Understanding Sandals Trip Mate Insurance: How to Use Your Policy Without the Stress
Travel insurance is one of those things you buy hoping you’ll never need it… but when real life happens (flight delays, sudden illness, lost bags), you want to know exactly what’s covered and how to get your money back.
The Beaches & Sandals Travel Insurance Plan— which is administered by Trip Mate and paired with the Unique Vacations Cancellation Waiver—serves as a specialized Sandals insurance option offered by Sandals and Beaches resorts. It’s the travel insurance we always recommend, and it’s especially relevant for your all-inclusive vacation package, providing complete coverage for your time away.
Today, we’ll summarize this complicated policy document into plain language: what the plan covers, when you’ll get cash vs. travel credit, and how to file a claim.
We’re going to make this easy!
Table of Contents - Sandals Travel Insurance Explained
First Things First—What You Actually Bought
Priced at $140.00 per person, the Sandals and Beaches offered plan is not only one of the least expensive travel insurance options out there, but it’s really two different protections bundled together:
Provided by Trip Mate, this is a third-party provider, not Sandals itself.
You can add this protection plan during the booking process, either at the time of confirming your reservation or before your final payment – but never after. Prior to this decision, we’ll share the policy documents and ask that you fully review the plan information to make sure you understand the benefits.
As your Sandals Royal Club Diamond Elite travel expert, we’ll answer questions and be here to help you fully prepare for your getaway.
Here is what is important to know upfront…
1. The Sandals And Beaches Resorts “Cancel For Any Reason” Waiver
This part comes from Sandals/Beaches—not the insurance company. If you cancel for any reason at all, up to the day of travel, you’ll get:
Your land portion offered as travel certificates (note: this is not a cash refund, but a credit for future travel)
The waiver helps protect your reservations by covering the $200.00 per person cancellation penalties that will apply if you need to cancel or change your trip.
This applies only if you purchased the plan on or before your final payment date. And yes, travel certificates mean just that—they’re credits toward a future Sandals/Beaches trip, not cash. If a refund is not available, you will receive travel certificates instead, so it’s important to understand the difference between a cash refund and a travel voucher.
Let’s go a little deeper…
2. The Trip Mate Travel Insurance (Underwritten by US Fire Insurance Co.)
This is the actual insurance part and gives you coverages as followed:
Trip cancellation & Interruption (cash reimbursement up to Trip Cost) for trip cancellations or circumstances happening at your destination, such as health emergencies, or other covered incidents.
Medical expenses up to $25,000
Emergency evacuation up to $50,000
Lost or delayed baggage: $250
Travel delay coverage: (Up to $150 Per Day) // Maximum $750
Accidental death & dismemberment: $25,000
This is where the cash reimbursements happen—not credits.
When You Get Travel Credit vs. Cash
Our clients often get confused with this benefit, and it is confusing for sure, so let’s clear it up.
If you cancel your trip for a covered reason, Sandals Trip Mate Insurance may reimburse you with either a cash refund or a travel credit, depending on the specific terms. The type of reimbursement depends on things like the timing of your cancellation and the reason for it. For example… some benefits offer cash refunds for medical emergencies, while others offer travel credits for cancellations due to other reasons.
It’s important to review your trip insurance documents carefully so you understand exactly what is covered and under what circumstances you’ll receive cash or a future travel credit. The fine print in your policy contains details about coverage, refunds, and any limitations, so pay close attention to those.
You Receive Travel Credit When…
You cancel for any reason under the Unique Vacations (Sandals / Beaches) Cancellation Waiver.
Only the land portion (resort nights, honeymoon extras, etc.) converts into travel certificates.
Airfare, excursions, and spa add-ons aren’t covered by the waiver.
You Receive Cash When…
From the insurance side, cash reimbursement applies if:
You cancel for a covered reason (illness, injury, jury duty, natural disaster, etc.)
Your bag is lost or damaged
Your trip is interrupted and you incur additional transportation costs
You have medical expenses while traveling
You experience travel delays and need hotel/meal reimbursement
Think of it like this:
– Waiver = travel credit
– Insurance = cash (as long as the reason is covered)
What Is A “Covered Reason”?
Here’s a simple breakdown and summary of what’s considered a legitimate reason for cash reimbursement.
1) Health-Related Reasons
Covered if it happens to you, a travel companion, or a family member:
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Sudden illness
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Injury
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Medically-certified restrictions that prevent you from travelling
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Death (before or while traveling)
2) Unexpected Events
You’re covered for situations like:
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Being called for jury duty after you bought the plan
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A house fire or major damage at your home
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Losing your job (after at least a year of employment)
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A documented traffic accident on the way to the airport
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Theft of your passports
3) Travel Issues Outside Your Control
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Airline strike (unannounced)
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Weather shutting down operations for 12+ hours
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Mechanical breakdowns
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Terrorist incidents in a listed itinerary city within 30 days of your trip
It’s a surprisingly broad list—wider than many travelers expect.
