baby travel insurance

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

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova; North Korea; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

9 Tips For International Travel with an Infant

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

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] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

• Family Life |

Best family travel insurance options for your peace of mind

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance

Staysure Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance

Admiral Travel Insurance

RAC Travel Insurance

Post Office Travel Insurance

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance

We're sure you're itching to get away on a family holiday sometime soon, and whether you're travelling with your newborn baby, tyrannous tot, or kids who are excited to explore the big wide world, you're going to want to get them covered with travel insurance.

Not only will it give you all some peace of mind, but it will also protect your child should anything unfortunate occur such as falling ill or getting injured, or if they happen to misplace their passport.

But do babies even need travel insurance? What are the options for kids, and what should you consider in your travel insurance policy?

We've done the research and found out everything you need to know to make sure your little one is covered, safe, and sound.

Do babies need travel insurance?

According to MoneySuperMarket , everyone in your family should have travel insurance, including toddlers and newborn babies.

It's also worth making sure that any larger baby accessories, such as travel cots and buggies, are insured too if they're being kept in the hold and are securely packed to avoid damage. This is particularly important if you plan on taking a travel stroller with you as you may be asked to check this in on particularly busy flights.

If you are planning to travel by air, you should check with your paediatrician first and foremost for their recommendation as to whether your baby can fly. You should also check the airline's policy for travelling with infants - while many budget airlines will let children fly from as young as a few weeks old, some may have different requirements.

What if I don't take out travel insurance?

Without the right cover while you're away, you risk paying a lot of money for any healthcare treatment or drugs needed to treat the issue. Depending on where you travel and what health issue you're suffering from, this can cost anywhere from a few thousand pound to hundreds of thousands of pounds, so it's definitely worth taking out insurance.

Your insurance should also cover any costs of any lost or damaged luggage as well as costs relating to delays and cancellations.

Do children need an EHIC or CHIC card?

Before you travel, you should make sure to get your child a free health insurance card that gives them the right to state-provided healthcare during your stay in the country you're visiting.

However, your card is not a substitute for travel insurance so you should make sure to arrange this as well.

If you and your baby or child are travelling to a country that is part of the European Economic Area, and if you have rights under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, you'll need to arrange for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to give them access to free or discounted medical treatment in the EU.

For most people post-Brexit, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the EHIC card if you're a UK citizen.

To apply for this free healthcare cover abroad, visit the NHS website where you can enter your own details and arrange cover for yourself or any additional family members.

What are the options for kids' travel insurance?

There are a number of travel insurance options available for children, dependent on who they are travelling with:

Standard travel insurance policy:  This will apply if your child is travelling alone and is standard for all travellers regardless of age. However, the majority of travel insurance policies won't allow a baby to have their own - they'll most likely need a policy with an adult.

Family travel insurance policy:  This will apply if your child is travelling with you as a family. Family travel insurance covers one or two adults and anywhere between one to eight children, all of whom have to be under 18 and live in your home. If you only have one child, you could look into getting a couple's travel insurance policy and buying separate standard travel insurance for your child. This may work out cheaper than the family cover so is worth investigating.

Group travel insurance policy:  This will apply if your child is travelling with non-family members. If you are not the organiser of the trip, check if group travel insurance has been arranged. If not, you may want to buy standard travel insurance for your child to be sure.

Single trip: This is best if your little one is only going to be travelling once or twice in the year.

Annual cover: If you like to travel with your family a lot, then it's best to go with an annual cover option because it'll save you from taking out a separate policy each time you go away. Just make sure your annual policy covers everywhere you might be visiting and not just Europe or the US.

What should I consider when buying children's travel insurance?

When buying your child's travel insurance you should make sure it covers any pre-existing medical conditions they have so they can get access to the medication they need or if their medication is lost.

Whether you're taking a single-trip or multi-trips could affect the cost of your insurance, with multi-trip coverage being a better option if you plan to travel from country to country, or to various countries from the UK in a short span of time.

You should consider what extra cover you or your child may need, depending on what your holiday entails and what you plan to bring. Additional cover options could include expensive items, sports insurance, and loss of luggage. With this, you should also keep an eye out for any exclusions so you have all the basics to keep your little one covered.

What should the insurance cover?

As a basis, your travel insurance should cover the following:

• Medical expenses – This should cover any illnesses your child gets while on holiday or accidents that happen to them.

• Repatriation – If your child does get poorly or have an accident, it may be best that they're treated back in the UK and you'll want to know that the costs of getting your family home is covered.

• Cancellations – It's always a good idea to make sure you're covered for any cancellation or delays that may occur.

• Theft, loss, and damage – This will cover you in case your case gets damaged, lost or stolen

If your child is likely to be partaking in activities or sports that have their risks, you should check that this is covered too. It's a good idea to get this if you'll be doing any skiing, water sports, climbing or hiking.

What won't be covered by under 18s travel insurance?

You'll probably find the following is excluded from most child travel insurance policies.

• As with most travel insurance policies, you'll need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions your child has when filling out your insurance documents. This is very important, as you may not be covered if you don't declare this.

• If you choose to cancel your trip before the holiday, it's unlikely you'll be covered for any costs you lose because of this.

• While it's unlikely you'll be taking your family anywhere where the Government advise you don't travel, if you do decide to go somewhere that's on the list of places you shouldn't be travelling, it's unlikely an insurance policy will cover you.

Where can you find travel insurance for babies and children?

As well as searching comparison websites such as Compare The Market , GoCompare , and MoneySuperMarket to find the best deals available, we've listed providers many of whom provide enhanced Covid-19 cover too.

1. Holiday Extras Travel Insurance

www.holidayextras.com

Voted best insurance provider by the Globe Travel Awards 2020 Holiday Extras offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Group and family travel insurance • Medical travel insurance with Covid-19 cover included on new policies • Worldwide, Europe, or UK based travel insurance • Enhanced Covid-19 protection • Optional extras include gadget cover, winter sports, extreme sports, and additional activities • Available with three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver, and Gold • Up to £15 million medical cover and £5,000 cancellation cover

Find out more about their cover options and get a travel insurance quote.

