Our Rankings of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers operating throughout the U.S., the following are our top recommendations:
- Faye: Our top pick
- Travelex Insurance: Our pick for families
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Our pick for cruise travel
- Tin Leg Travel Insurance: Our pick for customizable coverage
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Our pick for luxury travelers
- Seven Corners Travel Insurance: Our pick for international travelers
- AIG Travel Guard: Our pick for families
- Trawick International: Our pick for college students
- Generali Global Assistance: Our pick for emergency assistance
- Travel Insured International: Our pick for well-rounded coverage
Oureditorial teamfollows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.
20
Companies reviewed
500
Quotes collected
1,000
Consumers surveyed
The Best International Travel Insurance Providers in Detail
Learn more about each of our top travel insurance companies, including the average policy costs our team determined by examining and averaging quotes for four unique trips.
Faye
OUR PICK FOR ALL-ONLINE EXPERIENCE
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4/5
Coverage Extras: 4.375/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.7/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Recommended PlanFaye Travel Protection PlanMedical and evacuation limits $250,000/$500,000Cancellation coverage100% of trip cost
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers quick, all-online quotes and enrollment Can provide $200 if your bags get delayed for six hours or more Optional cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) add-on covers up to 75% of trip costs Be reimbursed on approved claims to your phone’s wallet Cons Only offers one plan option Does not offer add-on coverage for accidental death and dismemberment
Why We Picked Faye Travel Insurance
As a platform that prioritizes a digital, entirely online experience, Faye is worth considering if you’re shopping for last-minute coverage, according to our research. Simply answer a few questions about your upcoming trip, adjust your coverage limit and buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan in just a few minutes. In addition, Faye can send reimbursem*nt directly to your phone’s digital wallet if you file a claim and it’s approved. While Faye offers only one plan choice, its general coverage inclusions may fit vacationers seeking quick coverage and a digital experience.
Coverage Overview
*Coverage
Faye offers one plan with several optional add-on options.
| Coverage Item | Faye Travel Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of non-refundable trip costs |
| Trip interruption | Up to 150% of non-refundable trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $150 per item, up to $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 if bags are delayed 6+ hours, $300 if bags are delayed 12+ hours |
| Medical expenses | Up to $250,000 (for International Trips) |
| Emergency evacuation | Up to $500,000 (for international Trips) |
Optional Add-Ons
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
- Pet care
*Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.
Cost
We obtained premium costs for seven trips as outlined in our review methodology, and Faye’s average trip cost is $297.87.
Travelex
Our pick for families
4.7
Our Rating
Cost: 4.75/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5.2/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Our Review
Recommended planTravel BasicMedical and evacuation limits$15,000/$100,000*Cancellation coverage100% of trip cost
Pros and Cons
Pros Flat-rate policies available from $60 per person Includes emergency evacuation as a standard coverage Offers an adventure sports waiver Cons Includes a $15,000 medical limit on the lowest coverage tier Only offers up to 50% in cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
Why We Picked Travelex
Travelex is our top choice for travelers taking budget vacations and trying to prioritize policy price over other factors, according to our researchers. Travelex’s plans can be low-cost for some — depending on your vacation’s value, you could qualify for flat-rate coverage of $60 per traveler. It also offers a flat-rate Travel America plan for domestic trips. While Travelex’s Travel Basic plan provides affordable international coverage, note that optional adventure sports, additional medical protection and CFAR insurance are not available with this plan.
Coverage Overview
Travelex’s base plan, the Travel Basic coverage, includes 100% protection for both trip cancellation and interruption. It also includes $15,000 worth of emergency medical coverage, $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and $500 for lost baggage. Travelex’s Travel Select plan extends additional coverage, such as sporting equipment delay benefits of $200 and you can include kids with your policy.
| Coverage Item | Travel Basic | Travel Select | Travel America |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500.00 | $1,000 | $250,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100.00 | $200 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $15,000.00 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $500,000 | $100,000 |
Travelex offers the following add-ons for the Travel Select policy:
- CFAR coverage (50% reimbursem*nt)
- Medical expense extension (extends coverage to $50,000)
- Adventure sports waiver for medical expenses coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) extension (extends coverage to $25,000)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Cost
We obtained premium costs for seven trips as outlined in our review methodology, and Travelex’s average trip cost is $242.
