should i buy travel insurance for my flight

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Is travel insurance worth it yes, in these 3 scenarios.

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary.

The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.

While insurance can be invaluable no matter the traveler and trip, these are the scenarios where it's especially useful:

• You're concerned about flight disruptions: Flight cancellations and delays are commonplace, especially during the holiday and summer travel seasons. Most trip insurance will reimburse you for incidental expenses that occur while you wait for your flight to depart or for your checked luggage to arrive. Examples include meals and hotel stays if your flight is delayed overnight, or clothing and toiletries you have to buy while you wait for your bags to show up at your destination. Limits apply to this coverage, but it can still pay off if you have to use it.
• You need the option to cancel your trip: Do you have a medical condition that might suddenly prevent you from traveling? What about young children who are prone to illness, or the possibility of your beach vacation getting rained out during hurricane season ? These are just some of the instances when cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage can help. Offered as an add-on to many insurance policies, this coverage lets you cancel your trip for a reason not covered within a typical trip cancellation benefit. If you need to use this coverage, you'll typically get 50% to 80% of your prepaid travel expenses refunded.
• You're traveling internationally: U.S. health insurance policies typically don't cover medical care or emergencies overseas, which is why so many people seek out travel medical insurance . According to Allianz Travel Insurance, the average costs of international medical evacuation can range from $15,000 in Mexico all the way up to $220,000 in Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Fortunately, many travel insurance policies offer up to $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage or potentially more.

The best travel insurance options

If one of the above applies and/or you're still curious about travel insurance, you can find the top-rated policies in a variety of categories below.

Any rates listed are for illustrative purposes only. You should contact the insurance company directly for applicable quotes.

What does travel insurance cover?

You'll quickly notice that each travel insurance policy is different from the next. Most plans offer coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, medical emergencies, and other common perils; some let you add optional coverage for a rental car , sporting equipment and more.

To give you an overview of the way different travel insurance policies work, the chart below shows the included benefits in several plans from a travel insurance company called Travelex:

Compare Travelex plans and get a quote .

What does travel insurance not cover?

It's important to note that travel insurance policies cannot possibly cover every unexpected bill you encounter before, during or after a trip. That's because travel insurance is not meant to be used like other types of insurance, including traditional medical coverage you have for routine health care expenses.

According to Allianz Travel Insurance , travel insurance "does not cover losses that arise from expected or reasonably foreseeable events or problems." Here are some of the most common exclusions found in travel insurance policies:

• Civil unrest
• Epidemics (except COVID-19)
• Extreme, high-risk sports
• Government-issued travel bulletins or warnings
• Natural disasters
• Nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination
• Preexisting conditions (unless specifically covered by your plan)
• Pregnancy-related medical expenses that aren't an emergency (including regular labor and delivery)
• Terrorist events
• Travel to participate or train for a sporting event

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

When should you skip travel insurance?

While the cost of a travel insurance policy can be worth it in the end, there are plenty of travel scenarios where you may not need to purchase a plan. Consider the following situations where buying insurance may not be worth the trouble:

• You're planning a short road trip within the U.S.: If you're planning a short trip within the U.S. where your own health insurance coverage will apply, you may not need trip insurance for medical expenses. The fact that you're not flying also means you don't have to worry about flight cancellations, and that your luggage will likely remain in your possession the entire trip.
• You plan to use credit card travel insurance: There may be instances where credit card travel insurance coverage is sufficient for your plans, although only you can make this decision. For example, the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with trip cancellation and interruption coverage worth up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip; primary rental car coverage for damage or theft worth up to $75,000; lost luggage reimbursement worth up to $3,000 per passenger; emergency evacuation and transportation coverage worth up to $100,000; and more.
• You bought insurance from your travel provider: There may be instances where the travel insurance coverage from your airline or cruise line is good enough. If you're flying within the U.S. to see a family member and staying in their home for free, for example, you'll likely just need protection against flight cancellations, eligible trip delays, and lost or delayed baggage.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has extensive experience when it comes to researching and buying travel insurance for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world. Johnson has interviewed top executives from many of the best travel insurance companies and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Travel Insurance: What It Covers and When to Buy It

By Elaine Glusac

In the wake of Covid, travel insurance sales have spiked with the rebound in travel as people seek to protect their investments against flight delays and cancellations, extreme weather events and the persistence of the virus. But travel insurance is complicated with a range of benefits, inclusions and prices. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Know what’s covered

Generally speaking, travel insurance covers unforeseen events, like an illness in the family, the loss of a job or a natural disaster, that force you to cancel or interrupt a trip. It can also apply in the event of a strike at a transportation company, a terrorist attack in your destination or when your travel provider goes bankrupt. These are known as covered reasons . Most polices also include medical coverage, which is useful abroad where your health insurance may not cover you.

While policy prices vary based on age, length of travel and type of coverage, expect to pay between 4 to 10 percent of your entire trip cost to get insured.

Insure nonrefundable expenses

Travel insurance was designed to protect expenses you can’t get back any other way when things go wrong. Think of nonrefundable Airbnb reservations or the cost of a cruise to the Galápagos.

If your hotel is refundable and you can get the value of your flights back in credits, you can skip travel insurance.

Buy close to booking

Travel insurers say the best time to buy travel insurance — which usually takes effect within a day of purchase — is just after making your travel plans to have the largest possible coverage window. A lot can happen between booking a Christmas market cruise in Europe in June and going in December.

With many plans, purchasing travel insurance 10 to 14 days from your first trip payment entitles you to “early purchase” benefits such as a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions that impact travel. If such a waiver is included, it is usually prominent in a summary of benefits, so read it carefully.

“Not all plans have a pre-existing condition waiver,” said Suzanne Morrow, the senior vice president of InsureMyTrip.com , an online insurance marketplace. “If I have a heart condition and if something occurs, I don’t want it excluded, so I would need to buy a policy within 14 days of the first dollar spent.”

Hedge against the weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can insure against its unexpected disruptions. For example, if you’re ready to jump on great rates in the Caribbean during the height of hurricane season, buy your insurance immediately after booking so that if a hurricane develops and your destination is evacuated, you’ll be covered.

“That’s probably the biggest use case for travel insurance,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of TravelInsurance.com , an online marketplace. He counsels travelers to buy early — if you wait and the storm is named it will be too late to insure against it, because it is no longer an unforeseen event.

Similarly, with winter travel, if you’ve purchased nonrefundable ski lift tickets and a storm prevents you from reaching the resort, you may be able to claim the unused portion of your ski pass.

This coverage may prove more valuable as climate change exacerbates weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, which are considered “natural disasters” and are covered by most policies.

Pick up the phone

With the proliferation of automated insurance offers when you buy airline tickets or tours, travel insurance can feel like a one-size-fits-all product. It is not. Many policies, for example, exclude extreme sports like skydiving and mountain climbing, though there are specialty policies that include them.

If you have a specific concern — a family member is sick or you’re going heli-skiing — the best way to know if a travel insurance policy will cover you is to call an insurer or the help line at a travel insurance marketplace to get advice.

“Tell them the what-if scenario and then you can get professional and accurate advice,” Ms. Morrow said. “Thinking you’re covered and then having your claim denied is salt in the wound.”

Travel insurance does not cover ‘unpleasantries’

What if you’re dreading spending a week in an un-air-conditioned rental in England during a heat wave and decide you don’t want to go? Most standard travel insurance will not cover a change of heart.

“Travel insurance doesn’t cover you for unpleasantries,” said Carol Mueller, the vice president for strategic marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

A policy upgrade, Cancel for Any Reason coverage, which is not available in every state, will cover a change of heart, usually up until a few days before departure. Most only reimburse 50 to 75 percent of your costs and the purchase must be made within weeks of your initial trip payment. It will bump your insurance premium up 40 to 50 percent, according to the insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com , which only recommends C.F.A.R. for travelers with specific concerns not included under covered reasons for trip cancellation.

A relatively new twist in trip protection, Interruption for Any Reason , works like C.F.A.R. in that it reimburses a portion of your expenses and can be invoked if you decide to bail while you’re on a trip for a reason that isn’t covered by standard trip insurance. Normally, you must buy it within weeks of your initial trip payment and be 72 hours into a trip before you can use it.

Keep records

If something goes wrong and you need to make a claim, you’ll need proof in the form of a paper trail. That could be receipts for clothing you purchased when your bags went missing, a hotel room required when your flight was canceled (along with flight cancellation notices from the airline) or a doctor’s note stating that you have Covid — or another illness — and are unable to travel. (With Covid, a positive test taken at home is not considered official documentation for the purposes of a claim.)

Resist pressure to buy flight insurance

When purchasing an airline ticket online, most carriers offer travel insurance to cover the cost with some version of vaguely menacing language like, “Do you really want to risk your investment?” when you decline.

Don’t fall for it. You may want to insure that ticket, but price out the policy elsewhere. A recent offer to insure a $428 flight for nearly $28 on an airline website cost $12 to $96 with a range of options at InsureMyTrip.com.

The $12 option was closest to the airline’s offer. Caveat emptor.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the first name of the senior vice president of InsureMyTrip.com , an online insurance marketplace. It is Suzanne Morrow, not Suzanna.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

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Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Is Flight Insurance Worth It? Protect Your Trip and Your Wallet

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Best Flight Insurance for Cancel for Any Reason: battleface

Best flight insurance for travel delays: berkshire hathaway travel protection, best flight insurance for missed connections: travelex, best flight insurance for baggage protection: axa assistance usa, best flight insurance for accidental death: generali global assistance, how flight insurance works, when to buy flight insurance, is flight insurance worth it, types of flight insurance, annual travel insurance, what to look for in a flight insurance policy, credit cards with flight insurance, how to get flight insurance, final thoughts.

