major travel insurance companies

The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of April 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 8:41 a.m. UTC April 12, 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 Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans get 5 stars in our rating because of the extensive coverage they provide for the price. Both plans come with high limits for important benefits such as emergency medical and evacuation, travel delay and missed connections. WorldTrips travel insurance also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you buy a plan within 21 days of making your first trip deposit.

Best travel insurance of 2024

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 has two top-rated travel insurance plans in our rating:

• Atlas Journey Preferred provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage. Primary coverage means you don’t have to first file a medical claim with your health insurance company. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises with $1 million in coverage for emergency evacuation.
• Atlas Journey Premier costs more but gives you $150,000 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.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier has $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding 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 411 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008.

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.

Best travel insurance for missed connections

If you’re looking for good travel insurance for missed connections , it’s worth considering TravelSafe. Its Classic plan includes $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan. Some travel insurance companies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe doesn’t impose that restriction.

• 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.

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. It’s also the best trip insurance for pet parents , with an optional Pet Bundle add-on that includes pet medical, pet kennel and pet return benefits.

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Optional pet bundle adds pet medical expense and pet return 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan 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.

Cruise Choice 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.

• 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.

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.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

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.

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 searches from Jan. 1 to April 1, 2024, here are the main benefits travelers are looking for. 

Source: Squaremouth.com

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 Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier — 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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The best travel insurance companies to make sure your next trip is covered

Travel insurance can protect you against a range of unforeseen events, from lost bags to medical emergencies..

Whether you're taking a family vacation to Disney World or a romantic cruise through the Mediterranean, travel insurance could help protect your trip from the unexpected. From trip cancellations and flight delays to medical emergencies, travel insurance could protect you financially and give you peace of mind.

There are several different types of travel insurance plans to choose from when shopping for a policy. Here are a few of the common coverage types:

• Trip cancellation coverage : Helps you recoup travel expenses if you can't travel, though generally limited to specific reasons.  
• Travel delay coverage: Helps you cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. 
• Trip interruption coverage: Helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons may include an injury or illness on the trip, or a family emergency at home. 
• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage: This covers unforeseen medical expenses when traveling outside of the U.S. where your health insurance may not work. Emergency evacuation could help get you home if medically needed while overseas. 
• Baggage loss: Covers baggage that is lost, damaged or stolen during your trip.

You'll also want to consider the prospective insurer's epidemic-related coverage. Each insurance company covers epidemic-related issues, such as Covid-19, differently, so it's worth checking the fine print on a policy you're considering.  

CNBC Select analyzed dozens of different U.S. travel insurance products and narrowed down the top six for all sorts of travelers. (Read more about our methodology below.)

Best travel insurance companies

• Best for lost baggage and personal belongings: AXA Assistance USA travel insurance  
• Best for customization: Travel Guard travel insurance
• Best for cancellation coverage: Allianz travel insurance
• Best for travel medical plans: USI Affinity travel insurance
• Best for cruise insurance: Nationwide travel insurance
• Best for luxury travel: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Best for lost baggage and personal belongings 

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

AXA Assistance USA ’s travel insurance offers three different plans for travelers to choose from, with the most basic plans including trip interruption and cancellation and baggage and personal effects coverage. The platinum plan offers coverage for lost ski days and golf rounds, ideal for trips centering around those activities. 

Best for customization

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

For those wanting to cover an upcoming trip, Travel Guard is a strong option because of its variety of coverage types. With three base packages available online and more options available through a representative, there are a variety of ways to customize your policy. The deluxe, preferred and essential plans include coverage for one related child age 17 or younger.

Best for trip cancellation coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

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

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

Travelers who want the ability to cancel their trips will find 10 different travel insurance policies through Allianz . You can either purchase coverage for a specific trip or purchase an annual plan that covers an entire year's worth of trips. Instead of basic cancel for any reason coverage, Allianz offers a Cancel Anytime policy that can reimburse up to 80% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, while many other companies we reviewed cap "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage at 75%. 

Best for travel medical plans

Usi affinity travel insurance.

USI Affinity has travel medical policies in addition to trip cancellation policies. Travel medical plans include an option for frequent travelers to cover multiple trips. Trip cancellation options include coverage for road trips and group travel.

• Wide variety of plans for both trip cancellation coverage and travel medical insurance
• CFAR only covers up to 70% of non-refundable trip costs

People who are traveling out of the country can find medical plans from USI Affinity to cover them during their travels. Frequent travelers can get an annual medical plan that covers them on multiple trips of 30 days or less. This company also has trip cancellation insurance policies in addition to global travel medical plans. 

Best for cruise insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

• 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
• Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Those planning a cruise in the future might find cruise-specific travel insurance helpful. Nationwide offers cruise-specific insurance that can cover things like emergency accidents, sicknesses, itinerary changes and trip interruption to start. Nationwide offers three tiers of cruise insurance (universal, choice and luxury) to get the right level of coverage for every type of trip. Nationwide offers a 10-day review period on its cruise policies (though unavailable in NY or WA), giving you extra time to look over the policy and ensure it’s a good fit. 

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

Since a luxury vacation is a large investment, insuring it could make sure that cost is covered if you have to cancel or have your trip interrupted. Berkshire Hathaway ’s LuxuryCare travel insurance has high limits of coverage for trip interruption coverage, medical expenses, and coverage for things like sporting equipment. Berkshire Hathaway also covers cruises and adventure travel with other separate plans. 

Travel insurance FAQs

How do i choose the best travel insurance .

The best travel insurance is one that will meet your needs, cover the type of travel you’re doing (and the experiences you’re planning) and will give you the peace of mind you need. 

Shopping around for travel insurance can help you make sure that you get the best deal possible. Since policies and coverage can vary by company, it could be helpful to get several quotes and compare the coverage limits and types available from several companies to find the best deal for your specific needs and trip. 

To simplify the shopping process, a travel insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth could help you get an idea of how much you’ll spend and what types of insurance coverage are available for your trip. 

Is travel insurance worth it? 

Whether or not travel insurance is worth it could depend on the types of coverage you already have, including whether or not an existing travel credit card you hold could provide similar coverage, and whether that would cover your concerns. 

Some travel credit cards offer car rental insurance , baggage insurance, trip delay insurance, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. In addition, others offer more coverage like travel accident insurance. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, for example, offers travel accident insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, and coverage for baggage delays and lost luggage reimbursement. Several of CNBC Select’s top travel credit cards also offer some credit card travel insurance that could cover potential travel issues.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The average travel insurance costs between 4% and 10% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, according to travel insurance marketplace InsureMyTrip . 

However, travel insurance costs vary based on the cost of the travel you’re insuring, as well as the age of the travelers and any extra coverage that’s added to the policy. 

Bottom line

Travel insurance can cover a variety of unexpected events on your trip, from lost baggage to emergency medical expenses. While costs vary based on age, type of coverage and trip costs, it can be useful if you need to cancel or cut your trip short.

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Why trust CNBC Select?

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

Our methodology 

To determine the best travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of U.S. travel insurance companies that come with a wide variety of policies and offer coverage for a number of situations. 

When narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on the coverage available, including the number of plans available, 24/7 assistance availability and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage availability. We also considered financial strength ratings from AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings for customer satisfaction. 

From there, we sorted our recommendations by the best overall and runner-up, best for cancellation coverage, best for travel medical plans, best for cruise insurance and best for luxury travel.

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

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Best Travel Insurance Companies for April 2024

According to our research, Travelex is the best travel insurance company because its comprehensive coverage comes at a relatively low cost. We chose the best travel insurers in our list based on an analysis of 31 travel insurance companies across several areas that are most important to travelers, including options available for your coverage, claim and policy limits, what the policy does and doesn't cover, and typical policy costs. We took time to research insurance coverage limits and what the policies covered and rank companies accordingly.

Travel insurance is an important product to consider when booking a trip, especially if it's a pricy one or you believe there's a chance it could be canceled. If you're like the 40% of people who told Nationwide Travel Insurance they plan to travel more in 2024 than in 2023, then travel insurance could be key to making those plans a reality.

Our list of top travel insurance companies can help you choose the right provider, but you should also do your research to make sure the policy covers your particular trip. And if general travel insurance isn't enough, you may be able to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance to your policy to ensure an unexpected situation comes up, like a last-minute work or family obligation, or safety concern.

