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Home » Budget Travel » The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

It is absolutely without question that my best travel journeys to date have been overland.

Some were on motorbike, others were by way of a cardboard sign on the side of the road, and I have visions of future journeys that involve a big old school bus traversing the lands between Europe and Asia.

Overland travel is inspiring, and it is undoubtedly the best way to hit the road, especially as a backpacker looking to save money and dig deep into countries and cultures. While social media may have you thinking that you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a tricked out 4×4 to become an overlander, I’m here to completely dispel that myth.

Sure, van life and Land Rover Defenders are certainly a type of overlanding, but they’re not the end all be all.

Overland travel can be as simple as sticking out your thumb and hitchhiking, or using trains and shared taxis to get from one place to another. But regardless of the rig you choose, I guarantee you the experience of coasting along wide open plains at your own pace, sharing meals of yak yogurt with nomads, and getting to pitch your tent (or park your ride) just about anywhere will be absolutely worth it.

But still, I totally understand that it can all be intimidating. So let’s set the record straight with this ultimate guide to overland travel – where you’ll see that this is very much a “do as you like” adventure.

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What is Overland Travel?

While you most likely already know the literal definition – traveling by land AKA avoiding flights – there’s a lot more to overland travel than just what’s in the name.

Overland travel – whether it be by foot, by bicycle, by rail, by van or whatever method you choose – is an art in and of itself. Closely intertwined with my other favorite form of budget backpacking – slow travel – overlanding allows you to get to know the places you visit far more deeply than a bunch of flights ever could.

Overlanding is TRULY where the journey matters even more than even the destinations themselves. It’s what gave me some of the best moments of my life, something I know virtually all of my favorite adventurers would agree on when reflecting upon their own journeys. 

And once you get started, I promise you you’ll only want to dig deeper and deeper into what it means to become an overlander…

Why YOU Should Overland

Before we REALLY get into this, I want to make something clear.

Overland travel doesn’t HAVE to be an odyssey. While it is for many travellers – like my journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea – you can travel overland without crossing a single international border.

The thing is, there are no rules to this type of travel. There’s no right or wrong way to become an overlander. You don’t need a tricked-out Land Rover Defender, you don’t need a van, you don’t need a bicycle. Hell, plenty of inspiring adventurers have embarked on incredible journeys with nothing but their backpack, a sign, and a stuck-up thumb.

So that, my friends, is one of the reasons WHY you should try overland travel: it’s truly for everyone and anyone.

But beyond that, in all my years on the road, it’s this type of travel that’s kept me addicted to life on the road. It’s absolutely not the most comfortable, but it will teach you the most about the world, and about yourself too. 

Overland travel will push you to your limits, and really make you work for each and every view and experience you attain.

For some – like cyclists – that work may be physical. For others, it may be mental: such as moving past introverted tendencies to get around by hitchhiking or dealing with driving in brand-new countries with insane motorists.

It allows you to experience life on the ground to the fullest: minute by minute, mile by mile.

Ways to Travel Overland

This is no one-size-fits-all all method of travel, as there are so many ways to overland. I’ve even seen people do it completely by foot or on something as crazy as a unicycle.

But the following are the most common, and popular, ways to get around on the ground: 

While I am not a cycling fan myself, those who have done it have nothing but incredible things to say about bikepacking – which is essentially overlanding with a bicycle strapped with a whole lot of stuff. Travelling by bicycle gives you the chance to slow down and see more than virtually any other way of overlanding.

For one your speed (most cyclists don’t do more than 70km per day, depending on the terrain) will allow you to take in just about every village and turn – you’ll get to camp in places far off the tourist trail and meet an incredible lot of locals.

But moreover, cycling is as simple as it is cheap: you don’t need to worry about fuel or engine oil, it’s significantly easier to repair issues, and spare parts don’t tend to weigh that much. It’s also a hell of an accomplishment: unlike all the other forms of overland travel aside from walking, you’ll be physically putting in work every single day.

By Motorbike

As much as I love hitchhiking, traveling by motorbike truly ignites a passion that I have rarely found in other methods of exploring. The feeling of crisp mountain wind on my face as I coast through surreal scenery is one that just doesn’t get old, and it’s certainly something I’d like to try out for longer periods.

The one thing to keep in mind though is that start-up costs will not be cheap. Good bikes that can actually make it across continents are not cheap, and you’ll also need to buy extra tires, tons of fluids, and other parts that likely will not be available in the places you intend to ride.

But still: it’s worth it. You get the benefits of cycling without the intense struggle, and you’ll be able to maneuver in places where cars cannot. You’ll be able to carry a lot more than a bicycle could, and it will still be cheaper than any van or 4×4.

By Van/Your Own Vehicle

Perhaps the most OG form of overland travel is with your own car: whether it be a van, a 4×4 or an old ambulance, I’ve seen adventurous souls carving their own paths in virtually every type of rig you could imagine.

With the popularity of vanlife these days, I’m sure you’ve thought about or at least heard about this craze. I mean, the upsides are many. Your home is with you at all times, you can carry so much more stuff, and you can design your ride exactly as you like. For many, the process of building their house on wheels is just as special as the trip itself.

But there are negatives too: many countries require a carnet de passage that often requires a hefty deposit, repairs can be super expensive, and it’s a whole lot of responsibility. But if you’re determined to make it happen, this is undoubtedly the most comfortable and adventurous way to travel overland, as you can go just about anywhere and won’t be as limited by weather.

By Hitchhiking

My overland hitching journey from UK to Papua New Guinea may not have been completed, but it certainly brought me some incredible (and life-changing) travel memories that I’ll hold on to forever.

Exploring overland by way of the thumb is not for the faint of heart, or for those lacking patience. But it will bring you closer to strangers and teach you more about the world than any other type of travel. When you’re in a vehicle of any kind (even a bicycle) it somewhat separates you from locals: you’re self-sufficient, right?

But when you’re relying on the kindness of random folks to help you see the world, it opens up doors you didn’t even know were in sight. It leads to unexpected family dinners in local homes, to long chats alongside crackling fires, and to hours spent in random places you would have never visited otherwise. Hitchhiking will change you for the better if you let it, and all you need to get started is a smile, a sign and a stuck-up thumb.

Overland Travel Tips

My top travel tips for making your adventure as smooth as it can be…

1. Do your visa research 

While most Westerners are privileged to be able to enter many countries without a visa, you can’t just roll up everywhere. Places like Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and Azerbaijan still require e-visas in advance, and China (often a pain for a lot of overlanders) has a set of very specific rules that usually requires applying for a sticker visa from your home country.

Make sure you read up on every destination you plan to overland through to ensure you don’t find yourself caught out in no man’s land. Sometimes visa rules can change abruptly too, so it’s key to stay on top of them.

2. Bring a LOT of Spare Parts 

I cannot stress this enough: if you’re travelling by way of ANY vehicle, it is absolutely essential that you have a good amount of spare parts in tow. Many of the best places to overland are NOT known for their equipment, which means you could potentially be caught out far, far away from civilization.

Spruce up your rig before heading out into super remote areas, and prepare for the unplanned. It’s far better to be a bit overloaded but have everything you need for a mishap than to travel light and become stranded.

3. Don’t forget the little things

You won’t realize how much you need a laundry bag, an eye mask or a good headlamp until you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with none of the above to be found.

For little things like these, it’s definitely worth it to double up on your supply. You never know when something can get lost or break on the road. 

4. Bring a first aid kit 

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or traveling in a jacked-out 4×4, the need for a first aid kit remains. You never know when you might need it, but when that time comes, you’ll be incredibly happy you added it to your packing list.

While these honestly aren’t that cheap these days, it’s worth it to splurge on a large, well-stocked one that will actually last you a decent amount of time. If you have any favorite OTC medicines, I highly recommend hoarding them before you head out: pharmacies out in the wild leave much to be desired. 

5. Go slow 

The art of slow travel goes hand in hand with overlanding, but sometimes it can be easy to fixate on the destination rather than the journey.

But unless you have a hard deadline to meet, take it easy out there. The whole point of overlanding is to experience the route, not just each individual destination.

Take some rest days where you do nothing but take it all in. Perhaps dive into some journaling, or park yourself at a nice lake or even a beach. The road has infinite pleasures to indulge in. 

6. Download Maps in Advance

Even if you’re well prepared with a local SIM card, there will undoubtedly be places without service somewhere along your journey.

Unless you have a paper map like the kind I used to travel with back in the day, get all your necessary navigation downloaded and ready for use when you find yourself with a solid data or Wi-Fi connection.

7. Use Google Translate or Dictionaries 

While English speakers are pretty privileged in that we can get by in most of the world, most does not mean everywhere. Take Central Asia for example where Russian rules – you’re going to need some assistance.

While learning a bit of the language in advance is certainly helpful, Google Translate’s offline abilities have truly saved me many times, and it’s a free app you should definitely download. The old-school dictionary method is useful too, especially if you plan to spend time in one place or region for a while. 

Overland Travel Packing List

While your specific adventure packing list may look different depending on your method of overlanding, these are a few universal expedition items that anyone will need on the road.

Osprey Aether 70

• Features: Stow-On-The-Go™ trekking pole attachment >
• > External hydration sleeve in backpanel
• > New IsoForm? CM™ hipbelt

ORIA Combination Lock

• Features: 2 pack : set includes 2 zinc alloy 4-digit re-settable combination travel locks >
• > Offers 10,000 combinations
• > Small volume, light weight, fit through the holes of a lot of suitcases

World Travel Adapter

• Features: Input socket: Euro, USA / Japan, Australia / China, United Kingdom (UK version not in Switzerland) >
• > Retractable plugs: Euro, UK, USA / Japan, Australia / China
• > Charge a laptop and two usb devices at once

• Features: Higher resolution display (300 ppi) – with twice as many pixels >
• > Built-in adjustable light – read day and night
• > A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours

MacBook Pro

• Features: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz >
• > 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
• > 128GB SSD storage

Where to Start Overland Travel

You can certainly overland anywhere: from somewhere as simple your home state/province to any country that calls to you, but overall I’d say these are the best places for a truly epic overland travel journey.

Central Asia

The 5 Stans are some of the most adventurous places left on this planet, and they’re home to some of the most mesmerizing roads at that. As of 2023, it’s easy for Western passport holders to travel through all of them (save Turkmenistan), and each one (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) has something incredible to offer.

Public transport is also expensive and lacking in most of these locales, which makes overlanding that much more valuable.