2. Staysure Travel Insurance

www.staysure.co.uk

Winner of Best Travel Insurance Provider 2020 in the British Travel Awards

Staysure offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Group and family travel insurance • Medical travel insurance with Covid-19 cover on all new policies • Worldwide, Europe, or UK based travel insurance • Superior-rated Covid-19 travel insurance • Long stay travel insurance • Winter sport cover • Optional extras include connecting flight cover, gadget cover, single item cover, travel disruption cover, terrorism cancellation cover, and European FCDO travel advice extension • Available with two levels of cover: Basic and Comprehensive• • Unlimited medical cover, and up to £5,000 cancellation cover

3. AXA Travel Insurance

www.axa.co.uk

AXA offers:

• Single and multi-trip travel insurance cover • Family travel insurance • Pre-existing medical condition cover • Sports and activities cover • Winter sport cover • Each available with three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver, and Gold • Up to £15 million medical cover, and up to £5,000 cancellation cover • Policies with Covid-19 cover

4. Admiral Travel Insurance

www.admiral.com

Admiral offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Group and family travel insurance - Children need to be added to adult policies and under 18s can't buy their own cover separately • Student travel insurance • Pre-existing medical condition insurance • Covid-19 cover now included on policies as standard • Worldwide, Europe, or UK based travel insurance • Optional extras include a range of activities, gadget cover, and winter sports • Available with three levels of cover: Admiral, Admiral Gold, and Admiral Platinum • Up to £20 million medical cover and £5,000 cancellation cover

5. RAC Travel Insurance

www.rac.co.uk

RAC offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Family travel insurance • Pre-existing medical conditions insurance • Worldwide, Europe, or UK based travel insurance • Covid-19 cancellation cover as standard • Optional extras include gadget cover, winter sports, and cruise cover • Available with three levels of cover: Orange, Silver, and Black • Unlimited medical cover and £7,500 cancellation cover

6. Post Office Travel Insurance

www.postoffice.co.uk

Winner of the Best Travel Insurance Provider award at the Your Money Awards 2021

The Post Office offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Travel insurance and support for kids • Family travel insurance • Backpacker cover • Pre-existing medical conditions insurance • Overseas and UK based travel insurance • Covid-19 cover included • Optional extras include gadget cover, winter sports, cruise cover, natural catastrophe and terrorism cover, enhanced trip disruption cover, and golf cover • Available with three levels of cover: Economy, Standard, and Premier • Up to £10 million medical cover and £5,000 cancellation cover

7. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance

www.sainsburysbank.co.uk

Sainsbury's Bank offers:

• Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover • Family travel insurance • Pre-existing medical conditions insurance • Extended trip insurance cover • Backpacker travel insurance • Flexible worldwide and and UK based travel insurance • New policies sold from Oct 2020 have Covid-19 cover as standard • Optional extras include winter sports and cruise cover • Available with three levels of cover: Silver, Gold, and Platinum • Up to £10 million medical cover and £5,000 cancellation cover

Travel tips for travelling with a baby or child

Babies and young children are susceptible to heatstroke, so you should try to avoid hotter countries in the summer months, and make sure you provide plenty of sun protection for their skin.

Make sure to check the safety advice for countries before you visit, to avoid the risk of taking your little one to a potentially unsafe environment. The latest information can be found on the  Government’s foreign travel advice .

If your child needs liquid medicine or a specific dietary drink, and you need to carry more than 100ml of this in hand luggage, get a doctor’s letter or a prescription to verify this. You’ll also need a doctor’s note for children’s medicine only available on prescription, and for EpiPens.

If you're travelling with your baby, pack a survival bag and you’ll be just fine, whatever happens. Make sure it includes: a collapsible potty; change mat and nappies; hand sanitiser; wet wipes; nappy sacks, to seal away anything smelly; a full set of spare  baby clothes ; and an avocado or banana, with a fork or masher if your baby is  weaning on purées .

See if you can reduce what you need to take with you by renting baby equipment, from pushchairs to toys, at your destination. In the UK,  thebabyloft.co.uk  hires baby equipment, while  kidelio.com  covers France. Whatever your destination, Google ‘baby equipment rental’ to find out more.

Work out whether you’ll need to use tap water or bottled water to make up feeds or to drink. In France, Italy, Germany and most of Spain, tap water is safe to drink – you’ll still need to boil it before preparing a bottle though. Bottled water can contain high amounts of sodium and sulphate, so look for those with no more than 200mg of sodium (it might show on the label as Na) and no more than 250mg of sulphate (SO4) per litre. Again, you’ll still need to boil it, as it’s not sterile.

Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.

DATE + KALE

Baby Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

When you’re traveling with a baby, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your little one is covered in case of an emergency. That’s why baby travel insurance is so important – it gives parents peace of mind when they’re on the road. In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about baby travel insurance.

We’ll cover topics such as what baby travel insurance covers, how much it costs, and when you should buy it. So whether you’re planning your first family vacation or are just looking for some peace of mind while on a business trip, read on for all the information you need about baby travel insurance!

Parents love to travel with their babies. It’s a great way to see the world and bond with your child. But before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure you have baby travel insurance.

This type of insurance can protect your baby in the event of an accident or illness while you’re away from home. In this blog post, we will teach you everything you need to know about baby travel insurance, including what it covers and how to find the best policy for your family.

What is Baby Travel Insurance?

Baby travel insurance is a type of insurance specifically for babies who are traveling with their parents. This insurance can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related emergencies.

It’s important to note that baby travel insurance is different from health insurance – while health insurance will typically cover your baby in the event of an illness or accident, it may not cover all of the expenses associated with travel. That’s where baby travel insurance comes in.

Baby travel insurance can save your family from financial ruin in the event of a medical emergency while you’re on vacation. But what exactly does baby travel insurance cover? The answer may surprise you. We always recommend checking the policy details carefully before you buy, but here are some of the most common things that baby travel insurance can cover:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Trip cancellations or interruptions
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Missed connections
• Travel delays
• Rental car accidents

As you can see, baby travel insurance can cover a wide range of travel-related emergencies. And while no one likes to think about the worst case scenario, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – especially when planning an expensive vacation.

How Much Does Baby Travel Insurance Cost?

Baby travel insurance typically costs between four and ten percent of your total trip cost. So, if you’re planning a $5000 vacation, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for baby travel insurance.

The exact price will depend on factors such as the length of your trip, the destination(s), and the age of your child. You can get a custom quote for baby travel insurance by using our quote tool.

When Should You Buy Baby Travel Insurance?

You should buy baby travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This is because most policies have a “cancel for any reason” clause that allows you to cancel your trip within a certain time frame (usually within 24-48 hours of your departure date) and receive a partial refund. If you wait to buy baby travel insurance until after you’ve booked your trip, you may not be able to take advantage of this clause.

In addition, it’s important to note that pre-existing medical conditions are typically not covered by baby travel insurance. So, if your child has a medical condition that you’re concerned about, be sure to purchase baby travel insurance as soon as possible.

Who Needs Baby Travel Insurance?

We recommended every family with young children purchase baby travel insurance before their next trip. This is because baby travel insurance can cover a wide range of emergencies, from canceled flights to medical expenses. And while no one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – especially when traveling with your family.

Kids can be difficult to travel with which is why baby travel insurance is a must for parents! It does not matter if it is a last-minute illness or a family emergency, baby travel insurance will be there to cover any costs that may occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we get travel insurance with a baby.

Yes every family traveling with a baby should get travel insurance. You never know when an emergency might occur and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What Does Baby Travel Insurance Cover?

Baby travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related emergencies. However, it’s always important to check the policy details carefully before you buy a policy.

Baby travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other travel-related emergencies.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Baby?

This post is sponsored by TD Insurance .

I wasn’t surprised because, until you have kids, travel insurance is just one of those things you think you already have or isn’t really necessary. That same study reported that over a third of Canadians believe the travel insurance offered through their credit card (37 per cent) or their employer benefits plan (37 per cent) is all that’s required.