• Best Overall: Travelex
• Runner-Up, Best Overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best Value: InsureMyTrip
• Most Comprehensive Coverage: World Nomads
• Best for Older Adults: HTH Travel Insurance
• Best for Cruises: Nationwide
• Best for Medical Coverage: GeoBlue
• Our Top Picks

Allianz Travel Insurance

InsureMyTrip

World Nomads

HTH Travel Insurance

• See More (4)

The Bottom Line

• Compare Providers
• What Is Travel Insurance?

How to Get Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance cover.

• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
• What Happens When You Cancel a Trip?

Best Overall : Travelex

• Number of Policy Types: 3
• Coverage Limit: Up to 100% up to $50,000 for cancellations
• Starting Price: $24

Travelex offers coverage (up to 150% for interruptions) for you or your family members at a competitive price—and kids are included at no extra charge. A relatively low price for the high levels of coverage made it our top choice. Look for the Travel Select plan for the best coverage.

Competitive pricing for comprehensive coverage

Multiple plan options with customizable features

Children younger than 21 covered at no extra cost

Mixed pre-existing medical condition coverage depending on the policy purchase date

No annual plan available

Basic coverage plan features minimal coverage

Travelex Insurance Services is a well-known travel insurance provider based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1996, Travelex offers several insurance packages depending on the coverage you need for your trip. Policies are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, which earns an A++ rating from AM Best and AA+ from Standard & Poor’s.  Coverage is available to customers worldwide.

The Travel Select plan starts at about $36 and includes trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption, and emergency medical and evacuation, but there also are several ways to customize and upgrade coverage.

Travel is covered up to 100% up to $50,000 for cancellations. You can receive up to 150% of the trip cost, up to $75,000, for trip interruptions. Emergency medical limits are $50,000, and emergency evacuation coverage is good for up to $500,000.

In addition, Travel Select has a 15-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. If you purchase your policy within 15 days of paying for your trip and insure the full cost of the trip, your pre-existing injury or illness is likely covered.

Runner-Up , Best Overall : Allianz Travel Insurance

• Number of Policy Types: 10
• Coverage Limit: Up to $10,000 per insured, per year for trip cancellation
• Starting Price: $138

Allianz gets the runner-up spot because it offers coverage for frequent travelers with a low cost per trip. Get the best coverage from the AllTrips Executive Plan. Individual trip coverage is also available.

Annual- or single-trip plans are available

Many policy types fit varying needs

Cover yourself and your household all year even if you’re not traveling together

Does not cover extended travel periods

Some annual plans have per-trip limits while others have annual limits

Limit for emergency medical transportation coverage is only $250,000

Allianz Travel is a subsidiary of Allianz, which traces its history back to 1890 in Germany. Travel policies are underwritten by insurers with AM Best ratings of A to A+ and are available only to legal U.S. residents.

Travelers who want to hit the road many times per year should consider annual travel insurance rather than individual per-trip policies. Allianz Travel offers four different annual plans with varying benefit levels. We particularly like its AllTrips Executive Plan, which has the highest limits and coverage.

The AllTrips Executive Plan provides tiered limits starting at $5,000 for trip cancellation insurance or interruption coverage. It also offers $50,000 for emergency medical and $250,000 for emergency transportation per insured per trip. There is a lengthy list of exclusions, including extreme sports, so make sure to read the fine print before jumping into adventure activities.

Quotes for a single traveler, a couple, and a family of four had a price point of $500 per traveler per year. If you pay for comprehensive coverage at $120 per person per trip and are going to travel at least five times per year, you will break even with this plan. If you’re looking for lower costs, the AllTrips Basic, Premier, and Prime options are also available from Allianz.

Best Value : InsureMyTrip

• Number of Policy Types: Multiple options from over 20 providers
• Coverage Limit: Varies
• Starting Price: $25 to $100

Compare policies from more than 20 different travel insurance providers with one form so you know you’re getting a good deal for the coverage you need. You can find low-cost trip coverage or customize a plan to meet your needs so you don’t overpay for coverage you won’t use.

Search for quotes from multiple reputable insurers

Shop around with one application for multiple trip types

View multiple plans from eligible insurers for your planned trip

Many popular insurers are not included in listings

Initial listing pages don’t show policy limits

Includes some policies with low coverage limits

Founded in 2000, InsureMyTrip is a travel insurance comparison website that searches from more than 20 insurers using one intake form. It offers an easy-to-use sign-up tool to quickly compare multiple policies based on your specific needs. Filters are available to pick policies that cover adventure sports, higher limits, increased medical coverage, and more.

A quote for a family of four taking a 14-day trip that costs $4,000 and includes plane and hotel expenses resulted in three suggested plans with costs of around $100 to around $400 for varying levels of travel protection. Basic features included luggage coverage, travel delay, and medical care. Note that rates will differ based on where customers are originating from and where they are vacationing, as well as other variables.

The insurers you'll find while using InsureMyTrip have earned a variety of industry ratings and are generally considered reputable and financially stable. Still, as with policies bought directly from insurers, it’s a good idea to read the policy details before clicking the buy button. Each underlying insurer has different claims processes, exclusions, and limits. InsureMyTrip makes it easier, however, to be an informed travel insurance buyer.

Most Comprehensive Coverage : World Nomads

• Number of Policy Types: 2
• Coverage Limit: Up to $10,000 for trip cancellation
• Starting Price: $100 to $200

Adventure travelers and digital nomads receive good trip protection from this plan, which offers coverage of up to $100,000 for accidents for some of the most extreme adventures.

Extensive coverage with high limits for medical and emergency evacuation

Protects your bags, computers, and sports equipment when traveling

Explorer plan covers adventure sports

Only single-trip plans are available

Most pre-existing medical conditions are not covered

Not all policies cover adventure sports

World Nomads is a good insurer for those looking for adventure. The Australia-based provider was founded in 2000 and is a solid choice for worldwide travel with few excluded activities. Policies are underwritten by various insurers including the financially strong and well-known Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Generali Global, AIG, and Lloyd’s.

Coverage includes terrorist attacks, assault, medical repatriation, equipment and baggage, and overseas medical and dental. The high-end Explorer Plan covers activities including snow sports, water sports, aviation, motorsports, athletics, and high-adventure experiences. It names more than 200 activities, many of which other insurers specifically exclude.

For the Explorer Plan, a solo 35-year-old would pay around $200, depending on inputs like state of origin, for a month in Thailand, which is reasonable for such extensive coverage. The Standard Plan costs around $100 for the same trip, but it makes sense to choose higher coverage levels if you’re worried about something going wrong.

This U.S.-based policy is underwritten by Nationwide (rated A by AM Best) with a $100,000 limit for emergency accidents and illnesses, $500,000 for emergency evacuation, $10,000 for trip cancellation insurance (or interruption), and much more.

Though it doesn’t have the same insurance reputation as some other providers, it works with reputable companies to underwrite policies.

Best for Older Adults : HTH Travel Insurance

• Number of Policy Types: 5
• Coverage Limit: Up to $50,000 for trip cancellation
• Starting Price: Varies

Medical coverage may be important to older adults who need excellent travel protection with flexible options while on a budget. This is where HTH Worldwide stands out. Older adults can get high levels of medical coverage.

High levels of medical coverage for adults up to 95 years old

Up to a $1,500 allowance for someone to visit you in the hospital

May be expensive depending on your needs

Best plan for older adults requires existing health insurance

Lowest policy has a $50,000 maximum benefit per person

Headquartered in Pennsylvania, HTH Worldwide was founded in 1997, and HTH Travel Insurance offers plans with high levels of medical coverage. That’s a big concern for older adults leaving the country , as they could end up in a doctor’s office or hospital with an expensive bill to follow. HTH Travel Insurance offers up to $1 million in total coverage for medical.

Policies for travelers with existing primary insurance enjoy 100% coverage for typical hospital charges, including surgery, tests, office visits, inpatient hospital stays, and prescription drugs outside of the U.S., among other coverage.

Medical evacuation is available up to $500,000, but trip interruption and baggage coverage are pretty light. Most people will choose this plan for medical rather than travel benefits. This policy is available to applicants who are 95 years old or younger.

Travel insurance is also available for people without existing health coverage. Most older adults in the U.S. are covered by some existing coverage, such as Medicare, but Medicare doesn’t work outside of the United States, leaving people uninsured when abroad. HTH Travel Insurance provides policies for those without existing medical coverage. The age limit is 95, but there is a 180-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion.

