travel insurance to usa with covid coverage

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6 Best Travel Insurance For USA with Covid-19 Coverage

The U.S. finally reopened for international visitors after nearly two years of strict travel bans. Considering a trip there? Even though you might be vaccinated, which is now one of the key requirements to enter the U.S. for foreign nationals, you are still at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Additional expenses might come with COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment. And as we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our fellow travelers, we have chosen the 5 best insurance plans to have your back even if you travel to the U.S. during the coronavirus crisis.

So read on. These are the 5 best COVID-19 insurance plans for traveling, working, living, or studying in the U.S.

Best Covid Travel Insurance For the U.S.

• SafetyWing Travel Insurance – Best Rated
• Explore North America® Plus
• CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits
• Staysure Travel Insurance – Best for U.K. Travelers
• Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted
• Travel Insurance Select® – Best for couples and Families

1. SafetyWing Travel Insurance – BEST RATED

This travel medical insurance is the best option for travelers to U.S. It is also a great choice for both short and long-term tourists or remote workers.

• Safety Wing covers COVID-19 the same way as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.
• It covers you in your home country as well, as long as your visit there is incidental.
• Since April 15, 2021, it covers quarantine outside your home country of $50/day for up to 10 days. Note that the quarantine can be covered only once a year and if mandated by a physician or governmental authority.
• SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is also pretty affordable . Depending on your age, the prices are as follows for a 4-week period: 10-39 years old: USD 76.72, 40-49 years old: USD 126.56. For other age groups, you can find the prices here.
• Testing for COVID-19 is covered only if deemed necessary by a physician. That is rather inconvenient, as most countries require testing before entry.
• It does not cover citizens from Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.

If you are new to SafetyWing, the COVID-19 coverage will be added automatically to your plan. On the other hand, if you are already part of SafetyWing, we recommend you reach out to their customer service team, and they will upgrade your plan. 

SafetyWing also offers Remote Health insurance which is suitable for long-term nomads. It is more pricey but covers pre-existing conditions, cancer treatment, and you can use it in your home country as well.

What else does this insurance cover?

On top of everything, SafetyWing covers more than 94 recreational activities, including surfing, biking, hiking, and snowboarding.

2. Explore North America® Plus — Coronavirus Travel Insurance

Explore North America Plus travel insurance is a comprehensive medical coverage administered by Seven Corners that offers extensive coverage for Covid19 and other diseases.

This insurance plan also covers Non-U.S. residents and Non-U.S. citizens who are traveling outside their home country to the United States, Mexico, Canada, or all Caribbean countries except Cuba.

Special COVID-19 coverage:

We have chosen Explore North America Plus because of its special benefits when it comes to coronavirus medical expenses. 

Most travel insurances that claim to cover COVID-19 medical treatments include a “convenient” fine print that says they won’t cover you if the country you are visiting has a government no-travel alert, which most countries have.

That does not happen with Explore North America® Plus. If you contract COVID-19 on your trip, you’re covered, as simple as that.

• The plan covers medically Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) treatment for COVID-19 up to $100,000 or whichever is less.
• Emergency Room Services – (URC) up to medical maximum – $100 copay
• Urgent Care Visit – (URC) up to medical maximum – $20 copay

Other benefits:

• It also covers some onset of pre-existing conditions
• Hospital Indemnity – Only applies to Canada, Mexico and the unrestricted Caribbean countries* – Up to $150 per day, 30-day limit
• Incidental trips on your home country – Up to $10,000
• Dental – Relief of pain – Up to $200
• Dental – Accident – Up to $5,000
• Evacuation and Repatriation – Up to $500,000 (separate from the medical maximum)
• It only covers trips of up to one year
• It does not cover people older than 74 
• *The plan does not cover trips to Cuba.

Interested? – Get your quote here !

3. CoverAmerica – Gold Insurance – The Best Benefits

CoverAmerica is perfect for travelers and tourists visiting the U.S. who are not citizens or residents of the country.

• CoverAmerica covers COVID-19 as any other medical condition. However, note that it has to be purchased for at least 30 days to be eligible for the benefit.
• Unlike other travel plans, it has comprehensive coverage for COVID-19 . That means you can get reimbursement for delays, quarantine days, or missed flight connections if you get infected with the coronavirus.
• The coverage limit is up to USD 1,000,000 (conditions may apply).

• NOT available for U.S. citizens and residents.
• Citizens from Iran, Syria, the Virgin Islands, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone cannot contract this insurance. 
• This travel insurance covers emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions, acute dental treatment, and eye exams.

To learn more about CoverAmerica and its plans, click here .

4. Staysure Travel Insurance – BEST FOR U.K. TRAVELERS

Staysure Travel Insurance is the best choice for visitors traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.

• Staysure covers trip cancellations , emergency medical treatment, as well as repatriation expenses if you get affected by COVID-19 (conditions may apply).
• It also offers daily benefits if you have to self-isolate, additional accommodation, and transport, but only if mandated by a health official.
• If your close relative or a member of your household is hospitalized or dies of COVID-19, you can cancel or cut your trip short and claim reimbursement.
• Moreover, it is reasonably priced. To get a quote, visit the website here .
• ONLY for travelers traveling from the U.K., Spain, France, or Portugal.
• You won’t be covered if you have refused any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Does not cover COVID-19 testing, which is often needed to be able to travel.

What’s covered?

Note that Staysure doesn’t cover you if you travel during government or regional lockdown.

5. Allianz Travel Insurance – Most Trusted

Allianz Travel Insurance is suitable for all types of travelers traveling from Ireland. From digital nomads and remote workers to students and backpackers, they offer a variety of plans in three different levels – bronze, silver, and gold.

Pros: 

• This travel insurance covers general COVID-19 medical treatment, as well as additional accommodation , transport , or cancellation of your trip if you contract the virus.
• They offer several insurance plans, such as Single Trip Insurance, Backpacker Travel Insurance, or Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance.
• You can cancel or cut your trip short if your close relative or travel companion gets seriously ill from the disease.
• If the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) advises against all non-essential travel, you can make your claim only if you provide documentation that you travel for a specific reason, not leisure.
• It is ONLY for citizens and residents of the Republic of Ireland.
• Allianz Travel Insurance offers an extensive Winter Sports and Ski add-on.

Interested in this insurance travel plan? Get your quote .

