one way travel insurance reviews

What Is One Way Travel Insurance & How Does It Work?

Every heard about one way travel insurance if you’re considering traveling for a longer period, here’s what you need to know., this article may contain affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you. thanks for your support for more info, read our disclaimer & privacy policy , especially if you need help to sleep., this article may contain affiliate links, meaning i make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. read our disclaimer & privacy policy here..

Table of Contents

Matthew Metcalfe

June 12, 2024.

Don’t be fooled…

Not all travel insurance companies will cover you on a one-way ticket.

One way travel insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for travelers who don’t have a return ticket OR fixed return date.

This insurance type caters to long-term travelers like digital nomads, remote workers, backpackers, expats and more. It can cover medical expenses, trip interruptions, baggage, and even personal effects.

SafetyWing is the most popular one way travel insurance provider because of its flexibility, affordability and subscription-like service with no major upfront costs.

We’ve been traveling full-time as digital nomads since 2018 and we’ve needed to rely on one-way travel insurance for protection. We’ve used multiple digital nomad insurance companies over the years because they offer insurance for one-way trips which we do regularly.

Below I’ll explain exactly what one way travel insurance is, what you need to consider before buying and 3x popular companies that provide this coverage.

Key Takeaways

• One way travel insurance caters to long-term or open-ended trips without a fixed return date.
• Tailored one way insurance coverage offers protection against a range of potential issues during your trip that can include medical expenses, trip interruption, baggage and personal effects.
• SafetyWing is a popular choice due to its flexibility, affordability, and subscription-based approach.

What Is One Way Travel Insurance?

One way travel insurance is a type of insurance that is designed specifically for people traveling overseas for a long period of time who don’t have a return ticket or fixed return date.

Unlike regular round-trip coverage, one-way insurance suits those who plan to travel abroad and want to keep their return date flexible. Some one-way travel insurance providers even allow you to buy coverage while already overseas.

Insurance for one-way trips is much more flexible than traditional travel insurance and can even include global coverage with no need to outline every individual country you are visiting.

How Does One Way Travel Insurance Work?

One way travel insurance policies operate similarly to standard travel insurance but there is one big difference…

You don’t need to put in a return date or have a fixed end date to buy the travel insurance.

You choose the start date on your policy and usually have to put the first country you are visiting. After that, you can continue to travel and the insurance policy covers you. There’s no need to constantly update your insurance every time you change countries.

Some insurers may require you to stipulate an end date for your policy or they may have a maximum time of continuous coverage before you need to renew.

The best one way travel insurance providers will even let you extend your policy while overseas. One way insurance policies are designed to give you maximum flexibility with your travels while still ensuring that you are covered for medical and travel emergencies abroad. You just need to make sure that the policy covers your own needs and covers your trip.

Always read through the full description and policy document before buying insurance!

Pros & Cons Of One Way Travel Insurance

• Flexibility : You can buy and renew your coverage as you go, making it perfect for travelers without a set return date.
• Global Coverage : Many one-way travel insurance providers offer worldwide protection, without the need to specify every country you’re going to visit.
• Suitable for Long-term Travel : It’s designed for digital nomads, remote workers, backpackers, and expats who are traveling for extended periods.
• Comprehensive Coverage : Depending on the policy, it can cover a range of emergencies like medical expenses, trip interruption, baggage, personal effects, and more.
• Purchase Anytime : Some insurance companies allow you to buy coverage even if you’re already overseas, offering an added level of convenience.
• May Not Cover High-Risk Activities : Some policies may not cover high-risk activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing. You’ll need to check specific policy details.
• Possible Higher Costs : Depending on your destination and how long you’re staying, one-way travel insurance could be more expensive than round-trip coverage.
• Limited Trip Cancellation Benefits : One way travel insurance policies might not offer trip cancellation benefits.

Different Types of One Way Travel Insurance Policies

Not all one way travel insurance policies are the same. There are different types of policies that cover different types of trips.

Below are the three of the most popular types of one way travel insurance.

Long Stay Single-Trip Insurance Policies

Long-stay single-trip one way insurance policies generally require you to set an end date on the policy.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you must return to your home country on that date, but it’s the date the insurance cover expires. It depends on the insurance company you choose. If you want to extend, you’ll have to take out a completely new policy.

Single-trip insurance policies can include trip cancellation protection, whereas other one way policies won’t. They usually also have higher cover max limits.

There are a number of single-trip insurance policies that cover you worldwide so you don’t need to specify exactly which countries you are traveling to. This is what differentiates them from traditional travel insurance policies.

Annual Multi-Trip Insurance Policies

Annual multi-trip insurance policies cover you for multiple trips throughout the year. But there is usually only a certain amount of time you are allowed per trip.

For example, you could buy an annual travel insurance policy that offers worldwide coverage on all your trips for the next 12 months. But you are only allowed 60 consecutive days out of your home country per trip.

After that, you will need to return to your home country for the insurance days to reset. This kind of one way insurance is ideal for those who take multiple trips throughout the year but still maintain a home base in their home country.

The important thing is to check the duration limits on each trip within your policy.

Subscription-Based Insurance Policies

Subscription-based one way travel insurance policies are the most flexible.

You can simply subscribe to continuous travel insurance coverage and travel to multiple countries with one policy. Every month you get billed the same amount and the policy continues until you cancel it.

Most subscription-based insurance policies can be canceled at any time.

This kind of travel insurance policy works best for people who want to modify their travel plans as needed. You pay the same fee each month and can travel to different countries as you want.

The best part is that you don’t have to pay a large fee upfront. This makes it more affordable as you pay a smaller fee each month.

3x Best One Way Travel Insurance Companies

Looking for a one-way travel insurance provider?

Below are three of the most popular one-way travel insurance companies at the moment. They are flexible and affordable and offer different ranges of coverage depending on your needs.

Just make sure that you review each policy and check to ensure it’s right for you. This is not a recommendation to buy.

1. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing is a popular choice for digital nomads and travelers looking for one way travel insurance.

They offer flexible, subscription-based coverage that you can customize to suit your needs.

How it works: Choose your preferred coverage start date, which is automatically extended every 4 weeks (28 days).

You can cancel your SafetyWing insurance anytime and the policy will expire after the current period of coverage. You’ll be covered in any country worldwide except for countries sanctioned by the UK, US, EU or the UN (i.e. North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Iran).

SafetyWing is a unique one way travel insurance option. While there are some limitations, it’s flexible, affordable and straightforward.

What’s included:

• Maximum limit – $250,000 with a $250 Deductible
• Medical expenses (Hospital, Room & Nursing Services, Ambulance, Emergency Dental)
• Travel delay – Up To $100/day (max 2 days)
• Lost checked luggage – Up To $500 per item
• Lost or stolen passport & visa
• Natural disasters – (5 nights stay up to $100 per night)
• Political and emergency evacuation
• Personal liability
• Accidental death & dismemberment

SafetyWing Costs: SafetyWing starts at $45.08 for 4 weeks (28 days) for a person aged 18-39.

Here’s a breakdown of SafetyWing Nomad Insurance costs:

© Original table created by Two Tickets Anywhere.

If you are interested in learning more about SafetyWing Nomad insurance, make sure you check out our full SafetyWing review to learn more.

2. Genki World Explorer

Genki World Explorer is a one way travel insurance plan that also works on a monthly subscription basis.

Where Genki stands out is with its comprehensive medical coverage and affordable monthly premiums.

How it works: Select your travel insurance plan start date and decide whether you want to include coverage in the USA and Canada.

You are then covered wherever you travel with very few exclusions. And you can choose to cancel anytime with no extra cancellation fees.

What makes Genki different is its comprehensive medical cover. They offer no maximum limits on almost all medical emergency benefits that are included in your plan. The deductibles are also low at just €50 ($55 USD) and you can even opt for a €0 deductible if you want!

• Emergency medical treatment everywhere
• Sports injuries (with very few exclusions)
• Hospital visits
• Medical transport
• Repatriation
• Assistance & direct billing
• Emergency dental treatment
• Initial mental issue treatment
• Medication & materials
• No overall cost limit

Genki Costs: Genki starts from just €39.30 ($42.90 USD) per month.

