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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.
• Offers direct billing.
• 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.

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 overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

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

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

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

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

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

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

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

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

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

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

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

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

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

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

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

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

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

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

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

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

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

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

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

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

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

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

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

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

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

Convenience and Flexibility

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

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

Claims Handling

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

Ease of Use and Support

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

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

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

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

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

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

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

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

19 Benefits of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card [2024]

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

352 Published Articles 55 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

108 Published Articles 710 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3260 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Southwest priority card overview, southwest priority card benefits, final thoughts.

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

If you’re a Southwest flyer, chances are you’ve considered getting a Southwest credit card. With 3 personal cards and 2 business options, it may be confusing to know which one is right for you.

In this post, we’re focusing on the benefits and perks of the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card . While this card has the highest annual fee out of the 3 personal Southwest cards, it easily offers the most benefits, making it a great option for a large number of travelers.

Let’s take a closer look at this card so you can decide if it’s right for you.

This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card is the most premium personal Southwest card offering from Chase. When you peel back the curtain, it is easy to see why.

Not only does the card offer multiple bonus categories to help you earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points, but it is also loaded with benefits that are sure to offer quite a bit of value to Southwest flyers.

Here is a full overview of the card to help you decide if it is a good fit for your wallet.

• 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshare purchases
• 2x points per $1 on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases
• $149 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points
• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest ® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

The Southwest Priority card is the premium option of the 3 personal Southwest card options. Because of that, it offers the most benefits but also comes with the highest annual fee. When weighing the Southwest Priority card perks against the annual fee, you’ll discover that this card provides the most bang for your buck, so to speak, of all of the personal Southwest credit cards .

In fact, there are 2 Southwest Priority card benefits that are worth more than the annual fee alone. Let’s take a closer look at all of this card’s benefits so you can decide if it’s the right card for you.

1. Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

One of the biggest benefits of the Southwest Priority card is the ability to earn lots of Rapid Rewards points. Here’s a look at how you can earn points with this card:

• 3x points on Southwest Airlines purchases made directly with the airline
• 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
• 2x points on internet, cable, and phone services
• 2x points on select streaming services
• 1x points on all other purchases

Bottom Line: The Southwest Priority card may be the best option for most Southwest travelers since the benefits far outweigh the cost of the card’s annual fee.

2. Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Flights

One of the biggest differences between Southwest Airlines and everyone else is its boarding process . On Southwest Airlines, there aren’t any assigned seats. Instead, each passenger gets a boarding position which is based on a few factors including elite status and check-in time.

EarlyBird Check-In is a service that will automatically check you in for your Southwest flight so you don’t have to worry about it.

The other way you can ensure a better boarding position is by utilizing Upgraded Boarding which gets you a coveted A1 to A15 boarding position. With the Southwest Priority card, you’ll get 4 complimentary Upgraded Boardings per year.

These charges will be automatically refunded when you pay for them with your card:

Keep in mind that Upgraded Boarding is available per segment, so if your itinerary has 2 flights, you’ll need 2 Upgraded Boardings. It’s also possible to upgrade a single segment on an itinerary.

Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding starts at $30 per flight segment, so this can be a very valuable benefit. It’s available for purchase beginning 24 hours before a flight. If Business Select seats (A1 to A15) are sold out, Upgraded Boarding won’t be available for purchase.

Bottom Line: Southwest Upgraded Boarding is one of the best ways to secure an A boarding position. The Southwest Priority card comes with 4 complimentary Upgraded Boardings per year.

3. $75 Annual Travel Credit

The $75 annual travel credit that comes with the Southwest Priority card is incredibly easy to use and it doesn’t require any registration. The first $75 in Southwest Airlines charges on your card will be automatically reimbursed. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1 charge or multiple small charges.

If you usually use Rapid Rewards points to book your flights, you’ll be pleased to know that the $5.60 taxes and fees charge does trigger the $75 credit.

4. 7,500 Anniversary Bonus Points

After your card account anniversary, you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points . These points will be automatically applied to your account each year that your Southwest Priority card is renewed.

Since Southwest Rapid Rewards points have a value of ~1.3 cents each, this bonus is worth $97.50 .

Hot Tip: The value of the $75 annual credit plus 7,500 anniversary points is worth more than the cost of the annual fee ! These 2 benefits alone make the Southwest Priority card worth it for many travelers.

5. Tier Qualifying Points

The Southwest Priority card offers benefits to those looking to earn Southwest elite status . For every $5,000 spent annually on the card, you’ll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List and A-List Preferred status.

For this perk, “annual” doesn’t mean calendar year; instead, it’s based on your December statement date.

As a reminder, A-List status requires 35,000 tier qualifying points. In theory, you could earn that by spending $233,333 on the Southwest Priority card annually. While that’s not necessarily recommended, it’s great to be able to earn some extra tier qualifying points with as little as $10,000 in annual spending.

6. Earn the Southwest Companion Pass Faster

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals in travel. It allows you to bring a companion on any and every Southwest flight for only the cost of taxes and fees ($5.60 one way for a domestic flight) for up to 2 years!

To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. However, Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders get a 10,000-point boost each year toward Companion Pass qualification. These points aren’t redeemable, rather they act as a way to reduce the required number of points to earn a Companion Pass to 125,000 instead of 135,000.

7. Save on Inflight Purchases

You can save 25% on inflight purchases including drinks and Wi-Fi by using the Southwest Priority card. The discount will come as a statement credit that should post to your account on the same day as the purchase. This discount is extended to any authorized users on the card as well.

8. Complimentary DoorDash DashPass

Southwest Priority cardholders and authorized users are eligible for a complimentary 1-year subscription to DoorDash DashPass which comes with perks like a $0 delivery fee on restaurant orders and a 5% DoorDash credit on pick-up orders.

The complimentary DashPass membership needs to be activated by December 31, 2024, and your Southwest Priority card needs to be added to your DoorDash account as the default payment method.