6. Travel Insurance Select®

This plan is a great fit for American couples, families, and friends traveling together around the country or overseas. Tours, business trips, and those traveling with social groups can also be covered by Travel Insurance Select®

Benefits and non-insurance:

• Trip cancellation coverage – it refunded you up to 100% of the money you invested in your trip.
• Coverage for trip interruption – you can get up to 150% of your trip expenditures back (depending on the coverage you choose).
• Travel Delay – If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more due to covered circumstances such as carrier-caused delays, lost passports, strikes, or bad weather, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain extra charges, up to the maximum for the option you chose.
• Missed Connection – Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500.
• Covid Quarantine Benefit: “Travel Insurance Select Elite plan offers coverage for accommodations due to a covered Trip Delay $2,000/$250 per person per day (12 hours) is included in the basic coverage.”
• Emergency support services are available 24/7, so you may get aid whenever you need it.

Example – Quote for a couple in their late 30’s traveling for two weeks from California to Washington :

Medical Expense

All plans include emergency medical evacuation, medical repatriation and return of remains.

It can pay reasonable expenses for an emergency medical evacuation ordered by a physician for a covered injury or sickness to the next acceptable medical facility or home, if medically necessary, up to the limit for your preferred option.

Waiver of Pre-Existing Medical Conditions available for the Plus and Elite plans.

Special COVID-19 coverage

COVID-19 is treated as any other illness.  Trip Cancellation benefits may be available if you are treated by a legally certified physician.

A person who gets ill while traveling in an affected nation may be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense or Emergency Medical Evacuation benefits.

A person who is required to enter quarantine in their destination due to a positive Covid-19 test can be eligible for Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) – this option must be purchased as an upgrade within 21 days of your initial trip deposit/payment.

The basic plan does not cover Cancel for Any Reason.

So, what do you think? Have you chosen your favorite? We hope our comparison has helped you at least a bit, and you will have peace of mind even while traveling during unpredictable times such as the pandemic. Enjoy, stay safe, and see you in the U.S.!

Disclaimer: Most travel insurance companies are still adapting to the “new normal” way to travel the world. We strongly advise you to check with your insurance company before committing to any insurance plan. 

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

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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Is There Travel Insurance That Covers COVID Quarantine?

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 .

We get it — traveling these days can be an uncomfortable experience. In the ever-changing world of COVID-19 variants, border restrictions and PCR tests, learning how to stay protected is important.

Travel insurance can insure you against a variety of complications during travel, including trip delay, trip cancellation and medical issues. But not all policies are the same, and coverage can vary not only across providers, but across policies themselves.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine, plus the best COVID-19 travel insurance.

What does travel insurance usually cover?

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind on vacation, especially when things go awry. There are varying types and levels of coverage for travel insurance, though these are common inclusions for travel insurance policies:

Trip cancellation insurance.

Trip interruption insurance.

Trip delay insurance.

24-hour hotline assistance.

Emergency medical insurance.

Primary/secondary medical insurance.

Lost or delayed baggage insurance.

Rental car insurance.

There's a lot of variety when it comes to travel insurance and the types of incidents it’ll cover. The cost of your premium will vary according to the plan you select.

Cancel for Any Reason insurance allows you to cancel your trip and recoup your costs, no matter why you’ve chosen to cancel.

Before buying travel insurance, check to see if any of your credit cards offer trip insurance . Some travel credit cards offer this insurance free of charge when you use your card to pay.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , for example, provides primary rental car insurance when you charge the car to your card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express , meanwhile, will cover trip cancellation, trip delay and lost luggage insurance. Terms apply.

There are no credit cards whose benefits include medical insurance. You’ll want to read the terms carefully to be sure that any travel insurance you purchase covers instances of COVID-19.

» Learn more: Will my travel insurance cover coronavirus?

Finding insurance that covers COVID quarantine

In the beginning of the pandemic, many insurance policies covered losses related to COVID-19, including trip cancellation and medical issues.

Since then, some providers have chosen to exclude coverage for coronavirus-related issues. So you’ll need to search specifically for an insurance policy that covers COVID-19.

Fortunately, there are still insurance providers that’ll provide coverage in the event you’re affected by COVID-19, including:

Trip cancellation.

Trip delay.

Medical care/hospitalization.

Quarantine.

Several countries — like Thailand — actually require that you purchase this insurance before traveling.

If you already have an insurance provider in mind, take a look at their coverage options — and any available add-ons — to see if COVID-19 quarantines are covered.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

If you aren’t already committed to an insurance company, sites such as SquareMouth, a NerdWallet partner, will allow you to search for and compare policy coverage from multiple companies at once.

You’ll be asked to provide a variety of information, such as your destination, dates of travel, age, and whether you’d like to be reimbursed for cancellations.

SquareMouth’s search also includes the ability to filter search results so you’ll only see policies with COVID-19 protections.

Once you’ve found a provider whose policy includes COVID-19 coverage, you’ll want to make certain that quarantine will also be reimbursed. Reading the policy in full will tell you; it can look something like this:

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

How much will COVID quarantine travel insurance cost?

The price of travel insurance is going to depend on many factors, including the length of your trip, your age, your destination and your coverage limits.

As you’d expect, the more comprehensive your coverage and the higher your limits, the more expensive your policy will be. The same is true if you’re heading out of the country for an extended period of time.

When comparing insurance policies, you’ll want to think about coverage limits as well as whether the insurance will provide primary or secondary coverage. Compare these factors against other policies to see which policy is the right fit for you.

Here’s a comparison between two different policies. Although neither of these requires a deductible, one of these is secondary (it pays out after other insurance) and caps out at $15,000 per person in emergency medical expenses.

The other is primary (it pays out before other insurance policies) and covers up to $100,000 per person in emergency medical expenses:

While $15,000 may seem like a lot of money, remember that this total includes all doctor visits, tests and medications — in addition to the cost of your quarantine stay.

If you’re staying somewhere expensive, those costs can quickly add up.

Although some communities, such as New York City, may provide cost-free isolation accommodation, others will leave you to fend for yourself.

Even if staying in a moderately priced hotel, five to 10 days (or more) of isolation can quickly run into the thousands of dollars. You’ll want to be sure your insurance policy can cover this.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Final thoughts on travel insurance that covers COVID quarantine

Although the world is still trying to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be looking to get out and travel again. Being protected in the event something happens can give you peace of mind when away from home.

This is especially true when it comes to mandatory COVID-19 quarantine, when costs can easily pile up. Acquiring travel insurance with COVID-19 quarantine protection can save you — and your wallet — in case of an emergency.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)

COVID-19 is often included in travel insurance coverage

with our partner, Faye

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

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.

According to our research, the best travel insurance companies offering COVID-19 coverage are Faye and Travelex. While some travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage, others include varying terms.