The amount you pay will depend on your age, the deductible you choose and whether you want to include the U.S. and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of Genki prices by age:

Want to learn more about Genki? Check out our complete Genki insurance review to learn more about what they offer.

3. Heymondo Travel Insurance

Heymondo offers customizable one way travel insurance plans that cater to a variety of traveler types.

Their plans are accessible and straightforward depending on the type of one way insurance you need.

How it works: Input your trip details and choose from a range of coverage options to create a personalized plan that meets your specific needs.

Heymondo offers two different insurance plans:

• Annual Multi-trip – Worldwide coverage for all trips you take per year with a 60-day maximum per trip.
• Long Stay – Flexible travel insurance coverage for trips that are going to be 90+ days

The benefit of the 90-day Long-Stay plan is that you can continue to extend it even if you are already abroad!

• Emergency medical overseas
• Emergency dental expenses abroad
• Medical transportation & repatriation home
• Delay in delivery of luggage
• Travel disruption
• Loss/theft of official documentation
• Natural disaster assistance
• Accidental death or permanent disability

Heymondo Costs: Heymondo Long Stay insurance starts at €120.06 ($131 USD) for 3 months for a 30-year-old from the United Kingdom. Heymondo Annual insurance starts at €198.22 ($216 USD) per year.

Both types of Heymondo insurance cover different things with different max limits. So make sure you get a personalized quote and read the full insurance policy documents.

What To Consider Before Buying One Way Travel Insurance

Before purchasing one-way travel insurance…

You first need to figure out what benefits are important to you. Digital nomads will require different types of travel insurance compared to expats or backpackers on a gap year.

Here are some essential things to consider:

Duration of coverage: Determine how long you need insurance. One way policies typically offer coverage for up to 12 or 24 months, with some providers offering extensions.

Destination coverage: Make sure the countries you’ll be visiting are covered by the policy. Some insurers exclude specific regions/countries due to high medical costs, safety concerns or sanctions.

Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, ensure the policy covers them. Not all travel insurance providers offer coverage for pre-existing conditions and those that do may charge extra.

Activities coverage: Are you planning any adventurous activities (e.g. scuba diving, bungee jumping, etc)? Confirm whether your policy covers these activities or if you need to purchase additional coverage.

Baggage and personal belongings: Check the limits and exclusions for baggage and personal belongings. If you’re traveling with expensive items, you may want a higher coverage limit.

Cancellation and trip interruption: Understand the circumstances under which your policy covers trip cancellation and interruption. Most one way and subscription travel insurance policies don’t cover trip cancellation.

Policy excess, deductibles and claim process : Familiarize yourself with the policy excess/deductibles This is the amount you’ll have to pay before your insurance kicks in.

Remember: There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to one way travel insurance. Make sure you do your research and read each insurer’s full policy document before purchasing.

Wrapping It Up

One way travel insurance is a great option for those who don’t have a fixed return date to their home country.

You can get flexible plans that offer global coverage and still include great benefits!

If you are on a budget, it’s worth checking out SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and Genki World Explorer because they both offer insurance on a monthly subscription. Their plans are affordable, flexible and offer good coverage.

If you need a more comprehensive one way travel insurance then it might be worth checking Heymondo Long-Stay and Annual Travel Insurance . These plans have higher claim limits and generally more benefits.

The most important thing is…

Do your own research and choose a travel insurance policy that suits your needs and situation. This way you know you’re getting the right kind of insurance and will have the peace of mind you need as you travel!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get travel insurance for one-way travel.

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance specifically designed for one-way trips. These policies provide coverage for unforeseen events and potential expenses that may occur during your journey, giving you peace of mind.

What is covered by one-way travel insurance?

One-way travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, baggage loss and other common travel concerns. Be sure to read your policy’s terms and conditions to understand the exact coverage and any exclusions.

How much does one-way travel insurance typically cost?

Generally, one-way travel insurance can range from $40 USD per month all the way to $150 USD per month. The cost of one-way travel insurance varies based on factors like your destination, trip duration and desired coverage levels.

Can I extend the coverage period of my one-way travel insurance?

It depends on your insurance policy. Most one-way travel insurance plans allow you to extend your coverage period. But always double-check the terms and conditions before purchasing. SafetyWing, Genki and Heymondo offer options for extending travel insurance – even if you are already abroad.

Which companies offer the best one-way travel insurance policies?

The best one-way travel insurance policy depends on individual preferences and requirements. We have found that SafetyWing, Genki and Heymondo all offer great one-way travel insurance policies that will suit most people.

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

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 Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of August 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 1:56 p.m. UTC Aug. 7, 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 Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• PrimeCover : Best for trip interruption coverage.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

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.

• 1,918 coverage details evaluated.
• 588 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

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’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 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. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports 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 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits and for baggage damage or loss. This means the travel insurance company will pay your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party. Plans with secondary coverage may be cheaper, but for the amount of hassle you can save when filing a claim, I recommend looking for a plan with primary coverage.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

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.

Heidi’s expert take:   “The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• 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.
• 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.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you want missed connections coverage for any trip, I recommend buying a plan like TravelSafe Classic. It offers up to $2,500 in missed connection coverage and doesn’t restrict this benefit to cruises and tours like many policies do.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay 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.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best for trip interruption coverage

Why it’s the best

If you need to cut your trip short and head home early for a covered reason, PrimeCover Luxe has the best trip interruption coverage of all our top-rated plans. This top-tier travel insurance plan offers trip interruption coverage of up to 200% of your trip cost. You also have the option to add a rare “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage upgrade for even more flexibility with your travel plans.

• Trip interruption coverage of up to 200% of total trip cost.
• Excellent $1 million emergency medical evacuation and $100,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Pre-existing medical condition waiver available if you buy travel insurance within 21 days of first trip deposit.
• Good primary medical coverage of $250,000.
• Luxe plan is the most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.

There are no reviews online for PrimeCover yet as it is a relatively new product offering.

Heidi’s expert take: “PrimeCover Luxe is on the high end of cost in our rating, but it does offer robust coverage for the price. If you’re concerned about the money you’d lose if you had to end your trip early, it offers an “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage option, which I don’t see very often. With IFAR, you can pull the plug on your trip for any reason and seek up to 60% reimbursement for any prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses you’ll lose.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

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.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• 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.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend looking for a plan that will cover them for free, like Travelex. The number of children you can add to a Travelex policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

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.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise 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.

Choice Cruise 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.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• 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.

  Heidi’s expert take: “Nationwide Choice Cruise has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance first. Since your health insurance won’t help you at sea, I recommend cruisers look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

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.

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 condition 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 June 22 to July 22, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,918 coverage details and 588 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.

If you’d like to dig in deeper, head over to our travel insurance ratings methodology page.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — 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. 

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.

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.

Editor’s note: While our parent company has an interest in PrimeCover, this review was subjected to our team’s standard, rigorous editorial process, which remains independent of any influence from insurance companies, business relationships, affiliates or any other external parties.

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 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 .

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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The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Travel Insurance [For You]

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Table of Contents

Why you need travel insurance, you may already have coverage — here’s where to look, where to buy travel insurance, single/multiple trip policies vs. annual policy: which is better, travel insurance for special situations, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Whether you’re traveling with family or solo, on an epic adventure or a weekend getaway , travel insurance can go a long way toward providing peace of mind during your trip. And if things should go wrong, you’ll find consolation in being financially covered.

With all that’s at stake, you’ve probably seriously considered purchasing travel insurance, just like I have. There have certainly been times when I’ve needed it, including severe flight delays, a parasailing accident in Mexico, and when my luggage took its own trip!

Unfortunately, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed by the vast travel insurance options available. We’ve created this guide to help you sort through the confusion and demystify the process.

In this article, we’ll cover all the information you need to:

• Determine the type of coverage you need
• Find out if you currently have any travel coverage
• Narrow your options to just a few policies that fit
• Select a reputable travel insurance company

Let’s get started with helping you find the best travel insurance policy for your situation.

Situations Where Travel Insurance Can Help

If you travel frequently, you’ve probably experienced an event where travel insurance would have helped.

Whether it was a severely delayed flight, illness abroad, stolen possessions, or a canceled trip due to an unforeseen event — travel insurance could have made the situation better.

