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5 Best Travel Insurance For Ski Trips In USA (2023)

Skiing is a thrilling and enjoyable winter sport, but it also comes with certain risks and challenges. 

Whether you are planning to hit the slopes in Colorado, Vermont, or Utah, you need to have a reliable travel insurance plan that can protect you from unexpected events and expenses. 

In this article, we will review the 5 best travel insurance companies for ski trips in the USA in 2023, and provide some tips on how to choose the right plan for your needs.

Best Travel Insurance Companies for Ski Trips in the USA

Here are our top picks for the best travel insurance providers for ski vacations in the USA, based on their coverage, benefits, and customer service.

Cat 70 is a travel insurance company that specializes in adventure travel and winter sports. They offer comprehensive coverage for ski trips, including medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, baggage loss or damage, and liability. They also cover a wide range of winter sports activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding. Cat 70 has a 24/7 emergency assistance service and a flexible cancellation policy. You can get a quote and buy a policy online or over the phone.

2. AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance is a part of the global AXA Group, one of the largest insurance companies in the world. They offer several travel insurance plans for ski trips, with different levels of coverage and benefits. Their Silver Plan covers medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, baggage loss or damage, and accidental death and dismemberment. Their Gold Plan adds coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and rental car damage. Their Platinum Plan adds coverage for cancellation for any reason and missed connection. All their plans include access to their 24/7 emergency assistance service and concierge service.

3. Travel Guard® Travel Insurance

Travel Guard® Travel Insurance is a leading travel insurance provider in the USA, with over 30 years of experience. They offer various travel insurance plans for ski trips, with optional add-ons for enhanced coverage. Their Deluxe Plan covers medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, baggage loss or damage, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel assistance services. Their Preferred Plan adds coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and change fees. Their Essential Plan offers basic coverage for budget-conscious travelers. You can also add their Adventure Sports Bundle to any plan to cover winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

4. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance is a part of the Allianz Group, one of the largest insurance companies in the world. They offer several travel insurance plans for ski trips, with different levels of coverage and benefits. Their OneTrip Prime Plan covers medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, baggage loss or damage, travel assistance services, and lodging expenses. Their OneTrip Premier Plan adds coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and rental car damage. Their OneTrip Basic Plan offers essential coverage for low-cost trips. You can also add their Rental Car Damage Protector to any plan to cover rental car damage.

5. USI Affinity Travel Insurance

USI Affinity Travel Insurance is a travel insurance company that partners with various organizations and associations to offer customized travel insurance plans for their members. They offer several travel insurance plans for ski trips, with different levels of coverage and benefits. Their Select Plan covers medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, baggage loss or damage, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel assistance services. Their Elite Plan adds coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, cancel for any reason, and missed connection. Their Economy Plan offers basic coverage for low-cost trips. You can also add their Ski Protection Package to any plan to cover winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance for Ski Trips

When you are looking for the best travel insurance plan for your ski trip, you need to consider several factors that can affect your coverage and benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation: Skiing can be a risky activity that can result in injuries or illnesses that require immediate medical attention or transportation to a hospital or clinic. You need to make sure that your travel insurance plan covers the costs of medical treatment and evacuation in case of an emergency.
• Coverage for lost or damaged ski equipment: Ski equipment can be expensive and fragile and can get lost or damaged during your trip due to theft or mishandling by airlines or other carriers. You need to make sure that your travel insurance plan covers the costs of repairing or replacing your ski equipment in case of loss or damage.
• Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to weather conditions: Weather conditions can be unpredictable and can affect your ski trip plans. You may have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a lack of snow or a snowstorm that prevents you from reaching your destination or enjoying the slopes. You need to make sure that your travel insurance plan covers the costs of canceling or interrupting your trip due to weather conditions.
• Coverage for emergency transportation and accommodation: If you encounter an emergency during your ski trip that requires you to change your travel arrangements or stay longer than planned at your destination, you may incur additional expenses for transportation and accommodation. You need to make sure that your travel insurance plan covers the costs of emergency transportation and accommodation in case of an emergency.
• Coverage for winter sports activities: Skiing and other winter sports activities can be considered high-risk or adventurous activities by some travel insurance providers and may not be covered by their standard plans. You need to make sure that your travel insurance plan covers the winter sports activities that you plan to do during your ski trip.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Ski Trips?

Once you have identified the factors that are important for your ski trip, you can follow these steps to choose the best travel insurance plan for your needs:

Evaluate the specific needs and risks of your ski trip

Before you start comparing travel insurance plans, you need to assess the specific needs and risks of your ski trip, such as the duration, destination, budget, activities, and health conditions of you and your travel companions. This will help you determine the level of coverage and benefits that you need from your travel insurance plan.

Compare coverage and prices from different insurance providers

After you have determined your needs and risks, you can compare the coverage and prices of different travel insurance plans from various providers. You can use online tools or websites to compare multiple plans at once or contact the providers directly to get quotes and details. You should look for a plan that offers the best value for money and meets your needs and expectations.

Read reviews and ratings from other skiers or travel experts

Another way to choose the best travel insurance plan for your ski trip is to read reviews and ratings from other skiers or travel experts who have used the same or similar plans before. You can find reviews and ratings on online platforms or forums or ask for recommendations from friends or family who have gone on ski trips before. You should look for a plan that has positive feedback and a good reputation among skiers or travelers.