All four Stans are all interconnected, safe, and essentially a big old playground for overlanders. Do not underestimate the size of this region though: I’d recommend blocking out at least 3 months to get a real feel for what it has to offer.

South/Southeast Asia

Ah, South and Southeast Asia . Home to some of my favourite countries in the world that have made the most indelible marks on my travels and my life.

India, Pakistan, Nepal and the infamous Banana Pancake trail (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) are perfect places to give overland exploring a try.

Public transport is widespread, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to cross borders. But of course, having your own vehicle will make things even more accessible and give you access to rural areas most do not get to see.

When I rode a rickshaw around India , I found myself incredibly off trail in places that had never even seen foreigners before.

Every year, thousands of Europeans head East to Asia in their own cycles, 4x4s or by way of hitchhiking. And while the journey from Europe to Asia is absolutely epic, you can also opt to travel within the continent too.

With so many countries to check out, it may be the easiest (though certainly not the cheapest) place in the world to overland. Border crossings are simple, and so many countries are interconnected, that it’s a breeze to spend months moving about.

For Brits, Americans and other non-EU nationals, it’s key to be aware of the 90-day visa rule within the European Union. Luckily, there are some fantastic countries out East that you can visit once your time is up.

Many van lifers take to the wide open roads of the United States , with 49 to choose from (discounting Hawaii) and the ability to head north into Canada, I can see why this massive country has become so popular in the world of overland adventuring.

Personally, the USA is not at the top of my bucket list for many reasons, but if you’re already living there and want to get a feel for overland travel, incredible landscapes and opportunities await. Just note that public transportation and hitchhiking are definitely not recommended, as the former barely exists and the latter is not safe .

So van lifers, this is your time to shine. I know many folks who have fixed up relatively cheap vans and set out to see virtually all the states in the Union. If you have limited time or money, definitely focus your energy on the West Coast . That’s where you’ll find all the national parks and the scenery that makes the country worth exploring.

Getting Insured BEFORE Hitting the Road

Regardless of where or how you plan to overland, you should definitely sort some solid travel insurance before leaving home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Overland Travel

I hope I’ve now convinced you that your next trip should be an overland one. Ditching flights and committing to crossing borders and provinces on your own wheels (or by way of hitchhiking) will take your travels to entirely new heights.

You’ll have experiences that aren’t possible if you’re jetting about between places, and you’ll get to know each country and region like never before.

With so many ways to make it happen, from cycling to van life to even public buses, overland travel is something that is truly for everyone and anyone.

So what are you waiting for – get to planning and get the hell out there.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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Will is a freaking trooper!!! I retained great advises from this articles like: Little things we dont think about, hoard your otc in advances, travel by train, buses, mini vans, bike, download your map is a great one when you out of wifi!! Visas if we go to china or india, google translate a must have and to talk t locals and meet people on the journey, enjoy the journey more than the destination, and to buy a kindle to read if no internet, i myself always have been wanted to explore asia and reading this give me ideas on how to get there cheaper and to see the best of all places.

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Comprehensive Guide to Overland Insurance

Say you have your rig ready, your dogs, and your kitchen packed. You got your passport, and you picked your destination as well. 

Nothing is going to stop you now. But have you thought about insurance? 

While getting your daily ride insured is a thing you do without overthinking it, you also have to think about insuring your rig for overlanding.  

Have you ever thought if your insurance company covers the country you will take your overland vehicle to? Does it cover traveling off-road?

That could be a deal-breaker, but it doesn’t have to if you are prepared.

Let’s look into overland insurance a little bit closer.

What is overland insurance?

Overland insurance is nothing else like international insurance. It’s a type of car insurance that covers you while you take your vehicle abroad. 

Often your domestic insurance policy won’t cover you due to territory constraints. International car insurance will keep you protected during your adventures in case of collision, theft, or physical damage.

You can purchase international/overland insurance from your insurance company. There is a catch to it, though.

Unfortunately, international auto insurance is more expensive than your domestic one. That’s because when you drive abroad, you are in a new territory, and you are subjected to different laws that you are not accustomed to.

It means you are a high-risk driver.

There is a solution to it. It requires a little bit more legwork and planning but can save you some money in the long run.

Off-road Protection

You generally get off-road car insurance as add-on “coverage” to your auto insurance. It covers your vehicle when you drive it off-road too. It very rarely gets included in the basic insurance coverage very rarely. 

For insurers, the general “off-road” includes travel on non-public roads like unmarked areas, gravel, and the usual high-risk roads off-roaders like to travel on. 

Does full coverage cover off-road? It depends on the insurer’s policy. There are usually exclusions as to under what circumstances you will be covered and not covered. 

The only way is to ask your insurance representative clearly and  look for the words in the agreement . The main goal of insurance companies is to make profits, so it’s only fair to admit that they’ll try to cover as little as possible. 

Ask questions. If the agent says that off-road is covered, let it be as it is. In case the person was wrong, you’ll still have the “Errors and Omissions” policy to cover you for wrong information from the agent.

Every insurance company has its own set of policies. This is what a typical off-road coverage in automobile insurance may cover;

Common Insurance for Overlanding

Collision coverage.

If your vehicle hits a tree or another vehicle, this will cover your vehicle’s total cost of repairs.

Bodily Injury Liability

Suppose you are in an accident and are liable for another person’s injury; bodily injury liability will cover the injured individual’s medical expenses. This is important as healthcare is not that cheap in many countries, especially if you’re in the U.S.

Property Damage Liability

This is also similar to the previous liability. Suppose you are liable for damaging another individual’s property, such as a vehicle or belonging in an accident; property damage liability will cover the cost of repairs. It can be any physical property of another individual; a building, land, vehicle, etc.

Comprehensive Coverage

The comprehensive coverage is usually optional. This will cover the loss incurred if your vehicle gets stolen or damaged by causes other than a collision, like a natural calamity. 

In simple terms, anything besides a collision will come under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage can be beneficial in unexpected events like rollovers and damage to parts of the vehicle.

Are my off-road mods and contents covered too?

Under an off-road coverage policy, the main property covered is your vehicle. Of course, when we prepare for an overland trip, additional upgrades and modifications like off-road suspension , roof racks, and locking differentials are added to the rig to make it more overland/off-road capable. 

In case something goes wrong with the mods while you’re off-road, is that covered under your off-road policy? 

Are the contents inside the vehicle covered too? Your overland vehicle is essentially your only home for the next few months, so it consists of valuable accessories like cooking utilities, storage containers, tent, and mattress, etc. 

The only way to find out is by asking these questions to your insurer BEFORE estimating the premiums for off-road insurance. 

In response, you’ll be asked to send documents of proof in the form of pictures, videos, and receipts. And this will have to be done on a regular basis, approximately 3 months, but it differs from insurer to insurer. This will be a sort of “recorded proof” for the insurance company. 

So the next time you purchase add-ons for your rig, make sure to keep the bills in place. 

Personal Belongings

Full-coverage travel insurance covers your personal belongings too. That means if any of your gear, bags, or devices are stolen or damaged, you can claim its value through the insurer.

Sometimes, even with full coverage, the policy will mention that it only covers the things in the vehicle that come from the factory – excluding aftermarket upgrades and personal belongings. 

In that case, full-coverage travel insurance would cover your personal belongings under the home owner’s insurance policy. 

With home owner’s insurance, the loss incurred due to damage or theft of personal belongings can be reimbursed no matter which corner of the world you’re in.

What is covered under personal belongings? 

It includes all sorts of personal valuables and accessories like gears, bags, jewelry, money, clothing, electronic devices like mobile phones, video cameras, telescope, debit/credit cards, tickets, health supplies, and equipment and perishable goods like consumables. 

The  only  circumstances where you can get covered for these personal belongings are when they are either damaged by fire or stolen. Personal belongings that have were lost  due to misplacement  in public places, or  accidentally broken  will not be reimbursed for their value. 

Even if they do get stolen or damaged, there is usually a certain limit your insurer will pay for. That maximum limit will be clearly specified in the policy. 

Book Value and Built Value 

Any aftermarket upgrade or modification made to your overland vehicle should be an add-on to the insurance policy. This way, the insurance amounts can be calculated based on the dollar value of the modification attached to the vehicle and get covered for it too.

Otherwise, it will just be your vehicle’s book value, and you will not get reimbursed for loss or damage to the pricey aftermarket mods.

For that, you’ll probably need to get full coverage (for the factory vehicle value), the aftermarket add-ons, and theft insurance for personal belongings  if they are not covered  under home owner’s or personal contents/belongings insurance.

In case, reimbursements are to be made, you will need to submit some sort of documentation like photos, videos, or receipts to show proof and then claim it. So keep your cameras at hand!

All insurance companies will only reimburse you after you pay the deductibles, let it be for personal items or off-road. So be sure to understand the calculations for such deductibles thoroughly before agreeing to the contract. 

When to get overland insurance

It is always good to look into car insurance in another country  before driving in that country.

Car insurance in varied countries has different laws depending on where you are. Contacting foreign car insurance firms may assist in the clarification of international laws and regulations. 

Which country vehicle insurance is not required

Countries around the world divide into three categories if it comes to insurance requirements:

• Insurance not required:  Some countries do not require drivers to have vehicle insurance. Likely, in case of an accident, you are on your own.
• Insurance is mandatory:  You have to purchase local vehicle insurance to travel on public roads in the country legally. Usually, it’s immaterial if you have insurance from your home country.
• International insurance:  The country accepts the insurance you have purchased from your domestic insurer, as long as that insurance covers you in that country. 

Not all states in the US require you to have car insurance, like New Hampshire and Virginia, but that doesn’t mean you are not liable for any damage you may cause during an accident.

The same principle applies in some other countries, like New Zealand, Guatemala, Ecuador (for international vehicles), and New South Wales in Australia (CTP for foreign vehicles).

Marine Cargo Insurance

If you plan on shipping your Overlanding rig overseas, you would have to consider another type of Overland insurance as well. 

It’s called Marine Cargo Insurance, and it is the insurance of your property when it travels from one place to another.

Even though it’s called “Marine,” insurance can cover all your belongings even when transport is conveyed by plane, train, or on the road.

Price of overland insurance

It’s challenging to foresee overland insurance costs. They all depend on the vehicle, the driver, duration of insurance, coverage, etc. 

We gathered a few pointers for you as a guide, and by no means are they accurate to a single $1, but they may give you an idea of what you are looking at when planning your Overlanding trip.