In many cases, it may be. But when you’re traveling with a baby or child for the first time, being in need of medical care is not the best time to discover exactly what you are or are not covered for. And if you’re in need of urgent medical care, you’re likely not in the best frame of mind to decipher the small print of your policy.

Prior to leaving, check your existing coverage via credit card or your workplace. Ensure that every family member is covered by the policy.  If not everything and everyone is covered under your policy, it’s time to do some research into insurance that will provide adequate coverage. Also, confirm any protocols or procedures your insurer requires you to follow. Some specify using specific medical providers or phoning in via a toll-free number before seeking care.

No matter your destination, purchasing supplemental travel insurance for baby and for you is a good idea. Not all plans include emergency medical coverage or accidental dental. Most don’t  cover additional meals, accommodations, and the return and escort of children.

Even if you’re travelling within Canada, your provincial plan may not fully cover you in the event of a medical emergency. Government health plans won’t cover certain emergency expenses such as bringing loved ones to visit you in hospital or returning you home if you get sick or injured, and may not cover ambulance rides.

Most families’ vacation budgets are stretched thin as it is. Adding travel insurance for baby onto the already extensive list of things to plan and buy is no fun. But what if you encounter an unexpected medical emergency? A small investment while you’re planning could save you money and stress down the road. Purchasing an annual travel insurance plan will ensure your family is covered no matter when you go where you go; it saves time before every trip and can even allow for a touch of spontaneity!

Travel Insurance for Baby Tips:

• Print your policy, and familiarize yourself with the basics. Make sure you know what’s covered and if there is a deductible. Clarify the specific steps to follow in case of an emergency, etc.
• Pack your policy print-out and keep it with your important travel documents
• Check to see if your policy requires you to use specific medical providers. Confirm their location prior to your trip
• Take note if you’ll need to pay upfront and be reimbursed. Sometimes the medical facility can bill your insurance directly
• Tips for Flying with a Sick Baby
• What to Do if Baby Gets Sick on Vacation
• Beach & Sun Safety with Babies and Toddlers
• Travel Vaccinations for Babies, Toddlers & Young Children
• Carribean Mosquito Virus Risks & Symptoms

insurance , sponsored , travel insurance

One Response to Do I Need Travel Insurance for Baby?

Very informative. No parent can really tell what can happen during a travel. Understanding what their policy covers is a must.

Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply.

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Travel Partners

Additional Sponsors

Site Map   •  Privacy Policy   •  About   •  Consulting

Have Baby Will Travel® is a registered Trade Mark ©2007-2024 All Rights Reserved

• Credit Cards
• All Credit Cards
• Find the Credit Card for You
• Best Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
• Find the Best Personal Loan for You
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt
• Best Loans with Fast Funding
• Best Small Personal Loans
• Best Large Personal Loans
• Best Personal Loans to Apply Online
• Best Student Loan Refinance
• Best Car Loans
• All Banking
• Find the Savings Account for You
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Checking Accounts
• Best No Fee Checking Accounts
• No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts
• Best Checking Account Bonuses
• Best Money Market Accounts
• Best Credit Unions
• All Mortgages
• Best Mortgages
• Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for No Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score
• Best Mortgages No Origination Fee
• Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Affording a Mortgage
• All Insurance
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Life Insurance for Seniors
• Best Homeowners Insurance
• Best Renters Insurance
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Boat Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance
• Event Ticket Insurance
• Small Business
• All Small Business
• Best Small Business Savings Accounts
• Best Small Business Checking Accounts
• Best Credit Cards for Small Business
• Best Small Business Loans
• Best Tax Software for Small Business
• Personal Finance
• All Personal Finance
• Best Budgeting Apps
• Best Expense Tracker Apps
• Best Money Transfer Apps
• Best Resale Apps and Sites
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
• Best Debt Relief
• Credit Monitoring
• All Credit Monitoring
• Best Credit Monitoring Services
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• How to Boost Your Credit Score
• Best Credit Repair Companies
• Filing For Free
• Best Tax Software
• Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
• Tax Refunds
• Tax Brackets
• Taxes By State
• Tax Payment Plans
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• All Help for Low Credit Scores
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
• Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
• Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score Lower
• Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower
• Best Mortgages for Bad Credit
• Best Hardship Loans
• All Investing
• Best IRA Accounts
• Best Roth IRA Accounts
• Best Investing Apps
• Best Free Stock Trading Platforms
• Best Robo-Advisors
• Index Funds
• Mutual Funds
• Home & Kitchen
• Gift Guides
• Deals & Sales
• Sign up for the CNBC Select Newsletter
• Subscribe to CNBC PRO
• Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Terms Of Service
• CNBC Sitemap

Follow Select

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

These are the 4 best family travel insurance plans

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

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

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

Best family travel insurance  

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

Best for families with young children 

Allianz travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

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

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for affordability 

Faye travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for CFAR coverage 

Travel insured international travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for cruises  

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

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

More on our top family travel insurance companies 

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

CFAR coverage available?  

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

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]  

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

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

Travel Insured International 

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 

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

Up to 50%, only available on LuxuryCare packages 

Does travel insurance cover family members?  

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select? 

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

Our methodology  

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

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

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

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.  

• USAA auto insurance review: A top pick for military families Liz Knueven
• Here are the best travel credit cards for families Jason Stauffer
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs. Citi Strata Premier: Which is better for you? Jason Stauffer

12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle.

Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and security shortcuts to special infant fares and other perks.

Covering everything from booking and documents to travel insurance and even jet lag, this guide provides everything you need to prepare for an international trip with your baby.

Want more travel news and advice from TPG? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

Get your baby's passport

Before you get too far into planning a trip abroad, you'll need to get your baby's first passport .

While you're at it, make sure everyone else in the family has a valid passport, too. Remember, U.S. passports for children under 16 expire after five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Also, make sure everyone's passport isn't nearing expiration. Many countries require three or six months of validity to enter, which effectively means that child passports are really only valid for 4 1/2 years, which go quickly.

When getting a passport for your baby , here are the main steps to follow:

• Get their birth certificate.
• Find out where to apply.
• Make an appointment. You'll need to go in person and bring your baby with you.
• Take their passport photo. It can be difficult to get a photo of your baby. Rules for photos state that the child/baby should be looking directly at the camera with a natural smile or neutral look. If you can manage to get the baby's eyes to stay open, that's typically enough for their first passport photo. The background should be white and the size 2 by 2 inches with no filters. Within that size, your baby/child's head needs to be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. If you're struggling to get everything just right, the ItsEasy App can help you crop and size your photo to the correct dimensions.
• Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.
• Attend the appointment in person with both parents present . If only one parent can go, fill out and bring parental consent form DS-3053 plus a copy.

Get your baby Global Entry

If you already have Global Entry , you won't be able to use the service as a family if your little ones don't have it. So, get a start on your baby's application. Or, if this is something your whole family wants to do, apply simultaneously, making expiration dates and renewals easier to complete for everyone at the same time.

Do note that with TSA PreCheck , kids 12 and under won't need to have their own number to accompany parents through these special security lanes -- but that's not true for Global Entry, which you use to return to the U.S.