Travel Insurance can cover a variety of situations. Here is just a sampling of those you can easily purchase coverage for:

• You have an accident and need medical evacuation to a nearby hospital: According to travel insurance company Allianz, the estimated cost of medical evacuation ranges from $15,000-$20,000 in Mexico to over $200,000 in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
• You miss your cruise because your flight is severely delayed or canceled: Catching up with your cruise once it has departed can be costly!
• You can’t take a planned trip due to illness: The entire cost of your trip and any pre-paid arrangements could be at risk if you become ill and unable to travel. Coverage is even available when travel companions become ill and you must forego your trip.
• You become ill while abroad: The cost of medical attention abroad can be expensive, and it can result in increased costs to rearrange your itinerary.
• Your baggage is lost or delayed: After your bags have been delayed a minimum amount of time, usually 12-24 hours, coverage kicks in and provides money for essentials.

Bottom Line: It’s prudent to buy travel insurance for expensive trips. You may go several years without using the coverage you’ve purchased, but one incident could cause you to incur thousands of dollars in expenses, far exceeding the cost of insuring multiple trips. 

Covering Your Major Concerns

If money is no object, you can purchase a lot of travel insurance to make sure you’re covered for nearly every situation you’ll encounter. In reality, you’ll probably want to balance cost with the coverages that are most important to you.

For some travelers, their greatest concern is the huge cost of an emergency medical evacuation. For others it can be the risk of getting ill and not being able to travel on a trip they’ve paid thousands of dollars for already.

But don’t fret: there’s a travel insurance plan for just about any travel concern that can cost you money if things go wrong.

Here are some of the plan types available:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Pays to get you to the nearest hospital, even in remote areas
• Travel Medical Insurance : Provides medical care if you get sick or injured while traveling
• Annual Travel Insurance: Covers you for multiple trips taken throughout the year
• Comprehensive Package Travel Insurance: Conveniently groups many travel insurance coverages together in one policy
• Cancel for Any Reason Rider ( CFAR ): When certain conditions are met, this coverage lets you cancel your trip for any reason and receive reimbursement
• Policies that Cover Families: Comprehensive travel policies that cover all family members/domestic partners before and during your trip.

When to Buy Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance policies can be purchased up until the day of your departure. However, some policies contain pre-departure benefits, so you’ll want to buy your policy as soon as possible.

For example, you may have coverage that covers you getting ill and not being able to take your trip.

The general advice is to buy your policy when you make your first payment on the trip.

Since policies can be priced according to how much your total trip costs, you can take out the insurance based on what you’ve already paid and call the company to raise the amount of the policy once you’ve made additional payments.

Read our guide to find out more on when to buy travel insurance .

Hot Tip:  Travel insurance policies include a free-look period, where you can review your policy once you’ve received it and decide if it’s right for you. This free-look period is usually 10-15 days depending on the company and type of policy. 

Before you purchase a travel insurance policy, you should check these 4 places where you may have some current coverage.

You may find that you have a credit card with travel insurance , with your employer-sponsored health plan, with club/organization memberships, and on Medicare gap policies.

It is helpful to know which types of coverage you currently have so you can select a comprehensive travel insurance policy without paying extra for duplicate coverage.

Credit Cards

Credit cards commonly carry travel insurance benefits, but whether they’re included and the level of coverage provided will vary depending on which card you carry.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular credit card issuers and the types of travel insurance/protection they provide.

American Express offers several travel insurance benefits on their cards.

• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Secondary coverage is included on various American Express cards . Primary Car Rental Protection is available to purchase for one low fee that covers the entire rental period.
• Travel Accident Insurance: Limits of $250,000-$500,000 depending on the card.
• Baggage Insurance: Provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged checked or carry on baggage. Included on various American Express cards. 
• The Global Assist Hotline: Included on various American Express cards . Premium cards such as the Platinum Card ® from American Express and Business Platinum Card ®  from American Express  include premium versions of the Global Assist Hotline that provide support before, during, and after your trip.
• Roadside Assistance: While Amex has removed roadside assistance from many of its cards, there are still several Amex cards with the coverage. Coverage includes assistance with jump starts, gas, towing, and lockout.

Chase is another major card issuer that includes various travel insurance coverages on their credit cards.

Citi credit cards have recently had several travel benefits removed,  similar to other credit card issuers. Your exact coverage benefits will depend on which Citi card you have. To learn the details of Citi’s credit card travel protections, you can access Citi’s credit card guide to benefits  here .

Hot Tip: To receive coverage from any credit card, you must meet the purchase requirements. Some credit cards require you to charge the entire purchase, while some grant coverage if you pay for just a portion of the purchase with your card. You may also be able to receive coverage by using points for your purchase.

Requirements vary, but you can call the number on the back of your credit card for questions on coverage specific to the card you’re using.

See our article for information on additional credit card travel insurance coverage .

Bottom Line: Credit cards may offer incidental travel protections and benefits, but they should not be considered a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

You’ll first want to check your current health insurance policy to see if it might cover you while traveling. Many do not extend health insurance benefits while traveling, but there may be ancillary travel insurance coverages included in your policy.

For example, some employer-sponsored health insurance plans contain travel insurance coverage that can be quite significant. Unum is one of the most common group insurance companies offering employers travel insurance for their employees through Assist America .

The employee is provided a 24/7 phone number that can be called for immediate assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Here is a sample of coverage provided:

• Hospital admission assistance
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Prescription replacement assistance
• Transportation for a friend or family member to join a hospitalized patient
• Care and transport of unattended minor children
• Referrals to Western-trained, English-speaking medical providers
• Legal and interpreter referrals
• Passport replacement assistance

There is no charge for any of these services when the coverage is included on an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, so you’ll want to check your current employer-sponsored health plan to see if you have this coverage.

Club Memberships

If you’re a member of any club or organization, you’ll want to ask about travel insurance benefits.

Here are just a few clubs where membership includes various types of travel insurance benefits.

Divers Alert Network — Membership is $35/year for singles, $55/year for families

• DAN members receive $100,000 of emergency medical evacuation assistance coverage . Evacuation is covered for diving and non-diving medical emergencies when you are more than 50 miles from home.
• Membership also includes TravelAssist , a 24/7 access to prescription assistance, medical monitoring, emergency messaging, and much more.

American Alpine Club — Membership is $80 per year and includes search and rescue insurance. The insurance applies to any land-based activity.

• Up to $7,500 of Global Rescue Trailhead Rescue Services (available worldwide)
• Up to $5,000 of Domestic Rescue Benefits (available in the U.S. only)

Gold Wing Road Riders Association  ($55/year) and the American Motorcycle Association ($49/year)

• Members receive FREE emergency roadside assistance and 24/7 towing up to 35 miles per disablement for their motorcycle or any motorcycle they are riding, even as a passenger.
• Gold Wing Coverage is limited to motorcycles; American Motorcycle Association members receive coverage for motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers and RVs.

Family Motor Coach Association — Membership costs $60/year and includes discounted worldwide travel assistance insurance plus several other travel benefits.

Hot Tip: Club memberships can include travel insurance coverage at no additional cost or at a discounted price. Checking your current memberships and seeking out organizations you can join for cost-effective coverage may result in travel insurance coverage you can use.

Medicare Supplements and Advantage Plans

With rare exceptions, Medicare does not extend coverage to another country outside the United States. However, some supplement and advantage insurance plans do include coverage when traveling.

These supplemental policies, called Medigap plans, pay 80% of medical emergency care outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible. The expense must not be covered by Medicare, and it must be incurred within the first 60 days of your travel. There is also a lifetime limit of $50,000.

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N contain this coverage. Visit Medicare.gov for a complete explanation of the coverage and information on out-of-country coverage for Medicare Advantage plans.

Remember, these are plans that you purchase in addition to your base Medicare Plans A and B. Medicare does not cover you out of the country except in rare circumstances detailed here .

Bottom Line:  It’s important to know the travel insurance coverages you have currently, as you may save money not duplicating those coverages when purchasing a travel insurance policy. You’ll also want to be able to take advantage of and use these existing coverages if you experience a covered event. 