In South America, the MERCOSUR insurance could cost around $100 for three months. The prices may vary depending on the company.

Arriving in Colombia, you can purchase insurance for the whole duration of your stay. You can start with one month and then extend it as you go throughout the country. Three months of third-party insurance could cost you around $90.

In Central America, buying insurance at each border may cost between $10 and $15. It usually covers you for your car import permit duration, around 30-90 days, depending on the border officials.

Driving between ECOWAS countries requires you to pay around $45 per month at each border you cross.

Countries in Central Asia are not very expensive. The average price you have to be ready to spend per month for your overland insurance would be between $20 – $50.

Traversing Georgian roads with insurance would cost you $15 per month. You also have an option of buying insurance for 15 and 90 days or the whole year. The longest period could cost you around $90.

Mongolian overland insurance cover for 30 days of driving in the country may cost you more or less $30.

In Armenia, you could pay some $25 for month insurance.

Types of insurance around the world

Going the route of purchasing local insurance in each country you are entering can be time-consuming but ultimately can save you from breaking the bank.

The most common and required in most countries around the world is  Third Party   Insurance . 

In different countries, it has other names. Still, the principle is generally the same: It protects the vehicle owner and anyone who drives the vehicle from allegations of responsibility for death or injuries to others caused by the vehicle owner’s or driver’s negligence.

Some countries (states or provinces) have insurance covered by private companies (third parties). Others provide public insurance through a government-owned system. 

South America

In countries that belong to MERCOSUR, there is an option to buy one type of insurance covering your travels between their borders. 

It’s called simply MERCOSUR insurance, and it covers Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. It can be extended to cover Bolivia and Peru as well.

Other countries in South America:  Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela are not covered by MERCOSUR. They require you to buy separate 3rd party insurance (usually called SOAT). 

French Guyana belongs to the EU, so overland insurance there would come under Green Card.

Central America

Most countries in Central America offer mandatory 3rd party coverage at the border. With the exception of Guatemala, where car insurance is not required.

North America

In Canada, you have to get non-resident inter-provincial 3rd party liability car insurance if you plan on visiting multiple provinces. 

You can purchase it from a Canadian broker.

Not all states in the U.S. require you to have insurance for your vehicle, but it’s best to have it nonetheless. The required coverage in most states would be the well-known liability car insurance. 

It’s possible to buy it from insurance companies in the U.S. Different states would have different purchasing requirements, but insurance would be valid throughout the country.

East and South Africa 

Insurance called Yellow Card can cover all countries belonging to COMESA (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Swaziland (Somalia), Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). 

You can typically purchase yellow card insurance at any car insurance broker in COMESA country.

West Africa 

In countries belonging to ECOWAS, insurance is covered under Brown Card. 

Seventeen countries belong to ECOWAS: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.

The insurance under Brown Card can be purchased at any broker working within the ECOWAS region. 

Middle East

As a part of the International Motor Insurance Card System, the Orange Card is an arrangement between authorities and insurance organizations in Arabian Peninsula. 

The Orange Card was established between members of the Arab League and is relevant primarily in the Middle East and North Africa.

Participants are Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (Green Card), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia (Green Card), the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Australia 

Visiting the Land Down Under with your vehicle, you need to insure it with CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance. You can purchase it from most of the insurance organizations in the country.

New Zealand

Vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand, but it is recommended. You can purchase it from insurance companies in the country.

Europe is a little bit tricky situation. There is a multitude of countries in Europe, but not all of them belong to European Union. 

The insurance rules could be slightly different in EU vs. non-EU countries, but regardless of that, all European countries require a minimum of liability insurance. On the old continent, it’s called a Green Card. 

The Green Card covers you in all EU member states and Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Gibraltar, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. 

Green Cards are not available for Kosovo, and therefore you need to purchase your car insurance at the border. 

Central Asia

In the states of Central Asia, car insurance is called OSAGO, which translates to Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance for Vehicle Owners. (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), and you can easily buy car insurance on the border.

You have to be careful, though. Sometimes border patrol doesn’t check the insurance, but that doesn’t mean it’s not mandatory! 

The general rule by most overlanders is not to buy in “the first booth.” Try to look around for the best deal.

Southeast Asia

The Blue card system is established between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members and is applicable in South East Asia.

The Blue Card is valid on the roads in Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, Singapore.

In China, there are two types of mandatory car insurance. 

The first one is compulsory vehicle insurance. It has, however, minimal financial coverage, and you would do best to check the exact amount.

The second one is commercial insurance, which covers all related claims not covered by the compulsory vehicle insurance.

Japanese law requires you to have what they call Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI). 

Although CALI is effective, it is insufficient to provide coverage for the insured, property damage to third parties. It does not cover any repair or replacement for damage to the vehicle itself.

In Mongolia, the insurance can be bought at the police stop after crossing the border.

Driving in North Korea is going to be quite tricky, if not impossible. Owning a car there is considered a symbol of status, and in most cases, it is not possible to bring your vehicle into the country. There is no info about the insurance.

South Korea has it easy enough. You can buy the insurance online from companies that have been approved by the Korean government, including foreign companies from abroad.

Taiwan accepts international car insurance, but you can also purchase Compulsory Motor Liability Insurance. CMLI is different than most insurances you have contact with due to the high risk of driving in the country. 

In Armenia, insurance called CMTPL (Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insurance) is required to drive legally on the roads. You can buy it at the border, or if you want to save some money, there are cheaper versions online called e-CMTPL. 

In Georgia, the insurance is called CIP (Compulsory insurance policy) and is required by all vehicle drivers. 

As you can see, overland insurance is quite a challenge. But if you go about it with thought and planning, there is nothing to be afraid of. 

The same type of insurance covers most countries, but if the topic gives you a headache, you can always consult your options with the insurance agency. 

There is plenty of companies that would be willing to insure your vehicle under international insurance policy around the globe.

We tried our best to help you out in this part of your Overlanding adventure , and although the info doesn’t include the whole globe, we hope you get a feel for what’s there and won’t get discouraged.

Safe travels!

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Tucks’ Truck

Overlanding the world in an iveco daily 4×4.

Overlanding Insurance

To insure or not to insure? Overlanding has many risks. But other than vehicle liability insurance which is compulsory in most countries, the decision of whether or not to insure those risks is a matter for you. There’s your personal perception of the risks; your approach to risk-management; and your budget. Here’s the approach we took to overlanding insurance and the policies we took out along the way since we hit the road in 2014:

• Vehicle liability insurance : – ‘local’ policies – ‘international’ policies
• Vehicle comprehensive insurance
• Personal travel insurance
• Specific region issues : – Europe – Africa – South America – Central America/Mexico – USA/Canada

Note: this covers the situations and the policies that we found at the dates stated in each section. Obviously things change, so up-to-date research is necessary for current travel plans

1. Vehicle liability insurance

This is compulsory in most countries (with a few rare exceptions e.g. South Africa, Ecuador that we know of, where it is covered by a Government scheme) and you often have to show proof of cover at the entry border. You may also be asked at police road-blocks within the country to show proof of this insurance. It is therefore recommended to have this kind of cover wherever it is legally required.

In theory , you should (if you can find it) be able to take out vehicle insurance with an insurer anywhere in the world and the Certificate of Insurance should satisfy the border and police requirements in any country listed on the documents ( see below how we did this). However, it is generally the case that local officials only recognise a cover-note from a ‘local’ insurance company with which they are familiar.  So even if you can find a policy in your home country which covers you in other countries around the world, a policy with a local insurance company is generally recommended to satisfy local officials.

When we first set-off overlanding to Africa in 2014, we considered both ‘local’ and ‘international’ liability insurance:

(a) Local liability policies for overlanding insurance

Obtaining cover.

Conveniently, where it is a legal requirement to have insurance, the cover is often sold at most major border crossings. However, it’s important to check this before you go to a border crossing (try looking at iOverlander entries at the borders for clues on this). Particularly at minor border crossings there may be no insurance office, or if there is one it may only open at very restricted times (i.e. when the clerk can be bothered to turn up).

Consider options such as: buying cover in advance either by email or on-line; or whether there are any local multi-country policies which avoid the need for new policies at every border (e.g. we found the Yellow Card COMESA scheme recognised by several southern Africa countries in 2014/15, and a MERCOSUR scheme recognised between several countries in South America in 2015/16).

If you don’t (or can’t) get cover in place either before or at the border, you could have one of two problems, either:

• You won’t be allowed to cross the border with your vehicle and you’ll have to either: do long detour to a different border crossing where insurance is sold; or enter on foot without your vehicle, catch a lift to the nearest town to buy insurance then return to collect your vehicle (we have heard of this happening at the border from Bolivia into Peru); OR
• They let you through the border, but you are then immediately breaking the law of the country by driving without insurance. This has happened to us twice, entering Mozambique and French Guiana. In both cases the border officers told us to buy insurance at the next town, but warned that we could be challenged by police for driving without the legally required insurance. In Moz it was a nervous two day drive on rough dirt-roads to get to an insurance office. The French Guiana story is here .

Relying on local insurance

So let’s just say you’ve got your local policy… you’re legal and insured against all liability risks… right? Well yes… and no. Yes, you’re probably legal on the road. But check the scope of cover and the financial limit of the liability cover.

As a foreign driver in many countries, if you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, the chances it being deemed your fault are quite high. At the same time, the chances of you recovering from a local insurer may be quite low. In the unlikely event that the insurance company seriously considers any claim you make, the policy will often only cover liability in respect of personal injury and not liability for damage to vehicles or property. If another person’s vehicle or personal property is damaged in the accident, you will probably have to negotiate compensation in cash on the spot.

The only good news in respect of these potentially ineffective local insurance policies, is that they are generally not expensive (we assume the reason the price is quite low is because they almost never pay out). So we, along with many other overlanders out there, view these local insurances as a necessary overhead expense with little more than an administrative value to smooth our way through borders and police-checks. When we set off overlanding in 2014 to Africa, we looked for an additional ‘international’ third party liability insurance policy to cover the actual risk.

(b) International liability policies for overlanding insurance

For a more effective international policy to sit-above the local policies (see above), we found an Axa-backed policy with Assurantiekantoor Alessie Insurance in The Netherlands. This gave us more confidence that, should the worst happen, we are more likely to have successful recourse to this as an ‘international’ policy than to a ‘local’ policy taken out for a few shekels at a border post.

