best family travel insurance reviews

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These are the 4 best family travel insurance plans

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

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

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

Best family travel insurance  

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

Best for families with young children 

Allianz travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

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

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for affordability 

Faye travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for CFAR coverage 

Travel insured international travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for cruises  

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

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

More on our top family travel insurance companies 

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

CFAR coverage available?  

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

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]  

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

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

Travel Insured International 

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 

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

Up to 50%, only available on LuxuryCare packages 

Does travel insurance cover family members?  

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select? 

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

Our methodology  

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

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

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

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of May 2024

Our team vetted 15 companies and narrowed our top picks to nine insurers, including Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance and World Nomads. To do so, we read the fine print on travel insurance plans and compared coverage options and prices. That helped us determine which company stood out by offering services that may appeal to particular groups.

Money's Main Takeaways

• Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost luggage, missed flights, trip cancellations or interruptions, and emergency medical expenses.
• Purchase travel insurance right after booking the trip to ensure the best coverage.
• You can compare multiple policies in one place through a marketplace such as TravelInsured.com.

Why Trust Us?

Our editors and writers evaluate insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. Read the full methodology to learn more.

• Based on 15+ data points
• Reviewed 13 insurers
• 1,000+ hours of research

Comprehensive travel insurance can give you peace of mind, whether you’re going on a carefully planned trip or an impromptu adventure to one of the best places to travel .

Here are the nine best travel insurance companies of 2024 so you can protect yourself, your finances and your belongings while abroad.

Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Insurance

• Seven Corners - Best for Large Groups
• Generali Global Assistance - Best for Emergency Support Services
• World Nomads - Best for Adventure Sports Coverage
• Nationwide - Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Travelex - Best for Families with Children
• Allianz Travel - Best for Business Travel
• AIG Travel Guard - Best for Add-Ons
• HTH Travel Insurance - Best for Long-Term Insurance for International Travel
• TravelInsurance.com - Best for Comparing Travel Insurance Quotes

Best Travel Insurance Reviews

• Coverage from five up to 364 days
• Allows coverage extensions
• Website includes sample scenarios to illustrate how the coverage works
• Hazardous activities not included in coverage (add-on only)
• Different plan options for WA, NY, PA, and MO residents

Why we chose it : We chose Seven Corners as the best travel insurance for large groups because it insures parties of 10 or more travelers through comprehensive policies that cover medical expenses and evacuations.

Seven Corners’ simple and budget-friendly Trip Protection Choice plan covers trip cancellation, interruption or delays for specific reasons, including COVID-19 for groups of 10 or more. Its emergency medical protection goes up to $500,000 and offers up to $1,000,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

In addition to its group trip travel insurance plans, Seven Corners has three travel medical plan tiers with comprehensive medical coverage for emergency room visits, hospital room and board, and onset of pre-existing medical conditions, among others.

These plans include 24/7 multilingual customer service to help with emergency travel arrangements, medical evacuations and locating the nearest embassy or consulate.

Read Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Seven Corners's Secure Website >>

• Offers 24-hour emergency assistance services
• Up to $1K upfront payment for acute medical treatment
• Car rental damage add-on available
• Pre-existing condition coverage only available in the Premium plan
• High premium costs
• "Cancel for any reason" only available for Premium plan

Why we chose it : Generali Global Assistance is our choice for the best travel insurance for emergency support services because its policies include telemedicine, concierge services and identity theft resolution assistance.

All of Generali’s policies include 24-hour Travel Support, which can provide immediate assistance for problems that might arise during a trip:

• Medical emergencies
• Identity theft resolution
• Emergency cash transfer
• Replacing lost or stolen medication
• Locating lost or stolen items

Travelers can choose between three plans — Standard, Preferred and Premium — that cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, and baggage damage, loss or theft. Each plan also covers medical and dental emergencies up to specific payout limits:

• Standard: up to $50,000 per person
• Preferred: up to $150,000 per person
• Premium: up to $250,000 per person

Both its Preferred and Premium plans include trip cancellation benefits or trip interruption in the event that a travel supplier — say, a cruise company, hotel or rental car company — becomes insolvent and can no longer offer its services.

Read Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Generali Global Assistance's Secure Website

• Emergency medical $100,000 (accident and sickness)
• Buy more while traveling
• 24/7 emergency support (Generali Global Assistance)
• Does not cover pre-existing conditions
• No CFAR option offered
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage low compared to other providers ($2.5K-$10K)

Why we chose it: World Nomads is the best travel insurance for travelers who enjoy adventure sports because it covers over 150+ sports and adventure activities, unlike most companies.

While most travel insurance companies shy away from covering adventure sports and other off-the-beaten-path activities, WorldNomads offers policies specifically tailored to more adventurous travelers.

Its Standard and Explorer plans cover scuba diving, skiing, surfing and 150+ other sports and activities. Both plans include $100,000 in coverage for accidents and illnesses and 24/7 emergency support to help you find local physicians or medical facilities.

• Standard: Covers accidents and illnesses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, accidental death and lost luggage or theft
• Explorer: Increases the coverage limits of each benefit and adds $35K in rental car damage coverage

Most companies don't let you purchase or extend coverage during the trip, but World Nomads offers a rare alternative; individuals who didn't purchase coverage before their trip can enroll in the company's "Buy While Traveling" plan. Those who already purchased a policy can also extend their coverage to keep exploring.

Read World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

See rates on World Nomads's Secure Website

• Offers a pre-existing condition waiver
• 24-hour assistance
• Multi-trip plans
• Must wait 12 hours before bag delay coverage
• Cancel for any reason is only available in premium plan
• Few options for additional coverage.

Why we chose it : We picked Nationwide as the best travel insurance for cruises because it offers travel insurance plans geared explicitly toward cruise travel.

Nationwide has three cruise insurance tiers (Universal, Choice and Luxury) that fit any budget and insurance needs.

Nationwide's emergency medical coverage starts at $75,000, and all three of its plan tiers include “cancel for work reasons” coverage, $500 for return-home-early benefit, $200 for shipboard service disruption, and $25,000 for non-medical evacuations.

Covered reasons for cancellation and interruption include inclement weather, natural disasters and work-related emergencies.

Nationwide also has two single-trip plans: Essential and Prime. In addition to industry-standard trip protection basics, these plans offer above-average medical coverage starting at $75,000 and a “cancel for any reason” add-on that reimburses 75% of non-refundable trip costs.

Travelers can add a pre-existing conditions waiver and coverage in the case of a travel supplier’s financial default (as an upgrade to Essential and included in Prime).

Read Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Nationwide's Secure Website

• Flight insurance plans available
• Pre-existing conditions waiver
• Several upgrades available
• Upgrades not available for the Basic plan
• Customer service has limited operating hours

Why we chose it : Travelex is our choice as the best travel insurance for families with children because it offers two plans that cover family members under 17 at no additional cost.

Travelex Insurance Service features two main plans for international trips, Travel Basic and Travel Select — plus a Travel America plan for trips in the USA. Both plans include children 17 and under at no additional cost.

The Travel Basic is an affordable plan perfect for students, backpackers, small groups or those on a budget. These plans cover trip cancellation and interruption at 100% of the trip cost and offer up to $2,000 for trip delays or missed connections.

Read Travelex Insurance Services Review

See rates on Travelex's Secure Website

• Epidemic coverage endorsement
• Allianz TravelSmart App
• Annual plan geared to business travelers
• 24-hour multilingual assistance hotline
• Low medical coverage
• No "cancel for any reason" benefit

Why we chose it : Allianz Travel is our choice for the best travel insurance for business trips because its comprehensive annual plan is ideal for frequent flyers, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure. It also covers business equipment against theft, loss, damage and delay.

Allianz sells 10 distinct travel insurance plans offering a wide range of options, from basic cancellation benefits to multi-trip protection. These plans include a 24-hour multilingual assistance hotline and the TravelSmart App, which gives quick access to travel advisories, local medical facilities, mobile claims filing and much more.

Allianz's AllTrips Executive plan is tailored for frequent travelers, aiming to streamline business trips and enhance convenience. This comprehensive plan covers:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Emergency medical and transportation
• Rental car damage and theft
• Business equipment coverage (for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed equipment)

Another one of Allianz’s highlights is its lack of age restrictions (most other insurers limit coverage by age). Some of its plans also cover kids 17 and under traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Read Allianz Travel Insurance Review

See rates on Allianz Travel's Secure Website

• Lodging expense benefit
• Trip saver and exchange specialized coverage included
• A child 17 and under is covered per insured
• Covers trips to Cuba if the traveler provides additional documentation
• High cost of premiums
• Most add-ons are not available for the basic plan

Why we chose it : We chose AIG Travel Guard as the best travel insurance for add-ons because it offers travelers a wide variety of coverage options with which to customize their plans.

AIG Travel Guard has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive travel insurance to millions of travelers. These customers have had access to unique services such as MedEvac and Bag Trak®.

AIG Travel Guard’s most popular plan, the Preferred offers:

• Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Reimbursement of up to 50% of your trip cost if you were to change your trip dates

Travelers can also add unique options such as a pet bundle, a wedding bundle (for canceled weddings) and an inconvenience bundle in the event any attractions you wanted to visit are closed.

Another of AIG's specialized insurance products is lodging expense coverage. This benefit is for travelers who test positive for COVID-19 and must remain abroad until they present a negative test result.

For last-minute trips, AIG Travel Guard has the Pack N’ GO Plan that includes post-departure coverage and an exclusive 24-hour emergency travel assistance service.

Read AIG Travel Insurance Review

See rates on AIG Travel Guard's Secure Website

• Travel medical insurance for groups of five or more
• International expatriate comprehensive coverage
• mPassport app to find doctors, pharmacies, and translations of drug names
• Pet medical expense coverage
• 12-hour wait for bag delay coverage (24 hours under the economy plan)
• "Cancel for any reason" option only offered in the Preferred plan
• Participants must be enrolled in a primary health insurance plan to be eligible for the multi-trip plan

Why we chose it : HTH Travel Insurance stands out as the best travel insurance for long-term international travel because it offers specialty coverage for expats and students.

HTH Travel Insurance's Xplorer Plan offers comprehensive medical insurance for individuals and families traveling outside their home country for at least three months out of the year. This plan features:

• No deductible for office visits
• No waiting periods for preventive care services
• No pre-existing condition waiting period, provided the insured has proof of prior creditable coverage

HTH Travel Insurance also offers international health insurance for students with flexible trip duration options. This plan has unlimited annual and lifetime medical care maximums and includes supplies and prescriptions. In addition to unlimited telemedicine services, the plan covers medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Other global health and safety services available through HTH Travel Insurance include 24/7 call assistance, access to elite international doctors and hospitals, and translated medical terms.

Read HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

See rates on HTH Travel Insurance's Secure Website

• Shows results from the top-rated insurers
• Offers helpful tips and articles
• Site only shows all add-ons available at checkout
• You may prefer a company that isn't on the marketplace

Why we chose it : We picked TravelInsurance.com as the best travel insurance for comparing quotes because it allows users to quickly and easily view plan details and prices from some of the top travel insurance providers in the industry.

TravelInsurance.com is a travel insurance comparison platform that simplifies the shopping process by connecting users with top-rated carriers. It breaks down coverage options and presents policies in a simple table for easy comparison.

This marketplace simplifies the process for travelers to input their trip details and receive customized quotes based on factors such as trip cost, duration and traveler ages. The results page presents essential coverage information, reviews, ratings and a link to each provider's COVID-19 policy FAQs.

Read TravelInsurance.com Review

See rates on TravelInsurance.com's Secure Website

Other travel insurance companies we considered

In this section, we feature popular companies that didn't make our top picks. The table below highlights the highest coverage available for each type of benefit. Check out the full reviews to learn more about each provider:

• Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review
• TravelSafe Insurance Review
• AXA Travel Insurance Review
• Faye Travel Insurance Review
• Trawick International insurance review
• John Hancock travel insurance review
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Travel Insurance Guide

Travel insurance reimburses you if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip early. It can also pay for stolen or lost baggage and medical expenses if you get sick or have an accident during the trip. You can purchase a single policy for a short trip, or purchase a long-term policy for frequent trips or long stays abroad.

Read on for more information on coverage benefits and tips on how to select the right type of coverage.

What does travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance not cover, how much is travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, how much travel insurance do i need, credit card travel insurance, are there location restrictions when it comes to travel insurance.

• Travel insurance companies that cover COVID-19

Comprehensive travel insurance covers common travel issues and mishaps, from accidents to baggage delays.

The following are standard coverage options and add-ons.

• Trip cancellation insurance: refunds up to 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you cancel an upcoming trip for eligible reasons.
• Trip interruption coverage: reimburses you for the unused portion of the trip as well as expenses you may incur to get back home. Insurers typically cap reimbursement at 150% of the cost of the trip.
• Travel delays: reimburses you (up to your policy limits) for extra expenses such as meals or lodgings during a flight delay. Insurers may also cover airport delays and any flight change fees necessary to catch up on your travel plans.
• Emergency travel medical insurance : reimburses you for medical expenses incurred during your trip, under certain circumstances. Coverage amounts for medical expenses can range from $15,000 to $50,000. Coverage may apply even if you're pregnant while traveling .
• Emergency medical evacuation: Reimburses you if you need to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility or to a facility in your country of origin. Maximum benefits usually range between $100,000 to $500,000 but can be as high as $1 million.
• Baggage and personal effects: Refunds you the cost of replacement items if your luggage is lost or delayed during your trip, typically up to $2,500. You must wait a predetermined number of hours before filing a claim and submit purchase receipts or a list of items in your luggage. Coverage may be subject to a deductible.
• Worldwide assistance: 24/7 customer service should you need assistance while traveling. This includes multilingual medical hotlines that can provide medical advice and refer you to local healthcare services.

Popular travel insurance add-ons

Here we explain a variety of add-ons or riders that allow you to increase benefit limits and cover activities that may be excluded from standard policies.

The most common exclusions in a travel insurance policy are:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Injuries caused by extreme sports
• Theft/loss of personal items such as electronic devices and jewelry
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Injuries that happen while you’re intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, even if the intoxicating substance is legal to use at the destination
• Missed flights, where the traveler is at fault
• "Foreseeable events" such as epidemics and pandemics that are officially declared by federal or international health agencies. (Claims related to COVID-19 illness may be covered)

The cost of travel insurance can range from 4% to 12% of the total cost of your trip and depend on:

• Your travel destination
• The length of your trip
• The types of benefits and policy limits you select

We used an online marketplace to get quotes for a family of four taking a trip from New York City to London. Let's say that the family spent $2,200 on four tickets. Insuring all four travelers could cost between $90 to over $300.

To illustrate the potential cost of trip insurance, we calculated 6% of the cost of various trips.

You can buy travel insurance after booking a flight . However, it's advisable not to delay obtaining a policy. The longer you wait between your initial trip payment and purchasing trip insurance, the greater the chance you'll miss out on valuable add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR upgrades.

The best time to purchase travel insurance coverage is right after you've booked your trip’s costliest non-refundable expense, i.e., flight tickets and lodging.

1. Define your travel insurance needs

Consider your reasons for traveling and how long you'll be away, taking into account who is traveling with you as well as your planned activities.

Business travel insurance is suitable for those who travel frequently for work and need coverage for items like work laptops and phones. Vacationers who booked a cruise may need a specialized policy such as Nationwide's cruise insurance plans , while students in overseas programs should look into a plan like Trawick International Insurance for students .

2. Review the policy limits

Each travel insurance benefit has a specific payout limit, which may or may not be enough for your particular situation. For example, individuals traveling with expensive personal belongings such as cameras or jewelry may want a higher payout limit for personal effects or riders for high-value items.

3. Check the policy's fine print

Make sure the trip insurance policy you're interested in covers the activities you have planned, especially if there are recreational sports involved.

Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should also confirm whether those are covered under their policy. If not, they may need supplemental medical coverage or a different provider.