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Air travel can present unexpected circumstances, including cancellations, delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage. At the same time, flights may be the most costly part of your trip budget. This can present a high-stakes scenario where you’ve spent a lot on airline tickets but risk situations that can interfere with your travel plans. 

Flight insurance protects you against unforeseen circumstances that could cost you, whether it’s cancellation or lost bags, generally offering reimbursement for your nonrefundable costs when air travel goes awry. You can get flight insurance when you book with an airline or online travel booking site or you can select a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes air travel from a travel insurance company.

This guide explores options for the best flight insurance, how it works, when to buy it, and what to look for in a flight insurance policy. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or only occasionally take to the skies, read on to understand how flight insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind.

The 5 Best Flight Insurance Plans

Comprehensive travel insurance policies generally include flights, so you have extensive options for flight insurance. Consider these flight insurance plans that offer a good value for coverage, as quoted for a 40-year-old visiting Japan on a $2,500 trip:

With the battleface Discovery Plan , you can get covered for trip cancellation, including Cancel for Any Reason coverage, which offers reimbursement of up to 75% of your trip cost if you need to cancel your travel plans (50% in Florida). Cancellation is all our quote included, but there are optional add-ons for trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, travel and baggage delays, and more. Our quote for this policy came to $61.82.

A Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ExactCare Value flight insurance policy covers up to 100% of your trip cost for trip cancellation and interruption, including COVID-19 coverage. That includes cancellations for getting laid off or medical reasons. You also get up to $15,000 for emergency medical treatment and $150,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. Travel delay benefits are up to $500 for delays after a 12-hour delay with a $100 daily limit, and baggage delays are for up to $200 per person after a 24-hour delay. If your baggage or personal items are lost, you can get reimbursed up to $750. We received a quote for $54 on this policy.

The Travelex Travel Basic flight insurance policy covers up to $500 for missed connections after a 3-hour delay and offers up to $500 for travel delays and $100 for baggage delays. Trip cancellation and interruption cover up to 100% of your trip cost, including employment layoff or medical reasons. You’ll get up to $15,000 in primary emergency medical coverage and up to $100,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. This policy was quoted at $87.

The AXA Assistance USA Silver plan can offer good coverage if baggage protection is a priority. It has up to $750 in baggage and personal item loss coverage and a $200 baggage delay benefit after a 24-hour delay. The policy also offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical, and medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Travel delays are covered up to $500 after a 12-hour delay, as are missed connections for cruises and tours after a 3-hour delay. Our quote for this policy came to $78.

If you’re concerned about a serious accident on your flight, a policy with an accidental death and dismemberment benefit could give you some peace of mind. The Generali Global Assistance policy offers $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment benefits if you’re killed or seriously injured on your flight. Additional benefits include trip cancellation for up to 100% of your trip cost and trip interruption for up to 125% of your trip cost. There’s up to $50,000 in emergency medical benefits and up to $250,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Additional benefits include travel and baggage delay, missed connections, and baggage and personal item loss. We were quoted $86.25 for this policy.

What Is Flight Insurance?

Flight insurance, also known as flight protection or flight cancellation insurance, provides coverage for the cost of your flight, offering reimbursement for nonrefundable flight costs if your flight plans are disrupted. Generally, flight insurance policies cover flight cancellations and delays, missed connections, diversions, and unexpected illness or injury before your departure.

You can purchase flight insurance as a standalone policy, usually from an airline’s travel insurance provider or third-party travel booking sites, or get a comprehensive travel insurance plan directly from a travel insurance company.

Flight insurance offers coverage for flight-related disruptions and emergencies . Generally, the insurer will send you quotes and policy terms, after which you can purchase coverage and proceed with travel. If you don’t experience any issues, you won’t need to file a claim. But if you do need your flight insurance for an illness, flight delay, or cancellation, you can contact the insurance provider to file a claim. 

Though a canceled or delayed flight could cost you more than just the flight in nonrefundable hotel nights or missed tours, standalone flight insurance generally only reimburses you for up to the cost of your flight.

You can generally buy flight insurance up to the day before departure, but it’s best to get your flight insurance as soon as you book your flight. The earlier you have flight insurance coverage, the better because unforeseen circumstances could interfere with your trip at any point.

You probably don’t need flight insurance if you’ve purchased a flight ticket that offers free changes or cancellations . And you won’t get much out of flight insurance if you’ve booked award flights using points or miles as currency. Also, consider your credit card benefits: You might not need to purchase flight insurance if your credit card offers adequate travel protection benefits.

Any of these are good reasons not to get flight insurance. But if you don’t have ticket flexibility or helpful credit card travel protections, getting flight insurance can offer major savings if you run into unexpected situations with your flight. 

Flight insurance can be particularly valuable if you have travel with multiple connections, expensive tickets, or you’re taking an international trip.

For example, if you get sick and need to cancel your trip, flight insurance can reimburse you for what’s probably a major cost of your travel: nonrefundable flight bookings. Or if flight delays cause you to miss a connection, you can get reimbursed if you have to pay to rebook a different flight.

While worth it, flight insurance is limited compared to comprehensive travel insurance plans that cover not just flights but nonrefundable payments on lodging, tours, and more, along with medical emergency coverage. Compare the costs, and you may find more value in getting comprehensive travel insurance to cover all of your nonrefundable travel expenses.

Booking with points or miles? Travel insurance policies typically only reimburse nonrefundable cash costs, so don’t count on using flight insurance to get your rewards reinstated.

What Flight Insurance Covers

Flight insurance generally covers financial risks related to air travel, particularly cancellations, delays, missed connections, and baggage loss or delay. Comprehensive plans usually cover medical emergencies and accidents. Let’s look more at these coverage areas:

• Accidents: Flight insurance can offer a benefit payment if there’s an accident that results in death or serious injuries to the insured on your flight.
• Baggage Delay or Loss: You can get reimbursed for expenses related to lost, damaged, or delayed baggage with flight insurance.
• Medical Coverage: Flight insurance can cover medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured on a flight.
• Missed Connection: Flight insurance can reimburse you for the cost of rebooking a flight after you miss a connection due to circumstances beyond your control.
• Trip Cancellation: Flight insurance can reimburse you if you need to cancel a nonrefundable flight for covered reasons such as illness, injury, or a death in the family.
• Trip Delay: If you experience a significant flight delay or cancellation, flight insurance can cover expenses for transportation, accommodations, and meals.
• Trip Interruption: If you unexpectedly need to fly home early, flight insurance can cover additional return trip costs and refund the unused portion of your nonrefundable flights.

You can purchase standalone flight insurance , which usually just covers your flight. This type of flight insurance is often available from airlines or third-party travel booking sites. Another option is comprehensive travel insurance , which covers flights and other nonrefundable travel expenses, generally available directly from travel insurance companies.

Purchasing an annual travel insurance policy may be cost-effective if you fly frequently. With annual travel insurance, you can pay once to get covered for all the flights and other travel you do within the coverage period.

As you compare flight insurance policies, consider key factors that can help you determine which insurance policy offers the most value for your needs:

• Costs: Compare how much each policy is and weigh coverage and benefits against costs.
• Coverage: Compare coverage areas, including trip cancellation and interruption, medical, baggage, and flight accident coverage.
• Coverage Limits: Understand the maximum benefit for coverage, particularly medical and trip cancellation expenses.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews to learn about a provider and how the insurance company handles claims, customer service, and support.
• Deductibles: Find out whether there are deductibles for any coverage areas where you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
• Exclusions: Be clear about what is and isn’t covered, checking the policy’s exclusions, such as preexisting medical conditions or certain trip cancellation reasons.

What Flight Insurance Costs

Plan to pay between 5% to 10% of your insured costs for flight insurance. For example, if your flight costs $1,000, you’ll pay between $50 and $100 for flight insurance. 

The cost of flight insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your age, how much your flight costs, how much coverage you want, how long your trip is, the insurance provider, and add-ons such as being able to cancel for any reason.

Flight protection could be free depending on which credit cards you have. Many credit cards offer trip protection benefits for no additional cost. Credit card travel protection benefits often include coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions , trip delays , lost or delayed baggage , and travel accidents . That could cover you if you need to cancel or adjust your flight, experience delays, or have lost or delayed baggage issues.

Whether you book directly with the airline or a third-party travel booking site, you may be offered flight insurance when you book your flight. You’ll generally see flight protection as an add-on at checkout . It depends on the airline and insurance provider whether the flight insurance you’re offered at booking is standalone flight insurance or comprehensive travel insurance.

You can also shop for flight insurance or comprehensive travel insurance directly from travel insurance companies or get quotes from travel insurance aggregator sites such as Squaremouth . Using an insurance comparison site, you can more easily compare policies and find the best coverage for your needs.

An insurance broker or agent can also help you compare and select travel insurance policies.

Remember that you may have flight protection coverage available through your credit card benefits . If your credit card offers travel protection, you must book your flight with that credit card for the coverage to be valid. Be sure you understand the coverage and limitations of your credit card travel protection.

These are some of your options if you purchase flight insurance from the airline or an online travel booking site:

Curious how flight insurance from airlines compares to buying directly from travel insurance companies? You can easily get quotes from multiple insurance companies at once using comparison sites such as Squaremouth .

If you’ve laid out a lot of cash for upcoming air travel, flight insurance can provide you with a financial safety net if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip or run into snags along the way. Whether you get standalone flight insurance or a comprehensive travel insurance policy, including flights, flight insurance can protect you from the significant costs of travel disruptions. Consider whether you need flight insurance, and if you decide you do, do your research to find the best policy for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does flight insurance cover cancellation.

Flight insurance generally covers flight cancellations for specific reasons that the policy will list. For example, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable flight costs if you experience an illness, injury, or death in the family.