We continued this policy for our time in Africa and it was reasonably priced. However, when we later moved on to South America Alessie was unable to provide cover for that continent and we were forced (like most other overlanders in that region) to rely solely on the local cover and its limitations noted above.

Note: if you find and take out one of these international liability policies, do check the scope of cover. We found that in Europe it was not possible to buy insurance covering the vehicle’s country of registration from another country. So our Alessie policy covered us in the whole of mainland Europe, but not in UK.  

2. Vehicle comprehensive insurance

We asked ourselves what we would do if Cuthbert was heavily damaged, or worse still… written-off, in an accident? This could be a traffic accident, or a freak natural incident, e.g. a tree falling onto the roof. Having invested so much time and money in Cuthbert (well…. mostly money really!), we decided that we would ideally like to have Cuthbert uninsured against accidental damage.

We did not want insurance to cover the repair of every scratch and bump, but we did want cover for the ‘worst-case scenario’ of major damage or total loss. This kind of insurance is difficult to find but in 2014 we discussed it in great detail with specialist broker Campbell Irvine in London.  It turned out to be very expensive, with an annual premium around 10% of the total vehicle value, but it is possible to reduce the cost slightly by agreeing high levels of excess/deductibles. We have heard that it might be possible for Americans to obtain international fully comprehensive cover via Clements Worldwide. But when we approached them, they said they would not insure a UK registered vehicle.

The cost of fully comprehensive vehicle insurance is, in many parts of the world (see notes below on Mexico and USA/Canada ), outside the range of most overland travellers. We soon realised like most overlanders, that it’s ‘Big Boys Rules’ out there. The advice often given on overlanders FB groups is ‘ don’t take anything you can’t afford to walk away from ’. If you are unlucky enough to suffer damage to your own rig, you’ll either have to fix it at your own expense, or in a worst-case scenario… leave the wreckage behind and be grateful that you are able to walk away from the accident.    

3. Personal travel insurance

First, to be clear, what we are talking about here is travel insurance and not health insurance. International health insurance is cover for routine healthcare and is famously very expensive. Very few overlanders take out health insurance, but many take out travel insurance for urgent treatment and accidents.

Some overlanders, particularly those travelling in developing countries where healthcare is of a reasonable quality and cheap, decide to skip this cover. We don’t think this is a great idea. It may be cheap to get, say, a broken bone re-set in the hospital emergency room. However, if you are unlucky enough to need time in intensive care, or be seriously injured in a remote place needing helicopter evacuation, the costs are likely (even in a ‘cheap’ country) to be very high indeed. This is the kind of potential event that we believe justifies the cost of travel insurance.

Google and you’ll find various options out there for travel insurance. After extensive investigations we settled on True Traveller Insurance in London (single-trip policy). These guys impressed us and seemed to really understand the sort of travel we are doing. We have been with True Traveller, extending cover for the whole duration of our travels since early 2014. We found their terms reasonable during covid when we stayed in Canada with our truck, rather than take the risk of flying back to UK during a pandemic. Also, we have recently (Dec 2022) had reason to make a claim on the policy. It was handled quickly, reasonably and efficiently; we are very happy with them and can highly recommend True Traveller for personal travel insurance.

Here are a few of the issues that we came across when searching for the right policy and our advice for anyone on a similar quest:

• Find a policy that will cover you as a permanently wandering itinerant. We found some restrictions on cover depending on your status, nationality and country of residence. World Nomad Insurance didn’t seem to care where the insured is deemed ‘resident’. However, the quote from them was very expensive for us. Check that your quote is valid for your nationality and residency status in the country where the policy is taken out.
• Check that it covers (or can be extended for) the full duration of your planned travel. Many annual travel policies cover travel for only three or four months per year. Several ‘gap year’ policies that we found, cover travel for up to one year but stated that they would not renew/extend the policy for a second year.
• Check the lists of activities and exclusions on the policy. If you want to say, rock-climb, scuba-dive or ski etc, you may need to pay extra. One company that we found excluded ‘safaris’ from a long-term travel policy. We explained that we were to drive across Africa in our own vehicle and would certainly be seeing animals at various stages of the trip. They couldn’t decide whether this amounted to ‘safari’ or not!
• Take the policy out before you start to travel. Many policies are conditional on the cover being taken out before you set-off.
• Check the geographical regions and remember to reconsider this as you travel. We initially took out True Traveller cover for ‘Worldwide excluding USA/Canada’. The premium is significantly higher for cover in USA and Canada, so we did not pay this increased amount until we were about to cross the US border from Mexico. Helpfully, although USA/Canada was excluded under our ‘worldwide’ policy, it did provide brief cover in USA/Canada for airport transits. So we were covered for a short time in Miami when we changed flights there en-route from El Salvador to UK for a quick visit home.
• Check the terms/restrictions of cover for countries/areas where your government advises against travel. E.g. due to security and crime risks, the UK Foreign Office advises British citizens to ‘ avoid all but essential travel ‘ to some parts of Mexico, which limits our cover in these areas. You may or may not chose to follow your government’s advice, but be aware that ignoring it could affect your travel insurance cover in those areas.
• Be open and honest in disclosure to the insurance companies. Disclosing a fact (say, a pre-existing medical condition) might or might not increase the premium slightly, but failing to disclose material facts could invalidate the cover and leave you uninsured when you need the cover.

4. Specific Region Issues

(a) europe and uk.

Travelling around mainland Europe in 2014/15, we had liability cover for Cuthbert via Alessi ( see above ) which kept us legal. But this policy was not allowed (under European law) to cover the country of vehicle registration, UK. We needed a separate third-party liability policy for Cuthbert on the roads in UK. This caused us a bit of a headache.

Getting cover in UK for our new truck (imported from Germany) was a ‘chicken and egg’ situation. We couldn’t get the truck registered without insurance, and we couldn’t get insurance for an un-registered vehicle! In the end we found liability cover with Liverpool Victoria but only if we took out a fleet (multi-vehicle) policy.

For travel insurance we relied on the True Traveller policy ( see above ).

Note: we only travelled southern and eastern Africa, so this won’t cover driving down through the north from Europe .

For Africa in 2014/15 we took out the Alessi international liability policy ( see above ) in addition to local policies en-route. In South Africa (our arrival country) no insurance was required as liability was covered by some government scheme.

In eastern Africa we heard we could take out a local policy in one country and extend the cover across several borders with a COMESA Yellow Card. Under a cross-border agreement, the member countries recognise and accept each other’s insurance policies. You need to buy the ‘Yellow Card’ at the same time as your insurance policy, from certain designated insurance suppliers. The ‘Yellow Card’ then extended our policy to the other member nations. It worked out cheaper than buying a separate, third party liability policy for each country.

Initially we had great difficulty in finding any insurer that offered the Yellow Card. The insurance offices that we found had not heard of it. At the State Insurance Company in Zambia we were told that the scheme is only available for Zambian registered vehicles. Finally at Madison General Insurance in Chipata, Zambia we had success! Here we got a policy to cover us for the next 6 months through Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. The Yellow Card satisfied the police enquiries at all the road-blocks we encountered.

We believe there may be other schemes for other areas of Africa (we’ve heard of a Brown Card for central Africa) but we’ve never looked into this. Do some checking on Google and relevant FB groups.

For travel insurance we continued to rely on the True Traveller policy ( see above ).

(c) South America

In October 2015 we shipped to South America. We drove through every country except Venezuela. Alessie couldn’t provide Axa third party cover for this continent, so we had to rely on local insurance.

Initially we took out a MERCOSUR policy with Speiser Seguros in Buenos Aires. This covered the group of neighbouring countries: Argentina , Uruguay , Chile , Brazil , Paraguay and Bolivia . It was quite expensive and we could probably have found a better deal had we left time to Google around for other quotes. Not sure whether we were lucky, but none of the police stops in these countries asked us to prove insurance at the roadside (just driving licence and vehicle registration docs). 

From Bolivia, when our initial one year policy was almost at an end, we wanted to progress to Peru . For this we found  Seguros Illimani in La Paz. This policy covered not only Bolivia, but every neighbour country with a border to Bolivia. This therefore covered most of the continent: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

It was good to have cover in place before approaching the Peru border at Lake Titicaca. There was no insurance office at that border and Peru required proof of insurance at the entry point. We have met people who didn’t have cover pre-arranged and were sent to the first town and buy it. Also in Peru, several road-side police checks asked to see proof of cover.

Next came Ecuador but no insurance is available here – liability is covered by some government scheme.

The next new country for us was French Guiana where we had a bit of an insurance nightmare. French Guiana is part of the EU and our problem stemmed mostly from the fact that we were driving a European registered vehicle without European Green-card insurance (as would usually be required in the EU – this was pre-Brexit). We eventually obtained cover from CA2P Insurance in Cayenne (see here for the full French Guiana insurance story ).

The next new countries were Suriname and Guyana both of which had cover available to buy at the border.

Our final new country was Colombia . Insurance was available to buy at the border. We bought for the 3 month period we expected to be there (the initial period of our visa and TIP). Many overlanders find Colombia more agreeable than they expected and want to stay longer than their initial visa period. It’s easy to extend the personal visa and vehicle TIP. However, extending the TIP requires proof of insurance. And short-term insurance for foreigners was particularly hard to find in cities away from a border. With hindsight, we really wished that we had taken out 6 months cover at the entry point. It wouldn’t have cost much more than the 3 month cover, and we would have had cover in place to stay longer in the country.

For travel insurance in the whole of South America we continued to rely on the True Traveller policy ( see above ).

(d) Central America and Mexico

In February 2018 we shipped to Central America. In Panama , Costa Rica and Nicaragua we simply took out local liability policies as we entered the countries.

Entering Honduras and El Salvador we couldn’t find anyone selling insurance at the borders. Officials told us it wasn’t required. Hmmm… it could be like Ecuador, which we know is covered by a government scheme, but we had our doubts. After a short time we learned that insurance is indeed required, but we had difficulty sourcing it in San Salvador. All agencies said they couldn’t cover non-CA4 vehicles (i.e. a vehicle not registered in Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala). Eventually we found Todo Riesgo based in Guatemala who would arrange insurance by email to cover all the CA4 countries.

For Belize we bought cover easily at the border.

Entering Mexico at the Yucatan border from Belize in September 2018 there was no insurance available. From research on-line we expected this to be the case. We knew we would need long-term cover for Mexico as Cuthbert would be entitled to a 10 year temporary import permit. Baja Bound on-line arranged liability cover for us by email. We believe US/Canadian registered vehicles can do it on the website. For European vehicles they have a few additional questions, so email correspondence is required, but it was quick and easy.

