitation facility that requires the patient to stay overnight for an extended period. Travel insurance may cover inpatient rehabilitation expenses following an injury or illness during the trip.
26. Involuntary Reassignment: A change in work duties or responsibilities imposed by an employer without the employee's consent. Some travel insurance policies may provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to involuntary reassignment, subject to specific terms and conditions.
27. Injury: Physical harm or damage to the body resulting from an accident or incident. In the context of travel insurance, coverage for injuries typically includes medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
28. Insolvency: The financial state of being unable to pay debts as they come due. Travel insurance policies may offer coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to the insolvency of a travel supplier, such as an airline, cruise line, or tour operator.
29. Inclement Weather: Severe or adverse weather conditions that may disrupt travel plans, such as hurricanes, snowstorms, or heavy rainfall. Travel insurance may provide coverage for trip cancellation, delay, or interruption due to inclement weather, subject to policy terms and conditions.
    
    
    
30. In-network Provider: A healthcare provider or facility that has a contractual agreement with the insurance company to provide medical services to policyholders at discounted rates. Travel insurance plans with medical coverage may specify preferred in-network providers for receiving treatment while traveling.
31. Inconvenience: Any discomfort, inconvenience, or annoyance experienced by travelers during their trip. Travel insurance policies may offer benefits for travel inconveniences, such as flight delays, baggage loss, or missed connections.
32. International SOS (ISOS): A global medical and travel security assistance company that provides emergency medical and evacuation services to travelers worldwide. Some travel insurance policies partner with International SOS to offer assistance and support to insured travelers in emergencies.
33. Itinerary: A detailed plan or schedule of travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, and activities. Travel insurance may provide coverage for changes to the itinerary, such as trip cancellation, interruption, or delay.
34. In-flight Insurance: Insurance coverage offered by airlines to passengers for accidents or incidents that occur during a flight. In-flight insurance typically provides benefits for accidental death, dismemberment, or medical emergencies while onboard an aircraft.
35. Incidental Expenses: Additional costs or charges incurred during travel that are not directly related to transportation, accommodation, or activities. Travel insurance may cover incidental expenses resulting from trip delays, baggage loss, or medical emergencies.
36. International Driving Permit (IDP): A document that allows individuals to drive legally in foreign countries where their domestic driver's license may not be recognized. Some travel insurance policies require travelers to have an International Driving Permit when renting or driving a vehicle overseas.
37.  Itinerary Change: A modification or alteration to the original travel plans, including changes to flights, accommodations, or activities. Travel insurance may provide coverage for itinerary changes due to covered reasons such as illness, natural disasters, or airline strikes.
38. Immediate Family: Close relatives of the insured individual, typically including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and in-laws. Travel insurance policies may offer coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, or emergency medical expenses for immediate family members.
39. Involuntary Termination: The involuntary cessation or termination of employment by an employer, typically due to reasons beyond the employee's control, such as layoffs, company restructuring, or business closure. Travel insurance may provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to involuntary termination of employment.
40. Interruption: The disruption or cessation of a trip after it has already begun, typically due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, natural disasters, or other emergencies. Travel insurance may offer coverage for trip interruption, reimbursing travelers for prepaid and non-refundable expenses.
    
    
    
41. Insurable Interest: A financial or pecuniary interest in the insured subject matter, such as a property, trip, or event, that would result in a financial loss if the insured subject matter were damaged, lost, or interrupted. Insurable interest is a fundamental principle of insurance contracts.
42. In-patient Care: Medical treatment or hospitalization that requires the patient to be admitted to a hospital or healthcare facility for overnight stay or extended monitoring. Travel insurance may provide coverage for in-patient care, including hospital expenses, physician fees, and related medical services.
43. In-network: Referring to healthcare providers, facilities, or services that are contracted or affiliated with an insurance company to provide medical care to policyholders at reduced rates. In-network providers may offer preferred pricing and coverage under a travel insurance policy's medical benefits.
44. Insurable Risk: A condition, event, or circumstance that meets the criteria for being eligible for insurance coverage, including uncertainty, fortuitousness, insurable interest, and measurable loss. Travel insurance policies are designed to cover insurable risks associated with travel-related events.
45. International Travel: Travel outside of one's home country or territory to foreign destinations, including leisure travel, business travel, and other purposes. International travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and other travel-related risks while abroad.
46. Incident: An event or occurrence that triggers coverage under a travel insurance policy, such as a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or baggage loss. Insurers typically define specific incidents that qualify for coverage in the policy terms and conditions.
47. Indemnity: The principle of compensation or reimbursement for a loss or damage incurred by the insured individual. Travel insurance provides indemnity by reimbursing travelers for covered expenses related to trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and other insured events.
48.  Injury: Physical harm or damage sustained by an individual as a result of an accident, illness, or external force. Travel insurance may offer coverage for medical treatment, hospitalization, and other expenses associated with injuries sustained during a trip.
49. Injury Waiver: A provision in a travel insurance policy that exempts the insurer from liability for injuries sustained by the insured individual, typically in cases of high-risk activities or hazardous pursuits. Injury waivers may exclude coverage for certain sports or activities deemed too risky.
50. Insolvency: The financial inability of a travel supplier, such as an airline, tour operator, or cruise line, to fulfill its contractual obligations due to bankruptcy, liquidation, or financial insolvency. Travel insurance may provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to supplier insolvency.
51. Itinerary: A detailed plan or schedule of travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodations, activities, and other elements of a trip. Travel insurance policies often require travelers to provide their itinerary when purchasing coverage to ensure accurate protection.
52. Indemnity Period: The duration or period during which an insured individual is eligible to receive benefits or compensation under a travel insurance policy, typically starting from the occurrence of a covered event and ending when the insured individual's situation is resolved or stabilized.
53. Inclement Weather: Adverse or severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, thunderstorms, or heavy rainfall, that may disrupt travel plans and pose safety risks to travelers.
54. Identity Theft: The unauthorized use or theft of an individual's personal or financial information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passport details, for fraudulent purposes. Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for expenses related to identity theft, such as legal fees and credit monitoring services.