fast cover travel insurance underwriter

Who are the Underwriters of Fast Cover?

Fast Cover travel insurance policies issued from 15 Aug 2022 are arranged, administered and varied in accordance with the binder issued to Fast Cover by the underwriters and are underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd's.

Insurance policies issued prior to 15 Aug 2022 are arranged by Fast Cover as authorised representative of the product issuer, The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd.

• United States
• United Kingdom

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

Our verdict: a wide range of add-on options gives flexibility to travellers, but cover isn't great for pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy..

In this guide

Get a quote with Fast Cover Travel Insurance

Summary of fast cover's comprehensive policy, how does fast cover travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies do fast cover offer, here's a breakdown of fast cover travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-on, how to make a fast cover travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about fast cover travel insurance, frequently asked questions.

Destinations

• Fast Cover's Comprehensive policy won the 2023 Finder Award for the Value category.
• With a specific Bicycle add-on, travellers heading on a cycling holiday can opt for extra protection - up to $5,000 per bike.
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance offers a wide range of customisations, including specific packs for bicycles, motorcycling, adventure activities, snow sports and cruising.
• Pregnancy is only covered up until the 24th week. But we found 11 brands that extend cover beyond this point.
• Although cruise travel can be covered, there's no specific policy for cruising which means some cruise-specific risks may be overlooked.

Use a comma or space to separate ages. Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a “0” 0 traveller(s)

Include travel deals and helpful personal finance content from Finder

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Service

Table updated March 2024

Best Travel Insurance - Value

Fast Cover Travel Insurance won the 2023 value award because it's cheaper on average than the other 27 international policies we analysed. It covers you for the essentials including COVID, travel delay and luggage delay.

Fast Cover is one of the few insurers that offer some cover for COVID-related claims . The three key benefits covered are:

• Unlimited Covid-19 overseas emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuation and repatriation
• Up to $5,000 for trip cancellation and disruption due to Covid-19
• Additional expenses you might incur, including travel, accommodation and childcare costs

There are still some pandemic-related costs that are not covered at all by Fast Cover, including expenses related to lockdowns, border closures and quarantine.

Fast Cover has six levels of cover available: Domestic Plus, Snow Sports Plus, Basics, Standard Saver, Comprehensive and Frequent Traveller Saver. Here are some of the main insured events a policy can cover you for:

Domestic Plus

Snow Sports Plus

Standard Saver

Comprehensive

Frequent Traveller Saver

The insurance is issued by Lloyd's. It comes with a 25-day money back guarantee and a $200 standard excess . The excess is the amount you're required to pay when you make a claim and you can reduce this to $100 or $0 if you pay an additional premium.

A Fast Cover Travel Insurance policy has a stack of benefits that can cover you leading up to and during your trip. We've highlighted some of the main benefits included in the Comprehensive policy to help you decide if Fast Cover is the best option for you:

• 24/7 overseas emergency medical assistance
• Accidental death
• Loss of income
• Luggage and personal effects
• Overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses
• Overseas emergency dental
• Permanent disability
• Special event transport expenses
• Trip disruption expenses
• Trip cancellation expenses

When purchasing any of the insurance plans from Fast Cover, you have the chance of choosing a Single Policy, Duo Policy or Family Policy at purchase. Other optional add-ons include:

• Adventure pack for additional cover on top of the standard sports and activities
• Motorcycle pack covers you as a rider or passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped
• Bicycle pack can cover any bicycles that you take on your trip

As with any travel insurance provider, there are certain situations when your claim may not be paid. Some of Fast Cover Travel Insurance's general exclusions include if:

• If your claim arises from a medical
• Your claim arises from you being aware at the time you bought your policy of something that would impact your ability to travel. For example, if you knew a family member may pass away during your trip, and you had the intention of using your policy to cover last minute changes to your travels, you might not be covered for those expenses.
• You won’t be covered if you travel and ignore government warnings and known events in the media for reasons set out in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). For example, you may not be covered if you take out a policy after a volcano eruption warning is issued on the news.
• Your claim arises from being denied boarding from a travel provider due to COVID-19 vaccination requirements, or from errors in any booking arrangements, failure to obtain relevant visa, passport or travel documents , or being rejected access to a country on arrival for any reason.
• You won’t be covered if you travel against the advice of a doctor or medical practioner.
• You won’t be coverd if your claim arises from the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Make sure you review Fast Cover's Product Disclosure Statement for a detailed breakdown of what is and isn't covered.

For emergencies, you can contact Fast Cover's emergency assistance team on +61 2 8320 7999 or [email protected].

All other claims can be completed online by following these steps:

• Head to https://fastcover.com.au/claims
• Enter your email address and policy number
• Complete the required details
• Attach any documentation to support your claim
• Submit, and wait for Fast Cover to contact you

Fast Cover's comprehensive policy offers an impressive range of add-on options, including specific packs for bicycles, motorbikes, adventure sports, snow sports, and hire cars. This means policies can be customised to suit a wide range of holidays and travellers.

However, there are areas where Fast Cover's Comprehensive Travel Insurance isn't as strong. Like how pregnancy cover is on the lower end of what is typically offered by insurance brands and is only covered up until the end of the 23rd week. (We found 11 brands that extend beyond this point).

Finally, there is no specific cruise policy. While cover can be extended so you're protected on cruises, cover for some cruise-specific risks may be lacking, such as cabin confinement or seasickness cover.

Still on the fence about Fast Cover? You can compare other travel insurance companies here .

Is Fast Cover travel insurance for seniors?

Yes, Fast Cover offers travel insurance for seniors up to and including 65 years of age.

Is Fast Cover travel insurance good?

Fast Cover insurance can be suitable for a variety of travellers, including backpackers, families and seniors. As with any insurance, it's important to review the product disclosure statement to make sure the policy suits your particular needs.

• Fast Cover International Comprehensive, International Standard Saver, International Basic, Frequent Traveller Saver, Snow Sports Plus and Domestic Plus Travel Insurance information page
• Fast Cover International Comprehensive, International Standard Saver, International Basic, Frequent Traveller Saver, Snow Sports Plus and Domestic Plus Travel Insurance information PDF
• Fast Cover International Comprehensive, International Standard Saver, International Basic, Frequent Traveller Saver, Snow Sports Plus and Domestic Plus Travel Insurance TMD

Cristal Dyer

Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.

