Practical Information
Travel insurance.
Non-refundable deposits, international medical bills, and unpredictable weather are all reasons a good policy earns its keep. Here's what we recommend our guests look for.
Why It Matters
Our trips are privately arranged.
That's the point — and the risk.
When you book a packaged tour through a large operator, any disruption — illness, a cancelled flight, a closed border — is someone else's problem to re-route around. A custom itinerary is different. Your villa, your guide, your driver, your private dinner: each is reserved for your party alone and paid in advance.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy replaces those sunk costs if something goes wrong, covers the emergency medical bills an international visit can generate, and — most importantly — pays for medical evacuation, which routinely runs into tens of thousands of dollars.
What To Look For
Six coverages to weigh before you buy.
Not every policy includes every line item below — and the dollar limits vary widely. Treat this as a checklist when comparing quotes.
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01
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you have to cancel before departure or cut a trip short for a covered reason (illness, family emergency, natural disaster).
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02
Emergency Medical & Evacuation
Covers medical treatment abroad and — critically — air ambulance or evacuation to an appropriate hospital. This is the single most important coverage and often the most overlooked.
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03
Baggage & Personal Effects
Replaces lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. Also covers essentials you need to purchase while bags catch up with you.
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04
Travel Delay
Reimburses extra meals, transport, and accommodation when a covered delay (weather, airline operations, strikes) knocks your itinerary off schedule.
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05
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)
An optional upgrade that lets you cancel for reasons not on the standard list, usually for a partial refund. Must typically be added within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit.
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06
Adventure & Activity Cover
Check your policy if your trip includes activities like heli-hiking, private boats, or remote trekking — some standard policies exclude them.
Common Questions
Before you call your provider.
Do I need travel insurance to book with Hamilton & Chase?
Insurance isn't mandatory for most of our trips, but we strongly recommend it — and it is required for certain activity-heavy itineraries and some remote destinations. Many of our guests view it as non-negotiable on a private trip where significant deposits are placed with hotels and ground operators months in advance.
When should I buy a policy?
Ideally within 14–21 days of your first trip deposit. This window unlocks the best benefits on most plans — including pre-existing medical condition waivers and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades. You can still buy later, but those optional protections may no longer be available.
Does my credit card cover travel insurance?
Some premium credit cards include travel protection when you pay for the trip on the card. Benefits are usually narrow — trip delay, lost luggage, rental car cover — and the medical and evacuation limits are almost always inadequate for international travel. Read the fine print before relying on it alone.
Can Hamilton & Chase recommend a specific provider?
We can't sell or recommend a specific policy — insurance regulation varies by country and personal circumstance — but our specialists will happily point you toward well-regarded providers used by fellow travellers. Email us at [email protected] and we'll share the list.
What isn't covered by most policies?
Pre-existing medical conditions (unless waived), high-risk activities, travel to regions under government travel warnings, acts of war, and losses from intoxication or illegal activity are common exclusions. Pandemic-related cover varies widely — always read the policy summary carefully.
How do I file a claim while travelling?
Always contact your insurer first — they'll guide you on required documentation (police reports, medical records, receipts). Keep our 24/7 concierge line handy as well; we can help coordinate on-the-ground logistics, translate, and liaise with local suppliers while your claim is underway.
Important: Hamilton & Chase does not sell, broker, or underwrite insurance. The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for the terms of a specific policy. Always read the policy documents carefully before purchase.
Questions About Cover?
Your specialist can share the names of providers trusted by fellow travellers and help you understand what a policy should cover for your trip specifically.
We value your privacy