Does travel insurance cover missed flights?

Travel insurance covers missed flights only for reasons such as severe weather, transportation breakdowns, accidents, or missed connections. Be sure to read the terms of the policy to see what’s covered.

Can I add insurance to my flight after booking?

Yes, you can add insurance to your flight when you book it or after you complete your booking. Airlines and online travel booking sites may offer flight insurance when you book your flight, or you can get quotes from travel insurance companies after you’ve booked.

How much money will I lose if I cancel my flight?

How much you’ll lose if you cancel your flight depends on whether you have a refundable ticket and flexibility in rebooking. You could lose the entire booking cost if you’re traveling on a nonrefundable fare that doesn’t allow you to rebook using credit from your canceled flight.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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4 times you can skip travel insurance—and 3 times you should buy it

If you're going on vacation this summer, you've probably already booked some of the key elements, like your flight or cruise. But have you purchased travel insurance? Travel sites make it pretty easy these days to add trip protection to your purchase, but what does that fee get you, and when is the extra cost actually worth it?

There are generally two kinds of trip insurance:

• Basic trip cancellation protection , which usually covers lost bags, reimbursements if you miss a connection and a refund if you can't travel because you're sick or hurt.
• Comprehensive travel insurance , which typically covers all that, plus any expenses related to medical or dental emergencies, disaster evacuations and even costs associated with accidental deaths. Basically this is a combo of travel and medical costs.

If you're going to get trip or travel insurance (the two terms are pretty much interchangeable), experts usually recommend the comprehensive kind. You can even purchase a policy that comes with a "cancel for any reason" safeguard, which is ideal if you're traveling to places that might experience political unrest.

If you haven't paid extra for the "cancel for any reason" policy, you'll likely encounter strict guidelines for when you're eligible for reimbursement. For example, if you get sick before a trip, you'll need to get a doctor's note before cancelling if you want to be reimbursed.

"Do a little bit of homework as to how much risk you're even taking on so you can make an informed decision," Maria Teresa Hart, executive editor of the hotel review site Oyster.com, tells CNBC Make It .

All-in-one policies cost about 56 percent more than basic trip insurance, according to an analysis by finance research site ValuePenguin of the top 50 offerings on the market. You can expect to spend, on average, $164 for each. For those on a tight budget, that extra money can be the difference between being able to afford a fancy dinner or a nice hotel and not being able to splurge. So it pays to know when you really need to spend on extra protection.

When You Don't Need It 

Consider your vacation an investment. Would you be OK losing that money? On a whole, if you're spending a relatively small sum on your trip, insuring that investment is probably not worth it.

• Skip It: For U.S. travel

Traveling to Florida? Road-tripping around the American Southwest? You can probably skip any extra insurance. Travel within the U.S. is typically a less expensive investment — and most people tend to plan only a few weeks in advance. ValuePenguin estimates the average domestic trip spans about four days and costs $576 per person.

Plus, if you have medical insurance, you're typically covered for any emergencies that occur. As always, double check the fine print, but experts generally recommend opting out of trip insurance for short trips within the U.S.

• Skip It: If your card offers it

Check your wallet before buying any travel insurance, since some credit cards actually offer it as a perk. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card offers built-in trip interruption insurance that reimburses up to $10,000 per person if your trip is cancelled or cut short because of situations such as an illness or severe weather. The Citi Prestige and Citi ThankYou Premier cards also offer baggage and trip cancellation protection.

So even if you are traveling outside the U.S., if your credit card's coverage is thorough, you won't need to purchase anything extra.

• Skip It: For flights

It can tempting to purchase trip cancellation insurance when a flight costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. But the basic policies are usually not worth your money to insure just your flight if you know your rights as a passenger .

For example, if your flight is cancelled, you're generally entitled to have the next available seat on the next available flight going to your destination. Having insurance is not going to make much difference in getting you re-booked faster, Hart says.

Depending on your destination, if you do experience significant delays or the flight is cancelled, you could be entitled to compensation — no insurance needed. When you return from vacation, check with AirHelp . If you're eligible, the service will work to secure you a pay out (the company takes 25 percent of any compensation won).

If you do need to get to your destination at a specific time, say, for a cruise departure, simply taking the next flight out may not work. Especially if you're on a budget airline that only offers a limited number of flights and routes. In that case, consider using a service like FreeBird . The service allows passengers to re-book cancelled or significantly delayed domestic flights on any airline starting at $19 per leg.

• Skip It: Just for flexibility

Trip insurance should not be used to just so you can keep your options open. "Some people make that mistake; they think of it as kind of a cancellation policy," Hart says. That can be a waste of money, especially when it comes to your hotel. Instead of purchasing a whole comprehensive policy, opt for a hotel reservation with free cancellation right up until your stay.

When You Do Need It

The general rule is that you'll need to buy emergency medical or evacuation insurance when going out of the U.S., Rick Garlick, a hospitality and travel expert with Magid Associates, tells CNBC Make It . "Insurance is much more necessary on international versus domestic trips, particularly ones you have to plan far in advance," he says.

• Buy It: For international trips

For the most part, international vacations are more expensive than domestic trips, typically because Americans stay longer. International trips last about 12 days on average and cost $3,242 per person, according to ValuePenguin.

Travellers also tend to book trips outside the U.S. much further in advance — and for good reason. To get a good deal on an international flight, you'll need to book almost five months beforehand on average, according to CheapAir.com .

Because of the advanced planning and the cost, you should definitely consider spending for comprehensive coverage that will cover you in a wide range of situations. "Personally, if I were paying for 70 percent to 80 percent of my trip upfront, I'd consider trip insurance," Hart says.

• Buy It: For medical reasons

Sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Phuket, Thailand, or hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu could be once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But if something goes wrong in a faraway place, medical help may be difficult to come by, and it could be expensive, too. That's when a comprehensive travel insurance policy can come in handy: It can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

Keep in mind that most people's medical insurance — with the exception of Medicare — will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, especially if you're in major city like London. But if you run into a serious issue, the bills can add up quick. For example, medical evacuation can cost more than $50,000, depending on your location and medical condition, according to the U.S. State Department .

• Buy It: For cruises

Cruises hit all the major areas where comprehensive travel insurance is recommended: a big, upfront payment, international travel and higher risk of problems. So experts like Colleen McDaniels of Cruise Critic say it's best to insure this type of vacation with a comprehensive plan.

It's OK to go through the cruise company, too. There isn't much of a difference between the insurance options offered by the cruise lines directly when you're booking — often referred to as vacation protection packages — and the options available through outside insurance companies like AIG and Allianz or Travel Insured.

While you should always check the fine print, most of these policies are comprehensive and cover a wide range of situations, including hurricanes. The 2017 season was pretty active, leaving over 450,000 cruisers affected by storms. Cruising during hurricane season can net you some good deals, but that's definitely when you need insurance. And buy it ahead of time. Once the storm is spotted and named, you can't get insurance.

"It's a good way of protecting your investment and making sure that if things go wrong, you have options to help you out so you're not on the hook for exorbitant fees," McDaniels says.

Don't miss: Here's the best credit card for international travel

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Should You Buy Travel Insurance from Your Airline or Online Travel Agent?

See recent posts by Ricky Radka

We've all seen it. In some cases, you can't avoid it. When clicking to purchase your ticket, up pops the prompt, “Peace of mind is a click away. Would you like to protect this trip for $XX.XX dollars?" Usually, it's not much, but is it even worth the extra money? Likely, no. Here’s why.

On most airline sites, it's a misnomer. In actuality what they’re offering is trip protection, not travel insurance. And the wording makes a difference.

Trip protection generally does what it says. It protects the flight and corollary aspects such as bag damage, and delays. While assistance in the event of medical emergency may be listed, it’s more than likely not included once you dive deeper into the fine print. Full-fledged insurance it’s not. If a medical emergency occurs when traveling domestically, most plans do not include coverage, and on international itineraries, it’s barebones and insufficient.

I’ll break down some of the listed protections these plans provide and scenarios where you’re probably already covered.  

Baggage Loss and Delay Coverage

Most plans offer reimbursement if your bag ends up lost, damaged, delayed, or stolen while traveling on a domestic itinerary of up to around $500. That turns out to be a lowball amount compared to DOT regulations holding airlines responsible for up to $3,500 paid per passenger who has a lost, damaged, or delayed bag on domestic trips. Internationally, guidelines set during the Montreal Convention put airlines on the hook for $1,780 per piece. Much more than touted international protection plans sold by Delta's partner Allianz only covering $300. Therefore, the coverage these plans provide is basically null, as better provisions are already in place.

Travel Delay Coverage

If your trip is delayed by the airline, plans will offer you generally around $250-300 to cover select eligible expenses. But for the coverage to kick in, the delay has to be six or sometimes 12 hours or more before you can expense items like accommodation and meals. With receipts, this benefit tops out at $150 per 24-hours. So, to get the full value of the coverage, you'll have to be delayed 2-days or more, which is relatively unheard of without the airline just canceling the flight altogether. If an extended delay requires an overnight, most international carriers will offer free accommodation, which I've listed here . ­That’s virtually the same coverage that these policies offer, only you don't need to file for it. While at first glance this perk seems helpful, the likelihood of a delay lasting over 6-hours is exceptionally slim for the extra out-of-pocket protection.

Related: What Does Credit Card Insurance Actually Cover?

Travel cancellation or interruption coverage.

The biggest selling point on airline offered protection policies is the flexibility to cancel a trip if a major life event happens, and you can no longer go on your travels. But keep in mind this is not "a cancel for any reason" option. To qualify and receive a full refund there are pages of fine print specifics you must adhere to for coverage. A simple case of the sniffles won't cut it. In many policies, you or your traveling companion's condition must be "disabling enough to make a reasonable person cancel their trip" and authorized by a doctor.