Consider additional add-ons or upgrades for comprehensive coverage

Finally, if you want to have more peace of mind and protection during your ski trip, you can consider adding additional add-ons or upgrades to your travel insurance plan to enhance your coverage and benefits. Some of the common add-ons or upgrades that you can choose from are canceled for any reason, missed connection, rental car damage, ski protection package, adventure sports bundle, and more.

By following these steps, you can find the best travel insurance plan for your ski trip to the USA in 2023 and enjoy a safe and memorable winter vacation.

Hi, my name is Sayan Dutta and I’m the creator of the ReadUs24x7. I am an Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering by qualification & digital marketer by profession. I am a passionate digital marketer, blogger, and engineer. I have knowledge & experience in search engine optimization, digital analytics, google algorithms, and many other things. I have knowledge in WordPress Website Development as well as image designing.

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Travel Insurance for Skiing and Snowboarding Trips

Planning a snowsports vacation? Find the best skiing insurance to cover your trip and yourself.

Molly Corry is an English literature graduate, travel writer and PR professional specializing in travel advice. Based in Leeds, England, when she is not writing, she enjoys attending dance classes and exploring new travel destinations to get inspired for her next piece of content.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Whether you’re a skiing or snowboarding newbie or a slalom expert, there’s nothing like the thrill of hitting the slopes. But amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember these winter sporting vacations come with certain health risks and dangers.

The last thing you want to experience during your vacation is an injury that puts you in line for travel medical care . Travel insurance for skiing or snowboarding trips is an important way to protect your vacation investment and your health on your trip.

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The Risks of Skiing and Snowboarding

The main risks associated with skiing and snowboarding, especially when traveling internationally, are the following:

• Injury: These sports both involve speed and navigating down steep, snowy slopes. This creates inherent injury risks. Common injuries include fractures, torn ligaments, dislocated shoulders, concussions, etc. Risk may be higher when skiing/riding at unfamiliar resorts with unknown terrain.
• Remote areas: Many resorts are located in very remote mountainous regions, miles from advanced medical care. This can be concerning if injured or in a serious accident when abroad, as access to good hospitals may be limited. Evacuations can also be complex.
• Extreme weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly, leading to low visibility, high winds, frigid temperatures, etc. This is especially dangerous if unprepared gear- or experience-wise.
• Altitude sickness: Most resorts are at high elevations of several thousand feet or more. This can trigger headaches, nausea, fatigue and other altitude illness symptoms in some people, especially when arriving from lower elevations. Staying properly hydrated and allowing time to acclimate is key.
• Costs of medical care: Any injury or illness requiring medical treatment will likely be very expensive if overseas without ample travel insurance. Skiing and medical transport from the slopes can rapidly escalate into thousands or tens of thousands in costs without insurance.

The risks can be managed with proper lessons, smart terrain choices, measured pace of advancement, use of protective gear, staying apprised of conditions, traveling with a companion, and securing travel insurance for the trip dates and locations. But the risk profile is inherently a bit higher than most other types of vacations. Careful preparation is a must to minimize this.

Snow or Winter Storm Interruptions

Choosing specialized travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations will supply you with a backstop if you miss a curve and can’t control your skis or snowboard. These policies are tailored to cover the unique risks associated with these activities.

With insurance in place, you can enjoy your vacation knowing you’re protected against an array of potential mishaps and emergencies. Medical expenses for injuries on the slopes can be expensive, particularly in cases that require emergency evacuation, such as air ambulance rescue from the mountains or medical repatriation. Costs only go up if you have an injury that requires immediate surgery.

Beyond medical coverage, your insurance can also pay for trip interruptions and cancellations. You can claim reimbursement for the remaining costs if an unexpected injury forces you to cancel or cut your trip short.

You also may be eligible for compensation if an avalanche causes delays or piste closures. Your insurance might also protect against the loss, theft or damage of sports equipment — a valuable benefit given the high cost of such equipment and rentals.

Specialized insurance tailored for adventure sports vacations ensures that you’re protected against potential financial setbacks, allowing you to enjoy your adventure without unnecessary worries.

Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment Coverage

Equipment coverage is often considered essential for people who embark on skiing or snowboarding trips. Here are the typical available coverage options.

Equipment Theft Coverage

Equipment theft coverage supplies financial reimbursement if your gear gets stolen during your trip. However, you must review the policy’s fine print to decide the specific circumstances in which you are protected. For instance, confirm whether you are covered for theft at the ski resort, in your accommodation or during transit.

Equipment Damage Coverage

Equipment damage coverage protects you if your equipment sustains damage. Whether it occurs on the slopes or during transportation, this coverage ensures you’re covered for repairs or replacement.

Equipment Loss Coverage

It is always worth checking to see if your policy includes coverage for lost equipment. Losing your gear can be a frustrating and costly experience, so it’s best to have the appropriate protection in place should anything go missing.

Rental Equipment Coverage

Rental equipment coverage is an invaluable feature for people renting their skiing or snowboarding gear on their winter sports holiday. This coverage protects you if your rented equipment gets damaged or stolen or goes missing.

Choosing the Right Ski Travel Insurance Policy

When choosing a travel insurance policy for your snowboarding or ski trip, it’s important to prioritize protection for potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations and interruptions.

The right coverage will allow you to enjoy your time on the slopes without worrying about unforeseen circumstances. Finding the most suitable travel insurance plans involves researching insurance companies, comparing prices and coverages and looking at claims performance. Price comparison websites can be useful when trying to find cheap skiing or snowboarding vacation options.