All insurance companies are rated based on their financial stability; A.M. Best is the oldest, most recognized provider of ratings in the global insurance industry. We’ll include only those companies with excellent or above ratings.

Before we discuss specific travel insurance companies, however, we’ll cover a few great travel insurance comparison sites that can help narrow your choices before selecting a specific company and travel insurance policy.

Travel Insurance Comparison Tools/Websites

Purchasing travel insurance is a balancing act between getting the coverage you need without spending above your budget . That’s why comparison sites can ease the pain of searching hundreds of policies and dozens of companies individually.

Another benefit of using these sites is that your information is entered just once, and their search engines will quickly find the best fit for your budget and coverage requirements.

Here are 3 comparison sites to help you get started:

1. Travelinsurance.com (recommended)

• Easy-to-use online comparison tool
• Instant coverage
• Best price guarantee; this means you won’t find a lower price anywhere else for a plan that’s found on TravelInsurance.com.

2. Squaremouth

• Award-winning customer service team
• 20 travel insurance companies and 116 different policies
• Over 60,000 customer reviews

3. InsureMyTrip

• Licensed agents to help you with questions and claims
• 21 providers; both large and boutique highly-rated companies
• Glossary and articles explaining coverage and plans

Once you’ve completed a few easy comparisons, you’ll have an idea of the type of policy you want, a range of costs, and what options are available.

You’ll find most of the major travel insurance providers on these comparison sites, but not all carriers participate.

Hot Tip:  Don’t miss our dedicated article on the Best Travel Insurance Companies For All Travelers !

Let’s take a look at some specific travel insurance providers you’ll want to consider:

World Nomads — Best for Comprehensive Coverage and Adventure Activities (Recommended)

Included in the top 10 travel insurance companies by  Consumer Advocate , World Nomads offers a comprehensive portfolio of travel insurance products including medical/evacuation insurance, 24-hour emergency assistance, trip delay/cancellation, and coverage for a long list of adventure activities.

There are several reasons to purchase travel insurance with World Nomads.

• Backed by established, reputable, highly-rated companies such as AIG Insurance Company , Lloyds, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
• Understand world travel and the associated risks
• Single-trip, multiple-trip, and annual policies are available
• Good for active travelers, as most activities/sports are covered
• Plans include standard to comprehensive coverages
• Ability to purchase or extend coverage while traveling
• Available for travelers through age 69

Sample Pricing

Click to get a quote with World Nomads >>

Hot Tip: If you participate in sports and adventure activities when traveling (even dangerous ones), World Nomad’s travel insurance is a perfect fit with over 150 travel activities covered.

Travelex /Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance — Family Protection for Children at No Extra Cost

The family Travel Select plan covers children 17 and under for no additional cost. This comprehensive plan includes protection for trip interruption/cancellation/delay, medical and evacuation, baggage and personal effects, and travel assistance. For more information check out our Travelex review.

GeoBlue — Affordable Annual Medical Travel Insurance

If you currently have health insurance that does not cover you outside of the United States, you’ll find GeoBlue an affordable option for medical coverage while you’re traveling.

Their Trekker Choice policy covers unlimited international trips up to 70 days in length for a 12-month policy period. The cost for an annual plan for a 40-year-old was $175 for the Trekker Choice policy, but even less expensive plans are available!

USAA — Travel Insurance for Military and Families

Active military, their families, and post-military USAA members receive exclusive rates for travel insurance that includes these coverages. Children are included on most plans at no additional cost.

• Lost/delayed baggage
• Trip delays
• Trip interruption/cancellation
• Trip interruption/cancellation due to accident or illness
• Medical expenses
• Interruptions due to weather
• Emergency assistance and evacuation

Allianz — Affordable Annual Travel Insurance

With nearly a dozen awards so far in 2018, highly-rated Allianz is a trusted company in the travel insurance arena.

I was particularly impressed with their annual travel insurance policy offerings that are surprisingly affordable. The prices listed above are for an annual policy for travelers ages 30-80, and it covers unlimited trips of 45 days or less during the 12-month period.

It’s not just a medical policy either. In the top 2 plans above you’ll find trip cancellation/interruption, change fee coverage, collision damage waiver, and even business equipment coverage.

For coverage details and a specific quote, visit their website .

Expedia — An Impulse Buy You Can Prepare For

Expedia is the world’s leading travel provider, so a mention of their  Expedia ® Package Protection plan seems appropriate.

Pricing varies from $49 per person for travel within the continental U.S. to $89 per person for multiple international destinations.

The trip insurance includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage even for bad weather, mechanical failure, or strike. Medical emergencies/transportation and lost/stolen baggage coverage are also included. You can review details and additional coverages here . You may only purchase the package at the time of booking.

Before purchasing the Expedia Package Protection plan, you should price and compare a policy from one of the major providers. You may be able to find more coverage for a lower cost.

Other Travel Insurance Companies

The U.S. Department of State publishes a list of travel insurance companies that provide coverage overseas; you can access it here .

Hot Tip:  Some travel insurance policies require you to be outside the United States for coverage, but others will cover you as few as 50 miles from home. Since travel insurance is widely available (and in many cases affordable), it may make sense to purchase a policy for medical and other valuable coverage even if you’re traveling domestically. 

Single Trip Policies

• If you take 1 major trip annually, purchasing a single trip policy is the way to go. If it’s a trip you put together yourself, utilizing one of the providers mentioned in this article to purchase an individual travel insurance policy can be a simple solution and cover your trip appropriately.
• If your trip is a packaged tour, there’s nothing wrong with selecting insurance offered by the tour provider, but arm yourself first by doing some research. You’ll want to be sure you’re not overpaying, and that you’re purchasing travel insurance coverages that take care of  your  personal concerns, not just those of the tour provider.

Multiple Trip or Multi-Destination Policies

• If you’re taking 2 trips a year, you can purchase a separate policy for each trip. If you’re taking 3 or more trips, you should consider an annual policy.
• If you’re going on an extended trip and visiting several countries (say 3 months in length), companies such as World Nomads can issue a policy that covers your entire trip.

Annual Policies

• Taking a year off and traveling the world or just taking frequent international trips? You may want to consider a comprehensive annual travel insurance policy that covers multiple trips.
• Pricing can vary widely, so it’s important to compare prices and select the coverage that’s most important to you.

Hot Tip: The best way to determine if a multiple-trip or annual travel policy is better is to simply price each option, compare coverage, and review any terms/conditions. You may find that insuring 2 or 3 trips could cost as much as an annual trip insurance policy. 

Travel Insurance for Seniors

In your late 60s, your options for purchasing travel insurance start to diminish (but they don’t disappear!). There are still several travel insurance companies where you can purchase great coverage.

• Allianz and Berkshire Hathaway each allowed me to quote a policy up to age 99
• GeoBlue medical travel insurance covers through age 84
• “Silver Nomads” age 70 and above can purchase coverage with World Nomad partner TripAssure

Special Needs and Travel Insurance for Those With Disabilities

If a person is healthy enough to travel, they’re usually able to purchase travel insurance from many providers.

Allianz Global Assistance comes highly recommended by Wheelchair Travel.org for travelers with disabilities. Their policy for a 45-year-old traveling on a 2-week trip costing $2,200 quoted between $76-$143 depending on the coverages I selected.

Group Travel Insurance

When you have 10 or more travelers in a group, you might consider group travel insurance as an affordable option.

For a group of 10 traveling to Mexico for a 2-week trip that cost $2,200 per person, the lowest quote according to a search on Squaremouth.com was $838, or $83.80 per person.

Coverage per person included:

• Trip cancellation ($2,200)
• Trip interruption ($2,200)
• Good medical coverage ($20,000)
• Good medical evacuation coverage ($100,000)
• Trip delay ($150/day $500 max)
• Baggage delay/personal effects ($700)

Pet Travel Insurance

If you’re a traveling pet owner, you’ve probably considered insuring your pet during your travels .

While some travel insurance policies include coverage for pets, separate policies for medical/veterinarian care for your pet can also be purchased.

Here are a couple of options for purchasing pet insurance that cover your pet while traveling.