9. Travel Accident Insurance

When you pay for part or all of your travel (by air, bus, train, or cruise) with your Southwest Priority card, you’ll be eligible for 2 types of travel accident insurance with a benefit of up to $250,000 .

This insurance provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment or a combined loss of speech, sight, or hearing during a trip. The cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

• Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance : Covers losses when entering, exiting, or riding as a passenger on a common carrier including an airline, bus, train, or cruise ship.
• 24-Hour Travel Accident Insurance : Covers losses starting on the day of departure (on a scheduled airline trip) and ending on the day of return.

To be eligible, the cardholder must submit a written claim within 20 days of the incident.

10. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

There are many credit cards that come with car rental insurance, and the Southwest Priority card is no exception. The coverage is secondary which means it acts as a supplement to any other insurance you may have. To be eligible, the entire car rental cost must be charged to your card and you must decline the car rental company’s insurance policy.

The cardmember plus any additional authorized drivers on the car rental agreement are covered.

Hot Tip: There are many credit cards that offer this benefit. Here is a full list of cards that come with car rental insurance . 

11. Baggage Delay Insurance

If you check bags often enough, it’s likely you’ll be affected by a baggage delay at some point. The Southwest Priority card offers reimbursement for basic items like toiletries and clothing when your bags are delayed more than 6 hours by a common carrier (airline, bus, train, or cruise ship). This benefit has a maximum of $100 per day for up to 3 days.

In addition to the cardholder, the cardholder’s spouse or domestic partner, as well as immediate family are covered.

To be eligible, the common carrier fare must have been purchased with the Southwest Priority card or with rewards earned from the card. A claim must be filed within 20 days of the loss.

12. Lost Luggage Reimbursement

The Southwest Priority card includes lost luggage reimbursement coverage for both the cardholder and immediate family members. If a common carrier (airline, bus, train, or cruise ship) damages or loses checked or carry-on luggage, you’re eligible for up to $3,000 per passenger .

The common carrier fare must have been purchased with the Southwest Priority card or with rewards earned from the card to be eligible for coverage. A claim must be filed within 20 days of the loss.

13. Roadside Dispatch

Access to roadside assistance, including services like towing and tire changes, is available through the Southwest Priority card by calling 800-847-2869. However, the card’s benefit doesn’t cover the cost of the service call .

14. Purchase Protection

The purchase protection plan that comes with the Southwest Priority card offers coverage of up to $500 per claim ($50,000 maximum per account) when a new purchase is damaged or stolen within 120 days. This benefit applies to the cardmember and any recipients of gifts purchased by the cardmember. To be eligible, a claim needs to be submitted within 90 days of the loss or theft.

15. Extended Warranty Protection

The extended warranty benefit extends a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty for an additional year when the original warranty is 3 years or less. This applies to purchases made by the cardholder using the Southwest Priority card. Each claim has a maximum benefit of $10,000 ($50,000 maximum per account).

16. No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Southwest Priority card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, so go ahead and bring it along on your next international trip!

Hot Tip: Did you know that Southwest Airlines flies to many surprising international destinations in the Caribbean and Central America?

17. Fraud Protection and Zero Liability Protection

You’ll have access to 24/7 fraud monitoring that protects you against unauthorized purchases.

Zero Liability Protection means you won’t be responsible for unauthorized purchases on your account. To report a fraudulent charge, just call the number on the back of your card.

18. Rapid Rewards Access Events

You’ll have access to Rapid Rewards Access Events with your Southwest Priority card. This is a collection of exclusive events that you can purchase using Rapid Rewards points.

19. Access to Chase Offers

Access to Chase Offers comes with any Chase card including the Southwest Priority card. These are card-linked offers that can save money on your everyday purchases. Each offer needs to be added to the card prior to making a purchase.

These can sometimes even include offers for discounts on Southwest Airlines.

There are 5 Southwest credit cards — 3 consumer cards and 2 business cards. The Southwest Priority card is the top-tier personal co-branded Southwest card, which offers a comprehensive suite of benefits. When deciding whether or not this card is worth it, keep in mind there are 2 benefits that add up to offer a higher value than the annual fee. The 7,500 annual bonus points and $75 annual Southwest travel credit have a value of $172.50 which is more than the $149 annual fee on this card. Those benefits alone make the Southwest Priority card a great one to keep in your wallet if you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the southwest priority card come with upgraded boarding.

Yes, the Southwest Priority card comes with 4 complimentary Upgraded Boardings per year. These are good for A1 to A15 boarding positions when available.

How do you use the annual $75 travel credit that comes with the Southwest Priority card?

The annual $75 travel credit that comes with the Southwest Priority card is good for any Southwest purchase and will be applied automatically when you use your card for payment.

What are Southwest credit card anniversary points?

Southwest credit card anniversary points are those automatically awarded each year on your eligible Southwest Airlines credit card. The Southwest Priority card comes with 7,500 anniversary points.

How much is the Southwest Priority card foreign transaction fee?

There are no foreign transaction fees on the Southwest Priority card.

Does the Southwest Priority card come with travel insurance?

Yes, the Southwest Priority card comes with travel insurance including travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and car rental insurance.

What is the difference between the Southwest Priority card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card?

The Southwest Priority card is the top-level Southwest consumer card while the Southwest Premier card is the mid-range consumer card. The Southwest Premier card has a lower annual fee but lacks perks like Upgraded Boardings and the $75 annual travel credit.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

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

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

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

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

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

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurer, airline or homeowners insurer (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for missed connections

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

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

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

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

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

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

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

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

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

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

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

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

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

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

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

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

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

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

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

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

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

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

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

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

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

What is the best travel insurance?

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for cruises

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

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

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

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

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

Best travel insurance for seniors

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

How much is travel insurance?

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

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

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

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

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When should I buy travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

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

Travel insurance trends in 2024

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

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

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Southwest Priority credit card review: Valuable perks for frequent Southwest travelers

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card overview

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the most rewarding of Southwest Airlines' personal credit cards, offering a $75 annual Southwest credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points. With the most benefits of any of the airline's offerings, this is the card to get if you're a Southwest loyalist. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Southwest Airlines has a legion of fans — largely due to its flexible change/cancellation policies and offering two free checked bags for all passengers. Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn't offer lounges, premium cabins or even seating with extra legroom. But it does offer a full suite of cobranded credit cards to help frequent flyers fulfill their Southwest travel goals.