Best for Cruises : Nationwide

• Number of Policy Types: 8
• Coverage Limit: Up to $30,000 for trip cancellation
• Starting Price: $100

Multiple options protect your cruise vacation with tailored coverage for common cruise trip issues. This makes Nationwide a good pick for those who take to the high seas for their vacations. Make sure to review the benefit levels so you pick the right coverage for your needs.

Large insurer with a strong reputation

Three different cruise insurance plans to choose from

Coverage for common cruise issues like missed connections and itinerary changes

Some plans have low coverage levels for some incidents

Benefit limits are low for trip interruption for any reason

Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered

Nationwide has been around since 1925. The Columbus, Ohio-based insurance company offers the most popular types of insurance including auto, home, and life. It also offers a few types of travel insurance coverage for individual trips, multi-trips, and cruises.

For single trip protection, Nationwide offers trip cancellation insurance of up to $10,000 with its Essentials plan and $30,000 with its Prime plan. Travelers may also get an annual travel insurance package for just $59 a year to cover delays, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost luggage, and travel assistance.

Its custom-tailored plans for cruises, however, are what landed it in this category. The Universal Cruise plan, Choice Cruise plan, and Luxury Cruise plan make it easy to pick the right coverage for your individual needs. The cost for a couple on a 10-day cruise to Mexico, for example, was quoted at around $200 for both the Universal and Choice plans.

Cruise insurance from Nationwide covers what you worry about most with a cruise. Things like broken-down ships and itinerary changes can lead to missed excursions and flights or other costs. For the Universal Cruise plan, emergency medical expenses are covered up to $75,000 with medical evacuation benefits up to $250,000.

Additionally, all plans include coverage for the weather, an extension of school sessions, work emergencies, and terrorism. The luxury plan also covers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warnings in effect at your destination.

Travelers in 2024 have concerns over trip cancelations due to unprecedented events. Nationwide's survey showed that 51% are still worried about a resurgence of COVID-19, while 54% worry about weather-related delays or cancellations. Other worries include technology issues (38%), unruly fellow travelers (37%), and employee strikes (25%). Travel insurance can help alleviate some stress about a trip being canceled.

Best for Medical Coverage : GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers multiple options to buy travel medical insurance coverage for a lower price than a full travel insurance package. It offers medical coverage on its own if you don’t want or need additional travel coverage.

Up to $1 million in medical coverage

Gives a la carte medical coverage when other trip costs are already covered

Different policies allow you to cover various needs and pre-existing medical conditions

Primarily covers medical costs

Additional primary medical coverage required

GeoBlue, headquartered in Pennsylvania, is part of Worldwide Insurance Services, and policies come with a license from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Policies are issued by 4 Ever Life International Limited, a company with a history of more than 60 years and an A rating (Excellent) from AM Best.

If you just need coverage for medical needs, GeoBlue is a good choice. This insurer offers only travel medical coverage. Paying for medical coverage means you aren't paying for the rest of your travel insurance, which you already may have covered. If you already have a credit card with travel insurance included, your card's terms likely protect things like lost luggage and missed flights, for example. Instead, you get covered just for medical, and the costs for that are as low as a few dollars per day.

Because you’re mostly getting travel medical coverage, you will pay a lot less than most other insurers on this list. Just make sure you completely understand what it does and doesn't cover. You will receive only minimal luggage protection and travel interruption coverage with GeoBlue's plans.

GeoBlue has two general plans for single trips, multiple trips, and long-term travel. Additionally, there are five specialty policies for niche travel medical insurance needs, like study abroad. It doesn’t cover everything related to your trip, but it makes medical coverage much more affordable.

Travelex is the best travel insurance company because it offers competitive pricing for comprehensive travel insurance. Policies from Travelex cover everything from canceled or interrupted trips to medical emergencies and evacuations. It also features a 15-day pre-existing medical conditions waiver, which means that as long as you book your trip several weeks in advance, you and your family members will likely still be covered.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to travel insurance. It can provide you with peace of mind and save you thousands of dollars if your travel plans are canceled or interrupted at the last minute. With world events like pandemics, natural disasters, and wars that could easily throw an unexpected wrench in your travel plans, travel insurance helps you to stay prepared. Overall, our top choice for travel insurance is Travelex.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Recommendations for the Best Travel Insurance

Investopedia collected several key data points from over 30 travel insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a travel insurance company for their trips. We used this data to review each company for cost, coverage limits, exclusions, customer service, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best travel insurance companies since 2020.

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Travel insurance covers common problems when traveling. From trip interruptions to full cancellations, it can help protect the money you put down for your travel experience.

Common coverage includes more than just an unexpected trip stoppage. It can also cover lost or damaged luggage and changes to your itinerary for covered reasons, among other benefits.

Medical coverage is an important factor to consider because your current health insurance may not work away from home. The best travel insurance includes coverage for medical treatment, dental emergencies, and medical transportation. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are at risk, it’s important to make sure your policy covers these, too.

Tips for Picking the Best Travel Insurance for You

When picking the best travel insurance policy, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some tips and factors to think about:

• Look for low pricing and good coverage : Pricing is one of the most significant factors when comparing travel insurance policies. Look for a provider that offers low rates and doesn’t skimp on coverage.
• Don't settle for the first policy type : Depending on where you’re traveling and how long you’re staying there, different types of travel insurance policies may work best for your situation. For instance, you may need a different policy for a weeklong trip than you would if you plan to travel abroad for several months.
• Match your coverage limits to your travel costs : Travel insurance plans have coverage limits for trip cancellation, interruption, and medical expenses. Look for a plan whose coverage limit matches the amount you’ve spent on your travel plans.
• Don't forget to look at the exclusions : Some travel insurance plans come with exclusions. If you’re worried about a particular event or accident, make sure it’s covered before you pay for a plan.
• Look for high customer satisfaction ratings : Customer satisfaction is also an important factor when purchasing a travel insurance plan. Look for a provider with high customer satisfaction ratings and a history of good customer service.

"As someone who is always purchasing travel insurance, and has been for years, the thing that matters to me the most is mainly coverage and customer service. I want to know what my policy will cover, especially if I am taking a trip that involves a lot of activities, as well as how easy it will be to contact the company should I need to do so.I have found in the past that the price is always very reasonable and you can shop around, so it has never been the biggest concern for me." -Alice Morgan, Senior Digital Art Director, Dotdash Meredith

• Select a travel insurance company.
• Apply for the travel insurance plan of choice on the company's website or over the phone.
• Provide basic info about who is traveling and travel plans, like name, age, location of trip, and travel expenses and costs like hotels or airfare.
• Wait to be approved.
• Create an online account for easy access while you travel. Some companies may have an app, too.
• Enjoy your trip, and file a claim online or over the phone if needed.

When you’ve selected a travel insurance plan that meets your needs, the next step is to apply for travel insurance. You’ll need to provide the insurance company with some basic information about yourself and your travel plans, including your age, where you live, the date and location of your trip, and your total travel expenses, including things like flights and hotel stays.

Many insurance companies let you apply for a policy entirely online. When your application has been approved, you can typically manage your account online and add details about your trip. If you do need to file a claim, you can typically complete the process online.

Travel insurance may include many different benefits. Here’s a look at some common situations covered by many travel insurance plans:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Missed connection
• Baggage and possession loss, damage, and theft
• Delayed luggage
• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

Emergency medical treatment may include things like ambulance services, x-rays, doctor bills, dental work, lab work, and more. It'll depend on the travel insurance company, so be sure to ask before paying for the insurance and/or additional benefits.

There are additional specialty coverages as well, such as customized policies for cruises. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare before making a final decision.

What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?

Just as homeowners insurance often excludes damage from things like earthquakes and floods, travel insurance has common exclusions you need to know about. Here are some types of coverage you may not get with travel insurance:

• Weather-related cancellations and delays
• Trip cancellations or changes due to acts of terrorism
• Trip cancellations or changes due to a pandemic
• Injuries from extreme sports and high-adventure activities

Though most policies have limits and exclusions around these circumstances, not all do. Some insurers on this list have special coverage for these exact causes or include them in standard plan terms. Again, this is why it’s so important to read your policy documents before paying for and locking in your policy.

Travel insurance costs vary widely by coverage and insurer. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars a day to more than $10 a day for short-term and single-trip coverage. The cost of your trip is another major factor in the insurance rate.