• PetPlan – PetPlan insurance covers your pet in the United States and Canada and costs as little $8/month for $20,000 in annual coverage.
• Travelex Travel Max  – The policy provides $1,000 in emergency medical treatment for your pet. If you are hospitalized while traveling and cannot take care of your pet, the policy will also pay to return your pet back home (up to $10,000).

Insurance is an intangible; we can’t see it or hold it in our hands. Unless you have a claim, you’re simply buying the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered if things go wrong.

Travel insurance is a bit different than home or auto insurance, however — if you travel frequently, you know it’s common to experience delays, illness, lost baggage, and other travel disruptions where travel insurance could be useful.

Insurance is meant to protect you from disaster and major financial setbacks. Insuring yourself against losing money on an expensive trip or having a major medical event when traveling makes sense, especially since travel insurance is widely available and affordable.

Whether you should purchase travel insurance will depend on your risk tolerance level for what you could lose personally if things go wrong during your travels.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

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

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Best Travel Insurance in California: Top Plans for Your Next Trip

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.

Whether you're road-tripping to Palm Springs or passing through LAX to catch a flight around the world, the best travel insurance companies for Californians offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs.

For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in California. 

Best Travel Insurance Companies in California

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for Adventure Sports: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide travel insurance review .

AXA Assistance USA

AXA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA travel insurance review .

Travel Guard

AIG is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard travel insurance review .

C&F Travel Insured

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg travel insurance review .

WorldTrips Travel Insurance

WorldTrips has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Trawick International Travel Insurance

Trawick offers low premiums across its five plans, most of which offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. You'll find robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company also offers high medical evacuation coverage limits, up to $1,000,000.

Read our Trawick travel insurance review .

Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Additionally, its one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.

That said, World Nomads doesn't have the highest coverage limits compared to its competitors on this list, travel medical insurance capping out at $100,000. It also isn't the most flexible provider, only providing two plans to choose from with no options for pre-existing condition coverage. Yet, World Nomads still stands out for its sports coverage and post-departure coverage.

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review .

Get Travel Insurance Quotes in California

Faqs about the best travel insurance in california.

There isn't one best travel insurance company; there are many great providers on the travel insurance market today. Our overall winner was Nationwide for its breadth of coverage options. AIG Travel Guard, AXA, Berkshire Hathaway, Tin Leg, WorldTrips and Trawick also made the cut. The best pick for you will depend on what features you value the most, like a low premium or high coverage limits.

While coverage varies by policy, common exclusions often include pre-existing medical conditions (unless you have purchased a waiver), accidents caused by high-risk activities if not specifically covered (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving), travel for medical procedures, and events known before purchasing the policy (e.g., traveling during a pandemic). Always read your policy carefully to understand the exclusions.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

The best travel insurance for adventure sports is World Nomads , which covers over 300 sports in its base plan.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

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Navigating Your Way to the Best Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

• Travel insurance is not just an afterthought; it's your all-encompassing safety net on the road.
• The best travel insurance isn't always the priciest—it depends on your unique travel needs.
• Statistics reveal a rising trend in travel insurance purchases.
• Choosing travel insurance involves scrutinizing the policy fine print.
• When chosen wisely, travel insurance can save you from significant financial distress.

Demystifying Travel Insurance

According to a report by Squaremouth, as of 2020, 27% of travelers bought travel insurance for their trips-a significant increase from the previous years. The surge in numbers indicates growing awareness among travelers about the importance of a safety net while on the go. But what exactly is travel insurance, and why do you need it?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that covers unforeseen travel-related issues such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and more. As Megan Moncrief , Chief Marketing Officer at Squaremouth, aptly puts it, "Travel insurance is really an all-encompassing safety net. It's the one thing that can cover you for everything from a cancellation to a medical emergency."

Busting the Myth: Is More Expensive Always Better?

Contrary to popular belief, the best travel insurance isn't necessarily the most expensive one. The trick lies in aligning the insurance with your specific travel needs. Consider your destination, duration of your trip, planned activities, and your health conditions. These elements can drastically affect what kind of coverage you'll need. For instance, if you're planning a ski vacation, you might want a plan that includes emergency evacuation from a mountain-something your standard policy may not cover.

The Secret Sauce: Deciphering Travel Insurance

Understanding travel insurance policies can be akin to reading ancient hieroglyphics. Yet, knowing what to look for can significantly simplify this process. Pay particular attention to these details:

• Coverage : Make sure it includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and lost or stolen possessions.
• Limits : Check if the coverage limits are enough to cover potential costs.
• Exclusions : Look out for policy exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions or adventure sports.
• Deductibles : Find out if you're required to pay out-of-pocket before the coverage kicks in.

When the Unexpected Strikes: Claiming Your Insurance

In the unfortunate event of needing to claim your travel insurance, knowing what to do can expedite the process. Always keep a copy of your policy with you . Inform your insurer as soon as possible, provide all necessary documentation, and stay patient-sometimes, it can take a while to process your claim.

The Power of Reviews: Learning from Other Travelers

Just as you'd check hotel reviews before booking , read up on other travelers' experiences with their insurance providers. Look for companies that have a good reputation for handling claims quickly and fairly.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-known Benefits of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can offer hidden benefits that might surprise you. Did you know it could cover the cost of a hotel stay if your flight gets seriously delayed? Or provide reimbursement if your tour operator goes bankrupt? Remember, the devil (and the angel) is in the detail. Make sure to explore the policy benefits thoroughly.

Beyond the standard offerings, travel insurance can come with an array of hidden benefits that could be lifesavers on your trip. Here are a few lesser-known gems tucked away in the fine print of travel insurance policies:

1. Coverage for extreme sports: If you're an adrenaline junkie, you might be surprised to learn that some travel insurance policies cover injuries sustained from extreme sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, or even scuba diving. It's an add-on benefit in some plans, ensuring you're protected when seeking that adrenaline rush.

2. Pet care: Believe it or not, some insurance policies offer coverage for your furry friends! If your return home is delayed due to a covered reason, your policy might cover additional boarding fees for your pet.

3. Identity theft protection: In this digital age, identity theft is a growing concern. Some travel insurance providers understand this and offer services to help if your identity is stolen during your trip. They may assist with contacting banks, getting a new passport, and more.

4. Coverage for political unrest: The world can be unpredictable. If political unrest or a coup suddenly makes your chosen destination unsafe, some policies will cover the costs of your trip cancellation or early return home.

5. Concierge services: In the midst of navigating a foreign country, a concierge service can be a godsend. Some insurance policies provide 24/7 concierge services, helping you book restaurants, arrange transportation, or even source hard-to-get event tickets.

6. Return of mortal remains: While it's a benefit no one wants to think about, some comprehensive travel insurance plans include a clause to cover the cost of returning your remains home or funeral expenses abroad if you were to tragically pass away during your trip.

Remember, while these hidden benefits can be quite enticing, they're not included in every policy. Always read your policy's fine print carefully to ensure it fits your unique travel needs.

The Round-Up: Comparing Top Travel Insurance Providers

In the vast ocean of travel insurance options, pinpointing the one that best fits your unique needs can be overwhelming. Here's a brief comparison of some top-rated travel insurance providers to help simplify your choice:

1. SafetyWing Travel Insurance

SafetyWing offers affordable, worldwide travel insurance, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads. The policies include coverage for unexpected illness and injury, travel delay, and lost checked luggage. However, it's important to note that their policies do not cover trip cancellations.

2. World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads is widely recognized in the travel community for its comprehensive coverage and flexibility. They cater to adventurous travelers, offering coverage for over 200 adventure activities. Plus, you can buy and extend your policy online, even after you've started your trip.

3. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is a travel insurance giant known for its wide range of plans. They offer single-trip plans, multi-trip plans, and coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. However, their policies might not be the best fit for those with pre-existing conditions.

4. IMG Global Travel Insurance

IMG Global stands out for its strong medical coverage, including emergency evacuation. This makes it a solid choice for travelers heading to remote areas. They also offer coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay.

5. True Traveller Travel Insurance

True Traveller is well-regarded by long-term travelers and backpackers for its affordability and extensive coverage, which includes medical emergencies, repatriation, personal liability, and belongings. They also offer additional adventure activity packs for thrill-seekers.