Travel always comes with risks. Added protection can be beneficial if something unforeseen happens on the road or right before your planned trip. But the policies found during checkout on the carrier’s site are often rife with loopholes compared to buying a plan from companies specializing in travel insurance. If you’re looking for the easiest way to gain added protection without having to shell out more to the airlines, purchase your ticket with a credit card that includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance as one of its perks like these cards listed here .

Emergency Medical and Transportation Coverage

All major US airlines offering trip protection add-ons during purchase do not provide medical or transportation coverage on domestic trips. So, if that's a concern, there's no need to accept the policy offered by the airline and start looking elsewhere. Because none will cover your return home if you fall ill in the USA. On international itineraries, limited medical and evacuation are included but are fairly weak compared to more comprehensive coverage suggested by travel insurers.

For example, a plan provided by AIG when booking on United’s site only offers up to $20,000 for an emergency evacuation, when the recommended amount by most travel insurance providers is upwards of $100,000. To further put it in perspective, the average evacuation cost runs around $45,000, so with the plan promoted via the airline, you'd still be looking at a bill of 25K afterward. Some health care providers do cover emergency medical care abroad, but policies vary. You may be comfortable with your current plan and forgo buying added insurance. But if you do, make sure to know the specifics of coverage amounts extending outside of the States.

Related: The Travel Insurance You Need to Buy and the Kind You May Already Have

So, should you buy travel insurance or not.

If you’re concerned about bag damage, delays, and trip cancellations, probably not. The DOT's policy on baggage has your back, and if purchasing your ticket using a credit card with travel perks like trip delay reimbursement and cancellation insurance, then all your bases are covered if traveling domestically.

On the other hand, if planning a large-scale trip abroad, it would likely be prudent to consider a plan that provides comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation, just in case. But avoid the seemingly cheap and convenient offerings listed on the plane ticket payment screen and opt for a policy issued by a website like these listed below that specialize in the matter.

• InsureMyTrip
• QuoteWright
• SquareMouth
• TravelInsurance.com

Does Trip Protection Cover COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

It depends on your policy, but likely not if purchased through an airline or OTA website, and you aren't infected by coronavirus.

Typically, claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government restrictions, or travel advisories, or personal fear of travel are not covered. However, many policies are being flexible with customers who have previously purchased trip protection (before 1/21/2020, with exceptions made if traveling to a country with a CDC issued health notice) physically become ill or tested positive for COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

Cancellations made because travelers have upcoming travel and are either too worried about traveling or have had their trip canceled by the airline are unlikely to have the cost of travel insurance refunded. However, flight payments may be compensated if your itinerary is canceled by the airline. Read more about how to receive money back if your flight canceled by COVID-19 here .

Related: How to Get a Refund for Flights Canceled Due to COVID-19

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When to Buy Travel Insurance and Assistance Services: Timing is Everything

Read below for more about timing your travel protection purchase.

Jump to these sections:

• When should I buy travel protection?

Can you buy travel protection after booking a flight? 

• Last minute travel protection
• Top reasons to buy early

During the complications of trip planning and booking, the last thing you should have to worry about is when to buy travel insurance and assistance services for the trip. We’ll help you answer that question, so you can focus on having a great trip.

In this post, we break down the best time to buy travel protection and when it's possible to get a plan, including buying last minute and details on when you should buy in order to qualify for coverage for  pre-existing medical conditions  and  Trip Cancellation for Any Reason .

Some coverages and features of  our travel protection plans  include time sensitive factors that are important to understand in order to get the most out of what you pay for. At Generali Global Assistance, we try to make our plans  easy to understand . 

Imagine.... you set up your trip way in advance, paid for it all and even  shopped around for travel protection . You didn't buy a plan right away, thinking you had plenty of time before you leave. But, when you get around to making the purchase to help protect your trip, you realize it's too late to qualify for coverage for your pre-existing medical condition! You can avoid this kind of situation by considering a key factor—timing when to buy travel insurance and assistance services.

When is the best time to buy travel protection?

We suggest you  buy a travel protection plan  when you make your first trip payment, like airfare or a cruise. That way you maximize your coverage period in case you need to cancel your trip.

For  cruises  and tours, it may not be an issue until cancellation penalties start to kick in. That could be at six months prior to departure.

Later on, you can  add coverage to the same plan  for your hotel, tours and other pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs. It’s best to contact us to add coverage as soon as possible after you make new trip payments to be sure you have coverage for your full trip cost.

When can you buy travel insurance and assistance services?

Generali Global Assistance travel protection plans can be purchased  online up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

Often travelers will pay for a trip in installments, and they wonder when they can buy travel protection, since they haven't paid fully yet. Rest assured—you can. When getting a quote, simply enter the total  trip costs  that you will be paying and you can modify the plan if those costs change, as long as you have not left on your trip, filed a claim or incurred any losses.

When is it too late to buy travel insurance and assistance services?

You are not able to buy a Generali Global Assistance travel protection plan on the day you are leaving on your trip or once you are on your trip. At 12 a.m. the day you depart for your trip it becomes too late to buy travel protection.   

Yes, you can buy travel protection once you've booked your flight. In fact, you should wait to buy it until you book your flight and know the ticket price.

Generali Global Assistance travel insurance  can be purchased  up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

Often times travelers will pay for a trip in installments, and they wonder when they can buy travel insurance, since they haven't paid fully yet. Rest assured—you can. When getting a quote, simply enter the total  trip costs that you will be paying and you can modify the plan if those costs change, as long as you have not left on your trip or incurred any losses.

When is it too late to buy travel insurance?

You cannot buy a Generali travel insurance plan on the day you are leaving on your trip or once you are on your trip. At 12 a.m. the day you depart for your trip it becomes too late to buy travel insurance.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight? 

Yes, you can buy travel insurance once you've booked your flight. In fact, you should wait to buy travel insurance until you book your flight and know the ticket price.

Also read: •  How Travel Insurance Can Help When You Fly •  What to do if Your Flight is Canceled: Tips to Work with Airlines & Travel Insurance •  Reasons to Get Air Travel Insurance

Last Minute Travel Protection

Procrastinators are welcome here. While we don't suggest waiting too long before insuring your trip, you can get a last minute travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance. The last chance for you to buy a plan from us is the day before you leave on your insured trip. Sorry—you won't be able to buy a plan at the airport as you're leaving, when you leave your home or once you arrive at your destination.

Trip Cancellation coverage starts the day after purchase at 12:01 a.m. We'll email your plan confirmation, so you'll have all of the information you need when you leave in case you need to  contact us  for assistance on your trip. 

One downside to buying last minute travel protection is that certain coverages are dependent on when you buy your plan and may not be available if you buy last minute. Read the next section for more details.

Learn more about travel protection: •  What is Travel Insurance? •  How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? •  Top 5 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance

Top Reasons to Buy Early

Trip cancellation.

Life is unpredictable, so it makes sense to be covered for as much time as possible before you start traveling. All sorts of things can throw a wrench into your travel plans after you've paid for the trip, forcing you to cancel. Why wait to insure your trip until the week before you leave?

When travelers can’t go on their trip due to a covered reason,  Trip Cancellation  coverage pays for forfeited, pre-paid, non-refundable travel arrangements. Travelers can get maximum coverage for Trip Cancellation if they purchase their plan as soon as they make their first trip payment, like airfare. 

If you're interested in Trip Cancellation for Any Reason*, an available add-on coverage with our Premium Plan, don't wait to insure your trip. Your plan must be purchased within 24 hours of the initial deposit for your trip in order to qualify for the coverage.  Learn more about Trip Cancellation for Any Reason  and other requirements that must be met.

Also read:  Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance—Is it Really that Simple?

Pre-Existing Conditions

Some travelers may need to look for plans that offer coverage for  pre-existing medical conditions  when they insure their trip, and it’s important to understand the purchase window to qualify for that feature. If you don't buy a plan during the right timeframe, you might not be covered for Trip Cancellation, Medical and Dental and other claims related to that pre-existing condition.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions is included with our  Premium Plan , but coverage must be bought prior to or within 24 hours of the final trip payment, travelers must be medically able to travel at the time the coverage is purchased and they must insure 100% of their pre-paid trip costs that would be subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions. Coverage for pre-existing conditions isn’t available with all our plans.

An important advantage offered by our plans is that the exclusion for pre-existing conditions does not apply to non-traveling family members. In other words, if a family member who is not traveling with you has a pre-existing medical condition, and you must cancel your trip because their illness unexpectedly arises, you can still be covered.

Also read:  Pre-Existing Conditions and Travel Insurance—5 Things Most People Get Wrong

Travel Protection Review Period

Another reason to buy travel protection soon after booking is how easy it is to get a refund of the plan cost if you review the details and decide it’s not right for you.

Travelers who have bought a plan but wish to cancel it and receive a full refund of their plan cost, may do so within a designated number of days from the date of purchase as long as they haven’t left for their trip or filed a claim. This is referred to as a  “free look” period  and is available with all Generali Global Assistance travel protection plans.

While the timeframe for the free look period varies from state to state, it is generally 10 days from purchase. Travelers should refer to their  Plan Documents  to determine the number of free look period days available in their state of residence.

When you’re ready to buy, what do you do first?

The first step to get travel protection is to give us some information about your trip so you can compare plans and prices. It’s easy and you can jump right into it at our Get a Quote page . We’ll take you through the step-by-step process of choosing and buying a plan and if you need more guidance you can follow our How to Buy Travel Protection Guide .

Other Timing FAQs

The Trip Cancellation coverage included with your plan goes into effect the day after you purchase travel protection at 12:01 a.m. Coverage ends on your scheduled departure date and once you begin your trip, you can no longer be reimbursed for Trip Cancellation.