Check with your doctor

Check with your pediatrician to see when your baby can start flying.

To give you an idea, TPG talked to Dr. Jenny Yu , medical director at Healthline , to find out when it's typically safe for babies to travel. "While babies typically develop their immune system around 1 month, most pediatricians would recommend waiting until 3 to 6 months for travel," she said. For premature babies, it might be a little longer.

Also, with international travel, it's important to factor in any additional vaccines they might need, especially if you're traveling to emerging countries. Start by checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on which vaccines both adults and babies should get, then talk with your pediatrician to see what is best for your family, baby and travel situation.

Other important questions to ask your doctor should be if your baby can wear sunblock or mosquito repellent and how to keep your baby and your whole family safe from tropical or waterborne diseases, COVID-19 and any other possible infections, which can depend highly on your destination.

Pick the right destination

Whether it's a far-flung visit to Asia, a trip to visit family in Europe, a Caribbean escape or an African safari, you can travel anywhere with a baby as long as you and your family feel comfortable doing so. Choose a destination that makes you feel joy, not anxiety or stress at the thought of getting there and enjoying it with your baby.

Consider things like the activities you want to do, and if the destination is a place that feels welcoming for families. Also think about logistics, like the language barrier, climate and local transportation, when deciding if that particular destination is right for your family.

Book tickets

Depending on how old your baby is, you have some options when flying abroad with them. Here are a few to consider:

• Lap infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they don't need their own seat. They can instead sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. For international travel, some airlines charge 10% to 30% of the adult ticket price or just the taxes and fees for a lap infant, and some airlines don't charge anything at all. This table shows the costs by airline to buy your baby a lap ticket. Make sure to check on luggage policies when traveling with a lap infant. Most airlines allow for a stroller and car seat checked free of charge. You may also be able to check or carry on additional baggage, too, but more on that later.
• Bassinet for lap infant: Many airlines have bassinet options, especially aboard larger aircraft that fly internationally. See if you can select this option while booking or call the airline for more information on securing a bassinet. Bassinets are usually free, but given to those who request them first. Ask for one right after booking to ensure you'll be assigned a seat with one when available. In most cases, bassinet weight limits max out at 20 to 24 pounds, so they're best for smaller babies and newborns.
• Extra seat with car seat or restraint for babies 2 years and up: If your baby is older than 2 years, you must pay for their seat. Many airlines have discounted tickets for children. If the child weighs more than 44 pounds, they won't need any additional restraint system within their own seat. If they weigh less than 44 pounds, see the information on a certified child restraint or car seat below.
• Additional seat with car seat or restraint for babies under 2: If your baby is less than 2 years old, you can still book them their own seat. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration suggests that children under 44 pounds wear an FAA-approved harness (such as the CARES harness ) or certified child restraint to help keep them safe during turbulence, takeoff and landing. Make sure to check your car seat to see if there is an FAA-approved sticker on it.

It's worth noting that car seat, bassinet and harness options and policies vary wildly by airline and class of service. For more information on these policies by airline, read this article on 23 airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world .

Note that when booking seats for your family on an international flight, there are areas where kids and babies are not allowed to sit, like exit rows. Malaysia Airlines doesn't allow babies in its first-class cabins on A380 and 747 aircraft. Some international airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot and IndiGo also have kid-free and quiet zones where families with babies and children under a certain age (usually 10 or 12) aren't allowed to sit.

Additionally, if your baby is closer to 2 years old, you might want to compare the price of a lap ticket to the price of getting them their own seat. Sometimes, the price difference may not be that much, and it could make the flight more comfortable for the entire family.

Organize documents, including visas and COVID-19 forms

Passports aren't the only documents you'll need for international travel these days. Check to see if you and your baby need a visa to enter whatever country you're visiting. If you're traveling without your partner, look into completing a Child Consent Form.

Have proof of vaccines, complete any health forms and entry forms and take those COVID-19 tests if required to enter the country. Be clear on if your baby or children need to wear masks during the flight and plan accordingly. While babies 2 and up need to wear masks on board U.S. airlines, international airlines have different rules. For example, Iberia only requires children 6 and up to wear masks. Presently, British Airways has made masking up for all passengers a "personal choice" when not required by international law. We expect these rules to continue to rapidly evolve.

It's worth checking what documents you need for the trip when booking and again before traveling to ensure that you have everything you need as rules and regulations frequently change, especially in this era of pandemic travel .

Understand luggage rules

Different airlines have varying rules for how much luggage you can take when traveling abroad, especially when traveling with lap infants or children/babies occupying their own seats. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and/or car seat. Many also offer additional checked luggage, as well as a carry-on bag or item for the baby.

For example, British Airways allows both lap infants and children ages 2 and up to have a carry-on item and a checked bag in most cases, giving parents a little flexibility when bringing along all those key items babies need . Cathay Pacific allows lap infants two additional bags at 10 kilograms each when flying between most destinations.

If you aren't clear on the luggage rules, call the airline before traveling to confirm so you won't get stuck with any surprises or have to pay additional fees.

Know the rules for breast milk and formula

Thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large- and medium-size airports in the U.S. now provide lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse babies in every terminal and at least one men's and one women's restroom with changing tables in each terminal. This may not be the case abroad, so if you're concerned, research your destination airport to see what options are provided when it comes to these services.

You shouldn't have any issues flying with breast milk or formula on your outbound trip from the U.S. , as regular Transportation Security Administration liquid regulations don't apply to these special liquids. According to the TSA , "reasonable quantities" of these liquids are allowed, but you must take them out during screening for the security officer to test.

You can look up rules to see what's allowed when returning from your destination. For example, the United Kingdom allows breast milk past security in containers up to 2,000 milliliters. You can also take formula, milk and bottled water for the baby, but the baby must be present. In the European Union , you can take breast milk and formula through security and when flying as long as your baby is traveling with you.

Your airline may also provide clarity on these types of rules. Cathay Pacific, for example, states that breastfeeding is allowed during all phases of the flight, using an electric pump is allowed once electric devices can be switched on and travelers can even bring along suitably packed dry ice to refrigerate expressed milk, assuming it's declared during check-in.

According to some airlines, if you're taking a large breast pump along, this may count as a medical device and not be part of your carry-on allowance, but these regulations often aren't very clear. Contact your airline for more information and print out the rules in case you have any issues during security screening or boarding.

If you're traveling from a very obscure destination within an emerging country and you can't find answers about bringing breast milk, it may be best to have a Plan B in place, such as bringing along enough formula in powder form to last you for the flight or planning to pump or breastfeed in flight.

Should you want to ship your breast milk abroad, options are available for you depending on your destination, such as Maven Milk and Milk Stork .

Book accommodations

When booking accommodations in your destination abroad, take things into account like baby necessities, baby-friendly items, the option to do laundry and the availability to heat, cool and store milk and formula. Choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel may be the right idea if you need more space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

If your baby is eating solid foods, make sure there are restaurants or supermarkets nearby where you can get exactly what you need. Doing a little pre-trip research can help you feel confident and comfortable when traveling with your baby regardless of which hotel or home rental you choose to stay in.