For the first time since leaving UK, we found that fully comprehensive cover is available for vehicles in Mexico. The quote was obviously quite expensive, so we decided to just take the liability cover. After being on the road five years, we had got used to effectively self-insuring the risk of damage to Cuthbert.

For travel insurance in the whole of Central America and Mexico we continued to rely on True Traveller ( see above ).

(e) USA and Canada

In September 2019 we crossed from Mexico to USA. Getting insurance here posed one of our biggest administrative challenges of the trip so far. We finally obtained cover from Progressive – click here for the full story: Overlanding Vehicle Insurance USA-Canada .

For travel insurance in USA/Canada we continued to rely on True Traveller ( see above ). Due to the high medical costs in these countries, we had to pay a significant increase in premium for cover. We were able to extend cover for skiing whilst we were stuck in Canada during Covid travel restrictions. We like that ski cover can be bought in sets of 21-day packages. So it is not necessary buy extra cover for a year if only needed for a short time.

NOTE: the above named insurance companies and policies are mentioned purely on the basis that these are the polices we found and chose to use as being best for our personal circumstances at the relevant time. We do not (and did not) receive any sponsorship or reward of any kind for mentioning these companies. This blog does not amount to insurance or financial advice. We make no recommendations regarding these companies or any of their policies.

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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...

Motorcycle Travel Insurance

At Overland we get asked one question more often than any other:

“Where can I get travel insurance that covers me to ride any size of bike, on and off road?”

Now we have the definitive answer. Here!

CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE

Overland magazine has partnered with award-winning travel insurance company Holidaysafe, to provide a specialist motorcycle travel insurance product that can be tailored to the needs of your specific overland trip. Most importantly, it’s travel insurance that acknowledges you’re bound to stray from the black stuff so covers for off-road exploration too.

It will even provide cover for track days, should the urge grip you when you pass a famous circuit!

Whether you’re touring the British Isles or heading for a global adventure, here are a few of Holidaysafe’s benefits: • Single trip cover for up to two years on the road • Multi-trip cover that includes business or other family holidays • Up to £10,000,000 of emergency medical treatment including repatriation • Covers loss or damage to motorcycle luggage, panniers and tank bags • Covers damaged or stolen motorcycle kit, including lid, gloves, jacket and boots • Covers any size motorcycle as long as you are licensed to ride the equivalent bike in the UK • Cover for riding your own bike or hiring a bike on location and when riding on- or off-road • Cover for pillion passengers under the same policy, including discounts for couples CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE

Overland staff are already covered by this policy and we are proud to be working with Holidaysafe who were voted Best Online Travel Insurance Provider at the 2018 Your Money Awards and have featured in the Which? Best Rate Policy tables for Travel Insurance since 2010.

Holidaysafe is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN306537. Overland is an Appointed Representative of Travel Insurance Facilities.

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Overland Trips Travel Insurance

Overland Trips (Tour Operator) allows you to truly explore the country you are travelling in, experience the wildlife, meet the local people, and immerse yourself in their culture. Overland Trips are participation tours in an autonomous vehicle where everyone gets involved in the day-to-day running of the trip, pitching in to cook, clean, set up tents and light…

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Overland Trips (Tour Operator) allows you to truly explore the country you are travelling in, experience the wildlife, meet the local people, and immerse yourself in their culture.

Overland Trips are participation tours in an autonomous vehicle where everyone gets involved in the day-to-day running of the trip, pitching in to cook, clean, set up tents and light fires.

Overlanding is about being willing to take on an adventure and assisting your guides, crew and fellow passengers in communal travel.

When getting Travel Insurance (Overland Trips), you can also select  the following: 

• Overland Trips (Independent Travel)

To contact us by telephone or email,  0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 [email protected]

• Summary of Cover

Overland Trips

Useful websites, summary of cover (per person).

* Excess  payables vary depending on the claim benefit.

Please read the Policy Wording for the complete list of Benefits.

Healix Insurance Services Ltd, on behalf of Hamilton Insurance DAC, arranges this Travel Insurance policy for Jade Stanley Ltd. Healix Insurance Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 5484190 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 437248. Hamilton Insurance DAC is registered in Ireland No. 484148, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority in connection with their UK branch. Jade Stanley Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 03570857 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 306205.

You will witness some genuinely inspiring sights and adventures in any country you travel to.

Whilst suitability for overlanding is not based on age or fitness, it can get demanding, and it's about having the capability to deal with the unexpected.

It is strongly advised to look into what Vaccinations you may require, depending on where you travel. You may also need Malaria Tablets.

If you are participating in  Trekking or travelling to areas of high altitude, you should be aware of and prepared for the effects of altitude sickness.

Finally, travel with a reputable company that maintains and regularly services their vehicles.

Overlanding Lifestyle

Overland Tours and Holidays

Related Pages

• Self Drive Safari Travel Insurance | JS Insurance

Travel Insurance Toolkit

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• Make a Claim
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JS Travel Insurance is the trading name of Jade Stanley Limited, 5 Chapel Mews, Waterloo Street,Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1AR, Telephone: 0800 043 0020 . Jade Stanley Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Registration number is 306205

SAVE ON CENTRAL ASIA OVERLAND ADVENTURES

Get 5% off selected departures, visit the 5 stans this summer, experience adventure, off the beaten track, adventure of a lifetime.

Explore some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth with Oasis Overland. Trips available from 1 week through to 40 weeks, it’s time you escaped the ‘real world’ and experienced adventure.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, oasis overland travel insurance requirements, check out our tailor-made overland adventure travel insurance.

• Covers most adventure and sporting activities, mini adventures, add ons and volunteer projects on our trips, outlined in our brochure and pre-departure trip dossiers. Check the policy details to view the list of activities covered. Please also check the General Exclusions within the Policy Document for a list of activities not covered (certain activities may be covered for an additional premium).
• Tailor made overland adventure travel insurance provided by  Campbell Irvine . 
• Worldwide cover includes 6 days or nights in North America if you take out a policy of more than 2 months' duration and a day or night stopover if you are taking out a policy of 2 months or less.
• 21 Day money back cooling off period.
• 24 hour worldwide emergency medical assistance and a pre-departure medical helpline.
• Free 31 day extension if your return home is delayed beyond your control.
• Campbell Irvine have over 49 years experience in adventure travel insurance. 
• Quick & easy insurance cover.
• The policy does not cover travel to destinations which the FCDO advises against travel to. Alternative policies are available to cover these areas if this applies to your trip.

Get a Quote or Purchase Travel Insurance for your Oasis overland trip

• This policy is only available for those that reside in the UK irrespective of their nationality.

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• 1300 409 322 Australian Based Call Centre

Hiking and Trekking Travel Insurance

The following information applies to policies purchased from 30th October 2023 onwards. For policies purchased prior to 30th October 2023: you can find the PDS relevant to you in your policy confirmation email, by logging into MyPolicy , or you can contact us for assistance.

Why do I need travel insurance for hiking and trekking?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp, Machu Pichu, Mont Blanc or Mount Kilimanjaro, tramping the Routeburn Track in NZ or taking on the Kokoda trail? Whatever your opinion is on what the best treks in the world are, you should consider taking out hiking travel insurance to cover you just in case your trekking expedition doesn’t go to plan.

While you can be as meticulous as you can in your preparations for your trek, there are situations you may not be able to control, including:

• Getting sick or injured before you leave for your hike.
• Getting sick or injured during your trek, including sprains, cuts, hypothermia, dehydration and altitude sickness.
• Bad weather or natural disasters preventing you from going on your trek.
• Your hiking gear and equipment being lost, stolen or damaged.

And that’s where travel insurance for hiking may be able to reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses that you incur in the event of an emergency.

Heads Up: While we appreciate the differences between trekking, hiking and tramping, to make things simple, we’ll be using the words “hike” and “trek” interchangeably on this page.

5 Things you should know about travel insurance for trekking

• Cover for repatriation: Travel insurance for overseas trekking includes cover for evacuation or repatriation , if required, in a medical emergency.
• Travel insurance for medical cover: Medical and hospitalisation cover can reimburse you for your medical expenses in case you’re unexpectedly sick or injured during your hike.
• Cover if you have to cancel your trek: Cancellation cover can be included in your travel insurance for your trekking trip and can protect the payments that you’ve already paid.
• High altitude cover: Cover  is available to hike up to 3000m. If that’s not enough, you can take out the Adventure Pack  for cover up to 6000m.
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Our Emergency Assistance team includes fully trained doctors and nurses who are here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I get trekking travel insurance with helicopter rescue?

For overseas treks, if you have a serious medical or life threatening emergency, your trekking travel insurance can cover for you to be evacuated to a hospital or safer location.

In these types of situations, you should contact the Emergency Assistance team to assist you and they will organise your evacuation if it’s required.

Helicopter rescue or evacuation is not covered if you’re hiking in Australia.

What is included in travel insurance for hiking?

Depending on the type of travel insurance and the add-ons you choose for your trek, you can have cover for:

Evacuation and repatriation in a medical emergency

If you’re seriously injured or sick while on your overseas hike, you can be covered to be evacuated to a hospital for treatment, or repatriated back to Australia if it’s deemed necessary.

Medical and hospital expenses cover

Getting sick or injured on your overseas trekking holiday is definitely not on anyone’s agenda. If you’re struck down unexpectedly, you can claim for the medical and hospital expenses that you incur.

Check out our Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for your existing medical and pregnancy conditions including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

Cancellation of your trek due to unexpected and unforeseen events

The Cancellation benefit can reimburse you for the payments or deposits you’ve already made towards your trip, not just for the trekking tour itself, but also any flights and accommodation.

This means that you’ll have cover if you’re unexpectedly sick and not able to go on your trek, or if you must cut your trek short because you’re in an accident or become sick.

• High altitude trekking

We like a bit of adventure too, that’s why our policies  cover you to trek up to 3000m. But if you’re planning on trekking over 3000m or doing the Kokoda trail, the Adventure Pack Add-on can cover you to do high altitude trekking up to a maximum of 6000m.

You should be aware that this cover is available provided the trek you’re doing doesn’t require you to use specialist climbing equipment .

Luggage and personal belongings

You can have cover for the trekking accessories that you need for your trek (but not while you’re using them), including your hiking  backpack, sleeping bag and trekking poles up to $750 each, and your phone or camera to capture that all important selfie on the summit.

