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Best Travel Insurance for your Vacation to Disney World

  • Depending on how much your trip costs and the total length of your stay, buying the official Disney travel insurance can easily work out to be more expensive than a third-party travel insurance plan.
  • The travel insurance offered by Disney Parks covers emergency medical expenses, lost or delayed baggage, trip delays, emergency evacuation, and auto rental coverage, but its low medical coverage limits are a concern.
  • The official Disney travel insurance for resort vacations costs $95 per adult and covers children under 17 for free. However, only U.S citizens staying at a Disney hotel or resort (booked through Disney) are eligible.
  • Opting for Disney’s plan could be a good choice if you only want basic coverage, but several third-party travel insurance plans also covers kids under 17 for free and offer more comprehensive coverage at a cheaper price than Disney’s.
  • Based off our findings, better Disney travel insurance plans are offered by Generali, Tin Leg, & Berkshire Hathaway. (Skip ahead to see plans)
  • We recommend reviewing the coverage limits and doing a quick comparison with an online quote tool to ensure you get the coverage you need at an affordable price.

A Disney World trip can cost up to $5,000 or more, depending on a few different variables. It’s no secret that between flights, resorts, park entrance fees, and food, even a short stay can be very expensive. For many people, planning a trip to Disney World on a budget can be the result of months of saving. So, before deciding on going to Disney World, it’s important to consider the costs and to protect your vacation the same as you would with a trip abroad. This includes opting for travel insurance.

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How much is a trip to Disney World?” The truth is, the answer can vary greatly based on your preferences and how many people are going.

According to Mouse Hacking, the average cost of a Disney vacation in 2024 is a little less than $7,000 for a family of four.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to figure out how much a trip to Disney World costs:

  • How much are tickets to Disney World per person?

For a 4-day entry pass, it comes roughly to $99 per day.

  • How much is a Disney World resort?

A 5-night stay for a family of 4 can come around to $5,000 average price.

  • How much are flights to Disney World?

An average of $150-$500 depending on when and from where you fly in the U.S.

Do you need travel insurance for Disney?

The short answer is yes, you should consider buying Disney travel insurance. For a 3-night stay in a Disney World resort and a 4-day park entry pass, a Disney vacation can quickly reach $3,000-$4,000.

Therefore, it makes sense to get a cheap Disney travel insurance plan that can ensure you and your investment are covered should anything happen to ruin your trip. Travel insurance policies start at just a few dollars per day and are a safe way to plan a trip to Disney World without worrying about losing your money should your trip be cut short or if someone falls ill.

What to consider when choosing Disney Travel Insurance

Depending on the specifics of your trip, you may need a certain type of insurance.

For example:

Regardless of the type of Disney vacation, ensuring you get the right kind of travel insurance for your trip is worthwhile.

Here is a look at some different scenarios you may want to consider before skipping on travel insurance for Disney.

Canceling your trip or cutting it short

You may not have it in the cards to cancel your trip, but Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida, which means there is a risk of receiving bad weather from passing hurricanes and sweltering temperatures in Summer.

It wouldn’t be the first time that hurricanes have forced the closure of Disney World parks, so it’s wise to opt for hurricane travel insurance to cover this scenario. Typically, hurricane season runs from June to November, so if you’re planning a trip to Disney during that time, getting travel insurance is a must.

You may want to consider opting for a plan that includes:

Note: Take a close look at the weather-related inclusions. Normally travel insurance will cover for unforeseen events such as severe weather, this comes under trip cancellation. If a storm was expected before you booked, then your travel insurance may not cover it.

Trip cancellation insurance for a trip to Disney World

If you’re not entirely sure you can make your Disney vacation happen and you’re worried about losing the money you paid, cancellation insurance is a must.

Trip cancellation insurance will usually reimburse you if you have to cancel for:

For extra assurance, you can also choose a travel insurance plan that comes with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

This additional insurance will make your travel insurance policy cost more upfront, but you can get reimbursed for anywhere from 50% to 75% of your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses when you cancel for any reason—even if you just decide you cannot go.

Trip interruption coverage

As a continuation of the above, your trip may start out great and hit a snag that forces you to cut it short. This is where trip interruption insurance can save the day.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans will include trip interruption coverage as standard. This helps to cover you if you need to be reimbursed for unused expenses or have to return home earlier than expected due to a problem covered by your policy. Sometimes this also includes paying for your flight home. Some reasons include injury or illness, frequent severe weather, or a family emergency such as a death in the family. For extra security, you could also get ‘interruption for any reason’ coverage which means you can cut your trip short for whatever notice and still get 75% of your costs back.