You’ll first want to check the limit on how much coverage you can buy from various plans. You should also pay attention to age restrictions. Some policies may not cover senior travelers or those above 65, while others don’t have any age limit.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, obtaining travel insurance coverage is possible but it usually costs more. Check whether your conditions are covered under the policy.

You’ll also want to verify that the cost of lost, damaged and stolen equipment is covered because snowboards and skis are expensive. Lastly, review the exclusions to know exactly what the policy’s limitations are.

By weighing these factors and looking at your trip cost, you can make an informed decision about picking the best travel insurance for your skiing or snowboarding vacation.

Benefits of Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Obtaining health insurance specific to winter sports vacations like ski trips offers multiple benefits. You get coverage for a range of situations, including healthcare expenses, trip interruptions and cancellations, medical evacuation and equipment loss, theft or damage.

You can also expect coverage for piste closures and delays caused by avalanches. And if you can’t use lift tickets you bought because of unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible for reimbursement for those, too.

Securing the proper insurance coverage will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that you are protected against all of the most common issues that could arise.

Tips for a Safe Skiing and Snowboarding Trip

Here are some tips for keeping safe on your snowboard or ski vacation.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

One of the most effective ways to stay safe on the slopes is to wear the right safety gear. Wear a well-fitted helmet to protect against potential head injuries , invest in goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun, and consider using wrist guards for added protection.

Know and Follow the Mountain Rules

Take time to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the mountain before hitting the slopes. Pay attention to speed limits, warning signs and any specific guidelines the ski resort provides. Adhering to these rules will help maintain a safe environment for all skiers and snowboarders.

Learn Trail Difficulty Levels

Know your skill level and choose slopes that align with your capabilities. Don’t overestimate your abilities and venture onto trails that may be too challenging. Selecting appropriate routes will reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Practice Responsible Skiing and Snowboarding

Practice responsible skiing and snowboarding by being mindful of others on the slopes. Stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance from fellow skiers and snowboarders when passing or merging, and avoid attempting maneuvers or slopes beyond your skill level. Respecting mountain etiquette ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Is Ski Insurance Worth it?

Opting for specialized travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations is the best way to ensure financial protection if unforeseen circumstances alter your trip. These policies are specifically designed to cover the risks associated with adventure vacations: medical emergencies, equipment issues and trip interruptions.

Choosing specialized sports coverage will leave you confident that you’re ready for challenges that may arise during your adventure on the slopes.

When choosing insurance for skiing and snowboarding vacations, carefully review the policy and understand its exclusions. This ensures that you have the coverage you need to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Winter Sports

What is travel insurance.

Travel insurance is financial protection for travelers in case some event alters the trip in a major way. It offers a range of benefits that can safeguard against various risks and unexpected events that may arise before or during a trip.

Are skiing accidents covered by insurance?

Should you get into an accident while skiing, your travel insurance will pay some expenses, depending on the policy. Your policy can cover you for injuries and emergency help. However, you must review the specific terms and conditions of your policy to understand the extent to which you’re covered.

Do I need travel insurance for skiing in France?

Whether you’re skiing in France or any other winter sports destination, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. Engaging in adventure sports always involves an element of risk, and having the right coverage in place is the best way to ensure that you’re protected against circumstances that negatively affect your trip.

What is the difference between travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance?

Travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage across different parts of your vacation, such as medical and trip interruption coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is more limited. It specifically focuses on protecting you if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short because of unforeseen circumstances.

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7 of the best ski holiday insurance providers to cover you on the slopes

From annual insurance to one-trip coverage, these policies offer protection when on the snow, article bookmarked.

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After analysing the snowfall, quality of mountain runs and apres-ski vibes to choose your ideal spot to strap on your skis this winter, it's time to consider which winter sports travel insurance is best suited to keep you safe as you reach new altitudes.

Whether resorts without snow , slips causing broken bones, and unpredictable avalanches, plenty can go wrong on the pistes and it's always best to travel prepared.

In the event a ski pole slips through a cable car into the abyss – an not unlikely affair with small children – pistes are closed or lift passes are misplaced, having the right insurance to hire replacement equipment and receive financial compensation to tackle cancellations and medical costs is the key to smooth skiing.

Here are the best providers with which to purchase your winter sports travel insurance policies, allowing you to protect yourself before this season's ski holiday .

Read more on ski holidays :

• 8 of the best ski hotels across Europe
• 6 best ski holidays for beginners: Resorts and all-in packages to reach the pistes
• 8 of the best apres-ski holiday destinations

Do I need insurance for a ski holiday?

Yes – many standard travel insurance policies will not allow you to claim for accidents while taking part in winter sports if you have not taken out specific cover for medical expenses, equipment and piste closures before your ski holiday.

Will I be insured if I ski off-piste?

Several winter sports insurance providers cover off-piste skiing provided you are with a qualified guide and remain on recognised runs – check with your provider to see if off-piste skiing is inclueded in your policy.

Should I get an annual or one-trip policy?

Annual policies tend to provide 21-31 days of winter sports cover, which might work best for avid skiers hitting the slopes every season, whereas a one-trip winter sports extension policy could be better suited to cover a one-off week on the pistes.

Will I be insured if I ski while drunk?

No. You risk your insurance cover being invalid if you injure yourself, your equipment or others while skiing intoxicated with impaired judgement and reaction times or you are not wearing a helmet.