Disruptions to your trip

If you have to return home because you, your travelling companion or a family member back home is seriously sick or injured or natural disaster prevents you from continuing your trek, you can claim for the additional transport and accommodation expenses that you incur.

Valuable items

We know that hiking and trekking gear doesn’t come cheap. If you want to increase the cover on some of your hiking essentials, you can pay an additional premium to specify the value for them.

Theft of cash

If your cash of up to $250 is stolen from you while you’re on your hike or from a secure locked compartment, you can claim to be reimbursed for this loss.

Travel delay expenses

If your planned transport is delayed for more than 6 hours from the scheduled departure time, the travel delay benefit provides cover for your additional expenses including accommodation, food and taxi fares that may arise as a result of the delay.

Special event transport expenses

If you’ve booked to go with a trekking company and your booked transport is delayed or cancelled, which means that you’ll miss the start of your trek, you can be reimbursed for the cost of another mode of transport to get you there on time.

Loss of travel documents

If your passport, credit or debit card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can claim for the expenses that you incur to replace them.

You can also have cover for the extra travel and accommodation expenses that may arise if you’re prevented from continuing your travels because you needed to recover your travel documents.

Return ticket not required

Not sure how long you’re going to be trekking and travelling for? As long as you’re intending to return to Australia after that hike, you don’t need to have already booked a return ticket.

You can extend your policy and trek the world up to a maximum of 2 years!

What isn’t included in travel insurance for my trek?

Travel insurance for trekking can’t cover you for:

Professional hiking or trekking

We can only provide cover if you’re hiking or trekking as an amateur. If you’re hiking or trekking professionally or in a competition, our travel insurance for hiking may not be the right one for you. You should look to get cover from a specialist trekking company to provide you with cover.

Trekking or hiking with specialist climbing equipment

There’s no cover if you need to use specialist climbing equipment for your hike or trek, even if you’re bringing the equipment “just in case”.

Rental Equipment

There’s no cover for any equipment that you rent for your trek – you should check with your rental company if they’re able to provide cover for the rental equipment.

Mountaineering

Climbing mountains requires specialist climbing equipment, which isn’t something that we can provide cover for. You should look for cover for this type of trip with a specialist company.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you don't complete a medical screening for your existing medical condition  at the time that you purchase your policy, or for new medical conditions or for changes to your health after you buy your policy and before you depart for your trip, there's no cover for your pre-existing medical condition.

Hiking over the altitude that you’re covered for

We cover you to hike or trek up to 3000m, and with the Adventure Pack , for trekking up to 6000m.

If you need travel insurance for hiking up to 4500m, and don’t take out the Adventure Pack, there’s no cover for any claims that may arise from you trekking between 3000m and 4500m.

There’s absolutely no cover if you go trekking over 6000m, as the maximum altitude that you’re covered for with the Adventure Pack is 6000m.

Not being able to hike because you don’t have a permit

Many popular trekking routes require you to have a permit to be able to participate, including trekking in Nepal , the Inca Trail (Machu Pichu) and the Kokoda Track .

If you’re turned away from your planned trek because you didn’t get a permit, there’s no cover for any expenses you’ve outlaid for the trip. A limited number of permits are released each year for some treks, so make sure you’ve secured one before you go!

Domestic policies only: medical and evacuation cover

If you’re hiking or trekking in Australia and you’re sick or injured during your hike, you’ll be able to use your Medicare and private health insurance. There’s no medical or evacuation cover under our Domestic Plus policies.

Am I covered if I need to use specialist climbing equipment for my trek?

No, trekking insurance can only provide you with cover if your trek doesn’t involve the use of specialist climbing equipment for any altitude level, even if you’ve taken out the Adventure Pack Add-on.

If you’ll be using specialist climbing equipment, you should look for a specialist company to provide you with the cover that you need for your hiking holiday.

Can I get travel insurance for hiking up to 3000m?

Yes you can! We cover you for hiking up to 3000m.

Is there trekking insurance over 4000m?

Trekking over 4000m requires the Adventure Pack to be added to your trekking travel insurance policy.

You can then have cover for trekking over 4000m and up to a maximum of 6000m.

Can I get trekking insurance up to 5000m?

Again, yes! Add the Adventure Pack to your trekking travel insurance for an additional premium and you can have cover to trek up to 5000m in altitude.  

How can I buy travel insurance for hiking up to 6000m?

Buying travel insurance for hiking up to an altitude of 6000m is easy: simply add the Adventure Pack to your hiking travel insurance policy.

When getting a quote online , you can add the Adventure Pack in the “Add Extras” section of the quote.

If you need help, send us an email to  [email protected] or call us on  1300 409 322 .

What type of high altitude travel insurance do I need for my trek?

There are many different hiking and trekking options around the world to suit any type of hiker. Before you embark on your trek, make sure that you do the necessary research to ensure that you’re physically and mentally fit to take it on.

Here are a few popular trekking destinations that you can consider, if our policies can cover you, or if the Adventure Pack is required:

Regardless of the level of high altitude trekking that you’re covered for, you can only have cover if the trek doesn’t involve the use of specialist climbing equipment, even if you’ve taken out the Adventure Pack.

Can I get hiking travel insurance in Australia?

We provide cover for hiking in Australia! With our highest peak of 2228m being Mount Kosciuszko, you won’t need the Adventure Pack (unless you want to do other activities like outdoor rock climbing). So, if you’re looking for travel insurance for trekking Mount Kosciuszko, hiking in Tasmania, the Blue Mountains, Snowy Mountains or any other hikes in Australia, our Domestic Plus policies can provide you with cover.

Travel insurance for hiking or trekking in Australia can cover you for:

• Cancellation costs you incur if you’re unexpectedly sick or injured and you’re unable to go on your hike.
• Disruptions to your hike because a family member back home is seriously sick and is hospitalised, or severe weather prevents you from continuing your hike.
• Rental vehicle insurance excess is covered up to $5000 if you’re hiring a rental car during your hiking trip.
• Travel delays of more than 6 hours
• Expenses to get you to a special event on time if your planned transport is unable to get you there.
• Your luggage, including hiking accessories.

Travel insurance for hiking in Australia does not provide medical or evacuation cover. If you’re injured or sick during your hike, you can use your Medicare or private health insurance.

Can I get travel insurance to do the Kokoda trek?

If you’re planning on hiking the Kokoda track, travel insurance for the Kokoda trek can provide you with cover if something goes wrong. While the altitude of the Kokoda Trail is under 3000m, it does still require the Adventure Pack Add-on.

Hiking the 96km Kokoda terrain is extremely challenging: you’ll be trekking in a rugged and remote location, ascending and descending very narrow jungle trails in high humidity, with very swift running rivers and streams. With that in mind, you should look for the best travel insurance for the Kokoda trek that suits you. You could also consider looking into the Kokoda trail tour companies which do the best Kokoda track tours for your situation, and the best time to do the Kokoda trail.

Can I get travel insurance for hiking Machu Picchu?

While hiking to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the ultimate destination, the Inca Trail itself, with its ancient Incan ruins, settlements, tunnels, cloud forest and alpine tundra, certainly won’t disappoint.  

Whether you need travel insurance for trekking the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, trekking insurance with the Adventure Pack Add-on can cover you for hiking the amazing Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

What is the best travel insurance for Nepal Trekking?

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for trekking to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, you should consider if the travel insurance policy for trekking in Nepal will be able to cover you for the type of Nepal trek that you’ll be doing.

Some things that you may want to be covered for include:

• Medical cover should you become unexpectedly sick or injured while on your Nepal trek
• Cancellation cover in case you’re not able to go on your Nepal hike due to sickness or injury
• Cover for your trekking gear
• 24/7 emergency medical assistance

Can I get travel insurance for trekking in Bhutan?

While a trek in Bhutan may not have the facilities as the more popular hikes around the world like Everest Bast Camp, treks in Bhutan can be a life changing experience with its scenic panoramas, unspoilt landscape and fewer hikers. Provided you take out a policy that will cover you for the altitude that you’re trekking to, you can have cover under your Bhutan trekking holiday insurance.

What is the best travel insurance for hiking Mont Blanc?

You’ll need to take out travel insurance for hiking over 4000m whether you’re planning to do a “glamp” trek up Mont Blanc in hotels or mountain huts (you can even opt for some vehicular support!), or toughing it out by camping. Mont Blanc has an elevation of 4808m, so the Adventure Pack is required to be added to your Mont Blanc trek travel insurance to ensure that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Can I get travel insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Yes, but with Mount Kilimanjaro soaring at an altitude of 5895m, make sure to add the Adventure Pack to your trekking insurance policy! Your cover gives you access to our emergency assistance team 24/7 just in case you’re sick or injured during your trek.

What is the best travel insurance for high altitude trekking?

All trekking holidays will be different for each traveller. The best trekking insurance for you is one which suits the type of trek that you’re planning on doing, including cover for high altitude trekking.

Some things to consider when looking for the best high altitude trekking travel insurance are:

• What the trek will involve, including altitude and distance
• What your particular circumstances are, including any pre-existing medical conditions
• The things that you think are important to have cover for, and may include medical, evacuation and cancellation cover

How can I compare trekking insurance?

When you compare travel insurance for trekking, you shouldn’t just look at the price of the trekking travel insurance, as the cover that they provide may differ between insurance providers.

To find the best value travel insurance for your trekking holiday, you should also check:

• The benefits that the trekking travel insurance policy can provide you
• If you need to complete a medical screening for your pre-existing medical conditions
• What can’t be covered on your travel insurance for trekking
• If the travel insurance for trekking is able to cover you for the type of trekking and other activities that you’re planning on doing
• If evacuation cover is provided when you do your trek overseas

It’s always a good idea to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) so you understand what your policy can offer you.

When should I buy my travel insurance for high altitude trekking?

You can purchase your hiking or trekking travel insurance cover:

• Up to 12 months before you leave for your trek
• Up to the day that you board your plane to travel to your trekking destination

However, an important consideration is: what will happen to the payments that you’ve already made for your hiking trip if you can’t make the hike, or you have to cut it short due to an unexpected emergency? You may lose the cost of your hiking tour (if you’re joining one), airfares and accommodation if you don’t have cancellation cover on your trekking insurance.

So if you are unexpectedly sick or injured and you need to cancel the trek, you could be left out of pocket if you don’t already have your trekking travel insurance policy with cancellation cover in place.

