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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Elina Geller

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards with travel insurance benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on American Express' website

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

make sure you have travel insurance

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

make sure you have travel insurance

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

make sure you have travel insurance

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

make sure you have travel insurance

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

make sure you have travel insurance

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance? How much is travel insurance? Is travel insurance worth it? What does travel insurance cover? Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The best travel insurance policies and providers

Katie Genter

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

make sure you have travel insurance

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

  • You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
  • The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
  • You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

  • The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
  • You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
  • Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

make sure you have travel insurance

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

make sure you have travel insurance

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

  • You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
  • You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
  • You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
  • On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
  • Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
  • Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
  • For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

make sure you have travel insurance

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

make sure you have travel insurance

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

  • You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
  • You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
  • Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
  • Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
  • American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

make sure you have travel insurance

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

make sure you have travel insurance

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

make sure you have travel insurance

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

  • GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
  • GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

make sure you have travel insurance

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

make sure you have travel insurance

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

  • Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
  • iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

make sure you have travel insurance

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

  • You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
  • The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
  • All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
  • The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
  • Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
  • Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
  • For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

make sure you have travel insurance

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

make sure you have travel insurance

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
  • You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
  • You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
  • Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
  • You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
  • Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

make sure you have travel insurance

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

  • World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
  • World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

make sure you have travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

make sure you have travel insurance

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

make sure you have travel insurance

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

  • Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
  • Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
  • Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
  • Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
  • Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
  • Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
  • Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

make sure you have travel insurance

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

make sure you have travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for All Travelers [2024]

Christine Krzyszton's image

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for All Travelers [2024]

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Purchase from a real insurance company, purchase your policy early, world nomads, berkshire hathaway travel protection, military and military families, travelers with disabilities, travelers with pets, the best travel insurance comparison sites and tools, credit cards with insurance, employer-sponsored health plans, club memberships, medicare advantage and medicare supplement plans, final thoughts.

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If you travel frequently, chances are you’ve encountered an event that could have been less stressful and less expensive if you’d purchased travel insurance.

Perhaps it was that cruise you booked but couldn’t take due to your broken ankle. Or maybe your flight had a weather delay and were forced to pay for an expensive hotel night, meals, and transportation.

Maybe you made it to your destination without incident — but your luggage never arrived.

Whether you’re escaping for the weekend or planning an around-the-world adventure, travel insurance is worth considering if you would experience financial loss should things go wrong .

But how do you select the right travel insurance company and the appropriate policy for your specific situation?

The vast number of choices can be daunting, but we can help you narrow the options.

In this article we’ll discuss:

  • What travel insurance covers
  • Where and when you should purchase travel insurance
  • The best travel insurance companies for your travel situation
  • Where you should look for current coverage

Let’s explore some of the best travel insurance companies and what to look for when selecting one to purchase your policy with.

Travel insurance is protection you purchase to cover you for the specific types of losses you could experience while traveling.

Types of coverage you can purchase in a travel insurance policy include:

  • Emergency medical care while traveling
  • Evacuation to a hospital should you become injured
  • Costs associated with trip interruption, delay, or cancellation
  • Lost/stolen/damaged luggage
  • You become ill and cannot take a planned trip
  • You need to cancel your trip for any reason

You can purchase a policy that covers an individual trip, multiple trips, or a family policy.  Another choice is an annual policy that covers all of the trips you would take in a 12-month period.

Where & When to Purchase Travel Insurance

You’ll of course want to purchase your travel insurance from a reputable company. Fortunately, all insurance companies are state regulated and rated financially , so it’s easy to select a trusted provider. Here are some tips:

  • Look for ratings on the company’s website — Look for ratings such as A+ on a company’s website, or access their financial rating on sites such as A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard and Poors.
  • See if they’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau — BBB accreditation is a real plus, and companies who have it will flaunt it.
  • Look for the word “Insurance” — Travel “protection,” “assurance,” or simply “travel policy” don’t mean the same thing. If the company is not an insurance company, it may not be regulated — and you may not be protected if the company dissolves or decides not to pay your legitimate claim.

Hot Tip: Due to “free look period” regulations that apply to insurance companies, you’ll also have the opportunity to review your policy and reject it if you are not satisfied.

In most cases you can purchase travel insurance up until the day of your departure. However, there are benefits to purchasing a policy earlier:

  • Protection if you get sick and cannot go on your prepaid trip
  • Travel planning and concierge services
  • Coverage for weather cancellations (such as for hurricanes)
  • Default of the travel company

The best plan of action is to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you’ve made your first trip deposit .

Bottom Line: Buy from a regulated insurance company that has a high financial rating and BBB accreditation. Additionally, purchase your policy at least 21 days in advance of your trip to take advantage of pre-departure coverages and benefits.

Air land sea activities

Best Travel Insurance Company for the Family (Recommended)

Obtain a family travel insurance quote from most companies, and you’ll be charged for each child added to the policy.

Travelex does things a bit differently and covers children under the age of 18 on the parent’s policy at no additional charge.

As an example, their Travel Select policy for a family of 4 (ages 35, 36, 8, and 10) on a 2-week trip that costs $4,600 quoted a premium of $242.

Primary Coverage includes:

  • Trip cancellation 100% of trip cost
  • Trip interruption 150% of trip cost
  • Trip delay $750 ($250/day)
  • Equipment delay $200
  • Missed connection $750
  • Baggage & personal effects $1,000
  • Baggage delay $200
  • Emergency medical & dental expenses $50,000
  • Emergency evacuation & repatriation $500,000
  • Accidental death & dismemberment $25,000
  • Travel assistance & concierge services

There are plenty of upgrade options available, such as cancel-for-any-reason coverage and additional medical coverage.

Travelex is also backed by A++ rated Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Be sure to compare rates between companies to find the best value for the coverage most important to you.

Bottom Line: For family coverage all on 1 policy, comprehensive protection, and good value, Travelex is a solid choice. 

Allianz Annual Plan

Best Travel Insurance Company for the Active Traveler

If you’re the type of traveler who partakes in adventure activities such as white water rafting, scuba diving, or even bungee jumping, there’s one company that stands out above the others.

World Nomads offers comprehensive travel insurance plans that cover a huge variety of over 200 activities — even dangerous ones!

But you don’t have to be a risk-taker to benefit from World Nomads travel insurance .

Any traveler can benefit from their policies, which offer a combination of the coverages travelers need most.

Highlights of World Nomads Travel Insurance

  • You can purchase the insurance from anywhere, before you travel or during your travels
  • Backed by highly rated companies such as  Lloyd’s and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
  • World travel specialists
  • 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance
  • Single-trip, multiple-trip, and long-term policies are available
  • Best overall coverage for active travelers
  • Standard and comprehensive plans to choose from
  • Policies are available for travelers through age 69

Let’s take a look at a sampling of their travel insurance policies to get an idea of the coverage and cost.

World Nomads offers Standard Plans and more comprehensive Explorer Plans.

This particular policy is an Explorer Plan for a 40-year-old traveling for 6 months to 5 countries. The premium cost came to $814. (The Standard Plan with lower coverage limits was $567.)

World Nomads plan

Let’s take a look at a shorter term policy for a 35-year-old traveling to 5 countries over a 1-month period. The cost for this policy is $133 for the Standard  Plan and $236 for the Explorer Plan.

World Nomads Medical

Your World Nomads travel insurance policy covers you once you’re more than 100 miles from home , so their policies are great for domestic travel too.

If you want a comprehensive travel insurance policy with all the coverage you would need when traveling, World Nomads is a good choice.

You must be under age 70 to purchase travel insurance from World Nomads, and they do not cover pre-existing conditions .

For travelers age 70 and up, World Nomads partners with Silver Nomads to provide coverage through  TripAssure .

To secure a quote now for travel insurance, visit the World Nomads website .

Travelex family

Best for Purchasing an Affordable Annual Travel Insurance Plan

If you’re taking 3 or more trips a year, an annual travel insurance policy could save you money.

An annual policy also has the added benefit of insuring trips you haven’t even booked yet!

Consider including travel insurance provider Allianz when comparing policies if you’re looking for coverage for multiple trips during a 12-month period.

Allianz was voted best travel insurance provider by Travel Weekly for 2018 , but that’s just one of the 12+ awards this company won during the year.

After reviewing several companies and policies, I purchased my annual travel insurance policy from Allianz because it was the right mix of price and coverage for my travel schedule.

In addition to the coverage listed in the above example, these annual plans include baggage loss/damage, travel delay , and car rental coverage.

Allianz Coverage

To determine if an annual travel policy is better for you, simply price each planned trip separately and compare the cost and coverage to the annual policy .

Allianz also offers affordable travel insurance plans for families.

Hot Tip: An annual travel insurance policy with Allianz has the added benefit of covering trips you haven’t yet booked! Any trips 45 days or less in length are covered.

Geoblue Trekker Policy

Best for Medical Insurance While Traveling

If you have current medical insurance that will not cover you while traveling, the type of medical travel insurance policy you purchase will be different than if you do not have current medical insurance.

Fortunately, medical travel insurance coverage is available in either scenario.

If you have current medical insurance , you can affordably supplement it with a GeoBlue medical travel insurance plan and have coverage worldwide.

For those who don’t have current medical insurance , one option is to purchase a comprehensive plan that includes medical, such as Exact Care Plus policies with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

This example is for an annual comprehensive travel insurance policy for a 35-year-old (costing $292).

In addition to primary medical insurance of $50,000 and evacuation/repatriation insurance of $500,000, you’ll receive these coverages:

  • Trip cancellation – 100% of trip cost
  • Trip interruption – 150% of trip cost
  • Trip delay – $1000
  • Missed connection – $100
  • Tarmac delay – $1,000
  • Flight departure delay – $50
  • Lost baggage – $500
  • Delayed baggage – $150

Terms and conditions apply, and the price will vary depending on the cost of the trip, destinations, age of traveler, and coverage selected.

Hot Tip: You may be able to secure an annual comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes primary medical coverage for not much more than just an annual medical travel insurance plan. 

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

According to Medjet, over 2 million travelers each year need medical evacuation. Unfortunately, emergency medical evacuations can run between $30,000 and $150,000!

Backed by Lloyd’s of London, A + rated, and BBB accredited, Medjet is the premier provider of emergency evacuation services.

Medjet is not insurance — it is a membership that assures you’ll have medical transport when you need it, even in remote areas.

Short term membership starts at $99, while annual membership is $295.

Coverage includes worldwide medical transport and associated services.

Additional coverage is available for terrorism evacuation, kidnap for ransom, disappearance, wrongful detention, and blackmail/extortion.

Best Travel Insurance Companies for Special Situations

Are you current or former military, a senior traveler, disabled, or simply want to make sure you have insurance when traveling with your pet?

Fortunately, specialty travel insurance is widely available to everyone.

Military members have unique circumstances when it comes to travel insurance, such as redeployment and other situations specific to military service.

USAA members receive extra protection and exclusive rates on travel insurance policies. Current military, their families, and former military can qualify.

Additionally, children are included on most plans for no extra charge .

Here’s what these plans generally include:

  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Trip interruption/cancellation even due to illness
  • Medical coverage
  • Weather interruptions to your trip
  • Emergency evacuation and assistance

Need a good credit card? Check out our list of the best credit cards for military .

  • World Nomad  partner  TripAssure  offers travel insurance for those 70 years old and above.
  • GeoBlue issues medical insurance travel plans up to age 84.
  • Allianz and Berkshire Hathaway offer policies up to 99 years of age!
  • Allianz Global Assistance (recommended by Wheelchair Travel.org) offers policies for those with disabilities or special needs at standard prices.
  • Travelex’s Travel Max Policy  – $1000 for emergency pet medical treatment. If you are unable to take care of your pet due to hospitalization while traveling, there is coverage of up to $10,000 to transport your pet back home.

If you want to compare travel insurance companies and individual policies, a comparison tool can do just that.

Here are 4 of the most popular comparison sites, all of which offer dozens of policies from scores of travel insurance companies:

  • Squaremouth
  • InsureMyTrip
  • Travel Insurance.com

Comparison sites do not list every travel insurance company , but they can help narrow your choices and get an idea of pricing and coverage.

Note that some sites are limited to single-trip policy searches and don’t allow you to search for annual travel insurance policies.

Booking Trips with a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Coordinating Travel Insurance With Current Coverage

You may currently have some form of travel insurance and not realize it, so check for current coverage if you have any of these resources.

Credit cards can provide a multitude of travel benefits. One of the best credit cards for travel benefits include the Chase Sapphire Preferred :

  • Domestic and worldwide car rental insurance
  • Trip delay , cancellation , and interruption protection
  • Lost/delayed baggage protection
  • Roadside assistance
  • Travel and emergency assistance
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Cell phone protection

It’s worth noting that to receive credit card travel benefits, you must pay for your trip with your qualifying credit card .