Pack strategically

Packing with a baby can seem precarious, but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure you have enough of everything you need to get through the flight, plus a bit extra in case of delays or cancellations. For an exact list of everything you need to pack, see this article on how to pack -- and prepare -- for travel with a baby .

For extra-long flights, try to have everything to help your baby comfortably nap on hand, like a lovey, blanket, pacifier and more. Have changes of clothes on hand for the whole family in case of a messy situation, and enough layers for a plane that may be hot or chilly. A baby carrier can be key, too.

When packing for a trip abroad, the most important items to remember are everyone's passport, visa and key documents, plus anything essential that you know you can't get in another country. Babies live all over the world, so you can easily get items like diapers, wipes, formula and more anywhere. However, you may not find the exact brand you want, or if you're going somewhere rural or far-flung, like on a safari in Africa, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.

For example, Enfamil, a popular baby formula brand, is found all over Europe and even in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it may not be available in Africa or Asia, so do your homework.

If you're traveling with items that need to plug in to charge, like a breast pump, baby monitor or nightlight, bring converters if necessary. You can always rent baby items abroad, too, rather than lugging everything along with you. It's possible to preorder diapers and wipes in many destinations, as well.

Strongly consider travel insurance

Things happen. While getting the flu abroad may not be a big deal for an adult, a sick baby can be scary and stressful, especially if you're in a foreign country. Having travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies -- and COVID-19, too -- can set your mind at ease and save the day if something happens.

Before travel, note where the nearest hospital or health care facilities are, as well as any international hospitals where staff may be more likely to speak English. Know exactly how to use your insurance, like what numbers to call or what to do if a situation arises. Check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance that may cover you and your family if things go awry.

Plan for jet lag

Jet lag stinks. Jet lag with a baby might be even worse. There are things you can do to make jet lag a little less stressful, though, especially when traveling abroad to very different time zones.

First, give yourselves a few days to adjust, planning big events later in the trip. Limit your baby's naps when possible. If your baby takes a five-hour nap, they definitely won't be sleeping through the night.

Shift mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes to the new time zone as quickly as possible, getting daylight during the day and darkness at night, so internal clocks begin to adjust for the whole family. If the time zone difference is small, you may want to keep your baby on the original time zone to minimize disruption, especially for a shorter trip.

For more tips on combating jet lag with a baby in tow, read this guide on surviving jet lag with your baby .

Bottom line

Planning and taking an international trip with a baby can be simple and create memories for a lifetime if you prepare just right. With a little bit of extra research, you'll be armed with everything you need to know, do and bring to make your trip abroad smooth and hassle-free.

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

The 5 Best Family Travel Insurance Plans

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

The best travel insurance plans can provide you with considerable peace of mind, but the real value comes into play when you wind up using your coverage. Hassles like flight delays, lost luggage and unexpected injuries can be stressful and traumatic, yet travel insurance can reimburse you for the financial costs associated with these mishaps.

If you are planning to travel with your entire family in tow, you already know that the stakes are higher and the potential for losses even greater. For example, you'll want to make sure children traveling with you have travel medical insurance as well as coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions.

You'll need to compare the best family travel insurance plans of 2023 if you want to find the right one for you and ensure each of your dependents is covered by your policy. U.S. News has compiled this guide to the best of the best when it comes to companies offering family travel insurance, since these top picks make it easy and affordable to add children to your plan.

• World Nomads Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

Travel Select plan offers complimentary coverage for children 17 and younger

Primary coverage with no deductibles

Travel Select only includes up to $50,000 in protection for emergency medical expenses (optional upgrade available)

Meager policy limits ($200) for delayed baggage and sporting equipment

• Trip cancellation protection worth up to 100% of prepaid travel expenses (up to $50,000)
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% (up to $75,000)
• Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) in coverage for trip delays
• $750 for missed connections
• $50,000 for emergency medical and dental expenses
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• $1,000 in insurance for baggage and personal effects

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Single-trip travel insurance plans include free coverage for children ages 17 and younger

Allianz offers annual travel insurance plans for families

Not all plans cover kids for free

Get coverage for up to 10 people in a single policy

Generous policy limits for emergency medical expenses and evacuation

Kids aren't covered for free

Emergency dental coverage is capped at $750

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of prepaid trip costs
• Trip interruption coverage up to 150%
• Trip delay coverage up to $2,000 ($250 per day)
• Up to $1,500 in protection for missed tours or cruise connections ($250 per day)
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $1 million in protection for emergency evacuation

Includes coverage for up to seven children on a single policy

Provides coverage for more than 200 adventure activities and sports

No free travel coverage for kids with paid adults

No option to customize coverage with CFAR protection

• Up to $100,000 in emergency medical insurance
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• $3,000 in insurance for lost baggage and belongings
• $10,000 in insurance for trip cancellation

Free coverage for one child 17 or younger with each paying adult relative on the plan

Choose from three tiers of travel protection based on your needs

Travel medical expense coverage is low ($15,000) with Essential plan

Essential plan also has low limits for baggage delays ($200) and lost or stolen luggage ($750)

• Up to 100% in coverage for trip cancellation
• 150% in coverage for trip interruption
• $1,000 in baggage insurance
• $300 in protection for baggage delays
• $50,000 in insurance for emergency medical expenses
• $500,000 in protection for medical evacuation

Family Travel Insurance: Coverages You'll Need

As you compare the best travel insurance plans for families, you might be wondering which types of coverage are most important. Ultimately, that depends on the cost of your trip, where you're traveling and the travel issues you worry about the most.

Frequent traveler Linda L. Adkins of Spokane, Washington, says she purchases travel insurance for every trip since her U.S.-based health insurance policy doesn't apply when her family travels overseas. She worries not only about emergency medical expenses that could come into play, but also about the high costs of medical evacuation if a family member needs to be transported a long distance or even back to the U.S.

Adkins has also endured scenarios where her luggage was temporarily lost by an airline while traveling internationally, and she says her delayed baggage benefit was useful when it came to purchasing clothing and toiletries. "I spent almost $100 per day for three days in a row while we waited for our bags," she says.

Adkins saved her receipts and received reimbursement through her travel insurance provider's baggage delay benefit.

U.S. News recommends having the following types of coverage (at a minimum) in place for every trip with kids:

• $50,000-plus in primary insurance per traveler for emergency medical expenses
• Coverage for COVID-19
• $100,000-plus in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Adequate protection for trip delays and lost or delayed baggage

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit card travel insurance can provide coverage for families, although the types and amounts of protection you receive can be limited. As an example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card comes with trip cancellation coverage for up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per covered trip, as well as lost luggage reimbursement worth up to $3,000 per passenger if the cardholder or an immediate family member has their luggage lost by a common carrier.

Fine print with the card also states that trip delay coverage can apply if common carrier travel gets delayed by more than six hours or requires an overnight stay, and that both the cardholder and their family members can be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for incidental travel expenses including meals and lodging.

For credit card travel insurance to apply, the cardholder needs to pay for common carrier travel for all of their family members with the credit card in question. In other words, simply carrying a travel credit card with travel insurance benefits won't be enough.