Ski equipment cover:  £500

Piste closures:  £500

Medical expenses:  £5 million

Lost lift pass:  £500

NFU Mutual  offers winter sports cover for you and your equipment for up to 30 days as an add-on to their standard travel insurance policies. Activities covered include piste skiing, sledging, monoskiing and snowshoeing. Reasonable extra accommodation and transport expenses in the event of avalanche delays are also insured under the policy.

Admiral Gold

Ski equipment cover:  £750

Piste closures:  £250

Medical expenses:  £15 million

Lost lift pass:  £250 per week

Admiral Gold  features winter sports insurance from just £25 as part of its upgrade package. Cancellation cover and piste closures are included for a maximum of 21 days of winter sports in the annual gold cover and the policy will pay out £200 in the event of an avalanche. Off-piste skiing is also included provided you “go with a qualified guide or instructor and remain on recognised paths”.

Ski equipment cover:  £500

Piste closures:  £300

Medical expenses:  £10 million

Lost lift pass:  £250

Barclays  offers winter sports cover (excluding freestyle skiing or snowboarding) for 31 days a year, and skiing equipment and piste closures are part of its standard travel insurance policies. The insurance covers emergency rescue services and you can claim back up to £200 for delays should there be an avalanche.

Virgin Money 

Piste closures:  £400

Virgin Money  provides single and multi-trip winter sports insurance for theft or damage to ski equipment, emergency medical treatment caused by skiing slip-ups, and piste closures. Policyholders can also claim up to £400 if their arrival at a ski resort is delayed by an avalanche.

Nationwide FlexPlus

Piste closures:  £5,000

Nationwide’s  FlexPlus travel insurance features cover for accidents needing medical help on the slopes, lost or stolen ski equipment, and piste or avalanche closures that cause delays or a cancellation of your snow-capped holiday. All FlexPlus current account holders are automatically covered with the travel insurance.

Staysure Signature

Piste closures:  £200

Medical expenses:  Unlimited

With  Staysure Signature , 28 days of winter sports cover are included in “signature” policies, but you can add winter sports travel insurance to other policies for 11 sports (such as skiing, snowshoeing and ice-skating), unused ski-school fees and up to £160 back if you encounter avalanche delays.

Covered 2Go 

Ski equipment cover:  £1,000

Covered 2Go  offers a winter sports travel insurance extension to gold and platinum coverage, including personal liability in case you injure someone else, and there’s up to £500 compensation available in the event of avalanche delays. The winter sports policy also covers guided skiing off-piste, ice-skating and tobogganing – but you must be wearing a helmet and skiing sober for your policy to be valid.

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Are you ready for ski season? Whether you are hitting the bunny slopes or a seasoned pro, there's something for you in our ski travel section; including guides to the best experience, tips for packing and planning, and, how to save money along the way. And remember, a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance is a great way to protect your investment on and off the slopes.

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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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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in April 2024

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

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at no extra cost.

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

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

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

The Best Ski Travel Insurance in 2022: A Guide

By Robert Clarke

Content Editor

Travelling the World?

Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your journey

Does my travel insurance automatically include ski cover?

The first thing that you should know is that the majority of travel insurance plans don’t include winter sports cover . Most insurers will allow you to add skiing as an optional, but the level of protection and the things you are covered for vary widely depending on the provider. You should pay particular attention if your holiday insurance is provided as part of a “bonus” on your credit cards or through your bank. These are almost guaranteed not to include winter sports as part of their coverage.

Another thing to watch out for is where your coverage is valid . There are many cases of travellers who head to the United States or Canada thinking that they are covered by their worldwide policy only to find themselves deep in debt when their insurer doesn’t cover an accident they have over the pond. Again, most “free” plans from banks only include European travel so watch out for this as well.

Even customers who have paid for an annual or multi-trip insurance policy , which includes winter sports coverage, may be disappointed to find out that ski trips may be severely limited in the number of days.

Virgin Money , for example, says that ski cover is limited to 10 days a year on their annual winter sports policies. Even when covered, policy exclusions suggest that the actual ski activities covered are very restrictive - activities such as downhill skiing and even snowboarding may not be included.

If you are travelling as a family, as a rule insurers allow two adults and a set number of children. The number of children varies from policy to policy but on average two children are allowed for each adult who is insured on the trip.

Ski Insurance is extraordinarily complex, and this is definitely one case when it’s time well spent if you spend some time comparing deals and checking what is and isn’t included in your policy.

The Essential Things That You Should Look for in a Ski Travel Insurance Policy

Medical Care

Emergency mountainside rescue, personal liability, loss of use, loss of passes or equipment, curtailment.

There are some activities which are generally not included in standard ski policies. Off-piste (with or without a guide,) freestyle in snow parks, unattended equipment, ski or snowboard racing, heli-skiing and cross-country skiing are often not included in policies. Use of snowmobiles is almost always not covered. If you plan on doing any of these activities, then you should make sure you read your policy documents. It may be that you need to take out specialist insurance.

Best Ski Travel Insurance Providers

Who are the best ski travel insurance companies? Nearly all insurers provide ski cover as an added extra or bolt on. However, these companies aren't specialists in ski holidays and so might not cover the full range of activities that might be necessary.

Advanced skiers or those who plan to do more risky activities on the slopes might want to consider a specialist insurer who can give them a wider range of cover.

We compared the prices and cover of some of the specialist and non-specialist ski holiday insurance policies to help you choose the best option for you. Keep in mind that Snowcard, Sports Cover Direct and Travel Insurance Ski Club are designed for skiing holidays and provide a much wider range of cover than standard suppliers such as Aviva. They're definitely worth checking out if you are a real skiing oficionado.