As soon as you depart, the other coverages in your plan become effective, including Medical and Dental, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Emergency Assistance and Transportation, Baggage  and more . Those coverages end as soon as one of these occurs: You return from your trip, the trip is completed, your scheduled return date arrives (unless you qualify for  extension of coverage ), or your arrival at the destination on a one-way trip.

Once you’re home, you can continue to claim for covered Medical and Dental costs that occur within one year from the date of your Sickness or Injury that occurred during your trip.

A variety of  Travel Services  are included with your plan. Concierge Services are available to use as soon as you purchase your plan and end when you return. Travel Support Services can be used during your trip. ID Theft Resolution Services are also available for a full 180 days starting on the scheduled departure date.

If you buy travel protection after a storm is named, your plan will not provide coverage for storm-related claims.  See our Storm Coverage Alerts  for more information.

We suggest you buy travel protection when you make your first trip payment, like airfare or a cruise. That way you have a long coverage period in case you need to cancel your trip, and if you need to file a claim related to a storm, you will have bought the plan well before the storm was forecasted.

Generali travel protection plans can be purchased online up to 18 months before the trip departure date and up until the day prior to departure.

Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

No surprise, the best time to buy travel protection is usually as early as possible, just in case you need to cancel your trip. But, no matter when you decide to help protect your trip, travelers should remember to  consider travel protection  from a reputable provider such as Generali Global Assistance.

If you have other  questions about travel insurance  and assistance services, we're here to help.

Travel Resources

* This coverage is not available to residents of New York.

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When's the Best Time to Buy Travel Insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after you’ve completed your travel arrangements.

Let’s say you’re planning a Rhine river cruise to see the famous Christmas markets of Germany and France. You’ll need to book the cruise itself, any excursions you plan to take, your airfare and your hotel for two extra days in Zurich, post-cruise. Once you’ve gotten all those arrangements nailed down, you’ll know your total pre-paid trip costs—and that’s the perfect time to purchase travel insurance.

Why? You need to know your total costs to get an accurate quote, if you’re purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation / trip interruption benefits. That way, your entire travel investment can be protected.

It’s smart to buy travel insurance immediately after booking for two reasons. One: You won’t forget! Far too many travelers postpone buying travel insurance and then realize, too late, that they forgot to buy it at all.

And two: The earlier you buy insurance, the bigger your coverage window. Trip cancellation benefits begin on your plan’s effective date, as long as we receive your premium before you cancel your trip or make a claim. (If you buy travel insurance online , the effective date is the day after we receive your order.) The earlier you purchase insurance, the sooner you’ll be protected.

So if you’ve already made all your travel arrangements, don’t delay! Get a quote for travel insurance right now.

The second best time to buy travel insurance is within 14 days of making your first trip payment.

The 14-day mark is significant when you’re buying travel insurance, because it’s the cutoff point for the existing medical condition benefit . Many of our plans include this benefit, which means that you, a traveling companion or family member can have an existing medical condition and still be eligible for all applicable benefits and assistance services. You must, however, meet certain requirements:

• You must purchase your plan within 14 days of making your first trip payment or first trip deposit.
• You must purchase trip cancellation coverage that covers the full cost of all your non-refundable trip arrangements.
• You must be a U.S. resident and medically able to travel on the day you purchase the plan.
• The total cost of your trip must not exceed the maximum cost specified by your plan.
• All other stated terms and conditions are met.

Wait—what if you haven’t figured out your entire trip cost within 14 days of making your first trip deposit? It’s okay! Just don’t delay. Go ahead and purchase travel insurance within that 14-day window, making sure you select a plan with the existing medical condition benefit. ( Those plans are listed here .) As soon as your travel arrangements are finalized, you can update your plan with your final trip costs, either online (under Manage Your Policy ) or by calling us .

The third best time to buy travel insurance is any time before you depart.

With all the stress and excitement of planning your trip, you completely forgot to insure it. Now it’s 10 p.m. the night before departure, and you’re wondering, “How late can I buy travel insurance? Is it even worth doing now?”

You know that old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” It applies to travel insurance too. Even if you’re about to leave for your trip, it’s better to buy insurance late than not have it at all. Go ahead and get a quote to see your options for protecting your trip. While trip cancellation/interruption benefits may not be useful to you now, benefits such as baggage loss/damage, baggage delay, travel delay and emergency medical can give you crucial protection for your trip.

The worst time to buy travel insurance is after something bad has already happened.

You’re happily gallivanting around Portugal when you stumble in a vineyard and fracture your ankle. Uh-oh. If you’d purchased travel insurance with emergency medical benefits, you could have avoided paying the Portuguese hospital bills out of pocket. If you’d purchased travel insurance with trip interruption benefits, it could have reimbursed you for the unused portion of your trip, as well as for the cost of the plane ticket to return home early. But you didn’t. Is it too late to buy travel insurance now?

Unfortunately, it is. Travel insurance is designed to protect a traveler from certain unforeseeable events—not things that are easily foreseeable, or things that have already happened at the time you purchase your plan. That’s why it’s smart to buy insurance as early as possible in the booking process. If you’re taking more than one trip this year, you can make life easier by purchasing an AllTrips multi-trip plan. Find the best plan for your next trip!

Related Articles

• 5 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is a Must
• 10 Ways Allianz Global Assistance Strives to Be the Best Travel Insurance Company
• What Factors Affect the Cost of Travel Insurance?

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Travel Insurance vs. Travel Medical Insurance

You're planning a big trip you've been dreaming of for months or years. Whether that's a week on the beach or hiking to Everest Base Camp, having the right insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses in case the worst happens. While travel insurance vs travel medical insurance sounds similar they offer different protections. 

Understanding how travel insurance and travel medical insurance work can help ensure you've got the protection you need. Read on to understand travel insurance vs. travel medical so you don't get them confused before your next big trip.

What is Travel Insurance?

• What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 
• What Isn't Covered? 

How Much Does It Cost?

Pros and cons, what is travel medical insurance.

• What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover? 
• Compare the Top Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance from Benzinga's Best Providers

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

• Frequently Asked Questions 

Travel insurance is used to cover unforeseen losses or expenses incurred while traveling. Travel insurance can cover domestic or international travel or may be limited to a specific trip or destination. Travel insurance covers cancellations due to injury or sickness, lost luggage or belongings and last-minute cancellations. Sometimes called comprehensive travel insurance, this type of plan rolls many unexpected problems into one comprehensive plan.  

Travel insurance may cover medical expenses while traveling abroad that your normal health insurance doesn't cover, as well as emergency evacuation. However, since many people and even insurance providers use the two terms travel insurance and travel health insurance interchangeably, you should check if your travel insurance includes medical expenses and any limitations.  

Travel insurance can be especially useful if your luggage is lost or stolen. If the airline loses your bags, getting them to pay for the lost luggage can be difficult. While in the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to compensate fliers up to $3,300 for lost baggage; for International trips, the maximum is often $1,750. To get those amounts, you must provide receipts proving the value of the bags and contents. 

Travel insurance can help cover the cost of the bags and contents. In addition, travel insurance may cover valuables like a high-quality camera, computer or other equipment you bring on your trip. 

While nobody wants to cancel a tip at the last minute, travel insurance can help you recoup your costs if you can't go. For example, most resorts or cruise lines won’t give you a full refund in the event of a cancellation, and some won't offer any refund at all. 

Most resorts will charge a cancellation fee, and many cruise lines might only give you a small refund or partial credit for another cruise. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and they rarely happen months beforehand. If you're forced to forfeit the vacation, you should be able to get the money back with the help of travel insurance. 

Even if you have a credit card that provides limited travel insurance coverage for cancellations or interruptions, travel insurance can offer an additional backup, including travel medical insurance. You can start researching options with the best cheap travel insurance or the best credit cards with travel insurance included. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

While coverage may vary by insurance company, travel insurance usually covers:

• Lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage
• Emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment away from home
• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation  
• Costs of canceling or delaying your trip
• Lost or stolen passports, travel documents or money
• Travel or accommodation cancellations
• Delayed flights
• Missed departures 
• Cutting your trip short for reasons outside your control
• Disruptions to travel or accommodation, such as delays and cancellations
• Legal costs, in case you’re sued for damaging property or causing injury
• Personal liability if you cause an accident or injure someone 
• Equipment like cameras and computers or high-risk activities for additional cost 

What Isn’t Covered? 

While policies vary, most travel insurance policies won't cover:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• High-risk sports and adventure activities without an additional rider
• Travel to certain high-risk destinations 
• Changing your mind about traveling
• Incidents arising from alcohol or drug use

The costs of travel insurance vary by the coverage amount, deductibles and additional riders. Most policies cost between 4% and 10% of the trip’s prepaid, non-refundable expenses. 

For example, if you've prepaid hotel accommodations and flights that total $1,800, you can expect to pay $72 to $180 for travel insurance. However, adding a high-risk activity rider, traveling to certain destinations or the age and health of the travelers may also affect the final costs. 

Suppose Kate and Sam are a healthy couple planning a European vacation in the summer of 2025. They book tickets and hotels for a total of $4,400. The hotels will refund up to 50% of the $2,200 cost as long as they cancel at least a month in advance. But the airline tickets are non-refundable. Kate and Sam decide they don't want to risk that major dream vacation expense. They purchase travel insurance for $220 with a 100% refund policy if forced to cancel their trip. 