Travel insurance plans are built to cover every person listed on the application for coverage. This means you can apply for travel insurance as an individual or as a family who wants all members covered under a single plan.

That said, some travel insurance plans are superior for families since they offer free coverage for dependents. Others offer comprehensive travel insurance policies that provide broad coverage for groups up to 10 people.

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 she 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.

You might also be interested in:

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Holly Johnson

Explore protection options for unexpected health issues abroad.

Flight Insurance: The 4 Best Options for 2023

Protect your flight (and peace of mind) with the top coverage plans.

Cruise Insurance: Why You Need It + 4 Best Options for 2024

Protect your cruise journey from start to finish (and ports along the way).

The 5 Best International Travel Insurance Companies for 2024

Find the best international travel insurance coverage for all your trips abroad.

• Travel Insurance
• RoamRight Home

Traveling with Babies: Do You Need Travel Insurance for Your Babies?

If life provided you with manuals, the one for traveling with a baby would be pretty thick. Luckily, although traveling with a baby can present its own unique set of challenges, travel insurance may be able to provide some reassurance.

Yes, Babies Should Be Covered By Travel Insurance, Too

Medical coverage.

As with anyone else, babies are susceptible to a variety of situations that could happen while traveling, including falling ill. If your health insurance does not provide coverage when traveling and you neglect to purchase a travel insurance plan, you could end up paying expensive medical bills out of pocket. Arch RoamRight’s travel insurance plans include emergency medical benefits can provide coverage for an injury or sickness diagnosed by a physician as requiring immediate care. In the unfortunate case that this happens to you or your baby while on your trip, having travel insurance could ensure that you’re not stuck with outstanding medical fees, allowing your baby to get the care they need while on your trip.

Beyond providing coverage in the event of a medical emergency, all Arch RoamRight insureds have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance line which puts trained emergency travel assistance providers at your fingertips. They also can help you find quality, local medical care and provide translation services if needed. If you’re in a foreign country and have a sick infant, it is important to be able to understand and trust the local doctors.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption

Should an occasion arise that prevents you from traveling to or remaining in your destination, travel insurance may be able to provide a trip cancellation or trip interruption benefit. For example, if you or your baby gets sick right before or during the trip, you may be eligible for coverage.

One Child Covered Included With One Insured Adult

Arch RoamRight puts family first by including coverage for one child (under age 18) for each related adult policy purchased for our Elite , Preferred , Essential , Pro and Pro Plus plans. By doing this, your child receives the same protections that you do under your purchased policy, at no additional cost. This includes benefits such the ones mentioned above, as well as several others. For details on the additional coverages, refer to the plan’s Description of Coverage.

I’m Pregnant and Planning on Traveling with My Child Once I Give Birth

If you’re pregnant and planning to purchase travel insurance for your trip, you can always purchase your policy now, and call us back when the baby is born to provide us with the name and date of birth. No additional charge for that child’s coverage will be issued if you still meet the 1:1 related adult to child (under age 18) ratio. However, if that child does not meet the 1:1 ratio, additional coverage can still be purchased for them.

If you are planning to travel while pregnant, read our blog post on how travel insurance works with pregnancies to learn more about the coverage available to those who are pregnant and how pregnancy can affect travel.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.

• travel insurance
• traveling with children
• Travel With Kids
• Trip Planning

Related Posts

Arch RoamRight recently launched two plans on our website; learn the differences between the plans. 

Volcanic eruptions are natural disasters that may be covered events under Arch RoamRight travel protection plans. From minor disruptions to catastrophic events, volcanos can affect travelers around the world.

• New Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Europe Starting in 2021 Starting in 2021, Americans visiting many popular European countries will need to go through the ETIAS process.

About the Author

Adele dirende.

Adele DiRende is a Marketing Intern currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communications at Towson University. Although the wallet of a college student is not kind to those with a passion for travel, Adele has experience in international travel to places like Italy and the UK, as well as domestic travel around the U.S. In addition to travel, Adele enjoys photography, music, and creative writing. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

Get A Free Travel Insurance Quote 

Travel smarter with travel insurance from RoamRight. Get your free, no-obligation quote online today.

• Coverage For: -- Optional -- General Travel Annual

Top Blog Authors

• Diana Lambdin Meyer
• Erin De Santiago
• Jessica Festa
• Keryn Means
• Norbert Figueroa
• Stephanie Yoder
• Stephen Schreck
• Terri Marshall

View all Blog Authors

• Puerto Rico
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

View Countries with Blogs

Stay Connected!

Sign up for RoamRight's FREE monthly email newsletter to get travel tips, tricks, news, ideas, and inspiration!

• About RoamRight
• Money-Back Guarantee
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Fraud Notices

The RoamRight mark is used by Arch Insurance Company and owned by its parent company, Arch Capital Group (U.S.). Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under certain policy series, including LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. In the event of any conflict between your policy terms and coverage descriptions on this website, the terms and conditions of your policy shall govern. Click here for privacy notice .

Copyright© 2024 Arch Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

• Skip navigation
• Find a branch
• Help and support

Popular searches

• Track a parcel
• Travel money
• Travel insurance
• Drop and Go

Log into your account

• Credit cards
• International money transfer
• Junior ISAs

Travel and Insurance

• Car and van insurance
• Gadget insurance
• Home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel Money Card
• Parcels Online

For further information about the Horizon IT Scandal, please visit our  corporate website

• Kids’ travel insurance

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry a little too.

What happens if they lose their passports? Will they be robbed or have an accident? How can you help them if they run into trouble when you're so far away? That’s where travel insurance comes in.

Young, carefree - and not concerned about travel insurance

If you want to rest assured your kids have cover when they are away, take out some travel insurance on their behalf. Because they may not have arranged it themselves.

Some countries are riskier for tourists than others - it’s wise to check before plans are made and flights booked. If you need to confirm that we are able to provide cover for where your children are travelling, please check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO).

For each individual country the FCDO will list if travel is permitted or not. We recommend checking the latest foreign travel advice regularly as from time to time it can change, sometimes at short notice. 

Remember, the cover won't be valid if they travel to a destination when the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against all travel there. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip is not essential and you choose to travel, we will only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you have purchased an optional Trip Disruption or Covid-19 upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip is essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email [email protected]

Having travel insurance means that if they get involved in an accident or unexpectedly fall ill while they are away, they may be able to recover some or all of the costs.

In common with most travel insurance policies, injury or mishaps that occur as a result of careless or negligent acts like balconing and tombstoning or being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs will not be covered. Check the details in your policy document closely.

Make sure you've got travel insurance to cover you and your family

We could save them - and you - from paying out a small fortune.

That's especially reassuring to know if they are exploring North America, where emergency medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Travel insurance for the USA and cover for Canada are therefore essential. If they end up somewhere remote needing medical assistance, make sure your travel insurance can get them to the nearest suitable hospital if a doctor determines they need medical treatment, and back home as soon as possible if necessary.