This card won the Best Airline Cobranded Credit Card award in the 2023 TPG Awards .

The Southwest Priority card has a recommended credit score of 670 or above and is the most premium personal credit card in the Southwest lineup.

But are its benefits valuable enough to warrant the $149 annual fee? And is now the right time for you to apply? Let's find out.

Related: Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers

Southwest Priority Card pros and cons

Related: Best Delta credit cards

Southwest Priority Card welcome offer

The Southwest Priority card currently offers a welcome bonus of 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This offer ends June 26.

According to TPG's valuations , 85,000 Southwest points are worth $1,105, which is incredible value for the spending requirement. The bonus points will also help you get much closer to securing a Companion Pass, which requires 135,000 points.

Note that Southwest cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule . If you've opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months (from all banks, not just Chase), you may not be approved. In addition, you can't open a new personal Southwest card if you have one open. You also won't be able to get a new sign-up bonus from a Southwest card if you've received one in the past 24 months.

Related: 15 lessons from 15 years' worth of Southwest Companion Passes

Southwest Priority Card benefits

The Southwest Priority card offers the following benefits, with the first two more than offsetting the annual fee:

• Anniversary bonus: Each year, on your card anniversary, you'll receive 7,500 Rapid Rewards points worth $98 based on TPG's valuations.
• Annual Southwest travel credit: During each cardmember year, you'll receive a $75 travel credit that can be used on most Southwest purchases, including tickets (excluding upgraded boardings and inflight purchases).

• 25% inflight savings: Receive 25% back (as a statement credit) after you use your card to purchase inflight drinks, Wi-Fi, messaging and movies.
• Tier qualifying points boost: Earn 1,500 TQPs that count toward A-List and A-List Preferred status for each $5,000 you spend in a calendar year.

In addition to the Southwest-specific benefits, the card comes with lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance , extended warranty protection and purchase protection .

The card has no foreign transaction fees , so it's a good choice for spending abroad.

Related: How to get airline elite status

Earning points with the Southwest Priority Card

Here's what you'll earn with the Southwest Priority card :

• 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases
• 2 points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing apps
• 2 points per dollar on internet, cable and phone services; select streaming
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

This is a wide variety of bonus categories compared to other airline credit cards , though top travel cards are typically even more lucrative.

Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category

Redeeming points with the Southwest Priority Card

Redeeming Rapid Rewards points with the Southwest Priority card is very straightforward. Southwest award prices are directly tied to the cash value of the ticket, meaning the number of points you need for a flight will fluctuate, but you'll rarely encounter times when you can't use your points. Plus, you can redeposit your award without penalty if your plans change.

While Southwest's points won't help you fly in first-class suites, they can provide great value. For instance, you can fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago-Midway (MDW) for as few as 4,701 points one-way, depending on the time of year. Meanwhile, other airlines often charge 10,000 miles or even more (assuming you can find availability).

If you book during one of Southwest's flash sales , you could score awards for less than 2,500 points one-way. You can even fly to fun faraway destinations like Hawaii, Costa Rica and Mexico with your Southwest points.

For instance, TPG credit cards writer Emily Thompson recently took advantage of one of these sales to book a round-trip ticket between Nashville (BNA) and San Jose, California (SJC) for under 25,000 points. If you're flying to one of Southwest's destinations, you can find a great deal on points.

Related: Why I choose Southwest every time

Which cards compete with the Southwest Priority Card?

Southwest Airlines offers three personal cards, so you can choose the one that fits you best.

• If you want Southwest benefits with a more modest fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the mid-tier card in the Southwest lineup, with a $99 annual fee. These include 6,000 anniversary bonus points, two EarlyBird Check-ins per year and 25% back on inflight purchases. For more details, read our full review of the Southwest Premier card .
• If you want a Southwest card with an even lower annual fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has a $69 annual fee and an anniversary bonus of 3,000 points. You'll also receive two EarlyBird Check-ins every year. For more information, read our full review of the Southwest Plus card .
• If you want points you can use with Southwest and other airlines: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer 1:1 to Southwest — as well as a wide range of other airlines — for making flight redemptions. You'll get numerous travel protections, a $50 annual hotel credit and robust earning categories, all for a $95 annual fee. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred .

For more options, check out our full list of travel credit cards .

Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus Credit Cards

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card worth it?

If you fly Southwest at least a few times each year, you will come out ahead with the Southwest Priority card . The card's everyday earning rates aren't the most lucrative, but impressive built-in perks like upgraded boardings, a $75 annual travel credit and a 7,500-point anniversary bonus easily make up for it.

Bottom line

The Southwest Priority card is the most rewarding of Southwest Airlines' personal credit cards, allowing you to earn a good stash of points and get the most benefits of any of the airline's offerings. If you fly Southwest often, this is the best Southwest card for you.

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you

• opens in a new window View account activity
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• opens in a new window Add authorized users
• opens in the same window Download the Chase Mobile ℠   App
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• opens in a new window View your Rewards Dashboard
• opens overlay Check your points balance
• opens overlay Buy points for your next flight
• opens overlay Visit our interactive destination map
• opens overlay Download the Southwest Airlines ® App
• opens overlay Rapid Rewards Shopping ®
• opens overlay Rapid Rewards Dining ®
• opens overlay Southwest Vacations ®
• opens overlay Southwest ® gift cards

• opens in a new window Chase Online ℠   Log in | opens in a new window Not a Cardmember?

• opens in the same window HOME
• opens overlay Download the Southwest Airlines ®    App
• opens overlay Rapid Rewards Shopping ® Shop your way to more points at hundreds of online merchants
• opens overlay Rapid Rewards Dining ® Enjoy extra points with every meal
• opens overlay Southwest Vacations ® Earn points when you use your card
• opens overlay Southwest ®    gift cards Earn points when you use your card
• opens in the same window PROMOTIONS
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Enjoy all the benefits that come with using your card and flying Southwest Airlines ® . opens in a new window Not a Cardmember?