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Our pick for most coverage reimbursed
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 1.875/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.375/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Our Review
Recommended plan Luxury CruiseMedical and evacuation limits$150,000/$1 millionCancellation coverage100% of trip cost
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers specific coverage for cruise vacations CFAR upgrade offers up to 75% reimbursem*nt Provides multiple levels of annual plan coverage and multi-destination, single-trip plans Cons More expensive premiums on average Enforces a longer waiting period before baggage delay benefits begin
Why We Picked Nationwide
We named Nationwide travel insurance as our pick for the most coverage reimbursed. It offers 100% trip cancellation coverage and up to 200% trip interruption protection, depending on your plan choice. Nationwide also provides some of the best policies for cruisers, based on our research, with two levels of cruise-specific coverage. These cruise plans include coverage for mechanical breakdowns and terrorism in destination cities, which most travel insurance companies typically exclude.
Coverage Overview
Nationwide offers three levels of cruise coverage: the Universal, Choice and Luxury cruise policies. As the names suggest, each tier covers varying levels of cruise expenses. For example, the Universal policy covers $500 worth of expenses related to missed connections while the Luxury policy offers $2,000.
| Coverage Item | Universal Cruise | Choice Cruise | Luxury Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,500.00 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $250.00 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000.00 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Nationwide offers the following add-ons for its cruise coverage:
- AD&D benefits
- CFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
- Rental car collision damage
In addition to cruise coverage, Nationwide also offers the following two travel insurance plans, which include standard baggage and cancellation insurance.
| Coverage item | Essential | Prime |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost, up to $10,000 | 100% of trip cost, up to $30,000 |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip cost, up to $12,500 | 200% of trip cost, up to $60,000 |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $600 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $100 | $600 |
| Medical expenses | $75,000 | $150,000 |
Tin Leg
Our pick for customizable coverage
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.75/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.375/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Our Review
Recommended planGold PlanMedical and evacuation limits$500,000/$500,000*Cancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros Features affordable premiums Up to 10 add-on choices available Offers higher-than-average medical limits Cons Add-on availability varies by plan choice Lower travel delay benefits than some competitors
Why We Picked Tin Leg
Tin Leg is a travel insurance provider that offers eight individual policy options. With a different level of coverage included in each plan, Tin Leg can make it easy to choose a plan that only includes the protections most important to you. Add-on options can tailor policies to your needs further, securing Tin Leg’s spot on our list as the travel insurance provider with the best customization options.
Coverage Overview
With eight travel insurance policies, Tin Leg’s medical insurance benefits range from $20,000 to $500,000, and its trip interruption coverage ranges from 100% to 150%. Most policies also include unique extra coverages not found with some other providers — like sports equipment loss and missed connections. The table below summarizes the key coverage included with three of Tin Leg’s most popular plans.
| Coverage Item | Economy | Gold | Platinum |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 per person ($100 max per item) | $500 per person ($150 max per item with a $25 deductible) | $500 per person ($25 deductible) |
| Baggage delay | $200 per person, covered after 24 hour delay | $200 per person, covered after 24 hour delay | $200 per person, covered after 24 hour delay |
| Medical expenses | $100,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
You can also upgrade your plan with the following add-on options — though available choices will vary depending on your base policy selection.
- CFAR coverage
- Financial defaults
- Cancel for work reasons
- Terrorism disruption
- Employment layoff
- Missed connections
- Sports and activities coverage
- Identity theft
- Rental car damage
- AD&D
*Higher evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Our pick for luxury travelers
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.75/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Recommended planLuxuryCareMedical and evacuation limits $100,000/$1 millionCancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros LuxuryCare plans cover trip costs up to $100,000 Offers more than nine types of travel insurance plans in most areas Extends high coverage for lost luggage Cons Lower coverage limits for medical emergencies Baggage delay coverage begins after 12 hours
Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway
If you’re planning a luxury vacation, you may have trouble finding an insurance provider to insure your trip’s total value. Berkshire Hathaway’s LuxuryCare travel insurance plans cover 100% of your trip costs up to $100,000, which is why we’ve named the provider our pick for luxury travelers. It also offers a series of specialized standard travel plans, including an AdrenalineCare policy specifically for sports travelers and WaveCare for cruises.