Take a moment to check if emergency assistance services are available 24/7 and what kind of assistance you can expect should you have a medical emergency or your belongings be stolen.

4. Compare travel insurance quotes

We recommend you get insurance quotes through comparison sites and marketplaces such as InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth Travel Insurance . If you're traveling on a tight budget, you can still find cheap travel insurance that will cover the essentials, such as medical expenses and personal effects.

Consider the following when comparing quotes:

• Affordability
• Maximum payout limits for baggage loss or theft
• Available add-ons such as "Cancel for Any Reason"
• Policy terms regarding pre-existing medical conditions
• Minimum wait time before you can file a claim for baggage loss and trip delays
• Maximum payout limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Before buying travel insurance , take stock of what losses you would incur if unforeseen events forced you to cancel the trip, or if you suffered an unexpected medical emergency.

• Non-refundable travel expenses: This includes flight tickets, lodging reservations, pet care accommodations, travel activities like guided tours and transportation expenses booked in advance.
• Potential medical emergencies: Travelers may need medical care abroad due to food poisoning, cardiovascular emergencies, endemic illnesses and injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash. Some travel insurers recommend you get a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international trips and $100,000 for cruises and trips to remote locations.
• Additional coverage needs: Travelers who engage in adventure sports may need a rider to ensure medical coverage if they get injured. These sports are usually excluded from most trip insurance policies.

Many credit cards offer flight insurance and travel protection for lodging and luggage if you use the card to pay for these trip expenses. That being said, if you compare credit card travel coverage with travel insurance , you'll see that most credit cards lack benefits such as medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.

Read our guide to the best travel credit cards for more information on how your credit card can help you travel smarter.

Most U.S. insurance providers will not issue international travel insurance for destinations that are currently under a State Department travel advisory or where there is political unrest. Among the countries usually excluded by providers are Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Myanmar and Cuba.

The U.S. State Department created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so travelers can stay apprised of relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. Consulate. The program is free to use and travelers can register each upcoming trip as needed. STEP is a useful tool for all travelers, no matter their destination, as it facilitates contact between them and the U.S. Embassy in case of natural disaster, civil unrest or a family emergency.

Travel insurance that covers COVID-19

All of the insurers on our list cover COVID-19 if you become sick and need medical attention abroad. Trip protection is also available if you need to cancel the trip due to a COVID-19 infection.

Does insurance cover COVID-19 testing for travel?

Travel insurance doesn't cover the cost of COVID-19 tests prior to your trip. It may cover COVID-19 tests during your trip if you get sick and a doctor requires a test to diagnose you.

Alternatively, low or no-cost COVID testing may be available at a health center near you if you need to get tested before departing.

Latest News on Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is mainly used for international trips but insurers also sell policies for domestic travel. Check out our guide to domestic travel insurance to determine whether this coverage is necessary for your trip within the U.S.
• Planning a trip to a European destination within the Schengen area? You'll need a Schengen visa and proof of medical insurance coverage. Read our Schengen travel insurance guide to learn more about this requirement
• Southwest now offers a rare (and valuable) welcome bonus if you sign up for the airline's credit card: a complimentary extra ticket (minus taxes and fees) for one travel companion once you purchase a Southwest ticket. To unlock this bonus, you must spend $4,000 within the first three months after you open a Southwest credit card account.
• Travel search engine Kayak unveiled a calculator that can help you budget for vacations . The Vacay Valuator is a free tool that tallies how much you'd save if you cut certain expenses for a specific length of time and matches you with flights within that price range.

Now that the holiday season has passed, it's time to start planning this year's adventures. Check out the following travel guides to plan your next trip in 2024:

• Best Places to Travel in Spring
• Best Places to Travel in the Summer
• Best Places to Travel in Fall
• Best Places to Travel in Winter

Travel Insurance FAQs

What is a pre-existing condition for travel insurance.

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries diagnosed by a medical professional 60 to 180 days before you purchased the policy.

Providers may define pre-existing conditions differently, so ask your insurer about this, even if you qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver . Misunderstanding the terms and conditions of your policy could lead to your claim being denied.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be worth it , especially if you're traveling internationally and have covered non-refundable expenses upfront. It serves as a financial safety net, covering unforeseen events before or during your trip. It includes flight insurance and covers medical expenses and/or reservation costs if you get sick or need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

Having said that, this coverage isn't necessary if you can already get reimbursed for a canceled trip. This can happen, for example, if you reserve your trip with a credit card that offers travel insurance as a perk.

How does travel insurance work?

Travel insurance reimburses you for expenses or losses incurred before or during your trip, provided they are covered under your policy. It's more commonly associated with medical emergencies, but it also covers prepaid expenses like airfare, accommodations, tours and more.

If you suffer a covered loss, you'll need to file a claim and provide evidence of the loss. The insurance provider will then analyze your claim and reimburse you if it's covered under the policy. If the claim is denied, you can always appeal the decision.

What is the best travel insurance?

Based on our research, the best travel insurance companies are Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance, World Nomads, Nationwide, Travelex, Allianz Travel, AIG Travel Guard and HTH Travel Insurance.

Can I cancel a flight and get a refund?

You can cancel a flight and get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of purchasing the tickets, according to the Department of Transportation. (This applies to airline tickets purchased at least seven days before departure.)

Once 24 hours have passed, all airlines allow you to cancel a flight and many offer a refund, credit or voucher. What you get will depend on the airline's policies and the type of flight you purchase.

To ensure you obtain a refund for your flight you should buy a policy that includes a cancel for any reason rider.

When is it too late to buy travel insurance?

Once you depart for the trip, it's too late to buy travel insurance. You may be able to get coverage up to 24 hours before the departure time, though the specific cut-off point varies by provider. And if you're cutting it really close, the company may not sell you trip cancellation coverage.

Policies purchased at the last minute cover the basics: trip interruptions and delays, medical emergencies, and baggage loss or theft. You will miss out on valuable benefits such as "cancel for any reason," "trip interruption for any reason" and waivers for pre-existing medical conditions.

How We Chose the Best Travel Insurance Companies

As part of our methodology, we gathered travel insurance quotes from online comparison site Travelinsurance.com using the following profile:

• Family of four traveling from New York City to London
• $2,200 on flight tickets for all four travelers

We then reviewed the available plans and looked at the following factors to evaluate and compare each company:

• Plans and coverage: We looked for insurers with a variety of plans and the ability to customize the policy with upgrades. We focused on companies offering unique add-ons, such as coverage for extreme sports and lost gear or equipment.
• Ease of use: We considered how easily you could get a quote and understand the policy information. Most of these companies either offer just a few plans to keep things simple or provide a comparison page where you can quickly spot the differences in each plan.
• Customer service and support: Factors like a 24/7 hotline and an established network of global resources to help in an emergency indicate a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. We gave extra points to companies with mobile apps, multiple ways of accessing customer support and added perks like concierge and translation services.
• Reputation : To gauge each company’s reputation, we evaluated factors such as customer feedback and ratings, years in business and financial stability as evidenced by AM Best financial strength ratings.

Summary of Money's 9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of May 2024

• Seven Corners – Best for Large Groups
• Generali Global Assistance – Best for Emergency Support Services
• World Nomads – Best for Adventure Sports Coverage
• Nationwide – Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Travelex – Best for Families with Children
• Allianz Travel – Best for Business Travel
• AIG Travel Guard – Best for Add-Ons
• HTH Travel Insurance – Best for Long-Term Insurance for International Travel
• TravelInsurance.com – Best for Comparing Travel Insurance Quotes

Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of May 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 6:28 a.m. UTC May 2, 2024

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

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans get 5 stars in our rating because of the extensive coverage they provide for the price. Both plans come with high limits for important benefits such as emergency medical and evacuation, travel delay and missed connections. WorldTrips travel insurance also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you buy a plan within 21 days of making your first trip deposit.

Best travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

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

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, WorldTrips has two top-rated travel insurance plans in our rating:

• Atlas Journey Preferred provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage. Primary coverage means you don’t have to first file a medical claim with your health insurance company. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises with $1 million in coverage for emergency evacuation.
• Atlas Journey Premier costs more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

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

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 411 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008.

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

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

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for missed connections

If you’re looking for good travel insurance for missed connections , it’s worth considering TravelSafe. Its Classic plan includes $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan. Some travel insurance companies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe doesn’t impose that restriction.

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

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. It’s also the best trip insurance for pet parents , with an optional Pet Bundle add-on that includes pet medical, pet kennel and pet return benefits.

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

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

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

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

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

See our full AIG travel insurance review

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

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

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

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

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

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

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

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

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

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

Best travel insurance for seniors

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

How much is travel insurance?

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

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

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

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

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

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

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

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

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

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

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

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

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

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

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from March 24 to April 23, 2024.

Methodology

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

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

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

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

Best travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

Best overall travel insurance, best for solo travelers.

John Hancock

Best for Tailored Plans

Allianz Global Assistance

Best for Premier Travel Insurance Plans

AXA Travel Insurance

Best for Adventure Sports Coverage

World Nomads

Best Travel Insurance for Groups

APRIL International

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Reviews Report

• Reviews.com rates IMG as the best travel insurance company, earning a 4.75 out of 5.
• The best travel insurance companies have broad areas and limits of coverage and excellent service for the insured.
• Medical coverage and trip cancellation/interruption are must-haves when choosing the best travel insurance company.

Travel insurance is an often overlooked way to protect the investment in your vacation or trip abroad. It covers incidents such as canceling trips, medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more. However, picking the best travel insurance policy isn’t always easy — especially when COVID-19 has slowed travel and canceled trips outright.

In making our selections for the best travel insurance companies of 2021 we analyzed each company’s travel insurance offerings using a number of criteria like medical coverage limits, available add-on coverage options, and the number of plans to choose from.

The 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

• IMG : Best Overall Travel Insurance
• John Hancock : Best Insurance for Travel Cost Reimbursement
• Allianz Global : Best Travel Insurance for Tailored Plans
• AXA : Best for Premier Travel Insurance Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best Travel Insurance for Adventure Sports
• APRIL International : Best Travel Insurance for Group Travel

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Information accurate as of April 2021

Why we chose it

• 4.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• NR AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• $100K–$500K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 180 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Plans specifically for seniors available
• Additional add-on coverage available
• High medical coverage
• Number of plans is limited
• Lengthy wait to initiate claim for lost luggage
• Trip cancellation: $50K
• Trip interruption: 150% cost of trip
• Medical coverage: $500K
• Medical evacuation: $1M
• Sports/recreation: $500K
• Travel delay: $500 (Max $125/day)
• iTravelInsured Travel Lite
• iTravelInsured SE
• iTravelInsured LX
• Senior plan
• 4.2 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• A+ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• $50K–$250K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 90 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Multiple plans
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance
• Up to $1K missed connection coverage
• Lower medical emergency coverage than competitors
• Few add-on coverage
• No free child traveler coverage
• Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip cost
• Trip interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost
• Emergency medical: Up to $250K
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1M
• Baggage delay: $500
• Lost baggage: $2,500
• Bronze: Basic plan with lower coverage limits than other two
• Silver: Intermediate plan with more value than Bronze 
• Gold: Premier plan with best coverage 

More John Hancock Insurance Reviews 

• John Hancock Travel Insurance Review
• 3.4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $25K–$50K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• Multiple plans to choose from
• Children 17 and under, free
• Annual plan for multiple trips
• Relatively low medical limits
• Often difficult to compare multiple plan offerings
• Some plans are relatively expensive
• Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
• Trip interruption: Up to $150,000
• Medical coverage: $50,000
• Emergency medical: $25,000
• Lost baggage: $1,000
• Change fee: $500
• Annual Plans
• One Trip Cancellation Plus
• One Trip Basic, Prime, Premier
• One Trip Emergency Medical

More Allianz Global Insurance Reviews

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

• 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $25K–$250K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 60 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Very comprehensive top tier coverage
• Broad adventure travel coverage
• No deductible
• Limited coverage for lower tier plans
• Extensive exclusions for lost/damaged personal property
• Trip delay: Up to $300/day; $1,250 max
• Medical coverage: Up to $250K
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1M 
• Baggage delay: Up to $750 max
• Lost baggage: Up to $3K
• Silver Plan: Basic plan
• Gold Plan: Better value
• Platinum Plan: Premier coverage
• Adventure Product
• 2.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• Not Rated AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• Up to $100K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• Adventure sports coverage
• Language apps for iPhones
• COVID-19 coverage
• No pre-existing med coverage
• Restricted civil unrest coverage
• Less extensive med coverage
• Emergency dental: $750
• Trip cancellation: $2,500 / $10K
• Trip interruption: $2,500 / $10K
• Medical evacuation: $300K / $500K
• Lost, damaged, stolen gear: $1K/$3K
• Standard Plan
• Explorer (Enhanced) Plan
• 4.25 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• 60-90 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• High coverage for trip delay
• Group travel policies available
• Cancel for any reason available
• Low trip cost coverage
• Sports equipment coverage not automatic

Add-ons and Coverage

• Trip cancellation: 100% of cost
• Cancel for any reason: 75% of cost (only for Pandemic Plus plan)
• Trip interruption: 150%–175% of cost
• Medical evacuation: $500K (only for Pandemic Plus plan)
• Lost baggage: Up to $2,500
• APRIL Pandemic Plus
• APRIL Trip Cancellation
• APRIL Choice with Pre-Ex Waiver
• APRIL Cruise

Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know 

Travel insurance is an optional protection that most travelers should consider. Travel insurance helps people recover losses if travel plans are disrupted. This can include full recovery of prepaid expenses if the trip is canceled entirely as well as coverage for expenses incurred on a trip if facing problems such as a medical emergency or lost items.

A number of credit card companies provide some automatic travel insurance but coverage is limited and often doesn’t cover crisis situations such as the need to evacuate for a civil disturbance or natural disaster. The best travel insurance policies will provide full coverage, can be tailored to specific needs, and reimburse customers for losses and costs that will arise if plans go astray.

Purchasing travel insurance works much like buying other common coverage, such as home or auto insurance. The first step is to understand and list all of anticipated travel costs and potential risks, then contact several companies to obtain quotes to compare. 

What Travel Insurance Covers 

Medical care and evacuation.

The best travel insurance policies provide coverage for emergency medical expenses should a traveler be injured or become ill. Most policies will also offer coverage for the cost of evacuation due to a medical emergency.

Typically, plans reimburse for the cost of emergency care up to a limit set in the policy. It is important to review these limits carefully in light of personal medical risks and health concerns specific to the travel destination. Medical coverage will continue to be a vital part of any trip planning during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic environments.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Trip cancellation coverage is important if you need to completely cancel a trip because of personal reasons, weather-related incidents, or other covered events. You should review the coverage to assure that protection also applies when a trip is cut short for one of these same reasons.

This interruption coverage is designed to reimburse travelers for the unreimbursed costs incurred for the unused part of the trip. When searching for appropriate travel insurance policies, make sure to carefully forecast your costs for a trip Interruption or cancellation and ensure coverage limits are sufficient.

Delayed or lost baggage

Delayed baggage coverage reimburses travelers for the cost of obtaining toiletries and other basic necessities when baggage is delayed during a trip. On the other hand, lost baggage covers personal items and bags that are completely list and cannot be recovered.  In addition to reimbursement for items lost, many policies provide lost baggage tracking assistance. Be certain to read the fine print as usually each of these coverages come with some pretty stringent conditions. Also, compare this coverage with coverage offered by your credit card providers, as this is one area where these coverages may overlap.

Cancel for any reason

For an additional fee, many insurers will add a “Cancel for Any Reason” provision, which covers travelers in the event of a canceled trip, because of the risk of some disaster, such as a forecasted hurricane or civil unrest while traveling internationally .

The policy timeframe for canceling a trip will be critical so it is important to review the specific policy terms and understand just how close to departure you can cancel and be covered. Also, the extra cost of this coverage can be steep so be certain it is necessary.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Company

Prior to buying travel insurance, it is important to determine the travel coverage you may already have from other sources such as your credit cards, existing health insurance, or homeowners insurance. Also, have your total prepaid and anticipated trip costs calculated and handy. 