Some credit cards grant coverage when paying partially, but some require the entire purchase be paid with the card (or rewards points from the card).

Hot Tip: To find out which credit cards offer protection , we put together a comprehensive overview of credit cards and the associated travel benefits.

While many health insurance plans limit coverage outside of the United States, you may find travel coverage within your plan that can be quite significant.

For example,  Unum  is one of the most common group insurance companies offering employers travel insurance for their employees through  Assist America .

You may find these types of protection included:

  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Prescription replacement assistance
  • Transportation for a friend or family member to join a hospitalized patient
  • Care and transport of unattended minor children
  • Hospital and English-speaking medical provider referrals
  • Legal and interpreter referrals
  • Passport replacement assistance

Bottom Line: It’s important to know if your current health insurance plan will cover you when traveling. You may find unexpected coverage or some gaps in coverage, and be able to supplement your plan with a travel insurance policy prior to your trip. 

Certain club memberships offer benefits that can include various levels of travel insurance coverage:

  • Divers Alert Network — Emergency evacuation insurance, even when traveling for non-diving activities
  • Family Motor Coach Association — Discounted worldwide travel assistance
  • Gold Wing Road Riders Association — Free emergency towing and roadside assistance for motorcycles
  • American Motorcycle Association — Emergency towing and roadside assistance coverage for motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs
  • American Alpine Club — Search and rescue for any land-based activity worldwide up to $7,500

Hot Tip: Divers Alert Network provides up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation insurance for members, even during non-diving activities. The cost to be a member is only $35 annually. 

Only in rare circumstances does Medicare extend coverage outside of the U.S.

Supplemental plans you purchase over and above your plan A and B Medicare, however, can pay 80% of medical emergency care outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible.

Coverage is valid for the first 60 days you’re traveling and has a $50,000 lifetime cap.

BOTTOM LINE: Benefits offered with credit cards, club memberships, employer-sponsored health plans, and Medicare do not match the protection you’ll receive with a comprehensive travel insurance policy. However, knowing what you have currently can help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage. 

Insurance serves the purpose of protecting us from great financial loss. For this reason, it is wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip that includes the potential to lose money if things go wrong.

Travel insurance also delivers peace of mind. Even if we never use the insurance, it is one less worry knowing we’ll be compensated if an incident occurs.

Fortunately, travel insurance is broadly available and also affordable. And there are so many choices!

Be sure to purchase your travel insurance policy from an actual regulated insurance company for an extra level of protection.

Our selections in this article were limited to strong financially rated companies, those that provided ease in getting a quote, and those that offered an understandable overview of coverages.

To learn more about travel insurance and assistance in finding a policy that fits your travel needs, access our ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best travel insurance company.

The best travel insurance company is the one that offers a policy that fits a combination of your budget and your travel needs.

The insurance company should be highly rated financially and ideally be certified with the Better Business Bureau.

You should also make sure that the policy you purchase is from an actual insurance company.

Insurance companies are state regulated and must adhere to rules and regulations. This extra level of protection can help if the company should go out of business or not pay your legitimate claim.

As always, it’s good to compare coverage and price to find the best combination for your situation.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that includes medical insurance, or you can purchase one that has only medical insurance coverage.

There are plans that require you to have current medical insurance. These plans are called secondary plans, and they pay incurred medical costs over and above what your current policy pays.

There are also plans that are primary plans, which pay regardless of whether you have other medical insurance. If you do not have current medical insurance, you will want a primary medical travel insurance policy.

Do credit cards have travel insurance?

Credit cards offer limited travel insurance. You won’t find medical coverage, emergency evacuation insurance, or coverage if you need to cancel your trip due to an illness.

Credit cards can offer a trip interruption benefit, coverage for lost baggage, and even rental car coverage.

However, the coverage that comes complimentary on your credit card does not come close to the protection you receive with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

It is good to know the current coverage offered on your credit card, however, so that you don’t purchase duplicate coverage.

Is there travel insurance that covers multiple trips?

Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that covers a single trip, multiple trips, or an annual insurance policy that covers all the trips you would take in a 12-month period.

If you plan to take more than 2 or 3 trips a year, you should look into an annual travel insurance policy.

Price out what it would cost for separate policies for the trips you have planned, then price out an annual plan to compare the difference in cost.

You will also want to compare coverage and coverage limits.

One advantage to an annual travel insurance policy is that it will cover trips you may book in the future as long as they fall into the 12-month policy term.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of March 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 5:12 a.m. UTC March 1, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options. Use this rating to compare top travel insurance plans and find the best match for your next trip.

Best travel insurance companies of 2024

  • WorldTrips: Best travel insurance .
  • Travel Insured: Best for emergency evacuation .
  • TravelSafe: Best for missed connections .
  • Aegis: Best for traveling with a pet .
  • Travelex: Best for traveling with kids .
  • AIG: Best for add-on coverage options .
  • Nationwide: Best for cruise itinerary changes .

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
  • 567 rates reviewed.
  • 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Top-rated travel insurance companies , best travel insurance.

WorldTrips

Top-scoring plans

Medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, what you should know.

Two WorldTrips plans top our rating of the best travel insurance: Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier.

The Preferred plan is more affordable and provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with an optional upgrade to primary coverage. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises .

For a little extra, you can buy the Premier plan, which gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

  • Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of the 5-star travel insurance plans.
  • Atlas Journey Premier has $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
  • Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
  • Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
  • 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
  • No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Best for emergency evacuation

Travel insured.

Travel Insured

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector travel insurance offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, consider the Worldwide Trip Protector plan.

  • Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
  • $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
  • Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
  • Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best for missed connections

TravelSafe

If you’re worried that missed connections could disrupt your trip, it’s worth considering TravelSafe. Some travel insurance companies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe doesn’t impose that restriction.

  • Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
  • $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
  • Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
  • Most expensive of the top-scoring travel insurance plans.
  • No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
  • Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Best for traveling with a pet

Aegis

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the top-scoring companies in our rating. It offers basic coverage limits with optional add-ons, such as a Pet Bundle that includes pet medical, pet kennel and pet return benefits.

  • Cheapest of the top-scoring travel insurance plans.
  • Optional pet bundle adds pet medical expense and pet return benefits.
  • Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
  • Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
  • Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Best for traveling with kids

Travelex

If you’re traveling with children age 17 or younger, you’ll appreciate not having to pay extra for their coverage when you buy a Travel Select plan from Travelex Insurance Services.

  • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
  • Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
  • Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
  • Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
  • Non-medical evacuation is not included.
  • Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Best for add-on coverage options

AIG

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades. These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

  • Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
  • Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
  • Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
  • $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
  • Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

  • Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
  • Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
  • Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
  • Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
  • Travel medical coverage is secondary.
  • Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
  • No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Compare the best travel insurance companies of 2024

Methodology

Our travel insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

  • Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
  • Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
  • Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
  • Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
  • Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
  • “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
  • Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
  • Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
  • Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

  • Bankruptcy of a travel company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
  • Dangerous weather conditions .
  • Delayed and lost luggage.
  • Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
  • Illness that needs medical attention.
  • Injury requiring medical evacuation.
  • Jury duty. 
  • Travel delays and missed connections.
  • Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
  • Unexpected job loss. 

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages.

Trip cancellation insurance 

As soon as you buy a travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy. These reasons generally include unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 

If you cancel your trip for a covered reason, you can expect to be reimbursed for 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses. 

For even greater flexibility, some travel insurance plans offer a “ cancel for any reason ” (CFAR) upgrade. This optional coverage allows you to pull the plug on your trip for any reason at all, as long as you do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Adding CFAR coverage will increase the cost of your plan and it’s important to note that this coverage typically only reimburses 50% or 75% of your expenses, depending on the policy. 

Travel delay insurance

Once your trip is underway, inconvenient delays can be expensive. Travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a certain waiting period, such as five hours. If your travel is delayed longer than that time because of a reason in your policy, such as severe weather, your benefits can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 

This coverage usually has daily limits as well as a maximum limit. For example, a travel insurance plan may provide trip delay coverage of up to $150 per day with a $2,000 maximum.

Trip interruption insurance

If you need to end your trip early — again, for a reason listed in your policy — trip interruption insurance comes into play. 

Say a close family member back home is involved in an accident and you need to rush back to be by their side. Trip interruption benefits can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 

Travel medical insurance

Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. 

The best senior travel insurance provides ample travel medical coverage because Medicare does not cover health care outside of the U.S., except in very limited circumstances. 

The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 

Many travel insurance plans cover medical treatment for COVID-19, but not all do. The best COVID travel insurance has generous emergency medical and emergency medical evacuation benefits. 

When comparing plans to find the best medical travel insurance for international trips, check to see if the coverage is primary. If the travel medical insurance coverage is secondary, you will need to file a claim with your health insurance before you can file a travel insurance claim.

Emergency medical evacuation

If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 

Depending on your location and medical condition, emergency transportation could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Our top-scoring travel insurance plans all offer coverage of $1 million. 

Baggage delay coverage

If you arrive safely at your destination but your bags do not, this coverage can help. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you may need while waiting for your bags to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 

Baggage loss and personal effects coverage

Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics. If you’ll be traveling with your laptop or other valuables, read your policy carefully to make sure they’re covered. 

What travel insurance doesn't cover

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

  • Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
  • Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
  • Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
  • Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
  • Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
  • Medical tourism.
  • Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
  • Mental health care.
  • Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
  • Non-medical evacuation.
  • Normal pregnancy. 
  • Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
  • Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
  • Search and rescue.

Most travel insurance companies offer a free look period when you buy a policy. Take this time — which might be anywhere from 10 to 21 days — to carefully review the plan’s coverages and exclusions, and request a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs.

“For trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance plans will only cover you for very specific covered reasons listed in a plan’s description of coverage,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com. “If an event is not listed as a covered reason, it won’t be covered unless the consumer opts for a ‘cancel for any reason’ policy.”

“Cancel for any reason travel insurance” upgrade

For the greatest flexibility to cancel, consider adding “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance plan. This will increase the cost of your policy, but will typically reimburse you for 75% of your trip expenses if you decide to cancel your trip. 

A CFAR upgrade also usually has a number of requirements, such as buying it within seven to 14 days of making your first trip payment and insuring the full amount of your travel costs. But, it will give you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason, as long as you do so at least two days before your scheduled departure. 

Adding CFAR coverage typically increases the cost of your travel insurance plan by 50%.

Make sure you’re covered: Best COVID travel insurance  

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

  • Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
  • Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

  • Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
  • Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance to be policies with at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

What is the best travel insurance? 

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips , according to our analysis. Two WorldTrips plans — Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier — top our rating of the best travel insurance. But the best travel insurance for you depends on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you. 

Make sure you’re covered: WorldTrips travel insurance review

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred. This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. 

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average travel insurance cost is 5% to 6% of your trip costs.

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on how expensive your trip is, how many benefits the insurance provides and the age of the covered travelers.

Here are average costs per trip by travel insurance plan, based on our analysis of rates.

Travel insurance cost examples

Average travel insurance costs are based on rates for seven trips with a variety of traveler ages, trip costs and destinations. Travel insurance plans have different levels of included benefits, which can account for price differences.

What affects travel insurance costs?

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

  • The cost of your trip.
  • Your destination.
  • The length of your trip. 
  • The ages of travelers being insured.
  • Your state of residence.
  • The travel insurance policy you choose.
  • The total coverage amounts in your policy.
  • Any travel insurance add-ons you select.

How travel insurance works

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said Clark. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

How to get travel insurance

To buy travel insurance, you’ll need to submit an online application with information about yourself and your trip, such as your name, age, permanent address, destination, travel dates and total trip cost per person. Since the application is simple, you can easily get quotes from multiple companies on your own. 

Even easier, you can get multiple quotes by submitting a single application online through a travel insurance comparison site like Squaremouth.

How to choose which travel insurance is best for you

When shopping for travel insurance, consider the coverages that are most important to you. For example:

  • Travel medical insurance. If you need travel health insurance for international travel, you’ll want a high limit for medical expenses, such as doctor and hospital bills, ambulance, X-rays and medicine. The best travel insurance for seniors includes ample travel medical insurance because Medicare generally does not pay for health care outside of the U.S.
  • Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re planning a trip to a remote destination, make sure your travel insurance plan has high limits for emergency evacuation. Squaremouth suggests $50,000 to $100,000 of medical evacuation coverage for most trips but recommends $250,000 for travel to remote locations.