6. Integra Global Travel Insurance

Integra Global offers comprehensive health and travel insurance plans, including policies for expatriates and those looking for long-term coverage. They stand out for their "no out-of-pocket" policy, meaning they'll settle directly with healthcare providers where possible.

Wrapping Up

It's essential to remember that travel insurance needs can vary significantly from one traveler to another. Always make sure the policy you choose provides adequate coverage for your specific requirements and travel plans. SafetyWing might not be the best fit for everyone-particularly for those who need coverage for trip cancellations or have specific medical needs. Always compare options and read the fine print before making your final decision. 

Remember , the best travel insurance for you will depend on your specific travel needs, budget, and the kind of trip you're planning. Always read the fine print and ensure the policy you choose provides adequate coverage for your adventure. Happy (and safe) travels!

1. What should I consider when choosing travel insurance?

Consider your destination, the length of your trip, the activities you plan to do, and your overall health. Always read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

2. Is travel insurance always necessary?

While not always required, travel insurance is highly recommended for peace of mind during your travels. It protects you from significant financial risk should anything unexpected happen.

3. Is it better to buy travel insurance from travel agents or insurance companies?

Both can provide valid travel insurance policies, but it's essential to check the details of the coverage. It's often recommended to purchase insurance directly from reputable insurance companies or a comparison site for the best deal.

4. Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 related issues?

It depends on the policy. Some insurers offer coverage for COVID-19 related issues, while others may not. Always check this before purchasing.

5. Can I get a refund on my travel insurance if I don't use it?

Most travel insurance policies are non-refundable after a certain period, usually 10-15 days after purchase, but it varies by provider and policy.

6. Can I buy travel insurance after booking my trip?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance after booking your trip. However, it's recommended to purchase it soon after booking to maximize the coverage period and benefits, especially for trip cancellation.

7. Does travel insurance cover adventure sports?

This depends on the policy. Some travel insurance plans exclude adventure sports, while others may offer it as an add-on or part of the premium package. Always check this before purchasing if you plan to engage in such activities.

8. What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, but some providers offer a waiver or add-on coverage for these conditions. You must disclose any pre-existing conditions during the application process.

9. Will travel insurance cover me if I travel to a high-risk destination?

It depends on the insurer and policy. Some policies exclude coverage for travels to high-risk areas, so it's crucial to check this before purchasing.

10. How much does travel insurance typically cost?

The cost of travel insurance can vary widely based on several factors, including the traveler's age, destination, trip length, and the type and amount of coverage selected. Generally, it ranges from 4% to 10% of the total trip cost.

Personal Conclusion

Traveling allows us to experience the world in all its wonder, but it’s important to do so with the safety and security of travel insurance in our back pocket. Remember, the best travel insurance isn't always the most expensive-it should cater to your specific travel needs and provide ample coverage for potential risks. Bon voyage, and travel safely!

• Squaremouth (2020). Travel Insurance Statistics . 
• Moncrief, M. (2020). Travel Insurance is Your Safety Net .  
• Independent Traveler (2020). Choosing the Best Travel Insurance .  
• AardvarkCompare (2020). Reading Travel Insurance Reviews .  
• UStiA (2020). How To File A Travel Insurance Claim .  

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The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans (2024)

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

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

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

The 5 Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans

Based on our team’s extensive research on annual, multi-trip travel insurance plans, we’ve named the following as our top picks. 

• Seven Corners: Trip Protection Annual Multi-Trip
• Trawick International : Safe Travels Annual Basic
• International Medical Group (IMG): Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical
• Allianz Travel Insurance: AllTrips Premier
• AIG Travel Guard: Annual Plan

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Why We Picked Seven Corners

Seven Corners provides annual coverage through its Trip Protection Annual Multi-Trip plan. The plan includes COVID-19 protection, trip cancellation insurance and pre-existing condition coverage as standard, and allows for unlimited trips lasting 40 days or less throughout your policy term. You can also customize your annual trip cancellation limit, with up to $10,000 in total benefits.

Pros and Cons

Trawick international.

Why We Picked Trawick

If you’re looking for basic coverage at a low cost, Trawick International offers its Safe Travels Annual Basic plan for a flat rate of $155 per person. Coverage extends up to 30 days for each trip taken more than 100 miles from home during your coverage period and can apply to both U.S.-based and international trips. While Trawick features lower coverage limits than other providers on our list, it offers 100% trip cancellation coverage at no additional cost.

International Medical Group

Why We Picked IMG

International Medical Group (IMG) provides the highest medical coverage maximum of all the providers on our list through its Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Medical plan. The policy offers protection of up to $1 million after paying a $250 deductible for medical benefits, dental, emergency medical evacuation and more. IMG also provides medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage if you have a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition. Note that you can upgrade your plan to allow for 45 days of coverage per trip versus 30 days.

Allianz Global Assistance

Why We Picked Allianz

The Allianz AllTrips Premier plan provides annual travel insurance coverage for your entire household through one plan — regardless of whether you travel separately or together. The plan includes trip cancellation and interruption benefits as standard coverage, but you can customize the coverage limits at an additional cost. The AllTrips Premier plan also provides rental car coverage, which most providers in this review lack.

AIG Travel Guard

Why We Picked AIG

AIG Travel Guard (AIG) offers one annual travel protection policy, called the Annual Plan. It provides non-flight accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $50,000, which is not typically included in other yearly policy offerings based on our review. AIG also offers up to $100,000 specifically for security evacuations. Note that there is no age limit to purchasing a policy — the only requirements include holding U.S. residency and buying the policy no later than 24 hours before departure.

What Is Annual Travel Insurance?

Annual travel insurance — also known as multi-trip travel insurance — can protect multiple trips over a year. For frequent travelers planning several vacations in a year, an annual travel insurance plan can offer a more economical option than purchasing multiple single-trip policies . With annual travel insurance, you should only pay one premium for a year’s worth of coverage.

While each annual travel insurance plan varies by provider, you may find that per-trip or yearly coverage limits apply rather than item-specific limits. In addition, some coverages found with single-trip policies are not typically included in an annual travel insurance plan, such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage loss and rental car coverage. Providers may also not offer the option to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage with an annual plan. Annual travel insurance usually focuses more on medical protection versus a broader range of coverages, based on our assessment.

Compare Annual Travel Insurance Plans

You can refer to the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our team’s picks for the best annual travel insurance policies.

* Our team gathered quotes from each provider’s website for the above-listed plans based on a 30-year-old sample traveler.

How To Choose an Annual Travel Insurance Plan

There are several steps you can take to help make the process of choosing an annual travel insurance plan easier while ensuring you pick the right plan for your needs as a traveler.

First, it is best practice to research providers before choosing an annual travel insurance plan. Not all travel insurance providers offer this type of policy, and for the ones that do, we recommend you consider industry and customer reputation when making a decision. Note the coverage limits, medical benefits and any additional add-ons each company offers. While the providers listed in this article are our top picks for annual coverage, every traveler’s needs and best-suited plan will vary.

If you have your travel itinerary for the year mapped out and know what you’re looking for in terms of coverage, consider an annual plan that aligns with your needs and concerns. For example, if you have a pre-existing medical condition , you may consider a provider that provides a pre-existing condition waiver and high medical coverage limits. If you’re more concerned about cancellation coverage, you may choose a plan that offers this type of protection, which not all companies include in their annual plans.

How Does Annual Travel Insurance Work?

Annual travel insurance works by covering a traveler during multiple trips over the course of a year. There’s usually no limit to the number of trips you can take during this time. However, companies do include limits on how long each trip can last under coverage. This limit varies by provider, but a standard threshold is a maximum of 90 days based on our review.

Some annual travel insurance benefits work on a per-trip or per-year basis. For example, a yearly plan may have a baggage loss limit that resets every trip, while it sets separate limits for trip interruption benefits for an entire year of travel. Plans are typically non-renewable, so once your coverage is up, you would have to buy a new plan to cover another year of travel.

After purchasing a plan, coverage begins on the effective date, which your provider should list within your policy documents. Coverage ends on your policy’s expiration date, which your provider should also detail within your policy. How long coverage extends per trip, and the associated coverage levels, will depend on your provider.