As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels, airlines and other hospitality-related businesses have seen a surge in travelers . However, the concern of a new variant is consistent —  experts have identified new strains of COVID-19 as recently as Dec. 2023, which could cause some travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance.

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies with COVID-19 Coverage

Use the table below to compare COVID-19 coverage inclusions and details of travel insurance companies:

The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans

• Faye: Our top pick
• Seven Corners: Our pick for international travelers
• Tin Leg: Our pick for customizable coverage
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Our pick for concierge services
• TravelSafe: Our pick for equipment coverage
• Generali: Our pick for emergency assistance
• John Hancock Travel Insurance: Our pick for delay coverage
• Trawick: Our pick for well-rounded coverage
• HTH Travel Insurance: Our pick for group travel

We pulled price quotes for four vacations outlined in our methodology at the bottom of this page. The costs in this article reflect the premium for each of those four trips for each provider averaged together.

Why Trust Us?

Why We Picked It

Faye is our top choice for COVID-19 travel insurance because it includes a robust set of protection to support policyholders both before and after diagnosis. The company classifies COVID-19 as a standard illness under its medical insurance policies, which means you can use any medical and evacuation coverages deemed necessary by local health professionals.

Since Faye classifies its travel medical insurance as primary coverage, it goes into effect before your domestic health coverage. This is especially beneficial for COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalization in some cases and include higher diagnosis, evacuation and treatment costs.

Pros and Cons

Coverage and cost.

Add-On Options

Faye currently offers the following add-ons for international excursions:

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
• Adventure and extreme sports protections
• Rental car coverage
• Vacation rental damage protection
• Pet care protection

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298.

Another top option for COVID-related travel concerns, Seven Corners offers a wide range of medical policies, all of which include coverage for coronavirus as a standard illness. Seven Corners policies indicate that both trip interruption and cancellation coverage extends to COVID-19-related reasons, including quarantines. Missed connection coverage may even extend to your travel plans if COVID causes you to miss a portion of your trip, specifically while on a cruise . Overall, Seven Corners offers COVID-friendly policies and includes generous cancellation and interruption benefits to give you peace of mind while traveling.

Below are add-on options you may be able to include in your Seven Corners policy:

• Cancel for any reason coverage
• Trip interruption for any reason coverage
• Rental car damage coverage
• Sports and gold equipment coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Seven Corners’s average trip cost is $206.25.

Tin Leg’s Silver and Gold policies include COVID-19 hospitalization and diagnosis as a standard inclusion under trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Like competitors, Tin Leg’s policies include stipulations that allow you to use travel delay benefits for ordered quarantine periods, offering between $500 and $2,000 depending on your chosen coverage level. However, you will need to receive a documented diagnosis from a licensed medical professional to use your trip benefits — a home rapid test is not sufficient proof.

Below are add-on options for Tin Leg travel insurance:

• Rental car damage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Tin Leg’s average trip cost is $166.50.

Both of TravelSafe’s insurance policies for international travel include comprehensive coverages and protections for COVID-19 , with identical medical coverage and evacuation limits no matter the condition. Trip delay benefits — available up to $2,000 on the TravelSafe Classic policy — include coverage for mandatory quarantines if required by a licensed medical professional. Policyholders can also apply mandatory quarantine benefits to missed connections coverage, which adds another layer of protection if you have multi-leg trips planned.

Below are add-on options you may include to your TravelSafe policy:

• Accidental death and dismemberment (air only)
• Extended personal property coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, TravelSafe’s average trip cost is $241.

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers a policy endorsement to cover concerns related to COVID-19. Referred to as the “ Epidemic Coverage Endorsement ,” this benefit extends medical expense, emergency evacuation and trip delay coverage to include COVID-related situations. Like most other competitors, you will need a documented diagnosis of COVID-19 and a written order from a local government figure or medical authority requiring you to quarantine before you can use benefits.

When we requested a quote, all three available policies included the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement free-of-charge with standard pricing. However, it’s important to note that coverage for COVID-19 is not specifically written into the terms of Allianz’s policies in the same way as other illnesses, which is the standard verbiage in the industry. Be sure your policy includes this endorsement to maintain COVID-related coverage.

Below are add-ons to consider for your Allianz Travel Insurance policy:

• Rental car protection
• Required to work coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Allianz’s average trip cost is $265

In addition to including COVID as a standard coverage under medical, cancellation and interruption benefits, Generali Global Assistance includes the added peace of mind that comes with around-the-clock assistance. All policies include 24/7 emergency travel assistance with a multi-lingual support team, which can help policyholders communicate with medical staff. This is especially useful if you’re visiting an area where you do not speak the primary language.

However, as of Jan. 2020, newly issued policies include an exclusion that prevents you from using trip delay benefits to cover a quarantine period unless officially diagnosed with COVID-19. This exclusion does not apply if you are sick and quarantined with the virus, in which you can access your benefits to cover the cost of related expenses. This exclusion remains in effect even if a local government mandates your quarantine due to exposure — so we recommend researching the quarantine procedures for the country you’re visiting beforehand if you choose Generali.

Below are coverages you may be able to add to your Generali policy:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Generali’s average trip cost is $255. 

Under most travel insurance verbiage, COVID-19 is now considered a known threat, and the announcement of a new variant is considered a risk you accept when booking. This means that travel insurance may not allow reimbursement for trip cancellation due to concerns about the emergence of a new variant.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage extends your cancellation benefits to include fear of traveling due to COVID-19 or a new variant. In addition to classifying COVID-19 as a standard medical condition, John Hancock allows you to add CFAR coverage to a wider selection of policy choices, including its lower-cost Bronze package. Comparatively, most travel insurance providers limit your ability to add CFAR coverage to the most expensive plan.

Add-on options for John Hancock travel insurance:

• Rental car collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, John Hancock’s average trip cost is $225.

Trawick International offers one policy with coverage for COVID-19: Safe Travels International . This plan includes up to $1 million in medical coverage, up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits for potential quarantines and up to $2 million in medical evacuation coverage. This general range of coverage combined with CFAR add-on availability can make Trawick a customizable choice for travelers looking to add protections that cover COVID-19 without reviewing multiple plans.

Below are Trawick International add-on options:

• 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment
• Additional accident and sickness medical coverage
• Interruption for any reason coverage
• Upgradable trip delay coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $212.

While HTH’s policy details do not outline special benefits specifically for COVID-19 , its plans include standard medical interruption language allowing the use of benefits if you’re hospitalized. HTH’s policies include generous medical coverage and evacuation limits of $500,000 and $1 million respectively. The company also offers higher-than-average trip interruption benefits with a maximum benefit of 200% in reimbursements.