Covering your flights & belongings

While people in the South East often drive to Disney, it’s more common to fly to Orlando. If that’s the case you’ll want to ensure your flights and belongings are protected from delays, loss, or damage.

Trip delay coverage

Travel delay coverage can be useful in paying for accommodation, meals, or anything else you might need if your trip gets delayed. These can include flight delays due to bad weather, mechanical problems, or other issues.

Sometimes it can also pay out for having to extend your trip as a result of the delay. Normally, comprehensive travel insurance plans will have trip or travel delay included and are subject to a minimum waiting time and payment limit.

Baggage loss, delay & damage coverage

The recent baggage loss fiasco in the U.S. is no secret, and it is becoming ever more common. You may want to consider a plan with coverage for baggage delays or lost luggage reimbursement. Some travel insurance policies offer better coverage overall for damage and can even extend to covering rental cars.

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Coverage for health & safety while visiting Disney

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World with kids or grandparents, then getting additional medical travel insurance can be even more important.

During Florida’s summer months, temperatures can reach 100º or more, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke if you are not careful.

It’s also easy to forget that theme parks require some physical exertion. One example of this is the Mission to Space ride, which has a history of inducing heart attacks for certain visitors. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, getting travel medical insurance that covers medical fees is a wise choice.

Travel medical coverage & medical evacuation coverage

Disney’s travel insurance plan only covers you for up to $25,000 of medical assistance and $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation. In the U.S., this does not go very far and could potentially leave you having to pay out-of-pocket.

Even if you have your own health insurance, travel medical coverage can still be a vital lifeline. First off, travel medical insurance is made to cover common travel scenarios, some of which may not be covered under your traditional health insurance. It can typically be tailored to the individual and offer coverage for pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, medical evacuation coverage can ensure you have the full cost of transport to a hospital covered without additional out-of-pocket expenses. If you have to be rescued by ambulance or helicopter, some traditional health insurance plans may charge you out of pocket until your deductible is reached. Therefore, having this included in a travel medical plan is never a bad idea.

Should I get the official Disney World travel insurance?

Disney travel insurance is expensive, especially for Disney cruises, and is fairly basic. However, Disney travel insurance for a Disney park may be worth it if you want basic coverage and prefer to pay for it as part of your Disney vacation package.

In our opinion, the price only makes sense if you stay for around a week, or if you have many children – since kids are included for free under the Disney Travel Protection Plan.

In most cases, third-party travel insurance will offer better coverage at more competitive prices.

That said, not everyone is allowed to buy the official Disney travel insurance. To be eligible for Disney travel insurance you must be staying at a Disney resort and have booked directly through Disney.

This means you’re not eligible if you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb near a Disney park. The “Disney Travel Protection Plan” is offered at the time of booking, but can also be added by modifying an existing reservation.

Pros of Disney Travel Insurance
  • Easy to purchase
  • Priced as a single flat-fee
  • Backed directly by Disney
  • Covers many different scenarios
  • Kids are included for free
Cons of Disney Travel Insurance
  • Offers insufficient medical coverage limits
  • Expensive for what you get
  • Only available if you stay at a Disney resort
  • Coverage is not customizable
  • Pre-existing conditions not covered
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What we like about the Disney travel insurance

We like how easy it is to book Disney’s travel insurance policies as it is offered directly through the company. You can easily opt-in for Disney travel insurance with any package that includes a resort stay, a dining plan, and theme park tickets.

In regard to the price, it’s not the cheapest, but if your trip is expensive, the price can work out in your favor. That’s because Disney travel insurance is offered for a flat fee whereas most other travel insurance plans are priced based on how much your trip costs.

That said, there are some notable downsides to consider with Disney’s travel insurance plans.

Negative points to consider

Disney’s travel insurance plan only covers you up to a certain amount for medical assistance and emergency medical evacuation. In the U.S., this means it may not cover all the costs and you may have to pay out of your own pocket. Apart from this, Disney’s plans aren’t customizable. Therefore, you cannot upgrade or adjust the limits of the plan to ensure you are covered.

Moreover, medical insurance is generally the cheapest type of travel insurance and you can often find plans for under $20 per person that offer better medical coverage through big-name third-party insurance companies.