More guides on Finder

Looking to save on travel insurance? Use Fast Cover promo codes, deals and discounts to find savings ahead of your next holiday.

Ask a Question

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

• Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
• finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
• We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
• Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

29 Responses

My son is going to domestic snow fields with school camp – would his equipment and any accident be covered?

It’s important to review Fast Cover’s PDS (which is available on its website) to be clear on exactly what is and isn’t covered under a policy.

I can see Fast Cover has a Domestic Plus option. At the time of writing, it covered up to $1,500 in snow sport equipment. Its medical benefits look quite restricted though, so you may benefit from speaking with the insurer directly about your needs.

Best wishes,

Does Fast Cover allow for cancellation due to Covid illness or other unforeseen medical issue prior to departure on a Pacific Cruise. Does it cover isolation costs if contract Covid while on cruise. Thanks

Fast Cover Travel Insurance provides cover for trip cancellation or disruption due to COVID-19 for domestic trips, domestic cruises and selected international destinations.

COVID-19 cover is not available for all countries or for all travellers. The country you’re traveling to, your age and pre-existing medical conditions are all considered, and used to determine if your trip is eligible for cover.

To find out if you can get travel insurance for COVID-19, it’s worth getting a quote to check your eligibility.

Hope this helps!

I want to know we are travelling to Canada next week. I want to know if your insurance would cover covid related medical expenses if we happened to get sick?

Fast Cover Travel Insurance offers an ‘Optional COVID-19 Pack’ where they do include some cover for the following if you contract COVID-19:

1) Overseas emergency medical, hospital and medical evacuation expenses 2) Trip cancellation and disruption

For more information, please refer to Fast Cover’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This is available on this provider’s website – you can click the ‘Get Deal’ button above to get started.

It’s crucial to read the policy’s wording with care so you know what your insurance covers you for, along with any restrictions and exclusions.

Regards, James

Basic travel insurance to Thailand for 60 Days in 2022 I will be 84 and in good health . What would be the costs involved

we want to hire a scooter in bali does Comprehensive cover, cover us thanks

Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.

Fast Cover’s Comprehensive policy doesn’t automatically cover you if you’re hiring a scooter overseas but they do offer a Motorcycle Pack which is available as an add-on to your policy. Just be aware that to be covered, you will need to follow Fast Cover’s conditions;

• You must wear a helmet.
• For motorcycles with an engine size of 50cc or less, you must hold an Australian Drivers Licence.
• For motorcycles with an engine size over 50cc, you must hold an Australian Motorcycle Licence.
• You must be legally allowed to ride in the country that you are in.

Passengers:

• The person in control of the motorcycle, moped, or scooter must be legally allowed to ride in the country that they are riding in.

We also have a page dedicated to motorcycle travel insurance (includes scooters), if this helps.

Kind regards, Jessica

How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

Important information about this website

Advertiser disclosure.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

How we make money

We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.

Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money .

Sorting and Ranking Products

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.

Fast Cover Announces Flexible Travel Insurance for Modern Australian Travelers

As international borders reopens and travel restrictions ease, Australians are once again embracing their love for travel.

New South Wales, Australia - March 12, 2024 —

Fast Cover , a popular Australian travel insurance provider, has committed itself to meeting this resurgence in customer demand. With its award-winning services and customer-focused products, Fast Cover is committed to revolutionizing the way Australians think about and purchase travel insurance.

Established with the intent to simplify the often-complex travel insurance process, Fast Cover has developed a range of policies that can cater to the needs of a wide range of traveler types, from the adventure-seekers to those looking for a relaxed family holiday. Recognizing the evolving nature of travel, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fast Cover has introduced flexible policy options that offer coverage for certain expenses that may incur when COVID-19 impacts travel.

Fast Cover's intuitive online interface allows customers to obtain quotes and eligible travelers from Australia to purchase insurance in just a few steps - a streamlined process that acknowledges the modern traveler’s desire for efficiency and speed. Their approach to online travel insurance as a coverholder at Lloyd’s is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and customer service excellence.

As the travel industry navigates post-pandemic recovery, Fast Cover's agility and adaptability position it well to address the changing insurance needs. Their insurance products which can be customised by the customer depending on the customers individual travel needs, demonstrate an understanding that the landscape of travel has changed, with more Australians seeking domestic travel options.

By offering competitive domestic travel insurance, Fast Cover meets this demand head-on, providing a variety of Benefits with possible coverage for car rental excess, luggage, personal effects, and trip cancellation fees and more.

With the industry on the cusp of a major comeback, Fast Cover's approach to travel insurance signifies a broader shift in the sector towards greater flexibility and customer-centricity. As travel habits continue to evolve, Fast Cover is not just keeping pace but focused on setting the trend for what travel insurance should look like in the 21st century.

For Australians at home or abroad, taking to the skies or cruising the seas, Fast Cover's message is clear: “Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team is ready and waiting to help our policy holders when they need us most.”

If getting a quote, customers should consider their Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination on their website as any advice provided is general advice only and may not be suitable for the customer.

For more information on Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies which are underwritten by Lloyd’s and to obtain a quote, visit their website  https://fastcover.com.au .

About the company: Fast Cover Pty Ltd ABN 98 143 196 098, AFS Licence 538708 (Fast Cover). Insurance policies are arranged, administered and varied in accordance with the binder issued to Fast Cover by the underwriters and are underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd's. Any advice provided is general only and insurance coverage is subject to underwriting eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, limits, sub limits and exclusions. Fast Cover's compensation is included in the total amount you pay. Fast Cover receives a portion of the insurer's premium for promoting Fast Cover Travel Insurance policies. Consider the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) which are available at fastcover.com.au before deciding whether this product is right for you.

Contact Info: Name: Craig Morison Email: Send Email Organization: fastcover Address: PO Box R1384, Royal Exchange, NSW 1225, Australia Phone: 1300 409 322 Website: https://fastcover.com.au/

Release ID: 89123902

In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected]. Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.

Quick Quote

• Airline Travel Insurance Review
• Country Travel Health Insurance
• Country Traveler Information
• Cruise Company Insurance Review
• Insurance Carrier Review
• Travel Company Insurance Review
• City Guides

Travel Insurance Underwriters

When shopping for travel insurance, you’ll see the term “underwriter” when reviewing a policy and may wonder “what is an ‘underwriter’ and what does it do?”