Coverage Overview
Berkshire Hathaway offers three general plans and more specialized coverage options. You’ll find a series of nine total plan options in most parts of the country, but we recommend the all-inclusive LuxuryCare and ExactCare Extra plans for high-value vacations.
The table below summarizes the inclusions found on some of Berkshire Hathaway’s most popular travel insurance plans.
| Coverage Item | ExactCare Extra | LuxuryCare | ExactCare |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 | $2,500 | $1,000 |
| Baggage delay | $150 | $500 | $200 |
| Medical expenses | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 |
Berkshire Hathaway allows you to add the following add-on options to your plan:
- CFAR upgrade (up to 50% trip reimbursem*nt)
- Rental car collision damage
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Our pick for international travelers
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.75/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.8/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Recommended planTrip Protection Annual Multi-TripMedical and evacuation limits$250,000/$500,000*Cancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros Unlimited number of trips included on each annual plan Annual student and faculty insurance policies cover visa requirements Trip delay benefits go into effect after six hours Cons The lowest-priced plan offers only secondary medical coverage Only extends a $20,000 coverage limit for political evacuations
Why We Picked Seven Corners
If you’re a frequent international traveler or traveling on a student visa outside the U.S., you may find it more affordable to purchase an annual plan rather than multiple single-trip plans. Seven Corners provides an annual plan with up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, $250,000 in travel medical coverage and more. Worldwide, 24/7 travel assistance is also included with all plans. While this plan does not include extensive delay protections, we consider it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers.
Coverage Overview
Seven Corners’ annual plan includes a wide range of coverages, including:
- $5,000 in trip interruption protection
- $1 million in medical and healthcare coverage
- $25,000 worth of AD&D coverage
- $100 per day in trip delay benefits (with a maximum of two days)
- $50 worth of coverage for each lost bag, up to $500
It also includes extra benefits for items like lost travel documents and baggage delays but does not cover trips within the U.S. Policies include a range of deductibles between $0 and $500 — note that selecting a lower deductible will come with a higher premium.
| Coverage Item | RoundTrip Basic | RoundTrip Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500.00 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $100.00 | $100 |
| Medical expenses | $100,000.00 | $500,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $1 million |
You can purchase the following add-ons to enhance travel insurance coverage with Seven Corners:
- Rental car collision damage
- Event ticket registration fee protection
- Sports and golf equipment rental
- CFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- IFAR coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
In addition to multi-trip, annual plans, Seven Corners also offers the following single-trip options.
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
AIG Travel Guard
Our pick for families
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 4.4/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.8/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Recommended planDeluxe PlanMedical and evacuation limits$100,000/$1 million*Cancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros Medevac plan can provide up to $5 million in medical evacuation coverage The Deluxe policy includes “Travel Inconvenience Benefits” for situations such as runway delays Offers immediate coverage with the Pack-N-Go plan for last-minute trips Cons Charges higher premiums on average, based on our review Only offers 50% in CFAR coverage
Why We Picked AIG
When shopping for travel insurance as a group or family, high combined premiums might deter some customers from purchasing coverage. We chose AIG Travel Guard as the best travel insurance provider for families because select plans — like the Deluxe policy — include one child under the age of 17 with the purchase of adult coverage. AIG also offers generous discounts on group travel coverage, which you can purchase with just a few clicks online. This can make AIG a solid choice for anyone looking for last-minute trip cancellation insurance.
Coverage Overview
AIG’s primary travel insurance product is its international travel plans, which provide 100% trip cancellation insurance, up to $1,000 in trip delay coverage, up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and other benefits commonly found with competitors. It also offers two unique policy options: the quick approval Pack-N-Go plan and an annual plan for frequent flyers.
AIG offers three travel insurance plans, all of which include family coverage:
| Coverage Item | Essential plan | Preferred plan | Deluxe plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip exchange | – | 50% of trip cost | 50% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 100% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $750.00 | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Baggage delay | $200.00 | $300 | $500 |
| Medical expenses | $15,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $150,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
It also offers the following add-ons:
- CFAR coverage (up to 50% reimbursem*nt)
- Pre-existing conditions waiver
- Rental car collision damage
- Vendor financial default coverage
- Missed connection benefit ($150)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Trawick International
Our pick for student travel insurance
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.3/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.2/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Our Review
Recommended planInternational Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation PlanEvacuation limits$100,000*Cancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers three levels of annual trip coverage Multiple traveler-specific plans are available for a variety of needs Sells cruise-specific policies Cons nternational Scholar policy only covers medical evacuations, not medical bills Does not offer student-specific coverage add-ons
Why We Picked Trawick International
Trawick is our pick for student travel insurance. While it offers more than 20 individual travel insurance policies with standard inclusions, Trawick is most notable for its unique options for students studying abroad. The International Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation plan is one many students might find affordable and meets the requirements of multiple international visas stipulating evacuation insurance. It also offers annual trip cancellation plans and coverage formatted for other types of international visa requirements. However, this plan only provides medical evacuation coverage and not general emergency medical protection.