Below are additional options that may be available through HTH Travel Insurance:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, HTH’s average trip cost is $221.

HTH also offers discounted pricing for group travel insurance policies.

What To Look for in Pandemic Travel Insurance

Once you understand how travel insurance can benefit you in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or emergency, you can get into the details of each coverage option. We’ve compiled a few essential features to consider when shopping for travel insurance with a focus on COVID-19 coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage

If you’re traveling to an area where you think you might be at risk of catching COVID-19, consider choosing a travel insurance policy with higher medical coverage limits. Travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments you receive outside the U.S. if you become sick or injured. Most travel insurance policy providers now classify COVID-19 as a standard illness, meaning you can qualify for reimbursement if hospitalized with coronavirus abroad. 

Trip Delay Coverage

If you contract COVID abroad, depending on the country’s requirements, you may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before you can leave or enter another country. In these circumstances, your trip delay benefits could help cover the cost of expenses like meals, additional hotel stays and any toiletries you might need. To qualify to use trip delay benefits, most policies state a licensed medical professional must order a quarantine for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until expiration. 

Trip Interruption Coverage

If you’re leaving dependents or older loved ones at home and concerned about the effect COVID-19 could have on their care, consider a policy with higher trip interruption coverages. Trip interruption insurance compensates you for things like the cost of an early return flight home and unused trip expenses if you must leave your trip ahead of schedule due to a covered reason. Some travel insurance providers like Seven Corners and Travelex include the illness of a family member and hospitalization with COVID-19 as a valid reason to use interruption benefits. Other providers only consider the health status of the insured traveler.  

CFAR Coverage

CFAR coverage is an optional add-on that allows you to receive a partial trip reimbursement if you cancel your trip for a reason not covered by insurance. For all providers on our list, this includes fear of a new variant of COVID-19 emerging at home or your destination. If this is a concern for you, consider a provider like John Hancock, which offers more options for policyholders to buy CFAR-level benefits. 

Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Directly?

Most travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage. This means coronavirus is usually treated the same way as any other illness or injury you might sustain abroad or before your trip. While this offers protection for your travel plans if you’re hospitalized due to COVID-19, fear of new variants and minor illnesses will usually not qualify you for a reimbursement . 

Let’s take a look at sample situations when you might need to use COVID-19 coverage as a part of your travel insurance. First, say you fall sick before traveling and are diagnosed with a serious case of COVID-19. Your physician determines you require hospitalization a day before you’re supposed to travel. If you purchased travel insurance, you could file a claim to reimburse nonrefundable trip costs, such as airfare and lodging, because you’re medically unable to travel. 

Now, let’s imagine you have a trip planned to Germany. A few days before your travel, information on a new Covid variant becomes available and officials advise the public to avoid travel if possible. While you may be hesitant to travel due to the new strain, you would not be entitled to reimbursement with travel insurance unless specifically outlined in your policy. However, if you opted for CFAR coverage during enrollment, you could cancel your trip and get a refund for nonrefundable expenses regardless. 

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

Your travel insurance policy might cover the COVID-19 quarantines if ordered by a medical professional, which includes expenses related to additional lodging. If you’re diagnosed with a new variant of the virus before your trip and forced to quarantine at home, you will usually qualify for trip cancellation benefits under your policy’s illness cancellation clause. However, travel insurance will not compensate you for additional domestic quarantine-related expenses like food and rent. 

If you’re advised to quarantine abroad after being diagnosed with COVID-19, you could also qualify for coverage under your insurance’s travel delay benefits. While travel delay benefits are designed to help cover hotel rooms and alternate airfare if you’re forced to miss a connection, you can also use coverage for mandatory quarantine orders. To qualify, you will usually need to provide documentation of both your illness and a quarantine recommendation from a local medical professional. 

If you’re concerned about the cost and possibility of an international quarantine, it’s important to look at the travel delay benefits included with your insurance coverage. Policies with higher total travel delay benefits will cover more quarantine-related expenses, which can make these policies more valuable. Be sure to note both overall and daily limits on trip delay benefits, which can also influence policy value.

How Much Does COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cost?

In our comprehensive review of travel insurance policies, we found the average cost of a plan with COVID-19 coverage is about $220 per trip. However, the price of your premium will vary depending on the level of benefits included with your policy. Browse the table below to compare how some of our top travel insurance providers compare in terms of average price and included benefits. 

Factors That Impact Cost

Factors that affect the cost of your travel insurance include your age, where you’re traveling to, the cost of your trip and the length of your trip. Adding various custom riders, like protection for a rental car or cancellation for any reason coverage, will also increase the cost.

Is Pandemic Travel Insurance Worth It?

While almost all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the U.S., the virus is still a global health threat. Even if travel insurance isn’t required for a trip, purchasing insurance that includes COVID-19 protections can help you avoid a financial burden if you contract the virus before or during the trip.

You might not need the pandemic travel coverage if you’re taking a low-cost trip and not crossing international borders. Your health insurance may cover medical costs within the country, and the money you lose from canceling an affordable trip could be too low to justify shopping for and buying coverage. It’s different if you pay a lot of money upfront for a long, expensive vacation.

Another option is looking at the travel protections that your credit card company provides. Some cards offer trip protection for emergencies that could include coverage if you call off a trip or end a trip early after contracting COVID-19. But travel costs usually have to be paid for with the card for them to qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

What are the cheapest ways to get travel insurance for a pandemic.

The best way to find cheap travel insurance with pandemic coverage is by shopping around with different providers. Many offer free quotes online, and it takes minutes to check rates.

What are the advantages of purchasing pandemic travel insurance?

The advantage of pandemic travel insurance is that it reimburses prepaid travel costs if you cancel or cut short a trip because of getting COVID-19 before or during the trip. And if a family member contracts COVID-19 while you’re away, pandemic travel insurance may reimburse you for expenses related to returning home early to care for a loved one.

Can you cancel your flight if you have COVID?

Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19. However, coverage is usually included under standard medical inclusions, which means you must be medically unable to travel at the time of your scheduled departure to claim a reimbursement. Review your specific travel insurance coverage to learn more about flight cancellation benefits.

What does travel insurance not cover?