All material on this page and the selectra.co.uk website is for information purposes only and does not constitute any form of financial advice. Selectra.co.uk is not responsible for any consequences that might arise from your use of the information provided.

The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of April 2024

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Apr 11, 2024, 9:17am

We evaluated 39 policies and found that Travel Insured International, WorldTrips and Travel Safe are among the best travel insurance companies. We evaluated costs and a variety of coverage features to find the best options. See all our top picks.

Considering Travel Insurance?

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

• Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance
• Cheapest Travel Insurance Plans
• Best Cruise Insurance

Summary: Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best for travel medical coverage, best for medical evacuation coverage, best for travel delays, best for baggage delays, what does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered by travel insurance, how much does travel insurance cost, what affects travel insurance costs, how to get travel insurance, do i need travel insurance, expert round-up: how to choose the best travel insurance policy, top travel destinations in april 2024, where are people headed this month.

• List of January 2024 Top Travel Destinations

Methodology

Other travel insurance policies we rated, best travel insurance companies frequently asked questions (faqs), compare travel insurance quotes, compare & buy travel insurance, how we chose the best travel insurance.

We assessed cost, travel medical and evacuation limits, baggage and trip delay benefits, the availability of cancellation and interruption upgrades, and more. Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

• 39 travel insurance policies evaluated
• 1,482 coverage details analyzed
• 102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

Our Picks For The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best for non-medical evacuation, travel insured international.

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Average price

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

We recommend Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector policy because it offers robust benefits at the lowest average price among top-rated plans we analyzed. We also like its superior non-medical evacuation coverage.

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
• Top-notch non-medical evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Good travel delay and baggage delay benefits kick in after just a 3-hour delay.

More: Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review

• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be enough for your needs.
• Missed connection benefits of $500 are low compared to top-rated competitors and for cruise and tours only.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Worldwide Trip Protector policy.

Also included:

• Pet kennel benefits of up to $500 are included if you return home three hours or more later than your planned return date.

Optional add-ons offered:

• Rental car damage and theft coverage of up to $50,000.
• Event ticket protection pays up to $1,000 if you can’t attend for a reason covered by the policy.
• Travel inconvenience coverage allows you to recoup money for unforeseen circumstances, such as closed beaches and attractions, rainy weather, tarmac delays and more.
• Bed rest benefits pay up to $4,000 if a doctor requires you to stay on bed rest for at least 48 hours during your trip.

GREAT FOR ADD-ON COVERAGE

Atlas Journey Premier

Average cost

$150,000/$1 million

We like the Atlas Journey Premier plan for its wide choice of add-ons. These add-ons provide extra coverage for pets traveling with you, adventure sports, destination weddings, hunting and fishing equipment and more. We also like that this plan has a low average cost compared to competitors.

• Very good travel delay benefits of $2,000 per person after only 5 hours.
• Very good missed connection coverage of $2,000 per person after 3 hours.

Another option is the Atlas Journey Preferred plan, but this policy doesn’t offer the “interruption for any reason” upgrade and has lower travel medical benefits of $100,000 per person. Still, it hits all the marks for great benefits at a low price. It also offers lots of choices for add-on coverage.

More: WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

• Medical coverage limits of $150,000 aren’t as high compared to some top-rated competitors but you might find it’s sufficient.
• Baggage delay benefits have a 12-hour waiting period.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Atlas Journey Premier policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 if your arrival home is delayed due to a transportation delay and you can’t work for at least two days, your flight lands at a different airport than scheduled, your passport is stolen and can’t be reissued, and more.
• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Destination wedding coverage in case the wedding is canceled.
• Baggage insurance upgrade to $4,000 per person.
• Rental car theft and damage coverage of $50,000.
• Political or security evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Vacation rental accommodations coverage of $500 if unclean or overbooked.
• Adventure sports add-on to extend coverage to safaris, bungee jumping and more.
• Hunting and fishing coverage for equipment and cancellation due to government restrictions.
• School activities coverage if trip has to be canceled due a test, sporting event, etc.

BEST FOR MISSED CONNECTIONS

Classic Plus Plan

TravelSafe’s Classic Plus plan stood out in our analysis for its superior missed connection benefits of $2,500. We also like the Classic Plus plan’s top-notch medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
• Superior baggage loss coverage limits of $2,500.
• Great travel delay limits of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.

More: TravelSafe Travel Insurance Review

• $100,000 in medical benefits is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be sufficient for your needs.
• Baggage delay coverage is a little skimpy at $250 per person after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Classic Plus policy.

• Itinerary change coverage of $250 per person if your travel supplier makes a change that forces you to lose non-refundable costs for missed activities.
• Reimburses $300 for fees if you have to redeposit frequent traveler awards for reasons covered by your trip cancellation insurance.
• Pet kennel coverage of $100 a day if your return home is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a reason covered in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% of lost trip costs.
• Accidental death and dismemberment for flights, up to $500,000 per person.
• Rental car damage and theft up to $35,000.
• Business equipment and sports equipment coverage of $1,000 if lost, stolen or damaged.

BEST FOR POLICY PERKS

Cruise Luxury

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan is one of our favorites because it has a treasure trove of benefits such as “interruption for any reason” and “cancel for work reasons” coverage. You can upgrade to “cancel for any reason” coverage. Some competitors offer none or one of those options. We also like its excellent missed connection benefit of $2,500 per person.