In this article, we’ll discuss the role of the underwriter, why they are a necessary part of travel insurance and which companies are currently considered to be the best in the business.

What Is an Underwriter?

All forms of insurance have underwriters – from home and auto to travel insurance. The role of the underwriter, which can be a person or a company, is to evaluate the risks associated with providing insurance coverage for benefits covered in the policy. For travel insurance, the underwriter looks at the risks to cover travel-related events, like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, etc.

Underwriters use actuarial and statistical data to determine the likelihood of a claim for events covered in the policy and what the potential cost of the claim would be. Factors in the data can include the number of claims broken down by traveler age, state of residence, trip cost, destination etc. Based on this analysis, the underwriter sets the premium rates for the insurance policy and decides whether to offer coverage to the traveler.

Reputable underwriters will have higher financial stability, as shown by their A.M. Best rating, and more importantly, may be more likely to approve claims.

If a claim is made, the underwriter will assess the validity of the claim and decide whether to pay the claim and how much to pay out.

In other words, the underwriter’s role is to evaluate and manage the risk associated with insuring travelers, and to ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage.

Who are some of the key players currently in the travel insurance underwriting industry?

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA is a global insurance company with over a century of experience. Founded in 1901, they offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including property and casualty, professional and cyber liability in addition to travel insurance. The company is a division of American International Group Inc. (AIG).

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to National Union Fire Insurance.

National Union Fire Insurance underwrites policies for  AIG Travel Guard , which is owned by American International Group Inc.

BCS Insurance Company

The BCS Insurance Group consists of BCS Insurance Company (BCSI) and 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, along with parent company BCS Financial Corporation. They have more than 70 years of experience in multiple insurance lines including property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, professional liability, and commercial products in addition to travel insurance. BCS Financial is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

BCS Insurance Group offers insurance and reinsurance to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, their customers, and agents, and market specialized products for selected commercial insurance markets.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A-” (Excellent) to BCS Insurance.

BCSI holds licenses in all 50 states and is an underwriter for Allianz Global Assistance .

Arch Insurance Company

Arch Insurance Company is a global provider of specialized risk solutions for clients across a wide range of industries, including travel insurance.

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (Arch Capital or ACGL), a Bermuda-based company, writes insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance worldwide with a focus on specialty lines. The company operates in North America, Europe, Bermuda, and Australia.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Arch Insurance.

Arch Insurance Company is the underwriter for and owner of  RoamRight travel insurance.

Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Insurance is a diversified insurance and financial services business located in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide Insurance offers a comprehensive range of products and services, including insurance for cars, homes, businesses, farms, and life, as well as retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds, and various other specialty products such as pet, motorcycle, boat, and travel insurance.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Nationwide.

Nationwide Insurance underwrites for  Trawick International  and  AXA travel Insurance.

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI), is a commercial insurance provider that includes GEICO, Forest River RVs, Ben Bridge and Helzberg Jewelers, See’s Candies and Dairy Queen among others.

BHSI has grown steadily, expanding into new territories and product lines. With exceptional financial strength the company is able to remain flexible to changing conditions.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A++” (Superior) to Berkshire Hathaway.

BHSI underwrites for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and Travelex.

Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY

Based in New York, Generali U.S. Branch is the U.S. representative office of Assicurazioni Generali, S.p.A., an Italian multinational insurance company. Generali is in 50 countries and recently celebrated their 120 th anniversary in 2021.

They specialize in various insurance industries such as Property & Casualty insurance, Life insurance, Art insurance as well as Accident & Health insurance.

The U.S. Branch is licensed as a domestic insurance/reinsurance company in all 50 states and territories for all major business lines. The company offers underwriting services for various business lines, including travel insurance.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Generali U.S. Branch.

The Generali U.S. Branch is an underwriter for  Generali Global Assistance .

Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, New York, NY

Starr Insurance Companies have evolved from the first US-owned insurance agency in Shanghai in 1919 to a global insurance and investment leader with over a century of expertise.

They provide comprehensive commercial property and casualty insurance, accident and health insurance, and travel and accident coverage to businesses in 124 countries on 6 continents. Solutions are tailored to the needs of the international markets they work in.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Starr Indemnity & Liability Company.

Starr Indemnity & Liability Company underwrites for  John Hancock Travel Insurance .  

Crum & Forster

Crum & Forster specializes in providing a diverse range of insurance solutions for property and casualty, accident and health, and other specialty industries.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company.

The insurance companies within Crum & Forster are United States Fire Insurance Company. The North River Insurance Company, Crum & Forster Insurance Company, Crum & Forster Indemnity Company, Crum & Foster Specialty Insurance Company, Seneca Insurance Company, Inc., Seneca Specialty Insurance Company, First Mercury Insurance Company and American Underwriters Insurance Company.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Crum & Forster including United States Fire Insurance Company.

Crum & Forster currently underwrites for travel insurance companies like  CF Travel Insured International , which is a subsidiary of Crum & Forster, as well as Seven Corners and IMG under the United States Fire Insurance Company subsidiary label.

U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC)

U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC) is a subsidiary of Tokio Marine HCC, which is a leading specialty insurance group based in Houston, Texas.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A++” (Superior) to U.S. Specialty Insurance.

USSIC underwrites for  WorldTrips .

Zurich American Insurance Company

Zurich is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich offers a wide range of products and services, including Property & Casualty insurance, Life and Critical Illness insurance, Investment and Retirement Plans, General Liability insurance, and various other specialty products.

 A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Zurich American Insurance.

Zurich American underwrites for  GoReady Insurance .

As we’ve seen, underwriters play a critical role in travel insurance – by evaluating and managing the risk associated with insuring travelers, and ensuring the policy provides adequate coverage for them. Therefore, knowing the stability and strength of the underwriter is important.

However, since most people don’t have significant expertise in evaluating an underwriter, how can a traveler determine the quality of a particular underwriter?

The easiest way is to evaluate the travel insurance company itself by reading reviews, checking with other travelers, and looking at their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. If the travel insurer is reputable, it’s very likely that their underwriter is honest and reputable too. Well-known, reputable insurers work with well-known and reputable underwriters such as the ones we highlighted above.