We recommend you read your policy carefully to ensure you fully understand the applicable limits of your annual travel insurance plan.

Benefits of Annual Travel Insurance

The benefits of an annual travel insurance plan include low costs compared to purchasing individual plans, convenience and consistent coverage across all of your trips. Learn more in the sections below.

Cost-Efficiency

Annual travel insurance plans are often more cost-efficient than several single-trip policies, according to our quote collection process. If you’re taking more than one or two trips within a year and looking for coverage on a budget, you may consider an annual travel insurance policy.

Convenience

Purchasing one travel insurance policy to cover a year’s worth of multiple trips is easier than buying several single-trip policies. You only need to worry about one set of terms, conditions, policy limits and more instead of juggling multiple plans.

Consistent Coverage

An annual travel insurance policy can ensure that coverage stays consistent throughout your travels. You can take trips of varying lengths to different destinations, but your coverage and benefits should remain the same within your term limits.

Drawbacks of Annual Travel Insurance

As with most types of insurance, there are both pros and cons to annual travel plans. These drawbacks include limited benefits and a variety of exclusions, which we’ll detail below.

Variety of Exclusions

Many providers do not include trip cancellation coverage if you purchase a basic annual policy. While some providers allow you to add these benefits to annual policies for an extra cost, coverage is not typically included as standard as with a single-trip policy.

Offers Lower Limits

Annual travel insurance limits are often lower than with a single-trip policy. If you’re looking to insure a costly trip or need a plan with high medical coverage limits, you may want to consider a single-trip plan instead.

Annual Travel Insurance vs. Single Trip Travel Insurance

You will likely notice differences and similarities when comparing annual travel insurance versus single-trip travel insurance policies. For one, both yearly and single-trip policies usually bundle travel medical, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss, baggage delay and travel delay coverage within a standard policy . Single-trip policies, however, often include trip cancellation benefits, which many annual policies only offer as an add-on.

Both annual travel insurance and single-trip policies limit the length of trips covered. For yearly plans, limits can range from 30 to 90 days for a single trip, and you’ll need to head back to your home base in between trips. For a single-trip policy, plans often limit trip length to no longer than 180 days.

Cost Differences Between Annual and Single-Trip Travel Insurance

Annual multi-trip policies can be more cost-effective than single-trip coverage for frequent travelers, based on our review. Typically, single-trip policies may benefit travelers taking one or two trips in a year. Annual travel insurance is usually more suited for those who travel often, taking upwards of three trips or more within a year’s time.

There are times when a single-trip plan may better suit your needs compared to an annual policy. For example, if you are taking high-end, luxury trips with a high overall cost, you may benefit more from single-trip policies for each trip with high cancellation and interruption limits.

Who Needs Annual Travel Insurance?

Various types of travelers could benefit from an annual coverage plan. A multi-trip travel insurance plan is worth considering if you travel frequently for business or pleasure and do not need coverages such as trip cancellation insurance. Annual insurance may also suit travelers who like to take last-minute trips or longer vacations, as having an annual travel insurance plan in place can offer more convenience.

Annual plans are also worth considering for lower-cost trips where the primary concern is covering a potential medical emergency. As mentioned, annual plans do not usually offer trip cancellation coverage as a standard inclusion. However, they typically include medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverages — ideal for those looking to protect their health versus trip expenses during their travels.

If you’re taking expensive or high-value international trips throughout the year, you may prefer a single-trip policy for the trip cancellation benefits that come with each plan. Or, if you’ve booked a variety of non-refundable expenses, such as hotel or tour reservations, a single-trip plan with cancellation coverage may also better suit your needs.

What Does Annual Travel Insurance Cover?

Annual travel insurance policies offer a variety of coverages to offer financial protection if  unexpected events occur. From medical emergencies to travel inconveniences, yearly plans can provide comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

Exclusions and Limitations of Annual Travel Policies

Annual travel insurance policies usually have the same exclusions as single-trip policies. Typically, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered. Still, some providers offer a waiver to extend coverage for medical bills or claims related to your recent medical history. Standard annual policies don’t cover adventure sports, but this coverage is often available as an add-on. Moreover, “foreseeable” events, such as natural disasters or named storms that began before you purchased your policy, are also excluded from annual travel coverage.

The coverage provided through an annual travel insurance policy also has limitations. For example, travel medical expenses and emergency medical evacuations have capped monetary limits. If the medical bills incurred during your travels cost more than the coverage you’ve purchased through your policy, you will have to cover the excess out-of-pocket. In addition, trip interruption benefits will cover a percentage of your non-refundable travel expenses, with the amount depending on your plan and provider.

According to Angela Borden, Product Marketing Specialist at Seven Corners, “One of the most common reasons for a denied claim is because a traveler misunderstood the details of their plan. If you have any questions about what’s covered, contact your provider. They’ll be able to address any concerns so that you can travel more confidently.”

We recommend you read through your annual travel policy documents thoroughly to understand the exclusions and limitations associated with your coverage. 

How To Buy Annual Travel Insurance

Purchasing an annual travel insurance policy is usually a straightforward process, as most providers allow you to get a quote and buy a policy entirely online. However, there are some specifics to pay attention to when purchasing a policy. 

Coverage Start and End Dates Vary

It is best practice to pay attention to when your coverage starts and ends with your chosen policy. Most providers specify the start date as when you begin your travels. Plans will likely end a year after your start date or when your benefits are exhausted, whichever comes first. Coverage for each trip cannot exceed the specified maximum length outlined in your policy, so take note of the stipulations around coverage start and end dates.

Understand the Claims Process

It can help to understand how to file a claim with your provider before an emergency occurs during your travels. Many companies allow you to file a claim online, but you can often speak with a claims representative during specified hours if you’d prefer to talk to someone over the phone. You’ll likely have to provide documentation for your claims, so we recommend you keep all receipts and other necessary documents during your travels.

Look for Add-On Options

Some annual travel insurance providers offer optional add-on coverages for an additional cost. You may find that you can customize your coverage limits as well. For example, Allianz and Seven Corners allow you to choose your trip cancellation coverage limits, but increasing the amount can result in an additional cost. Other companies, such as IMG, provide adventure sports riders for those looking to participate in activities such as paragliding, skydiving, windsurfing and more.

Is Annual Travel Insurance Worth It?

Annual travel insurance plans can be worth it for certain travelers . If you travel frequently for business or pleasure and prefer consistent, cost-effective insurance protection, an annual multi-trip policy may be the right choice for you over a single-trip policy. However, examining your unique coverage needs can help you better gauge whether you need a yearly policy.

“When you’ve made a financial investment in your trip or need to protect your health when you travel, travel insurance is 100% worth it. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. This means you get money back in your pocket if the unexpected happens. Travel insurance can also reimburse you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace them during your trip.” Angela Borden, Product Marketing Specialist at Seven Corners

We encourage you to gather multiple annual travel insurance quotes from various providers, comparing the costs and coverage limits on each policy. This can help you choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Travel Insurance

What is the difference between annual multi-trip and long-stay trip insurance.

Annual multi-trip travel insurance covers multiple short-term trips — usually lasting 90 days or less — over the course of a year. Comparatively, long-stay trip insurance protects extended trips to one location and can be ideal for those working or studying abroad , taking a gap year and more.

Is an annual travel insurance plan worth it?

Annual travel insurance plans can be worth it for people who travel frequently and want affordable, consistent protection throughout the year. It may not be worth it for travelers looking for protections such as CFAR coverage or general trip cancellation benefits.

How much does annual trip insurance cost?

The average cost of annual trip insurance can range from $155 to $485 , based on quotes we gathered for multiple companies. The cost of an annual trip insurance policy will depend on factors such as your chosen plan, provider, coverage limits, add-on coverages and more. The best way to learn how much an annual multi-trip plan will cost you is to obtain free quotes from multiple providers.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

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Allianz Travel Insurance Review: Is It Worth the Cost?

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. 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 .

Table of Contents

What is Allianz?

What does allianz cover, allianz policy overview, what’s not covered by an allianz plan, how allianz compares with its competitors, how much is allianz travel insurance, how to buy an allianz policy, which allianz travel insurance plan is best for me, does allianz offer 24/7 travel assistance, how to file a claim with allianz travel insurance, is allianz travel insurance worth it, star rating methodology.