That means insurance for a single trip could cost anywhere from around $20 to hundreds of dollars. Annual policies cost around $500 per year for high levels of coverage.

There are many inexpensive travel insurance plans available, but most travelers are best protected with comprehensive coverage. It costs a bit more, but if you need to file a claim, you’ll be glad you have it.

Is Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

If you pay a lot for a trip or vacation, then travel insurance should be worth the cost because you don't want to lose out on that investment. It won't always be necessary, but if travel insurance costs just a fraction of what you paid for the trip, then you'll be happy you had it if you have to cancel a trip worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, if you book a European vacation worth $4,000 and your travel insurance costs just $400, it might be worth it so that if anything happens and you need to cancel, you still get $3,600 back in your pocket.

How Does Travel Insurance Work When You Cancel Your Trip?

When canceling your trip, you'll want to contact the travel insurance company right away. The policy and travel insurance company you selected will cover certain parts of your trip. It's important to review this policy and details to understand exactly what you need to do to get your money back for your trip.

Don't cancel your trip until you read your policy and know what is required for your claim.

For example, if you are ill and a doctor tells you not to travel, you may need to get a written note from the doctor and submit it with your trip cancellation claim.

Before you submit a claim and cancel your trip, consider if you can delay it and reschedule it instead. If you can't, then make sure you have all the required documents (receipts, proof of hotel booking, airline ticket confirmation, etc.). Once you submit your claim, it could take days (Allianz says up to 10 business days, sometimes) for you to receive notice that the claim was processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which countries is travel insurance required.

Travel insurance is not mandatory or required by all countries, but some do. For example, Cuba requires people traveling from the U.S. to Cuba to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which may be covered through travel insurance or an airline. Other countries that may require or strongly encourage travel insurance include Antarctica, Egypt, Chile, Turkey, and more. Check a country's specific travel requirements before booking your trip to understand if travel insurance is required.

Does Travel Insurance Really Pay?

Travel insurance might not be worth the cost for lower-cost trips and low-risk vacations. However, expensive international trips or large family vacations can make additional travel insurance a reasonable investment.

If you spend thousands of dollars on a trip, it is probably worth spending a couple of hundred more to make sure you get your money back if the trip doesn’t go as planned. If something goes wrong, which can lead to expenses valued at tens of thousands of dollars, it’s good to have a financial backstop so you don’t have to pay for everything out of pocket.

That said, you should check to see what coverage is already available to you through other venues. For instance, many credit cards cover the cost of lost or delayed luggage if you purchase your airfare using that card. Your primary health insurance may cover your medical insurance needs, especially for domestic travel.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Cruise?

Just as with any kind of trip, whether you need cruise insurance largely depends on the cost of the trip, and where you're going. If you're paying more than $1,000 for a cruise, travel insurance is probably worth it. For instance, you may want international medical insurance if you're traveling to other countries because some health insurance policies do not cover international travel—Medicare and Medicaid in particular.

Just be aware that if you buy cruise insurance (as opposed to a general travel insurance policy), it may not cover travel before and after the cruise, such as your flight to the port and any hotel expenses you may have pre- or post-trip.

Does State Farm Offer Travel Insurance?

State Farm does not offer travel insurance. State Farm offers car insurance, motorcycle insurance, boat insurance, motorhome insurance, off-road vehicle insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, condo insurance, life insurance, liability insurance, small business insurance, and more.

Can You Buy Travel Insurance After Booking a Flight?

Yes, you can book travel insurance after booking a flight. This may be a great time to book travel insurance because you'll know what coverage you need in case something happens and your trip is canceled. Signing up for travel insurance as soon as possible will always be your best bet.

Which Travel Insurance Is Best?

The best travel insurance company is Travelex because it offers comprehensive coverage at a relatively low price. Travelex has multiple plan options and family members younger than 21 are covered at no extra cost. Another perk is Travelex's Travel Select plan which has a 15-day pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. If you purchase your policy within 15 days of paying for your trip and insure the full cost of your trip, your pre-existing injury or illness is likely covered.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Canceled Flights?

Most travel insurance covers canceled flights, as well as delayed flights. If your flight is delayed by a certain number of hours, your travel insurance may reimburse you for the additional money you spent as a result of that delay or cancelation.

What Is the Best Rate for Travel Insurance?

The best rate for travel insurance will be whatever it costs for comprehensive coverage for your trip. While you can get travel insurance that costs just $10 per day, it may not come with the coverage you need for your trip—especially if it's an expensive trip or if you're worried it could be canceled or interrupted.

How We Found the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with this list of the top travel insurance providers, we looked at more than 30 different travel insurance companies and plans. Major areas of focus included coverage options, claim and policy limits, what’s covered, and typical insurance policy costs.

The biggest focus was on insurance coverage limits and what each policy covers. Cost is important, but a difference of $20 for much better coverage is often negligible. The most important features examined in this review are the ones that make your policy valuable and easy to use if you ever need it.

Your Guide to Travel Insurance

• Do I Need Travel Insurance?
• How to Get the Cheapest Travel Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance Options for Older Adults
• Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance
• How Much Is Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?
• How to Buy Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

Nationwide. " Survey: U.S. Consumer Travel to Surge in 2024 ."

Travelex. " About Travelex ."

S&P Global Market Intelligence. " Insurance Ratings Actions: S&P Acts on Berkshire Hathaway’s Insurance Segment ."

AM Best. " AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Berkshire Hathaway Life Ins Co of Nebraska and First Berkshire Hathaway Life Ins Co ."

Travelex. " Travel Select ."

Allianz. " History of Allianz ."

AM Best " AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of BCS Financial Group Members ."

AM Best. " AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Allianz SE and Rated Subsidiaries ."

Allianz Travel. " AllTrips Executive ."

InsureMyTrip. " About ."

World Nomads. " About World Nomads ."

World Nomads. " What's Covered for Americans? "

World Nomads. " Summary of Plan Benefits: Explorer Plan ."

AM Best. " AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Its Property/Casualty Subsidiaries; Affirms Credit Ratings of Life Affiliates ."

HTH Travel Insurance. " About Us ."

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. " Travel Outside the U.S. "

HTH Travel Insurance. " Options for Travelers Without a Primary Plan ."

Nationwide. " About Nationwide ."

Nationwide. " Nationwide Single-Trip Insurance ."

Nationwide. " Nationwide Annual Travel Insurance ."

Nationwide. " Cruise Travel Insurance ."

4 Ever Life. " About Us ."

AM Best. " AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of BCS Financial Group Members ."

GeoBlue. " Travel Medical Insurance Plans ."

Squaremouth Travel Insurance. " Emergency Medical ."

Allianz. " Trip Cancellation Checklist ."

U.S. Embassy in Cuba. " Medical Assistance ."

InsureMyTrip. " Which Countries Require Travel Insurance? "

State Farm. " Types of Insurance Coverage ."

Travelers. " When to Get Travel Insurance ."

Travelex. " Trip Delay Coverage ."

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Our Review of the Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers for Any Destination

Reviews of the Top 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies

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Updated: October 27, 2022

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Whether you're planning your honeymoon, a family trip to Hawaii or a business trip to meet new clients, travel insurance can provide protection when your plans go astray. There are generally three main types of travel insurance: travel cancellation and disruption; medical assistance and evacuation; and baggage loss and delay. We researched dozens of travel insurance companies to pick the best in the industry. The right plan for you may depend on the nature of your travels, who is traveling and your budget. But whatever your needs, these 10 picks are financially stable, reliable companies with a good track record and comprehensive coverage.

Our Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers

Best : Overall, and for families with kids Travelex Insurance Services is a leading travel insurance provider based in Omaha, Neb. Its parent company, Travelex, has been a worldwide leader in foreign currency exchange for decades, and Travelex Insurance was started in 1996. The company's travel insurance policies are underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company and Transamerica Casualty Insurance company, which has a financial rating of A+ from A.M. Best, and TransAmerica Casualty Insurance Company, which has A.M. Best ratings of A. The company has won the international luxury travel network Virtuoso's Best Travel Insurance Provider award for eleven years in a row. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which gives it an A+ rating.

Coverage: Travelex offers two main coverage plans - basic and select (family-friendly) - and two flight insurance opt-ins. They offer protection for both leisure and business travelers. Like many companies here, they cover younger children (17 and under) at no additional cost. The company boasts a high claims paid rate (previously reported at 94 percent).