Safe travels!

This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.

Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

Sheldon Sofer

Very clear and informative . Thank

Five Stars for sure.

Very easy to explore options

I looked at some plans on my own and then did an online chat. The representative was very helpful.

Amanda was very helpful and informative…

Amanda was very helpful and informative about helping us with our insurance needs.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance   Reviews

In the Insurance Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 2.6.

Most relevant

Awful! A disgrace! They are very good at selling their useless insurance; that's the only thing they are good at. After you purchased it, if you make a claim don't expect anything! They are very very slow, they ask endlessly for new proof and new documents and at the end, nothing anyway. We bought their full cover for a year of travel for $4500 to make sure we are 'safe'. Waste of money and waste of time trying to get anything from them. Never again!

Date of experience : 02 December 2023

Reply from Fast Cover Travel Insurance

Hi Serge, Thank you for reaching out, we highly value all forms of feedback as they help us enhance our customers' experience. I have sent you a request for further details on this matter. Once we receive the details, we will escalate this to our dedicated team, who will contact you shortly. EDIT - Thank you for providing the information, we will be in touch with you. We sincerely appreciate your patience throughout this process. Regards, Pal

Easy to purchase but HARD to claim!

I have been buying travel insurance from Fast Cover for the past year, when I travelled to Europe, then Korea, then Singapore. The premiums were high but the buying process was seamless and easy. For convenience, I also helped purchase travel cover for my husband and my son. Travel insurance is essentially for peace of mind, because the best outcome is nothing bad happens and the insurance company makes money from the premiums you paid. Unfortunately for my son, while on his trip to the US, his laptop was stolen from the plane. It was a devastating loss, albeit it being an old laptop that he bought in 2020, as he is a university student who uses his computer extensively in every aspect of his life. One would think that at least Fast Cover would help in mitigating the financial loss, but no, they made it so hard for you to make the claim, my son has been dealt with another blow. No, the claim process was no way as easy as the purchase process. In fact, it was painful. Customer service was also unhelpful, as even calling to speak with the case officer took tremendous effort and time. You are treated like a criminal who is trying to scam the company of their money. You could afford to spend money on a month-long trip to the US, you could afford to pay high travel insurance premium, but when you try to make a claim for your stolen laptop, you are a cheat who’s desperate for money? That’s it, Fast Cover, you have lost a customer forever!

Date of experience : 06 February 2024

Hi Kwee, Thank you for reaching out, we highly value all forms of feedback as they help us enhance our customers' experience. I have sent you a request for further details on this matter. Once we receive the details, we will escalate this to our dedicated team, who will contact you shortly. We sincerely appreciate your patience throughout this process. EDIT - Thank you for providing the information, we will be in touch with the policy holder. Regards, Pal

Never get cover from Fast Cover!

Used FastCover to ensure I was protected whilst overseas recently, unfortunately had an unforeseen incident that required me to contact them. They took over a month to come back to me to say it was my fault and I had shown "lack of care" therefore they will not pay. I disputed on the basis that it was completely out of my control, the circumstance was not a common one and yet they declined after another month and a half, even though they clearly say it will be resolved in 10business days. They have wasted 2+ months of me following up for nothing, they do not care and I would not recommend going with them, as no matter the scenario, they will advise you are at fault to avoid paying. Will never purchase with them again.

Date of experience : 06 June 2023

Dear Racheal, Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience you've experienced and appreciate the time you've taken to share your feedback. At Fast Cover, we highly value all forms of feedback as they help us enhance our customers' experience. To investigate and resolve this, we kindly request for you to contact us directly with your full name, policy (and/or claim) reference number, and the details of your concern, via email at [email protected] or by phone 1300 409 322, option 3. Our team is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST. Once we receive your email or call, we will escalate this to our dedicated team, who will contact you shortly. We sincerely appreciate your patience throughout this process.

Do Not Take Out Travel Insurance with FastCover Travel Insurance, we only got 25% refund! Disgraceful

Do Not Go take Travel Insurance with Fastcover Insurance they only paid us 25% of our tickets when we cancelled due to illnessWorst Travel insurance Company! Email below is what I sent Fastcover Insurance after decision. The total amount they refunded was $957, our tickets cost a little over 4,000 total! We are out of pocket $3000. I took it further with Llloyds Insurance underwriters and they stuck with the Fastcover decision! Not even worth 1 Star I am very very distressed and upset that I am only going to receive a pittance of what we paid for the trip and this is not even including the accommodation as yet. I saw on my policy that it covered up to $25,0000 for cancellations. I am not even claiming anywhere near that amount. We take out travel insurance in good faith to ensure our trip which took us a whole year to save up for that if anything unforseen happens we are covered. Typical bloody insurance company when people have said it's like getting blood out of a stone!!!!This is very upsetting especially for my son who has a disability. We still managed to save for our dream holiday to Srilanka to viisit our relatives and sightsee where we grew up. Shame on you FAST COVER for not giving us the full reimbursement. How absolutely disgusting that you have not even given us the refund for the airfares which were around $2000 each. How can you do this to customers. My claim was not even a huge amount. I did everything that was requested by me from Dalina including my mums medical notes from the doctor as well as the doctor filling out a form which I had to pay the doctor for completing the Form so I am out of pocket there as well. Submitted every single document that was required of me. You also failed to pay for the expenses eg purchase of suitcase and sim cards, presents with bought for relatives and the only other expense you paid tiny portion of our Visa for one person. I ask you to kindly look at our claim and have some sort of compassion and empathy for us. We were so looking forward to going to Srilanka especially to see my dads only 2 sisters and cousins who are still living. I have not been back to Sri Lanka to visit relatives in 53 years (Since coming to Australia as a chidl) My dad passed away so it was even more special to want to catch up with his only living sisters. It was unfortunate that mum caught a virus and ended up having fluid in her lungs. My mum and her husband were fully refunded for their expenses from whoever they were insured with so why can't you reimburse us for such a small amount !!! Destination: South-East Asia (e.g. Bali, Vietnam, Thailand) Claim Made: Yes Invoice Number : CM10449 - FCL0474510 Insurance Cover For: Adult Claim Resolution Time: 1-2 months Type of Claim: Medical Claim Date: December 2023 Policy Number : CM10449

Date of experience : 20 December 2023

Buyer beware

Buyer beware, read through all the 94 pages of insurance policy on line and double check everything, as a lot of main points on you not being able to make claim, are not contained on the brief information page at the beginning. Unless you can get it checked out by a professional insurance broker to see if it meets your needs, pay a bit more to get piece of mind and complete coverage using a different company. Because take my word for it, when you do try to make a claim, they will bring up that you ticked the box to say you had read every word on your 94 page policy and its your fault you didn't notice the minute details on why your claim is being rejected. I have only used them once and never will again. If I could give them no stars, I would. And the generic reply below is insulting.