There are various pros and cons to travel insurance. The pros can include:

• Peace of mind around trip planning
• Financial protection in case of delays, cancellations or other unforeseen events beyond your control 
• The cost of a hotel in case of an overnight delayed flight
• Lost baggage protection policies better than most airline policies 

Before buying travel insurance, consider the possible cons:

• 4% to 10% of your total non-refundable trip cost can add up. If you have a few trips a year, you could spend $500 to $1,000-plus in travel insurance.
• Travel insurance doesn't cover every scenario, leaving you unprotected in certain cases, even with travel insurance. 
• Most travel insurance doesn't cover voluntary cancellation if you change your mind. 

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of medical care while you travel. In most cases, you'll only need travel medical insurance if you travel internationally. However, if your primary medical insurance is limited to your state or certain local providers, getting travel medical insurance could be necessary for domestic travel. 

Travel medical insurance is designed to reimburse you for medical bills arising from illness or injury while traveling. It usually has a start and end date around a specific trip. Coverage depends on your policy and provider and may include a deductible or other limitations. Travel medical insurance also typically covers the cost of repatriation or medical airlift but may not cover certain high-risk activities without a specialized rider. 

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of medical care during travel, from an ear infection to an X-ray for a possible broken ankle to more serious treatments or surgeries. If your appendix ruptures on vacation, you don't want to have to worry about how you'll pay the hospital bill — travel medical insurance should cover it. 

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover? 

The possible coverage for standard travel medical insurance includes:

• Emergency medical care
• Medications due to new conditions while traveling such as antibiotics
• Medical transportation or airlift
• Necessary treatments and standard diagnosis processes, including x-rays, MRIs or other medically necessary tests 
• Repatriation to your home country in case of an accident or death

Standard travel medical insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions or regular prescription medicines. Travel medical insurance also may not cover:

• Injury or illness due to high-risk sports and adventure activities, including skiing or hiking above certain altitudes without an additional rider
• Travel to certain high-risk destinations
• Regular prescriptions or medical care for pre-existing medical conditions, although this varies by provider

The costs of travel medical insurance are affected by your age, health, destination and length of the trip, as well as coverage limit and deductibles. It could cost as little as $0.50 a day or anywhere from $4 to $100 for a week-long trip. 

For travel medical insurance, age and overall health play a major role in costs. A healthy 30-year-old could get travel health insurance for under $20, while a person who is 70-plus might have to pay $100 to $150 for the same coverage. 

Many plans let you choose coverage amounts from $100,000 to $1 million or more. You can also choose a deductible from $100 to $1,000 or more. Choosing lower total coverage or a higher deductible can help reduce total costs. However, if you need to add high-risk sport riders or high-risk destination coverage, your total costs could increase significantly. 

For travel medical insurance, the pros significantly outweigh the cons. Pros include:

• Peace of mind knowing you can get the medical care you need at your destination.
• It can cover medical care for minor illnesses or injuries to major medical treatments.
• Offers a plan or coverage amount relative to your destination and individual needs.
• Get transportation, airlift or other expensive medical treatments covered with travel health insurance. 

Here are the cons of travel health insurance:

• The extra costs can add to the total trip costs.
• If you're young and healthy, the probability of needing travel health insurance is low, but costs still add up.
• Your primary medical insurance may already offer travel health insurance, making it redundant.
• Medical care is often so inexpensive in certain destinations (such as Southeast Asia or Latin America) that you might not need insurance to cover costs for healthcare. 

While these cons basically say, "it costs something, and you might not need it," that is the definition of insurance. You hope you never need it, but when you do, that extra layer of protection means you can focus on healing. For that reason, there aren't cons to medical travel insurance. The relatively small cost to ensure your health is protected is worth it. 

Compare the Top Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance from Benzinga’s Best Providers

Find the top travel insurance or medical travel insurance here, from trusted providers. Be sure to compare coverage limits, deductibles and other factors before choosing the best policy for you. 

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

If you're taking a weekend road trip two hours away, you might not need travel insurance. But if the trip is costly, with one or more non-refundable bookings, travel insurance can give you peace of mind. And any time you travel beyond the coverage area of your primary health insurance, medical insurance can give you not only peace of mind but ensure you get healthcare when you need it. 

Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. You can check out some of the best travel insurance companies to get the best travel health insuranc e or specialized policies. Find the best travel insurance for seniors . If you're traveling abroad, you can also find the best international travel insurance . 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do i need both travel insurance and travel medical insurance for my trip.

Whether you need travel insurance and travel medical insurance will depend on the type of policy. Some policies offer comprehensive coverage that includes both travel insurance and travel health insurance, while others are limited, so you may need separate policies.

Can I purchase travel medical insurance separately from travel insurance?

Yes, you can usually purchase travel medical insurance separately from travel insurance.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by travel medical insurance?

Normally, travel medical insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, you could sometimes obtain a pre-existing condition exclusion add-on to coverage.

About Alison Plaut

Alison Kimberly is a freelance content writer with a Sustainable MBA, uniquely qualified to help individuals and businesses achieve the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and financial profitability. She has been writing for various non-profit organizations for 15+ years. When not writing, you will find her promoting education and meditation in the developing world, or hiking and enjoying nature.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 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 cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. 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.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but 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 our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $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 cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice 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, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• 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” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades 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.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable 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 cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• 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 best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

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.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

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.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

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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Can You Buy Travel Insurance After Booking a Flight? | Money

Y ou’ve just booked an exciting trip, and the countdown to your adventure has begun. While you may be focused on planning the itinerary and packing, you should also consider one other step: purchasing the best travel insurance for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, understanding how and when to buy travel insurance can provide you with valuable coverage and peace of mind for your upcoming trip.

Why you should buy travel insurance as soon as possible after booking a flight

While the anticipation of exploring new places and creating lasting memories is undoubtedly thrilling, you must also consider the practical side of travel — including protecting your financial investment and your health. You may be wondering if you can add travel insurance after booking. The answer is yes. In fact, the best time to buy travel insurance is shortly after you book your flight. In this section, we’ll cover the reasons why timing is of the essence when it comes to travel insurance.

But before we dive in, let’s go over the basics. Travel insurance is a type of coverage that provides financial protection and assistance for unexpected events, trip delays, disruptions and emergencies that can occur during your travels. Typically, it covers trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, medical expenses, accidental death and dismemberment and emergency medical evacuation, depending on your specific policy.

Trip cancellation protection

Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can strike anytime between booking and departure on a trip, putting your non-refundable travel expenses at risk. If you’re forced to cancel your vacation, it’s disheartening to realize you’ve lost money on flight, cruise or train tickets as well as lodging and activity bookings. Buying travel insurance shortly after booking gives you the advantage of trip cancellation protection from the outset.

Suppose you’re traveling from the U.S. to Europe and you booked your flight a couple of months in advance for the best deal. If you didn’t get your travel insurance after booking, you would lose most of your investment if something like a family emergency caused you to cancel your trip between the time when you booked and your trip departure. With trip cancellation coverage, you wouldn’t take such a financial hit.

Additionally, certain travel insurance policies offer so-called “time-sensitive” benefits like cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR lets you cancel your trip for reasons not covered in a standard policy and receive reimbursement of a portion of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses. There are often restrictions associated with CFAR benefits, requiring you to purchase weeks before your trip begins.

Coverage for pre-existing conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions shouldn’t hold you back from traveling, but it’s essential to take precautions. In the context of travel insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to an injury or medical condition that you showed symptoms of or received treatment for within a specific period (usually 60 to 180 days) before purchasing a policy. Often, insurance plans will include pre-existing condition waivers at no extra cost, covering claims related to your existing medical issues.

However, to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, you usually need to purchase your travel medical insurance policy right after making your initial trip deposit. The timing varies by provider, but if you wait, you might not be reimbursed for any treatments related to your pre-existing condition you receive while traveling.

10- to 15-day review period before your trip

Most travel insurance policies come with a review period, typically ranging from 10 to 15 days after purchase. Also called the “free look period,” it gives you time to review the policy terms and conditions in detail. If you realize the policy doesn’t offer the coverage you require, you can cancel it and explore other options without any financial loss.

However, the free look period ends when you start your trip. Having ample time to be sure you’re getting the best plan for your travel needs can help you avoid costly omissions in your coverage. The sooner you purchase your travel insurance, the more time you’ll have to adjust or replace your policy well before departure.

When is it too late to buy travel insurance?

While some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase a policy after departure, waiting until the last minute will restrict your options. These types of policies may include post-departure benefits such as medical emergencies and lost luggage but could exclude trip interruption, trip cancellation and pre-existing conditions coverage. You won’t have the option to add CFAR coverage either.

Further, once certain disruptions or emergencies have occurred, it’s too late to buy travel insurance. For example, if a hurricane is already on its way to your travel destination, it’s too late for you to get travel insurance to cancel your trip. At that point, it’s no longer considered “unforeseen” from the insurer’s perspective and won’t be covered.

How to add travel insurance after booking a flight

Navigating the process of buying travel insurance after booking is simpler than you might think — here’s how to do it.

1. Check if you have existing travel insurance coverage with your credit card company

Before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy, check whether your credit card company offers any travel-related benefits. Some credit cards provide limited travel insurance coverage when you use the card to book your trip. Check with your credit card provider to determine if the coverage is sufficient for your upcoming trip. If not, you’ll want to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy after you book.

It’s also a good idea to check with your homeowners insurance policy or renters insurance provider, as these sometimes include limited travel insurance benefits.

2. Research the best travel insurance providers

Take time to research reputable travel insurance companies . Look for companies with positive customer reviews, a history of reliable coverage and a variety of plans to choose from. Using online comparison tools such as Squaremouth can help you narrow down your options and quickly find a plan that provides the coverage you need.

3. Choose a travel insurance plan that aligns with your coverage needs

Just as no two trips are exactly alike, travel insurance plans come in a variety of flavors to cater to different scenarios. Before you commit to a specific plan, get some clarity on the aspects of your trip that matter most to you. Consider factors such as the type of trip you’re taking, your health status and the value of your trip expenses. Are you worried about flight cancellations or changes that the airline might not refund? Are you packing expensive equipment? Have you booked golf or ski days? Do you need medical coverage?