Note that you do not have to be going on a cruise to take advantage of this policy’s coverage.

• “Interruption for any reason” benefit of $1,000 per person is included.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits for problems such as a natural disaster or security or political problem.
• Good travel delay benefits of $1,000 per person.

More: Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

• Medical coverage of $150,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to some competitor policies with only a 12-hour delay requirement.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Luxury policy.

• Inconvenience benefit of $250 per person if your cruise ship’s arrival at the next port of call is delayed for two or more hours due to mechanical breakdown or fire.
• “Interruption for any reason” up to $1,000.
• Coverage for extension of the school year, terrorism in an itinerary city, work-related emergency issues.
• Coverage if the CDC issues a health warning at your destination.

Optional add-on offered:

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that provides 75% reimbursement of insured trip cost if you cancel two or more days prior to your departure for a reason not listed in the base policy.

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Travel Guard Deluxe

The Travel Guard Deluxe plan impressed us with its optional pet, wedding, security, baggage, medical, adventures sports and travel inconvenience upgrades. These add-ons allow you to customize the policy to your needs. We also like that the policy includes benefits if, under certain conditions, you must start your trip earlier than planned—a feature not found in all policies.

• Offers upgrades to meet the needs and budgets of many kinds of travelers.
• Includes $100,000 per person for security evacuation and superior medical evacuation coverage of $1 million per person.
• Provides up to $750 per person for “travel inconveniences” such as a flight delay to your return destination, runway delays and cruise diversions.
• Has good travel delay coverage of $1,000 per person, with a short waiting period of 5 hours.

More: AIG Travel Insurance Review

• The Travel Guard Deluxe policy has robust coverage across the board but also a high average cost ($539) compared to other top-rated policies.
• Medical expense coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side but might be adequate for your needs.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Guard Deluxe policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 total ($250 per problem) if you encounter issues such as closed attractions, cruise diversion, hotel infestation, hotel construction and more.
• Trip exchange benefits of 50% of your trip cost that pay the difference in price between your original reservation and the new one.
• Ancillary evacuation benefits up to $5,000 for expenses related to return of children, bedside visits, baggage return and more.
• Flight accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $100,000 per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade.
• Rental vehicle damage coverage.
• “Name Your Family” upgrade allows you to add a person to your policy who will qualify for family member-related unforeseen events that can apply to claims for trip cancellation and interruption.
• Adventure Sports Bundle for adventure and extreme activities.
• Pet Bundle for boarding and medical expenses for illness or injury of dog or cat while traveling. Includes trip cancellation or trip interruption if your pet is in critical condition or dies within seven days before your departure.
• Wedding Bundle to cover trip cancellation due to wedding cancellation. Sorry cold-feeters: Coverage does not apply if you are the bride or groom.

The Travel Guard Preferred plan also earned 4.3 stars in our analysis. We recommend this policy if you’re looking for a lower price and don’t need the higher coverage amounts provided by the Deluxe plan. The Preferred plan provides $50,000 for medical expenses and $500,000 for medical evacuation benefits per person.

GREAT FOR MEDICAL & EVACUATION COVERAGE

Seven corners.

Trip Protection Choice

$500,000/$1 million

We like Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan because it has superior travel medical expenses and evacuation benefits. It also provides great upgrade options and benefits across the board.

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person.
• Includes $20,000 for non-medical evacuation

More: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

• Hurricane and weather coverage has a 48-hour delay, compared to some competitors that require only 12-hour delays.
• Average cost ($527) is only so-so compared to other top-rated policies we evaluated.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Trip Protection Choice policy.

• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $40,000 per person for qualifying common carrier events
• Change fee compensation of $300 per person if you have to change your flight or original travel arrangements due to qualifying events.
• Pet kennel benefits of $500 if your return home is delayed by six hours or more due to qualifying missed connection, interruption or delay problems.
• Frequent traveler coverage of $500 to pay for the cost to redeposit awards due to a trip cancellation caused by a reason listed in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Rental car damage coverage of $35,000.
• Sports & golf equipment rental coverage up to $5,000.
• Event ticket fee registration coverage of $15,000 if you can’t attend an event due to unforeseen reasons listed in trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

BEST FOR BAGGAGE

Axa assistance usa.

Platinum Plan

$250,000/$1 million

AXA’s Platinum plan is among our favorites because it hits all the high points for coverage that you’ll want if you’re looking for top-notch protection, including excellent baggage benefits of $3,000 per person. Excellent medical and non-medical evacuation benefits are another reason we like the Platinum plan.

• Generous medical and evacuation limits, plus $100,000 per person in non-medical evacuation—among the highest for plans we analyzed.
• Coverage for lost ski days, lost golf rounds and sports equipment rental.

More: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

• Travel delay and baggage coverage kicks in only after a 12-hour delay.
• The average cost for the Platinum plan is only so-so compared to other top-rated plans, although you do get robust coverage for the money.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Platinum policy.

• “Cancel for any reason” coverage
• Rental car damage coverage of $50,000.
• Lost ski days
• Lost golf rounds

GREAT FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION COVERAGE

Generali global assistance.

Generali’s Premium policy stood out in our analysis for its generous window for pre-existing condition coverage. Travelers with pre-existing conditions can get coverage as long as you buy a Premium policy up to or within 24 hours of your final trip deposit. Competitors often have a deadline of 10 to 20 days after making your first trip deposit .