Coverage Overview
With more than 20 individual plan options, Trawick offers a range of coverage selections. We suggest reviewing each plan option to verify it has the coverage you need, especially if you are traveling on a visa. Compare a few of the company’s most popular policies using the table below.
| Coverage Item | Safe Travels Journey | Safe Travels Voyager | Safe Travels First Class |
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost | 100% of trip cost |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost | 150% of trip cost |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $2,000 ($200 max per item) | $2,500 ($300 max per item) | $2,000 ($500 max per item) |
| Baggage delay | $400 after 12-hour delay | $600 after 8-hour delay | $400 after 12-hour delay |
| Medical expenses | $150,000 | $250,000 | $150,000 |
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Add-On Options
Coverage add-ons are not available on Collegiate Care plans.
Generali Global Assistance
Our pick for emergency assistance
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 4.25/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.8/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Our Review
Recommended planPreferred PlanMedical and evacuation limits$150,000/$500,000*Cancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros All plans include 24/7 concierge emergency assistance No dental sub-maximum included under medical coverage Extends up to 175% trip interruption coverage Cons Offers less delay compensation than other providers Optional CFAR coverage capped at 60%
Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance
We chose Generali Global Assistance as our pick for emergency assistance coverage because it offers 24/7, concierge-level service to help travelers in various situations. Generali’s travel professionals are multilingual, which can be a benefit if you’re traveling to an area where you cannot speak the primary language. In addition, Generali’s higher coverage tiers include protections such as rental car and sports equipment coverage, which other providers usually offer as add-ons.
Coverage Overview
Generali offers three plan tiers: Standard, Preferred and Premium. The Standard Plan includes a variety of benefits, including 125% trip interruption coverage, $150 per day toward delay-related expenses, $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage, $50,000 worth of medical coverage and more. Preferred and Premium plans extend benefits included with the Standard Plan and add some extras — like sports equipment coverage and rental car collision insurance.
| Coverage Item | Standard plan | Preferred plan | Premium plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs | 100% of trip costs |
| Trip interruption | 125% of trip costs | 150% of trip costs | 175% of trip costs |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,000.00 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | – | $300 | $500 |
| Medical expenses | $50,000.00 | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Generali offers the following add-on options:
- Rental car damage
- CFAR coverage (up to 60% reimbursem*nt)
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
Travel Insured International
Our pick for well-rounded coverage
4.0
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 4.25/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.8/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Recommended planWorldwide Trip ProtectorMedical and evacuation limits $100,000/$1 millionCancellation coverage100% of trip costs
Pros and Cons
Pros Does not base plan costs on your travel destination Provides optional pet kennel and rental car coverage Includes political, security and natural disaster evacuation coverage Cons No pre-existing condition coverage waiver Offers a low travel delay coverage amount compared to other providers
Why We Picked Travel Insured International
We named Travel Insured International as our pick for well-rounded coverage. It offers coverage with various optional add-ons such as event ticket registration fee protection, interruption for any reason (IFAR) and CFAR coverage. It also provides 24/7 emergency assistance and extra perks such as concierge services, medical and legal aid and passport replacement help.
*Higher medical and evacuation coverage limits are available on other policies. Contact the company to learn more.
How To Choose the Best Travel Insurance
Knowing what to look for when comparing travel insurance providers can help you pick the best plan for your needs. We encourage you to compare brand pricing and policies between multiple providers to help narrow down your available coverage options.