Once you’ve identified your priorities, you can select a plan that provides the right coverage. While individual policies vary, most types of travel insurance offer the following forms of coverage and benefits:

• Emergency medical care abroad
• Medical evacuation transport
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Canceled flight, cruise or train travel and accommodations
• Trip interruption coverage
• 24-hour medical assistance call center (may also include concierge services)
• Delayed or lost luggage (may include sports equipment)
• Missed activities, such as golf or ski days
• Repatriation of remains

4. Review and understand policy terms, conditions and exclusions

Before making a final decision, thoroughly review your policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions. Take time to read your travel insurance policy documents to understand the limits of your coverage, such as whether pre-existing conditions or high-risk adventures are covered. Call your provider with any questions or concerns during the free look period so you can make changes or cancel your policy if it doesn’t meet your needs. These steps will prevent any surprises if and when you must file a claim.

5. Understand how the claims process works

If you need to use your policy, knowing how the claims process works can save you a lot of frustration. Read your policy materials to familiarize yourself with the steps involved in filing a claim, the documentation you’ll be required to supply and the timeline for receiving reimbursement.

Typically, the first step in the claims process is to notify your travel insurance provider and let them know what happened. For example, you might contact them if your flights are delayed, your luggage is lost or you need emergency medical services. You can usually find your provider’s contact information in your policy materials, on your provider’s website, on your travel insurance card or on the company’s mobile app. Keep track of everything related to your claim, including dates, locations and persons involved. You may also need receipts, photos, medical bills, official reports or doctor’s notes to gather together for your claim. You’ll then upload your materials to the company’s website or app or submit copies by mail, depending on your provider’s claims process.

6. Purchase your travel insurance policy and keep it with your travel documents

With all the research behind you, it’s time to purchase your travel insurance policy. Once you buy trip insurance after booking, make sure to keep a copy of the policy documents in a safe and accessible place. Keep your insurance provider’s contact information with you, including its 24-hour emergency number. Confirm whether your provider offers a mobile app and be sure to download and install it on your device before you go.

Whether the policy is a digital copy on your phone or a physical printout in your travel folder, having these documents and information on hand ensures you can refer to it quickly if you need to file a claim. Leave a copy of your policy with a friend or family member back home — that way, they can contact your insurance provider in case of an emergency that leaves you unable to do so yourself.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

With flight cancellations happening more often these days, you need to be ready for your travel plans to change before you even take off. Travel insurance is a safety net for your trip, but if the airline or travel company cancels your flight, your travel insurance might not cover the cost of your ticket.

If the airline cancels your flight, the carrier is responsible for refunding you or helping you find another solution. For covered reasons such as weather, mechanical issues or strikes, your travel insurance may cover non-refundable trip costs like hotel bookings and tour fees.

While you could be covered if the airline goes out of business or there’s a mechanical problem with the plane, other reasons may be excluded. Read your policy’s terms regarding flight cancellations or call your provider to discuss your coverage.

Does travel insurance cover flight changes?

If a covered event such as a medical emergency necessitates a change in your flight arrangements, certain travel insurance policies might cover change fees or other related expenses. Similarly, if the airline carrier changes your flight, your travel insurance may cover expenses related to changing ground transportation or other bookings, if these costs are not reimbursed by the airline. Always review your policy’s terms to understand the extent of coverage for flight changes.

However, if you decide to tweak your flight schedule to accommodate a change in your plans, your travel insurance policy might not provide any reimbursements. That’s because flight changes made by choice are typically considered within your control.

Summary: Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

Purchasing travel insurance shortly after booking a flight offers you protection against unforeseen events and disruptions. By acting promptly, you can secure trip cancellation coverage, ensure protection for pre-existing conditions and take advantage of the “free look” review period to make an informed choice. While you can buy last-minute travel insurance from some providers, you’ll maximize your coverage and options by purchasing a policy right after you book your flight.

To add travel insurance after booking your flight, follow these steps: Check existing coverage with your credit card company, research reputable insurance providers, select a suitable plan, understand policy terms and the claims process and finally, make the purchase.

With the right coverage, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the twists and turns that travel may bring.

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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When You Don’t Need to Buy Travel Insurance

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Protecting your trip with travel insurance is generally a good idea. A comprehensive trip insurance policy safeguards your nonrefundable, prepaid plans (flights, hotel stays and excursions) if the trip is canceled due to a covered reason. It offers reimbursement of medical expenses if you get sick or injured and require care or evacuation. Plus, it provides a daily stipend if your belongings are lost or stolen, among many other needs.

However, just because travel insurance is an option doesn’t mean you should always buy it. You don't want to purchase coverage that you don’t need or already have. Here are some common situations when you can pass on travel insurance and save your hard-earned cash.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

You booked flexible airline tickets

Generally, refundable plane tickets are more expensive than nonrefundable tickets. However, airlines have significantly loosened their change and cancellation policies in recent years.

Many airlines have permanently removed change fees, and depending on the fare type, new and existing reservations can be canceled for a full refund or an airline credit. So, if your flight has a flexible cancellation policy, you may not need a trip cancellation benefit, which is one of the main elements of standard travel insurance.

Additionally, to use the trip cancellation benefit, insurers typically require that you first contact the airline for a refund. If the airline offers you a flight credit or voucher, you’d have to decline it in order to claim a refund under your travel insurance policy. If you accept the credit or voucher, the insurer will consider that a refund by the travel provider. So even if you have insurance, it may not help you in these instances.

Even trip insurance for nonrefundable tickets only works in covered situations. If you want to minimize limitations and maximize flexibility, consider purchasing a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason add-on.

Your hotel has a friendly cancellation policy

Hotels have also loosened their change and cancellation policies for new and existing reservations in response to the ongoing pandemic. If the hotel you want to stay at offers a flexible change or cancellation policy, you may not need travel insurance — especially if the sole purpose of the policy was to protect a prepaid hotel deposit.

You haven’t booked nonrefundable activities

A comprehensive travel insurance plan protects your nonrefundable reservations, which can include prepaid excursions in addition to airplane tickets and hotel stays. If your trip doesn’t involve any nonrefundable reservations, you may not need travel insurance.

For instance, if you’ve booked only airplane tickets and a hotel stay for your vacation, and they're both governed by flexible cancellation policies, the trip cancellation benefit may not be necessary. Or if an activity you’ve booked with a specific provider has a flexible cancellation policy of its own, standard travel insurance might be worth skipping.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel in 2022

It’s already included on your credit card

You may not need travel insurance if you already have it through your credit card. Many premium travel credit cards offer various degrees of travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation and interruption, travel medical, emergency evacuation, 24-hour assistance and rental car coverage.

Some credit cards have better protections than others because of more robust coverage and higher limits. If you hold a card that offers the benefits you need and the limits are sufficient, you might want to pass on purchasing a comprehensive trip insurance policy.

Generally though, the travel insurance benefits offered on credit cards aren't as extensive, and the limits can be significantly lower than on comprehensive policies. If you have a premium travel credit card, check which travel insurance benefits you already have before buying a stand-alone policy.

» Learn more: 4 best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Travel insurance protects a portion of your nonrefundable trip costs, but if you purchased flexible tickets, you may not actually need travel insurance. On the other hand, if you purchased tickets or activities that come with a fee if you cancel, consider purchasing a policy that covers your reservations.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if your flight is canceled by the airline, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment, regardless of whether you had travel insurance or not. If your flight is delayed by the airline, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation .

Traveling without travel insurance means you may have to pay out of your own pocket if something doesn't go as planned. Things to consider before purchasing a plan include if you have any credit cards that provide insurance coverage , your total trip cost and if you're traveling to a destination that may be impacted by severe weather .

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if your flight is canceled by the airline, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment, regardless of whether you had travel insurance or not. If your flight is delayed by the airline, you may be entitled to

flight delay compensation

Traveling without travel insurance means you may have to pay out of your own pocket if something doesn't go as planned. Things to consider before purchasing a plan include if you have any

credit cards that provide insurance coverage

, your total trip cost and if you're traveling to a destination that may be impacted by

severe weather

When travel insurance is worth it

There may still be instances when travel insurance is a smart money move.

International trips. For example, if you have medical insurance, it most likely won't cover travel outside of the U.S. If you’d like medical coverage while on an international vacation, purchasing a stand-alone travel medical insurance policy could be a good option.

Multi-country, multi-activity trips. Travel insurance can also make sense if your trip includes several destinations and mixed plans. Let's say you’re going on a two-week trip to Argentina to hike in Patagonia and then wrap up in Buenos Aires. If, halfway through the trip, you fall and sprain your ankle, you may need emergency medical care, and perhaps also to cut your trip short and fly home early. In an event like this, trip interruption and emergency medical coverage (both part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy) are your best friends. Trip interruption coverage will reimburse you for the unused portion of your hotel stay in Buenos Aires (which you may not be able to cancel mid-trip) and a last-minute flight home. And the medical benefits will reimburse international health care bills.

Adventurous travelers. If your travel plans include several adrenaline-pumping activities, such as wakeboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving or bungee jumping, a plan that covers adventure sports might be wise.

Trips that require expensive equipment. If you need to take expensive jewelry, sports equipment or tech gear on a trip, you might be wise to back up your trip with travel insurance coverage.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

The bottom line

Deciding whether or not you need to purchase travel insurance depends on your specific circumstances. First, familiarize yourself with the change and cancellation policies of your hotel, airline and activities.

Then, check the benefits of any credit cards you already have and read the fine print so you know what coverage you have access to. With this information, you can make the most informed decision about what travel insurance policy (if any) is right for you.