You’ll also want to consider common exclusions , such as:

  • Adventure sports. Many travel insurance plans exclude coverage for risky activities such as skiing and scuba diving. Read the fine print of a policy to see what is excluded, or look for a travel insurance company that specializes in covering adventure sports trips, such as World Nomads.
  • Named storms. If a hurricane is named before you buy travel insurance, it’s too late to buy coverage and cancel your trip because of the storm.
  • Normal pregnancy. Normal pregnancy typically isn’t covered by travel insurance. If you get pregnant after you buy travel insurance, you may be covered for pregnancy-related reasons, but you’ll need to provide medical proof that pregnancy started after your purchased travel insurance. 
  • Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have dealt with a health issue — even allergies or asthma — look closely at this common exclusion. Travel insurance plans typically have look-back periods, which could be 60, 90 or 180 days before you bought the policy. If you had symptoms during that time, your claim could be denied if your condition flares up while you’re traveling. If you’re shopping for the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, look for plans that offer a pre-existing medical condition waiver. You’ll be eligible for this waiver if you meet specific terms, such as buying travel insurance within days of making your first trip deposit and insuring the full value of your trip.

When to buy travel insurance

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. Like other types of insurance, your policy needs to be in place before something goes wrong. It won’t cost you any extra to buy travel insurance far in advance of your trip, and it will cover a longer period of time.

“Purchasing a travel insurance policy at the time of making an initial trip payment offers travelers the most peace of mind,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth.

“Knowing they are protected if unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, inclement weather, natural disasters and other trip disruptions occur allows travelers to approach their trip with less worry and more confidence.”

You’d have a hard time buying travel insurance before booking anything because you’d have nothing to insure, Clark said. “With that said, travelers are able to purchase a policy and make modifications, such as updating travel dates or adding expenses to the insurance policy, as they continue to make their travel arrangements.” 

You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where to buy travel insurance

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

  • Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
  • In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Using a travel insurance marketplace that will give you quotes for multiple policies is a great way to compare coverage options and pricing to find the best policy for your trip. Buying a policy directly from a travel provider is convenient and might be fine, but it might not meet your needs. 

“If a traveler is heading to the Caribbean with the intention of going scuba diving, it’s unlikely that the policy offered by the airline would cover that activity,” Clark said. “Shopping around for insurance opens the door to other policy providers that may offer a policy that checks all of a traveler’s boxes.”

In addition, while flight insurance , which may be offered through a partnership with a travel insurance provider like AIG or Allianz, may cover travel delays and cancellations, it might not protect you if you get sick during your trip, Clark said. “We highly recommend travelers read the policy’s fine print before making a purchase so they know what’s covered,” he added.

Top 10 travel destinations

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past.

Here are the top destinations travel insurance customers are traveling to — and how much they’re spending on these trips — according to Feb. 2024 data from Squaremouth.

Source: Squaremouth. Based on travel insurance purchased from Jan. 14 to Feb. 13, 2024.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Here are some key travel insurance trends in 2024:

  • As spending on trips continues to rise , so will the price of travel insurance policies.
  • People are planning trips further in advance and purchasing 2024 travel insurance earlier, making them eligible for perks like cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage and a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver.
  • Emergency evacuation, medical coverage and trip interruption remain top concerns for travelers, increasing the search for comprehensive travel insurance plans with more robust coverage — even if it costs more.

“As Americans continue to spend more on vacations, they have more to lose if they need to cancel or return home early. A travel insurance policy is an efficient and cost-effective way to protect that financial investment for trips in 2024,” said InsureMyTrip senior vice president Suzanne Morrow.

Best travel insurance FAQs

WorldTrips has the best trip insurance, according to our analysis. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier — get 5 stars in our rating. 

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

  • Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
  • WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

  • Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
  • ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
  • ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
  • Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
  • Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
  • How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
  • COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
  • Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
  • After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
  • What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
  • How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
  • Travel insurance can save the day
  • Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
  • What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
  • How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
  • Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
  • How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
  • Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
  • Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
  • Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
  • Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
  • These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
  • International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
  • Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
  • The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
  • Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
  • ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
  • Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
  • ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
  • Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
  • RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
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  • Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
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  • There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
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  • Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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How Much Travel Insurance Do I Need?

The amount you need will depend on your trip and risk tolerance

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Types of Travel Insurance

  • Factors That Could Influence Insurance Needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Do you have a big vacation or work trip coming up? Traveling often involves a sizable expense for booking flights, hotels, activities, and more. But what if all doesn’t go as planned?

Travel insurance helps protect you against losses due to trip cancellations, the costs of medical care at your destination, if needed, and more. However, the amount of coverage you need will depend on a variety of factors. Learn more about travel insurance and how to determine how much to purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Travel insurance helps to reimburse you for prepaid expenses if your trip is canceled, delayed, or interrupted.
  • Travel insurance also can help cover the costs associated with emergency medical or dental care, lost luggage, a damaged rental car, and more.
  • The amount of travel insurance you need depends on factors like how far or long you’re traveling, the overall cost of the trip, and your risk tolerance.

What does travel insurance include? Here’s a closer look at the common types of coverage offered by travel insurance companies:  

Trip Cancellation Coverage

If you plan a trip then have to cancel it because of a covered reason (such as a family member becoming ill or passing away), this insurance will reimburse you for your prepaid travel expenses.

Travel Disruption Coverage

Travel disruption coverage will cover qualifying prepaid travel expenses you lose due to a disruption, such as a flight being canceled or rescheduled.

Travel Interruption Coverage

If your trip is cut short because of an incident covered in your policy—such as bad weather, terrorism, jury duty, or a sick family member—you will be reimbursed for the qualifying prepaid expenses you didn’t get to enjoy.

Travel Medical/Health Insurance

Travel medical and health insurance will reimburse you for medical and emergency dental expenses you incur due to an injury or illness while traveling. The best policies will make payments directly to hospitals so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Medical Evacuation Coverage

If you need to be taken to a hospital outside of your vacation destination or back home, this coverage will provide you with medical evacuation transportation, which can otherwise cost more than $100,000.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage

If you happen to pass away or lose a limb while traveling, this coverage will help to cover the associated costs. It is often split up based on when the incident happens, such as during a flight, traveling on public transportation, or at any other time during your trip.

Rental Car Damage Coverage

If you plan on renting a vehicle while traveling, this coverage will reimburse you if you damage or total the vehicle and have to pay for it. While it covers property damage, it doesn’t offer liability.

Lost Luggage Coverage

Everyone hates losing luggage when flying. Baggage loss coverage will reimburse you if your personal items are lost, stolen, or damaged by an airline. Some policies even compensate you if the luggage is just delayed.

While these are the major types of travel insurance available, coverage types, limits, exclusions, and other terms can vary by provider. Be sure to read the fine print to fully understand what circumstances and amounts are covered.

Factors That Could Influence Travel Insurance Needs

With an understanding of travel insurance and the various types available, how do you decide how much you need for an upcoming trip? Like any insurance coverage, it will be a risk-benefit analysis.

Start by reviewing each coverage type and consider whether it is something you should have. For example, when considering trip cancellation, disruption, and interruption coverage, it may depend on how expensive the trip is, if anyone going has health issues, and current events at the destination. If you think there’s a higher-than-average chance you will need to cancel, and it’s an expensive trip you couldn’t rebook out of pocket, this coverage would likely be worth it. 

Some insurers may also offer a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy at a higher price (often 40% to 60% higher than standard rates) that removes many of the exclusions that commonly come with regular travel cancellation coverage.

On the medical insurance front, if you’re going overseas and plan to partake in hiking and other active adventures, you may want the medical coverage and evacuation in place, just in case. It may also be a wise investment for those with health conditions that put them at a higher risk. If you are traveling with expensive belongings or equipment, lost luggage coverage could be a smart investment .

Some may want coverage for peace of mind, while others may find it necessary in some situations but not others. However, before buying travel insurance, make sure you don’t already have the same coverage from another source. For example, check the airline’s cancellation and delay policies, see if your credit card offers travel insurance benefits, and contact your health/dental insurance provider to see if they will cover you while out of town.

How does travel insurance work?

Travel insurance helps to protect you against various incidents that could cause you to lose money while preparing for a trip and traveling. For example, if you book a flight to a hotel in Hawaii but have to cancel because your significant other becomes very sick, travel cancellation coverage could reimburse you for the amount you paid to book the trip. You could rebook it later when everyone is well.

It can also help to cover a variety of other costs, such as medical care while on vacation, reimbursement for lost luggage, and even costs associated with death or dismemberment . Once you sign up, you will pay your premium to gain coverage. Upon a qualifying situation, you can file a claim with your insurer. Once approved, you’ll receive the settlement amount as per your policy.

What credit cards offer free travel insurance?

Various travel credit cards offer travel insurance, which may mean you don’t need to get an independent travel insurance policy. For example, both the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offer coverage for trip cancellation, delay, or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

The Platinum Card from American Express provides trip cancellation and delay coverage along with car rental loss and damage insurance. Your best bet for finding credit cards with travel insurance is to browse travel rewards credit cards’ benefits.

How much does travel insurance cost?

On average, the cost of travel insurance will range from 4% to 10% of your trip’s price. For example, if your trip costs $10,000, your travel insurance will likely run anywhere between $400 and $1,000. However, the cost can go much higher for premium coverage or CFAR policies that have fewer exclusions.

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June 1, 2020

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3. Post-departure benefits

What are post-departure benefits? This protection kicks in once you’ve officially begun your trip. Post-departure benefits can include:

  • Travel delay
  • SmartBenefits SM , which can automatically pay you $100 per insured person, per day,  for a covered travel delay or baggage delay
  • Baggage loss/damage
  • Baggage delay
  • Emergency medical and dental benefits
  • Emergency transportation benefits
  • Change fees
  • Frequent traveler reward program

The benefits you need depend on the type of trip you’re taking. Heading overseas? Then you definitely need emergency medical, because many medical facilities in other countries require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Some destinations even require visitors to carry emergency medical travel insurance .

OneTrip Emergency Medical is an economical plan that only includes post-departure benefits: emergency medical, emergency transportation, trip delay, travel accident coverage and baggage benefits. It does not, however, include trip cancellation or trip interruption.

4. Protection for children

If your child gets sick or injured while you’re traveling, emergency medical benefits can ensure they get high-quality care and can cover the cost of medical treatment. OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier both cover kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

Kids probably don’t care about lost-baggage or travel delay benefits (although they are eligible to receive the $100 fixed payment for a covered delay, if they’re insured with a plan that includes SmartBenefits SM !) But if you’re going overseas or to a remote destination, you absolutely need a plan with emergency medical benefits.

5. Pre-existing medical condition coverage

A pre-existing condition is an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the day you buy your plan:

  • Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
  • Presented symptoms; or
  • Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

Travel insurance plans can cover losses related to pre-existing conditions as long as you meet the requirements , which include purchasing your plan in the specified timeframe (typically within 14 days of making your first trip payment) and being medically able to travel on the day you purchase your plan.

6. Maximum trip length

Thinking about becoming a digital nomad and wandering long term? When you’re buying travel insurance, be sure to look for a plan with a generous maximum trip length. Allianz Global Assistance has four plans that can protect trips of up to 180 days :

  • OneTrip Basic
  • OneTrip Prime
  • OneTrip Premier
  • OneTrip Emergency Medical

While annual travel insurance plans are ideal for protecting multiple trips, they aren’t designed for really long trips. AllTrips Prime covers trips up to 45 days, while AllTrips Premier covers trips up to 90 days.

Read more: How to Buy Travel Insurance for Long Trips

7. Coverage exclusions

When shopping for a travel insurance plan, most people only consider the benefits — but it’s also important to look at what’s excluded! Exclusions are situations and circumstances in which your travel insurance will not provide reimbursement for any losses. A few key exclusions include:

  • Any loss, condition, or event that was known, foreseeable, intended, or expected when your plan was purchased.
  • Normal pregnancy or childbirth, except as specifically covered under Trip Cancellation. Read more about how travel insurance protects travel during pregnancy.
  • The use or abuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Participating in extreme, high-risk sports and activities

Make sure you read through the exclusions when you’re buying travel insurance. You might think, “Oh, those don’t apply to me — I’m not an extreme-sports type of person.” But maybe you’re planning to run a 5K while on vacation — and you should know that losses related to participating in sports competitions aren’t covered. Or if you’re going to try your hand at rock-climbing in Utah, you should know that climbing sports are also listed under exclusions. Questions about what’s covered? Just ask us!

Whether you’re heading to a luxury resort or a no-frills cabin, the cost of travel insurance is a major factor to consider. You want to be well protected… but you don’t want to stretch your travel budget to the breaking point.

Luckily, it’s easy to compare the cost of travel insurance! It only takes a few minutes to enter some basic trip information and get a quote . We’ll show you the cost of different plans, help you compare features side by side, and provide the full plan and pricing details so you can make an informed decision.