Here are some tips on selecting the best travel insurance company policy for your needs:

• Review any home insurance, umbrella insurance, health insurance, and credit card coverage that may already apply to traveling. For example, some home insurance policies cover lost items no matter where you are and health insurance could apply to situations outside of the United States.
• Understand the factors that will guide you in selecting the best policy for you — length of trip, destination, your age and health condition and anticipated involvement in high risk sports or other activities.
• Compare the detailed features and prices of several plans — try to find the cheapest travel insurance company plan that will also cover everything you need.
• Understand all of the deductible options that are available.
• Read the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the insurance company when plans are confusing or you would like a modification to the plan offered.

Finally, once you have purchased a policy and before departing on your trip, make sure you understand the process for filing a claim and seeking emergency assistance should the need arise. You do not want to face a crisis on the other side of the world and not be able to put your hands on the number to call for help.

Travel Insurance FAQ 

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight or hotel.

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after you book your trip. In fact, it can be desirable as you will better understand all costs at that point. Do not wait too long though and miss out on some features.

Can you be refused travel insurance?

Unfortunately, yes. Travel insurance companies often take specific medical conditions into account and can refuse coverage if they determine the risk is too high. This is another good reason to explore various coverage options with different companies.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Spending 5%–7% of the total cost of your trip to assure that you are not forced to spend perhaps several hundred thousand dollars for a serious medical problem and related expenses is worth getting travel insurance. 

Methodology 

We evaluated travel insurance providers based on coverage, number of plans, optional coverage, medical coverage limits, and AM Best ratings to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best travel insurance provider reviews. To compare travel insurance providers with other brands across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:

• Essential Coverage: When comparing travel insurance providers, we considered essential coverage to be 24/7 assistance, trip cancellation/interruption, medical evacuation and more. Providers with more points of essential coverage scored higher. 
• Number of Plans: Flexibility and having options is important which is why Reviews.com awarded travel insurance providers with higher scores if they presented more plans. 
• Add-on Coverage: Travel insurance providers with more optional coverage add-ons scored higher in this metric — higher flexibility and customization in travel insurance is an indicator of the best travel insurance companies.
• Medical Coverage Limit: We compared the medical coverage limits of the best travel insurance companies and awarded providers with higher scores if they had higher medical coverage limits. 
• AM Best: Reviews.com utilized AM Best ratings to assign a score based on each home insurance company’s financial stability.

About the Authors

Rick Hoel Contributing Writer

Rick Hoel is an international business attorney and legal and insurance writer for Reviews.com. Over the last several years, he has covered topics dealing with personal and commercial insurance and technology and the law.

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Table Of Contents

The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

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Our Review of the Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers for Any Destination

Reviews of the Top 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies

Quality Verified

Updated: October 27, 2022

• Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers

Our Methodology

Before you buy.

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Whether you're planning your honeymoon, a family trip to Hawaii or a business trip to meet new clients, travel insurance can provide protection when your plans go astray. There are generally three main types of travel insurance: travel cancellation and disruption; medical assistance and evacuation; and baggage loss and delay. We researched dozens of travel insurance companies to pick the best in the industry. The right plan for you may depend on the nature of your travels, who is traveling and your budget. But whatever your needs, these 10 picks are financially stable, reliable companies with a good track record and comprehensive coverage.

Our Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers

Best : Overall, and for families with kids Travelex Insurance Services is a leading travel insurance provider based in Omaha, Neb. Its parent company, Travelex, has been a worldwide leader in foreign currency exchange for decades, and Travelex Insurance was started in 1996. The company's travel insurance policies are underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company and Transamerica Casualty Insurance company, which has a financial rating of A+ from A.M. Best, and TransAmerica Casualty Insurance Company, which has A.M. Best ratings of A. The company has won the international luxury travel network Virtuoso's Best Travel Insurance Provider award for eleven years in a row. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which gives it an A+ rating.

Coverage: Travelex offers two main coverage plans - basic and select (family-friendly) - and two flight insurance opt-ins. They offer protection for both leisure and business travelers. Like many companies here, they cover younger children (17 and under) at no additional cost. The company boasts a high claims paid rate (previously reported at 94 percent).

Website/mobile apps: The Travelex mobile website allows you to shop and purchase policies, get emergency assistance, and access trip-related documents from your phone. You can initiate a claim and check the status of your claim online.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Basic $377, Select $333, Max $895

Best for : Frequent travelers Allianz Travel Insurance is part of the giant multinational corporation Allianz, which has over 140,000 employees on five continents. Allianz insures over 80 million customers worldwide. The company has been around for over 100 years. In fact, Allianz insured the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903. Today Allianz is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, which gives them an A+ rating. Its financial rating from A.M. Best is A+.

Coverage: Allianz offers a handful of distinct plans including those for frequent travelers. If you travel for business, for example, it might be worth investing in an annual plan that covers both medical and lost baggage expenses for all your trips throughout the year.

Website/mobile apps: Back in 2013 Allianz won an award for its TravelSmart mobile app, which connects travelers to approved hospitals in over 120 countries. The app also allows travelers to check on flight statuses, get emergency international assistance, and access their policy while on the road.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $304.

Best for : Luxury Travel TravelGuard is a subsidiary of AIG. Its policies are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which has an A.M. Best financial rating of A. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of A+.

Coverage: TravelGuard includes trip assistance - including dealing with lost bags, cancelled flights, or medical emergencies - via agents who are available 24 hours a day. They offer three basic plan levels - Deluxe, Preferred, Essential - as well as numerous additional upgrades and packages. Upgrades can cover things like last-minute trips where cancellation isn't a factor. TravelGuard stands out in its overage levels - it will insure a trip coverage up to $500,000, higher than the average industry coverage. All of its plans include concierge service and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Website/mobile apps: TravelGuard has an online Claims tool that allows clients to easily file a claim from a computer or mobile device. The tool speeds up the claims process while allowing users to upload photos and documents, electronically sign claims forms, and check the status of a claim from their phones.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Silver $252/Gold $309 / Platinum $655

Best for : Traveling with pets San Diego-based Generali Global Assistance has provided travel insurance since 1991. The insurance division has previously been known as CSA Travel Protection. Generali Global is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating and an A financial rating from A.M. Best.

Coverage: CSA offers three plans: Standard, Preferred and Premium. It covers telemedicine services with its plans and medical costs if a person becomes sick or injured during their trip. It also reimburses medical costs if you pay out of pocket. As with most travel insurance companies, CSA offers 24/7 emergency assistance, concierge services, identity theft resolution services and a 10-day "free look" period. If you change your mind within 30 days of purchasing the insurance and before you start your trip, the company will provide a full refund. It offers pet relocation services: If you have a medical emergency and cannot take care of your pet while on vacation, it will return your pet home. It also has a Pet Service Locator to help you find vets or other pet services on your travels. For pre-existing medical conditions, you would need to purchase the Premium plan before or at least 24 hours in advance of your final trip payment. You will also need to be medically able to travel, and your prepaid expenses are insured.

Website/mobile apps: They walk you through the claim-filing process step-by-step on their website .

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $298.52 Standard / $346.28 Preferred / $398 Premium

Best for : Budget Adventure Travel World Nomads has targeted its insurance at independent travellers and adventure-seekers. If your vacation includes activities like kite sailing, snowboarding, or bungee jumping, this might be the company for you. The company is recommended by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Adventure... But you don't have to be an adventure seeker to benefit from the very competitive rates offered by World Nomads. The company's policies are underwritten by Lloyd's, which has an A financial rating from A.M. Best.

Coverage: World Nomad offers two levels of insurance plans, which include all of the typical coverage options. In addition, it offers coverage for cameras, laptops, digital gear, and all sorts of travel activities.

Website: World Nomads has an interactive website that allows you to ask questions related to travel and receive both informative articles and blog posts from fellow travelers. It has also developed language apps for iPhones. And you can purchase policies and file claims online from anywhere in the world.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $185 to $255. World Nomad doesn't ask the cost of your trip for the online quote, or the number of travelers, but does distinguish between single, couple, and family groups. The quote tool offers an option to donate to a cause in your destination as well.

Best for : Workaholics In addition to providing travel insurance, AXA offers trip other assistance through its network of over 9,000 staff members in over 30 offices around the world. The company has a financial rating of A from A.M. Best. American Modern Home Insurance - which has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best - underwrites AXA travel policies. AXA Assistance has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Coverage: AXA offers three plans (gold, silver, platinum). It offers an additional "cancel for any reason" policy, which will cover up to 75 percent of your pre-paid non-refundable trip costs. This option must be purchased within 14 days of your first trip payment, but it's a good option for people whose jobs are unpredictable.

Website/mobile app: The website provides a clear chart outlining the three levels of service and their coverage, and it is fast and easy to get an online quote.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $342 Silver / $395 Platinum / $492 Gold

Best for : Study abroad/Expats HTH Travel Insurance is a leader in providing medical coverage for international students and expatriates. The company's policies are underwritten by Nationwide, which has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. HTH is not rated by the Better Business Bureau, but it is a member of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) and has signed on to its Code of Ethics.

Coverage: In addition to providing traditional comprehensive trip insurance, HTH specializes in providing medical coverage for students, faculty, and expats living abroad. The long-term overseas coverage only covers medical issues, not trip cancellation or lost baggage. The plan will pay up to $1,000,000 for a medical evacuation and contains no lifetime limit.

Website/mobile apps: The website offers a lot of information about overseas travel and living and provides straightforward quotes. The mPassport app gives you access to thousands of doctors around the world who speak English.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Economy $389, Classic $456, Preferred $546.

Best for : Mobile app aficionados Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway is not known for travel insurance, but it is rapidly gaining recognition in the market for its technological advances in the field. It launched its travel protection program in 2014 and has been winning over customers with its fast claims payments. Berkshire Hathaway has an A.M. Best financial rating of A++. It is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.

Coverage: BHTP offers six distinct plans tailored to meet your specific travel needs. Options are available for adrenaline junkies, low-budget fliers, family vacationers, business travelers, and even those looking to relax on a cruise.

Website/mobile apps: Berkshire Hathaway is a leader in providing mobile apps to facilitate rapid claims and payments. You can file a claim online or via the mobile app, which also allows you to track flights, get help finding lost luggage, rebook flights and purchase policies. Getting an online quote is also possible, but the process isn't quite as smooth.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: ExactCare Family: $249; ExactCare: $346.

Best for : International volunteers or employees The Indiana-based Seven Corners began offering international medical insurance in 1993. Today Seven Corners offers a wide range of travel insurance to U.S. residents and foreigners visiting the U.S. It also offers group plans to companies, non-profits and U.S. government agencies seeking to protect their staff and volunteers when traveling. It is the travel insurance provider for the Peace Corps and other U.S. government agencies. Different plans are underwritten by different companies. The popular RoundTrip comprehensive plans are underwritten by Nationwide, with an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. Other plans are underwritten by Lloyds of London or U.S. Fire Insurance Company, both of which have A ratings from A.M. Best.

Plans: Seven Corners offers a wide range of plans for almost every conceivable coverage option. Its RoundTrip plans provide comprehensive trip coverage (including trip cancellation, medical treatment, and lost property). The RoundTrip Elite plan allows you to cancel for any reason (with 75% reimbursement) and covers pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase the plan within 20 days of your trip deposit and fully insure your trip.

Website/mobile app: In 2016, Seven Corners launched a new mobile website that allows consumers to purchase plans, get 24-assistance and learn about travel insurance from their smartphones.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Economy $416, Choice $441, Elite $462.

Best for : Hassle-free claims Founded in 1988 in France, April International now operates in 33 countries. April has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. Its U.S. travel insurance policies are underwritten by American Modern Home Insurance, which also has an A.M. Best rating of A+. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating, and it's a member of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association.

Coverage: April provides traditional comprehensive travel insurance, but it also offers an annual plan designed for people who travel at least three times per year. For fairly low prices, you can get basic coverage for trip interruption or delay, medical expenses, and baggage delay or loss. These are plans designed for frequent travelers who don't want to sweat the many small complications that can add up to big expenses. April prides itself on its Stress Less Benefits, which often allows policyholders to avoid a claims process and instead just call in their issue while traveling. If a claims report is needed, the company seeks to get it paid within 30 days.

Website/mobile apps: April has an easy to use website (though some reimbursements require the old-fashioned way) as well as a fully functional "Easy Claim" app.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $482.

We reviewed dozens of travel insurance providers to come up with this list of top companies. Our criteria for inclusion included:

Experts recommend you do your homework before buying a travel insurance policy. The industry is known for excessive exclusions and confusing language in small print. The National Consumer League recommends that you:

Check to see if you're already covered through another policy. Lots of insurance policies (including home, auto, and life) and credit cards offer partial coverage for trip interruption or medical emergencies.

Read the fine print - especially regarding exclusions. Things like pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related issues, job loss or travel in a country that has reported a high threat of terrorism may be excluded.

Remember that you can get your money back. Lots of travel insurance companies allow you to get your money back if you cancel the plan within ten days (before travel).

Don't purchase travel insurance through airlines. Airlines aggressively push these cancellation insurance plans and pay commissions of 10 to 40 percent to the travel agents who sell them.

Consumer Reports recommends that you use an online travel insurance broker to search for a good match for your travel. Sites like Squaremouth , InsureMyTrip.com , or QuoteWright.com all allow you to shop and compare quotes. Even if you use such a service, however, Consumer Reports recommends contacting the carrier directly to go over the coverage and fine print before purchasing a policy.

U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) This professional association represents travel insurance companies and promotes ethical and professional industry standards. You can search its database for member organizations.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Provides information and advice for consumers regarding when and how to purchase travel insurance.

Insurance Information Institute (III) The III is dedicated to promoting a public understanding of insurance. It has a page providing travel insurance facts.

Your state Insurance Commissioner All insurance is regulated at the state level. NAIC provides an interactive map so that you can click on your state and be directed to your state's Insurance Commissioner.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB allows you to search its vast online database to check on the reputation and any complaints that have been filed against a company.

About Mary Purcell, MA

Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher in Piedmont, Calif., with expertise in policy analysis. She is fluent in Spanish and has a master's degree in Latin American studies from Georgetown University. Her articles have appeared on LimeHealth, Narrative, Consumer Health Interactive, and other outlets.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

Trawick International »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

Buying travel insurance can be a smart move for most trips, but those who travel more than a few times a year should consider an annual travel insurance policy. Whether you regularly travel for business and/or take several vacations a year, annual travel insurance plans can help you get the coverage you need without having to price out and purchase protection every time you leave home.

If you find yourself in a situation where an annual plan makes sense, know that not all travel insurance companies offer this kind of coverage. You'll also want to consider the available annual travel insurance plans to see which options make sense for your travel style and the level of coverage you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Annual travel insurance plans all work in their own way, but the majority let travelers pay one annual premium for coverage that lasts for up to 364 days. These plans often limit the length of individual trips that are covered within the coverage year. Per-trip and annual limits on coverage can also apply.

In some cases, annual travel insurance plans require a deductible or coinsurance for certain types of coverage. If you're considering an annual travel insurance plan because you take multiple trips each year, make sure you read over the policy details and understand all coverage limits and trip limits that apply.

The cost of annual travel insurance typically varies based on factors like the age of the travelers applying, included benefits and coverage limits. You will want to shop around to compare plans across multiple providers using a platform like TravelInsurance.com or Squaremouth before you settle on a travel insurance policy.

To provide an example of the cost of annual travel insurance, U.S. News applied for a quote for two 40-year-old travelers seeking coverage for eight trips over a 12-month period. The Squaremouth travel insurance portal quoted policies with costs that range from $206 for the GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan to $610 for the Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan by Trawick International.

Annual travel insurance can be worth it if you take multiple trips each year and want to make sure you always have coverage in place. After all, the alternative to having a multitrip policy is buying a new travel insurance plan for every vacation you take. That's not always feasible for frequent travelers who are always jetting off somewhere new – often at the last minute.