Travel insurance usually does not cover cancellations due to fear of travel, government restrictions or pre-existing medical conditions. You generally cannot cancel your trip and claim any reimbursements unless it’s for a covered reason such as the illness or death of a family member or natural disasters. Carefully read your policy to understand the exclusions and limitations unique to your coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Rating the Best 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

More Travel Insurance Guides

• Best cruise insurance plans
• Best travel insurance companies
• Cheapest travel insurance
• Best group travel insurance companies
• Health insurance for visitors to USA
• Best senior travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for families
• Best student travel insurance plans
• Travel insurance for parents visiting USA
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

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

More Travel Insurance Resources

Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

Oct 27, 2021 • 6 min read

Figuring out what your health care covers while traveling can be difficult Stocksy

If you’re ready to travel again, it’s important to understand the scope of your travel medical insurance coverage should you contract COVID-19⁠—even when traveling with the US. Even if you’re vaccinated, you could still test positive for the virus or experience a breakthrough infection.

If you’re traveling domestically in the US, and you are covered by a US health insurance provider, or Medicare, your health plan will cover urgent care visits, medical expenses, imaging, medicine and hospital stays.  Beyond general illness or injury, if you test positive for COVID-19, or require medical treatment or hospitalization due to the virus, the scope of your coverage could vary. It’s best to check for the specific provisions of your personal health plan.

If you are fully vaccinated and planning on vacationing abroad, then purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes travel medical expense and medical evacuation coverage should be part of your travel check-list. Your US based medical insurance will not be accepted abroad.

It’s best to be prepared by purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover medical expenses you incur if you get sick, or injured while outside the US.  Many travel insurance carriers offer plans that cover COVID-19-related medical expenses. You should research and find a policy that best matches your needs. 

Beyond medical care, your travel plan may even cover the self-isolation costs tied to quarantining like lodging and meals due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Here’s what you need to know so you’re protected whether you travel to Miami or Madrid.

Here’s how to prepare if traveling within the US 

Before planning any type of travel, it’s best to check with your healthcare insurance company about the scope of your coverage. You can find your carrier’s contact information on the back of your member card.

“First and foremost, always check with your health insurance provider to see what your plan covers and what it does not and become familiar with the limits of your policy” says Kathy Kimmel, spokesperson with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison site.  

If you’ve traveled domestically in the past, you know you can utilize your personal insurance for issues like a fever, food poisoning, severe sunburn, stitches, or a sprained ankle.

The pandemic has caused a whole set of ‘what if’s’ for travelers⁠—even if you’re not leaving the country. As always, coverage is dependent on your particular plan. “It is best for travelers to check with their provider to know how COVID is covered and what steps should be taken to prepare should they contract the virus on a trip,” says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance.

Health insurance may cover COVID-19, Murchland says, but it typically will not cover emergency evacuations back home or quarantine expenses that may come from destination mandates. 

What about road-tripping in the US?

Bailey Foster, spokesperson with Trawick International, a travel insurance carrier, says if you have health insurance and you are traveling in the United States, your health insurance will cover the expense related to COVID-19.

“This would work like any other illness you may catch and your healthcare insurance would cover the costs associated with the travelers’ treatment,” she says. “The traveler would have to be responsible for their copays related to their medical treatment.”

Read more: Expert tips for a safe road trip during the pandemic

Will US-based health insurance cover COVID-19 infection abroad?

The simple answer is no. “Your US-based healthcare insurance will not cover COVID-19 related illness expenses while you are abroad,” says Foster with Trawick International. “It’s imperative that travelers purchase a travel insurance plan that clearly states it provides coverage related to COVID-19 losses.”

Read more: How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

If your policy includes COVID-19 coverage, it will cover medical care, hospitalization, medicine, and any other treatment needed due to COVID-19. 

It’s best to call the insurance carrier to make sure COVID-19 is covered by the policy.

Will US-based health insurance cover pre-travel testing? 

In general, pre-travel testing will be a personal expense. “Travel insurance does not cover pre-travel COVID testing or any other testing required before your trip, nor will it offer coverage for vaccines,” says Kimmel with InsureMyTrip. 

What else will my travel insurance policy provide if I contract COVID-19?

Some travel insurance carriers will transport you for more specialized medical treatment. 

“At Seven Corners, we assist in evacuations and repatriations on a normal basis for typical illnesses and injuries abroad,” explains Murchland. “Even with the added challenge of assisting someone who has contracted COVID away from home, we are ready to help make the return safe and ensure that proper care is given to the sick or injured traveler.”

In addition, your travel insurance carrier has a 24/7 travel support hotline that can assist with medical referrals, coordinating medical care and arranging lodging accommodations should you need to quarantine due to COVID-19.  Some companies even provide language translation services if you are experiencing barriers regarding your medical care. 

How do I best protect myself when traveling abroad? 

As you plan expensive international trips, the worry about COVID and the Delta variant and its impact on your travels is likely on your mind. Kimmel from InsureMyTrip states the best way to protect yourself while traveling abroad is to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy with the added Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Benefit, which is an optional upgrade to your policy that allows you to cancel for reasons beyond your standard trip cancellation policy. This add-on will increase your travel insurance policy rate about 50 percent but offers you the most flexibility to cancel. If you meet the requirements, you can be reimbursed up to 75 % of your trip’s cost.

However, this is a time-sensitive benefit and not all trips are eligible for this add-on.  There are some requirements that need to be met like canceling your trip no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Most traditional travel insurance policies do not allow travelers to cancel because of COVID-19 fears, like if there’s an increase in COVID cases at your destination.   “The Cancel for Any Reason add-on is really the only way for a traveler to recoup some of their pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if they decide not to travel because of a spike in cases,” says Kimmel.

Not all policies and carriers offer CFAR coverage upgrades. InsureMyTrip has a tool that is making it easier to find out if your policy and trip are eligible for CFAR.  

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What do I do if my flight gets cancelled—and can I get a refund? PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

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COVID Information |  Click here to learn more about our COVID Travel Insurance

Why should I purchase Travel Insurance? 

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Need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen event? 

Get coverage for your trip against illnesses, injuries, and natural disasters. Travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

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Our travel plans can offer reimbursement for the value of your belongings, up to the policy limit. This includes coverage for lost or stolen passports, visas, or other important travel documents, as well as any necessary expenses related to replacing these items.

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Whether it’s rebooking your flight, finding alternative transportation, or providing a place to stay, our 24/7 travel assistance team is here to help!

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Axa travel insurance benefits.

Medical Travel Benefit

AXA offers coverage for certain emergency medical expenses that result from an accidental injury or illness while traveling as well as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Learn more

Trip Cancellation

We can reimburse you up to the maximum benefit of your selected travel plan, that is due to an unforeseen event including illness and inclement weather and other covered reasons. Learn more

Emergency Evacuation

AXA Offers coverage for medically necessary evacuations and repatriation as directed by a physician to the nearest adequate medical facility or your home. Learn more

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AXA offers reimbursement coverage in the event your baggage or personal effects are lost damaged or stolen during your trip. Learn more

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AXA offers coverage up to 75% of your prepaid nonrefundable trip costs if your trip is cancelled for any reason. Learn more

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Common concerns about travel insurance.