Budget-priced travel insurance options include:

  • OneTrip Cancellation Plus

Pro tip: People 65 and up can often save by choosing an annual plan. Unlike single-trip insurance plans, which cost more for older travelers, the price of a multi-trip plan is not affected by the traveler’s age.

Read more: The Comprehensive Guide to Annual Travel Insurance

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How to Choose a Travel Insurance Plan

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by my friend Matt Kepnes from Nomadic Matt.

Matt Kepnes runs the award-winning travel site NomadicMatt.com , which helps people travel the world on a budget. He’s the author of the NYT best-seller, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and the travel memoir, Ten Years a Nomad. His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Budget Travel, BBC, Time, and countless other publications. You can follow him on Instagram at @nomadicmatt . When he’s not on the road, he lives in Austin, TX.

Travel insurance is not a fun topic to read about. Reading policies, comparing coverage, combing over the fine print – it’s the least sexy aspect of planning a trip .

Personally, I never leave home without travel insurance. In this post, I’ll explain why. I’ll also arm you with the tips and information you need to pick a travel insurance plan for your next trip so you can travel with confidence, save money, and make the most out of your next adventure.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?

As an added expense, travel insurance is something budget travellers are wary of. After all, why should you pay hundreds of dollars (or more) for something you might not even use?

Indeed, it’s a question I get asked a lot.

“Do I actually need travel insurance? Chances are nothing will happen, so why should I even bother?”

While it’s a fair question, I can tell you from experience that travellers who don’t buy travel insurance instantly regret that decision the minute something goes wrong.

And, just like at home, things can go wrong while you’re travelling.

Lost luggage, delayed flights, broken bones, natural disasters – I’ve seen it all. I’ve even been mugged while travelling .

And while it’s not fun to think about things going wrong as you plan your dream getaway, it’s important to be realistic.

Travel insurance is a safety net that protects you in an emergency. While unexpected incidents are rare, they happen to travellers more often that you think.

In 2022 alone, over 20% of flights were delayed and hundreds of thousands of flights were cancelled. While seemingly minor compared to, say, a broken limb, delayed and cancelled flights can mean missed connections, missed tours and excursions, and ruined vacations.

In addition to countless delayed and cancelled flights, I’ve relied on my travel insurance to help me when my luggage was lost, when my brand-new camera was broken in Italy , and when I needed medical attention. Maybe I’m a bit unlucky, but this has happened several times over the years, including when I popped my eardrum in Thailand .

Each and every time, travel insurance was there to help me navigate the situation, and to ensure I was compensated for my expenses.

Lost or stolen gear can cost thousands of dollars to replace. Medical emergencies can cost tens of thousands in hospital bills, and emergency evacuations can cost upwards of $250,000 USD!

While I never leave home without travel insurance, I know travellers who have. And they instantly regretted it, having been forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for unexpected medical expenses.

Don’t make that same mistake. For just a couple bucks a day, you can travel worry free, knowing that you’re protected from the high costs of unexpected medical bills.

To me, it’s well worth the price.

1. Know What to Look For in a Policy

Now that you know why you need insurance, it’s time to compare policies and prices. Not all insurance companies are created equally, as some offer robust coverage while others provide the bare minimum.

To help you find a plan that suits your needs and budget, here’s what I look for when buying an insurance plan:

  • 24/7 emergency assistance via telephone
  • Coverage for injuries and illnesses (at least $100,000 USD)
  • Coverage for all the destinations you plan on visiting
  • Some gear/electronic coverage (at least $500 USD per item)
  • Coverage for lost or stolen goods (baggage, jewelry, etc.)
  • Coverage for delays and cancellations
  • Evacuation coverage for civil unrest, natural disasters, and injuries
  • Car rental coverage (if you’re renting a vehicle during your trip)
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
  • Compensation for death and dismemberment
  • Ability to submit claims online and receive reimbursement direct to your bank (and not by cheque)
  • Ability to extend your policy online while travelling

When looking for a policy, make sure you have at least $100,000 USD in emergency medical coverage. While that seems like a lot, the last thing you want is to blow through your coverage in an emergency and then have to foot the bill yourself while you’re still in the hospital.

Broken bones alone can cost $10,000 USD or more. Don’t cheap out on a plan with just $25,000 USD in coverage – make sure you have at least $100,000 USD.

For evacuation coverage, aim for at least $300,000 USD. Emergency evacuations due to natural disasters or political upheaval (not to mention medical emergencies that require you to fly home) aren’t cheap, costing between $200,000 – 300,000 USD alone! 

When comparing plans, you’ll notice that some companies primarily focus on covering unexpected medical costs (such as Safety Wing), while others offer more comprehensive coverage (such as World Nomads).

While it’s important to know what’s covered, it’s also important to learn what’s not covered by each policy.

2. Find Out What Isn’t Covered

While every insurance policy is different, there are some standard events and activities that usually aren’t covered. These generally include:

  • Injuries sustained while intoxicated
  • Anything related to pre-existing conditions (some plans do have coverage for pre-existing conditions, but they are few and far between)
  • Most adrenaline activities (skydiving, bungee jumping, etc.)
  • Hikes above a certain altitude (think Mount Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp)
  • Gear (most policies cap reimbursement for items like phones and computers at $500 USD per item)
  • Evacuation due to civil unrest, if your government has not called for an evacuation
  • Lost or stolen cash
  • Lost or stolen personal items due to negligence on your part (such as leaving bags unattended)

While you can find plans that cover some of these, most insurance policies (especially budget policies) generally don’t cover all of them.

With this in mind, many companies have upgrades or multiple tiers available to include coverage for adrenaline activities, coverage for gear, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.

If you plan on taking part in adventure sports or high-altitude climbing or hiking, make sure the policy explicitly mentions that it is included. If it doesn’t, call the insurance company to ensure that you’ll be covered.

3. Make Sure Your Policy Has COVID-19 Coverage

Many insurance companies have adapted to our new reality and now provide varying degrees of coverage for COVID-19 (and other pandemics). Whether it’s coverage for cancellations, quarantine, hospitalization, or treatment if you’ve contracted COVID-19, there are plenty of plans and policies out there now for travellers concerned about getting COVID-19 during their trip.

Some companies that offer COVID-19 coverage include:

  • World Nomads
  • Safety Wing
  • Insured Nomads

As always, make sure to read the fine print regarding pandemics and COVID-19, as the industry is still in flux. If you have questions, call the company and ask so you get the most up-to-date and accurate information.

4. Compare Companies

Now that you know why you need insurance, what to look for in a plan, and what’s not included, it’s time to start comparing companies to find a policy that suits your needs and budget.

I’ve been buying travel insurance for over 14 years and writing about the industry for over a decade. In that time, I’ve read countless reviews, tested numerous companies, and talked to thousands of travellers about their experiences.

Here are the companies I suggest you consider when you’re looking for travel insurance.

SafetyWing is the company I recommend the most because it’s super affordable and covers all the basics. They are the best choice for backpackers and long-term travellers on a budget.

You can read my detailed SafetyWing review if you want to learn more about their coverage.

IMGlobal has a tonne of different plans and policies, ranging from budget-friendly to extremely comprehensive (with a price tag to match). If you’re looking for coverage more akin to health insurance, start here.

For more comprehensive coverage, pick World Nomads. They have two tiers of plans that are great for budget and mid-range travellers who want additional coverage for activities and gear, as well as cancellations and delays.

You can read my comprehensive World Nomads review if you want to learn more about what’s covered.

Insured Nomads has plans similar in coverage and price to World Nomads; however, they also have comprehensive plans for digital nomads. This includes both emergency coverage and non-emergency coverage, which is similar to your health plan back home, including mental health coverage and telehealth options.

While not cheap, if you’re working and travelling, you’ll likely want something more in-depth than standard travel insurance.

Medjet is a membership program that provides no-questions-asked medical transport to the hospital of your choice should something happen. Most travel insurance companies don’t guarantee you’ll be sent home in an emergency, and usually just send you to the nearest “acceptable” facility. Medjet ensures you get home.

Read my in-depth Medjet review if you want to learn more.

One thing to remember when researching travel insurance companies is that you should take reviews you read online with a grain of salt. People are much more likely to write a negative review than a positive one.

Remember, travel insurance companies are for-profit companies: they aren’t offering to cover you during your trip out of the goodness of their hearts. They’re in it because it’s a billion-dollar industry, so be sure to read the policy and review the claims process before you purchase.

5. Review the Claims Process

As you research policies, read up on the claims process for your prospective travel insurance companies to make sure you understand what is required and expected should you need to make a claim.

While the exact claims processes are different for every company, there are a few quick tips worth knowing that apply to every traveler.

  • Call the insurance company right away and let them know you’re making a claim. They can walk you through the specific next steps.
  • Keep copies of all your important documents in your email. Plane tickets, accommodation receipts, excursion receipts, receipts for any big-ticket items you’re bringing with you (laptop, phone, etc.), and a copy of your passport should all be digitized so you can easily submit them for a claim if necessary. That way if you lose your phone or laptop, you can still access the copies.
  • Take photos of your luggage and packed items before you go. If your backpack/suitcase is lost or stolen, you’ll have photographic proof of what was in it.
  • Document everything. If your luggage is lost by an airline, keep all correspondence from them. If you visit the hospital, make sure you get documentation and receipts. Insurance companies only pay out claims when you follow their instructions to the letter. That means obtaining documentation for every little incident along the way.
  • If your claim is taking longer than expected, follow up. Sometimes more information is needed or things get lost in the mix.
  • If your claim is rejected, ask why. Sometimes it’s just a matter of missing information or documents so don’t hesitate to politely (but firmly) ask for a second evaluation.

6. Other Tips & Suggestions

Always read the fine print. Most insurance companies provide quotes online and have a simple breakdown of what’s covered, usually in a chart or brochure that explains the basics.

While that info is helpful for getting started, you’ll want to read the actual policy before you buy a plan just to make sure you fully understand what’s included. More often than not, when someone emails me complaining about their insurance company, it’s because they didn’t read the entire policy.

Don’t make that same mistake – always read the fine print before you purchase a plan.

Save your insurance company’s contact number. Every insurance company has an emergency hotline you can call should something happen.

Save that number in your phone and share it with your family. That way, you won’t have to waste time in an emergency looking for a number and can contact the company right away.

Buy your insurance right away. Once you’ve booked your flight, buy your insurance plan.

Trip cancellation benefits usually kicks in right when you buy your plan, so purchase your insurance the minute you start paying deposits and/or buying flights. The extra coverage will come in handy if you need to delay or cancel your trip.

Nobody wants to think about their trip getting ruined or getting injured abroad. But after over fifteen years travelling the world , I’ve seen first-hand just how important it can be.

From minor incidents like delayed flights to serious injuries like broken limbs, you just never know what’s going to happen once you get on the road. That’s why I never leave home without travel insurance, and neither should you.

make sure you have travel insurance

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Good advice . This year, I found TD Banks travel insurance very competitive. With the lowest rate for the same coverage, compare to BCAA, Manulife,and other biggies… Check it out, login to your TD account, click the Other Products/ insurance/ Travel insurance…. You can get an instant quote online in a couple minutes… While I haven’t filed any claims (god bless…), I think as a big good reputation bank, it should be Ok.. Also, compare with your own banks, RBC, Scotia, CIBC, etc,. Also BCAA, Manulife, etc etc

Also, check out their Annual Multi Trips plan. I found it very reasonable and subscribed to their multi trip plan, as I’ve booked more than 5 long haul trips within the next 10 months, so make sense to get this multi trip plan. It also cover short trips to USA, …. Good for Canadians travel abroad and to the USA frequently.

Insurance is necessary for events that could bankrupt you. That means out of country medical insurance! For everything else, just pay out of pocket i.e. extra hotel night/cancellation fees/lost baggage, etc., etc.

Surprised credit card insurance and how it fits in wasn’t part of this piece.

My claims from RBC, all processed in good faith and paid promptly, were from RBC credit cards with medical. I did not use the cards to pay for any portion of the trip, nor did I use them to pay for any portion of the medical charges.

Agreed, it’s odd nothing about credit card insurance, considering all the credit card content on this site.

Yes, I second this. Would like to see how cc insurance compares to the listed providers in this article.

Excellent advice. I’ve had very good claims experience with RBC insurance, when I’ve filed claims with them multiple times, including an ear problem in Thailand! (Thailand is very hard on the ears I guess LOL). RBC reimbursed me quickly (I paid medical expenses myself with credit cards) once I submitted all relevant documents. In one case, the cheque was in my mailbox when I returned from the trip! For me, claims experience is the important differentiator between competing insurance offerings. I would only change companies after learning how they behave towards a claimant.

make sure you have travel insurance

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13 Common Travel Insurance Questions and Misconceptions Answered

Travel insurance facts and tips on common questions

Travel insurance is one of the most important things you’ll buy for your trip — no matter how long you are going away for. It is a must-have and I never leave home without it.