Another point to consider is that Disney travel insurance is only offered to people staying on-site. Therefore, if you don’t plan to stay at a Disney resort, this plan will not cover you.

Lastly, at $95 per adult, Disney’s travel insurance is expensive.

Keep in mind that kids are included for free and that it’s offered at a flat rate. In our mind, paying this price only makes sense if you have many kids and plan to stay for a week at Disney Resorts.

Otherwise, we recommend opting for a more comprehensive plan that can be adjusted to your needs. There are also several third-party providers who cover kids under 18 for free. So if this is a perk you like, you can still get it through another company.

What does Disney travel insurance cover?

At a glance, Disney travel insurance includes protection for emergency medical expenses, lost or delayed baggage, trip delays, emergency evacuation, and auto rental coverage, to name a few included perks. However, the exact coverages you get can vary slightly depending on your state.

Here is a detailed look at what the official Disney travel insurance covers:

  1. Baggage delay: Reimburses up to $500 for necessary incidental expenses when your bags are delayed 12 hours or more.
  2. Baggage loss: Reimburses up to $2,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage with a $500 limit per item and a $500 aggregate limit.
  3. Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Covers up to $100,00 in expenses for emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, and other eligible expenses.
  4. Emergency medical protection: Covers up to $25,000 in emergency medical expenses per traveler.
  5. Rental car damage: Reimburses up to $25,000 in losses in the event of collision, theft, damage, or vandalism when you rent a car.
  6. Travel accident coverage: Comes with up to $25,000 in coverage that applies in the event of accidental death or dismemberment.
  7. Travel assistance: Automatically receive 24/7 travel assistance services worldwide.
  8. Trip delay: Reimburses incidental expenses that occur when trips are delayed for six hours or more with a maximum limit of $600 ($200 per day).
  9. Trip cancellation or interruption: Reimburses up to the total cost of a trip when a vacation is canceled or interrupted for an eligible reason.

How much does Disney travel insurance cost?

Disney’s Travel Protection Plan for resort vacations is offered at a fixed cost of $95 per adult.
You can add children ages 17 and under to the plan for free.

The flat rate for Disney trip insurance can work for you or against you depending on the length of your trip and how many kids you have.

It’s underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and is only available for U.S. citizens regardless of where they live (U.S. or abroad). You may be better off going for a plan directly through Arch.

In general, it is a better deal overall for longer, pricier trips. For example, paying $190 to insure two adults and two children for a Disney resort vacation that costs $10,000 or even $5,000 can be a good deal. However, the same cannot be said for a short stay at a budget Disney property that costs under a few thousand dollars.

Third-party travel insurance for a Disney World vacation

As an alternative to buying the official Disney travel insurance, consider taking a look at the following options:

  1. Buying coverage from a third-party travel insurance company
  2. Checking if your credit card offers travel protection

Using an online comparison tool is a quick and easy way to compare multiple travel insurance policies and their pricing all in one place. This way you can clearly judge if other plans may be more beneficial to you than what Disney offers.

We recommend opting for a plan that has higher medical coverage limits than the Disney plan.

Many companies offer travel medical insurance with limits of up to $50,000 or $100,000 per traveler or even higher, which also includes medical evacuation and transportation coverage worth up to $1 million. Best of all, many of these plans include free coverage for kids under 17.

Best alternative travel insurance for a Disney trip

Here is a look at our top plans that offer great coverage and include kids for free.

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Best Overall Coverage

Full Policy Details

Generali Global Assistance

4.3
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Preferred
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$150,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Arguably one of the best policies on our list, the Preferred plan from Generali Global Assistance is a tempting alternative to Disney insurance. Providing $150,000 worth of emergency medical insurance and $500,000 of medical evacuation coverage, the plan offers coverage at the higher end of the market.

Along with providing a higher level of medical coverage compared to Disney, Generali Global Assistance’s Preferred plan allocates you a $1,000 per person travel delay, covering any unforeseen delays to your trip.

If your trip is interrupted or canceled altogether, this plan will grant you coverage of up to $6,000 for any interruption and $4,000 for a trip cancellation. Vacationing in Disney World’s hurricane-prone Orlando can be volatile, so it is a welcome note that Generali Global Assistance’s Preferred plan also offers hurricane and weather coverage.

PROS

  • High emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage
  • Extensive loss or delay coverage.