Compare The Best Travel Insurance For International Trips
Comparing the costs of coverage offered by different providers can help you find the most affordable option for your travel insurance needs. See the table below for a direct cost comparison between the companies we’ve chosen as our top picks, as well as Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and notable coverage limits.
| Company | Our Recommended Plan | Average Cost | Medical and Evacuation Maximums | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick | Travel Protection Plan | $298 | $250,000/$500,000 | Not rated | GET QUOTE |
| Travel Basic | $212 | $15,000/$100,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| Luxury Cruise | $175 | $150,000/$1 million | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| Gold Plan | $186 | $500,000/$500,000 | Not rated | GET QUOTE | |
| LuxuryCare® | $227 | $100,000/$1 million | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| Trip Protection Annual Multi-Trip | $216 | $250,000/$500,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| Deluxe Plan | $251 | $100,000/$1 million | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| International Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation Plan | $212 | Evacuation: $100,000 | B | GET QUOTE | |
| Preferred Plan | $255 | $150,000/$500,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
| Worldwide Trip Protector | $210 | $100,000/$1 million | A+ | GET QUOTE |
| Company | BBB Rating | Our Recommended Plan | Average Cost | Medical and Evacuation Maximums | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick | Not rated | Travel Protection Plan | $298 | $250,000/$500,000 | GET QUOTE |
| A+ | Travel Basic | $212 | $15,000/$100,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | Luxury Cruise | $175 | $150,000/$1 million | GET QUOTE | |
| Not rated | Gold Plan | $186 | $500,000/$500,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | LuxuryCare® | $227 | $100,000/$1 million | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | Trip Protection Annual Multi-Trip | $216 | $250,000/$500,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | Deluxe Plan | $251 | $100,000/$1 million | GET QUOTE | |
| B | International Student and Scholar Medical Evacuation Plan | $212 | Evacuation: $100,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | Preferred Plan | $255 | $150,000/$500,000 | GET QUOTE | |
| A+ | Worldwide Trip Protector | $210 | $100,000/$1 million | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
Asking yourself a few key questions can help further simplify your search for travel insurance. Considering the total cost of your trip, your destination, method of travel and any health concerns can help you better understand the type of policy that suits your needs best.
Was This an Important or Pricey Trip?
The value and price of your trip play a major role in travel insurance pricing. If you’re insuring a higher-value vacation, you may want to look for policies with higher overall coverage limits and travel interruption reimbursem*nts. If you’re taking a budget vacation, you might see more value in an insurer that specializes in low-cost, affordable policies.
Where Are You Headed?
It is also good practice to consider the available amenities and your trip itinerary when shopping for coverage. For example, if you’re traveling to a remote area with a less robust medical system than a city with many options, there could be a higher chance of needing medical evacuation if you end up seriously injured. In this case, we recommend a policy with higher coverage limits on medical evacuation services.
How Are You Getting to Your Destination?
If you’re taking a cruise, consider getting a quote from a travel insurance provider that offers cruise-specific coverage, such as Nationwide. While most travel insurance providers design policies to cover the basic risks associated with flying — such as lost luggage, missed connections, etc. —it is worth comparing options that include coverage specific to your trip. For example, those traveling for work may prefer Allianz Global for its business-centered plans.
Do You Have Any Health Concerns?
When thinking about your travel plans, consider if you could need medical services based on your health history and travel itinerary. If you’re older, have a pre-existing health condition, or plan to participate in physical activities or sports, consider a plan with higher medical expense limits. In addition, companies often include COVID-19 treatment under a policy’s standard emergency medical coverage, but it is best to read through coverage terms and conditions to confirm.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, offered the following advice for travelers:
“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said. “Being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency makes a huge difference.”
Is Travel Insurance Required?
In most cases, travel insurance is not required. However, some countries require visitors to have travel insurance due to visa requirements or diplomatic unrest. These countries typically only require proof that your policy covers emergency medical expenses. You can extend your coverage to also protect you against baggage loss, trip delays and cancellations.
Even if your destination does not mandate travel insurance, the U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling overseas purchase a policy that covers unexpected medical bills while abroad.
When To Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may only be worth it in some scenarios. For instance, if you booked your trip using a credit card that also offers travel insurance protection, you may not need coverage through an additional provider. We encourage you to check the details of your credit card coverage, if applicable, to ensure it aligns with your needs. If so, you can likely skip buying a separate travel insurance policy.
In addition, if you’ve booked your trip with flexible airline tickets or with a hotel that offers a flexible change or cancellation policy, you may not need a travel insurance policy. Also, travelers booking excursions or activities with refundable policies will likely not benefit from a travel insurance plan.