Yet so many travelers I talk to travel without it — often because they don’t quite understand what it is and what it does. There are a lot of misconceptions about travel insurance out there and those misconceptions are putting people in danger.

Today, I want to address those questions, concerns, and misconceptions.

Personally, I always buy travel insurance when I travel. After all, we get home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and car insurance. Why would we not cover ourselves when we’re abroad?

Travel insurance was there when I popped an eardrum in Thailand .

It was there when I broke my camera in Italy .

It was there when a friend had to go home after her father died.

And it was there for these people too:

Travel insurance story

But not this person who decided not to get it:

Travel insurance story

Buying travel insurance is a must. But since it is a confusing topic (try reading New York insurance law for fun. I did. It’s not fun), today I want to answer the common questions about travel insurance. These questions pop up in my inbox all the time and are the greatest points of confusion on the subject.

Table of Contents

  • What is Travel Insurance?
  • Is Travel Insurance Just Health Insurance?
  • Can Go See a Doctor When I Want?
  • Can I Get Treated for an Illness I Already Have?
  • My Credit Card Offers Some Protection. Isn’t That Good Enough?
  • How Does Insurance Actually Work?
  • What About Obamacare
  • Why Are the Reviews Bad?
  • I Got Drunk and Hurt Myself. Will I Be Covered?
  • Does Travel Insurance Cover Me in My Home Country?
  • I’m a Senior. What Should I Do?
  • Will Travel Insurance Send Me Home If I Get Injured or Sick?
  • What About COVID-19?
  • My Recommended Travel Insurance Company

1. What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance provides support, compensation, and medical care when things go wrong on the road. Depending on your policy, it could provide support and compensation if your luggage is lost, if you slip and break a bone hiking, or if you need to return home early due to a death in the family.

It’s a financial safety net for emergencies while you’re abroad.

Contrary to popular belief, travel insurance is not a substitute for health insurance in your home country — nor is it a license to be foolish! (Also, travel insurance pretty much unilaterally excludes any mishaps that occur while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.) It’s your emergency parachute should something terrible happen while you’re traveling.  

2. Is Travel Insurance Just Health Insurance?

No, it’s so much more than that. While there is a medical component for sudden illnesses and accidental injuries, it can also cover all sorts of additional incidents, such as:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Lost/Damaged/Stolen possessions
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Expatriation should there be a natural disaster
  • Trip interruption or delay

Travel insurance is for all-around emergencies, not just medical ones.  

3. Is Travel Insurance Similar to Health Insurance? Can I Go See a Doctor When I Want?

Travel insurance is not a replacement for health insurance. It’s there for unexpected emergencies only, not regular checkups. And should you need to be sent home due to a health emergency, it will be your regular health coverage that kicks in once you’re back in your home country.

For that reason, you’ll need to make sure you have both travel insurance (for when you’re abroad) and regular health coverage (in case you get sent home with an injury)

Break a leg? Pop an eardrum? Get food poisoning or dengue? Travel insurance has you covered.

Want to go see a doctor for a physical or get a cavity filled? You’re on your own.

(If you’re a digital nomad or expat, check out SafetyWing and Insured Nomads , which both have plans that are akin to health insurance.)  

4. Can I Get Treated for an Illness I Already Have?

As a general rule, most travel insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If you get sick on the road, travel insurance is there for you. But if you need medication for an ongoing chronic disease or a medical condition you knew of before you bought the policy, you could be out of luck.

Moreover, if you get sick under one policy and then you extend it or start a new policy, most insurers will consider your illness a pre-existing condition and won’t cover it under your new policy.

In short, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered unless you find a specific plan that provides coverage for them.  

5. My Credit Card Offers Some Protection. Isn’t That Good Enough?

Travel credit cards , even the very best ones, offer only limited protection. Some cards offer coverage for lost or stolen baggage, delays, and trip cancellation — but only if you booked your trip with that specific card.

In my experience (and I’ve had dozens of travel credit cards over the years) even if your card covers some things, that coverage limit is often very low. Plus, very few cards cover medical expenses, and even those that do provide limited coverage. This all means you’d have to pay out of pocket (and you’ll be surprised at just how expensive that can be!).

Bottom line: don’t rely on credit card coverage. While it’s nice to have its protection as a backup, I wouldn’t (and don’t) rely on credit cards for my primary coverage when abroad. It’s not a smart choice.  

6. How Does Insurance Actually Work? Do They Mail Me a Card I Can Show the Doctor?

If you experience a major medical emergency that requires surgery, overnight hospitalization, or emergency repatriation, then you (or someone else) would contact your travel insurance company’s emergency assistance team. They can then help make arrangements and approve costs. Every insurance company has a 24-hour contact number you can call for emergencies. I always suggest travelers save this number in their phone before departure just to be safe.

For all other situations, you need to pay for the costs upfront, collect receipts, and then make a claim for reimbursement from your insurer. You’ll pay out of pocket and then submit documentation to the insurance company after the fact (so there’s no need to show a card to the doctor).

Be sure to keep all documentation, file any necessary police reports, and save all receipts. Companies don’t reimburse you based on your word. Keep documentation!  

7. What About Obamacare? How Does That Affect Everything?

For Americans, the ACA, or “Obamacare,” covers you only in the United States , and since travel insurance is not a replacement for health insurance, it doesn’t get you out of any state-based requirements for health insurance.

While there is no longer a nationwide tax penalty for not having health insurance, some states still do charge one. Be sure to contact a tax accountant or the ACA hotline number for more information.

Also keep in mind that, if you need to be sent home due to an injury, travel insurance will not cover your bills upon arrival back to your country of residency.  

8. I Read Reviews Online. All These Companies Suck. What’s Up With That?

I’ve talked with hundreds of travelers over the years about insurance and received thousands of emails from people who have had insurance issues. While there are some legitimate concerns, the overwhelming majority of people I interact with haven’t read the fine print of their policy. People buy a plan, don’t read the exact wording, and then make (incorrect) assumptions about their coverage.

Naturally, they scream bloody murder when their assumptions don’t match up with reality and go on a digital tirade, leaving bad review after bad review.

And, to be honest, most people don’t write good reviews when they are helped. On the Internet, we love to scream our displeasure but rarely do we go out of our way to leave a positive review of something.

So take online reviews of insurance companies with a grain of salt. I’ve read them and most of the time, I think, “You didn’t read your policy!”

I’m by no means an insurance company defender, but if you’re going in with no documentation, no proof you owned what you lost, or you want to make a claim for something that is specifically excluded on the policy, you should expect to get denied.

Is the reimbursement process fun? No. It’s a lot of paperwork and back-and-forth emails with the insurer. But when you have all your ducks in a row, you get reimbursed.

Here’s a list of my suggested insurance companies to help you get started . They’re reputable and reliable and can save you a lot of money should an accident happen.  

9. I Got Drunk and Hurt Myself. Will I Be Covered?

Probably not! If you are doing something foolish (whether you’re drinking or not), insurance companies will want to know if putting yourself at unnecessary risk led to the injury. If, after investigating, they find you did, they can deny your claim. That’s not to say that they expect you to be sober your entire trip, but let’s just say you’re unlikely to get reimbursed if you’re drunk and decide that it would be a good idea to stand in the middle of the road and play chicken.

So, don’t be foolish!  

10. Does Travel Insurance Cover Me in My Home Country?

Some travel insurance can cover you at home. For example, World Nomads travel insurance covers you either 100 miles from your permanent address (for U.S. residents), outside your home province (if you’re Canadian), or outside your home country (for everyone else).

It depends on your policy, and there are always conditions on when the coverage starts and ends and where you can travel to, so check this carefully first. Some companies let you be in your home country for a short period, others won’t cover you at all. So read the fine print!  

11. I’m a Senior. What Should I Do?

Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t like covering seniors as they view them as high risk. Therefore, it’s a lot harder for older travelers to find comprehensive coverage. For seniors, use Insure My Trip , an online marketplace that searches over 20 different insurance companies to help you find the best policy for your needs. It’s the best place to get insurance for anyone over 65. Just expect prices to be much higher than policies for younger travelers, as older travelers pay a premium due to their age.

You can read more about travel insurance for seniors in this post .  

12. Will Travel Insurance Send Me Home If I Get Injured or Sick?

Under most circumstances, travel insurance will not repatriate you to your home country. In a nutshell, travel insurance is there to make sure you get the medical assistance you need should an emergency arise. Usually, that means sending you to the nearest acceptable facility — they don’t have to send you home.

So, if you break your leg hiking you’ll be taken to the nearest suitable facility and patched up. After that, the onus is on you to get home. Your policy will likely reimburse you for any part of your trip that you cancel due to your injury but it won’t pay for you to go home early (unless you have a life-threatening injury that requires advanced medical care).

If you feel this isn’t enough coverage and want additional medical transport and repatriation coverage, use a service like Medjet . They’re a membership program with affordable annual (and short-term) policies that include medical transport coverage that’s more comprehensive than what you’d find in your average travel insurance policy.

You can learn more about the program in my Medjet review.

13. What About COVID-19 and Other Pandemics?

As many found out the hard way in 2020, travel insurance historically has not covered pandemics. While many companies have made changes to their pandemic coverage (such as SafetyWing and Medjet ), pandemic and COVID-19 coverage is not universal.

Be sure you understand exactly what COVID/pandemic coverage is offered before you book. Specifically, you’ll want to know whether you’re covered only for medical issues or if you have cancellation/trip interruption coverage as well.

For policies that give blanket coverage (i.e. “cancel for any reason” policies) check out Insure My Trip .

The #1 Travel Insurance Company for Travelers

My favorite travel insurance company is SafetyWing . SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term budget travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.

I use them because I can purchase and renew my insurance policy online in a matter of minutes, they have a very friendly and responsive staff who answer questions and help solve problems via social media, they have great customer feedback, and most importantly, they provide a lot of coverage at a super affordable price.

I’ve used travel insurance since my first round-the-world trip , and it’s helped me, my friends, and readers of this website. I can’t stress its importance enough.

I can also not stress enough that you need to read the fine print of your plan. Remember, travel insurance companies are for-profit. They will only reimburse you if your situation fits within the scope of your policy. The only way to know if it does is to read your plan.

Having had to use my insurance several times over the years, I genuinely hope you’re never put in a situation where you need to use yours. However, if something does happen and you need to make a claim you’ll be happy you spent the money.

Don’t avoid buying travel insurance because you read a bad review or think you’ll be OK. Accidents happen to the best of us.

Travel insurance is a safeguard against the unexpected. So, be prepared. You won’t regret it.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.  

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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These are the 4 best family travel insurance plans

Find coverage that fits your family's travel plans with these four companies..

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Family vacations are a special time, and ensuring they go smoothly is essential to making memories that will last forever. Travel insurance is one way to ensure that any bumps in the road can be smoothed over, from a lost bag to an injury abroad.

CNBC Select reviews the best travel insurance plans for families based on coverage, cost and plan variety. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best family travel insurance companies.)

Best family travel insurance  

  • Best for families with young children : Allianz   
  • Best for affordability : Faye   
  • Best for CFAR coverage : Travel Insured International  
  • Best for cruises : Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  

Best for families with young children 

Allianz travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

24/7 assistance available

  • Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
  • Limited coverage for risky sports

Who's this for? Allianz is great for families with young children as its OneTrip Prime travel insurance policy offers free coverage for children ages 17 or under when traveling with a parent or grandparent. Though this benefit isn't available to Pennsylvania residents, it could help families with younger children lower the cost of their travel insurance coverage.  

Standout benefits:  Allianz's cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage has an enhanced version available that can cover up to 80% of trip expenses if you have to cancel for a reason that's not covered.  

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for affordability 

Faye travel insurance.

Faye offers travel insurance with a convenient online buying experience and an app with real-time travel alerts. It's one simple plan includes coverage for common issues, like trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses and trip delay coverage. It also offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions when plans are purchased within 14 days of an initial trip deposit.

  • Covers Covid like any other medical condition
  • CFAR is available for up to 75% of trip costs for an additional cost.
  • Additional coverage options like vacation rental damage coverage and pet care coverage.
  • Not all benefits are available in all states.

Who's this for?  Faye travel insurance stands out for families on a budget. Its policies start at just $4.64 per day (for 14 days) for domestic trips and $5.16 per day (for 14 days) for international trips. It's also great for those who want a completely digital experience and would rather manage a policy through an app than an agent or by phone.