CONS

  • No pre-existing condition coverage

Best for Trip Cancellation Coverage

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Standard
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$30,000 / $200,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Tin Leg’s Standard plan provides an appealing alternative to Disney’s in-house insurance. With medical coverage up to $30,000 and medical evacuation up to $200,000, this policy is an ideal supplementary plan to your U.S. healthcare.

A variety of delays are covered in this plan, including travel delays at $500 per person and baggage delays at $200 per person. The added inclusion of sports and activities coverage will also mean you can get the most out of your Disney World experience, regardless of any activity.

Although the second most expensive policy on our list, Tin Leg’s Standard policy will provide coverage up to $4,000 for any trip cancellations and $6,000 for trip interruptions - ideal, as a Disney World trip can cost up to $5,000 or more. Coverage for both adults and children means Tin Leg’s Standard plan can cover both old and young, including those with preexisting medical conditions.

PROS

  • Customize from budget to premium coverage
  • Protection for COVID-19-related medical expenses included
  • All plans come with a 10 to 15-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Standard plan has lower policy limits for medical treatment
  • Secondary medical coverage means you must pay first & be reimbursed

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

Full Policy Details

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

4.3
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
ExactCare
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$25,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

This plan offers great value as it’s the second most affordable plan on the list and provides ideal coverage for families visiting Disney World. With $500,000 worth of medical evacuation coverage, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s ExactCare plan’s evacuation coverage is at the market’s higher end.

Similar to the ExactCare Lite coverage, ExactCare provides trip cancelation and interruption, yet with the more appealing levels of $4,000 for cancelation and $6,000 for interruption. This plan also offers free coverage for two children per adult named on the insurance plan.

As well as providing hurricane & weather coverage, the ExactCare plan goes one step further and provides coverage for delays such as travel, baggage, and the loss of personal items. The ExactCare plan more than doubles its medical coverage compared to ExactCare Lite, offering $25,000 worth of coverage. Although lower than average, this coverage is perfect as a supplementary plan to your U.S. healthcare when visiting Disney Land.

PROS

  • Free coverage for two children per adult
  • Includes high emergency medical evacuation coverage
  • Covers interruption and cancelation of the trip
  • Includes travel, baggage, and the loss of personal items coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage
  • 24 Hour AD&D

CONS

  • Lower medical coverage limits for international travel

Best Basic Coverage

Full Policy Details

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

4.3
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
ExactCare Lite
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$10,000 / $100,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

With much lower fees, the ExactCare Lite plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a fantastic alternative to Dinsey insurance, especially for those looking to save on costs. Coverage is included for both adults and children, offering free cover for two children per adult (aged 1 - 17) that you have listed on the plan. This brings peace of mind to the entire family on your Disney holiday

Located in Orlando, Florida, there is a higher likelihood of hurricanes affecting your visit to Disney World, it’s, therefore, a welcome bonus that ExactCare Lite offers hurricane & weather coverage as standard. This policy provides both trip cancellation and trip interruption clauses, covering both cancellations for medical and work reasons.

Although this policy doesn’t offer the highest emergency medical coverage, the medical evacuation coverage of $100,000 will bring confidence to US domestic travelers. With this plan, you will also be granted a money-back guarantee for 15 days following your purchase, allowing extra flexibility before your trip.

PROS

  • Free coverage for two children per adult
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Includes emergency medical evacuation coverage
  • Lower average cost for coverage
  • Free look up to 15 days after purchase

CONS

  • Lower medical coverage limits
  • Secondary medical coverage

Disney travel insurance FAQs

Can I get a refund for my Disney trip?

If you’re planning to visit a Walt Disney World Resort and you’re wondering if you can get a refund for your trip, you should know that travel insurance makes refunds possible in certain situations. For example, trip cancellation and interruption benefits can help you get a refund for prepaid travel expenses when your trip must be canceled or cut short for an eligible reason.

If you have cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance, on the other hand, you can cancel your trip and get a percentage of your total trip cost back at any time.

Can I cancel a Disney Cruise and get a full refund?

Whether or not you can get a refund for a Disney cruise depends on the details in your travel insurance policy. Once again, trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits can help you get a refund for prepaid cruise line expenses when your trip must be canceled or cut short for an eligible reason.

Meanwhile, CFAR coverage can also help you get part of your money back (usually 50% to 75%, depending on the plan) when you choose to cancel your cruise for any reason at all.