• It is a clever idea to purchase travel insurance If you are willing to protect your trip from variety of common travel-related incidents, including trip cancellations, flight delays or cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, and medical emergencies.

• Travel insurance provides coverage against medical expenses, reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, compensation for expenses incurred due to travel delays and more while you are travelling.

• Travel insurance is to provide financial protection to travelers in case of unexpected events. Without adequate insurance coverage, travelers may face significant financial losses and hardships if they encounter any unforeseen circumstances while traveling in the Schengen Territory.

• A good option for travelers who are concerned about unforeseeable events or who want the freedom to cancel their trip for any reason. When you purchase CFAR coverage, you can cancel the trip without losing your entire prepaid, nonrefundable vacation expenses. Exclusive to Platinum Package holders.

What to know about the updated COVID-19 vaccines coming in the fall

As summer begins to wind down and many children and teenagers across the U.S. get ready to head back to school next month, it also means updated COVID-19 vaccines are around the corner.

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Americans receive the updated 2024-25 vaccine when it becomes available later this year.

Health officials have used the term "updated vaccines" in anticipation of needing to formulate a new vaccine every year to match circulating variants as is done for the flu shot.

"Historically, when we're talking about COVID vaccines, we're talking about boosters that would happen at some time post your previous vaccine," said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor.

"Now we're targeting annual vaccines for COVID-19 that is similar to flu. It's a reformulation based on what's circulating, and this is why we're talking about an annual campaign rather than a booster," he continued.

Here's what you need to know about the updated COVID vaccines:

What variants does it target?

The updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines will target the JN.1 lineage of the virus, an offshoot of the omicron variant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked manufacturers to formulate a vaccine that closely matches the KP.2 strain of JN.1.

Who is eligible?

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated vaccine.

Vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available for those 6 months old and older while the Novavax vaccine will be available for those aged 12 and older.

When will the vaccines be available?

Updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax will be available in either August or September.

The CDC has said that it is safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as a flu shot or an RSV vaccine, for those who are being eligible.

For those who decide to get multiple vaccines in one appointment, "we suggest probably using different [arms] so you don't exacerbate tenderness at the injection site," Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialists at University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News. "But essentially, you can get all three at the same time."

Are the vaccines free?

Those who are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance will receive coverage for the updated vaccines.

In previous years, the CDC had a Bridge Access Program that provided free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. The program is ending in August 2024.

"This year we won't have the luxury of having the Bridge Program be a safety gap," Chin-Hong said. "Those who have no insurance, which comprises millions of Americans, will have to be covered by different states' safety net programs."

For children whose parents or guardians cannot afford vaccine coverage for them, there is the federally funded Vaccines for Children Program , which provides access to vaccines.

Why should I receive a vaccine?

Data has shown that COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death as well as lower the risk of developing long COVID.

A September 2023 analysis by the CDC suggested making the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation universal could prevent about 400,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 deaths over the next two years.

"We have to remember that this virus is constantly changing, and that your protection from previous infection or from previous vaccines declines over time," Brownstein said. "Making sure that you receive the most updated formulations of vaccine will ensure that you have the most recent protection and we of course assumed that like previous years."

He added that protection from the updated vaccines will likely last through the winter months, when cases typically increase and, as a result, hospitalizations and deaths increase as well.

Chin-Hong said it's important for those who are at risk of serious disease and hospitalization to get vaccinated including those who are older and immunocompromised as well as those who live with high-risk individuals to prevent spread.

Delta's 'widespread flight disruptions' prompt Department of Transportation investigation

• The Department of Transportation is investigating Delta Air Lines after the carrier canceled more than 5,500 flights since Friday.
• Passengers have taken to social media saying the airline hasn’t honored its commitments to provide hotel and meal vouchers, or offer rebooking options on other airlines.
• All passengers are entitled to a full refund to their method of payment if an airline cancels their flight for any reason.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

Chaos continues at Delta Air Lines as the carrier enters its fourth day of struggling with the fallout from Friday’s CrowdStrike outage. Now the Department of Transportation is investigating what’s going on at the airline.

While other U.S. carriers’ operations are more or less back to normal, Delta posted more than 400 cancellations by 9 a.m. ET Tuesday. Since Friday, the airline has canceled more than 5,500 flights overall, with thousands more delayed, according to FlightAware. That’s more than half the number of flights the airline canceled in all of 2023, according to DOT statistics .

The DOT said it is investigating the airline “following continued widespread flight disruptions and reports of concerning customer service failures.”

Flying Delta this week? Prepare for chaos as airline struggles to recover from IT outage

Passengers have taken to social media saying they airline hasn’t honored its commitments to provide hotel and meal vouchers, or offer rebooking options on other airlines. In some cases, passengers have also said the airline refused to provide cash refunds, instead offering only credits for future flights.

“We have made clear to Delta that they must take care of their passengers and honor their customer service commitments. This is not just the right thing to do, it’s the law, and our department will leverage the full extent of our investigative and enforcement power to ensure the rights of Delta’s passengers are upheld,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. 

The statement also said the DOT’s investigation will continue to evolve as it learns more and processes all the passenger complaints that have come in.

Delta did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

What are Delta customers entitled to if their flights are delayed or canceled?

All passengers are always entitled to a full refund to their method of payment if an airline cancels their flight for any reason, even if they booked a nonrefundable ticket.

In addition, Delta’s customer service policy guarantees:

• Meal or meal vouchers for passengers who are delayed more than 3 hours by a cancellation or interruption
• Hotel accommodations for delays or cancellations that result in unplanned overnight stays
• Ground transportation to and from the hotel

Delta acknowledged in a statement that all passengers are entitled to refunds when their flights are canceled. It also said it would reimburse customers for expenses they incur as a result of flight disruptions, including hotel, meal and ground transportation. 

Because of the high volume of flight disruptions, Delta may not be able to organize accommodation for all affected passengers itself, so those reimbursements mean it will cover reasonable expenses for travelers who make their own arrangements instead.

Delta said it will not cover “prepaid expenses, including but not limited to hotel reservations at the customer’s destination, vacation experiences, lost wages, concerts or other tickets.”

The airline is also issuing SkyMiles or travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture to affected passengers. Delta said the value of this compensation will be “an amount based on the customer’s affected travels.”

Will Delta rebook passengers on other airlines?

Delta’s customer commitment does offer rebooking on other airlines for passengers whose flights are significantly delayed or canceled, but that guarantee is not always so straightforward.