$75 Southwest annual travel credit each year footnote reference *

4 Upgraded Boardings every year when available footnote reference *

What is opens overlay Upgraded Boarding ?

• Best A1-A15 boarding position available
• First access to seats and overhead bins
• Available to buy via the Southwest app, opens overlay Southwest.com ® , or at the departure gate or ticket counter on day of travel.

Boost of 10,000 Companion Pass ® qualifying points every year footnote reference *

• As an exclusive benefit, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year.
• Remember, all points earned with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card count toward Companion Pass.

NEW! opens overlay Get to A-List status 2X faster

We're cutting the spend requirement for our tier qualifying points (TQPs) bonus in half! Earn 1,500 TQPs toward A-List status for every $5,000 spent in purchases annually. footnote reference *

25% back on inflight purchases footnote reference *

7,500 anniversary points footnote reference *

• After your Cardmember anniversary

3 points per $1 spent footnote reference *

• opens overlay Southwest purchases, including flight, inflight, and Southwest gift cards

2 points per $1 spent footnote reference *

• opens overlay Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• Local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare, passenger trains, buses, taxis, tolls, and parking lots and garages
• Review the complete list of qualifying services opens in new window
• Internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming

1 point per $1 spent footnote reference *

• All other purchases made with your card

Enter your approximate monthly spend in each category.

on Southwest purchases

on local transit and commuting, including rideshare

on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming

on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners

on all other purchases

each year after your Cardmember anniversary

7,500 7,500

points per year.

Southwest Airlines flights –Redeem your points for flights to over 90 destinations and enjoy all you love about flying Southwest Airlines. opens overlay Search for flights

Hotel stays and car rentals –Redeem at thousands of hotels and car rental agencies from all over the country through the More Rewards platform.

Rapid Rewards Access Events –Use your points to experience unique events especially curated for Cardmembers.

Gift cards –Choose from some of your favorite retailers and redeem for as few as 3,000 points.

Merchandise –Shop for electronics, golf supplies, luggage, travel accessories, and more.

International flights on 50+ global carriers –Use your Rapid Rewards points for flights.

Earn up to 100K bonus points per year!

You can earn 20,000 bonus points for each friend who gets any Southwest ® Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card when you use the link.

As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you can now keep track of all the points you've earned so far this year with your card. You can also see the benefits and perks that come with your card.

Find your Rewards Dashboard by viewing your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card account on Chase.com:

Illustrative Example Only

• Priority boarding
• Priority check-in and security lane access footnote reference *
• 25% more Rapid Rewards points earned on each flight
• Same-day standby footnote reference *
• Dedicated A-List Members phone line

Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) every time you purchase or redeem points for a flight. All points earned with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card count toward Companion Pass.

Remember, as an exclusive benefit, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year.

Your December statement closing date is the cutoff for purchases made with your Rapid Rewards Credit Card to count towards a Companion Pass for that calendar year.

For example, if your December statement closes on December 16, points for purchases posted to your statements made after that date will not count toward qualifying points for the year.

close overlay × Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is provided for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.S., coverage is secondary to your personal insurance.

close overlay × Roadside Dispatch If you have a roadside emergency, call 1-800-847-2869 anytime to dispatch the help you need - anything from a tow or jumpstart to a tire change, lockout service, winching or gas delivery. Roadside service fees will be provided when you call and will be billed to your card.

close overlay × Purchase Protection Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

close overlay × Extended Warranty Protection Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.

close overlay × Lost Luggage Reimbursement If you or an immediate family member check or carry on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.

close overlay × Baggage Delay Insurance Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for three days.

close overlay × Travel and Emergency Assistance Services If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals, or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)

close overlay × Travel Accident Insurance Visa Signature When you pay for your air, bus, train, or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000. Travel Accident Insurance Visa Platinum When you pay for your air, bus, train, or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $250,000.

We’ve made it simple to turn your recent annual fee payment or eligible purchases in to a statement credit. Just select the qualifying transaction that posted to your account within the last 90 days.

To get started or learn more, sign into your chase.com account then follow these steps:

Choose "Rewards dashboard" from the drop-down menu under the More tab on your My Account Page.

Choose Pay Yourself Back from the top navigation bar.

Select the qualifying purchases to redeem.

• Bags fly free ® footnote reference *
• Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates or seat restrictions footnote reference *
• No change fees footnote reference *
• Southwest Airlines inflight entertainment footnote reference *

* TERMS AND CONDITIONS

$75 Southwest ® Annual Travel Credit: A statement credit will automatically be applied to your account when your Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards ® Priority Card is used for Southwest Airlines ® purchases (excluding Upgraded Boardings and inflight purchases), up to an anniversary year maximum accumulation of $75. Anniversary year means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. Eligibility for a $75 Southwest Annual Travel Credit for accounts that switch to this product: Account open date is the date the switch is official in the Chase system. Statement credit(s) will post to your account the same day your Southwest Airlines purchase posts to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. The $75 Southwest Annual Travel Credit will be issued for the year in which the transaction posts to your account. For example, if you buy a Southwest Airlines ticket, but the airline does not post the transaction until after your current anniversary period ends, the cost of the ticket will be allocated towards the following year’s Southwest Annual Travel Credit maximum of $75.

Southwest ® Upgraded Boardings: Each anniversary year you will be reimbursed for the purchase of up to 4 Upgraded Boardings which are positions A1-A15. Upgraded Boarding may be purchased via the Southwest app or opens overlay Southwest.com beginning 24 hours before departure and ending 30 minutes prior to departure or at the departure gate or ticket counter on the day of travel only, when available. Price of Upgraded Boarding is based on your itinerary. Anniversary year means the year beginning with your account open date through the first statement date after your account open date anniversary, and the 12 monthly billing cycles after that each year. For accounts that switch to this product, account open date is the date the switch is official in the Chase system. After you make your purchase with your Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Card, you will receive a statement credit for the price of the Upgraded Boarding. Statement credit and purchase of Upgraded Boarding may not post on the same statement; please allow up to eight weeks for the statement credit(s) to post to your account. You may purchase all 4 Upgraded Boardings at one time or on separate flights; you will only be reimbursed via statement credit for the first 4 Upgraded Boardings you purchase during your anniversary year. Account must be open and not in default at the time the statement credit is posted to your account.