Just keep in mind that annual travel insurance plans tend to come with lower coverage limits than plans for single trips, and that you'll pay a premium for coverage that comes with comprehensive benefits and high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Basic Coverage
• Seven Corners: Best for Medical
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• Trawick International: Best for the Cost

Tailor your annual travel insurance plan to your needs

Most plans include coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, medical expenses, and more

Lowest-tier plans (AllTrips Basic and AllTrips Prime) come with no or relatively low coverage limits for trip cancellation

Most annual plans (except for AllTrips Premier) do not cover trips longer than 45 days

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to between $2,000 and $15,000
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to $50,000
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical transportation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for lost or damaged baggage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage delays
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $1,500 ($300 daily limit)
• Rental car coverage worth up to $45,000
• Up to $50,000 in travel accident coverage
• 24-hour hotline assistance and concierge service

Annual Travel Insurance Plan offers year-round travel insurance protection

Relatively high limits for medical expenses ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000)

No trip cancellation coverage and relatively low limit ($2,500) for trip interruption coverage

No coverage for preexisting medical conditions

• Up to $2,500 in coverage for trip interruption
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for trip delays of five-plus hours ($150 per day limit)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $500
• Up to $2,500 in baggage insurance
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $1,000 for delays of at least 12 hours.
• Up to $50,000 for emergency medical expenses ($500 for emergency dental sublimit)
• Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Up to $100,000 in protection for security evacuation

Provides coverage worth up to $250,000 for emergency medical expenses

Tailor other included benefit levels to your needs

Coverage only applies to trips up to 40 days

Deductible up to $100 applies for emergency medical coverage and baggage and personal effects

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to between $2,500 and $10,000
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cancellation limit
• Up to $2,000 in trip delay coverage ($200 daily limit)
• Up to $1,000 in protection for missed connections
• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($50,000 in New Hampshire)
• $750 dental sublimit within emergency medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($100 daily limit)
• 24/7 travel assistance services

Get annual coverage for medical expenses and routine medical care

High limits for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation

GeoBlue plans don't offer comprehensive travel protection

Deductibles and copays apply

• Ambulatory and therapeutic services
• Inpatient hospital services
• Emergency medical services
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Preventive and primary care

Choose among three tiers of annual travel protection

Option for basic protection with affordable premiums

No coverage for preexisting conditions

Maximum trip duration of 30 days per trip

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $2,500 maximum per year
• Trip interruption coverage up to $2,500 maximum per year
• $200 per trip for trip delays (up to $100 per day for delays of 12 hours or longer)
• Up to $500 in coverage per trip for baggage and personal effects
• Baggage delay coverage up to $100 per trip
• Up to $10,000 for emergency medical expenses per trip
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage per trip
• Up to $10,000 in AD&D coverage
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert who has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – within their family media business and travel agency .

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It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

For many, travel insurance seems like an unnecessary additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly becomes a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her monthlong $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be protected regarding some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but the coverage is usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service . While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like SquareMouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Experts say that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even fewer risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit: that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are covered up to a certain level of intensity; any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Afar’s Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have preexisting conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with preexisting conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios; rather it provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500, but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the plan for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

• $138 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
• $179 for a basic plan with Allianz
• $248 for an essential plan with AIG
• $261 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency SmartFlyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

• Travelinsurance.com
• SquareMouth
• Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website Elliott Report is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner rather than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with preexisting conditions need to consider other factors. Most insurers will cover only expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with preexisting conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame, usually between 14 and 21 days, following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please) and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out-of-state, or international. Some destinations are at higher risk than others, so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

• Health insurance: Many U.S. health-care policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
• Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
• Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
• Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay non-emergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able; it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase: It can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes routine and a necessary part of every trip. Once it does, you can travel worry-free, secure in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, and on May 15, 2024, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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For the Frequent Traveler: The 11 Best Annual Travel Insurance Policies

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Table of Contents

The 11 best annual travel insurance policies, what is annual travel insurance, is annual travel insurance worth it, how much do annual travel insurance policies cost, does credit card travel insurance apply annually, choosing an annual travel insurance policy, final thoughts.

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If you take multiple trips every year, insuring each one can be a hassle. There are forms to fill out, comparison shopping over and over again, and then remembering the policy documents for each specific trip. And then there’s the risk you might forget to take out travel insurance for one of your trips.

Plus, those costs add up. There must be a better way.

Enter annual travel insurance. Also known as multi-trip travel insurance, taking out an annual policy covers you for a whole year of travel. Not only is it simpler, it may be cheaper than taking out multiple single-trip policies. But is it right for you?

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t exactly the same as the trip insurance you’d buy for a weeklong holiday with your family. Here are the best annual travel insurance policies, what they do and don’t cover, and how to decide whether taking out a yearly policy might be right for you.

GeoBlue Trekker Choice

GeoBlue offers 2 Trekker plans for annual coverage, which are unique in several ways. These plans cover preexisting conditions, COVID-19, and all travel outside the U.S.

However, they don’t cover any trips inside the U.S. or provide any coverage for canceled, delayed, or interrupted trips. Instead, these are travel medical insurance plans . With the GeoBlue Trekker Choice plan , you’ll get higher maximum payouts in all categories and pay a lower deductible ($100). However, note that this is still secondary coverage .

You’ll get unlimited access to telemedicine and coverage for trips up to 70 days in length . Additionally, coverage is available up to age 95, which isn’t offered on most other policies.

GeoBlue Trekker Essential

The GeoBlue Trekker Essential plan offers the same pros and cons as the Choice plan. The main differences are the lower maximum payout values and the higher deductible ($200 instead of $100). You also won’t get the Choice plan’s lost baggage and personal effects coverage, which can provide up to $500 per trip. Again, this secondary medical insurance policy is only valid on trips outside the U.S.

Trawick International Safe Travels Annual Basic

Trawick International offers 2 annual plans, and the Safe Travels Annual Basic plan is more economical. You’ll have coverage for everything you expect in a trip insurance policy , such as 100% coverage for trip cancellation or interruption (up to a $2,500 annual maximum) and coverage for delays, lost luggage, delayed luggage, and even medical expenses. To make up for the lower cost of the plan, coverage limits are lower than what you’ll find elsewhere . However, if you want peace of mind while traveling, you can get it for a year and cover trips up to 30 days in length.

Trawick International Safe Travels Annual Deluxe

While Trawick International’s Safe Travels Annual Deluxe plan offers higher maximum coverage limits than the Basic plan, its maximum payouts for medical and evacuation benefits are lower than what you’ll find with competitors . Where this plan shines is in the coverage for change fees, lost deposits on tours, and coverage for lost items if an airline misplaces your luggage.

You’ll be covered for up to $300 per trip for prepaid excursions, up to 100% of your trip cost (with an annual maximum of $5,000) for trip cancellations or interruptions, and up to $150 per item and $750 per trip for personal effects. After signing up for a plan, you’ll also get a 10-day free look period.

Allianz Travel AllTrips Basic Plan

If you want an annual plan with a low price tag , this could be what you’re looking for. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Basic plan covers you for unlimited trips up to 45 days each over the course of a year. Coverage includes emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss and delays, travel delays, rental car theft and damage, and travel accident coverage.

However, there’s a fair list of exclusions from this plan . That includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connections, and change fees. As the name implies, you’ll get basic coverage at a basic price.

Allianz Travel AllTrips Prime Plan

The Allianz Travel AllTrips Prime option covers 365 days of trips, though the maximum trip length is just 45 days. While you’ll get coverage for all the standard travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, delays, and baggage mishaps, there are limits you should know about with this plan.

The travel accident coverage, which applies to death or the loss of a limb, maxes out at $25,000 per trip, baggage delay maxes out at $200, and baggage loss or damage maxes out at $1,000. The maximum coverage for emergency medical is $20,000, and costs can exceed that quickly in a true emergency.

However, this is a decent option if you want a fair amount of coverage across numerous categories without a high price tag.

Allianz Travel AllTrips Executive Plan

For those worried about expensive business equipment or losing points and miles, this plan has you covered. On top of higher maximum payouts in categories such as trip cancellation, emergency medical transportation, or travel delays, you’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage, change fee coverage, and reimbursement for renting business equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed during a trip.

Moreover, you can be reimbursed up to $500 to cover fees for reinstating your points and miles if a covered trip is canceled or interrupted. The Allianz Travel AllTrips Executive plan also provides coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy at least 14 days before the first trip.

Allianz Travel AllTrips Premier Plan

Allianz also has a customizable AllTrips Premier plan , allowing you to choose between several payout tiers for trip cancellation and interruption. You’ll pay more when choosing higher maximums, but this allows you to choose exactly what you want in coverage and not pay for more than you need. Another positive is coverage for preexisting medical conditions if you meet certain criteria and buy your policy at least 14 days before your first trip.

You’ll also get rental car damage and theft coverage , $500,000 of emergency medical transportation coverage, $50,000 of emergency medical, and coverage for travel delay expenses after a delay of 6 hours or more. The baggage delay coverage is up to $2,000, but it requires a delay of 12 or more hours. The maximum trip length allowed is 90 days.

AIG Travel Guard Annual Travel Insurance Plan

The AIG Travel Guard Annual Travel Insurance plan isn’t available to Washington state residents. Still, it provides coverage for trip interruption, trip delay, lost baggage, delayed baggage, and missed connections, as well as both medical and security evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel medical expenses. However, the coverage limit for dental is just $500, and the maximum coverage for travel medical expenses is just $50,000. Those are lower limits than other plans. Additionally, trip cancellation isn’t included.

However, Travel Guard has some strengths. Trip delay coverage applies for up to 10 days and requires a delay of just 5 hours, and the missed connection benefit applies after just 3 hours. You get a “free look” period of up to 15 days to cancel for a refund, so long as you haven’t started your trip or filed a claim. Maximum coverage for any particular trip is 90 days.

USI Affinity Voyager Annual Travel Insurance

USI Affinity’s Voyager plan has a Silver and Gold option , and pricing is easy to determine from the chart. Simply find your age bracket and the associated cost. The key differences between the plans are in the higher maximum payouts for nearly every coverage type with the Gold plan, other than emergency dental and accidental death and dismemberment. However, the Gold plan also includes coverage types the Silver plan doesn’t: political and natural disaster evacuation, airline ticket change fees, and trip interruption. However, trip cancellation isn’t included with either plan .

The maximum trip length is 90 days, and coverage for Silver and Gold plans lasts for 364 days. An unlimited number of international and domestic trips are covered, and you’re covered for trips as little as 100 miles from home. That’s a lower requirement than most other plans (which tend to require 150 miles).

Seven Corners Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip

This plan is ideal for those who don’t live in the U.S., as other plans on this list are only available to U.S. residents and citizens. While the plan technically lasts for 364 days, Seven Corners’ Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip plan is customizable. It lets you choose a maximum trip length of 30, 45, or 60 days and include or exclude coverage for the U.S. Note U.S. citizens and residents cannot add coverage for inside the U.S.

Seven Corners also provides coverage for travelers aged 14 to 75 years, though maximum payouts decrease in some categories for those aged 65 and older. If you receive medical care in the U.S., Seven Corners will pay 90% of the first $5,000 of covered expenses and 100% of the cost afterward. You’re covered 100% outside the U.S. Note that coverage doesn’t apply to your home country (which includes the U.S. if you’re a citizen, even if you live in another country) and isn’t available in Antarctica, Cuba, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, Syria, or Ukraine.

A Plan That Didn’t Make Our List

We considered another plan. Here’s why this annual travel insurance policy didn’t make our “best of” list.

IMG Patriot Multi-Trip International : For trips inside the U.S., you may be on the hook for 20% of your medical expenses if you visit a provider outside IMG’s PPO network. Additionally, the maximum trip length is 30 days, and coverage limits are quite low in multiple categories. These include $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation and $10,000 for political evacuation, a maximum of $50 per item and $250 overall for lost luggage, a $100 maximum for dental treatment, and $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment 24/7 coverage.

Annual travel policy plans vary considerably. Most provide secondary medical insurance, so you may need to submit to your other coverage (home healthcare plan, credit card insurance provider, etc.) first and then submit to your travel insurance provider for any remaining expenses or deductibles. If you won’t have other coverage, you may want to look for a plan that provides primary health coverage instead. Also, understand that most plans provide reimbursement, so you would pay out of pocket for overseas hospital visits and then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement after the fact.

Annual travel insurance covers you for many trips over the course of a year (or sometimes 364 days). Rather than needing to buy a travel insurance policy for each trip separately — which can add up — you can buy a single policy that covers all your trips for the next year. It’s important to understand the terms of these policies, though. Some may require buying coverage in advance, such as 14 days before your first trip, while that requirement normally doesn’t exist on single-trip travel insurance.

It’s also important to note which types of trips and destinations are covered by your policy — and which aren’t. Look for how far from home you must travel to be covered and whether domestic trips are included. Moreover, consider what benefits you’re looking for. These can vary from medical-only to all the bells and whistles, such as baggage delay and medical evacuation. Once you know the type of coverage you want, you can find a policy or policies that align with your needs, helping you narrow down your options to conduct a more effective comparison.

How Annual Travel Insurance Works

Annual travel insurance works as an umbrella policy, covering all your trips during the policy period. You don’t need to inform the policy provider about each trip’s start and stop dates or destinations. You simply buy a policy, and then you’re protected for every trip that meets the conditions while your policy is in effect. Some regions may be excluded from coverage, and you may be subject to a maximum trip length.

Trip length is an important element to pay attention to. Annual travel insurance doesn’t cover you for a year-long trip. It covers you for a year for many small trips within that time, typically up to 30 or 45 days per trip. If you’re looking for a plan to cover you during a year-long trip to another country, you should look for specialized plans for study abroad, mission work, or other situations that apply to you. Traveling full-time? You may need a policy geared toward digital nomads and backpackers.

When To Buy an Annual Travel Insurance Policy

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and determine that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than that of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want.

Considering that single-trip plans can sometimes be found for $10, yet an annual trip is likely to cost $150 or more per adult, you’d need 15 trips to justify the annual policy. However, that’s not really an apples-to-apples comparison, as a $10 basic travel insurance policy won’t provide as much coverage as you’re likely to find on even the most basic of annual policies.

It’s also not just about the number of trips you take but the types of trips, the complexity of the trips, and money at risk in nonrefundable costs. The more of these you foresee in your next year of travels, the more likely an annual plan would be good for you.

What Annual Travel Insurance Policies Do and Don’t Cover

We already highlighted that annual policies don’t cover traveling nonstop for a year due to their restrictions on the maximum trip length. Annual travel insurance policies also restrict how far you must travel for coverage to kick in. Driving to the next town over may be a trip in your kids’ eyes, but it’s probably not far enough for your travel insurance to kick in.

While coverage varies by policy, you’ll typically have coverage for sickness, accidental death and dismemberment, lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellation, and possibly injuries during skiing or snowboarding. However, it’s important to read the terms of each policy because coverage maximums and inclusions vary widely. Some policies only provide medical coverage, while others offer robust coverage across the board.

Understanding Trip Length Rules

Each policy specifies a maximum trip length. How trips longer than that are treated can vary. Most policies won’t cover any expenses related to a trip longer than the maximum trip length. Suppose you take a trip of 41 days on a policy with a maximum of 40 days. In that case, claims for delayed luggage or medical expenses may be rejected when the claim evaluator asks for your trip confirmation details.

However, GeoBlue covers the first 70 days of any particular trip. If something goes wrong during that time, you’re covered. You’re on your own for anything that happens on days 71 or beyond. Still, you’re covered on those first 70 days, despite taking a longer trip.

If you foresee long trips in the future, make sure you understand these rules.

For some travelers, yes, annual travel insurance is worth it. For others, it’s not.

Annual travel insurance is worth it when it costs less than what you’d pay to insure each trip individually. It’s also worth it if you think you might forget to purchase some of those individual policies throughout the year and would prefer to be done with them for another 365 days.