Finally, note that if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling within the country and have insurance through a domestic provider, you likely will need travel insurance with medical coverage. However, your coverage may not extend abroad, notably if you have a government-issued plan. But if you have private insurance that covers emergency medical expenses abroad, you may not need to purchase a travel insurance plan.
Generally, we encourage you to consider your trip, the overall cost and the flexibility surrounding your reservations when deciding whether or not to skip purchasing a travel insurance policy.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
The specifics of what is covered under your travel insurance policy will vary depending on the provider you select. The following are some of the most common types of coverage you are likely to find as you get quotes from the best travel insurance providers.
Trip cancellation coverage compensates you for nonrefundable expenses, such as your flight and lodging, if your trip gets canceled due to certain unforeseen circ*mstances. This could include unexpected weather events, a death in the family or the diagnosis of a major illness. You can check your travel insurance policy for specific coverages and exclusions. Most travel insurance companies provide 100% cancellation coverage for nonrefundable expenses when offering this type of protection.
If you need to cut your vacation short, trip interruption coverage helps cover the cost of nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses. For example, if you are visiting Peru and break your leg trekking the Colca Canyon, trip interruption insurance could help cover unused accommodations, tours and activities you missed as a result. Additionally, it may help with the expenses associated with rearranging your travel plans and returning home, such as change fees for flights or additional accommodation costs.
Baggage delay or loss coverage is another component of travel insurance that offers financial protection if your checked luggage is delayed or lost during your trip. If an airline temporarily misplaces your belongings, this coverage can help ease the inconvenience by reimbursing you for essential items, such as toiletries and lost clothing. The average amount a travel insurance provider offers will vary, and some companies have a timeline for how long you must wait after a delay before you can claim this coverage.
Medical expense coverage is a component of travel insurance that helps you cover medical bills you incur if you get hurt or sick on a trip. Depending on the health insurance you have in the U.S., your coverage may not extend to hospital bills to treat injuries and illnesses sustained outside of the country, making this type of coverage potentially valuable in the event of a medical emergency.
Emergency medical coverage does not usually include transportation or evacuation due to an illness or injury, but concerned travelers can purchase medical evacuation insurance as an add-on. For this reason, medical evacuation protection will typically have a separate coverage limit. We recommend considering higher evacuation coverage limits if traveling to a remote area without immediate hospital access.
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage entitles you to partial or full reimbursem*nt of nonrefundable trip expenses if you cancel your trip for reasons not listed in your policy.
“CFAR gives you greater flexibility to alter your plans and still get some money back on your trip expenses, regardless of why you decided to cancel your trip,” said Borden. “[It] was especially popular immediately after COVID-19 because it allowed people to cancel even if they simply changed their minds about traveling.”
She goes on to note that while travelers are generally less concerned about COVID-19’s impact on travel, CFAR coverage is still a valuable benefit.
“You never know what could happen at home or at your destination that would cause you to rethink your travel plans,” she added.
If you’re renting a vehicle on vacation, you may choose to add collision coverage. Similar to the collision coverage found on your domestic auto insurance policy, it compensates you for damage to a rental vehicle if you’re involved in an accident. This coverage is usually not legally required to drive in another country. Still, it may help cover repairs passed onto you by the rental car company if you’re involved in an accident.
Rental car agencies usually offer optional insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle. However, you could choose to opt for rental car coverage through a travel insurance plan instead. Typically offered as an add-on, it can reimburse you if a collision, theft, vandalism, natural disaster or other events damage your rental car. In some cases, you may also find it cheaper than what a rental car agency offers for protection.
What Doesn’t Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance will not cover everything associated with your trip. Exclusions vary from provider to provider, but companies typically omit common events and circ*mstances from coverage. Some examples of common exclusions include medical tourism, named hurricanes and tropical storms, and voluntary cancellation without CFAR coverage. Other standard exclusions include fear of flying, injuries resulting from participation in extreme sports and travel to particularly high-risk destinations.
Some travel insurance companies offer add-on protection plans that cover some typically excluded events. For example, CFAR coverage can partially cover cancellations not covered by your standard travel insurance policy. Extreme sports coverages or waivers can offer financial protection in the event of an injury from participation in excluded sports or activities. Regardless, we suggest thoroughly reading your contract and asking your provider questions about any exclusions you’re unsure of.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
In our comprehensive review of the travel insurance market, our team found the average cost of travel insurance was about 3% to 5% of a trip’s total value. Based on the quotes our team gathered from providers, the average cost across seven different traveler profiles came out to $221, with the average traveler paying between $70 and $300 for most trips.