Standout benefits:  Faye's intuitive interface makes it easy to get travel insurance coverage on your own time, and quotes are available entirely online. On top of the standard trip delay, cancellation and interruption coverage, you can purchase CFAR coverage, coverage for adventure and sports activities and a pet care add-on, which can cover illness or injury for your pet when traveling with you, or extra kenneling costs if your trip is delayed if you leave your pet at home.  

Best for CFAR coverage 

Travel insured international travel insurance.

Travel Insured International has two simple travel insurance plans — the Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold. Its plans are affordable and offer the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

  • Optional CFAR coverage and interruption for any reason coverage
  • Medical coverage can be lower than other options

Who's this for?  Travel Insured International could be a great fit for families looking for the flexibility of a CFAR addition to ensure they'll be covered for any reason they need to cancel. The company's wide variety of reasons for cancellation includes coverage for school year extensions with all plans.  

Standout benefits:  Travel Insured International's Worldwide Trip Protector can cover all children 17 and under for free when traveling with related adults.  

Best for cruises  

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

  • Wide variety of policies available
  • Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
  • Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Who's this for?  Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers cruise-specific packages for families setting sail on a cruise.  

Standout benefits:  Cruise plans include coverage for missed connections and unique challenges you could face on a cruise vacation, like cruise disablement and diversion. 

More on our top family travel insurance companies 

Allianz offers 10 different travel insurance policies for travelers and trips of all types, including single-trip and multi-trip coverage. It also offers quotes and claims online, making the experience simple.  

CFAR coverage available?  

Yes, up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs 

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]  

While relatively new to the space, Faye's travel insurance plans combine affordability and easy access. Policies are backed by the United States Fire Insurance Company.  

Yes, up to 75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs 

Travel Insured International 

Travel Insured International has been offering travel insurance for over 25 years. It has two tiers of coverage (available in most states) that can help you meet all your travel protection needs.  

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers several tiers of travel protection and insurance, including packages specifically designed for road trips and cruises. Its strong A++ financial strength rating also helps it stand out against the competition.  

Up to 50%, only available on LuxuryCare packages 

Does travel insurance cover family members?  

Generally, you can insure your whole family on one travel insurance plan, so you won't have to buy separate plans for every traveler. Your travel insurance plan will cover every person listed on the policy.  

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to a death in the family? 

In many cases, travel insurance can help you recoup the cost of your vacation if you have to cancel due to a death in your family. However, you'll want to carefully read your policy's definition of a family member, as not everyone in your life could be included.  

Bottom line

A family vacation can be a big investment, so it's important to protect yourself in case anything goes awry. Having a travel insurance plan that's easy to access, provides 24/7 support and fits your specific travel concerns and budget can help ensure your trip will go smoothly.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select? 

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products. To research the best travel insurance companies, we compiled over 100 data points on more than a dozen travel insurance companies. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance companies. 

Our methodology  

To determine the best travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel insurance companies and compared them based on various factors. 

While narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on the number of plans available, the availability of 24/7 assistance to access while traveling, coverage for Covid-19, the availability of cancel for any reason coverage, and financial strength (which measures a company's ability to pay on contracts) using A.M. Best ratings. We also considered family-friendly features, such as the inclusion of children on policies for free with parent's coverage, and reasons for cancellation, including school year extension as a reason for cancellation.  

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.  

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.  

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

make sure you have travel insurance

Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: How to Make Sure You’re Protected

Janice Waugh

February 28, 2024 by Janice Waugh

image, cobblestone street

I would never leave the country without it. Travel insurance for solo travelers–or any travelers, for that matter–is essential and, like accommodation, meals, tips, etc., it should be considered a fundamental cost of any trip.

From Beijing, where I fell and ended up in a local hospital for an X-ray and acupuncture to Penzance, where I lost a pair of glasses hiking, travel insurance has come in handy.

If you don't buy it, you are financially and practically responsible for anything and everything that goes wrong as well as dealing with the fallout. If you do buy, you can claim many expenses back, as I have, for a variety of things.

  • The glasses I lost were replaced: $300.
  • I had a crown fixed that came off a tooth in Sydney: $272.
  • I was refunded for a flight to Peru that I couldn’t take due to my mother’s ill health: $1,100.

image, travel insurance

Table of Contents

The Bottom Line First: Recommended Travel Insurance Brokers

make sure you have travel insurance

The consensus is that travel insurance can be worth every penny. Yes, there will be times that you buy it and don't use it. In fact, you hope that is the case. But if something happens that you need it and it's there, well that makes up for all those other times. Here are my recommendations.

  • If you're American, I recommend TravelInsurance.com . They are an insurance broker that represents many companies. Buying online with them is easy and there is also a number to call if you have questions.
  • If you're Canadian, I suggest Medi-Quote . They are a specialist travel insurance broker as well. I talk to a live person when I'm buying from them but you can get an anonymous quote here if you're curious.

travel insurance for solo travelers

Your Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: 12 Questions Answered

What's the most important kind of insurance to buy.

Accidents happen. It is when we are out of our normal routines that accidents tend to happen more often. I was told this by an emergency room doctor and this bit of information has stuck. As we travel, we are definitely out of our normal routines. Ordinary health issues can arise just as easily when you're traveling as at home.

The most important types of travel insurance to buy are emergency medical and emergency evacuation.

  • Emergency medical treatment can run from a day's budget for food to an annual salary and beyond. There is no way that I would ever risk financial ruin to save $30 (for a younger person on a small trip) to a few hundred dollars. I suggest that travelers always have emergency medical coverage.
  • Emergency evacuation is the second necessity in the travel insurance category. It is for getting you home to your own medical and personal support network when necessary.

Below is an image of a quote from TravelInsurance.com . It shows full coverage for a $3,000, one-month trip to France for a 55-year-old traveler starting at less than US$100. For that price, I don't know why anyone would choose not to buy travel insurance.

make sure you have travel insurance

Is travel insurance expensive?

As you can see from the price comparison above, travel insurance does not have to be expensive. You also have options. While medical travel insurance is necessary, I consider the additional coverage below as optional. It depends on the value of your trip and your willingness to endure inconvenience and financial loss. Read on to determine whether these options are important for you.

  • Companion coverage . Should you be in hospital for a period of time, your insurance company will send a friend or family member to be with you, covering their costs and their insurance. This is a crucial component of travel insurance for solo travelers specifically. It's often included in a standard policy.
  • Trip cancellation for medical reasons. Should your trip cancellation be due to health issues, you will likely be covered by the medical portion of your travel insurance.
  • Trip cancellation due to border closings, tour cancellation, or severe weather . This is where you want to read the trip cancellation portion of your travel insurance. Have a look at the details of your policy to see what is deemed coverable.
  • Trip cancellation due to a health emergency in the family . A few years ago, everything for my trip was planned, but my mother fell ill. As a primary caregiver, my travel insurance refunded the expenses I had incurred for the trip.
  • Trip interruption . The terms for trip interruption are similar to those for trip cancellation.
  • Trip delay. This is typically for when your trip is delayed for a day or two.
  • Baggage and personal effects loss, theft, or damage . It can be a huge inconvenience if your baggage is lost. If everything goes missing by your airline or you lose an item while on your trip, this is the insurance feature that will kick in. If you have a lot of expensive gear such as computer, photography, or sporting equipment, it may be worth taking photos of everything before leaving so that you have proof of ownership. Baggage delay coverage will typically kick in once your baggage has been delayed for a specific number of hours. To help avoid the inconvenience, read Luggage Trackers Review: How to Find Lost or Stolen Bags .
  • Cancel for any reason . This is typically an add-on to regular insurance and is not offered by all insurers. It is a very expensive option and less common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is it ever a good idea not to buy travel insurance?

While I believe in travel insurance, I don't believe in taking insurance every time it's offered (see Insurance Upsell: How to Know When to Say No ). I always recommend emergency medical coverage. Depending on your risk tolerance, you can self-insure for the coverage of protection as explained above.

Could credit card or airline travel insurance be enough?

Before buying travel insurance it's best to determine whether you're already covered by your company health plan or your credit card while you're traveling. To do the analysis, look for the gaps between what you consider to be adequate coverage and what you actually have. This requires reading the small print.

Look at the financial limits of the coverage and whether you're covered in the countries you're visiting for the length of time you'll be traveling. All these factors can affect whether you have adequate insurance. Check for the following:

  • emergency medical coverage limits and deductibles
  • terms around pre-existing medical conditions (read more about this below)
  • companion coverage, which is especially important for solo travelers
  • upfront payment for claims. Do you have to pay for services and get reimbursed later?
  • trip delay coverage
  • trip length limits
  • age restrictions
  • baggage loss coverage
  • baggage delay coverage

If you feel you want a bit more coverage, you can purchase “top-up” insurance.

image, person on beach

Should I buy annual or single trip insurance?

When buying travel insurance you first need to consider your travel plans for the year.

If you're only planning one or two trips of a couple of weeks, you will likely be better off with a single trip plan for each. Once you're up to three trips or trips of longer duration, you will want to compare price and coverage with annual plans. Annual plans have a maximum length for each trip. Check what the maximum number of days are for the plan you're buying. You can buy top-up insurance for trips that are longer.

What's the best time to buy travel insurance?

Travelers are becoming more savvy when it comes to pre-trip cancellation benefits.

  • When should you buy single trip insurance? If you're going to buy a full travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation, buy the insurance as soon as you put out money for the trip. This will protect your investment from the start.
  • When should you buy annual insurance plans ? If you are purchasing a new annual plan based on a specific trip, the advice above applies. If you are renewing an annual plan, I would delay the renewal until you put down money on your next trip. There's no need to pay insurance for months when you're not traveling.
  • When is age a factor? If you will be turning a significant age, such as 65, you may want to purchase your insurance before your birthday as the rate could be lower for a year.

The option of purchasing insurance after departure is becoming more common, however, there are usually waiting periods for it to come into effect and, if there is a disaster declaration, it won't apply.

Do I need a travel insurance specialist?

My best advice is to use a travel insurance broker. Not all general insurance brokers have travel insurance expertise. You want to know that the broker is licensed and that they are specially trained in travel insurance.

You can also buy travel insurance from travel agents, but they are only allowed to sell it, they are not allowed to give advice. Basically, you're buying it off the shelf with no consideration of your particular circumstances. Since it's a complicated purchase, I recommend a broker specialist.

Here are my recommended travel insurance brokers:

  • TravelInsurance.com in the United States
  • Medi-Quote in Canada

There are lots of details to consider when it comes to travel insurance for solo travelers, especially medical coverage. The language of policy documents is not always easy to understand. If you have questions, pick up the phone and get them answered clearly by either the insuring company or a licensed travel insurance broker.

What's the right insurance for medical coverage for my trip?

My primary goal with a travel insurance policy is to be protected from medical emergencies. To lose $2,000 on a flight is one thing. To lose tens of thousands on medical costs is quite another. When buying travel insurance, it's important to understand what is covered, the limits of the coverage, and deductibles.

Most travel insurance policies should cover expenses for medical attention, paramedical services, ambulance, emergency dental, and expenses to return home or bring family to your bedside. When shopping for coverage, compare the dollar limits available for similar benefits and any deductibles. For example, two policies may both offer emergency medical coverage but one may offer $5,000 in coverage while another provides $5,000,000. I don't think that anything under $250,000 is adequate. The more coverage the better.

Two special considerations:

  • High-risk Activities Some companies won't insure for activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing. Some won't even cover snorkeling or zip-lining. If you are an active traveler, make sure that the things you're inclined to do are covered.
  • Emergency Medical Reunion This is a particularly important part of travel insurance for solo travelers. Emergency medical reunion is offered by many policies, however, the terms can vary greatly. Again, know the exact terms of the insurance you're considering so that you can make a proper comparison between companies.

image, prescription, pre-existing conditions travel insurance

Be aware that a pre-existing condition can be something as simple as a change of prescription, even if the change is because you need less medication. Try to time any change so that they are up to six months before a trip. Some insurance may require only 2 or 3 months for you to be considered stable.

Does my pre-existing condition make medical travel insurance too expensive?

Before purchasing travel insurance, solo travelers should consider their pre-existing medical conditions and the risks associated with treatment for those conditions while away.

Having a pre-existing condition does not mean that you will not be covered and it does not necessarily mean that the cost of insurance will be ridiculous.

Some insurance policies may offer full coverage for existing conditions while other policies may require that your health has been stable for a period of time. This is called a stability clause and it's used to limit what the insurance covers. Still others are more concerned about pre-existing conditions as they relate to trip cancellation insurance rather than medical insurance.