Website/mobile apps: The Travelex mobile website allows you to shop and purchase policies, get emergency assistance, and access trip-related documents from your phone. You can initiate a claim and check the status of your claim online.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Basic $377, Select $333, Max $895

Best for : Frequent travelers Allianz Travel Insurance is part of the giant multinational corporation Allianz, which has over 140,000 employees on five continents. Allianz insures over 80 million customers worldwide. The company has been around for over 100 years. In fact, Allianz insured the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903. Today Allianz is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, which gives them an A+ rating. Its financial rating from A.M. Best is A+.

Coverage: Allianz offers a handful of distinct plans including those for frequent travelers. If you travel for business, for example, it might be worth investing in an annual plan that covers both medical and lost baggage expenses for all your trips throughout the year.

Website/mobile apps: Back in 2013 Allianz won an award for its TravelSmart mobile app, which connects travelers to approved hospitals in over 120 countries. The app also allows travelers to check on flight statuses, get emergency international assistance, and access their policy while on the road.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $304.

Best for : Luxury Travel TravelGuard is a subsidiary of AIG. Its policies are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which has an A.M. Best financial rating of A. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of A+.

Coverage: TravelGuard includes trip assistance - including dealing with lost bags, cancelled flights, or medical emergencies - via agents who are available 24 hours a day. They offer three basic plan levels - Deluxe, Preferred, Essential - as well as numerous additional upgrades and packages. Upgrades can cover things like last-minute trips where cancellation isn't a factor. TravelGuard stands out in its overage levels - it will insure a trip coverage up to $500,000, higher than the average industry coverage. All of its plans include concierge service and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Website/mobile apps: TravelGuard has an online Claims tool that allows clients to easily file a claim from a computer or mobile device. The tool speeds up the claims process while allowing users to upload photos and documents, electronically sign claims forms, and check the status of a claim from their phones.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Silver $252/Gold $309 / Platinum $655

Best for : Traveling with pets San Diego-based Generali Global Assistance has provided travel insurance since 1991. The insurance division has previously been known as CSA Travel Protection. Generali Global is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating and an A financial rating from A.M. Best.

Coverage: CSA offers three plans: Standard, Preferred and Premium. It covers telemedicine services with its plans and medical costs if a person becomes sick or injured during their trip. It also reimburses medical costs if you pay out of pocket. As with most travel insurance companies, CSA offers 24/7 emergency assistance, concierge services, identity theft resolution services and a 10-day "free look" period. If you change your mind within 30 days of purchasing the insurance and before you start your trip, the company will provide a full refund. It offers pet relocation services: If you have a medical emergency and cannot take care of your pet while on vacation, it will return your pet home. It also has a Pet Service Locator to help you find vets or other pet services on your travels. For pre-existing medical conditions, you would need to purchase the Premium plan before or at least 24 hours in advance of your final trip payment. You will also need to be medically able to travel, and your prepaid expenses are insured.

Website/mobile apps: They walk you through the claim-filing process step-by-step on their website .

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $298.52 Standard / $346.28 Preferred / $398 Premium

Best for : Budget Adventure Travel World Nomads has targeted its insurance at independent travellers and adventure-seekers. If your vacation includes activities like kite sailing, snowboarding, or bungee jumping, this might be the company for you. The company is recommended by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Adventure... But you don't have to be an adventure seeker to benefit from the very competitive rates offered by World Nomads. The company's policies are underwritten by Lloyd's, which has an A financial rating from A.M. Best.

Coverage: World Nomad offers two levels of insurance plans, which include all of the typical coverage options. In addition, it offers coverage for cameras, laptops, digital gear, and all sorts of travel activities.

Website: World Nomads has an interactive website that allows you to ask questions related to travel and receive both informative articles and blog posts from fellow travelers. It has also developed language apps for iPhones. And you can purchase policies and file claims online from anywhere in the world.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $185 to $255. World Nomad doesn't ask the cost of your trip for the online quote, or the number of travelers, but does distinguish between single, couple, and family groups. The quote tool offers an option to donate to a cause in your destination as well.

Best for : Workaholics In addition to providing travel insurance, AXA offers trip other assistance through its network of over 9,000 staff members in over 30 offices around the world. The company has a financial rating of A from A.M. Best. American Modern Home Insurance - which has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best - underwrites AXA travel policies. AXA Assistance has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Coverage: AXA offers three plans (gold, silver, platinum). It offers an additional "cancel for any reason" policy, which will cover up to 75 percent of your pre-paid non-refundable trip costs. This option must be purchased within 14 days of your first trip payment, but it's a good option for people whose jobs are unpredictable.

Website/mobile app: The website provides a clear chart outlining the three levels of service and their coverage, and it is fast and easy to get an online quote.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $342 Silver / $395 Platinum / $492 Gold

Best for : Study abroad/Expats HTH Travel Insurance is a leader in providing medical coverage for international students and expatriates. The company's policies are underwritten by Nationwide, which has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. HTH is not rated by the Better Business Bureau, but it is a member of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) and has signed on to its Code of Ethics.

Coverage: In addition to providing traditional comprehensive trip insurance, HTH specializes in providing medical coverage for students, faculty, and expats living abroad. The long-term overseas coverage only covers medical issues, not trip cancellation or lost baggage. The plan will pay up to $1,000,000 for a medical evacuation and contains no lifetime limit.

Website/mobile apps: The website offers a lot of information about overseas travel and living and provides straightforward quotes. The mPassport app gives you access to thousands of doctors around the world who speak English.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Economy $389, Classic $456, Preferred $546.

Best for : Mobile app aficionados Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway is not known for travel insurance, but it is rapidly gaining recognition in the market for its technological advances in the field. It launched its travel protection program in 2014 and has been winning over customers with its fast claims payments. Berkshire Hathaway has an A.M. Best financial rating of A++. It is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.

Coverage: BHTP offers six distinct plans tailored to meet your specific travel needs. Options are available for adrenaline junkies, low-budget fliers, family vacationers, business travelers, and even those looking to relax on a cruise.

Website/mobile apps: Berkshire Hathaway is a leader in providing mobile apps to facilitate rapid claims and payments. You can file a claim online or via the mobile app, which also allows you to track flights, get help finding lost luggage, rebook flights and purchase policies. Getting an online quote is also possible, but the process isn't quite as smooth.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: ExactCare Family: $249; ExactCare: $346.

Best for : International volunteers or employees The Indiana-based Seven Corners began offering international medical insurance in 1993. Today Seven Corners offers a wide range of travel insurance to U.S. residents and foreigners visiting the U.S. It also offers group plans to companies, non-profits and U.S. government agencies seeking to protect their staff and volunteers when traveling. It is the travel insurance provider for the Peace Corps and other U.S. government agencies. Different plans are underwritten by different companies. The popular RoundTrip comprehensive plans are underwritten by Nationwide, with an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. Other plans are underwritten by Lloyds of London or U.S. Fire Insurance Company, both of which have A ratings from A.M. Best.

Plans: Seven Corners offers a wide range of plans for almost every conceivable coverage option. Its RoundTrip plans provide comprehensive trip coverage (including trip cancellation, medical treatment, and lost property). The RoundTrip Elite plan allows you to cancel for any reason (with 75% reimbursement) and covers pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase the plan within 20 days of your trip deposit and fully insure your trip.

Website/mobile app: In 2016, Seven Corners launched a new mobile website that allows consumers to purchase plans, get 24-assistance and learn about travel insurance from their smartphones.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: Economy $416, Choice $441, Elite $462.

Best for : Hassle-free claims Founded in 1988 in France, April International now operates in 33 countries. April has an A+ financial rating from A.M. Best. Its U.S. travel insurance policies are underwritten by American Modern Home Insurance, which also has an A.M. Best rating of A+. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating, and it's a member of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association.

Coverage: April provides traditional comprehensive travel insurance, but it also offers an annual plan designed for people who travel at least three times per year. For fairly low prices, you can get basic coverage for trip interruption or delay, medical expenses, and baggage delay or loss. These are plans designed for frequent travelers who don't want to sweat the many small complications that can add up to big expenses. April prides itself on its Stress Less Benefits, which often allows policyholders to avoid a claims process and instead just call in their issue while traveling. If a claims report is needed, the company seeks to get it paid within 30 days.

Website/mobile apps: April has an easy to use website (though some reimbursements require the old-fashioned way) as well as a fully functional "Easy Claim" app.

Sample online quote: Family of four, going on a 10-day, $10,000 trip: $482.