Companion Pass: Companion Pass ® qualifying points are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest ® , points earned on Rapid Rewards ® Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. The following do not count as Companion Pass qualifying points: purchased points; points transferred between Members; points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards ® , Valued Opinions, and Diners Club ® ; points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonus points; flight bonus points; and partner bonus points (with the exception of the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase). No points nor tier or Companion Pass qualifying points will be awarded for flights taken by the Companion when flying on a Companion Pass reservation. Points earned during a billing cycle on a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase are not available for redemption or qualification for Companion Pass status until they are posted on your billing statement and posted to your Rapid Rewards account. Only points posted on your billing statements and posted to your Rapid Rewards account during the same calendar year are available for qualification for Companion Pass status. For example, if you make a purchase after your December billing statement cycle date, the points on those purchases will not count toward Companion Pass status in the year the purchase was made; they will appear on your January billing statement and post to your Rapid Rewards account in January. Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost: As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you will earn one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. The boost will be deposited into your eligible Rapid Rewards account by January 31st each calendar year or up to 30 days after account opening. To receive Companion Pass qualifying points boost your credit card account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. Only one credit card account per Southwest Rapid Rewards Member (Rapid Rewards Member must be the primary Cardmember on that account), is eligible for one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points per calendar year. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services.

Tier Qualifying Points: Tier qualifying points (TQPs) are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest Airlines ® or when you, or an authorized user, use the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card from Chase to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. (You’ll earn 1,500 for each $5,000 in purchases annually. “Annually” means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement date.) TQPs earned during a billing cycle on a Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card from Chase are not available for qualification for benefits such as A-List and A-List Preferred status until they are posted to your Rapid Rewards ® account. The following will not count toward qualification for A-List or A-List Preferred status: Rapid Rewards program enrollment points; Rapid Rewards reward flights; Rapid Rewards Companion Pass ® travel; Rapid Rewards partner points except for TQPs earned on the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card from Chase; Rapid Rewards bonus points, unless specifically designated as such; non-revenue travel, unless specifically designated as eligible; stops at intermediate cities on connecting or through flights; and charter flights. TQPs are not redeemable for travel on Southwest ® or through the “More Rewards” site.

25% back on inflight purchases on Southwest Airlines ® flights: You will receive 25% back on Southwest Airlines inflight purchases made with your Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card for drinks and WiFi in the form of a credit card account statement credit. Statement credit(s) will post to your credit card account the same day as your purchase(s) and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. You will also receive 25% back on inflight purchases made by authorized users on your account. To qualify for the 25% back, purchase must be made with your Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card and your account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment.

Earning Points: Rewards Program Agreement: For more information about the Rapid Rewards ® Priority Card rewards program, view the latest opens in a new window Rewards Program Agreement (PDF) . If you are a Chase Online customer, your Rewards Program Agreement is available after logging in to chase.com. You can also see your Rewards Program Agreement that you received in the mail. How you can earn points: You’ll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with a Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card by you or an authorized user of the account. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won’t count as a purchase and won’t earn points: balance transfers, cash advances and other cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. 3 points: You’ll earn 3 points for each $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines ® , including flight, inflight, Southwest ® gift card, and Southwest Vacations ® package purchases. 2 points: You’ll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases at participating Rapid Rewards ® hotel and rental car partners. 2 points: You’ll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the local transit and commuting rewards category. 2 points: You’ll earn 2 points for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming services. 1 point: You’ll earn 1 point for each $1 spent on all other purchases. 7,500 bonus points each account anniversary year: You’ll receive 7,500 bonus points each account anniversary year. “Account anniversary year” means the year beginning with your account open date through the anniversary of your account open date, and each 12 months after that. 1,500 tier qualifying points: You’ll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for each $5,000 spent in purchases annually. TQPs can be used to count toward qualification for Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status. “Annually” means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement date. Information about earning/transferring points to Southwest Airlines ® : Points earned during a billing cycle will be automatically transferred to Southwest Airlines after the end of each billing cycle. Losing points: You’ll immediately lose all points that haven’t been transferred to Southwest Airlines if your card account status changes, or your card account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement. Rewards Categories: Merchants who accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/Mastercard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won’t qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see opens in a new window chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs .

Priority Check In And Security Lane Access: For a complete list of available Fly By ® locations, visit opens overlay Southwest.com/flyby .

Same-Day Standby: If there’s an open seat on a different flight that departs on the same calendar day as your original flight and it’s between the same cities, A-List and A-List Preferred Members can get a seat on the new flight free of airline charges. If there isn’t an open seat on this different flight, you can ask a Southwest Gate Agent to add you to the same-day standby list for a flight between the same city pairs that departs on the same calendar day prior to your originally scheduled flight, and you will receive a message if you are cleared on the flight. For both the same-day change and same-day standby benefits, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply. Based on the flight status contact preference selected during booking, the message regarding your standby status will be an email or text message with a link to access the boarding pass via the Southwest app, mobile web, or you can visit a Southwest Gate Agent to print off the boarding pass. If there are any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, you will be required to pay those. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Important: These benefits are available only by seeing a Southwest Gate Agent or calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA ® . If you change your flight through any other channel or to a flight that does not meet the requirements outlined above, you will be responsible for the difference in price. If an A-List or A-List Preferred Member is traveling on a multiple-Passenger reservation, same-day standby and same-day change will not be provided for non-A-List or non-A-List Preferred Members in the same reservation. For A-List and A-List Preferred Members who have also qualified for a Companion Pass ® , A-List, and A-List Preferred benefits are not available to the Companion unless the Companion is also an A-List or A-List Preferred Member.