To further understand the average travel insurance cost in relation to total trip value, we gathered multiple quotes from various providers for a 30-year-old traveler taking a week-long trip to France. See the table below for the average travel insurance cost based on the total cost of trips ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
| Cost of Trip | Travel Insurance Cost | Percentage of Trip Cost |
| $1,000 | $54 | 5% |
| $2,000 | $79 | 4% |
| $3,000 | $112 | 4% |
| $4,000 | $138 | 3% |
| $5,000 | $170 | 3% |
| $8,000 | $311 | 4% |
| $10,000 | $398 | 4% |
Remember that your travel insurance costs will vary based on various factors. We encourage you to get a quote from at least three travel insurance providers before purchasing coverage to ensure you get the best price for your coverage needs.
The following table outlines the average insurance cost for our top 10 companies from least to most expensive:
| Company | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $175 |
| Tin Leg Travel Insurance | $186 |
| Trawick International Travel Insurance | $212 |
| Travelex Insurance | $212 |
| Seven Corners | $216 |
| Berkshire Hathaway | $227 |
| AIG Travel Guard | $251 |
| Generali Global Assistance | $255 |
| Faye Travel Insurance | $298 |
| Travel Insured International | $304 |
We calculated the average costs for each provider in our review using seven unique traveler profiles to gain an understanding of costs for different people and scenarios, which we break down in our travel insurance methodology.
After using each profile to gather quotes for different plans, we calculated the average cost of each provider and individual policy. Our top recommended plans in the table above may cost you more or less than our averages listed depending on factors unique to your travel needs. The best way to know how much a travel insurance policy will cost is to request quotes from multiple providers for your trip.
What Impacts the Cost of Trip Insurance?
Several factors can determine how much your travel insurance will cost — and while cost matters when it comes to a travel insurance policy, the cheapest option is not always the best. If you’ve booked an expensive trip and prefer a budget travel insurance plan, it might be good to ensure the coverage is enough to protect your investment.
As you shop, keep in mind that the following factors can affect how much you pay for a travel insurance policy:
- Your age: Some travel insurance companies increase costs with traveler’s age. Based on our research, prices are the same for travelers up to age 50 and then increase from there.
- Trip cost: The more expensive the trip, the more it will cost the travel insurance company to reimburse you, according to our research. As such, your travel insurance premium will likely be higher for more expensive trips.
- Plan type: There are many different types of travel insurance policies. The more protection you have, the more expensive your travel insurance rate.
- Add-on coverages: Most plans will allow you to add certain features without upgrading your entire plan. However, add-ons will increase your overall cost. For example, you might buy basic flight insurance for $30 and add CFAR coverage for an additional $30.
- Number of travelers: While you can buy a single policy for multiple travelers, each traveler will have their own premium, increasing the total cost. However, many travel insurance companies offer group discounts.
- Destination: Your travel insurance provider will take the risk factor of your trip destination into consideration when determining the cost of insurance.
- Trip length: The longer your trip is, the more you’ll likely pay more for a travel insurance policy. Not only are longer trips more expensive, but the duration increases the chances of something going wrong and causing you to file a claim.
How To Buy Travelers Insurance
The travel insurance providers on our list offer online quote systems that allow you to view pricing and policy options after entering some information about yourself and your trip. Alternatively, you can typically purchase coverage over the phone by getting in touch with a representative using the company’s customer service line.
As you prepare to purchase travel insurance, you want to keep a few details about your vacation handy, including:
- The ages and names of everyone in your party
- Your travel destination(s)
- The dates you are traveling
- Your total trip value, including flights, accommodations, baggage and other items you need to cover
- The date of your initial trip payment
Each of these factors will play a role in the price you will pay for travel insurance coverage.
Who Needs Travel Insurance?
While most people can benefit from some level of travel insurance coverage, consider a policy if you are planning any of the following:
International trips: Traveling internationally can expose you to unfamiliar healthcare systems, unpredictable events, and potential trip interruptions. Travel insurance offers financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected expenses that may arise in foreign destinations.