Date of experience : 20 March 2023

Hi There! Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience you've experienced. To escalate your matter to our claims department, we kindly ask you to provide us with your claim number so that we can arrange for someone to contact you promptly. If you wish to speak with the claims department directly, you can reach them via email at [email protected] or by phone 1300 409 322, option 3. Our claims team is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST. Kind Regards, Rola

Never again

Honestly I suppose if you choose cost over quality this is what you get. I have had 2 maybe 3 emails from fast over confirmed details and then the next thing you made out to feel like a criminal and referred to at her agencies. Will never choose this company or ever recommend them to anyone. Have never felt so criminalised in my life before just for claiming insurance that I paid for.

Date of experience : 13 August 2019

Hi Aanchal, Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback and review. It is not our intention to ever make someone feel "like a criminal". Everyone's situation is different, and as such our claims team review all claims on a case by case basis. In order to carry out their due diligence in assessing claims, sometimes the claims team need to obtain more information. Sometimes, this requires them having to send requests multiple times. I have looked into this, and can see that the Claims team are still assessing your claim. Therefore at this current time your claim is neither approved, nor declined and is still under review. I'm glad that your concern is regarding too much communication, and not the other way around. I would be concerned if your claim was being ignored :-) The Claims team will continue to be in touch with you as applicable. If you have any questions or further concerns you are welcome to contact me directly. Kind regards, Tracey Traveller Services Manager 1300 409 322

CROOKS. My Australian roommate (2 Year Visa) got injured playing casual baseball, the batter swung and hit the ball and unfortunately it went straight for her and smashed up her hand. It dislocated her thumb and broke a piece of the bone connection. She went to emergency and they said she needed to have surgery asap. They booked the surgery within a weeks time as necessary. FastCover was unreliable and hard to get hold of, they said one thing over the phone and another through email. They are not covering the surgery costs, telling her to fly back home, and they will not be covering the flight costs either. WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT OF INSURANCE THEN?!?!?!?! This company is a joke and I will make sure it is known to everyone that they should seek another company for insurance purposes.

Date of experience : 19 July 2018

Hi Sanja, This case is still being investigated and there will be ongoing contact with the traveller. We value and respect all our travellers privacy and have a strict privacy policy we need to adhere to. Due to privacy we cannot discuss or reveal any of the claim details publicly. Thank you for taking the time to post your review. Be it good or bad, reviews are always helpful for us to improve. Kind regards, Vanessa Customer Service Manager

No one there after hours

When I really needed some advice and help on non-medical complications with my trip, they only had an answering system that told me to call back during business hours. I had to call the 24 hour emergency medical number to be able to speak with anyone. Even then, I was passed from one person to another like a hot potato, ultimately spending 3 hours on the phone until I got to an underwriter who was able to give me some helpful advice about my insurance policy. Really not happy at how inadequate it was to get in contact with someone about this.

Date of experience : 19 January 2017

Hi Dougy, Thanks for taking the time to leave your review. The Allianz Global Assistance 24 hour emergency helpline is there for all emergencies and is not limited to just medical emergencies. It does however appear this was not the case in your situation and I'll go back and look at why this was the case. Once again, thanks for the review. Craig

Great staff, great cover, great prices

Staff were very knowledgeable, were able to answer all my questions, willing to listen and help. Cover itself is awesome, takes care of everything I need it to, its flexible, can be built to fit your needs and most importantly there aren’t a whole lot of stupid restrictions that seem to be part and parcel of other companies products. Best of all, this all comes at a very reasonable price!

Date of experience : 21 March 2017

DO NOT USE IF YOU WANT MEDICAL COVER!

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! I had a policy with full unlimited medical coverage and injured myself whilst on a trip to the US. I needed surgery to fix a broken bone but fast cover wouldn't cover it because it was too expensive. They left me waiting in hospital for several hours in agony while I waited for a response from them. They said unless the injury is life threatening they do not cover medical expenses! They then said they would try to find a cheaper hospital to do the surgery but would take at least 24 hours till they could get prices at different hospitals. I was in a regional area 3 hours from any other hospital I was by myself and had no one to help me out or any way of travelling to a different hospital so had no choice but to fly home. They were terrible to deal with and were so slow at responding. I was on a plane halfway home before they even tried to arrange an upgrade for my flight. Absolutely hopeless!

Date of experience : 13 May 2019

Hi Jodie, Thank you for your review. I'm sorry to hear about your recent injury. Our management team have made attempts to contact you regarding your experience, and would like to discuss in more detail. If you would like to talk about the matter in private, please call 1300 409 322. Regards, Tracey

Claim number FCE220793 Be aware! When you see them advertising to cover for delays and cancellations, it's not what you might think. They even have a picture of a plane with a cross on their advertising, saying instant cancellation cover. I had my flight cancelled by the airline and had to arrange a flight on another day with a different airline. The original airline did cover the difference between the new flight and old flight, but would not cover the night of accommodation we missed in Tokyo, or the pre-purchased train tickets from the airport that could not be refunded. The airline said travel insurance would over those, but NOPE, they won't, because they only cover you for strike, riot, hijack, civil protest, severe weather or natural disaster. I guess it's easy to assume that travel insurance will cover you for out of pocket travel costs outside of your control, but just be careful and read ALL of the fine print, even though their advertising is VERY big on telling you they cover you for cancellations etc. First time I've ever needed to make a travel insurance claim and it didn't work out too well. I will make sure I don't fall for the advertising next time.