Travel And Purchase Protection: These benefits are available when you use your card. Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. Most benefits are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies who are solely responsible for the administration and claims. There are specific time limits and documentation requirements. Please refer to your Guide to Benefits for a full explanation of coverages, or call the number on the back of your card for assistance.

Redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Points With Pay Yourself Back ® : Points may be redeemed for a statement credit using Pay Yourself Back for qualifying transactions made within the 90 days before the redemption request date. Categories and qualifying transaction eligibility may change from time to time without notice. Redemptions require a minimum of 1 Rapid Rewards Point. Chase has the right to change redemption values at any time. Statement credits will post to the card account within 7 business days of a request to redeem and will appear on the monthly Chase credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Statement credits will reduce your balance but you are still required to make at least your minimum monthly payment. Chase reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify for a statement credit. Pay Yourself Back may be discontinued at any time.

Bags Fly Free: First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply.

No Blackout Dates And Unlimited Reward Seats: No blackout dates and unlimited reward seats apply to flights booked with points.

No Change Fees: Fare difference may apply.

Free live TV: Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer. Where available. To view movies and select on-demand TV content, download the Southwest app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before your flight.

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS ® PROGRAM INFORMATION The Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card is brought to you by Southwest Airlines ® and Chase. Southwest Airlines is responsible for the redemption of Rapid Rewards points toward benefits and services. The number of points needed for a particular Southwest flight is set by Southwest ® and will vary depending on destination, time, day of travel, demand, fare type, point redemption rate, and other factors, and are subject to change at any time until the booking is confirmed. Rapid Rewards points can only be transferred to the primary Cardmember’s Rapid Rewards account. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at opens overlay Southwest.com/rrterms . Southwest reserves the right to amend, suspend, or change the program and/or program rules at any time without notice. Rapid Rewards Members do not acquire property rights in accrued points.

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Visa Infinite: Everything you need to know, from rental car perks to lounge access

I f you have a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , United Club℠ Infinite Card or the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card , you may have noticed that it carries " Visa Infinite " branding.

Since only a few cards in the U.S. are Visa Infinite products, we don't blame you if you're a bit clueless as to what this designation entails. In addition to the cards mentioned, there aren't many other Visa Infinite cards that are easy to obtain.

We'll outline the perks of the Visa Infinite program below, but the first thing to know is that Visa Infinite cards are a step up from the more common Visa Signature designation found on cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

As we review the benefits, remember these are the possible perks available through the Visa Infinite program. Specific issuers can tweak or exclude certain ones, as you'll see with the variation in lounge access benefits.

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The 10 most valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits

Travel and lifestyle benefits

Global entry application fee credit.

This Visa Infinite program will reimburse you for the $100 fee when you apply for Global Entry . While this program is worth signing up for to breeze through immigration, several other premium travel rewards cards also offer a Global Entry fee reimbursement , so this shouldn't factor too heavily in your decision to get a Visa Infinite card.

Car rental privileges

Cardholders get special discounts at car rental providers such as Avis , National and Hertz and are eligible for various VIP amenities. The Visa Infinite program offers primary car rental insurance (more on that later in the post), so using an eligible card could be a great choice for renting a set of wheels.

Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

When you book a hotel stay with a Visa Infinite card, you'll enjoy perks such as an automatic room upgrade on arrival (when available), free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast. Your Visa Infinite card will get you all the benefits available to Visa Signature cardholders, plus an extra amenity at over 200 locations.

Note that the extra amenity you receive will vary by location. If you're looking for a particular one, it's a good idea to verify what amenity you'll receive before booking.

Visa Infinite Concierge

Like most premium card programs, the Visa Infinite program includes a dedicated concierge service that can assist with travel and dining arrangements, shopping, access to exclusive events and more. You can expect great service and assistance with almost whatever outing you plan. The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can be used domestically or abroad.

Priority Pass lounge access

Having a credit card with airport lounge access can be a game changer, and Priority Pass is the biggest airport lounge network with more than 1,500 locations worldwide. The exact lounge access privileges you'll get vary depending on the card.

For example, the Sapphire Reserve comes with a full Priority Pass Select membership , which gets the cardholder and up to two guests unlimited lounge visits. On the other hand, the Altitude Reserve card comes with eight Priority Pass lounge visits per year. Each person who visits, whether they're a guest or the primary cardholder, will use up one of these eight passes, so plan accordingly.

Airline incidentals statement credit

With your Visa Infinite card, you may enjoy rebates for certain expenses associated with your flight. Examples include checked luggage charges and inflight food purchases. This benefit isn't included on all Visa Infinite cards, so check your particular card's terms and benefits. For example, the Sapphire Reserve offers an up to $300 travel credit and airline incidental fees are included under eligible charges.

Related: Get perks just for signing up with these loyalty programs

Travel and lifestyle protections

Primary rental car insurance.

Through Visa Infinite, you can get primary coverage* for up to $75,000 due to damage (caused by collision or theft) to a rental car. Visa Infinite cards aren't the only options to offer this coverage — the Chase Sapphire Preferred and a few others do as well — but this is a great perk to have since you won't need to file a claim with your own insurance company in the event of an accident or theft.

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance

Visa Infinite cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance.** This includes reimbursement of up to $2,000 per insured trip for nonrefundable expenses when you cancel a trip for a covered reason or when your trip is interrupted or delayed for a covered reason.

There's a full list of "covered reasons," but if you're suffering from a serious illness or injury, you can expect this benefit to be offered. In addition, Visa Infinite provides trip delay insurance.*** You'll get coverage for expenses (up to $500 per day) when a purchased trip is delayed more than six hours or requires an overnight stay.

Lost luggage reimbursement

Yet another travel protection Visa Infinite cardholders enjoy is lost luggage reimbursement.*** If your checked or carry-on baggage is lost or stolen on a common carrier, the program will reimburse you up to $3,000 (up to $2,000 for New York residents) per covered trip.