We also like the policy’s excellent trip interruption insurance and superior medical evacuation benefits of $1 million per person.

• Excellent trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip costs.
• Very good baggage loss coverage at $2,000 per person.

More: Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

• If you want “cancel for any reason” coverage you must buy it within 24 hours of making your initial trip deposit, compared to 10 to 20 days from top competitors.
• This plan’s “cancel for any reason” coverage will reimburse you for only 60% of lost trip costs; most competitors provide 75%.
• Baggage delay benefits kick in only after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Premium policy.

• Rental car coverage for theft and damage of $25,000.
• Sporting equipment coverage of $2,000.
• Sporting equipment delay coverage of $500.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that reimburses you 60% of your insured trip cost if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Travelex insurance services.

Travel Select

$50,000/$500,000

We recommend Travelex’s Travel Select plan for families because it provides coverage for children at no extra cost (when accompanied by an adult covered by the policy). Its average price is also among the lowest among the companies we evaluated, making it an option to take a look at

• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 5-hour delay.

More: Travelex Travel Insurance Review

• Medical coverage of $50,000 per person is on the low side, but you can buy an upgrade to double it.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay and has a low $200 per person limit.
• Missed connection benefits of $750 per person are lower than many other competitors.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Select policy.

• Sporting and golf equipment delay benefits of $200 after 24 hours or more.

Optional add-ons & upgrades offered:

• Medical coverage upgrade to $100,000 per person.
• Medical evacuation upgrade to $1 million per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% (up to max of $7,500).
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $200,000 per person for flights.
• Financial default coverage if your travel supplier goes out of business that provides 100% reimbursement of your insured trip cost.
• Car rental collision coverage of $35,000.
• Adventure sports upgrade to cover activities that would otherwise be excluded.

BEST FOR TRIP INTERRUPTION

Hth worldwide.

TripProtector Preferred Plan

We were impressed by TripProtector Preferred’s superior trip interruption benefits—200% of the trip cost. Most competitors provide 150%. Luxury-level benefits are another reason we recommend the TripProtector Preferred plan.

• Top-notch coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation.
• Coverage for adventure sports—such as zip-lining, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, and more—are included.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.

More: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

• Higher average price ($602) compared to most companies we evaluated, but you’re buying robust benefits.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the TripProtector Preferred policy.

• Pet medical expense coverage of $250 if your dog or cat traveling with you gets injured or sick during your trip.
• Rental car coverage of $35,000 for damage and theft.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available that provides 75% reimbursement of trip costs if you cancel at least two days prior to your scheduled departure.

GREAT FOR CRUISE ITINERARY CHANGE/INCONVENIENCE

Cruise Choice

$100,000/$500,000

The Cruise Choice plan gets our attention for its compensation if you miss activities because your cruise ship changes its itinerary and for the inconvenience of delays to the next port of call. The Cruise Choice plan’s competitive price is another reason we recommend taking a look.

• Includes ”interruption for any reason” coverage of $500 if you buy policy within 14 days of trip deposit.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits.
• Provides benefits if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays arrival at the next port of call for two or more hours.
• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to many competitors with shorter required times.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage not available.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Choice policy.

• Shipboard service disruption of $200 per person if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays the next port of call for 2 or more hours or changes the scheduled itinerary.
• Coverage for an extended school year, terrorism in an itinerary city and work-related emergency issues.

These policies offer the highest level of medical coverage among the plans that we judged to be the best.

These policies offer the highest level of emergency medical coverage among the plans in our top picks.

These policies offer the highest maximum coverage limits for travel delays among the plans that we judged to be the best.

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury policy offers the highest maximum coverage for delayed baggage among the plans that were our top picks.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies package together a number of valuable benefits. You can also buy policies that cover only trip cancellation or only medical expenses. With the wide variety of travel insurance plans available, you can find coverage levels that will fit your budget and trip needs.

Problems not covered by travel insurance tend to be similar among policies. We recommend that you read a policy’s exclusions so you’re not caught by surprise later if you try to make a claim. Typical exclusions include:

• Injuries from high-risk activities such as scuba diving.
• Problems that happen because you were drunk or using drugs.
• Medical tourism such as going abroad for a face lift or other elective procedure.
• Lost or stolen cash.

The average cost of travel insurance is 6% of your trip cost , based on our analysis. The cost of travel insurance is usually mainly based on the age of travelers and the trip cost being insured.

Unlike many other types of insurance, there are usually only a few factors that go into travel insurance pricing.

You can buy travel insurance from a travel agent, website or a travel supplier like an airline or cruise company. We’ve bought travel insurance online and it’s relatively easy. In our experience you can purchase a policy online within a few minutes.

Here are some reasons you may need travel insurance.

You’re Traveling Overseas and Your Health Plan Doesn’t Have Global Coverage

Many health plans lack robust global coverage, or impose high out-of-network deductibles for care outside the U.S. We suggest that you check your health plan details to see what it provides outside the U.S. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.

You’re Going to a Remote Area or Out to Sea

If you won’t be near any quality medical facilities, even a small injury could turn into a major medical event. Medical evacuation coverage will pay to medevac you to an adequate facility.

You’re Traveling to a Hurricane-Prone Destination

If you’re concerned about hurricanes or other severe weather affecting your travel plans, you’ll want to make sure to buy a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance for hurricanes and other weather events.

If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to severe weather, you can file a claim and be reimbursed 100% for prepaid, non-refundable deposits.