What’s the best time to go to Disney World?

Summer in Disney World Florida is not for the faint-hearted, with soaring temperatures as well as an increased chance of Hurricanes during the summer months from June until November, it can be hard to find the best time to go to Disney World. For those traveling with children, you may be restricted to school holiday dates, which means it is far more likely to get crowded at the parks too. For the best experience, try to go earlier in the year, from January until May or September until December. Although there can still be a chance of hurricanes in late summer, these are rarer and you’ll find that the weather is still quite warm and sunny, with fewer crowds.

Is Disney Cruise Insurance worth it?

Disney Cruise Line also offers its own travel insurance plan you can book when you set up and pay for a Disney cruise.

Disney cruise travel insurance includes the following types of coverage:

  1. Baggage loss: Reimburses up to $3,000 for lost, stolen or damaged luggage.
  2. Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation: Covers up to $30,00 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation, emergency transportation, and other eligible expenses.
  3. Travel assistance: Automatically receive 24/7 travel assistance services worldwide.
  4. Trip delay: Reimburses up to $500 if your cruise ship is delayed for six or more hours due to a strike, weather, or other covered reasons.
  5. Trip cancellation or interruption: Reimburses up to the total cost of a trip (maximum limit of $20,000) when a vacation is canceled or interrupted for an eligible reason.

Does travel insurance for Disney cover me in case of Covid

Covid is still very much a risk in the world, so the chances of catching it and testing positive before your trip can be a worry. To avoid this risk, you can purchase a travel insurance plan that covers Covid-related cancellations or interruptions, as well as medical expenses. Bear in mind, however, that if you want to cancel due to rising infections, and not because you have Covid, then you will need a CFAR insurance plan instead.

How much is Disney cruise travel insurance?

Disney cruises are an exception to the flat rate rule.

The cost of adding a travel insurance plan to a Disney cruise is charged as a percentage of the trip cost instead of using the flat rate model. Generally speaking, travel insurance from Disney for its cruises will set you back 8% of the voyage fare per guest. This is well over the industry average cost of travel insurance, which sits at 5-6%.

Considering the high costs of this type of vacation, the cost of this coverage can quickly become exorbitant. If you’re considering a seven-night Disney cruise for a family of four that costs $10,000, for example, the cost of Disney cruise insurance would surge to $800. Therefore, a third-party insurance plan may be a better fit.

Is Disney travel insurance worth it?

Disney travel insurance is definitely worth it given how expensive it has become to travel to, stay at, and enter Disney parks. However, in most cases, third-party travel insurance will offer better coverage at more competitive prices than the official Disney travel insurance.

The official Disney Travel Protection plan is very expensive for what it offers. It’s also a rigid plan that cannot be tailored to the individual needs of the people on your trip. We recommend looking for better, more flexible plans through a third-party provider that can offer better coverage often at a lower price.

As we mentioned above, we believe the price of the Disney Travel Protection Plan only makes sense if you stay for a week or more, or if you have many children.

Can I get a refund for my Disney trip?

If you have purchased travel insurance you may be able to get a full refund for your Disney trip. This will depend on the travel insurance policy.

The official Disney Travel Protection plan only reimburses you if you cancel for a reason covered in the policy – this is typically for reasons out of your control.

However, other travel insurance plans can cover your Disney vacation just as well and often, offer cancel for any reason travel insurance (CFAR) – allowing you to cancel your vacation for any reason whatsoever and still be fully refunded.

Can I cancel a Disney Cruise and get a full refund?

Whether or not you can get a refund for a Disney cruise depends on the details in your travel insurance policy. Once again, trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits can help you get a refund for prepaid cruise line expenses when your trip must be canceled or cut short for an eligible reason.

Meanwhile, CFAR coverage can also help you get part of your money back (usually 50% to 75%, depending on the plan) when you choose to cancel your cruise for any reason at all.

Can I use Credit card travel insurance for my Disney World trip?

Many travel credit cards offer some travel insurance perks on a complimentary basis. Some even offer robust protection for trip cancellation and interruption, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and other travel mishaps that can occur during your trip.

That said, travel credit cards tend to come up short when it comes to offering protection for emergency medical expenses that occur during a trip. With that in mind, you should read over the credit card coverages you’re offered to see if policy limits are sufficient for your needs. If not, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can help you get the right amount of medical coverage for your Disney World vacation or cruise.

About the Author

Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson Personal Finance

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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