Summer is peak travel season, and even when Delta has agreements in place with competitors that allow its agents to make external bookings, it doesn’t magically mean seats will be available.

Flights routinely run at 90% capacity or more – every traveler has heard the announcement that their flight is completely full and no overhead bin space remains – so there’s not a lot of slack in the system to pick up passengers stranded by Delta’s disruptions.

Cruising Altitude: Flight delayed or canceled? How to get ahead of it.

Airlines can also be limited in their rebooking capabilities for various reasons, even if people are willing to use different airports than the ones they originally booked from. This adds a layer of complication to agents’ ability to search for alternative flights.

Passengers may be able to find flights on their own, outside of the options Delta offers for rebooking on its website or app, but it’s not totally clear if the airline will cover the cost of new tickets passengers purchase themselves.

Delta’s information about reimbursable expenses does not mention other airline tickets, and DOT guidance focuses on the rebooking options the airline itself offers. Often these situations are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

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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 Medical Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

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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Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

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• Best Overall
• Best for Beginners
• Best for No-Annual-Fee
• Best for Boutique Hotels
• Best for Daily Spend
• Best for Students
• Low-Cost Lounge Access
• Best for Dining and Groceries
• Best for Travel Insurance
• Best for Luxury Travel
• Choosing the Best Card for Travel
• Why You Should Trust Us

The Best Travel Credit Card of July 2024: Find and Maximize the Best Cards for Flights and Hotels

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

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to the Best Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's an ideal travel credit card for everyone.

There's a card designed for people seeking free flights, hoping for free hotel stays, or just doing whatever it takes to realize their dreams of relaxing in an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to maintain.  Let's take a look at the best choices available for you right now. 

Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Compare the Best Credit Cards for Travel

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles, plus $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Good or Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• $95 Annual Fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 3x points on most travel, restaurants, gas/EV charging, and supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $100 annual hotel credit on a single stay of $500 or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay/interruption benefits and lost/damaged baggage coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Has an annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi Travel rates often are higher than retail cost of travel

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points plus 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide, up to $100 back (Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at U.S. supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, which may include food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Credit use varies by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Reviews

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review .

Best for Beginners: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem travel rewards: You can use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: Other cards offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Boutique Hotels: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on restaurants and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

When launching this card, the card issuer simultaneously announced brand-new Wells Fargo Autograph transfer partners : Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any travel partners above for additional value.

What the experts love: High bonus rates on hotels and flights

What the experts don't love: Limited transfer options (for now)

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spend: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (worth $1,200 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review

Best for Students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Cheapest Airport Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, this annual fee is significantly lower than that of other premium travel cards which offer airport lounge access. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders also receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One; Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users, for free); a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel); and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards from Dining and Groceries: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points), 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points), 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X Membership Rewards® point on all other eligible purchases.

You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits after enrollment, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added as a method of payment to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best for Premium Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best Luxury Travel and Airport Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Best Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

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

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

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

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• Section 7 - Traveling with Pets & Service Animals
• Section 8 - Perspectives : Responding to Medical Emergencies When Flying

CDC Yellow Book 2024

Author(s): Tai-Ho Chen, Araceli Rey, Clive Brown

Preflight Medical Considerations

Cabin air pressure & chronic disease, thromboembolic disease, in-flight transmission of communicable diseases, in-flight medical emergencies, preparing aircrew.

In 2019, 4.5 billion passengers took nearly 47 million international flights. The following year, annual global passenger air travel volume decreased by nearly two-thirds (1.8 billion passengers took 22 million flights), a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The pandemic reversed a trend of annually increasing air travel volume, attributable at least in part to the implementation of travel restrictions by many countries.

To promote safe travel during the pandemic, in July 2020 the US Department of Transportation and other government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), collaborated to publish Runway to Recovery: The United States Framework for Airlines and Airports to Mitigate the Public Health Risks of Coronavirus. Runway to Recovery was based in part on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) report and guidance document, Take Off: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, which includes a section on public health risk mitigation measures countries can use in the travel sector. These measures, among others, helped bolster passenger and aviation worker confidence that air travel could be conducted safely during the pandemic.

Travelers often have concerns about the health risks of flying on airplanes. Although illness might occur as a direct result of air travel, it is not commonly reported. Some main concerns include exacerbations of chronic medical conditions due to changes in air pressure and humidity; relative immobility during flights leading to thromboembolic disease; and risk for infection due to proximity to others on board who could have communicable diseases.

The Aerospace Medical Association recommends evaluating chronic medical conditions and addressing instabilities prior to travel, particularly in people with underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, mental illness, seizures, stroke, recent surgery, or a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Travelers should be current on routine vaccinations and receive destination-specific vaccinations before travel.

Pregnant Travelers

For information on contraindications and precautions related to flying during pregnancy, see Sec. 7, Ch. 1, Pregnant Travelers .

Travelers with Disabilities

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has information for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions that might affect their security screening. Travelers with Disabilities (Sec. 3, Ch. 2) includes a table of useful online resources (see  Table 3-05 , Online resources for travelers with disabilities or chronic illnesses). For information on traveling with a service animal, see Sec. 7, Ch. 6, Traveling with Pets & Service Animals .

Travelers Who Require Supplemental Oxygen

Travelers who require supplemental in-flight oxygen should be aware that they must arrange for their own oxygen supplies while on the ground, at departure, during layovers, and upon arrival. Federal regulations prohibit passengers from bringing their own oxygen onboard flights; passengers should notify the airline ≥72 hours before departure if they require in-flight supplemental oxygen. In addition, airlines might not offer in-flight supplemental oxygen on all aircraft or flights, and some airlines permit only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)–approved portable oxygen concentrators . See information about screening portable oxygen concentrators at US airports .

During normal flight conditions, FAA requires that commercial aircraft maintain a cabin pressure equivalent to a maximum altitude of 8,000 ft (≈2,440 m) above sea level. Cabin pressures are typically maintained at an equivalent of 6,000–8,000 ft (≈1,830–2,440 m) above sea level, but newer aircraft can maintain cabin air pressures equivalent to lower altitudes. Most travelers without preexisting health conditions will not notice any effects from the decreased partial pressure of oxygen at these cabin pressures. By contrast, a traveler with anemia (including sickle cell disease), cardiopulmonary disease (especially people who normally require supplemental oxygen), or cerebrovascular disease can experience an exacerbation of their underlying medical condition. In addition, aircraft cabin air is typically dry, usually 10%–20% humidity, which can cause dryness of the mucous membranes of the upper airway and eyes.