Regular vacations: If you frequently travel for business or leisure, an annual travel insurance policy can be a cost-effective solution. This policy provides continuous coverage for multiple trips, saving you time purchasing separate policies.
Senior travelers: If you are a senior traveler with Medicare, your health insurance excludes most medical care outside of the country. Travel insurance with medical expenses and evacuation coverage can financially protect you if you need care while away from home.
Adventure sports: Adventure enthusiasts planning to engage in activities like hiking, skiing or scuba diving may find travel insurance with adventure sports coverage beneficial. These policies can cover potential injuries and equipment losses, which you may be more likely to run into due to your itinerary. However, not all standard travel medical insurance covers injuries related to adventure sports.
If you are considering travel insurance, we suggest getting a few sample quotes to compare coverage. Getting a quote is free, takes only a few minutes and can provide more personalized insights into the cost of your upcoming travel plan.
Top Travel Destinations of 2024
To learn more about the top travel destinations of 2024 and the average price travelers paid for coverage, our team conducted a Pollfish survey in February 2024 consisting of 1,000 U.S.-based respondents.
Of those respondents, 46% said the last time they purchased travel insurance was for a domestic trip within the U.S. The remainder of our survey participants purchased a travel policy for an international vacation, with the following countries ranking among the most popular destinations:
Survey Majority Says Travel Insurance Is Worth It
Over half of our survey respondents paid between $50 to $200 for their most recent travel insurance policy, with $200 to $300 being the second most commonly selected price range. In addition, 40% of respondents said they purchased travel insurance mainly to protect the cost of their trip. Trip cancellation coverage and medical were the next most popular reasons for buying a policy.
If you plan to travel in 2024, our team recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Over 60% of survey participants agree with our sentiments, endorsing a policy that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage and more.
Travel Trends for 2024
As the world continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry is slowly seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels. According to research from the U.S. Travel Association, domestic leisure travel is expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels throughout 2024. Some of the factors contributing to travelers’ return to airports across the globe include:
- Easing international visa and travel restrictions
- Vaccine distribution and effectiveness
- Increased demand for travel following COVID-19 lockdowns
As the demand for travel increases, so has the sale of travel insurance. The travel insurance market size is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5% between 2022 and 2028. Highly publicized stories of flight delays and cancellations occurring across the country are also contributing to public demand for travel insurance.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
While travel insurance is not required to enter countries in most parts of the world, it can be worth the cost to purchase some level of coverage. In our review, we found the average cost of travel insurance is less than 7% of what you can expect to pay for your vacation — but may provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursem*nts if you experience an unexpected cancellation or delay. The medical expense coverage included with travel insurance is also an invaluable protection, as many health insurance policies exclude care provided outside of the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance
Unlike most other types of insurance, you won’t be penalized for buying your travel insurance closer to the dates you might use it. However, many travel insurance companies require that you purchase coverage within a limited time after booking your trip. Luckily, travel insurance prices do not increase as you get closer to your departure date. That being said, some options (like CFAR coverage) may only be available for a limited time before you travel.
Your travel insurance policy will expire on the date you indicate when you purchase the plan. For most travelers, this will be the final day of your vacation. Frequent travelers might also have the option to buy annual travel insurance that protects them for a year.
International travel insurance provides you with a reimbursem*nt for nonrefundable travel expenses if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave your destination early. In addition, it may reimburse you for travel expenses like airfare and hotel costs if you cannot claim a refund from your vendors directly.
That depends. Most travel insurance companies require canceling anywhere from 24 hours to a week or more before departure in order to be eligible for reimbursem*nt.
Travel insurance premiums often increase as your departure date approaches, since the likelihood of last-minute interruptions or cancellations increases closer to your flight. It’s generally advisable to purchase travel insurance in advance to get access to the most favorable rates.
The most common type of travel insurance is trip cancellation and interruption coverage, which reimburses you if you’re forced to cancel your trip or go home early. These coverages are included on almost every travel insurance policy, except medical-only plans.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost, we gathered quotes from each travel insurance company based on different traveler profiles. Travel insurance companies at or below our calculated average cost of $221 earn full points in this category. Specifically, we obtained quotes for the following trips
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
- A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
- A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
- A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
- A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
- A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursem*nt amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursem*nt after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.
A.M. Best Disclaimer
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