Date of experience : 18 May 2023

Hi Tim, Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience you've experienced. If you would kindly provide us with your claim number, we will escalate this matter to our claims team and they will be in touch with you. If you wish to speak with the claims department directly, they can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone 1300 409 322, option 3. Our claims team is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST. Kind Regards, Rola

VERY DISAPPOINTED

Absolute scam. I purchased for a special trip I saved up for after my husband passed away to take my two daughters to Honolulu. My bag was stolen while on the beach, I turned briefly to give my daughter a towel when I turned back my bag had gone. I’m not covered because I left my bags unattended. I turned to pass my daughter a towel I would have taken 6 to 8 steps from my bag. Very very angry would not recommend. Sally

Date of experience : 11 January 2018

Hi Sally, So sorry to hear about your husband and the loss of your bag whilst on holiday. I can understand your anger however as you did leave your bag unattended on a busy beach it is classified as 'left unsupervised in a public place' which means it isn't covered. I am happy to give you a call to discuss this if you'd like. Kind regards, Lindy

Always return to this Company

I always use Fast Cover Travel Insurance when I travel overseas. I find their prices compatible and their terms are clear. Mary who helped me to decide if it was better to purchase single insurance for my husband and I or multiple trip insurance for our trips this year was really helpful. Thanks FCT.

Date of experience : 21 February 2017

Quick application process, reasonable price, easy claim service!

I have used Fast Cover Travel Insurance a few times now, both for overseas travel and for domestic. The application process is easy, with the "items covered" section very easy to read. The cost of the insurance provided is very competitive - I have shopped around! I have had one occasion to claim, after a cruise where almost every passenger contracted some kind of "flu". The claim was easy to lodge and the refund was fast and fair.

Date of experience : 13 February 2017

A sensible easy to use database

After researching various travel insurance websites, I decided to go with Fastcover. The website is easy to use and I was able to insure myself without any problems. The only problem I had was when I tried to enter pre existing conditions, there was nowhere to do that and I came to the conclusion, rightly or wrongly, that if they were listed in the PDS, they were covered.

Date of experience : 27 February 2017

Hi Geraldine, Thanks for taking the time to write a review. To keep travel insurance fast and simple, we don't require you to enter any pre-existing medial conditions. Fast Cover automatically covers 44 pre-existing conditions which are listed in the PDS on page 23 and https://fastcover.com.au/travel-insurance-for-pre-existing-medical-conditions If they are on the list, then our policies provide cover for them (Terms & conditions apply). If a travellers pre-existing medical conditions are not on the list than we are unable to provide medical cover. Sally

Fast and Friendly!

In this day and age, we want help and advice quickly. Fast Cover lives up to its name! The consultant we spoke to answered all our questions thoroughly and provided competitively priced insurance, as well as peace of mind so that we could enjoy our holiday.

Date of experience : 02 February 2017

An Easy Way to Get Peace of Mind

I have used Fast Cover for my Travel Insurance needs for the past few years. They provide the cover I require at a very reasonable price and the process to arrange the policy is quick and easy. I find that I can obtain comprehensive cover, including Hire Car Insurance Excess, for less than the cost of the car hire excess alone. Knowing that my wife and I are fully insured when we travel gives me peace of mind.

Date of experience : 27 March 2017

Covers everything the others do and more

I read through all of the fine print and the PDS and this one is definitely a much beeter insurance. It covers more than most of them out there and has minimal to no excess. There are many extras you can add that are not needed for most people which means you are not wasting money on something you don't need. I would recommend this one to anyone needing domestic travel throughout Australia.

Date of experience : 28 March 2017

Excellent coverage and they really come to the rescue when you need them!

I recently had the misfortune of having an accident while I was in Dubai and I needed to contact Fast Cover while I was in hospital Every person I spoke to was so understanding and had real empathy for my situation. I was guided on how to make sure my claim would be approved and given great advice on what to do and where to go for care. The claims process has been smooth and the follow up by Fast Cover has been fantastic. I have recently taken out coverage with them again for my trip to Bali. I wouldn't use anyone else now, and neither will my family. Thankyou!

Date of experience : 17 March 2017

I like that you can pick the level you want so easy, my husband is over 65 and they offer insurance which is a huge bonus may companies do not, yet he a very fit healthy man. We are pleased with this company it's our second year of being insured with them while we travel in Africa THANKYOU

More From Forbes

How to save money on travel insurance if you’re over 60.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Getting travel insurance when you're over 60 can be hard. Here's how to make it easier.

Dave Dzurick likes to play it safe when he travels, so he shops around for travel insurance. But lately, he's noticed that the policies have gotten more expensive.

"Each year past 60 seems to increase travel insurance rates," says Dzurick, a retired broadcast engineer from Tucson, Ariz.

It's not just his imagination.

"Age is the crucial underwriting factor in determining trip cancellation and medical assistance risk for the insurance provider," explains John Rose, the chief risk and security officer of ALTOUR .

Age is more important than ever in travel insurance

You would expect something like age-based pricing to be a constant in the travel insurance industry, but not necessarily. Some group travel insurance policies don't consider age. But a shift is underway.

Last year, when Travelex Insurance Services launched its new line of travel protection plans , it called out one enhancement: competitive age-band pricing, which bases its rates on each traveler’s risk level.

"We’re responding to the coverage and benefits our partners and travelers want," notes Brooke Kirby, Travelex vice president of marketing.

In other words, the rate you pay for travel insurance will be more closely aligned with your age than ever. That's good news if you're young. But if you're over 60, it can present a challenge.

Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best covid travel insurance plans, what is age-band pricing in travel insurance.

Rhonda Abedsalam, vice president of Travel Insurance at AXA Partners US , says age-band pricing is a mechanism designed to align prices with the real risks associated with each age group.

"It provides a fair and balanced approach to travel insurance," she says.

Specifically, this method offers younger travelers access to more affordable options, preventing them from bearing the brunt of a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy. She says older travelers who are looking for lower rates can choose plans offering minimal coverage for a cost-effective solution.

"We always advocate for choosing a plan that balances affordability with comprehensive coverage," she says.

That's a position the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) agrees with. When I asked about age-band pricing, a representative advised me that it’s important to understand the plan you are purchasing — what is and isn’t covered — and the level of medical expense and medical evacuation limits offered.

"Never purchase based on price alone," says Robert Gallagher, USTIA's president.

Your travel insurance rates may vary

Pricing travel insurance based on age makes sense, say experts.

"There's a higher risk for claims, primarily due to health concerns," explains PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care .