In some cases, you can purchase travel insurance without completing a medical questionnaire. While this may sound great, it can mean that you are not covered for certain pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, in a few price comparison studies, I have found that policies that have medical questionnaires are less expensive than those that don't.

If you have pre-existing conditions, it is important to:

  • read the fine print concerning pre-existing conditions carefully before you buy. Pay special attention to the policy’s definition of “stable” and “treatment”. These definitions can vary and directly impact your available medical coverage.
  • be completely honest about any pre-existing conditions when signing up for insurance so that your policy will not be considered void for misrepresentation.
  • call the insurance company so that you're really clear on what their terms mean. For example, if you have a heart condition you may still be covered for a heart attack as this is an unpredictable event. Seriously, make the call. Their customer support people can be very helpful.

make sure you have travel insurance

Do I really have to read the fine print on insurance policies?

Yes. It's wise to do so. Once it even saved me money as I learned that the glasses I lost on a hike were covered. But that was reading after the fact.

Read the fine print before you buy and know the exact terms of the insurance you're considering so that you can make a proper comparison between companies. Download the Certificate of Insurance. This is usually available in smaller print on any page promoting a plan or at the bottom of the site under the heading, “Forms”.

Video: Experts Answer Our Questions about Solo Travel Insurance

In the one-hour video above, I interview two travel insurance experts on all the things to consider when buying travel insurance for solo travelers. The first part of the video is about travel insurance for Americans. If you're Canadian, you may want to start at minute 24.33 which is when I ask questions of our Canadian travel insurance expert.

Travel insurance for Coronavirus and Covid-19

Always Have an Escape Plan

I was in Morocco when the pandemic was declared in 2020. Marco, our trip leader shown above, was working hard to ensure that everyone on the trip got home safely. But it was Marco I was concerned about. He was going home to Italy where the pandemic hit hard. I just happened to walk by a display that had this t-shirt for sale. How appropriate. And good advice for us all.

For more on the value of travel insurance as well as the importance of prevention, read How to Prevent or Deal with Getting Sick Traveling Solo . And to ensure you stay safe on your journeys, see Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips .

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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make sure you have travel insurance

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  • Nationwide Travel Insurance
  • AXA Assistance USA
  • Travel Guard
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance
  • WorldTrips Travel Insurance
  • Trawick International Travel Insurance
  • Travelex Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Tips

  • Why You Should Trust Us

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews ( here's how we assess insurance products ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners ; however, our opinions are our own.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this travel insurance guide, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies

  • Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
  • AXA Assistance USA : Runner-Up
  • Travel Guard : Best for Cruises
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Best Reputation
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance : Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions
  • WorldTrips Travel Insurance : Best for Digital Nomads
  • Trawick International Travel Insurance : Best Low-Cost Option
  • Travelex Travel Insurance : Best for Road Trips

Compare the Top Travel Insurance Offers

Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

  • Cancel for any reason coverage available

AXA AXA Assistance USA

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
  • Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

  • Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
  • Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Covers up to 100% of trip cancellation costs, a minimum of up to $750 in luggage losses, and 24/7 worldwide travel insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers up to 100% trip cancellation refund for eligible travel
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans are customizable with relevant add-ons
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good customer service and easy sign up according to traveler reviews
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. More affordable plans offer low caps on medical and emergency coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums are on the expensive side relative to comparable competitor plans
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims may take longer during peak travel seasons

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is one of the leading insurance brands on the market. It offers several plans with key add-ons for travelers.

  • This provider underwrites travel insurance policies for a number of other companies in addition to offering its own plans
  • Travelers can file claims directly from a smartphone by using the BHTP app

TinLeg Tin Leg Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

  • Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

WorldTrips WorldTrips Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

  • Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
  • Trip cancellation insurance
  • Trip protection insurance

Trawick Trawick International Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

  • Travel medical insurance
  • Trip protection and cancellation
  • International student insurance
  • Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Travelex Travelex Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

  • Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
  • Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Best Travel Insurance Reviews

Best overall travel insurance: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance: Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

AIG Travel Guard Review

Best Travel Insurance for Company Reputation: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  helps travelers make the best of bad situations by simplifying the process of filing a claim down to a simple photo snap and some basic paperwork submitted directly through a dedicated app.

Approved claims are also paid out very rapidly, making it easier to carry through with a trip when luggage has been lost or alternative travel plans need to be made on the fly.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance Review

Best for Travelers with Preexisting Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Thanks to coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

Best Low-Cost Travel Insurance Option: Trawick International Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance  is another medically robust insurance provider that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Trawick Travel Insurance Review

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

  • Travel Basic
  • Travel Select
  • Travel America

The Travelex American plan is meant for trips limited to the US, but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the US for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Travelex Travel Insurance Review

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about the financial aspect of receiving medical care while traveling , even in the most remote corners of the globe.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away.

Choosing Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with preexisting conditions, so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose The Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award 5 stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2022 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the US Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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AFAR

Travel Checklist: 9 Things to Do Before Every Trip

W hile some things, like booking flights and hotel rooms, are obvious to-dos before a big trip, other tasks-like remembering to double-check whether you need a visa or an international driver's permit-sometimes slip through the cracks. That's why having a pretravel checklist can make for a smoother departure and reduce stress.

Here are nine things you should do in the run-up to your trip and before you leave for the airport, from preparing your home and choosing a phone plan to packing the essentials.

Make sure your passport is up to date

While a standard adult U.S. passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue (or renewal), you should renew sooner than that .

Many countries (currently around 75 worldwide) require at least six months of passport validity beyond your departure date. If your passport is going to expire less than six months after you leave for your trip, you could be denied entry or deported. Additionally, some nations require that your passport have between one and three completely blank visa pages, so be sure to check the rules for your destination .

Similarly, if your passport has details that are no longer accurate (for instance, you've gotten married and changed your last name), you'll want to have that corrected or have your airplane ticket changed to match the passport information.

Check if you need a visa and immunizations

To enter certain foreign countries, you'll need some specific visas and immunizations before you can board the plane.

Start by researching the entry requirements for your destination. Most governments have official websites or consular offices that provide detailed information about what is necessary to visit.

For visas, whether or not you need one often depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. Additionally, some countries have non-negotiable immunizations that need to be obtained before entry (for instance, a number of countries in Africa require yellow fever vaccinations and certifications ). Other countries may have suggested, but not mandatory, requirements for medications (such as antimalarial tablets). It's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic for up-to-date information on vaccinations and health advisories.

Consider travel insurance

No matter how well you plan your vacation, there's always the potential for accidents and unforeseen circumstances that can derail everything.

Travel insurance can help safeguard you against unexpected events, like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or flight delays. Not only does it mitigate financial losses, but it also ensures you have someone to help you if things go wrong far from home.

In some scenarios, like an expedition cruise to a polar region, the company organizing the trip makes travel insurance mandatory, so be sure to check what requirements your tour has ahead of time. Some cruise lines offer insurance directly through their booking process, which makes it an easier-if not always the most economic-option.

Keep in mind that credit card insurance covers some things, but not all, and that different cards cover different things. Cancel For Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) is another option in the insurance toolkit to review: It gained popularity during COVID and can still be useful in certain cases.

Even if you don't end up needing your travel insurance, having it can provide peace of mind.

Make a safety plan

No matter your destination, it's wise to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, and to read up on potential safety concerns, particularly those related to current political and health situations specific to that area. The Department of State website is a good place to start, although it is usually quite conservative in its approach to safety issues. You might also consider looking online for blog posts about "important things to know before visiting (insert destination here)" to see what else pops up.

Be sure to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member so they know your whereabouts in case of emergency. Another option is to share your location with them via your phone, so they can keep track of you in real time. Signing up for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is another good idea. It is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling abroad, which allows them to input information about their trip (where they're going, how they can be contacted, etc.), so that the State Department can help in emergencies (ranging from finding local attorneys and doctors to fleeing the country in the event of war or natural disasters).

Confirm whether you'll need a special driving permit

Different countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to driving, and in some cases, the driver's license issued by your home state doesn't quite cut it. Depending on where you're going, you may need an international driving permit instead.

Luckily, they're easy to get . The Automobile Association of America (AAA) issues permits in their various offices countrywide and by mail for $20; all you need to do is submit a simple application, two passport-type photos, and a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license. They're currently valid in more than 150 countries. However, there are some countries, like China and Ethiopia, that don't consider international licenses valid and instead offer their own temporary driving permit for travelers, so be sure to look up what the rules in your destination are. Websites for U.S. embassies in those countries and the Department of State can help in that matter.

Choose an international phone plan (or plan for a different option once on the ground)

If you want to use your phone internationally , check to see if your current carrier offers international roaming options. If it doesn't offer international data (or the cost is prohibitively expensive), consider purchasing a prepaid plan from a local carrier at your destination (though if you go that route, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network). Often you can purchase local SIM cards at booths in the airport. You can also now buy eSIM cards (a digital version of a SIM card) online from companies like Airalo .

Note that some carriers, like Google Fi, offer automatic international service with no preauthorization or extra packages or SIM cards necessary, at the same price as in your home country.

Another option is to rent a Wi-Fi hot spot (available at phone stores for as little as $7 a day; or Travelers Wifi will mail you one). You could also just leave your phone in airplane mode and use free Wi-Fi when you can get it.

Prepare your home for while you're away

You know the basics (taking out the trash, setting your thermostat, double-checking that all doors and windows are locked), but there are plenty of other steps to remember. Consider, for instance, unplugging any non-essential appliances to prevent energy waste and reduce the risk of electrical issues. While you may already know to empty your refrigerator of perishable items, do you always sweep and clean up any food crumbs that might otherwise attract pests? Also, if you can't arrange for someone to care for plants in your absence, consider buying a self-watering device, like those from Cowbell Plant Co.

If you're going on a longer trip , it's also a good idea to forward your mail or ask a neighbor to collect it to avoid the appearance of an empty home; you can also arrange for the USPS to hold it . You might want to equip your home with camera security systems ( Ring and SwitchBot are solid options), so you can keep an eye on it while you're away.

Download in-flight entertainment

Nobody wants to be stuck on a long-haul flight without something to keep them occupied. Sure, most airlines offer in-flight movies and TV shows, but there's a chance the options don't interest you (or aren't in your preferred language). On the other hand, many streaming services allow users to download movies and shows for offline watching, so you can ensure you'll have something you'll enjoy.

It's also a good idea to check with your specific airline to see if its in-flight entertainment service is available only through a personal device, which would require you to download an app before boarding (like United ).

Pack your bags

What you need to bring on a vacation depends in part on where you go, what the weather will be like, and what activities you have planned. But the following lists are a good starting point.

  • Footwear (including hiking boots or water shoes ; our editor at large packs this boot on every winter trip)
  • Socks (we're partial to Bombas )
  • Layers of cold-weather gear (remember that merino wool holds in heat, wicks away moisture, and is naturally antimicrobial)
  • Jackets/outwear (outdoor gear companies are making progress in the plus-size category too )
  • Swimwear and other beach necessities
  • Hat (for sun or the cold)

Personal documents

  • Hotel, flight, tour confirmations
  • Insurance card and travel insurance contact number
  • Documentation for any medication that might be controlled in other countries (e.g., Singapore has a list )

Electronics

  • Chargers/adapters
  • Earbuds / noise-canceling headphones
  • AirTags if you're checking a bag
  • Travel apps that travel editors use
  • Medications (keep prescriptions in their official bottles)
  • Compression socks for the flight
  • Packing cubes
  • Water bottle
  • Neck pillow

Packing lists

  • The Essential Cruise Packing List
  • The Ultimate Camping Checklist for a Comfy Night Under the Stars
  • What to Pack for a Road Trip
  • The Ultimate Beach Packing List
  • The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Got your passport? What about travel insurance and compression socks?

What to look for in an insurance plan when you live in 2 different places

make sure you have travel insurance

Living in two different places can often involve a lot of juggling. It can also present some challenges when it comes to health insurance coverage. For example, you want to be sure you have coverage no matter where you’re living. So, whether you have homes in two different states — or spend a lot of time abroad — you’re probably wondering: Do I need two different insurance plans? It all depends on your situation. “Having double insurance makes almost no sense most of the time,” says Noor Ali, M.D., a physician and the founder of Dr. Noor Healthcare Advisor. So, if one health insurance plan is the way to go, how do you make sure you’re covered no matter where you are? Read on to find out — as well as what to do if you leave the country.

Choose a PPO plan if you live in 2 places inside the United States

If you live in two different states or frequently travel within the country, you may want to sign up for a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. A PPO plan gives you more nationwide options for providers and health care services. That means you’re able to use your health insurance no matter where you are.  