You're eligible for this coverage when you pay for at least a portion of the travel with your Visa Infinite card or with the rewards associated with the card. Having lost luggage protection is a great way to relieve stress during a trip. It's frustrating when an airline loses your luggage, but you can at least get some compensation with the right protection.

Extended warranty, purchase protection and return protection

When you purchase a product with a warranty of three years or less, you'll get an extra year of coverage*** for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder. This isn't the only coverage option out there; for more options, take a look at our list of the best cards with extended warranty protection .

If an item is stolen or damaged within 90 days from the purchase date — and you purchased it with a Visa Infinite Card — you'll be covered for up to $10,000 per claim (up to $50,000 per cardholder). With purchase protection coverage,*** you can either be reimbursed, have the item repaired or get a replacement.

In addition to purchase protection that covers you in the event of theft or damage, the Visa Infinite program offers return protection*** coverage of up to $300 per item and $1,000 per year when you're unhappy with a product and the retailer won't accept a return. To be eligible, you must pay for the purchase with your Visa Infinite card and file a claim within 90 days of the purchase date.

Other protections that may be included with your Visa Infinite card include cellphone protection, emergency evacuation, hotel theft protection and price protection. Check the benefits of your specific Visa Infinite card to find out if it offers these protections.

*Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/visa-credit-cards/visa-infinite-credit-cards.html#2 for details. Policies are underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America.

**Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/visa-credit-cards/visa-infinite-credit-cards.html#2 for details. Policies are underwritten by Federal Insurance Company.

***Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/visa-credit-cards/visa-infinite-credit-cards.html#2 for details. Policies are underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America.

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

Bottom line

Like other premium credit card programs, Visa Infinite offers a nice array of benefits for your rewards credit card .

The airport lounge access and primary car rental insurance can certainly come in handy. Other perks like car rental discounts and special treatment at hotels aren't unique to the program, but they can absolutely add to the value you get from your card — not a bad thing if you're paying $550 a year for the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Related: United Club Infinite Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Guide to chase sapphire® travel insurance.

Planning a vacation or honeymoon can be exciting. That excitement might include the worries that something unexpected could interrupt those plans. The following overview of Chase Sapphire travel protections may make your next trip less stressful if you are a cardmember.

How does Chase Sapphire travel protection work

Certain benefits that may give you peace of mind when using your card for travel are available to Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred ® cardmembers:

• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours (six hours for Sapphire Reserve) or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
• Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If you or an immediate family member check or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. For Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. Sapphire Preferred Cardmembers can be reimbursed up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, but coverage excludes certain cars, such as high value and exotic vehicles.
• Travel Accident Insurance: When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000 ($1,000,000 for Sapphire Reserve).

Additional Benefits covered with Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance

Certain travel reimbursement, cancellation protection and emergency services are available to Chase Sapphire Reserve ® cardmembers on eligible travel booked with their credit card. Here’s some more information about the benefits offered with the card.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

If you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

Roadside Assistance

If you have a roadside emergency, you can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith or gas. You’re covered up to $50 per incident 4 times a year.

Emergency Medical and Dental Benefit

If you're 100 miles or more from home on a trip, you can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for medical expenses if you or your immediate family member become sick or injured.

If you have a Sapphire credit card, travel protection applies to plane tickets, rental cars and cruise line reservations booked using a Sapphire card or Ultimate Rewards ® points. You will be able to claim reimbursement for trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, baggage that’s delayed or flight delays.

Whether it’s a long-awaited vacation or flying across the country to see family for the holidays, the Chase Sapphire family of cards offers benefits to give travelers more confidence in their plans.

• card travel tips
• credit card benefits

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Insurance & Extra Services

Add proof of mailing & delivery, signature services, & more.

Get extra protection for your special envelopes or packages. Learn about the insurance and extra services we offer: some are included for free, and others are available for a fee.

• Protect valuable shipments and get peace of mind with additional insurance, signature-required delivery, and other add-ons.
• Keep proof of when you mailed your items and know when your items are delivered safely to the correct recipient.
• In some cases, you can order or print the extra service forms you need online.

Order Forms & Labels Extra Services Pricing & Fees

Extra & Included Insurance

Standard shipping insurance.

You can purchase insurance coverage for your mailpieces for up to $5,000 in indemnity to protect against loss or damage. Insurance fees are based on the item’s declared value. There are limitations for insuring some products and certain items.

Mail Insured for more than $500

• The recipient may be required to show an acceptable primary ID before USPS will deliver the mailpiece.

See Acceptable IDs & Restrictions

Important Links

About Insured Mail Insurance Exceptions Nonpayable Claims

Insurance coverage only covers the actual value of mail contents. You may purchase up to $5,000 indemnity coverage in person at a Post Office or online.

The price is based on declared value, starting at $2.75.

Insured Mail Fees

Priority Mail Express & Priority Mail

Priority Mail Express ® and Priority Mail ® services include up to $100 of insurance in the price. For more valuable shipments, additional coverage is usually available.

Qualifications

Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail domestic shipments must have an applicable USPS Tracking ® barcode to qualify for included insurance. Priority Mail insurance is not included when you purchase it along with certain extra services.

Priority Mail Express Insurance Details Priority Mail Insurance Details

Priority Mail Express Delivery

Keep your postmarked mailing receipt and proof of value of your shipment in case you need to file a claim. When your mail item is lost, you should file a claim no later than 60 days from the date of mailing. If your item is damaged or missing contents, you should file a claim immediately but not later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

Payable Claims Nonpayable Claims Proof of Value General Filing Instructions Priority Mail Express Claims

USPS Ground Advantage

USPS Ground Advantage ® service includes up to $100 insurance in the price. For more valuable shipments, additional coverage is usually available.

USPS Ground Advantage domestic shipments must have an applicable USPS Tracking ® barcode to qualify for included insurance.

USPS Ground Advantage Insurance Details

USPS Ground Advantage Claims

Proof of Mailing & Delivery

Usps tracking ®.

Provides tracking updates as an item travels to its destination, including the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery.