We reviewed dozens of travel insurance providers to come up with this list of top companies. Our criteria for inclusion included:

Experts recommend you do your homework before buying a travel insurance policy. The industry is known for excessive exclusions and confusing language in small print. The National Consumer League recommends that you:

Check to see if you're already covered through another policy. Lots of insurance policies (including home, auto, and life) and credit cards offer partial coverage for trip interruption or medical emergencies.

Read the fine print - especially regarding exclusions. Things like pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related issues, job loss or travel in a country that has reported a high threat of terrorism may be excluded.

Remember that you can get your money back. Lots of travel insurance companies allow you to get your money back if you cancel the plan within ten days (before travel).

Don't purchase travel insurance through airlines. Airlines aggressively push these cancellation insurance plans and pay commissions of 10 to 40 percent to the travel agents who sell them.

Consumer Reports recommends that you use an online travel insurance broker to search for a good match for your travel. Sites like Squaremouth , InsureMyTrip.com , or QuoteWright.com all allow you to shop and compare quotes. Even if you use such a service, however, Consumer Reports recommends contacting the carrier directly to go over the coverage and fine print before purchasing a policy.

U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) This professional association represents travel insurance companies and promotes ethical and professional industry standards. You can search its database for member organizations.

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Provides information and advice for consumers regarding when and how to purchase travel insurance.

Insurance Information Institute (III) The III is dedicated to promoting a public understanding of insurance. It has a page providing travel insurance facts.

Your state Insurance Commissioner All insurance is regulated at the state level. NAIC provides an interactive map so that you can click on your state and be directed to your state's Insurance Commissioner.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB allows you to search its vast online database to check on the reputation and any complaints that have been filed against a company.

About Mary Purcell, MA

Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher in Piedmont, Calif., with expertise in policy analysis. She is fluent in Spanish and has a master's degree in Latin American studies from Georgetown University. Her articles have appeared on LimeHealth, Narrative, Consumer Health Interactive, and other outlets.

Advertiser Disclosure

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 .

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for All Travelers [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

305 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3106 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Purchase from a real insurance company, purchase your policy early, world nomads, berkshire hathaway travel protection, military and military families, travelers with disabilities, travelers with pets, the best travel insurance comparison sites and tools, credit cards with insurance, employer-sponsored health plans, club memberships, medicare advantage and medicare supplement plans, final thoughts.

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If you travel frequently, chances are you’ve encountered an event that could have been less stressful and less expensive if you’d purchased travel insurance.

Perhaps it was that cruise you booked but couldn’t take due to your broken ankle. Or maybe your flight had a weather delay and were forced to pay for an expensive hotel night, meals, and transportation.

Maybe you made it to your destination without incident — but your luggage never arrived.

Whether you’re escaping for the weekend or planning an around-the-world adventure, travel insurance is worth considering if you would experience financial loss should things go wrong .

But how do you select the right travel insurance company and the appropriate policy for your specific situation?

The vast number of choices can be daunting, but we can help you narrow the options.

In this article we’ll discuss:

• What travel insurance covers
• Where and when you should purchase travel insurance
• The best travel insurance companies for your travel situation
• Where you should look for current coverage

Let’s explore some of the best travel insurance companies and what to look for when selecting one to purchase your policy with.

Travel insurance is protection you purchase to cover you for the specific types of losses you could experience while traveling.

Types of coverage you can purchase in a travel insurance policy include:

• Emergency medical care while traveling
• Evacuation to a hospital should you become injured
• Costs associated with trip interruption, delay, or cancellation
• Lost/stolen/damaged luggage
• You become ill and cannot take a planned trip
• You need to cancel your trip for any reason

You can purchase a policy that covers an individual trip, multiple trips, or a family policy.  Another choice is an annual policy that covers all of the trips you would take in a 12-month period.

Where & When to Purchase Travel Insurance

You’ll of course want to purchase your travel insurance from a reputable company. Fortunately, all insurance companies are state regulated and rated financially , so it’s easy to select a trusted provider. Here are some tips:

• Look for ratings on the company’s website — Look for ratings such as A+ on a company’s website, or access their financial rating on sites such as A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard and Poors.
• See if they’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau — BBB accreditation is a real plus, and companies who have it will flaunt it.
• Look for the word “Insurance” — Travel “protection,” “assurance,” or simply “travel policy” don’t mean the same thing. If the company is not an insurance company, it may not be regulated — and you may not be protected if the company dissolves or decides not to pay your legitimate claim.

Hot Tip: Due to “free look period” regulations that apply to insurance companies, you’ll also have the opportunity to review your policy and reject it if you are not satisfied.

In most cases you can purchase travel insurance up until the day of your departure. However, there are benefits to purchasing a policy earlier:

• Protection if you get sick and cannot go on your prepaid trip
• Travel planning and concierge services
• Coverage for weather cancellations (such as for hurricanes)
• Default of the travel company

The best plan of action is to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you’ve made your first trip deposit .

Bottom Line: Buy from a regulated insurance company that has a high financial rating and BBB accreditation. Additionally, purchase your policy at least 21 days in advance of your trip to take advantage of pre-departure coverages and benefits.

Best Travel Insurance Company for the Family (Recommended)

Obtain a family travel insurance quote from most companies, and you’ll be charged for each child added to the policy.

Travelex does things a bit differently and covers children under the age of 18 on the parent’s policy at no additional charge.

As an example, their Travel Select policy for a family of 4 (ages 35, 36, 8, and 10) on a 2-week trip that costs $4,600 quoted a premium of $242.

Primary Coverage includes:

• Trip cancellation 100% of trip cost
• Trip interruption 150% of trip cost
• Trip delay $750 ($250/day)
• Equipment delay $200
• Missed connection $750
• Baggage & personal effects $1,000
• Baggage delay $200
• Emergency medical & dental expenses $50,000
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation $500,000
• Accidental death & dismemberment $25,000
• Travel assistance & concierge services

There are plenty of upgrade options available, such as cancel-for-any-reason coverage and additional medical coverage.

Travelex is also backed by A++ rated Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Be sure to compare rates between companies to find the best value for the coverage most important to you.

Bottom Line: For family coverage all on 1 policy, comprehensive protection, and good value, Travelex is a solid choice. 

Best Travel Insurance Company for the Active Traveler

If you’re the type of traveler who partakes in adventure activities such as white water rafting, scuba diving, or even bungee jumping, there’s one company that stands out above the others.

World Nomads offers comprehensive travel insurance plans that cover a huge variety of over 200 activities — even dangerous ones!

But you don’t have to be a risk-taker to benefit from World Nomads travel insurance .

Any traveler can benefit from their policies, which offer a combination of the coverages travelers need most.

Highlights of World Nomads Travel Insurance

• You can purchase the insurance from anywhere, before you travel or during your travels
• Backed by highly rated companies such as  Lloyd’s and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
• World travel specialists
• 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance
• Single-trip, multiple-trip, and long-term policies are available
• Best overall coverage for active travelers
• Standard and comprehensive plans to choose from
• Policies are available for travelers through age 69

Let’s take a look at a sampling of their travel insurance policies to get an idea of the coverage and cost.

World Nomads offers Standard Plans and more comprehensive Explorer Plans.

This particular policy is an Explorer Plan for a 40-year-old traveling for 6 months to 5 countries. The premium cost came to $814. (The Standard Plan with lower coverage limits was $567.)

Let’s take a look at a shorter term policy for a 35-year-old traveling to 5 countries over a 1-month period. The cost for this policy is $133 for the Standard  Plan and $236 for the Explorer Plan.

Your World Nomads travel insurance policy covers you once you’re more than 100 miles from home , so their policies are great for domestic travel too.

If you want a comprehensive travel insurance policy with all the coverage you would need when traveling, World Nomads is a good choice.

You must be under age 70 to purchase travel insurance from World Nomads, and they do not cover pre-existing conditions .

For travelers age 70 and up, World Nomads partners with Silver Nomads to provide coverage through  TripAssure .

To secure a quote now for travel insurance, visit the World Nomads website .

Best for Purchasing an Affordable Annual Travel Insurance Plan

If you’re taking 3 or more trips a year, an annual travel insurance policy could save you money.

An annual policy also has the added benefit of insuring trips you haven’t even booked yet!

Consider including travel insurance provider Allianz when comparing policies if you’re looking for coverage for multiple trips during a 12-month period.