However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few trips a year, they’re mostly domestic, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses. If you’re traveling within the U.S. with your standard health insurance policy in effect and you have credit cards that provide trip insurance for delays or cancellations, that coverage may be sufficient.

Costs will vary by your home state, age, and number of people included in the policy. Here are the “starting at” costs for our best annual travel insurance policies, sorted from lowest to highest:

Yes and no. Using a credit card to pay for your trip can provide some built-in protections. However, you should be mindful of annual maximums on any policy. You may run into limitations such as a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period or similar exclusions. If you take many trips, that could be an issue.

To better understand what is and isn’t covered, check out our complete guide to credit card insurance .

To choose the right policy, look beyond the cost alone. Rather than immediately choosing the cheapest policy, find the policy or policies that provide the coverage types you want with payout maximums that cover your travel plans for the next year — both confirmed bookings and likely plans.

Consider your coverage needs. Will you be carrying expensive items such as scuba equipment for a trip to the Galapagos or top-notch camera lenses for a bird-watching tour in Papua New Guinea? How many extreme sports will you participate in?

Conversely, how many “never heard of this airline before” flights will you take to get off the beaten path? These are flights where you may be worried about cancelations that lead to extra costs or a misplaced suitcase.

Consider the types of trips you’ll take and the up-front money at risk if something goes wrong or you get delayed, then look at which plans align with your travels. From there, choose the best plan that aligns best with your needs, which may or may not be the cheapest one.

As an annual travel policy holder myself, I promise you that having the right plan is important when you wind up in a remote hospital in Tanzania with malaria.

Annual travel insurance isn’t right for everyone. However, it makes sense for those who travel often and could save money by taking out a single policy instead of many separate policies. It also makes sense if you’d prefer to avoid filling out paperwork numerous times throughout the year for each trip.

Annual travel insurance policies aren’t great for those who tend to travel closer to home, don’t have major nonrefundable travel expenses, or need to customize coverage for each trip because their travels tend to vary. For example, you might need different coverage for a backcountry ski trip with friends versus a 2-hour drive with your family.

Look at what annual policies do and don’t cover and see if these align with your travel goals and needs. Then, consider the prices for the plans that align well with your situation. After taking an informed look, you should have a good idea of whether an annual policy is right for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yearly travel insurance worth it.

For some, yes. For others, no. Annual travel insurance is worth it when the cost is less than what you’d pay to insure each trip separately or you would prefer to just sign up once then be done for a year. However, annual travel insurance isn’t worth it if you only take a few, mostly domestic, trips a year where your healthcare coverage works, and you don’t have major nonrefundable expenses.

How much does annual trip insurance cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of coverage you want. Annual travel insurance plan costs range from $140 to $500 for a single person. If you take a lot of trips, the cost can be worth it over the course of a year, but each person’s situation is different.

When should I take out annual travel insurance?

You should buy your annual travel insurance policy as soon as you know you’ll have multiple trips in the next year and that the cost of insuring each alone would be higher than the cost of a single multi-trip plan. What’s the break-even point on that cost? It depends on the coverage you want. Look at the different types of coverage and your expected costs for insuring each trip separately, then see if it makes sense for you.

Does annual travel insurance automatically renew?

It varies by policy provider, but some companies have an auto-renew feature to ensure you don’t have gaps in coverage.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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Best travel insurance companies and policies 2024

In this article

How do you find the best travel insurance?

Best travel insurance policies, best travel insurance: companies and policies compared.

• What's the best type of travel insurance?
• How can I save money on travel insurance?

How much travel insurance cover do I need?

How to compare travel insurance companies, why there are so few best buy policies.

The best travel insurance can't stop things going wrong on holiday, but it can prevent problems – medical issues, cancellations, delays or losses – from having a huge impact on your finances.

Our experts compared over 50 travel insurance companies, scrutinising hundreds of policies, each with more than 60 areas of cover. 

We've assessed information on medical expenses, Covid cover, flight cancellation, compulsory excesses and many other factors to bring you our Best Buy travel insurance policies.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.

Compare travel insurance deals

Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

We looked at 56 travel insurers, comparing more than 160 policies. See our results in the table below.

We rated six policies as Best Buys – here are the three highest scoring:

NFU Mutual - Home and Lifestyle

• 81% policy score - 2nd out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: NFU Mutual was one of a minority of providers that will pay out if your holiday supplier or airline goes bankrupt. It is one of only two providers that applies its excess (£50) once per claim (rather than per person) – which could save hundreds if you're travelling as part of a group. 

We don't like:  NFU Mutual's travel insurance policies are only available to customers who also hold NFU Mutual home insurance . 

• Read our full NFU Mutual travel insurance review.

All Clear travel insurance - Platinum

• 79% policy score -  joint 7th out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: All Clear was the highest-scoring medical specialist insurer in our analysis. Its policy covers outbound, connecting and returning flights that you miss because of delays. Missed flights cover was available in more than 90% of policies we checked – but only half of policies covered the full round trip.

We don't like:  If your holiday company or airline goes bankrupt and you have to cancel the holiday, you won't be able to claim on the insurance for lost costs. 

• Read our full All Clear travel insurance review.  

Insure and Go - Black

• 77% policy score - joint 10th out of 161 policies rated.

We like:  If you're covering a very expensive trip, the Black policy has one of the highest cover limits for costs if you have to cancel – £10,000. You also don't pay excesses.

We don't like:  If you have a dental emergency while travelling, you can only claim up to £250. As with All Clear's policies, you can't claim if your travel company or airline goes bust.

• Read our full Insure and Go insurance review .

Here's the full details of our findings in the tables below – to access each table, use the 'Select a table' dropdown below.

• The 'Best Buys' table shows the policies that meet our exacting Best Buy criteria . When choosing these, we check for key features of cover as well as data on complaints and claims acceptance rates. 
• The other tables show the top-scoring policy from every provider we've rated. Of all policies reviewed, scores ranged from 83% to 29%.

We've also written comprehensive reviews of the best 16 insurers overall – just click on the links in the table to read them.

Best Buy policies

Table note:  All ratings are for policies available to new customers, and the details were gathered in a survey carried out in April 2023. The information should be considered correct to then. We will next update our policy scores in June 2024. See our full methodology .

For insurers outside our 'Best Buys' list, we've only included the provider's best scoring policy. However, they might offer other policies with fewer features, often at a lower price. We've still scored these policies: find the scores in our individual travel insurer reviews, which cover the biggest and best brands.

If a brand isn't listed in the table it means it didn't take part in our survey and hasn't been reviewed.

  What's the best type of travel insurance?

When picking travel insurance consider the number of foreign trips you'll make over the next 12 months, where you'll go and who with.

• Single-trip and multi-trip (annual cover) Single-trip insurance is aimed at people who are making a single, one-off journey. Multi-trip (annual) provides ongoing cover for 12 months. If you take 3 or more trips per year, multi-trip (annual) is likely to work out cheaper, and you don't have to tell the insurer when or where you're travelling.
• European, worldwide and USA cover European-only cover is usually the cheapest type and worldwide including USA (and often the Caribbean) is the most expensive due to high medical costs. If you've no intention of going to these destinations over the next 12 months, save money by buying worldwide cover that excludes them.
• Individual, couple or family cover You'll have the option to choose how many people to cover under a single policy, although if a member of your party needs specialist cover due to age or health, costs may change.
• Specialist insurance options If you have more specific requirements, for example due to age, or type of holiday, we've assessed the best options for you below. Best cruise insurance • Best travel insurance for over 60s • Best travel insurance for medical conditions • Best ski insurance
• Unexpected events cover Your policy  may include cover for unexpected events, like bankruptcy of the holiday supplier, strikes, civil unrest and more. We've listed which providers' policies have the best unexpected events cover providers.

  How can I save money on travel insurance?

What you'll pay for travel insurance varies hugely by where you're going and for how long.

Take these average quotes, collected for us by Confused.com , for a couple of 50-year-olds with a joint policy:

Source: Confused.com, based on average quotes from 1 January 2023 to 20 November 2023

These are averages, and so you're likely to pay:

• Less if just buying cover for yourself
• Less if you're younger than 50, or more if you're older than 50
• More if you have a pre-existing medical condition

Whatever your situation, chances are you can reduce costs by comparing travel insurance. An annual policy may work out cheaper if you travel multiple times a year.

When should you buy travel insurance?

You should buy travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday.

One of the best features of travel insurance is that it covers you if you're unexpectedly forced to cancel the trip and stand to lose money as a result.

If you leave buying your insurance until the last minute, you won't benefit from this protection, even if some providers might make it slightly cheaper.

With this in mind, you should buy your insurance as soon as you book your holiday – unless you already have annual cover in place.

Should you buy travel insurance from the tour operator or airline?

When you buy your holiday, whether that's through a traditional package provider or a budget airline, you're likely to be offered insurance at the same time.

But cover offered as an add-on to your trip is unlikely to be tailored to your needs and could be more expensive. Always check the wider market to see if you can get better cover for less.

If you do buy add-on insurance, make sure it covers any medical conditions that you have.

Do you already have insurance?

Some packaged bank accounts come with travel insurance as a sweetener, so if you have a packaged account, check whether cover is included.

If you do have travel insurance with your bank account, check its terms carefully and make sure it meets your needs. Does it cover you for trips outside Europe? Will it cover your medical conditions?

If it doesn't, call your bank to see if you can add the cover you need or look for a standalone policy that meets your needs.

You might also have some of your insurance needs met if you have personal possessions cover with your home contents insurance . These policies often protect things you carry on your person (such as gadgets or jewellery) around the world, from loss, damage or theft.

Do you need travel insurance if you have an Ehic or Ghic?

Yes, you still need travel insurance. A Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) – the replacement for the Ehic – is a medical card that can be used throughout the EU. It entitles you to treatment in state hospitals for the same price paid by the residents of the country you're visiting. If they get free treatment, so do you.

But it won't cover the costs of medical transportation (for example ambulance bills or being flown back to the UK where medically needed), alongside costs of cancelling your holiday or returning early, replacing lost and stolen possessions, and many other things - that's what travel insurance is for.

• Find out more:  The Ehic and Ghic explained  

While it can be tempting to get the cheapest cover you can find, this could prove a false economy. Everyone's specific cover needs will be different, but as a starting point, we recommend looking for policies with these minimum levels of cover:

• Medical expenses:  £5 million
• Cancellation cover:  £2,000 – or the full cost of your holiday (which may be higher or lower)
• Personal belongings: £1,500 – or the value of your possessions
• Personal liability cover: £1 million.

Many sports won't be covered as standard, such as skiing and snowboarding , so you'll need to get cover that includes this, or add it on for a fee.

Cruises requre a special type of cruise insurance. If you're considering working abroad, or spending a couple of months abroad, you may need 'backpacker insurance'.

1. Check our tables and reviews

Our experts have assigned each travel insurance policy a policy score, reflecting how comprehensive, overall, the cover is.

It's important to remember, however, that travel insurance is complex – so even providers with high policy scores won't necessarily cover everything you're looking for. For a more detailed look at some of the larger and higher-scoring providers, see our individual travel insurer reviews.

2. Get a travel insurance quote

While looking at our reviews, you can get a quote for travel insurance using the service provided by Confused.com.

You might be able to save by using multiple comparison sites. 

Some insurers don't sell through comparison sites, including NFU Mutual and Direct Line , and specialist medical insurers .

Both the government's MoneyHelper website and the British Insurance Brokers Association have directories of such insurers.

An insurance broker can find affordable cover for unusual scenarios that most insurers won't cover.

3. Check the T&Cs

Before you buy, check the policy wording to make sure you understand what your policy covers, and what it doesn't.

If there are specific reasons you've bought the cover, check these sections to make sure they meet your expectations. Also check the policy's general exclusions and conditions. If anything in the policy is unclear, contact the insurer.

Finally, check what protection your holiday provider offers, because if something goes wrong, you might need to seek compensation from it first before your insurer will accept your claim.

Check you're getting a great deal and search for a new travel insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now

Dean Sobers, Which? insurance expert says:

'In our tables, you'll see dozens of products brimming with features and high levels of cover – but just six Best Buys. 

'Unfortunately, it comes down to the difference between what a policy promises on paper, and the depressing reality that we see in the claims statistics. Roughly a quarter of claims made on single-trip and annual European policies were declined by travel insurers in 2022 (the latest stats available). With most kinds of insurance, payout rates are above 90%.

'Not all travel insurers are the same: some – including our Best Buys – were markedly better in this data than others. But a large number of candidates clearing all other hurdles in our analysis fell flat when we reviewed their claims acceptance rates and the numbers of their claimants who'd lodged complaints.

'We'd love to be able to recommend a much wider selection of policies, as we all have different requirements and budgets when shopping around for travel insurance. Hopefully, we'll see insurers do better in future. In the meantime, the best way to avoid disappointment is to be reasonably familiar with the policy's T&Cs when you buy it, as policy exclusions are the most common single reason claims get turned down .

'Each section of a policy wording document (for example, cancellation or delay cover) will include its own exclusions. You'll also need to check the policy's section that details 'general' exclusions and conditions that apply across the policy.'

Frequently asked travel insurance questions

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights.

This depends on whether you can no longer make your flight or the airline has cancelled it.

If the airline cancels your flight, it is generally their responsibility to find an alternative flight or to give you a full refund.

If you can no longer make your flight, perhaps due to illness or accident, then it is not the airline's responsibility. If you have taken out a travel insurance policy and depending on the reason you can no longer fly, you may be able to claim some of the flight costs back. 

You should also check the airline's conditions of carriage if you are going to miss your flight last-minute to see whether you can be moved to an alternative flight.

Can I buy travel insurance after departure?

Yes you can - but you'll need to get a special type of policy called 'post-departure insurance'.

Unfortunately, you're likely to pay more and get less cover than if you had bought standard travel insurance.

Post-departure insurance won't cover incidents that have already happened, such as a delayed flight on the way out. It generally applies from the day after buying, not the same day.

Even though you'll need to cover fewer days, the specialised nature of post-departure insurance means it's likely to cost more per day and overall.

The best approach is to buy standard travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday. Although the insurance only needs to cover the dates of your holiday, from the moment of buying it you'll be covered if, for instance, you need to cancel your trip.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm pregnant?

You can get travel insurance if you're pregnant, especially if your trip is less than 28 weeks into your pregnancy.

Many insurers still offer cover for trips after that point, but check with them before buying, and bear in mind airlines may request extra details such as a letter from your doctor.

Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing medical condition so you shouldn't have to tell your insurer or pay more.

Standard travel insurance will cover emergency medical care, but ask insurers if antenatal care after premature births will be covered, or cancellation due to pregnancy-related complications.

In general, travel insurance won't pay out if you cancel a trip simply because you're pregnant - it's worth asking airlines and accommodation providers if you can reschedule.

Do I need travel insurance for the UK?

Potentially, depending on the type of trip you've booked.

Many travel insurers will cover the UK; if you have an annual policy check if it includes UK travel.

The main advantage of travel insurance for the UK is cover if you need to cancel your trip (such as because of illness) or lose baggage.

In general, travel insurance only covers paid-for accommodation, sometimes with a minimum duration. So stays with friends and family wouldn't be covered.

Nor will you need travel insurance for medical cover, due to the NHS - though visitors to the Isle of Man and Channel Islands may need insurance for repatriation to the mainland.

Your home contents insurance may cover personal possessions outside the home, but you may have to pay high excesses.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for European holidays. 

The European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) and Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) only entitle you to public medical care at the price locals pay.

That's only in the EU, Switzerland and a few other countries however, and won't cover associated - and very high - costs such as for rescue from ski slopes or repatriation to the UK.

Nor will the Ehic and Ghic cover cancellations or lost baggage, unlike the best travel insurance policies.

• Find out more: The Ehic and Ghic explained  

Does travel insurance cover cruises?

Some, but not all, policies will offer specialised cover for cruises.

In some cases cruise cover will be an optional add-on.