How much more expensive? Consider medical insurance. A 65-year-old U.S. citizen, for example, might pay $9 a day for international travel insurance with a $1 million coverage limit. On the other hand, an 85-year-old American might pay $31 a day for that same insurance policy, according to Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

"Fortunately, there are more affordable options for seniors who are more budget-conscious," he says.

How to lower your travel insurance rates if you're over 60

"The easiest way to lower your costs would be to Benjamin Button it and get younger," jokes Michal Wieczorek, global client relations and intelligence specialist at Insured Nomads .

Seriously, though, he says choosing higher deductibles and lower medical maximums can cut your insurance costs. He says some insurers specialize in benefits for older travelers but cautions buyers to be careful.

"Read the fine print, because certain benefits may decrease or be eliminated above certain ages, especially things like accidental death and dismemberment and evacuation benefits," he adds.

There's a difference between retail travel insurance and group insurance, adds Dan Skilken, president of Tripinsurance.com.

"Retail travel insurance policies are price-sensitive based on age, trip cost, and the length of the trip," he says. "Commercial policies sold through cruise or major tour companies are generally not priced based on age."

In other words, sometimes older travelers can get a better price going through the cruise line or tour operator for travel insurance. But here again, buyers need to be careful, he adds, since some of those policies may lack essential coverage.

How one customer saved money on travel insurance after age 60

Dzurick says he's not deterred by the higher rates because he knows the value of travel insurance.

"For me, one way to save on travel insurance is to get a separate medical rider covering only the basics," he says.

A bare-bones policy would cover only essential items like medical care when you're abroad and emergency evacuation, but would omit some of the other features of travel insurance like coverage of lost luggage or trip interruption.

There's another method Dzurick likes. He checks with his employer-provided insurance to see if it will offer coverage.

"My former employer recently changed insurance plans for retirees, and it turns out the new policy provides coverage worldwide," he says. "So there's no need for any additional coverage."

Some travel insurance companies offer reduced coverage for older travelers. For example, INF has policy maximums up to $250,000 for policyholders who are older than 70 to ease the concerns of travelers.

"You can also take a fixed benefit option which offers lower payments, but still has evacuation benefits," notes Rao.

Cronin says there are budget-friendly options for U.S. seniors traveling outside the U.S. He likes Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance and Atlas Travel Medical, both of which offer affordable options for seniors traveling to the U.S.

Another travel insurance hack: the two-policy option

Another way to get affordable coverage with a decently high policy maximum if you’ve aged out of the coverage you prefer is to purchase two travel medical insurance plans, according to James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy .

"Each plan is considered secondary to the other, and they can share the load for claims involving large medical expenses," he explains.

For instance, a plan offering $250,000 worth of coverage may not be in the budget for your age group. But two plans offering $100,000 worth of coverage each might be.

"Just keep in mind that each plan must be from a different insurance company," he adds. "You can’t just purchase two of the same plans."

Pro tip: If you decide to go down this road, work with an experienced travel advisor who knows how two insurance policies would work together.

Other ways to save money on travel insurance if you're over 60

There are other ways to save money, according to Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Consider an annual travel insurance policy

Purchasing an annual travel insurance policy can be a smart choice for those who have more than three trips planned in a year, says Durazo. Unlike a one-trip plan, an annual plan protects all of your trips in a 365-day period, which can save you money, rather than insuring each trip separately. Annual policies are sometimes offered at a flat rate, meaning your cost may not increase with age and trip cost.

Buy a plan that includes more

For example, some travel insurance policies include children at no additional charge. That includes Allianz’s OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier, both of which cover children aged 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Focus on trip cancellation benefits for U.S. trips

Durazo says trip cancellation benefits may cover the cost of canceling your trip if you encounter a situation covered by your policy. These benefits can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute for a covered reason. They're among the most frequently used benefits for U.S. trips (often, medical expenses are covered by your health insurance plan).

Get a plan with post-departure benefits if you're going abroad

Post-departure benefits can kick in as soon as you begin your trip. They can include coverage for travel delays, baggage loss or damage and baggage delay, according to Durazo. It can also include emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits, which are highly recommended for overseas travel.

Age-band pricing is more pervasive than ever in travel insurance. If you're headed somewhere this summer, make sure you know all of your options before you buy a policy.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• GoReady travel insurance
• Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Trawick International Travel Insurance

Affordable Travel Insurance Tips

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cheap Travel Insurance of April 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

In an ever-evolving world, emergency medical and evacuation travel insurance coverage is essential, especially if you're traveling internationally. However, sports equipment coverage, pet protection, and cancel for any reason coverage are among the increasingly popular coverage options that are changing the way we travel.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance

• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best overall
• GoReady travel insurance : Best for trip cancellation 
• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best value
• Trawick International Travel Insurance : Most popular

Compare the Top Cheap Travel Insurance Plans

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a CFAR upgrade add-on on certain plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comprehensive insurance plans include generous coverage for baggage loss, plus protection from hurricane and other intense weather-related issues
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Competitive pricing
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Online complaints about claims not being paid and non-responsiveness
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all more expensive plans include CFAR coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dropping rating with AM Best
• Annual and multi-trip plans available
• All plans include pandemic coverage for COVID-19
• Coverage for weather-related delays, cancellations and other incidents

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

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

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

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

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

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

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

Affordable Travel Insurance Reviews

So you're planning a big family vacation—if you're lucky, the trip of a lifetime. Travel costs can skyrocket quickly, leaving you feeling a bit overwhelmed. At this point, travel insurance starts to look like a potentially unnecessary cost, but is it really?

The best travel insurance plans can go a long way toward defraying unexpected costs that may arise if you're asking the right questions starting with: What does travel insurance cover ?

Best Affordable Travel Insurance Overall: HTH Worldwide TripProtector Economy Travel Insurance

The HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Economy plan offers the most comprehensive coverage across major categories of all the providers in this guide.

You'll have some peace of mind with up to $75,000 of financial protection for eligible medical emergencies, and up to $500,000 per person for medical evacuation costs. For more everyday expenses, you can also relax with baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, cancellation and delay coverage that will help you recoup many, if not all, of your costs.

However, this plan falls short on missed connection benefits and accidental death coverage, both of which are not available under most circumstances (missed connection coverage only applies to cruises, and will only cover up to $500 per person after a three-hour delay).