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 2023 , 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

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best personal item bags, tested & reviewed.

Find your best carry-on companion with our top editor picks.

The Best Personal Item Bags

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

When you're traveling on an airplane, there are certain items like your wallet, phone, passport, medications and earbuds that you always want to keep close. These are the items you'll want to pack in your personal item bag, along with other in-flight comfort items or perhaps a few souvenirs you're bringing home with you. When it comes to a personal item, there are many options that could be right for you, though keep in mind what airlines will allow can vary.

What size is a personal item bag?

This item can be a purse , bag or backpack that easily fits under the seat in front of you. For most domestic airlines, your personal item should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag that goes into the overhead bin and one personal item bag that can be stowed under the seat. For both carry-on and personal item bags, it's important to check your airline's carry-on luggage size requirements and policies.

To help you decide what personal item bag meets your needs, our editors shared their go-to bags they personally use when traveling by air.

Best Foldable: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hip Pack: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack

Best tote: everlane the recycled nylon tote, best backpack: away the everywhere zip backpack, best organization: nomad lane bento bag, best washable: steve madden quilted weekender bag, best laptop backpack: fila argus 5 laptop backpack, best for adventure travel: osprey nebula 32, best affordable: gorilla wear duncan backpack, best duffel: lipault city plume 24h bag 2.0.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of personal item bags are height by width by depth.)

Nicola Wood | U.S. News

Price: $155 or less

Travelers will frequently spot this classic tote at airports and hotels around the world for good reason. It folds up easily for storage when not in use, and it has a roomy main compartment with a small interior pocket for a phone, boarding pass and a cardholder. Longchamp's Le Pliage Large tote is made of the brand's durable water-resistant nylon and finished with its signature embossed leather trim.

What our editors say:

I love traveling with my Longchamp Le Pliage tote. It's big enough to hold a laptop and all other essentials, and it has both a zipper and a snap-close leather flap, so you won't have to worry about anything falling out during travel. It is versatile enough to use throughout your vacation as a handbag, or you can fold it up and store it away once you reach your destination. The Le Pliage tote is made of nylon, so it is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean after traveling. There is a small interior pocket that can hold a boarding pass, phone or cardholder, or you can pop in a separate organizer from Amazon for multiple interior compartments. The Le Pliage tote comes in a variety of colors, so there's something for everyone. – Nicola Wood , Senior Editor

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $30 or less

If you're looking to travel light and maximize leg space, this Cotopaxi hip pack is ideal. Strap it around your waist or shoulder for hands-free travel, and reach your wallet or passport quickly. There's a spacious main compartment for your phone, wallet and boarding pass. Plus, a front zippered compartment can hold things like gum or earbuds. Constructed of 100% fabric scraps, each hip pack is sustainable and one-of-a-kind.

My top priority when traveling by plane is ample leg room, so Cotopaxi fanny packs are the perfect under-the-seat choice. I like the smaller Kapai 1.5 L Hip Pack for storing my essentials on shorter flights: phone, wallet, tissues, lip balm and earbuds. (There's also a 3L version .) For longer flights, the larger Allpa X 4L Hip Pack can fit a lot more, including a small book, Nintendo Switch and snack. – Leilani Osmundson , Senior Digital Producer

Price: $85 or less

This versatile tote is constructed with recycled nylon, which makes it easy to clean as well as sustainable. The padded bottom helps to protect your laptop and other contents. The main compartment has a zippered pocket and a 13-inch laptop sleeve. You can carry the bag with its tote straps or over the shoulder, and there's an exterior slip pocket for small items.

My favorite thing about this bag is that it's structured, but also easily pliable when it's time to stow it underneath my seat. The exterior pocket allows for easy access to small items like earbuds and hand sanitizer, and the larger main compartment is roomy enough for my laptop, 32-ounce water bottle, snacks, a small toiletry bag and a book. I also appreciate its sleek simplicity and sustainable materials. – Ann Henson , Assistant Managing Editor

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $195 or less

This backpack from Away has a variety of interior and exterior pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve with a magnetic locking zipper, an interior mesh pocket for a small water bottle and two external hidden pockets. It has a versatile design that works for trips to the office, day tours and leisure trips. For carrying options, the backpack has comfortable padded shoulder straps and a trolley sleeve to secure it to your favorite carry-on bag.

For my personal item, I'm all about function over fashion and this bag manages to hit both marks. I especially love the interior key clip – I actually use it for my wallet so I easily find my ID and credit card and not risk losing them. – Amanda Norcross , Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $298 or less

The Nomad Lane Bento Bag has a sleek and professional look that makes it work for both personal and business travel, especially with the 16-inch padded laptop sleeve that you can access from the top. It comes with a toiletries pouch and an electronics organizer that tuck inside two exterior pockets, so you can easily remove them at security. The bag has a variety of organizational pockets, including a trolley sleeve that converts into a pocket. It works well as a personal item bag, and can be used as a weekender bag if you're a light packer.

The Bento Bag is truly exceptional for organization. Not only can it fit a ton for its size, but I love how it also keeps my belongings separated and neat while still easy to access on the go. When I travel with it, the bag is comfortable to carry and fits under the seat in front of me with no issue. I also just appreciate how sophisticated it looks. – Catriona Kendall , Editor

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

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Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: From $59.98

This timeless design has sturdy straps to comfortably carry the bag through airports and more. It's affordable, durable and machine washable. The interior compartment can accommodate everything from a toiletry bag to souvenirs, yet it still fits under the seat with a comfortable amount of room for your feet.

I've used this Steve Madden Quilted Weekender Bag as my personal item for years. I love the soft-sided design of this bag and it can fit an impressive amount. There's also an interior zippered pocket and two smaller open pockets for organization. Typically, I'll pack my laptop, various chargers, one to two books, an extra set of clothes and shoes, my wallet, my makeup bag, AirPods, snacks, a water bottle, and my phone. – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Suzanne Mason | U.S. News

Price: $70 or less

Perfect as a work, gym or travel bag, this durable backpack has multiple pockets to keep everything organized wherever you roam. The budget-friendly backpack has a spacious main compartment with an internal mesh pocket and a separate 15-inch laptop compartment. Its padded straps provide comfort while carrying the bag for long periods of time, and the front zippered compartment is ideal for a boarding pass, pen or phone.

I love my Fila Argus 5 Laptop Backpack. I use it for both travel and for work. The backpack has a pocket in the back separating the main space in the back. I usually carry my iPad or laptop there and use the rest of the space to carry any items I couldn't fit in my luggage or trinkets that I'm bringing back for souvenirs. The front pocket I love because it's a zippered space where I can put my important traveling documents and other miscellaneous items needed for my travels. The backpack straps are wide and padded making it comfortable to wear on my back. The backpack is small enough to fit under a plane seat if you need to access the bag while in flight. – Suzanne Mason , Editor

Zach Watson | U.S. News

Price: $140 or less

This spacious backpack offers the design features of a more technical backpack − like a removable webbing belt along with top and bottom compression straps − but with an emphasis on everyday needs. There are numerous interior pockets to keep all of your travel essentials securely stowed, a TSA-approved laptop sleeve and a front zippered organization pocket. The exterior has two deep, adjustable side pockets that can fit two Nalgene-size water bottles. The Osprey Nebula 32 features two padded straps and a breathable back to help make carrying the bag more comfortable, even in humid climates.

My Osprey Nebula 32 is in the running for my oldest personal possession; I've used it for over a decade. That means this Nebula pack started as a college backpack, lugging my textbooks between classes in Chicago snowstorms before joining me in Washington, D.C., where it kept my belongings safe on my humid (and occasionally rainy) bike commutes. Now, I primarily use my backpack for hiking and flying, and it still holds up remarkably well despite my regular mistreatment. I don't intend to replace my go-to personal item anytime soon, so this Osprey backpack has absolutely justified its admittedly high upfront cost. – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Alissa Grisler | U.S. News

Price: $59.99 or less

Durable and ideal for everyday use or adventures afar, this backpack has a simple design with plenty of packing space. The spacious interior can hold a lot, including your toiletry bag, reading material, change of clothes and more. The laptop sleeve and variety of compartments help to keep items organized and in place. The exterior offers adjustable padded shoulder straps and a waist strap for comfort, a headphone opening, two mesh pockets and a front zippered compartment.

When purchasing a bag, I am looking for something that is durable and multifunctional. With its many storage compartments and large carrying capacity (perfect for the chronic over-packer or anyone who just can't say no to a souvenir), this bag is perfect for both travel and everyday use. – Alissa Grisler , Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $135 or less

Lightweight and constructed with water repellent nylon, this bag is durable, yet sophisticated. There are two large front pockets for smaller items like a 3-1-1 bag, headphones, wipes and small travel essentials, plus a side pocket for a water bottle or small items. Inside, the spacious interior compartment has a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets and a mesh pocket for keeping things organized, in addition to room for a toiletry bag, in-flight needs and souvenirs you find along the way. The bag features a separate zippered laptop compartment on the back, along with a trolley sleeve to attach it to your carry-on bag, like the coordinating Plume Cabin Size Spinner . What's more, it folds flat to save space when not in use.

I bought my original Lipault City Plume bag for my first trip to Europe over a decade ago. It's been a top pick for my travels for years, and it still looks and works great. The updated City Plume 24H Bag 2.0 is beautifully constructed, stays looking great even through the rigors of travel, fits perfectly under the seat and holds a lot. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood strives to be a carry-on only traveler. Over the years she's tested a variety of bags from multiple brands at an array of prices. To curate this article, she asked her team of editors to share their favorite personal item bags that have worked for all types of travel scenarios.

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• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Checked Luggage, Tested by Editors
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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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