You may wish to consider purchasing your hiking travel insurance with cancellation cover as soon as you book and pay for your flights, accommodation and tours to get the full advantage of the cancellation cover on your trek travel insurance policy.

Can I buy trek travel insurance direct from Fast Cover?

Yes you can! You can get a trek travel insurance quote by:

• Going to our website to get a quote
• Sending us an email to  [email protected]  with your enquiry
• Calling our friendly and helpful team to put together a quote for you on  1300 409 322 .

Hiking & Trekking Travel Insurance FAQs

I am hiking above 3000m, do i need to have a guide.

You do not need to have a guide even if you are hiking above 3000m .

However, to be covered for hiking above 3000m and up to a maximum of 6000m, you will need to add the Adventure Pack to your policy for an additional premium.

• Hiking at any altitude is only covered if specialist climbing equipment is not required.
• The Adventure Pack is NOT available with the Basics policy
• Benefit 10: Permanent Disability
• Benefit 11: Loss of Income
• Benefit 18: Personal Liability

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

I am not hiking but my destination is more than 3000m in altitude. Am I covered?

As the location is more than 3000m in altitude , you would need to take out the Adventure pack for an additional premium to be covered for travel to this destination, up to a maximum of 6000m.

If I go hiking and can't get back, am I covered to be evacuated to a safer location?

If you are overseas and not able to get back from your hike due to a medical or life threatening situation, you would be covered to be evacuated to a hospital or safer location. Please contact the Emergency Assistance team, who will be able to assist you and organise evacuation if required.

If your circumstances are not due to a medical or life threatening condition, the Emergency Assistance team will review your situation and determine whether evacuation is necessary.

All claims are assessed on a case by case basis and will depend on your particular circumstances.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

Are crampons considered 'specialist climbing equipment'?

Yes, the use of crampons for hiking and trekking would be considered specialist climbing equipment.

There would be no cover if you will be going on a hike or trek which requires the use of crampons.

For more information, refer to our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

Am I covered for hiking up to Everest Base Camp?

You are NOT automatically covered. To obtain cover for hiking up to Everest Base Camp , up to a maximum of 6000 m, you will need to buy the Adventure Pack Add-on . This includes cover for altitude sickness and medical evacuation from the mountain if required.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) ..

• Adventure Pack
• What we cover - Activities

What is considered specialist climbing equipment?

Specialised climbing equipment can include (but is not limited to) the following items:

• Crampons to walk over snow or ice
• Mountaineering helmet
• Mountaineering boots
• Gloves (other than cold weather protection gloves)
• Avalanche beacons
• Climbing using guides or ropes or rock climbing equipment
• Use of oxygen
• Carabiner - locking and non-locking types
• Belay device
• Rappel devices (descenders)
• Ice axe 
• Spinner leashes (minimise the consequences of accidentally dropping a tool) 
• Climbing Harness 

Our policies provide cover for hiking, trekking and tramping is automatically covered up to 3000 m, and up to 6000 m with the Adventure Pack , where specialist climbing equipment is NOT required.

What is the Adventure Pack?

The Adventure Pack provides certain cover for additional sports and leisure activities as listed below, which are not on our list of covered sports and activities. An additional premium applies.

• From time to time we  may add additional covered activities, if you cannot see the activity you  want cover for in this list, check the list on our website .
• Activities are not covered by your policy unless listed here or listed in the Covered Sports and Activities or on our website .
• Animal conservation and handling (under appropriate supervision)
• Animal / Sealife encounters (in a controlled, enclosed environment with a licensed operator, no killer whales and no free diving)
• Battle re-enactment (not with firearms)
• Boxing (basic training only, no sparring, no competition)
• Cave/river tubing
• Caving/potholing 
• Contact sports: basketball, rugby, Australian Rules football, American football, dodgeball, field hockey, water polo, hurling, Gaelic football, lacrosse, roller derby, and squash.
• Deep sea fishing with a licensed commercial operator up to 15 nautical miles off any land mass (for 1 or more overnight stays in Australia or 4 or more nights overseas, you must specify cruise cover)
• Diving underwater using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 30 metres (you must hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities; for 1 or more overnight stays in Australia or 4 or more nights overseas, you must specify cruise cover)
• Expeditions to or on the Kokoda Track/Trail
• Flying fox/zip lining
• Hiking, trekking or tramping, peaking at altitudes between 3,000 metres up to 6,000 metres (not higher) but only where specialist climbing equipment is not required
• Martial arts (basic training only, no sparring, no competition)
• Outdoor rock climbing (only with a licensed commercial operator and ropes and appropriate safety gear but not free solo climbing)
• Quad biking & recreational all-terrain vehicles (only single rider and no jumping, racing or competition)
• Rafting or kayaking in rivers or rapids graded IV or V under the International Scale of River Difficulty (but no competition or racing)
• Sandboarding
• Sailing from 10 to 15 nautical miles off any land mass (but not competition or racing)
• Segway tours
• Shooting moving targets, such as clay pigeons, only at a licensed commercially operated shooting range (not including any live targets, game hunting or safaris)
• Tandem parachuting, tandem sky diving, tandem hang gliding, tandem gliding and tandem paragliding (you must be in tandem with an instructor licensed for these activities)
• Water skiing, jet skiing, speedboating, wakeboarding & tubing (must be with a licensed operator; no competition or racing; no stunts or jumping off ramps)

As each individual’s circumstances are different, our claims team will assess each claim on a case by case basis.

If I hike up to altitudes over 6000m, but have an accident below 6000m. Am I covered?

There is NO cover for hiking over 6000m, even if you have taken out the Adventure Pack .

You are automatically covered to hike up to 3000m only. To be covered to hike up to 6000m , you will need to take out the Adventure pack and pay the additional premium.

Whether or not you are covered for your accident depends on the altitude where the accident occurred:

• Accident occurred at an altitude over 6000m: If you have the Adventure Pack and the accident occurs at an altitude of over 6000m, this would not be covered as the accident occurred when you were at an altitude of over 6000m.
• Accident occurred at an altitude under 6000m and over 3000m: If you have the Adventure Pack, you would have provision to claim. If you do not have the Adventure Pack, you would not have provision to claim.
• Accident occurred at an altitude under 3000m: You would have provision to claim if you have an accident.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)

^ Price as at 20/03/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

† Fast Cover has a referral arrangement with this company.

The entity that referred you does not act for Fast Cover and may receive remuneration from us. You can ask them or us for more details. Make sure any information listed in any quote provided remains accurate and if not, please change it on our website.

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Travel Insurance

It is a  compulsory  requirement that you have adequate personal travel insurance before embarking on any trip with  Savannah Overland Expeditions Ltd . Your travel insurance should cover the duration of your expedition including travel to and from Africa.

As a minimum you should have insurance to cover any incident / accident that may occur whilst you are away and cover for any necessary medical expenses and / or repatriation costs incurred whilst overseas.

We believe your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important and it sometimes only takes one little mistake to cause injury – it is a mistake to think ‘it will never happen to me’. Check your policy documentation and wording carefully, especially in respect of the adventure sport and activities section to ensure you are suitably covered for all the optional activities you wish to take part in.

There are many good insurers on the market and the majority are available on-line. Please ensure any policy you find fully suits your needs before purchasing and shop around for the best price.

Without proof of appropriate travel insurance you will not be allowed to join the departing expedition.

Ensure you get adequate and comprehensive  travel insurance  and check that it covers all the activities you plan to undertake.  Be sure your policy provides cover for repatriation, medical bills, pre-existing medical conditions and potentially hazardous activities in case you decide to white water raft the Nile!

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Savannah Overland is a trading style of Savannah Overland Expeditions Ltd. Company Number 7175271 Incorporated in England and Wales. Registered Office: 1 High Street Mews, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 7RG

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Risk Management

• Expectations & Communication
• Food & Allergy
• Financial Aid & Scholarship
• Payment & Travel Protection

PAYMENT & TRAVEL PROTECTION

Know before you apply.

Learn about your options and our deadlines when it comes to the finer details.

Payment Policy

A deposit of $795 is due with the application. Full payment is due on March 1. For applications received after March 1, full payment is due within 14 days. Please note:

• If your child’s trip choices are not available, we will not charge your credit card.
• We accept credit cards for the deposit of $795, and accept check, e-check, or credit cards for the final balance.
• If, upon our review of your child’s Admissions Review Forms, the offer of a spot is withdrawn by Overland, a full refund of all payments to Overland will be made.
• If, at any point in the admissions process, we determine that you have provided incomplete, misleading, or false statements, we may withdraw the offer of admission.
• $295 of the $795 deposit remains refundable until March 1.
• If you withdraw your child after March 1 (notice of the withdrawal must be made in writing), there are no refunds for any reason whatsoever (including, but not limited to: voluntary withdrawal, illness or injury, summer school, security concerns, or any other reason).
• If your child leaves a trip after it starts, there are no refunds for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to: voluntary withdrawal, illness or injury, dismissal by Overland (due to discipline, behavior, lack of fitness or motivation, etc.), security concerns, or any other reason. Any costs incurred by Overland related to an early departure are the sole responsibility of the parents.

Travel Protection Plan

As trip payments to Overland are non-refundable after March 1st, we recommend that all Overland families consider purchasing a travel protection plan. We have partnered with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer the Overland Travel Protection Plan. This plan is only available to U.S. residents. You can view detailed information about the plan or ask specific questions by calling TII directly at 844-440-8113 and referring to Account ID #61870. The plan can be purchased by enrolled families directly through the Overland family portal.

For students traveling abroad, Overland requires proof of travel protection, specifically medical evacuation coverage.

additional Resources

Our risk management philosophy is at the core of everything we do.

expectations & Communication

Overland students leave their phones at home — no calling or texting or posting.

food & Allergy

Meals are varied, nutritious, and hearty, and are a fun, student-driven part of every day.

financial aid

Overland broadens access to our trips through our financial aid and scholarship programs.

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Safari Search

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Overland Safaris

Truck equipment, what to expect, overland trucks, essential information, pre and post safari, responsible travel, travel insurance.

• 24-Hour Worldwide Emergency Medical Service who are experts in providing friendly and professional emergency help.
• 21 day money back cooling off period.
• A pre-departure medical screen helpline.
• An extensive list of activities covered on your trip.
• Easy to purchase Add-Ons for activities not covered by the standard premiums such as sky diving and quad biking.

To enquire further, obtain a quotation and arrange a policy contact Campbell Irvine below. The full policy wording document and a complete list of activities covered is also available at this link, via the Further Info tab.