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

Allianz travel insurance is highly regarded, and for good reason. Allianz offers five plans, so travelers' policies can cover what’s important to them. As well, children under 17 can be included for free on an eligible plan, so it can make sense that those seeking a plan that they can customize will consider Allianz.

Why trust NerdWallet?

Our Nerdy editorial team aims to be a starting point in your travel insurance research. We default toward transparency and follow a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers and advertising relationships do not influence our ratings. Learn more about our strict editorial guidelines .

Around for over 100 years, Allianz has had a hand in insuring some iconic times in history, including the Wright brothers’ first flight and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

These days, Allianz’s travel insurance arm boasts a score of 4.3 on Trustpilot and an A+ Financial Strength Rating (FSR), according to credit rating firm AM Best.

Allianz’s five plans offer different kinds of coverage, and not all of them have a standard set of benefits.

For example, Allianz travel insurance medical coverage isn’t available with the OneTrip Cancellation Plus plan, while general Allianz travel insurance coverage such as trip cancellation isn’t offered on the OneTrip Emergency Medical plan.

The three comprehensive plans Allianz offers provide varying levels of standard benefits.

Allianz health insurance coverage : Provides reimbursement for accidents and illnesses during your trip. 

Trip interruption : Covers nonrefundable costs incurred as a result of your trip being interrupted. 

Trip cancellation : Repays prepaid, nonrefundable costs such as hotels and tour bookings in the event your trip is canceled. 

Lost luggage : Covers the cost of replacing your personal effects when your luggage is lost. 

Delayed luggage : Reimburses reasonable expenses, such as for clothing and toiletries, when your luggage has been delayed. 

Emergency evacuation : Arranges and pays the cost to transport you to a medical facility for care. 

Pre-existing condition coverage : Covers costs for acute flare-ups of pre-existing conditions, as long as you meet eligibility requirements. 

Allianz’s policies have a broad array of inclusions. Here's a look at the five single-trip plans, and the included coverage amount.

Allianz also offers multitrip plans and a plan that provides rental car coverage only.

» Learn more: How does annual travel insurance work?

Add-on options

Allianz doesn’t offer many options when it comes to customization.

Rental car insurance : Available on all plans as an upgrade, Allianz’s rental car insurance provides coverage in the event of theft, damage or collision. 

Cancel Anytime : Allows you to cancel a trip for almost any unforeseeable reason and get 80% of your nonrefundable costs back. 

Don’t want to pay for travel insurance? A variety of travel credit cards offer complimentary trip insurance assuming you pay for the trip with your card.

Each Allianz plan has varying coverage levels, and some specifically exclude benefits such as trip cancellation.

However, certain types of situations and activities are generally excluded:

Extreme sports.

The use of alcohol or drugs or any symptoms as a result.

Normal pregnancy or childbirth. 

Participation in sporting events. 

Natural disasters. 

On a 5-star scale, NerdWallet rated Allianz 3.5 stars. Jump to see our methodology.

A sample trip for a 36-year-old traveler from Indiana to Canada for five days found that the cheapest Allianz plan cost $166. If you were to spring for the premium plan, which increases your coverage limits, expect to pay $291.

When looking across multiple providers, the basic plan for the same sample trip ranges in cost from $10 to $202. Note that price isn't the only differentiating factor. Coverage isn't identical across plans; each company offers various levels of scope, limits and exclusions.

How much does Allianz travel insurance cost? To get an idea of the cost of an Allianz travel insurance policy, we generated a quote for a sample trip.

In this example, we have a 37-year-old traveler from North Carolina heading to Japan for a two-week vacation, with a total trip cost of $5,000.

Notably, Allianz travel insurance costs increased dramatically when benefits for trip cancellation and trip interruption were included, so if you don’t have a lot of nonrefundable costs associated with your trip, you may want to stick with the OneTrip Emergency Medical plan.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

To purchase an Allianz travel insurance policy, go to Allianz’s get a quote page , where you can choose different plan types, including single trip, annual or rental car policies.

From there, you’ll need to fill out your trip information, such as travel dates and destination and your age. Then, you'll be presented with eligible plans and prices. From there, you’ll be able to pick one that suits your needs and complete the checkout process.

Consider comparison shopping

If you're not 100% sold on purchasing a plan from Allianz, you can use a travel insurance aggregator to compare policies across multiple companies at once.

The right Allianz plan for you depends on your trip. This is especially true for the OneTrip Emergency Medical plan and the OneTrip Cancellation Plus plan since both are limited in what they cover.

Before purchasing a plan, review the costs of your trip, whether you need medical coverage and how much you’re willing to pay.

Allianz provides 24/7 travel assistance to customers. Within the U.S. or Canada, call 800-654-1908 for help. Otherwise, call 804-281-5700.

Allianz’s 24/7 assistance can help you with issues such as finding new flights, providing you with information about your destination, helping you retrieve lost luggage, replacing prescriptions and more.

Filing a claim with Allianz can be done online via its claims center .

You’ll need to have information on hand such as what happened, what the claim is for, when the issue happened and how much you’re claiming.

You’ll also need to provide proof of your loss, which can be uploaded to the claims center.

Is Allianz travel insurance good? Allianz can be more expensive than competitors, but its different plans can help mitigate the cost by insuring only what’s important to you.

Its three comprehensive plans also include coverage for pre-existing conditions, which isn’t something you’ll find everywhere.

If you have a plan with trip interruption or trip delay benefits, you may be covered when your flight has been canceled. This can include refunds for prepaid expenses and costs for lodging and meals.

The length of time it takes for a refund can vary; factors that influence how long can include the claim you make, the documentation you provide and the processing speed of the insurance provider.

Allianz travel insurance medical coverage is secondary. This means it pays out after any other eligible plans you may have.

Yes, Allianz plans cover COVID.

Travel insurance

NerdWallet's ratings for travel insurance companies take into account the following details about each insurer:

Scope of coverage.

Customizability.

Consumer experience and complaints.

The best travel insurers excel in all of these categories. They provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. They offer insurance at a fair price and allow customers to customize plans to meet their coverage preferences. They're also able to keep their customers happy throughout the relationship.

Data collection and review process

NerdWallet collects over a dozen data points for each insurer we analyze from their public-facing websites and third-party analyses. These data points are then compared against one another and against NerdWallet's standards for good travel insurance companies to determine a star rating.

Data is collected on a regular basis and reviewed by our editorial team for consistency and accuracy. Final star ratings are presented on a scale of one to five stars, where a one-star score represents "poor" and a five-star score represents "excellent."

The reviews team

The writers and editors behind NerdWallet's travel insurance reviews are insurance specialists who have had their work featured by or appear in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times, the Chicago-Sun Times, U.S. News & World Report and the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial independence .

In addition to travel insurance, the team covers travel rewards programs, airlines and hotels.

Rating specifics

Our star ratings are weighted based on our editorial and professional opinions. We use the following weightings when rating travel insurers:

Scope of coverage (25%).

Customizability (25%).

Consumer experience and complaints (25%).

Cost (25%).

Scope of coverage ratings are based on assessments of a company’s standard protections, including:

Travel medical insurance.

Trip cancellation.

Trip interruption.

Trip delay.

Baggage and personal belongings, lost luggage.

Emergency medical assistance.

Emergency medical evacuation.

Emergency medical repatriation.

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

Rental car coverage.

Customizability ratings factor in whether coverage limits are fixed prices or a percentage of the trip cost (the percentage is generally better), whether a policy has customizations available, and the number of bonus features.

24-hour assistance.

Pre-existing medical conditions coverage.

Extreme sport coverage.

CFAR add on availability.

Travel health insurance.

Interruption for Any Reason.

Travel Inconvenience.

Cancel for Work Reasons.

Electronics coverage.

Consumer experience ratings are based on provider reviews on Squaremouth.com. If the company is not in the Squaremouth database, we default to Google reviews.

Affordability ratings are based on the percentage of total trip cost a plan costs a policyholder. Less than 4% is considered excellent, whereas over 9% is considered poor.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn 3% cash back when you choose online shopping plus earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.