This includes scenarios such as being ill and confined to your cabin, missing your departure during an excursion, or the intinerary being changed. 

We've listed which policies cover cruises and how good they are in our guide to the best cruise insurance .

Does travel insurance cover skiing?

As with cruises, this depends on your policy.

Winter sports cover may be included as standard within your travel insurance, or as an optional add-on.

It should cover scenarios such as piste closure, avalanche delay and air ambulance rescue from the slopes.

We've listed which policies include or offer winters sports cover, and rate that cover, in our guide to the  best ski insurance .

Are you covered for Covid?

Covid isn't the menace to travel that it was a year or two ago, but it's still around and retains the potential to scupper your plans.

Fortunately, all policies we examined provide at least a basic level of Covid cover - covering you if you get ill while travelling and require emergency medical care or medical repatriation to the UK.

Some 98% of those we checked also cover cancellation costs if you can't travel because you're ill with the virus.

From here, the degree of Covid cover varies significantly between policies - meaning you can't make assumptions about what's covered and should check very carefully if Covid cover is a priority for you. 

Of the policies we analysed, fewer than one in ten will pay if your hotel closes because of Covid and you can't get your money back. 

And only a handful of providers cover you if you choose to cancel your plans because the FCDO advises against travel to your destination due to Covid. At the time of our analysis in April 2023, these were:

• Direct Line
• M&S Bank
• Nationwide Building Society

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

For emergency medical claims, your travel insurer will have a 24/7 phone line. It's worth saving the number if your phone prior to travelling.

To make other claims, you may be able to claim by phone and/or online. Don't leave it more than a couple of weeks to claim, as there may be time limits.

• Find out more: How to claim on your travel insurance   

What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?

Any current or recent medical conditions that haven't been disclosed to your insurer will almost certainly be automatically excluded from your policy. 

In recent Which? research, we found that pre-existing medical conditions were the second most common reason for claims being turned down.

When you declare a condition, you'll go through a medical screening process where you give the insurer information about your medical history. When you buy insurance by itself, this will usually form part of the application process. 

With some providers (for example where the cover is included with a holiday or a bank account), you'll need to contact the insurer separately to have the conditions added. If you're uncertain about what needs to be declared, it's best to contact the insurer. 

• Find out more:  Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition  

How else can you protect your holiday?

Travel insurers only expect you to claim with them if you've been unable to recover your money through other channels.

Book with a Which? Recommended holiday provider

If a package holiday firm cancels your holiday, or airlines can't fulfil flights, you're entitled to a refund by law.

Unfortunately, in the wake of Covid, not all travel providers fulfilled their legal obligations. For peace of mind, opt for one of our Which? Recommended Providers .

• Find out more:  Your legal rights with package holiday companies

Atol protection

If you buy a package holiday that includes flights from an Atol-protected firm, you'll get your money back if it goes bust. You'll also be repatriated if this happens while you're on holiday.

Your credit card provider

If you can, pay for your holiday with a credit card .

If you pay with a credit card for services costing more than £100 and less than £30,000 that aren't provided as advertised, you can claim the money back from your card supplier if the seller (ie the holiday company) won't refund you.

• Find out more:  Section 75

Banks have similar schemes to help you recover money for services that haven't been fulfilled as paid for. These are known as chargeback.

Chargeback can be used to recover debit and prepaid card payments, as well as credit card payments below £100.

Banks aren't legally bound to do this in the same way as credit card providers are under Section 75, so you should always pay for amounts over £100 with a credit card if possible.

How we analyse travel insurance

Our editorial independence means we are able to work on behalf of consumers, not insurers. That means our reviews are fair and there's no hidden agenda.

Policy score

The policy score rates how comprehensive the cover is in a policy – the higher the better.

We've looked at 161 policies, examining 67 elements of cover in each.

Policies are given points for each element of cover, reflecting how competitive their cover is compared with what other policies offer. The policy score shows how well the policy did overall. 

Based on our assessment of which elements are more or less important for customers choosing and using travel insurance, we adjust the impact that points earned in each area has on the overall policy score.

Among the highest-weighted elements are medical expenses cover, cancellation cover and the compulsory excesses on the policy.

How we pick Which? Best Buys

Our 'Best Buy' badge recognises the individual products that stood out as being the most comprehensive in our analysis. 

It doesn't reflect customer service. However, we do look at claims statistics published by the Financial Conduct Authority and complaints data from the Financial Ombudsman Service, where these are available. We won't give a Best Buy badge to providers shown to reject higher than average numbers of claims or that have a poor track record when it comes to complaints.

Policies named as Best Buys did well in our analysis of cover, with a policy score of at least 66%.

Additionally, Best Buy policies scored well consistently across different areas of cover. To make the cut, a policy needs to have scored at least three out of five points in two thirds of the features we compare (see 'Policy score' for more).

Lastly, all Best Buy policies must provide - either as standard or as an option - the following levels of cover as a minimum:

• £5m cover for medical expenses - with emergency medical repatriation and some cover for emergency dental treatment
• £2,000 cancellation and travel abandonment cover - including cancellation in the event that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination country because of civil unrest, war, terrorism or natural disaster after you've insured your holiday
• Cancellation cover because of the illness, injury or death of a close family member or a person you were planning to stay with; cover for travel delays - including cover for missing your outgoing or returning flight due to delays
• £1,500 cover for baggage
• £2m personal liability cover

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More questions on travel insurance? Take a look at our guides:

• Best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
• Best travel insurance for seniors
• Best cruise insurance
• Best ski insurance
• The Ehic and Ghic explained  
• Golf travel insurance explained  
• How to claim on your travel insurance

Compare travel insurance

Find the right policy for your holiday using the service provided by Confused.com

Travel insurance reviews

• All Clear travel insurance review
• Admiral travel insurance review
• Avanti travel insurance review
• Avion travel insurance review
• Aviva travel insurance review
• Barclays travel insurance review
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Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

The best travel insurance providers.

Updated May 23, 2024

In this guide

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

• What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

• Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

• Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
• Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
• Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

Free Times article: The 100 biggest UK taxpayers named

A Russian-born trader, Ed Sheeran, JK Rowling and a fraudster are among those who have paid more than £10m to the public finances. See the full list

Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

• Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
• Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
• Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
• Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
• Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

• Miss connections to reach the departure
• Fail to get back on board after planned stops
• End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

• Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
• Turn up and there’s no snow
• Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
• Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

• Accidental bodily injury to someone
• Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
• Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

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• Easy access to a specialist

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• Comfortable hospital stay

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For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

• Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
• Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
• Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

• Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
• Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

• Europe only
• Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

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Introduction to C&F Travel Insured

• Types of Policies Offered

C&F Travel Insured Cost

• How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy
• Customer Service and Claims Experience
• Compare C&F Travel Insurance
• Why You Should Trust Us

C&F Travel Insured International Review 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.

Between booking your hotel and packing all your travel essentials, even the most avid planners may overlook trip insurance. Travel insurance can help you recuperate financial losses to give you peace of mind, no matter how far away you are from home.

We are here to break down C&F Travel Insured coverage options, costs, and how the company compares to its competitors.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

Crum and Forster is an insurance company that provides a wide array of corporate insurance products covering property, casualty, accident, and health. It also offers travel insurance under the name Travel Insured International. Included among our guide on the best international travel insurance , C&F Travel Insured offers comprehensive coverage with unique add-ons that distinguishes itself from many of the best travel insurance companies . 

While policies aren't particularly low-cost for most single travelers, they're exceedingly cheap for families traveling with kids as kids are heavily discounted under the Protector Edge plan and completely free under the Protector plan. 

C&F Travel Insured also has an annual multi-trip policy which has an optional cancel for any reason upgrade. It's noteworthy since most annual plans don't offer CFAR upgrades. It also offers medical emergency coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is also uncommon among annual plans. 

Types of Policies Offered by C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers two coverage options: Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Edge.

With this travel insurance agency, you'll find an a la carte of coverage options and optional policy add-ons like "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) and "interrupt for any reason" (IFAR) coverage.

You'll find a comprehensive list of features included in each policy below:

C&F Travel Insured International Annual Multi-trip Protector

C&F Travel Insured's annual plan covers all trips under 45 days taken within a year. This policy is only available to travelers under 80. 

Additional coverage options from C&F Travel Insured

If you need more coverage, you may fancy C&F Travel Insured's vast array of insurance add-ons and riders.

• Cancel for any reason coverage — Receive up to 75% of the cost of your trip for unused, forfeited, or nonrefundable deposits. Policy must be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment.
• Interrupt for any reason coverage — Starting 72 hours after your scheduled departure, C&F will reimburse up to 75% of nonrefundable costs. IFAR coverage is specific to land and water bookings.
• Cancel for work reasons coverage — Get reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost of your or your traveling partner's trip due to a work conflict.
• Air flight only, accident, death, and dismemberment coverage — Provides compensation for accidents during your flight.
• Electronic equipment coverage — Get reimbursed for electronics stolen, damaged, or destroyed during your trip.
• Event ticket registration fee protection — Receive reimbursement for unused, forfeited, or nonrefundable event ticket registration fees.
• Rental car damage and theft — Get coverage for rental car damages beyond your control.
• Travel inconvenience — Receive reimbursement for covered events such as closed attractions, beach closures, and flight delays.
• Bed rest — Get reimbursed for unforeseen ailments and injuries requiring bed rest or quarantine for at least 48 hours.

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for C&F Travel Insured plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate C&F Travel Insured's travel insurance costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• Worldwide Trip Protector Edge: $105
• Worldwide Trip Protector: $ 140

Premiums for C&F Travel Insured plans are between 3.5% and 4.6% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

C&F Travel Insured provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Worldwide Trip Protector Edge: $141
• Worldwide Trip Protector: $177

Once again, premiums for C&F Travel Insured plans are between 3.5% and 4.4% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• Worldwide Trip Protector Edge: $420
• Worldwide Trip Protector: $624

Quotes for this trip cost between 2.1% and 3.1%, below the average cost of travel insurance. Note that insuring children with C&F Travel Insured is heavily discounted with the Edge plan and completely free with the Protector plan.

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• Worldwide Trip Protector Edge: $562
• Worldwide Trip Protector: $782

Premiums forC&F Travel Insured plans for older-age travelers are between 9.4% and 13%, which is well above the average cost for travel insurance. 

C&F Travel Insured Annual Multi-Trip Policy

Annual policies for C&F Travel Insured cost the following: 

Adults: $94 yearly

Kids: $64 yearly

Prices will vary based on optional add-ons attached to your policy.

How to Purchase and Manage a C&F Travel Insured Policy

Purchasing a policy with C&F Travel Insured is simple. You'll first need to go to the C&F Travel Insured website to acquire a quote. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information:

• Travel dates
• State of residence
• Number of travelers
• Age of traveler(s)
• Cost of trip per traveler
• Initial payment date
• Type of travel (cruise/other)
• Email address

Once you input this information, you'll be taken to the quotes page, where you can select a policy and add any desired riders. While you don't have to add your destination when receiving a quote, you'll have to add a destination once you check out. 

How to File a Claim with C&F Travel Insured International

When you experience a loss on your trip, you'll need to act quick when filing a claim, within 20 days of experiencing the covered loss. You can start a claim by filling out a short form with the plan number listed on your confirmation of benefits document and your last name. 

Alternatively, you can give the company a call at 855-752-8303. C&F Travel Insured's hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. You can also email the team at [email protected]. 

According to the Explanation of Benefits, C&F Travel Insured will pay out within 30 days of receiving proof of loss. Once this period has elapsed, your payout will begin accruing interest at 9% APY.

C&F Travel Insured Customer Service and Claims Experience

C&F Travel Insured has overall positive customer reviews, receiving an average of 4.4 stars out of five on its Squaremouth page and 4.1 stars out of five on its Trustpilot page. Customers were very complementary of the buying process, saying that customer service representatives were helpful and knowledgeable about policy options.

Reviews were mostly complementary of the claims process, saying it was straightforward and wait times weren't too long. One customer on Squaremouth says their claim took just 48 hours to process.

Its BBB page fares far worse, receiving an average of 1.06 stars out of five. While reviews on BBB were overwhelmingly negative, C&F Travel Insuredwas far more diligent in responding to these reviews than Squaremouth or Trustpilot, usually addressing them within a business week. 

Compare C&F Travel Insured

Learn more about how C&F Travel Insured compares to popular travel insurance plans.

C&F Travel Insured International vs AIG Travel Guard

The most similar plan from Travel Guard is the mid-tier Travel Guard Preferred Plan. Below, we've outlined some of the main features of this insurance policy.

• Up to $150,000 in trip cancellation coverage
• Up to $225,000 in trip interruption coverage
• A maximum of $800 in travel delay coverage
• A maximum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $150,000 in emergency evacuations
• Up to $1,000 coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage

Below, you'll find coverages for C&F Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector plan.

• 100% in trip cancellation coverage
• 150% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $1,000 in travel delay coverage after six hours
• A maximum of $100,000 in medical emergency coverage
• Up to $1 million in emergency evacuations
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage

At a glance, C&F Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector offers more travel insurance coverage than Travel Guard. Travel Guard's travel insurance also caps the dollar amount of its trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which is something to keep in mind before buying travel insurance.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

C&F Travel Insured International vs iTravelInsured

iTravelInsured Travel Insurance 's most popular plan is the Travel SE plan.

• 150% in trip interruption coverage
• Up to $250,000 (primary coverage) for emergency medical coverage
• Up to $2,000 ($125 daily limit) in travel delay coverage for delays after 12 hours.
• $1,500 ($250 per item) maximum for baggage loss, theft, or damage

You'll find more comprehensive medical and baggage loss coverage with iTravelInsured's SE plan than C&F Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector.

iTravelInsured Travel LX and C&F Travel Insured WorldWide premium package also offer CFAR and IFAR coverage. Remember, your cost may vary based on personal factors such as age and travel destination. It's best to generate rates using the companies' quote tools and compare prices.

Read our iTravelInsured Insurance review here.

C&F Travel Insured International vs Credit Card Travel Insurance

Buying insurance through a travel insurance company like C&F Travel Insured is one of many ways to get coverage. However, travel insurance may also be a perk included in your credit card. It's essential to check if any of your credit cards offer travel insurance and if the coverage is sufficient to meet your needs.

A separate travel insurance policy can help you fill gaps in your credit card's travel insurance coverage . For instance, many credit cards offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage but not medical coverage. C&F Travel Insured's Travel Medical Protector plan may be a good addition if you only need to add medical-related coverage.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

C&F Travel Insured FAQs

C&F Travel Insured offers comprehensive coverage, but stands out for its riders as well as its pricing for family trips.

C&F Travel Insured's prices are middling, with lower rates for children and high rates for senior travelers.

The customer service at C&F Travel Insured is particularly good compared to its competitors, with communicative staff and a fast claims process.

C&F Travel Insured typically offers customization options for their policies, allowing customers to add more coverage and select from a number of add-ons.

The claim filing process with C&F Travel Insured is streamlined and user-friendly, with support from their customer service team to assist policyholders throughout the process.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed C&F Travel Insured

We looked at C&F Travel Insured's coverages and compared it to the best travel insurance policies. We analyzed coverage options, claim limits, available add-ons, and typical insurance policy costs. The right policy will offer sufficient coverage for your situation at the most competitive price.

C&F Travel Insured offers aggressive options if you're willing to pay a bit more. It also offers budget travel insurance plans for those looking to supplement credit card or other protections already in place. To find the travel insurance that makes sense, check out different providers and compare quotes.

You can read more about our ratings methods for insurance providers here.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Faye Travel Insurance Review 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.

At its core, Faye Travel Insurance is the first fin-tech startup providing a modern take on travel insurance. Our Faye travel insurance review finds the company prides itself on offering a fully digital experience. This digital push means its consumers can buy a policy, submit claims, and receive payouts seamlessly through a mobile app.