Make sure they know about Ghic 

If your children are travelling to Europe help them to get a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic). It's free, so make sure no one tries to charge. And it means they might receive state-provided medical healthcare for less. However, our travel insurance cover could pay more of the cost for you.

The availability of cover options is dependent upon the level of cover you select. Conditions and exclusions apply. For full details of what's included with your cover,  check the policy documents tab .

Interested in travel insurance?

Other travel products.

Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.

One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.

Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.

This might interest you

Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in ...

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in ...

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off ...

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance ...

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure ...

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of ...

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it ...

With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit ...

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, ...

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance ...

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying ...

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global ...

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, ...

Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, ...

Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of ...

The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You ...

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic ...

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Family Vacations

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

Before the Trip

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

Related Articles

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in June 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

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

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are 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 a similar note...

Best Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Coverage for Kids & Children

As sensible readers, we know you wouldn’t dream of going abroad without travel insurance . Especially, not now that Ms Rona is a thing.

Well, if you’re a parent travelling with kids who will no doubt insist that you sacrifice your shopping time so you can visit every theme park and zoo in town, travel insurance is a thousand times more important.

The more of you there are, the greater the potential for something to go wrong. And kids tend to be more susceptible to falling sick thanks to changes in diet and environment.

You might have an iron stomach and a face so scary nobody would dare to pickpocket you. But you can’t expect the same of your kids.

Here are all the best travel insurance plans in Singapore and their premiums and coverage for children:

• Best travel insurance for children
• Do children get free travel insurance?
• Children’s travel insurance exclusions
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Outpatient treatments included?
• When to buy travel insurance?

1. Best travel insurance for children

Let’s take for example a few travel insurance plans’ prices for children.  Assuming you will be travelling to New York (Worldwide plan) for a 7-day holiday with a child, here’s how much the single-trip plan would cost for a child and the coverage limit it offers for key benefits where applicable.

While some insurance providers offer the purchase of single-trip plans for a child, others require you to purchase a family plan for coverage of a child.

2. Do children get free travel insurance?

Some insurance plans will enable one or more kids to receive the same cover for free, so always check with your insurer before you sign up for a plan. Following are travel insurance providers who offer coverage for children for free under the family plan:

Besides complimentary coverage by travel insurance providers, complimentary travel insurance issued with credit cards from banks like Citibank , AMEX , CIMB, do cover children. Here are some of the following and the key coverages:

Some travel insurance providers also require you to sign up for family cover which includes your spouse, kids and even parents if they are travelling with you. Just make sure your kids fall within the insurable age limit, as some plans might limit their coverage to kids above a certain age. 

Also, don’t forget to check what exactly your kids are being insured for and figure out if they are excluded from any type of cover.

3. Children’s travel insurance exclusions: Outdoor adventure activities

Insurers usually include on their list of exclusions risky activities that they do not insure for. Looking across the board, the following are outdoor activities and extreme sports that are usually not covered by insurance providers:

• Canoeing or white water rafting without a qualified guide or Grade 4 and above (of the International Scale of River Difficulty).
• Off-piste skiing, or skiing outside the officially approved boundaries of a ski resort.
• Mountaineering beyond the height of 3,000 metres above sea level.
• Underwater activities involving artificial breathing apparatus for diving deeper than 30 metres.

However, the coverage of extreme sports and outdoor activities varies depending on the insurance provider and their policy terms. Some insurers only offer coverage for extreme sports and outdoor activities in its higher tier plans while completely excluding any coverage in its basic plans. Here’s a general table of the coverage limits:

If you require additional coverage for your child, boost your child’s travel insurance policy with a winter sports rider or outdoor adventurous activities riders from the likes of DirectAsia or Singlife with Aviva .

4. Pre-existing medical conditions

Most travel insurance policies will reject claims made for medical issues arising from a pre-existing health condition. If your child does in fact suffer from pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions (amongst others) there are several insurance providers that offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions. This includes NTUC travel insurance ,  MSIG travel insurance  and  Etiqa travel insurance .

Be forewarned, travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing health conditions cost far more than regular travel insurance plans. However, if your child suffers from a potentially life-threatening aliment, you have little choice but to part with your cash for it. The hospital bills you could chalk up overseas might eventually cost you many times more than a travel insurance plan for pre-existing conditions.

With that said, let’s take a look at each provider and see how it fairs in terms of price and coverage.

NTUC Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance Premiums and Coverage:

*NTUC defines a child as anyone aged 21 years and below.

NTUC’s Enhanced Pre-X plans also include Covid-19 cover. If you’re taking no chances with your child’s health, NTUC’s Enhanced Pre-X plan is a one-stop shop that covers all bases from pre-existing conditions to Covid-19.

The only gripe we have with NTUC’s Enhanced Pre-X plans is that the overseas medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverage share a combined total of $200,000 for the Basic and Superior plans. The highest tier Prestige plan, on the other hand, has a coverage limit of $300,000 for both overseas medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. The other two providers, MSIG and Etiqa offer separate coverage for each category.

MSIG   TravelEasy  Pre-Ex  Travel Insurance Premiums and Coverage:

*MSIG defines a child as anyone who is at least a month below 18 years, or below 23 years if studying full-time in a recognised institution of higher learning.

Compared to other travel insurance providers who also offer plans for pre-existing health conditions, MSIG seems to be more stringent about who can qualify for its TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans. To be eligible for the TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans, you have to declare that your child has been on medication and diligent with follow-up doctor visits. If you have been hospitalised for more than 3 consecutive days in the past 12 months, you might not be eligible for the TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans.

Coverage wise, MSIG’s TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans do not offer Covid-19 cover . With the potential for Covid-19 to exacerbate existing health conditions, travelling without Covid-19 cover in these times is less than ideal.

Etiqa Tiq Pre-Ex Travel Insurance Premiums and Coverage:

*Etiqa defines a child as anyone who is at least 3 months below 18 years, or below 25 years if studying full-time in a recognised institution of higher learning.

Like MSIG, Etiqa is stringent with its coverage for it’s pre-ex travel insurance plans. For instance if you have been hospitalised for a pre-existing condition in the past 12 months, you will not covered under the Etiqa Tiq Pre-Ex plans. The both providers also share another commonality in the lack of Covid-19 coverage for their travel insurance plans with coverage for pre-existing health conditions.

Also, do note that while the Pre-X Savvy and Luxury plans include adventure activities, extreme sports are not covered.

5. Outpatient treatments included?

Seeking medical care in a foreign land can be tough, especially when you don’t speak the language. If the child is not suffering from something that needs immediate attention, many parents would prefer to wait till they return to Singapore to seek treatment.

You’ll want to check if your insurance plan covers outpatient treatment without having to first see a doctor in the foreign country. If it does, you can make a claim for seeing a local doctor within a certain time period upon your arrival in Singapore.

Here’s an overview of all the most popular travel insurance plans and their coverage for children:

6. When to buy travel insurance for my child?

Get more out of your insurance by buying it as early as possible, preferably the minute you’ve confirmed your trip by booking your air tickets.

That’s because your insurance can compensate you if anything happens to disrupt your trip even before it happens, such as your flight getting cancelled or an illness forcing you to postpone your trip.

