Hawaii Travel Insurance Guide

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Is Travel Insurance Required for Hawaii?

A trip to Hawaii takes a little planning and diligence and given the cost of travel expenses and the non-refundable nature of flights and accommodations, travel insurance is a smart move.

Any adventure of this magnitude comes with various unknowns, from lousy weather canceling or delaying flights to hiking accidents due to slipping in rainy conditions. Travel insurance can be the difference between a trip spent worrying on days leading up to the flight or while out hiking in Waimea Canyon. 

Hawaii is a natural playground, offering endless opportunities for hiking, surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, and every other outdoor activity. You may not need travel insurance, strictly speaking, but opting for coverage can be a source of great comfort and let you experience all of Hawaii without any financial worries. 

Types of Travel Insurance For Hawaii

Most travel insurance plans provide a comprehensive list of coverages that cover medical emergencies, trip changes and cancellations, and issues with baggage and personal items. Depending on the travel provider, this can be all in one policy or you can select only the coverages that interest you the most.

The most popular types of travel insurance for Hawaii are trip cancelation and flight delay insurance. They include coverage for cancellations and changes to your itinerary for almost any reason, from harsh weather to family emergencies. These policies help cover unforeseen circumstances that force you to change your plans or cancel them entirely, saving you money that would otherwise be completely lost. A good travel insurance company goes to bat on your behalf, covering all your losses while attempting to recuperate the losses directly from the services you booked through.

Other types of travel insurance are travel medical insurance and evacuation insurance. They work with you to get you the care you need in the event of serious injuries or illnesses that warrant medical intervention. This kind of policy may or may not cover anything related to cancellations or unexpected events such as natural disasters, but can often be combined with them. It’s important to point out the evacuation insurance since even though you might have U.S. health insurance that covers you for all states in the country, it may not include an evacuation emergency policy. In places like Hawaii, where accidents can happen on hikes deep within a canyon or on a secluded beach, helicopter rescues aren’t unheard of. Since they aren’t a common worry for most people, your insurance may not offer coverage for this. 

Baggage lost and damage insurance will reimburse you for any lost, stolen, or damaged baggage as part of your trip. While some airlines may cover a portion of it, your insurance can cover the rest that wasn’t compensated. If you need to buy any additional items or clothing due to the lost or missing items, this type of travel insurance also covers this. If you’re taking multiple flights or flying in between the many Hawaiian islands, it’s something to consider. 

The most comprehensive plans cost more, but the coverage you receive often outweighs the possible expenses. In the event that an emergency of any variety happens, a full plan gives you the chance to salvage the rest of the trip and avoid a mountain of extra debt. You can also book extra activities and tours with confidence knowing that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.

Hawaii Travel Insurance Cost

Hawaii travel insurance typically costs anywhere between 5-10% of your total trip cost. Depending on how your airline tickets, accommodations, and what you need covered, this number can fall below or above the average percentage. As an example, if your total Hawaii trip costs around $6000, expect to pay an additional $300 to $600 for travel insurance.  

Coverage determines how much your plan will cost, so the more you want covered, the more you will need to pay. Basic coverage falls near the bottom end of the spectrum and can be easily justified as a means to cover true emergencies. 

It’s worth noting that since your plan may be based on the total cost of your trip, your premium will be noticeably higher if you enjoy luxury travel. If this is a concern, look into the policies of your chosen airline and accommodations, as certain coverages might already be included for luxury travel. You can also enjoy some of the benefits of travel insurance through your credit card if you use a travel credit card to buy services and tickets. These benefits can serve as a nice base, but still consider an additional plan for any of the issues not covered by your card.

The best bang for your buck is to find a policy that allows you to customize your coverage and pay for what is most important to you. There are providers that will do this and are among some of the best in the travel industry. ​

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