Faye puts your travel insurance options in the palm of your hand. However, everyone's travel insurance needs differ. Online access is only one of the things travelers look for. So it's essential to read the fine print before you pay for the best travel insurance for your needs. Here's a closer look at what you need to know before buying a Faye travel insurance plan.

Introduction to Faye Travel Insurance

Faye is a fairly new competitor in the travel insurance industry, operating since 2019. It offers one base travel insurance policy with quite a few additional coverage options, such as pet care expenses, vacation rental damage protection, and adventure sports protection. You'll manage your policy, file claims, and communicate with customer service and travel assistance through Faye's mobile app. 

Faye's "whole trip" travel insurance policy covers all the fundamentals with fairly high coverage limits. That said, its premiums are on the high side. It has particularly high rates for younger travelers relative to its competitors, which is a shame, since its tech-focused approach to travel insurance seems geared towards younger travelers.

Types of Policies Offered by Faye Travel Insurance 

Faye starts with one base plan, boasting that it provides "whole trip" travel insurance to protect "your trip, your health, and your stuff." It also offers riders to customize your coverage for a fee.

Here's what's included in the base plan:

Additional coverage options from Faye

In addition to the base plan, Faye offers a robust selection of riders or supplemental policies buyers can add to the plan for an additional cost. The riders are the same in the U.S. and abroad.

These include:

• Adventure and extreme sports protection: up to $250,000 (international trips) or $50,000 (domestic trips) for accident and sickness expenses. Users should read the policy to ensure their plans qualify.
• Vacation rental damage protection: applicable for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO or other rentals. Faye will reimburse you up to $3,000
• Cancel for Any Reason: up to 75% of the nonrefundable insured trip cost when purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit
• Pet Plan Bundle: up to $2,500 for vet expenses and $250 for kenneling if your trip is extended unexpectedly
• Rental car care (for cars renting within the U.S. and Canada only): up to $50K in coverage for accidental damage by collision, vandalism, natural disaster or theft related to your rental car

Always check your other insurance policies if you're looking for specific coverage types not included in this list. You might be surprised at the coverage automatically available to you. For example, U.S. auto insurance will extend to rental cars in the U.S. You can talk to your auto insurance company about any international travel.

Additionally, some credit cards offer travel protections , which are generally along the lines of basic travel cancellation insurance. If you have a travel credit card, it may be worth double-checking the protections that credit card provides. You can find our guide on the best travel credit cards here.

Faye Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for  plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Faye travel insurance coverage costs.

• 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 trip to Italy: $162.18
• 30-year-old from California on a two-week vacation to Japan for $4,000 trip: $173.17
• Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000: $919.70
• 65-year-old New Jersey couple traveling to for Mexico for two weeks for $6,000: $436.52

With these estimates, Faye isn't the cheapest travel insurance policy . However, these costs are roughly in line with what you should expect to pay for an average travel insurance policy. 

How to Purchase and Manage a Faye Policy

To purchase a Faye policy, you'll need to give them the following details about your trip:

• Destination
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers, their birthdays, and email addresses
• State of residence

Once you get your quote, you can input your trip cost as well as purchase any riders you qualify for. 

Note: You'll have 14 days after purchasing your Faye travel insurance policy to cancel and receive a full refund, as long as the trip has yet to start and no claims have been submitted.

How to File a Claim with Faye

The easiest way to submit a claim with Faye is through its mobile app. The app has a 24/7 chat feature to ensure you get the assistance you need as quickly as possible.

You can also contact Faye via phone or email. Domestic travelers should call +1-833-240-7056, while international travelers should dial +1-804-482-2122. If you wish to contact the company via email, [email protected] is the best address.

Notably, one thing that sets Faye's claims process apart from other travel insurance providers is that any payouts you receive will be deposited directly into your Faye Wallet. The Faye Wallet works similarly to an Apple Pay account, allowing Faye's team to process claims faster. You can immediately access the money to pay for things like dog kenneling, replacing everyday toiletries and clothes, and more.

Customer reviews report that a claim might take a while to process on their own but calling Faye's customer support line can expedite the claims process.

Faye Customer Service and Support

Although Faye is relatively new in the travel insurance industry, it's built an excellent reputation among its customers. It has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of five on its Trustpilot page. Reviewers spoke highly of the buying process and customer service team. The claims process received mixed reviews, with some extended wait times, but reviews on the claims process were still positive overall. 

Faye's mobile apps on Android and iOS play a significant role in your coverage, allowing you to manage your policy, file claims, and communicate with Faye's customer service team. Faye's Android app received 4.0 stars on the Google Play store, and its iOS app received 4.2 stars. 

In addition to positive reviews, it's also worth mentioning that Faye regularly responds to reviews on Trustpilot as well as its mobile app. That said, contacting customer service directly is still the most reliable way to get assistance, as review response times from Faye range from same-day to two-weeks from when the review was made.

Compare Faye Travel Insurance

Learn more about how Faye Travel Insurance compares to some of the best travel insurance companies.

Faye vs. AIG Travel Insurance

While both Faye  and AIG offer apps for travel insurance customers, AIG's app is currently only available to those with corporate bookings. In short, vacationers lack access to the app. Faye, on the other hand, has apps for both IOS and Android users.

Faye may be the way to go if you're more comfortable navigating the insurance process on your phone or don't plan to take a computer. Still, AIG may provide more options if you want more control over your claim limits.

AIG offers three levels of comprehensive travel insurance with varying limits. The company also has annual travel insurance plans, which may be a good fit if you plan to go on multiple trips this year. Overall, premiums are similar between the two companies.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

Faye vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

One of Faye's main benefits is that it offers a large selection of add-on options that allow you to tailor your coverage to fit your needs. These include riders like a pet policy or an adventure sports rider.

At this time, Allianz only offers supplemental rental car insurance policies in addition to its comprehensive insurance plans.

However, Allianz may present a more straightforward and comprehensive option if you're not in the market for hyper-specialized coverage. Both companies include emergency medical transportation and costs in base plans. Overall, Allianz is typically the more affordable option between the two.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Faye vs. World Nomads Travel Insurance

On the whole, Faye and World Nomads travel insurance are relatively similar. Both offer comprehensive insurance plans, coverage for extreme sports, and 24/7 claims assistance. However, it's the finer details that set the two companies apart.

For its part, Faye's most significant selling point is its mobile app and quick transfer of funds to its card. It also has the option to add on those tailored additional coverage riders, such as its pet plan bundle, cancel for any reason coverage, and vacation rental damage protection.

In contrast, World Nomads has two comprehensive plans, which means you can select your claim limits. Plus, the company allows you to extend your coverage if you stay away from home longer than you'd planned.

World Nomads premiums may also be more competitive depending on where you're going.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Faye Travel Insurance FAQs

Does faye travel insurance provide global coverage.

Yes, Faye offers travel insurance for international trips, making it suitable for international travel, but it's always important to check specific destination coverage in the policy terms.

Can I get coverage for high-risk activities with Faye Travel Insurance?

Yes, Faye offers an adventure and extreme sports protection rider, though it will significantly increase the cost of your travel insurance policy.

How does Faye handle travel disruptions due to COVID-19?

Faye handles COVID-19 like any other illness when it comes to trip cancellations and medical emergencies.

Is the claims process with Faye Travel Insurance straightforward?

Faye's claims process is reportedly simple, with no paperwork required. Reports of claim wait times vary, but getting in touch with customer service is a reliable way to expedite the process.

What sets Faye Travel Insurance apart from other insurance providers?

Faye stands out for its digital approach to travel insurance with its mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Faye Travel Insurance

While reviewing Faye, we compared its offerings to other reputable travel insurance providers. Specifically, we compared the available plan options, add-ons, claim limits, coverages, exclusions, and typical policy costs.

Choosing the best policy for you and your co-travelers is about finding a policy with the right type of coverage and sufficient claim limits. Of course, price is a significant factor for many consumers. But specialty riders for daredevils and other details help consumers make the right decision. As such, we take all that into account.

You can read more about how we rate travel insurance products here .

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

• Travel Insurance

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Our Guide To The Best Family Travel Insurance For Australians

Updated: Mar 13, 2024, 12:31pm

Table of Contents

What is family travel insurance, should i take out family travel insurance, what types of family travel insurance are there, what does family travel insurance cover, what does family travel insurance exclude, how much does family travel insurance cost, frequently asked questions (faqs).

A family holiday can be the experience of a lifetime, often jam-packed with day trips and activities for both the adults and kids to enjoy.

However, travelling in numbers, following complex itineraries and taking long trips to other continents, as many Australians do, can provide plenty of opportunity for something to go wrong and potentially ruin the getaway.

Family travel insurance can cover you losing your luggage en route to Bali, the little one breaking an arm on a waterslide, and even needing to cancel the holiday due to the whole family falling ill. We explain how it works below.

Related: Our Pick of the Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Australians

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit on dental

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

You can take out separate cover for each person in a party, but many providers also offer the option to cover a family in one go, on one policy. To be considered a family, you and your partner must be travelling with children, who are your dependents, are not in full-time work and depending on the provider, are aged under 18 to 25. Often providers will accept parents, step-parents or legal guardians going on holiday with their children, or step-children and grandparents travelling with their grandchildren.

When running quotes on an insurer’s website you may or may not come across an option specifically for family cover. Either way, you’ll be required to state the number of people travelling and their ages, which will enable you to view quotes for policies suitable for families.

Travellers may choose family travel insurance over purchasing individual policies for each family member for the following reasons:

• Lower costs: Family cover can be the cheaper option, but not always so it’s best to compare individual policies too.
• Less paperwork: You and the rest of your family will all be on the same policy, and typically will have the same cover levels, so you won’t have tonnes of form-filling.
• Shorter application process: You’ll be able to take out cover for all family members at the same time, rather than going through the application process multiple times.

To be considered a family, you and your partner must be travelling with children, who are your dependents, are not in full-time work and depending on the provider, are aged under 18 to 25.

Family travel insurance may not be the best option if you are:

• Travelling with a mature relative: travel insurance tends to rise in cost the older you are, owing to the increased risk of falling ill while away. As mature relatives can bump up the cost of a policy, it may be worth insuring them separately.
• Travelling with someone who has a medical condition: Insurers refer to medical conditions travellers had before taking out cover as ‘pre-existing’, and some don’t cover these conditions. Those that do may charge extra, which can raise the overall cost of a family policy. Taking out separate cover for relatives with pre-existing conditions can sometimes work out cheaper.

As with other forms of travel insurance, there are three main options when taking out cover for the family:

Single trip: This type of policy covers a one-off holiday taken within the space of 12 months. >Annual Multi-trip: It can be more cost-effective to opt for this type of policy if you and your family intend to take more than one holiday in the next year, and you’re able to plan your vacation well in advance. Long-stay: You’ll need this type of policy if you intend to travel for longer than 31 days, typically. Depending on the provider, cover can last for six, 12, 18 and even 24 months.

The various types of cover provided by family travel insurance is wide ranging and differs between policies. Common forms include:

• Emergency medical expenses: Covers the cost of treatment should a member of the party fall ill or get injured while away. Comprehensive policies often offer no limit on this cover.
• Trip cancellation: Pays out should an emergency such as illness or bereavement prevent your trip from going ahead.
• Baggage and belongings: Covers your luggage and personal effects. Look out for a total limit on cover as well as sub-limits for individual items.
• Passport and personal documents: Covers the cost of replacing travel documents if lost or stolen.
• Personal liability: covers you or a family member that injures someone else or damages someone’s property.

Policies will usually protect you and your family for an array of sports and activities, but cover for winter sports, and cruise holidays often come at an additional cost through ‘add-on’ packs.

Looking through the product disclosure statement (PDS) of a travel insurance policy is a crucial prerequisite to purchasing cover, as it will list exactly what the policy covers but also any restrictions and exclusions and sub limits that apply. While these all can differ between policies, generally you can expect most insures to refuse claims that are the result of:

• Intoxication and disorderly behaviour: an insurer is unlikely to pay out if your claim resulted from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or reckless behaviour.
• A pre-existing condition you didn’t declare: some travel insurance providers do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If they do, you’ll need to declare these conditions during the medical screening section of the application to make a related claim in the future.
• Injury caused when not wearing safety gear: Insurers often refuse injury claims caused by taking part in a sport or activity, where the traveller did not wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, harness or knee pads.
• Travelling against official advice: All travellers should make sure to regularly refer to the government’s Smartraveller updates on the status of their holiday destination. Travelling to a destination on the Smartraveller’s “do not travel” list, such as Iran or Yemen, can invalidate your policy.

The cost of family travel insurance varies between providers, but they tend to consider holiday destination and length, the age of all members of the party and whether anyone has any pre-existing conditions among other factors when determining price.

To provide an idea of how much a comprehensive policy can cost we ran quotes for a family spending 13 to 26 May in Bali, on the website of the top five insurers we consider to offer the best travel insurance. You can view our full ranking to see how our top 10 picks compare.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14, and 12, all without pre-existing conditions, though all five providers cover pre-existing conditions. Note: quotes will likely be higher for this form of protection. You can find the quotes below, including the maximum number of dependents that can be covered by the insurer:

Each also offers an unlimited amount of emergency medical cover, while the policies from Travel Insurance Direct, Bupa Travel Insurance and insure4less additionally include cover for unexpected dental issues. All policies also cover travel delay, baggage and belongings, travel documents and passports, accidental death and permanent disability should you or another member of the family suffer life changing injury. For a full breakdown of the full range of cover a policy offers, you can read its PDS.

When considering the cost of a policy, it’s also important to weigh up price against the excess it levies. This is the set portion of each claim amount you’ll be expected to pay, subject to certain exclusions as detailed in the PDS. Allianz and insure4less levies a standard excess of $200 on its policy. Bupa charges $250 in excess and InsureandGo, $100. Travel Insurance Direct does not readily state the excess amount payable on its policy online. Allianz and Bupa levies excess per incident, while insure4less applies it per person per incident. InsureandGo expects an excess payment per person, per incident, per section of the policy you are claiming under.

All providers offer more basic policies with lower levels of cover for a lower premium, and some also allow you to choose the excess level. Generally, opting to pay less in excess will raise the policy price, while paying more will lower it.

Can I buy travel insurance after arrival?

While you can buy travel insurance while away, it’s best to take out cover as soon as you book your trip. This will provide you with immediate protection should you have to cancel your holiday due to an emergency. Also, if you take out cover during your holiday, you may be subjected to a waiting period of three days or so before you can claim on your policy.

Does travel insurance cover the whole family?

Travel insurers set their own limits on the number of dependents they cover on their family travel insurance policies. Usually, they will insure up to six or eight children and two adults. Certain policies may offer cover for an unlimited number of dependents.

Do I need travel insurance for my child?

While travel insurance isn’t usually a legal obligation for children or adults, it can offer a vital form of protection, covering large expenses, such as emergency medical costs, that often reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.

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The Best Family Life Insurance Companies (2024)

If you’re looking for life insurance to cover your family, we round up the best options.

with our comparison partner, Policygenius

Taylor Medine started blogging about her experiences stretching a dollar in 2013 as a recent college grad. Eventually, that passion grew into a career studying personal finance topics and demystifying them for people like her — the everyday consumer. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hunting for travel deals or trying (and often failing) at a DIY project.

Our picks for the best family life insurance companies are TruStage, Ethos and Bestow based on our research and scoring system. We at the MarketWatch Guides team have reviewed dozens of life insurance companies based on coverage options, cost and reputation to help you make an informed decision. However, as you shop for policies, keep in mind that the best life insurance coverage and rates for your family will vary by age, health and other factors.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing life insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Hours Reached

Rating Factors

Experts Approved

Top 5 Family Life Insurance Companies

Family life insurance policies can be plans that cover multiple members under one policy or separate policies. Below is our list of top life insurance picks for families:

• Ethos: Our top pick
• TruStage : Best for whole life coverage
• Bestow : Best for online term policies
• Fidelity:  Best for accidental death coverage
• State Farm: Best for customer satisfaction

Pros and Cons

Why we picked ethos.

