Festival season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for travelers and festival-goers alike to enjoy live music, try new food, and create long-lasting memories. Attending a festival can be a significant investment for some, from taking the time to plan which musical artists you plan to see to ensuring a smooth arrival.
You may have noticed that when you select a ticket for a festival like Coachella, there is an option to add XCover Ticket Protection to your purchase. But is ticket insurance just enough? While the convenience of ticket insurance may be attractive, there are other ways to advance your coverage that you can explore.
This guide will break down the difference between ticket vs trip insurance, and how to choose the right option for your travel needs.
What is XCover Ticket Protection and What Does it Cover?
If you have purchased tickets through the Coachella website, it is likely that you saw the optional XCover Ticket Protection add-on. While this add-on may feel like a safety net, it is important to know what it does and doesn’t cover.
XCover Ticket Protection is designed to cover the cost of your ticket if you are unable to attend Coachella due to specific, covered reasons.
Here is a quick overview of what you should know about its coverage and benefits:
Illness or Injury: Coverage applies if you or one of your ticket holders becomes ill or injured and can’t attend the event. It may also apply if a close relative is ill or injured and requires you to provide care, or if a close relative passes away.
Transportation Delay or Cancellation: You are covered if your public transportation (e.g. bus, train, flight, etc.) is canceled and there was no alternative service available at a similar price, causing you to miss the event.
Travel Warning: Coverage if public authorities issue a travel warning for the day of the event, or the day prior. These warnings include but are not limited to extreme weather, terrorism, or other safety concerns.
Court Duty: You’re covered if you are called for military service, jury duty or as a witness in a court.
This type of insurance can be worthwhile if you encounter one of these covered situations. However, it does not extend to other parts of your trip, such as flights, accommodations, luggage, or unexpected medical needs during your travel.
For festival-goers travelling from out-of-state or internationally, it may be worth looking into trip insurance as an added layer of protection. While ticket insurance helps with specific, ticket-related issues, trip insurance can typically cover most unpredicted events for that extra peace of mind and financial security.
Why U.S. and International Attendees Should Consider Broader Protection
Coachella is one of the most attended festivals both internationally and domestically. One of the primary reasons festival attendees should consider adding trip insurance is to protect against the financial investment and impact of trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays. Before deciding whether or not it is worth it, it is essential to know what it covers.
What Does Trip Insurance Cover?
Trip Cancellation
Trip cancellation covers a majority of your nonrefundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (e.g. illness or severe weather). If your airline doesn’t cover flight changes, this may help.
Trip Interruption
If you need to cut your trip short due to illness, a family emergency, or another covered event, trip insurance can help reimburse for those costs.
Keep all receipts and documentation when filing a claim so your insurance can see what caused the interruption and how much you will need to be refunded due to the interruption.
Trip Delay
Coverage for extra costs, such as meals or accommodation, if your trip is delayed due to reasons like inclement weather or mechanical issues.
Missed Flight Connections
Covers costs if you miss a connection due to reasons such as airline delays, extreme weather, or other covered events. In most cases, it also may reimburse prepaid bookings and help with rebooking transportation.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Travel insurance includes medical coverage, but that may not be important for those with strong domestic policies. But did you know that an ambulance can cost you thousands of dollars? And that’s not included in your domestic insurance.
Luckily, if you experience a medical emergency, a travel insurance policy will cover the usual and customary transportation expenses to the nearest hospital or medical facility. Even beyond that, trip insurance can also provide transportation and coverage for medical transportation beyond that (such as an airlift to another hospital, transportation to receive medical treatment at home, etc.), provided that:
- The local attending physician and the designated Travel Assistance Services Provider determine that your condition is acute, severe, or life-threatening.
- Adequate medically necessary treatment is not available in your immediate area.
Accident and Sickness
Covers emergency medical care for new illnesses or injuries during your trip, especially if you are travelling internationally. This is not a substitute for your regular health insurance, and coverage varies by plan.
With trip insurance, you can book your flights and hotels with the knowledge that someone has your back. Beyond financial protection, it can also give you a better peace of mind knowing that you have protection for all of the things trip insurance covers.
How to Make the Right Trip Insurance Decision
In the end, it is all about making sure that you are well prepared for any unexpected event. Instead of automatically clicking on XCover’s ticket insurance plan during checkout, consider the following:
- Assess your needs: Consider your destination, activities, health conditions, and trip investments
- Compare multiple plans: Research the different kinds of coverage plans based on your needs
- Read policy details carefully: Understand exactly what’s covered before purchasing any plan
- Consider existing coverage: Check if your credit card or health insurance already provides travel protection
- Calculate the value: Compare the cost of each policy against its coverage limits and benefits
Finding a Plan That is Right for You
Coachella is an experience that trip insurance can help cover for. Whether travelling internationally or domestically, finding a plan that fits your needs can help what could potentially be a larger investment than Coachella.
If you have questions about finding the right trip insurance for your travels, our licensed travel insurance experts are here to help provide personalized guidance and support throughout the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does trip insurance typically cost?
Trip insurance typically costs about 5–10% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, but the price can vary based on factors like your trip cost, length, age, destination, and any optional add-ons. While it adds a small amount to your travel budget, trip insurance can help protect you from major losses if your plans change unexpectedly.
When should I buy trip insurance?
For maximum coverage benefits, purchase trip insurance as soon as possible after making your first trip payment. Many time-sensitive benefits such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) are only available if you buy within 14-20 days of your initial trip deposit.
Does trip insurance cover if I cancel my trip?
Trip insurance can cover you if you cancel your trip, but only for specific, covered reasons. These typically include things like unexpected illness or injury, a death in the family, severe weather, etc. If you want the flexibility to cancel for any reason not listed in the policy, you’ll need to add Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which typically comes at an additional cost and has specific requirements.
Does trip insurance cover concert tickets?
Yes. Trip insurance can help recover nonrefundable expenses if your travel plans are canceled, interrupted, or delayed by unforeseen events. You can insure prepaid, nonrefundable expenses such as cruises, tours, festivals, and more.
Can I add trip insurance after booking my trip?
You can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, however, the timing changes what you get when it comes to coverage benefits and protection.
How can I get the most accurate quote for my trip?
To get a precise quote for your trip, you should use an online quote tool. Be ready to enter your total non-refundable trip cost, your age, and your trip dates. This will allow the tool to provide a personalized premium estimate based on your specific details.