To be eligible to file a travel insurance claim because of a storm, you must have bought your policy before the storm was named. Also, generally one of the following requirements must be met:

• Your destination is under a hurricane warning.
• Your destination is uninhabitable due to severe weather.
• Your (common carrier) airline is delayed for a specified amount of time listed in your policy—for example, six hours.

You Want Emergency Backup

The 24/7 travel assistance lines that are included with travel insurance can assist you with finding a pharmacy, language translation, replacing a lost passport and much more.

You Will Lose a Lot of Money in Non-Refundable Deposits if You Cancel the Trip

You want trip cancellation coverage you’re worried about the money you will lose if you have to cancel the trip.

Trip cancellation will cover 100% of the prepaid money you’ll lose, as long as you cancel for a reason listed in the policy. Problems typically covered for trip cancellation insurance claims include sickness, injury, severe weather, natural disasters, jury duty and more.

Here is our top advice on key considerations for choosing the best travel insurance policy.

Americans are ready to take trips abroad in April: 89% of travel insurance purchases for trips taking place April 1-30, 2024, are for international trips, based on our analysis of policy sales.

Italy is the top international destination for trips this month, followed by Mexico and Great Britain. In addition:

• The average trip cost being insured for people traveling outside the U.S. in April is $5,984.
• The average trip cost being insured for folks traveling within the U.S. this month is $4,041.
• Americans traveling internationally are paying an average of $332 for their travel insurance policies for April trips and domestic travelers are paying an average of $227.

List of April 2024 Top Travel Destinations

Average trip cost for popular destinations.

Spending on trips in March to five frequently visited countries is up significantly compared to February, based on our analysis. Italy and Mexico trip costs in March are the highest they’ve been in the past 14 months.

Here’s how much more travelers are spending on trips in March compared to February for the following destinations, on average.  Numbers reflect the average of non-refundable trip costs being insured.

• Italy. $6,690 more
• France. $3,970 more
• Great Britain. $665 more
• Japan. $2,885 more
• Mexico. $5,040 more

Forbes Advisor researched and analyzed 39 policies to find the best travel insurance. When companies had more than one travel insurance policy we used the highest-scoring plan. Ratings are based on the following metrics.

Cost (25% of score): We analyzed the average cost for each travel insurance policy for trips to popular destinations:

• Couple, age 30 for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.
• Couple, age 40, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Family of four for an Italy trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a France trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a U.K. trip costing $15,000.
• Couple, age 65, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Couple, age 70, for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.

Missed connection coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies were awarded more points if they include missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more.

Medical expenses (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

Medical evacuation (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

“Cancel for any reason” upgrade (10%): Travel insurance policies received points if “cancel for any reason” upgrades are offered. More points were awarded for “cancel for any reason” upgrades with reimbursement levels of 75%.

Baggage delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with baggage delay benefits kicking in at 12 hours or less were given points.

Cancel for work reasons (5%): Travel insurance plans that allow cancellations for work reasons were awarded points.

Hurricane and weather (5%): Policies received points if the required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage was 12 hours or less.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade (5%): Policies were awarded points if they offered an “interruption for any reason” upgrade.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver (5%): Points were given to policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions (if purchased within a required timeframe after the first trip deposit).

Travel delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with travel delay benefits kicking in after six hours or less were given points.

Trip interruption travel insurance (5%): Points were given if trip interruption reimbursement is 150% or higher.

While these policies were not among our winners, they may still be good options based on your travel needs. Many of these plans have lower coverage limits, which may be suitable depending on your trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that reimburses you for money you lose from non-refundable deposits and payments when something goes wrong on your trip. These problems can range from lost baggage to flight delays to medical problems.

The more you’re spending on your trip, the more you likely need travel insurance. This is especially true for international trips and cruises, where travel problems become more expensive to solve.

What do I need for travel insurance?

The information you need to buy travel insurance includes the trip cost being insured, your age, your destination, length of trip and age. Buying travel insurance online is relatively easy. You don’t have to answer a lot of questions, and you can update your trip cost and itinerary later if plans change, as long as you do so before your departure.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

While standard travel insurance plans are meant to cover one-time trips, frequent travelers should consider an annual travel insurance plan. These plans cover the same issues as a single-trip plan, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical situations. But they also offer the convenience of a one-time purchase for multiple trips.

Next Up In Travel Insurance

• Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance Of April 2024
• Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of April 2024
• Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
• Best Senior Travel Insurance Of 2024
• The 5 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Of April 2024
• Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the U.S.

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.

CEO and founder of Northcutt Travel Agency   Shayla Northcutt is a leading world travel expert. Her main expertise includes destination weddings, honeymoons, large group travel, family travel, world travel and travel insurance. Northcutt appears regularly on KHOU 11 and ABC 13 Eyewitness News, among other media outlets, providing guidance on travel insurance for consumers. Her first-hand knowledge of destinations and resorts makes her a leading travel professional. Northcutt is married to an amazing husband and is a mom to two boys, Cayman and Crockett. She found a passion in travel and exploration of all the things the world had to offer. Feeling such a strong connection to the travel industry, she decided to open Northcutt Travel Agency in 2017. Northcutt has visited different parts of Europe numerous times, and has visited over 350 resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean leading to detailed first-hand knowledge of the resorts. She has also sailed on multiple cruise lines, giving her experience with the cruise world as well. The other places Northcutt has visited, and now helps people plan, include Disney, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, Thailand and all major cruise lines.

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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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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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