Ethos is our pick for the best no-exam life insurance because it provides a streamlined, all-online application you can complete from the convenience of your home. The company is an independent broker that partners with life insurance carriers such as TruStage, Mutual of Omaha and Ameritas to offer term and whole life policies.

When you apply for a term policy through Ethos, the company begins the underwriting process by requesting a report from MIB , formerly known as the Medical Information Bureau, instead of requiring a medical exam. You can choose between, 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year terms and get anywhere from $20,000 to $2 million in coverage.

Ethos also offers guaranteed-issue whole life insurance without a medical exam to applicants between 66 and 88 years old. The company’s maximum whole life death benefit of $30,000 is lower than some competitors, but its application process is quick and offers coverage in minutes.

Coverage and Cost

To estimate Ethos’s life insurance pricing, we based the below rates on a 20-year, $250,000 term policy for a tobacco-free applicant who qualifies for the preferred health rate class. We averaged the rates of female and male applicants to arrive at the following:

• 35-year-old : $17
• 45-year-old : $32
• 55-year-old : $75

Available Coverage Options

Ethos offers the following no-exam coverage options:

Pros & Cons

Why we picked trustage.

• Policies offered:  Whole and term
• AM Best rating:  A-

TruStage is a brand of life insurance and financial services products offered by CUNA Mutual Group, a prominent insurance and financial services organization serving credit unions and their members across the U.S. Founded in 1935, TruStage provides a variety of family life insurance options, with a focus on streamlined life insurance quotes and online applications . 

TruStage offers both term and whole life insurance policies, including guaranteed-acceptance whole life coverage. While prices for TruStage term life insurance policies are higher than competing online insurance options, it does not require a medical exam for coverage.

There are some areas where TruStage falls short compared to other life insurers. It limits its term life policies to five years, and rates will increase with every renewal as the policyholder enters a new age bracket.

Guaranteed whole life coverage comes with strings attached, including that your beneficiaries may not receive the full death benefit if you die within two years of your first premium payment. Regardless, TruStage is a reliable and reputable family life insurance provider best suited to tech-forward individuals.

Optional Add-Ons 

Based on our research, TruStage currently does not offer any life insurance add-ons.

Bestow Life Insurance

Why We Picked Bestow

Bestow is a modern insurtech provider that offers no-exam term life insurance through a completely digital application that takes only minutes and often provides instant decisions. The company scored highly in our review for offering five different term period options: 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30 years. Bestow offers no-exam plans to those between 18 and 60 years old with coverage amounts between $100,000 and $1.5 million.

The provider’s online application process is informative and intuitive, based on our experience, allowing you to easily see how factors such as term length and coverage amount impact premiums. If you get stuck, customer care agents are available via phone and live chat and were very responsive and helpful in our experience.

However, if you’re looking for a convertible policy or permanent coverage, Bestow is not the best-suited provider for you. Bestow does not offer whole life insurance or term policies that you can convert into permanent coverage.

We estimated Bestow life insurance pricing by basing the below rates on a 20-year, $250,000 term policy for a tobacco-free applicant who qualifies for the preferred health rate class. We averaged the rates of female and male applicants.

• 45-year-old : $31
• 5 5-year-old : $68

Bestow offers the following no-exam coverage options:

Fidelity Life

• Policies offered:  Term, whole and guaranteed issue
• AM Best rating* :   A-

Fidelity Life could be a good fit if you are older, have serious health issues or have been denied coverage in the past. The company offers several options for permanent no-exam coverage, including whole life, final expense and accidental death benefit policies.

It holds an A- rating with AM Best, indicating excellent financial strength. But if you’re more concerned about customer service, Fidelity Life isn’t the strongest provider on this list. It receives a higher concentration of complaints from state insurance departments than other providers of its size.

*A.M. Best ratings accurate as of January 2024

Coverage Options

All of Fidelity Life’s no-exam policies offer permanent coverage. Its RAPIDecision Senior Whole Life and RAPIDecision Final Expense policies still require you to answer questions about your medical history, while the RAPIDecision Guaranteed Issue policy ensures coverage for anyone between the ages of 50 and 85.

The company also offers an affordable standalone accidental death benefit policy for those who wish to supplement an existing life insurance policy or increase their payout in the event of a fatal accident.

Average Fidelity Life Insurance Cost:

• 35-year-old: $34.64
• 45-year-old: $62.74
• 55-year-old: $84.21

• Policies offered:  Term life, whole life, universal life and no-exam final expense
• AM Best rating*:  A++

State Farm began offering life insurance in 1929 and has the highest possible AM Best financial strength rating. State Farm also  boasts a No. 1 ranking  among insurance companies for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Individual Life Insurance StudySM.

For family coverage, State Farm has riders that let you combine coverage for many members under one policy. The Select Term rider can add coverage  starting at $100,000  for a spouse, and the Child’s Term rider offers  up to $20,000  in coverage for each child.

State Farm offers term life, whole life and universal life coverage. Term policies are available for 10, 20 and 30 years and start at $100,000 in coverage. Instant answer coverage is available for $50,000, which would be enough to cover funeral expenses.

Rider Options

Rider options you may be able to add to a State Farm policy:

• Select term rider
• Child’s term rider
• Waiver of premium for disability rider
• Payor insurance benefit rider
• Accelerated death benefit for long-term care rider
• Waiver of premium benefit rider

*A.M. Best ratings accurate as of July 2023

What Is Family Life Insurance?

If the goal is to financially protect your family in the event of a death, then any life insurance policy is a family life insurance. However, you should get a policy that will cover your family’s needs fully.

Family life insurance is one or many life insurance policies that provide a death benefit upon the death of a family member. The sum can help surviving family members avoid financial strain — the benefit can cover debts, mortgage payments , funeral costs and everyday living expenses.

In some cases, the person serving as the family’s main source of income has permanent coverage — whole life insurance, for example — while a term policy covers other family members, including spouses, parents and children.

Compare the Best Life Insurance for Families

Use the table below to compare top family life insurance providers:

Types of Life Insurance

Life insurance is a financial agreement that pays a tax-free death benefit in a lump sum to beneficiaries when people covered by the insurance policy pass away. The lump sum payout can provide a financial cushion to help family members pay for funeral costs, end-of-life bills and other living expenses. How life insurance policies work and features included can vary depending on the policy type.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is the most basic type of policy and often the most affordable. Under a term life policy, policyholders are protected within a certain period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. If you outlive the policy’s term, the insurance may expire or you could renew or convert the term policy into a permanent policy. When renewed or converted, policy premiums are likely to increase because you’re older. There are different term life insurance types:

• Decreasing term
• Return of premium
• Renewable life
• Convertible life

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance is a type of life insurance that stays in place as long as you pay the premiums. While more expensive than term policies, permanent insurance has a cash value amount. Your money accrues over time, and you can get some or all of it through a loan or withdrawal. You can even use the cash value to pay premiums.

Whole life insurance policies offer a fixed death benefit and level premiums, while universal life policies may offer adjustable benefits and premiums. Depending on the permanent policy type, cash value may earn interest or can be invested. Types of permanent policies are:

• Whole life insurance
• Universal life insurance
• Variable life insurance
• Variable/universal life insurance

How Much Is Family Life Insurance?

The cost of family life insurance depends on your circumstances, policy type and coverage options. There are many factors that affect insurance premiums, including your age, gender, lifestyle habits and more. Many insurers also offer online estimate tools you can use to determine how much you will pay for coverage.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Life Insurance

Insurance companies set insurance rates based on your risk profile, which they determine during the underwriting process . Factors that can affect your insurance rates include:

• Age: Insurance premiums typically increase the older you are.
• Gender: Men pay more for life insurance because women have a longer life expectancy. 
• Health: Insurance providers may require a medical exam to determine how healthy you are. Having a pre-existing medical condition could increase your insurance premiums.
• Family medical history: A history of family medical conditions can also affect your cost.
• Tobacco use: Not smoking could lower your premiums because of the risk smoking can pose to your health.
• Occupation/Lifestyle: Working in a high-risk job or participating in high-risk hobbies could increase your premiums.
• Chosen coverage: The type of coverage you choose, the amount of your death benefit and optional riders included in your policy can affect your premiums.

Life Insurance for Couples

Life insurance offers some financial protection for couples, depending on your unique situation. Whether you are married or have children can play a factor in whether you need life insurance coverage at all and, if so, how much you need. For example, if you and your partner have made major purchases such as buying a home or car, or if you have children or are planning a family, life insurance can ensure the surviving spouse can continue to cover these expenses. 

You also have a choice between separate life insurance policies, each covering one partner, or a joint life policy, also known as survivorship life insurance. Joint life policies have potentially lower premiums and more flexible underwriting. On the other hand, separate policies for couples are easier to customize and can offer living benefits . 

Is Life Insurance Worth It?

At a minimum, it’s a good idea for the family breadwinner to have life insurance because it provides a revenue stream for the family when the primary source of income is gone.

Having insurance that covers a stay-at-home parent or parent with a low salary can be worthwhile because the death benefit can pay for tasks they manage, such as childcare. Coverage for children isn’t always necessary, but it could make sense for kids who have health conditions and a higher mortality risk.

Employers may offer group life insurance coverage as a health benefit to employees, and that coverage could be enough to protect your family, depending on your situation. Life insurance may not make sense for families with older adults who have paid off mortgages and grown children. If assets can cover your affairs, there’s likely no need to pay for additional coverage.

Young adults and couples without many financial responsibilities might not need life insurance either. However, consider that when you’re younger and healthier, life insurance is less expensive. Locking in a term policy while your rate is low could be a cost-effective plan because you may have children or more people to financially support later down the road.

What is the Best Family Life Insurance?

The right insurance plan can be different from one family to the next. State Farm is a top choice for service because it ranks high for customer satisfaction. Transamerica makes our list because of how efficiently it processes claims. Shopping around can help you find an insurance provider with adequate coverage and features that meet your budget and family’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance For Families

What is a family life insurance policy.

Family life insurance looks different for each family. You can insure the entire household with one policy that bundles coverage, either as a joint policy or with riders that add coverage for other individuals. Another option is buying separate policies. Comparing options and premium costs can help you find the right coverage.

What type of life insurance is best for a family?

Term life policies are often the simplest and most affordable policies that cover families for a period where they have large expenses (mortgage payments, childcare bills and tuition). If you die during the term, your family will have money from the death benefit to cover these major costs, and there may be money left over.

Can you get life insurance for your family?

Life insurance options for families vary by provider. In some cases, spouses can get a joint life insurance policy. Or you can add riders that cover additional people to an individual policy. Another option is buying separate life insurance policies for each family member.

What are the benefits of family life insurance?

Life insurance provides a death benefit when a member of your family dies. This lump sum payout is tax-free, and you can use it to pay for funeral costs, end-of-life bills and living expenses. You can also use life insurance payouts as an inheritance.

What are the benefits of life insurance for a family?

At a minimum, life insurance coverage for adults and children can pay for final affairs, which are sometimes costly. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a viewing with burial is $7,848 and $6,970 for cremation. Medical bills are another type of end-of-life cost a death benefit could help pay for. Any money left over could go toward living expenses and other bills that arise. 

While living, cash value accumulated from children or adult policies could be tapped into to cover expenses, like education costs. However, investing in education savings plans over a long period could provide a greater return and be a better way to pay for school.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking Life Insurance Companies

Our team researches and ranks life insurance companies using an in-depth scoring system that considers the factors most important to consumers like you. Our analysis includes a comprehensive review of each provider we feature based on available coverage, customizability, availability, customer service and company reputation. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating life insurance providers:

• Brand trust (40%) : Life insurance payouts can exceed $100,000 or more, which makes choosing a reputable and trustworthy insurance provider important. To assess brand trust, we use J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction surveys, AM Best credit rating scores and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index. The higher a company scores in each area, the more points it receives. 
• Coverage (33%) : The more policy options a life insurance company offers, the more opportunities you have to obtain the right coverage for your specific needs. For this reason, we give companies the most points for offering multiple types of life insurance, including various term, permanent and no-exam options. 
• Availability and ease of use (19%) : Since life insurance coverage options can be complex, we consider the ways a customer can reach a company — and how easy communication is. For this category, we research how many communication channels a company offers for general customer support, claims processing and the application process. Companies earn the most points for offering various ways to interact with an agent, both in-person and online. 
• Riders (8%) : Companies offering various life insurance riders or endorsements allow policyholders to better customize their coverage. In this category, we determine how many riders a company offers and award the most points to providers with more than 10 options. 

We use our rating system to compare and contrast each company against key factors to help us determine the best life insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full life insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers. AM Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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Faye Travel Insurance Review: Is It Worth the Cost?

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 .

Travel insurance can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re worried about unexpected costs during your trip. There are a ton of different travel insurance companies out there, so finding one that suits your needs can be a struggle. That’s why we’ve done the work for you.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance provider Faye to see what type of plans the company offers, the coverage levels you can expect and whether Faye travel insurance is right for you.

About Faye travel insurance

Faye is the brand name for customizable travel protection plans offered by a company called Zenner Inc. Its website notes that it specializes in quick reimbursements, which can be a big draw for travelers. Policies issued by Faye are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company.

» Learn more: How to pick between travel insurance providers

Faye insurance plans

Unlike many other travel insurance companies , Faye offers only one plan.

To find out what types of coverage Faye travel insurance plans include, we generated a quote for a 44-year-old woman from Arizona who was traveling to Italy for two weeks. Her total trip cost came in at $2,000.

Here’s what Faye provides:

This plan costs 7.03% of the overall trip cost, which is typical according to NerdWallet's analysis .

The plan is comprehensive and includes coverage you don’t typically see, such as reimbursement for lost credit cards and a payment for being inconvenienced.

Faye also offers a number of customizations; there are different add-ons from which to choose, all of which vary in price. More on your options in the next section.

» Learn more: How travel insurance for domestic vacations works

Plan add-ons

If you'd like to customize your Faye travel insurance plan to meet your needs more specifically, you can add on extra coverage for more money.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

What isn’t covered by Faye

Even if you purchase a very comprehensive travel insurance policy, there are still situations where you’re not covered.

These include:

Bad weather, including hurricanes, if the policy was purchased after the storm was named.

Intentionally self-inflicted injuries or suicide.

Expenses incurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

High-risk sports for which you are paid. 

Psychological disorders, unless you’re hospitalized. 

War and acts of war. 

Illegal acts. 

Piloting or learning to pilot or acting as crew of an aircraft. 

To find the full list of exclusions for your specific policy, be sure to review your plan’s benefits schedule.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

How to choose a Faye plan online

Purchasing a Faye travel insurance plan online is simple. You’ll first want to head to the company’s website to generate a quote.

You’ll need to input information like your age, where you live, where you’re going and how long you’re going to be away. Once you’ve got that all entered in, you’ll be taken to the results page.

Here, you’ll be able to see what plan options you have available, as well as what add-ons there are to pick.

After you’ve selected the coverage you’d like, you’ll need to go through the online checkout process.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Which Faye plan is best for me?

Although Faye has just one base plan available for purchase, it has plenty of different add-ons from which to choose. Faye sorts its bundles and add-ons according to the trip you’re taking, so you may see your bundled offer vary from time to time.

For tentative plans . Choosing to add on a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy can provide peace of mind if your travel plans aren’t solid. With the ability to get up to 75% of your money back, you’ll just want to make sure you’re canceling at least 48 hours in advance. 

For pet owners . Not many travel insurance companies include coverage for your pets , especially not when it comes to vet bills. With a low overall cost, this add-on can make a huge difference if you end up delayed on your return. 

For those wanting to customize everything . Faye’s base plan allows customers to create tons of different customizations according to their travel needs. Even though it’s costly, it makes up for it with wholly comprehensive coverage. 

Faye’s travel insurance offerings may suit your needs, but before purchasing a plan, take a look in your wallet. Many different travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance , which can include benefits such as trip cancellation reimbursement, rental car insurance and more.

on Chase's website

on American Express' 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 6 hours.

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

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

Terms apply.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

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