• Available online or at your Post Office depending on the mail class.

Certified Mail ®

Prove you sent it. See when it was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made, and get the signature of the person who accepts the mailing when combined with Return Receipt.

• Purchase at your Post Office.
• Present for mailing to a Postal employee if a postmarked sender’s receipt is requested.
• Combine with Return Receipt to get an electronic or physical delivery record showing the recipient’s signature.

Return Receipt

Get an electronic or hardcopy delivery record showing the recipient’s signature.

• Purchase at a Post Office depending on the mail class.
• Available with Priority Mail Express using only PS Form 3811 (54 KB) .
• Electronic Return Receipts are not available to APO/FPO/DPO addresses or to certain U.S. territories or possessions, or Freely Associated States.
• $3.65 for mail receipt
• $2.32 for email receipt

Certificate of Mailing

Show that you sent the item when you say you did. This official record shows the date your mail was presented to USPS for mailing.

• Only available at your Post Office.
• Available only at the time of mailing.
• Don’t lose your certificate. The Postal Service ® does not keep a copy.
• Use PS Form 3817 or PS Form 3877 only.

$2.00 Form 3817 (20 KB)

Signature Confirmation ™

Find out information about the date and time an item was delivered or when a delivery attempt was made. Add security by requiring a signature. USPS keeps a delivery record, which you may request via email, fax, or mail.

• Purchase online or at your Post Office depending on the mail class.
• Limited availability to APO/FPO/DPO locations and certain Freely Associated States.
• Use with any service except USPS Marketing Mail ® and Adult Signature Services.
• Before delivery, the recipient must show an acceptable primary ID with a clear photo.
• $4.15 at a Post Office
• $3.50 paid online

USPS Tracking Plus ®

Purchase extended tracking history for your item and receive a USPS Tracking Plus Statement via email upon request. Get access for up to 10 years.

• Purchase online through USPS Tracking ® .
• Available for: Priority Mail Express ® , Priority Mail ® , USPS Ground Advantage ® , Parcel Select ® Non-presort, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail ® , First-Class Mail ® (letters and flats)*, USPS Marketing Mail ® parcels*, and USPS Marketing Mail Nonprofit parcels*

*With purchase of a trackable extra service

Price starts at $0.99

Valuable Items

Registered mail.

Get maximum security for your valuable items. Registered Mail ® items can be insured for up to $50,000 at your Post Office ™ location.

• Purchase at your Post Office or through your Rural Carrier.
• Regardless of how you purchased the service, present Registered Mail items for mailing to a Postal employee.
• Receive a mailing receipt, and upon request, electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made.

Price starts at $16.80

Hold For Pickup

Customers can pick up valuable and perishable merchandise at a designated Post Office.

• USPS will hold packages for up to 15 days, depending on the service selected (5 days for Priority Mail Express ® ).
• Customer is notified by email that a package is available for pickup.
• The addressee must show an acceptable primary ID with a clear photo.

Signature Services

Restricted delivery.

Specify the person who can sign for and receive your item. Must be purchased in combination with another extra service as follows: Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery (COD), Insured Mail (over $500), Registered Mail, or Signature Confirmation.

• USPS may request a primary ID with a clear photo for the addressee or the person authorized to sign for and receive your item.
• Certified Mail Restricted Delivery $11.65
• COD Restricted Delivery $6.90
• Insured Mail Restricted Delivery $6.90
• Registered Mail Restricted Delivery $6.90
• Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery $10.40 (electronic) / $11.05 (retail)

Adult Signature Required

This service requires the signature of an adult age 21 or over at the recipient’s address. You’ll get delivery information, as well as the recipient’s signature and name.

• Add this service to your qualifying online label purchase.
• Not available for purchase at Post Office locations.

See Acceptable IDs & Restrictions Adult Signature Required Details

Adult Signature Restricted Delivery

With this service, your item is delivered only after the addressee or their authorized agent verifies their identity, proves that they’re 21 years of age or older, and signs for it.

See Acceptable IDs & Restrictions Adult Signature Restricted Delivery Details

Collect on Delivery (COD)

Let your customers pay for merchandise and shipping when they receive the package. You also get insurance coverage up to $1,000 based on amount to be collected or amount of insurance coverage desired, whichever is higher.

• Purchase at a Post Office, or through your Rural Carrier, depending on the mail class. Present COD for mailing to a Postal employee.
• COD service provides the mailer with a mailing receipt.
• Not available for international shipments, APO/FPO/DPO locations, and certain Freely Associated States.
• The recipient may pay the COD charges via cash, personal check, or money order payable to the mailer (accepted by the USPS employee after the recipient presents an acceptable primary ID with a clear photo).

Price starts at $10.80

Other Services

Usps label delivery service.

Request USPS Label Delivery service to get physical outbound labels delivered for a fee. Businesses can also request physical labels for their customers.

• Available through enhanced Click-N-Ship ® service to USPS.com personal and business account holders.
• Also, available to business account holders through USPS Web Tools ® APIs .
• Available for Priority Mail Express ® , Priority Mail ® , and USPS Ground Advantage ® services. For businesses, Priority Mail Express Return, Priority Mail Return ® , USPS Ground Advantage Return, Parcel Select ® , and Parcel Return services are also available.

$1.25 (per label)

Compare Add-On Services

Use the below chart to see whether an add-on is already included in the price of your chosen mail/shipping service or if it's available for a fee.

1. Insurance coverage is provided against lost, damage, or missing contents and is limited to a maximum liability of $100 when the pieces bear an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or USPS retail tracking barcode and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices. For more details, see the Domestic Mail Manual Section 503.4 . Back ^ 2. Form 3818 by mail only. Back ^ 3. When purchased at the time of mailing with Certified Mail, COD, insurance (for more than $200), or Registered Mail. Restrictions apply. Back ^ 4. Available with USPS Marketing Mail packages when bulk insurance (for more than $200) is purchased at the time of mailing. Back ^ 5. When purchased at the time of mailing with COD or insurance (for more than $200). Back ^