Overland Safari

The absolute safari.

Nairobi - Cape Town

Gorillas to Cape Town

Kigali - Cape Town

Northern Trails

Cape Town - Nairobi

The Wildlife Journey

Jinja - Cape Town

The Classic Safari

African drums, wildlife wanderer.

Nairobi - Maun

Flight of the Flamingos

Johannesburg - Nairobi

The Big Six

Nairobi - The Victoria Falls

The Southern Safari

Rivers of africa.

Jinja - The Victoria Falls

Classic Safari, the Component

Tusker trails.

Kigali - The Victoria Falls

The Southern Cross

Wildlife and spice island.

Nairobi - Zanzibar

Gorillas to Zanzibar

Kigali - Zanzibar

Northern Star

Southern explorer.

Lusaka - Cape Town

African Adventurer

East africa encounter.

Nairobi - Nairobi

Simba Sounds

Taste of africa.

Jinja - Zanzibar

Namibia Nomad

Victoria Falls - Cape Town

Face of Africa

Kigali - Nairobi

The Gorilla Trek

Nairobi - Kigali

Kenya & Tanzania

African sky, zanzibar to gorillas.

Dar es Salaam - Kigali

Rainforests and Reefs

The garden route.

Cape Town - Johannesburg

Gorillas and Game Parks

Kampala - Arusha

Kenya and Tanzania, the Component

Kili trek and safari.

Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Encounter (Reverse)

Wild dogs and victoria falls.

Johannesburg - Victoria Falls

Wildlife Encounter

Kigali - Arusha

Maasai and Migration

Wild wildebeest, maasai and migration (reverse).

Dar es Salaam - Nairobi

Vic Falls to Dar Es Salaam

Victoria Falls - Dar es Salaam

A Week In Kenya

A week in gorilla lands - reverse.

Kigali - Kampala

A Week In Gorilla Lands

Kampala - Kigali

Climb Kilimanjaro (8 day Lemosho Route)

8 day Lemosho Route -

Climb Kilimanjaro (7 day Machame Route)

7 days Machame Route -

Climb Kilimanjaro (7 day Lemosho Route)

7 day Lemosho Route -

Climb Kilimanjaro (7 day Rongai Route)

7 day Rongai Route -

Climb Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Route

The gorilla stop.

Kigali - Kigali

Climb Kilimanjaro (6 day Marangu Route)

6 Day Marangu Route -

Climb Kilimanjaro (6 day Rongai Route)

6 day Rongai Route -

Climb Kilimanjaro (6 day Machame Route)

6 days Machame Route -

Botswana Safari

Victoria Falls - Maun

Short safari in Kenya, with game drives in the Masai Mara

Serengeti and ngorongoro crater, kruger national park.

Johannesburg - Johannesburg

Climb Mount Kenya Naro Moru Route

Other travel options.

• Climb Kilimanjaro
• Volunteering Projects
• Gorilla Trekking
• Zanzibar Island
• Pre and post safari
• Overland trucks
• Truck Features
• Responsible travel
• What to expect
• Overland safaris
• Essential information
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• Wildlife - what and where?
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Travel insurance

Home / Get World Nomads Adventure Travel Insurance

Get World Nomads Adventure Travel Insurance

You should be looking forward to travelling to Africa and experiencing all of its thrills and highlights while having the peace of mind that you can face anything while on your adventure. That’s why we have you covered with the best Adventure Travel Insurance !

Travel insurance: Choose something simple & flexible

You can buy travel insurance and claim online , at any time or anywhere.

Travel insurance offered by WorldNomads.com is available to travellers worldwide (140 countries). Specifically designed for adventurous travellers, this travel insurance covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a wide range of incidents.

Why buy travel insurance from World Nomads?

• World Nomads are backed by specialist insurers and offer global assistance partners
• You can Buy Online , so you don’t need to worry if you left it last minute
• Even buy additional cover and claim online while travelling
• World Nomads Insurance covers a range of adventure sports and activities
• Do Good – Give a little back while supporting a community development project

Activities you are covered with through World Nomads 

World Nomads ensure you are covered for adrenaline sports and adventure activities including white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping. Most travel insurance companies don’t offer this as standard so double-check your policy inclusions.

What’s more, World Nomads also offer cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance if booking a tour in Africa. Most tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled, you would be covered.

Which travel insurance is best in Africa?

Standard Travel insurance is not sufficient when joining our tours in Africa so we recommended you don’t rely on insurance provided by credit card companies. In rare cases you may have to be airlifted to South Africa, as many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards. This could be pricey, so ensure you have comprehensive insurance such as the travel insurance provided by World Nomads.

Using your credit card insurance 

If you choose to use your credit card insurance (which is unlikely to be comprehensive enough ), you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details and forward this to us at time of booking.

Follow the steps below:

1. Phone your bank 2. Give them your Bank Card Number 3. They will ask you to verify your account 4. Then you need to ask for the insurance company name 5. Next ask for the policy number 6. Remember to keep reference of the telephone number you dialed and the policy details

Is it safe to travel in Africa?

Yes, it is certainly safer than you think. Violent crime is low and there is the same petty crime that you would be familiar with wherever you would travel in the world. We recommend you stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings:

• Keep valuables out of public sight (yes that means back pockets too!)
• Don’t walk dark streets and alleys
• Always keep cash hidden and don’t accept help at ATM’s
• Use rideshares as they are safer than travelling alone and provide tracking and customer support
• Stick with the group. If you wonder off alone you are at more risk.

It’s compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance on all our tours. Naturally, we require you to provide your travel insurance details upon booking your tour with us.

Which are the safest countries in Africa?

The most popular country for safety concerned travellers is Botswana . It boasts good infrastructure and is known to be relatively stable politically.

Other Southern African destinations such as Namibia , South Africa and Zambia are also considered safe for travel with active policing and community-uplifting programmes.

Tanzania and Kenya are two of the safest East African countries who’s belief systems are strongly swayed toward community. The people are friendly and welcoming however we still recommend you travel in groups as this is still safer than traveling solo in Africa.

Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?

There is a unique set of rules which apply when going on safari in Africa. You will be surrounded by animals, which may seem cute and fluffy to some, but this is not a petting zoo. It may seem obviously to not call a lion or hippo like you would your pet fluffy back home, but there are also some animals you may not be as aware of avoiding as you should.

For starters, snakes. We often look up or ahead of us but on a walking safari, snakes are a real threat so keep your socks up and look down ever so often. This applies to ticks which also breed in the bushes.

You can’t outrun a cheetah, take our word for it. So you are better off staying in the safari vehicle and keeping all limps inside too. It’s also advised that you keep very quiet when the game vehicle comes to a stop at a viewing so as not to frighten the wildlife.

Travel insurance from World Nomad: Things you should know

Trusted and reliable underwriters.

WorldNomads . com is backed by secure, specialist travel insurers providing you with the best cover, 24 hour emergency assistance and amazing support and claims management when you need it most.

Get Value for money and the cover you need

WorldNomads.com focuses on what’s important to you. World Nomads prices are certainly some of the most competitive.

Flexibility is important, especially when you need it most

We get it, plans change. You can buy more cover or claim online while traveling in Africa. Even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already travelling.

We cover a range of adventure activities

From skydiving to bungee jumping, we know you love getting your adrenaline pumping. That’s why you don’t have to think twice when hopping into that hot-air balloon or strapping on your helmet to go white-water rafting down the Zambezi. WorldNomads.com will have you covered with a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels.

Keep travelling safely with World Nomads

As a WorldNomads.com member, you have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, along with online tips through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub.

Get more than just great value

We got your back in so many ways. Learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and stay in touch with friends and family with an online travel journal.

We are committed to exceptional customer service

If you have any questions or concerns about your travel insurance or safety, simply contact WorldNomads.com directly.

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Travel Insurance

Click the "Shop Now" button above to browse and purchase a variety of travel insurance products. Purchase online in minutes.

-Medical Coverage Abroad

-Lost Passports

-Cancellations and trip interruptions

-Emergency evacuations back to United States

-Health insurance for visiting relatives.

Have student studying abroad? Relatives visiting the United States? Planning an expensive trip and worried about weather or cancellations? Travel insurance can help reduce anxiety for these situations plus MANY MORE! 

Travel insurance can help with things like a lost passport abroad, medical evacuation back to the united states, or emergency medical care in a foreign country where your health insurance would provide no coverage. Rates are competitive, and many times less expensive than your domestic health insurance premiums.

Provided in partnership with International Medical Group

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 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.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

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

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

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

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

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

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Best Cheap Travel Insurance of May 2024

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

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. We've gathered the best cheap travel insurance plans to help you protect your trip while on a budget.

Our top picks for the best cheap travel insurance

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

How we rate the best cheap travel insurance »

Compare the Top Affordable Travel Insurance

The best travel insurance meets your needs at a price you're willing to pay. Sometimes, you're just not willing to pay that much. The following companies offer decent coverage for low prices. To determine which companies made this list, we compared quotes across the travel insurance industry for the same trip, making a note of which companies offered particularly good coverage in certain areas and which companies were well reviewed.

Here are the best affordable travel insurance companies picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best overall: HTH Worldwide

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 for trip cancellation: GoReady

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: Nationwide

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

Best for reputation: Trawick

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 Affordable 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.

How We Reviewed 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 four winning plans cost between $29 to $74 — significantly below the average 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 travel medical insurance 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.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance FAQs

How can i reduce the cost of travel insurance.

You can reduce the cost of travel insurance by opting for simpler coverage or choosing higher deductibles on travel medical insurance. You can also consider annual travel insurance , which will save you money in the long run if you take multiple trips over one year.

Can cheap travel insurance provide enough coverage for international trips?

Yes, many affordable policies offer comprehensive coverage suitable for international travel. It's crucial to compare policies and understand your needs. You can find our guide on the best international travel insurance here.

Why is travel insurance so cheap?

Travel 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. 

How much should travel insurance cost?

The average cost of travel insurance is 4%-8% of your trip's cost. This usually translates into a premium between $89 to $399. That said, many companies offer premiums far below average costs.

How do I find the right travel insurance plan for my budget?

When shopping for travel insurance, consider the type of trip you're planning. If you're planning leisurely excursions in a big city, you may not need as much emergency medical coverage as you would if you're planning a serious hiking expedition in the mountains. A good plan should include trip cancellation, some emergency medical protection, and 24-hour assistance at a minimum.

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