How to File a Claim (Step-by-Step Guide)
Filing a claim doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s the process straight from the policy documents… If you need to file a claim or request a refund, let us know and then contact TripMate to make sure your requests are responded to quickly.
When submitting a request for refunds or vouchers, it’s important to verify if Trip Mate has such authority to issue them.
Here is the process for filing a claim with Trip Mate insurance.
1: Notify Trip Mate
Do this part online or by phone:
Online: www.tripmate.com
Phone: 1-800-888-7292
Try to start the claim within 20 days of returning home from your Sandals vacation. If you need assistance, we are here for you!
2: Gather Your Documents And Receipts
Depending on the claim, expect to submit things like:
Doctor’s notes stating you couldn’t travel
Police reports for theft
Airline delay/cancellation statements
Receipts for extra expenses
Original invoices for your trip
Proof of payment
Photos of damaged items (if applicable)
Trip Mate requires proof of loss within 90 days when possible.
3: Submit Claim Forms
Trip Mate will send you the correct forms—or make them available online.
4: Get Paid (or Receive Travel Credits)
Covered insurance claims → paid directly to you in cash (or check).
Cancel For Any Reason Waiver claims → travel certificates from Unique Vacations.
If you’re owed money for services but Trip Mate pays a provider directly (like a hospital), they’ll handle that for you.
A Few Helpful Tips Before You Travel
Screenshots help. Flight delays, weather alerts, and if you have them even text messages from airlines will support your claim.
Keep receipts. Even small ones. Especially for travel delay meals.
If you’re sick, get a doctor’s note. The policy specifically requires medical certification.
Lost baggage? Report it immediately. The airline must document the loss.
Trip interruption? Save unused tickets/boarding passes. They’re often required.
Sandals Vacation Promise (Travel Assurance Plan)
New for 2025 and into 2026, the Sandals Vacation Promise is a built-in safety net that complements the Trip Mate travel insurance policy. It’s not full travel insurance, but it does give you additional peace of mind.
Here’s what it does for you:
Gives you booking flexibility
With Sandals Vacation Promise, you can modify or cancel your reservation up to 45 days before travel without penalties.Adds weather protection during select travel periods
For certain travel windows (August – October 2026), Sandals includes weather-related travel protection at no extra cost. If severe weather disrupts your trip, Sandals steps in with options.Helps you book with more confidence
This plan exists so you don’t hesitate to book just because the future feels unpredictable. It takes some of the “what if” pressure off, and we appreciate that.Works alongside travel insurance — not instead of it
Vacation Promise doesn’t cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip interruption. That’s where travel insurance comes in.Pairs well with Flex Pay and Flex Stays
If you’re spreading out payments, Vacation Promise makes that feel safer. You’re not stuck if plans shift.Focused on flexibility, not cash refunds
This isn’t about getting money back for every scenario. It’s about the options—changes, credits, and protection when weather or timing affects your plans
In summary, Vacation Promise makes booking Sandals or Beaches feel less stressful, especially if you’re planning months ahead or traveling during shoulder season. It won’t replace travel insurance, but it does give you some peace of mind, way before your travels begin.
Plan Your Sandals Getaway With Your Sandals Royal Chairman's Club Diamond Elite Advisor
Choosing the right resort is about knowing how to navigate room categories, time of year, airport transfers, and what’s truly worth your investment.
At Rivage Travel and Best Caribbean Resorts, we don’t just book resorts; we deliver highly personalized experiences. Here’s how we help:
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We match you with the right resort based on your interests, not a pre-made package
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We plan every detail, from excursions to giving guidance on dinner reservations
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We arrange special amenities for honeymooners, such as fresh flowers in your room
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We troubleshoot if anything goes wrong during your stay (and we know who to call on-property)
FAQ: Quick Answers Travelers Always Ask
1. If I cancel my trip because I changed my mind, do I get cash?
No—this falls under the Cancel For Any Reason Waiver, which pays in travel certificates, not cash.
2. What if my child gets sick the night before we leave?
If a doctor confirms they’re unable to travel, that’s a covered reason—you can receive cash reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
3. Does the insurance cover medical bills at the resort?
Yes—up to $25,000 for accident or sickness medical expenses while traveling.
4. What if my luggage is delayed?
You can get reimbursed for clothing and necessities purchased after 24 hours, up to $250.
5. How do I contact assistance while I'm traveling?
Use One Call Worldwide Assistance:
US/Canada: 1-800-555-9095
International: 1-603-894-4710