Allianz was voted best travel insurance provider by Travel Weekly for 2018 , but that’s just one of the 12+ awards this company won during the year.

After reviewing several companies and policies, I purchased my annual travel insurance policy from Allianz because it was the right mix of price and coverage for my travel schedule.

In addition to the coverage listed in the above example, these annual plans include baggage loss/damage, travel delay , and car rental coverage.

To determine if an annual travel policy is better for you, simply price each planned trip separately and compare the cost and coverage to the annual policy .

Allianz also offers affordable travel insurance plans for families.

Hot Tip: An annual travel insurance policy with Allianz has the added benefit of covering trips you haven’t yet booked! Any trips 45 days or less in length are covered.

Best for Medical Insurance While Traveling

If you have current medical insurance that will not cover you while traveling, the type of medical travel insurance policy you purchase will be different than if you do not have current medical insurance.

Fortunately, medical travel insurance coverage is available in either scenario.

If you have current medical insurance , you can affordably supplement it with a GeoBlue medical travel insurance plan and have coverage worldwide.

For those who don’t have current medical insurance , one option is to purchase a comprehensive plan that includes medical, such as Exact Care Plus policies with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

This example is for an annual comprehensive travel insurance policy for a 35-year-old (costing $292).

In addition to primary medical insurance of $50,000 and evacuation/repatriation insurance of $500,000, you’ll receive these coverages:

• Trip cancellation – 100% of trip cost
• Trip interruption – 150% of trip cost
• Trip delay – $1000
• Missed connection – $100
• Tarmac delay – $1,000
• Flight departure delay – $50
• Lost baggage – $500
• Delayed baggage – $150

Terms and conditions apply, and the price will vary depending on the cost of the trip, destinations, age of traveler, and coverage selected.

Hot Tip: You may be able to secure an annual comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes primary medical coverage for not much more than just an annual medical travel insurance plan. 

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

According to Medjet, over 2 million travelers each year need medical evacuation. Unfortunately, emergency medical evacuations can run between $30,000 and $150,000!

Backed by Lloyd’s of London, A + rated, and BBB accredited, Medjet is the premier provider of emergency evacuation services.

Medjet is not insurance — it is a membership that assures you’ll have medical transport when you need it, even in remote areas.

Short term membership starts at $99, while annual membership is $295.

Coverage includes worldwide medical transport and associated services.

Additional coverage is available for terrorism evacuation, kidnap for ransom, disappearance, wrongful detention, and blackmail/extortion.

Best Travel Insurance Companies for Special Situations

Are you current or former military, a senior traveler, disabled, or simply want to make sure you have insurance when traveling with your pet?

Fortunately, specialty travel insurance is widely available to everyone.

Military members have unique circumstances when it comes to travel insurance, such as redeployment and other situations specific to military service.

USAA members receive extra protection and exclusive rates on travel insurance policies. Current military, their families, and former military can qualify.

Additionally, children are included on most plans for no extra charge .

Here’s what these plans generally include:

• Lost or delayed baggage
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Trip interruption/cancellation even due to illness
• Medical coverage
• Weather interruptions to your trip
• Emergency evacuation and assistance

Need a good credit card? Check out our list of the best credit cards for military .

• World Nomad  partner  TripAssure  offers travel insurance for those 70 years old and above.
• GeoBlue issues medical insurance travel plans up to age 84.
• Allianz and Berkshire Hathaway offer policies up to 99 years of age!
• Allianz Global Assistance (recommended by Wheelchair Travel.org) offers policies for those with disabilities or special needs at standard prices.
• Travelex’s Travel Max Policy  – $1000 for emergency pet medical treatment. If you are unable to take care of your pet due to hospitalization while traveling, there is coverage of up to $10,000 to transport your pet back home.

If you want to compare travel insurance companies and individual policies, a comparison tool can do just that.

Here are 4 of the most popular comparison sites, all of which offer dozens of policies from scores of travel insurance companies:

• Squaremouth
• InsureMyTrip
• Travel Insurance.com

Comparison sites do not list every travel insurance company , but they can help narrow your choices and get an idea of pricing and coverage.

Note that some sites are limited to single-trip policy searches and don’t allow you to search for annual travel insurance policies.

Coordinating Travel Insurance With Current Coverage

You may currently have some form of travel insurance and not realize it, so check for current coverage if you have any of these resources.

Credit cards can provide a multitude of travel benefits. One of the best credit cards for travel benefits include the Chase Sapphire Preferred :

• Domestic and worldwide car rental insurance
• Trip delay , cancellation , and interruption protection
• Lost/delayed baggage protection
• Roadside assistance
• Travel and emergency assistance
• Travel accident insurance
• Cell phone protection

It’s worth noting that to receive credit card travel benefits, you must pay for your trip with your qualifying credit card .

Some credit cards grant coverage when paying partially, but some require the entire purchase be paid with the card (or rewards points from the card).

Hot Tip: To find out which credit cards offer protection , we put together a comprehensive overview of credit cards and the associated travel benefits.

While many health insurance plans limit coverage outside of the United States, you may find travel coverage within your plan that can be quite significant.

For example,  Unum  is one of the most common group insurance companies offering employers travel insurance for their employees through  Assist America .

You may find these types of protection included:

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

Bottom Line: It’s important to know if your current health insurance plan will cover you when traveling. You may find unexpected coverage or some gaps in coverage, and be able to supplement your plan with a travel insurance policy prior to your trip. 

Certain club memberships offer benefits that can include various levels of travel insurance coverage:

• Divers Alert Network — Emergency evacuation insurance, even when traveling for non-diving activities
• Family Motor Coach Association — Discounted worldwide travel assistance
• Gold Wing Road Riders Association — Free emergency towing and roadside assistance for motorcycles
• American Motorcycle Association — Emergency towing and roadside assistance coverage for motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs
• American Alpine Club — Search and rescue for any land-based activity worldwide up to $7,500

Hot Tip: Divers Alert Network provides up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation insurance for members, even during non-diving activities. The cost to be a member is only $35 annually. 

Only in rare circumstances does Medicare extend coverage outside of the U.S.

Supplemental plans you purchase over and above your plan A and B Medicare, however, can pay 80% of medical emergency care outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible.

Coverage is valid for the first 60 days you’re traveling and has a $50,000 lifetime cap.

BOTTOM LINE: Benefits offered with credit cards, club memberships, employer-sponsored health plans, and Medicare do not match the protection you’ll receive with a comprehensive travel insurance policy. However, knowing what you have currently can help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage. 

Insurance serves the purpose of protecting us from great financial loss. For this reason, it is wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip that includes the potential to lose money if things go wrong.

Travel insurance also delivers peace of mind. Even if we never use the insurance, it is one less worry knowing we’ll be compensated if an incident occurs.

Fortunately, travel insurance is broadly available and also affordable. And there are so many choices!

Be sure to purchase your travel insurance policy from an actual regulated insurance company for an extra level of protection.

Our selections in this article were limited to strong financially rated companies, those that provided ease in getting a quote, and those that offered an understandable overview of coverages.

To learn more about travel insurance and assistance in finding a policy that fits your travel needs, access our ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance .

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best travel insurance company.

The best travel insurance company is the one that offers a policy that fits a combination of your budget and your travel needs.

The insurance company should be highly rated financially and ideally be certified with the Better Business Bureau.

You should also make sure that the policy you purchase is from an actual insurance company.

Insurance companies are state regulated and must adhere to rules and regulations. This extra level of protection can help if the company should go out of business or not pay your legitimate claim.

As always, it’s good to compare coverage and price to find the best combination for your situation.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that includes medical insurance, or you can purchase one that has only medical insurance coverage.

There are plans that require you to have current medical insurance. These plans are called secondary plans, and they pay incurred medical costs over and above what your current policy pays.

There are also plans that are primary plans, which pay regardless of whether you have other medical insurance. If you do not have current medical insurance, you will want a primary medical travel insurance policy.

Do credit cards have travel insurance?

Credit cards offer limited travel insurance. You won’t find medical coverage, emergency evacuation insurance, or coverage if you need to cancel your trip due to an illness.

Credit cards can offer a trip interruption benefit, coverage for lost baggage, and even rental car coverage.

However, the coverage that comes complimentary on your credit card does not come close to the protection you receive with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

It is good to know the current coverage offered on your credit card, however, so that you don’t purchase duplicate coverage.

Is there travel insurance that covers multiple trips?