With children in tow, the likelihood of such events happening is higher. For instance, if one of your kids gets chicken pox and can’t go on the trip, you might be able to get a refund on your travel expenses. The cost of travel insurance is the same no matter when you buy it, so the earlier the better. Just make sure you get the right policy for your travel needs. We’ve done the legwork for you with a comprehensive list of the  best travel insurance policies .

Do you have any tips for travelling with kids? Share them in the comments!

FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

7 Nearly Secret Things to Do If You Fly Southwest

Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

Pay no interest until nearly 2025 with these credit cards

Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

Earn up to 5% cash back when you shop with these leading credit cards

Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

5 Signs You’re Doing Better Financially Than the Average American

Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

9 Things You Must Do Before The Next Recession

Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

Trump's Fani Willis Case Handed New Court Date

New York is Proposing a Crackdown on Highly Popular Gun

'Mrs. Doubtfire' star, who played Robin Williams' daughter, says he was 'everything you would hope’ he’d be

"I looked up, and my momma and dad looked embarrassed" - Shaq recalled the only player who ever dunked on him

How To Appear Concerned But Not Nosy

16 Myths About Americans That Everyone Needs to Stop Believing

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

10 Fast-Food Sandwiches From the ’80s That Have Vanished

Here's How Traffic Lights Actually Work, And How They Detect Your Car

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Loses it While Contestants Celebrate Incorrect Guess

Katharine Hepburn's former New York City townhouse hits the market for $7.2M

How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

One in Three Republicans Now Think Donald Trump Was Wrong Candidate Choice

Reacher Season 3: Release, Plot, Cast & News

“Everybody on our team likes his style” – Russian players marveled at Larry Bird ahead of the World Championships in Spain

Fact Check: We Looked into Actor Terrence Howard's Claim That He Holds Patent on Augmented/Virtual Reality Technology

Beware! Dealerships May Sneak in These 5 Hidden Fees When You Buy a New Car

Tech trick: How to tell who’s calling when you don’t recognize the phone number

How to get rid of eye bags, according to dermatologists

Black Woman Shares Experience of Adoption by White Family

After a last-minute flight cancellation last year, I'm making travel insurance a priority this summer

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

• When my flight was canceled last year, I had to get a layover and lost my more expensive seat.
• This year, I'm getting travel insurance, which will cover me if my flight is canceled.
• My travel insurance was just $36, and I'll get hundreds back if something goes wrong.

Last year, I got the chance to attend the charity video game marathon Summer Games Done Quick in person for the first time. I had been a longtime viewer of the event through its online streams, and I was excited to finally go there in person.

The event was held in downtown Minneapolis, and I decided to fly there from my home in Virginia. I knew that travel insurance was valuable, but I opted to forgo it. I've never felt comfortable squeezing into most airplane seats, and I was happy to pay a bit extra for several more inches of legroom, but I didn't really want another expense on top of that.

That turned out to be a big mistake.

My flight got canceled at the last minute

Games Done Quick — which hosts two major events each year, one in the winter and one in the summer — is a weeklong event raising money for charity, running from the afternoon on a Sunday to the end of the following Saturday. I planned on flying out on Saturday and returning on Monday, so I'd have a little bit of time to get settled in before the event started and time to recuperate once it was over, and I had direct flights for both legs of the trip.

The first leg of the trip went great. I arrived right on time, and I caught a ride to the hotel where one of several friends I was sharing a room with had already checked in. I had a great week, even if my sleep schedule suffered. And I figured since I'd given myself an extra day after the end of the event to recover, I'd be fully refreshed once I got back home. When Sunday rolled around and the final tally for the event came in — over $2.2 million raised for Doctors Without Borders — I was sad that the week was over but ready to get home.

On Monday morning, while I was packing, I got an email letting me know that my flight had been canceled, and the flight suggested as a replacement wouldn't leave until Tuesday. There was no way that would work. Thankfully, the employee I spoke to over the phone was very helpful, but the only available flight had a long layover in Dallas — and no open seats in the section I had originally planned on sitting in.

I didn't really have much of a choice at that point. I couldn't spring for a last-minute extra night at a hotel. I had to take the layover and sacrifice the leg room.

This year, I'm getting travel insurance

I was thankful to finally get home close to midnight, but I was barely functional the next day, and I was frustrated that there wasn't a better solution. The fee for the section where I had booked my ticket wasn't very expensive at $43, but it was less about the money and more about the fact that I had more or less been locked into a bad deal with no real way out.

That's why, when I bought my plane tickets for this year's event, I opted to get travel insurance. I booked my flight through Delta, and while checking out, the website quoted a price of $36 for Allianz travel insurance . I opted to take that offer.

My coverage includes up to $300 if my trip is delayed, and I can get a full refund if it's canceled. If I have another flight cancellation, instead of having to take whatever replacement is available to me, I'll be able to take some time to figure out my best option. My travel insurance also means the trip is fully covered if it's canceled outright due to illness, and I'm also covered if my luggage is lost or damaged.

Obviously, there's never any guarantee that travel will go perfectly — any number of unforeseen problems could make a trip go poorly, and travel insurance won't cover all of them. But there's nothing quite as frustrating as a last-minute flight mishap, and I'm relieved to know that if anything goes wrong, I'll have a bit more leeway to make sure I'm getting the best solution.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

• Main content

From high-yield savings accounts to no-fee checking accounts, CNET helps you get the most out of your bank accounts.

Stranded by Mint? This Budgeting App Is a Good Replacement

If Mint's disappearance left you needing a new budgeting app, this one is worth checking out.

If You Deposit $2,000 Into This CD Right Now, You’d Earn About $100 in a Year

Fed meets today: watch out for interest rate hikes instead of cuts this year, one economist says, rocket money review june 2024, are gen z money trends giving you deja vu that's because they're boomer financial fads, tired of living paycheck to paycheck break the cycle with this trick, best of banking, best cd rates for june 2024, best 18-month cd rates for june 2024, best high-yield savings accounts for college students in 2024, grow your money faster with these high-yield savings accounts, best jumbo cd rates for june 2024, best savings accounts for june 2024, best checking accounts for june 2024, best online banks for june 2024, best bank account bonuses for june 2024, the best banks with reduced or no overdraft fees, best money market accounts for june 2024, banking advice, earn more than 5% apy with these savings accounts and cds.

Today’s top CDs and savings accounts will help boost your interest earnings.

6 Reasons Why You Should Own Multiple Savings Accounts

What is a cd ladder and how do you build one, alternatives to traditional savings accounts, 7 ways to earn higher interest on your money, how to open a bank account online, how savings interest works, how to open a certificate of deposit, latest stories, best savings rates today -- score up to 5.55% apy with one of these savings accounts, june 3, 2024, best cd rates today - score a high interest rate while you still can, june 3, 2024, citibank savings account rates for june 2024, american express cd rates for june 2024, vanguard cd rates for june 2024, fidelity cd rates for june 2024, best high-yield checking accounts for june 2024, best big banks for june 2024, synchrony bank cd rates for june 2024, citi savings rates for june 2024.