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Affordable Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation: GoReady Trip Cancellation Plan Travel Insurance

The GoReady travel insurance Trip Cancellation Plan is exactly that: a cost-effective plan that offers protection in the event that your trip is canceled for a covered reason. The plan we priced out for our hypothetical trip cost just 1.16% of our total travel expenses — a very small amount of money to pay for the guarantee of our money back in the right circumstances.

The benefit is that this plan can supplement other coverage you already have, or give you a little bit of protection for a trip where you might not otherwise have opted for insurance altogether. On the downside, you won't get any protection for medical emergencies, trip interruption or delays or lost bags from this plan.

Read our GoReady Travel Insurance review here.

Best Value Cheap Travel Insurance: Nationwide Essential Travel Insurance

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a well-rounded alternative to HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Economy. This plan offers solid protection for both travel-related snafus as well as situations that might call for emergency medical and evacuation, making it a good choice for trips where you have cause to worry about potential interruptions or delays. However, it does not offer protection for missed connections or accidental death.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here

Most Popular Cheap Travel Insurance: Trawick Safe Travels Explorer Travel Insurance

The Trawick International Travel Insurance Safe Travels Explorer plan has been purchased by more than 36,000 travelers since 2020, and it has great reviews to boot. And no wonder: Trawick offers generous trip delay coverage of up to $2,000 per person, although hopefully you won't need to reach that reimbursement amount because the daily limit is $150.

You'll also be able to rely on a $200 reimbursement per person for lost baggage - one of the higher amounts amongst these affordable plans, although this amount pales in comparison to the baggage loss coverage offered through the best travel credit cards .

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Types of Cheap Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage.

This type of insurance offers extensive protection, covering everything from medical issues to trip cancellations. While it's more expensive up front, it can save you a lot in the long run.

Medical-Only Coverage

As the name suggests, this policy focuses solely on medical emergencies, making it a cost-effective option for travelers who are primarily concerned about health-related expenses.

Evacuation and Repatriation

In extreme cases where you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency or a natural disaster, this coverage ensures that you can return home safely without incurring huge costs.

Benefits of Opting for Cheap Travel Insurance

Cost savings.

Cheap travel insurance can significantly reduce your travel expenses, ensuring that you're not overpaying for coverage you might not need.

Adequate Coverage for Less

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's lacking. Many affordable policies offer substantial coverage, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

How to Pick The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plan for You

No single travel insurance plan will meet the needs of every single traveler. By nature, we are diverse and evolving meaning travel insurance should be equally so. Travel insurance for a week-long trip to a big city shouldn't be the same as the coverage for a backpacking expedition in the mountains. A splurge to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage may also be worth it for international ventures or other large expenditures.

In most cases, the cost difference between a basic and comprehensive travel insurance plan isn't as significant as you might think. Regardless, it's generally a good idea to choose a trusted travel insurance provider known for exceptional customer service and coverage. (For this roundup, we looked at traveler reviews shared through the travel agency SquareMouth .)

• Assessing Your Travel Needs: Consider the nature of your trip, the destination, and your own personal needs when choosing a policy. This ensures that you're not over-insured or underinsured.
• Comparing Different Policies: Don't settle for the first policy you find. Compare different options, looking at their coverage and prices, to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
• Reading the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what's covered, what's not, and the process for making a claim.

If you just want trip cancellation protection, go with the GoReady Trip Cancellation Plan. For more robust coverage that won't break the bank, consider HTH Worldwide's TripProtector Economy, Trawick's Safe Travels Explorer, or Nationwide's Essentials plan.

Yes, many affordable policies offer comprehensive coverage suitable for international travel. It's crucial to compare policies and understand your needs.

Travelers insurance is relatively cheap because it only covers you for a set period of time, and depending on your plan, the level of coverage you get may not be particularly high. However, even with high coverage limits and extras like cancel for any reason coverage , travel insurance is relatively affordable. 

The average cost of travel insurance is 4%-8% of your trip's cost. This usually translates into a premium between $89 to $399.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cheap Travel Insurance

To determine the best insurance plan for travelers on a budget, we evaluated dozens of products using a hypothetical trip to Australia for a single traveler, age 26, with a total cost of $2,500 for flight, hotel and other incidentals. We then compiled the plans that covered the essentials at the lowest costs.

Of note: All of these plans include COVID-related medical coverage and 24-hour assistance, and pay at least 100% of your trip cost for eligible trip cancellations. None include rental car coverage.

The seven winning plans cost between $29 to $74 — significantly below the typical cost of comprehensive travel insurance, which can range between 4%-8% of total travel expenses, according to the US Travel Insurance Association. But these affordable plans also come with comparably low ceilings for various aspects of coverage such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, or delay — and do not include rental car or "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) protection. So if you think you might need these benefits, it may well be worth upgrading to a comprehensive travel insurance plan for a few more dollars, just for the peace of mind.

Convenience and Flexibility

Each of the plans in this list include 24-hour assistance worldwide from reputable insurance providers. And despite being on the lower end of insurance plans, each of these options includes refunds for up to 100% of your total trip cost for eligible reasons. Each of these plans also includes medical coverage for COVID-related issues that may arise during your travels, which may come in handy as the pandemic continues to evolve worldwide.

Sufficient Coverage in Essential Categories

The cheapest travel insurance plan will rarely cover every scenario that could go awry on your trip. However, each of these plans can at least help you get your money back in the event that your travel is canceled for an eligible reason, and most of them include financial protection if you incur emergency medical bills while traveling. We also factor in what travelers are most concerned about now. 

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Baltimore bridge collapse: What happened and what is the death toll?

What is the death toll so far, when did the baltimore bridge collapse, why did the bridge collapse, who will pay for the damage and how much will the bridge cost.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REBUILD THE BRIDGE?

What ship hit the baltimore bridge, what do we know about the bridge that collapsed.

HOW WILL THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IMPACT THE BALTIMORE PORT?

Get weekly news and analysis on the U.S. elections and how it matters to the world with the newsletter On the Campaign Trail. Sign up here.

Writing by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Bill Berkrot

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

Who is Ekrem Imamoglu, the Turkish mayor who could challenge Erdogan?

Newly re-elected Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has emerged as the main challenger to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's reign. But in some ways, he is following in the footsteps of the Turkish leader who ran the city in the 1990s.