It’s important to make sure the providers you’re seeing (and the care you’re getting from them) is in your plan’s network. That way, you’re getting the full benefits of the plan, including lower out-of-pocket costs.

“PPO refers to the type of network, not the type of insurance plans,” Dr. Ali says. “That’s a common confusion. You can get the plan from anywhere. But PPO refers to the network of doctors you can use with your policy.”

That’s different from a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. HMO coverage is typically limited to the state or even county where you sign up, so you need to use the providers and services that are included in the HMO plan. In many cases, once you leave your plan’s service area, you typically have to pay the full cost of care. The only exception to this rule is emergency care. 1

Understand your plan’s emergency coverage

If you have an accident or medical event that threatens your health (like a car crash or a heart attack), you can’t be denied emergency care because of insurance status — no matter where you are in the country. 2

In fact, a recent federal law, The No Surprises Act, protects you from unexpected, out-of-network bills for emergency services. If your health insurance covers emergency care, you can’t be charged more than your network cost-sharing for emergency medical services. That means no matter where you are in the country, you pay your network cost-sharing for emergency care (as if you were back home). 3

Get an additional plan if you travel outside the United States

In general, United States health insurance plans don’t carry over to other countries. Once you leave the United States, you’ll need additional protection so you can get medical care if needed while you’re abroad.

The best way to do that is to get a travel health insurance plan . You might be familiar with travel insurance, which can protect you if your flight or cruise gets canceled or delayed. A travel health insurance plan can help cover costs in case you get hurt or sick and need medical care. 4

Travel health insurance is especially useful if you have a health condition. It’s also helpful if you’re planning on doing something adventurous, like hang gliding or scuba diving. And, it might be a good idea to get travel health insurance if you plan to stay in another country for more than 6 months. 4

Before you decide on a travel health insurance plan, you may want to consider the following:

  • Check with your current health insurance plan to see if they cover emergencies when you’re out of the country. Then check to see if your plan has exclusions for preexisting conditions or certain activities. 4
  • Make sure your plan covers accidents and illnesses. “Most policies are blanket accident and injury policies, which means they’re going to cover you if you get hurt,” says Dr. Ali. “But you want to look for a plan that also covers illness, because that’s where you’re probably going to incur more of the bills.”
  • Shop around, even if your health plan covers overseas travel. There are companies that specialize in travel insurance, including health plans. It’s important to find one that fits your needs at the right price.

Depending on the benefits in your plan, you’ll likely pay upfront for the cost of any medical care you may need overseas. You’ll then get reimbursed through the travel insurance when you return home, adds Dr. Ali. Be sure to check the plan’s policy before you decide to go ahead with it, and keep your receipts if you need reimbursement. Dr. Ali suggests looking at the available options in both places you live. Then decide what plan covers the providers and services you might use the most.

Asking the right questions and choosing the best plan for your lifestyle can help give you peace of mind no matter where you are.

SafeTrip travel protection plans from UnitedHealthcare Global offer options to help you prepare for what comes your way — whether that’s medical, emergency or trip cancellation surprises. Choose from plans that include medical coverage, trip cancellation, evacuation and other coverage options.

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make sure you have travel insurance

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MAKESURE TRAVEL INSURANCE

Makesure is currently undergoing a review of the products we offer and whilst this review is taking place our partners Goodtogo and Campbell Irvine will be looking after the travel insurance needs of Makesure's customers.

You can click on the link below to obtain a quotation/ purchase a policy:

GET A QUOTE ON GOODTOGO INSURANCE

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your travel insurance needs then please contact the call centre on 0330 024 9312, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.

Campbell Irvine will offer you a quotation for the renewal of your Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance policy on our behalf. They can also offer you both an Annual Multi-Trip and Single Trip quotation.

If you would like to discuss your renewal, please contact the call centre on 0203 873 6718 (Monday - Friday 9-5:30pm, Saturday 9-5pm).

Alternatively, you can click on the link below to Campbell Irvine where you will be able to seek a renewal quotation.

Any age, any medical condition...

Welcome to make sure travel insurance.

We specialise in travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions and all age groups including, over 65, over 70, over 75 up to 99 years of age travel insurance!

We understand how frustrating it can be for travellers going on holiday who believe they take out comprehensive travel insurance cover, only to find that they are not covered for a past illness. It is estimated over 20% of the UK population who travel abroad on travel Insurance policies are woefully under covered. We give you comprehensive, affordable travel insurance so you can be worry free.

Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and are looking for travel insurance Makesure Insurance will try and find a policy to suit your needs. We cover an extensive range of illnesses such as angina related medical conditions, asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, heart related medical conditions, strokes, high blood pressure medical conditions.

In the event that we are unable to provide you with suitable cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPs) also provide a list of specialist insurers on the MaPs directory website , or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.

Prepare for travelling

Now that we have left the EU, some rules regarding travel have changed. For the latest information please click on the links below:

Travelling – general information: Check the latest advice on gov.uk .

Passport: check your passport is valid for travel using the gov.uk Passport Checker .

Driving in the EU - check the new requirements .

Pet travel - check the new requirements .

Did you know?

That if you have a pre-existing medical condition and it is not declared you may not be covered for emergency treatment while on holiday or cancellation prior to your holiday. Many holiday makers are under insured and do not take out the correct travel insurance cover.

Over 65's Travel Insurance

Have you tried to get travel insurance, but have been penalised for being over 65 years in age, or over 70 years old. In fact if you are over 75 years old you are probably struggling to get any travel insurance cover anywhere in the UK.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

If you have a pre–existing medical condition you have probably found it hard to get travel insurance cover. In particular you have probably had to call several companies to give full details of your medical conditions.

IMAGES

  1. Travel Insurance Explained

    make sure you have travel insurance

  2. The Simple Guide to Travel Insurance

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  3. A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: Video

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  4. The Quick Guide To: Travel Insurance

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  5. Everything You Need to Know About Travel Insurance in 2021

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  6. Travel Insurance Explained

    make sure you have travel insurance

VIDEO

  1. Why you must have Travel Insurance on a cruise ship

COMMENTS

  1. 11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in March 2024

    Best for emergency medical coverage. Allianz Global Assistance. Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions. Travel Guard by AIG. Best for those who pack expensive equipment. Travel ...

  2. 11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

    The Best Travel Insurance Companies. Travel Insured International - Best for Non-Medical Evacuation. WorldTrips (Atlas Journey Premier and Atlas Journey Preferred) - Great for Add-On Coverage ...

  3. How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

    Nerdy takeaways. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more. Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions ...

  4. A Guide To Travel Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

    CoverTrip advises its customers that travel insurance plans cost between 4 to 10% of the total trip cost. So if you're spending $5,000 on a European tour, your insurance could be anywhere from ...

  5. The best travel insurance policies and providers

    For a single trip, multiple trips or long term. Covered by most policies. $15/25. IMG. Single trip or multiple trips (travel insurance and travel medical insurance options are available). Waived under set conditions for travel insurance; covered but capped for single-trip travel medical insurance. $17/$94.

  6. What you need to know before you buy travel insurance

    The nature of your trip and the types of coverage you need will impact how much you will pay for travel insurance. Other factors will include your age, the number of people traveling with you, and the number of days you expect to be away. However, as a ballpark rule, you can expect to pay between 4% and 12% of your total trip cost for travel ...

  7. Travel Insurance Quotes

    As the nation's original travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip has over 20 years of experience connecting travelers like you with the best policy for your trip. Our simple quote process helps you choose the right coverage by comparing top plans from trusted providers. And if you need help, our licensed insurance agents can assist you ...

  8. The Best Travel Insurance Companies for All Travelers

    Consider including travel insurance provider Allianz when comparing policies if you're looking for coverage for multiple trips during a 12-month period. Allianz was voted best travel insurance provider by Travel Weekly for 2018, but that's just one of the 12+ awards this company won during the year.

  9. Best Travel Insurance Companies of March 2024

    Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of the 5-star travel insurance plans. Atlas Journey Premier has $150,000 in primary medical coverage. Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in ...

  10. The Best Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

    Best overall: AXA Assistance USA travel insurance. Runner-up: Travel Guard travel insurance. Best for cancellation coverage: Allianz travel insurance. Best for travel medical plans: USI Affinity ...

  11. Find The Right Travel Insurance For Your Next Vacation

    What Travel Insurance Does Not Cover. 'Interruption For Any Reason' Travel Insurance. International Student Travel Insurance For A Semester Abroad. Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance ...

  12. A Complete Guide to Buying the Best Travel Insurance in 2024

    First, make sure your travel insurance offers a high coverage limit on your medical expenses. A good company will provide up to $100,000 USD in coverage care, though more expensive policies will cover you for higher amounts. The maximum coverage limit you can find is around $2,000,000 USD, though I'm not sure why you would ever need a limit ...

  13. How Much Travel Insurance Do I Need?

    However, before buying travel insurance, make sure you don't already have the same coverage from another source. For example, check the airline's cancellation and delay policies, see if your credit card offers travel insurance benefits, and contact your health/dental insurance provider to see if they will cover you while out of town.

  14. How to find the best travel insurance for your next trip

    What you need to know about buying the best travel insurance. Travel insurance companies make money by charging premiums and assuming risk — that is, the risk something will go wrong with your trip. Paying fewer claims increases profitability. So when you choose a travel insurance policy, make sure you're dealing with a company that's ...

  15. 8 Things to Look For When Comparing Travel Insurance Plans

    Make sure you read through the exclusions when you're buying travel insurance. You might think, "Oh, those don't apply to me — I'm not an extreme-sports type of person." But maybe you're planning to run a 5K while on vacation — and you should know that losses related to participating in sports competitions aren't covered.

  16. Best International Travel Insurance for March 2024

    Allianz Travel Insurance: Best overall. World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for exotic travel. C&F Travel Insured: Best for trip interruption coverage. Travelex Travel Insurance: Best for families ...

  17. How to Choose a Travel Insurance Plan

    Broken bones alone can cost $10,000 USD or more. Don't cheap out on a plan with just $25,000 USD in coverage - make sure you have at least $100,000 USD. Travel insurance can cover the cost of broken bones. For evacuation coverage, aim for at least $300,000 USD.

  18. 13 Common Travel Insurance Questions and Misconceptions Answered

    For that reason, you'll need to make sure you have both travel insurance (for when you're abroad) and regular health coverage (in case you get sent home with an injury) ... World Nomads travel insurance covers you either 100 miles from your permanent address (for U.S. residents), outside your home province (if you're Canadian), or outside ...

  19. What does travel insurance cover?

    Once you get an insurance policy, make sure you know what it covers. Shayla Northcutt, the CEO of Northcutt Travel Agency , said research is important. Travel insurance depends on a few things:

  20. 4 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

    10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent ...

  21. Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: Make Sure You're Protected

    Not all general insurance brokers have travel insurance expertise. You want to know that the broker is licensed and that they are specially trained in travel insurance. ... make sure that the things you're inclined to do are covered. Emergency Medical Reunion This is a particularly important part of travel insurance for solo travelers ...

  22. Explained: The Importance Of Travel Insurance For Airline Passengers

    Make sure you have travel medical insurance . If you plan on visiting the United States, taking out travel insurance for medical coverage is necessary. The US health system is privately operated ...

  23. How to Make Air Travel Less of a Nightmare

    Finally, make sure you purchase robust travel insurance protection for every trip you take. Having travel insurance won't prevent mishaps from happening each time you fly, but it can mean getting ...

  24. Best Travel Insurance of March 2024

    Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate ...

  25. Cruise Travel Insurance: How to Make Sure You're Covered

    5. Filing a Claim. Things can get a little complicated when filing a claim with your travel insurance if you're not prepared. It's imperative that you know the details of your plan so you're not surprised when something isn't covered, or your reimbursement isn't for the total amount.

  26. Travel Checklist: 9 Things to Do Before Every Trip

    Even if you don't end up needing your travel insurance, having it can provide peace of mind. Make a safety plan. No matter your destination, it's wise to familiarize yourself with local laws and ...

  27. Choosing insurance if you live in 2 places

    People who travel a lot or live in 2 states may not need an extra health plan. Here's what to know and how to make sure you're covered no matter where you are.

  28. Makesure

    Welcome to make sure travel insurance. We specialise in travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions and all age groups including, over 65, over 70, over 75 up to 99 years of age travel insurance! ... Have you tried to get travel insurance, but have been penalised for being over 65 years in age, or over 70 years old. In fact if you are ...

  29. We each have an average of 100 online accounts. Here's how to make sure

    When Rebecca Bistany's 40-year-old husband Paul died suddenly of a heart attack in November 2022, she didn't know what kind of assets he left behind for her and their infant daughter.