Barotrauma can occur when the pressure inside an air-filled, enclosed body space (e.g., abdomen, middle ear, sinuses) is not the same as the air pressure inside the aircraft cabin. Barotrauma most commonly occurs because of rapid changes in environmental pressure: during ascent, for example, when cabin pressure falls rapidly, and during descent, when cabin pressure quickly rises. Barotrauma most commonly affects the middle ear, and happens when the eustachian tube is blocked and a traveler is unable to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the outside cabin pressure.

Middle ear barotrauma is usually not severe or dangerous; rarely, though, it can cause complications (e.g., dizziness, hearing loss, a perforated tympanic membrane, permanent tinnitus). To help reduce the risks of barotrauma associated with cabin air pressure changes, travelers with ear, nose, and sinus infections or severe congestion might choose to postpone flying to prevent pain or injury, or use oral or nasal decongestants to help alleviate symptoms. Travelers with allergies should continue their regular allergy medications.

Travelers who have had recent surgery, particularly intra-abdominal, cardiothoracic, or intraocular procedures, should consult with their physician before flying. Travelers who participate in scuba diving should observe minimum recommended time intervals between diving and air travel to reduce the risk for altitude-induced decompression sickness (see Sec. 4, Ch. 4, Scuba Diving: Decompression Illness & Other Dive-Related Injuries , for details).

Decreased mobility during travel is associated with a small but measurable increased risk for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, even in otherwise healthy travelers. The overall incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in the month after travel is 1 in 4,600 flights of >4 hours in duration. Risk is increased by longer flight duration and is greater in people with known risk factors (e.g., clotting disorders, estrogen use, severe obesity, pregnancy, recent surgery or trauma, previous thrombosis). The American College of Chest Physicians recommends travelers on longer flights select aisle seats, walk frequently, and perform calf muscle exercises to reduce the risk for thrombosis. People with risk factors might benefit from wearing properly fitted graduated compression stockings (15–30 mmHg at the ankle) during flight. Aspirin has not been shown to decrease risk. See Sec. 8, Ch. 3, Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism , for more details).

Communicable diseases can be transmitted during air travel. People who are acutely ill or still within the infectious period for a specific disease should delay their travel until they are no longer contagious. For example, otherwise healthy adults can transmit influenza to others for 5–7 days, and transmission of respiratory viruses (e.g., measles) has been documented on commercial aircraft.

Travelers should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol, especially after using the airplane lavatory and before eating meals. Some diseases spread by contact with infectious droplets (e.g., when an ill person sneezes or coughs and the secretions or droplets land on another person’s face, mouth, nose, or eyes), or when an ill person touches communal surfaces (e.g., door handles, rest room faucets) with contaminated hands. Other people handling the contaminated surfaces can then be inoculated with the contaminant. Practicing good handwashing and respiratory hygiene (covering mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing) can help decrease the risk for infection by direct or indirect contact.

Cabin Ventilation & Air Filtration

Large commercial jet aircraft recirculate 35%–55% of the air in the cabin, mixed with outside air. The recirculated air passes through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture 99.97% of particles (bacteria, larger viruses or virus clumps, fungi) ≥0.3 µm in diameter. Furthermore, laminar airflow generally circulates in defined areas within the aircraft, thus limiting the radius of distribution of pathogens spread by small-particle aerosols. As a result, the cabin air environment is less conducive to the spread of most infectious diseases than typical environmental systems in buildings.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 & Air Travel

COVID-19 transmission during air travel has been documented. In general, COVID-19 transmission risk on aircraft remains difficult to quantify and is likely to be affected by evolving administrative, engineering, and other controls being widely implemented in the commercial air travel sector. In 2020, as described in the introduction to this chapter, US government agencies and the ICAO each developed guidance for the airline industry to use in response to the pandemic. Recommendations included maximizing total cabin airflow on commercial aircraft during both ground and flight operations; implementing surface decontamination measures aimed at reducing risk for contact with infectious droplets; and modifying passenger movement patterns before, during, and after travel.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the latest COVID-19–related requirements when planning air travel and, as their departure date approaches, follow the guidance of corresponding health authorities. People with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not travel until they are no longer thought to be contagious; similarly, those exposed might need to delay travel based on their history of infection or vaccination, according to current guidance.

Increasing numbers of travelers combined with an ever larger percentage of older passengers make the incidence of onboard medical emergencies likely to increase. Medical emergencies occur in ≈1 in 600 flights, or about 16 medical emergencies per 1 million passengers. The most common in-flight medical events are syncope or presyncope (37%); respiratory symptoms (12%); nausea or vomiting (10%); cardiac symptoms (8%); and seizures (6%).

Although in-flight medical emergencies occur, serious illness or death onboard a commercial aircraft is rare. Death was reported in ≈0.3% of medical emergencies, ≈2/3 were due to cardiac conditions. Most commercial airplanes that fly within the United States are required to carry ≥1 approved automated external defibrillator (AED) and an emergency medical kit.

Flight attendants are trained in basic first aid procedures (e.g., cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], use of AEDs) but generally are not certified in emergency medical response. Many airlines use ground-based medical consultants to assist aircrew and volunteer passenger responders in managing medical cases. In nearly 50% of in-flight emergencies, physician volunteers have assisted (see the following chapter in this section, . . . perspectives : Responding to Medical Emergencies when Flying ). The Aviation Medical Assistance Act, passed in 1998, provides some protection from liability to health care providers who respond to in-flight medical emergencies.

The goal of managing in-flight medical emergencies is to stabilize the passenger until the flight can safely reach ground-based medical care. When considering diversion to a closer airport, the captain must consider the needs of the ill passenger as well as other safety concerns (e.g., landing conditions, terrain, weather). Certain routes (e.g., transoceanic flights) and availability of definitive medical care might limit diversion options.

To better prepare aircrew for international travel, refer to Sec. 9, Ch. 2, Advice for Aircrew . The CDC Travelers’ Health website provides current information and travel health notices. Sec. 8, Ch. 8, Airplanes & Cruise Ships: Illness & Death Reporting & Public Health Interventions , provides advice for aircrew who might encounter passengers with potentially infectious diseases. The CDC Quarantine and Isolation webpage, Airline Guidance provides requirements and tools for aircrew dealing with in-flight illness or death among passengers.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Paul J. Edelson, Phyllis E. Kozarsky, Clive Brown

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US Department of Transportation, US Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Health and Human Services. Runway to recovery: the United States framework for airlines and airports to mitigate the public health risks of coronavirus, version 1.1. Washington, DC: The Departments; 2020. Available from:  www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Runway_to_Recovery_1.1_DEC2020_Final.pdf .

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