Yes, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that covers a single trip, multiple trips, or an annual insurance policy that covers all the trips you would take in a 12-month period.

If you plan to take more than 2 or 3 trips a year, you should look into an annual travel insurance policy.

Price out what it would cost for separate policies for the trips you have planned, then price out an annual plan to compare the difference in cost.

You will also want to compare coverage and coverage limits.

One advantage to an annual travel insurance policy is that it will cover trips you may book in the future as long as they fall into the 12-month policy term.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Best Travel Insurance Based on In-Depth Reviews

• 200+ Hours of research
• 60+ Sources used
• 15 Companies vetted
• 3 Research Criteria
• 6 Top Picks

• Look for customizable coverage
• How we analyzed the best Travel Insurance Companies
• Our Top Picks: Travel Insurance Reviews
• Travel Insurance and the Novel Coronavirus

In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic—and the accompanying social distancing and travel restriction measures implemented across the world—record numbers of flights, vacations, cruises, and other travel plans have been thrown into disarray. While the response from individual airlines  and hotel chains has been to relax their cancellation policies, travel insurance companies are a different story . The travel insurance policy types that would apply to most of those canceled plans are trip cancellation or trip interruption, both of which are usually named-peril plans. This means that they'll honor the coverage on the insurance policy, but ONLY IF the reason for cancellation is listed in the plan. And neither the fear of contracting coronavirus or the fact that there is a very real worldwide pandemic, are listed reasons. 

There is one notable, albeit more expensive option, if you purchase (or purchased) a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on policy, then you can do exactly that: change your travel plans entirely and practice social distancing at home. To qualify, you must have purchased the CFAR within the insurer's specified timeframe after making your first payment, and you must insure the totality of your trip costs. You should also know that even a CFAR only goes so far—you won't be fully reimbursed, even though you're insuring 100 percent of your costs—most travel insurance policies give you the option of a 50 or 75 percent reimbursement.

Given the situation, before booking any travel and purchasing travel insurance, we recommend that you follow the current Center for Disease Control ( CDC) recommendations . Ask yourself:

1. Are coronavirus cases surging or spreading at your destination?

2. Do you live with someone who at high risk of infection from the coronavirus?

3. Likewise, are you yourself at high risk of becoming gravely ill from coronavirus?

4. And finally, does your destination have any travel restrictions or requirements?

This fourth question is key since it can significantly derail your plans—many state, local, and territorial governments have implemented restrictions of varying degrees, from mandatory testing or quarantines to outright travel bans. The European Union, for instance, just extended its travel ban for U.S. citizens, while Ireland and Hawaii allow travel but require a two-week, in-country quarantine. In short, we recommend you take the time to verify if this is the case in your chosen destination, either on state or local public health websites if traveling within the continental U.S., or through the U.S. Department of State's Country Information page . 

• TravelInsurance.com review

Best for Travel Insurance Options

For consumers who want comparison shopping convenience,  TravelInsurance.com is a great choice since it allows you to compare many policies at the same time. 

Screenshot ravelinsurance.com, December 2019.

Customers are asked to fill in a simple web form that asks for the dates, destination, and total cost of an upcoming trip. The website instantly generates a list of available policies (26 of them for a hypothetical trip we described), their coverages, their costs, and their issuers’ financial strength ratings. The information is laid out on a single page in an easy-to-read format. Prospective travelers can do side-by-side comparisons of a smaller number of policies. 

TravelInsurance.com is not an insurer itself, but it partners with many of the insurers we recommend. Before purchasing any one travel insurance policy, it's a good idea to research the company issuing it to gather even more information about it. 

• World Nomads review

Best for the Young and the Restless

World Nomads offers a choice of two plans. The primary difference between the two, aprt from cost, of course, are the benefit limits associated with each. Both plans offer the same types of coverage, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation, and personal property losses. We used a hypothetical $3,000 trip to France tWorld Nomads' policies to competitive plans.

World Nomad's Standard Plan has a benefit limit of $2500. It wouldn't cover the entire cost of our hypothetical trip to France, but it would certainly lessen the economic blow of cancellation or interruption. World Nomad's Explorer Plan has a benefit limit $10,000 for cancellation and interruption. It would fully reimburse the cost of our hypothetical trip. I's important to understand that you can't collect any more than your trip cost with trip cancellation or interruption coverage, no matter how high the benefit limit of your policy. Our hypothetical traveler would want to compare the premium difference between the two plans. If it were more than $500, then World Nomad's Explorer plan would probably not make good financial sense. 

Both of World Nomad's plans reimburse travelers for up to $100,000 in travel medical expenses. The Standard Plan covers up to $300,000 in medical evacuation costs while the Explorer Plan ups that figure to $500,000. The Standar plan offers up to $1000 reimbursement for baggage loss or theft, while the Explorer plan protects you for up $3000 for those losses. The more expensive of World Nomad's plans might make sense if you carry a lot of expensive gear when you travel, but again, travelers must weigh the cost of increased coverage against the benefits.  

Unlike many travel insurance providers, World Nomads covers a large number of sports in its Standard Plan (kite surfing, ice hockey, and that most dangerous of sports… air guitar ) and more extreme sports under the Explorer Plan (bull riding, cave diving up to 165 feet/ 50 meters, and mixed martial arts), making it a great choice for the adrenaline junkies. The full list of covered activities is well worth a read if only for entertainment purposes. Now that we know what ski joring is, we're raring to try it ourselves!

Screen shot of worldnomads.com, July 18, 2019.

Great Guides and Community

What truly differentiates World Nomads from a crowded field is the sense of community it cultivates with its customers. The website contains free travel guides to numerous worldwide destinations, as well as free downloadable educational material on travel writing, filmmaking and other topics.

There are also sections dedicated to fascinating true travel stories to inspire your next trip, and entertaining and bizarre testimonials from World Nomads insurance customers. We’ll warn you, some of these tales are not for the faint of heart.

In keeping with the community theme, World Nomads presents an option at checkout to donate a few dollars to one of three charities, including a program dedicated to sight-restoring surgery in Kenya. According to the website, 85% of World Nomads customers elect to donate.

World Nomad's Disclaimer

All of the information provided about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. 

• Medjet review

Best for the Vip Traveller

Strictly speaking, Medjet doesn’t provide travel insurance in the classic sense. For instance, there are no coverage options for trip cancellation, loss or delay of baggage, or many other standard travel medical insurance features. For those, you’ll have to purchase a standard travel insurance policy from another provider.

Medjet offers industry-leading global medical evacuation services to both private and corporate clients. With a network of hundreds of air ambulances and medical escorts located around the world, if you are hospitalized, Medjet provides transport to the home-country hospital of your choice aboard aircraft outfitted with state-of-the-art emergency medical equipment. Travel insurance typically requires you be treated and recover in the “nearest acceptable facility”, Medjet allows you get to a hospital at home.

Medjet operates on a membership model, with a number of programs calibrated to fit the needs of different types of travellers. Short term memberships for trips as short as 8 days are available, as are programs for students and professors and longer-term expatriates.

While there is no medical transport cost limit as long as your membership is current, Medjet does cap evacuations to two per member per year, or one for a member family. Though if you’re in need of more than two evacuations per year, you may want to reconsider your life choices.

Screen shot of medjetassist.com, July 18, 2019

Customers up to 75 years old can be covered under any of Medjet’s policies. Beyond that is a senior-specific Diamond membership which covers customers between the ages of 75 and 84.

In addition to medical evacuation, MedjetHorizon--the premium-tier option--provides professional crisis response assistance for victims of terrorism, natural disasters, kidnapping, hijacking, political threats, blackmail, and other events. If you are at risk for such hair-raising predicaments, standard travel insurance simply won’t suffice. These options are intended for VIP travellers such as high level corporate executives or high profile individuals--think C-suite execs and movie stars— but it’s also ideal for anyone who travels alone.

• Generali Global Assistance review

BEST FOR TRIP CANCELLATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Generali provides great value for your buck. Generali’s 24/7, year round “Telemedicine" service connects you with a network of American doctors for non-emergency medical consultations, advice, and prescriptions. The Premium plan offers a million dollars in medevac coverage, and nice extras, like $500 for sports equipment delays and $1,000 for missed connections. This policy is perfectly suited for the well-to-do traveler with a lot of money invested in a trip.

Generali scored high with us because, as travel insurers go, they offer some of the most comprehensive coverages, highest payout maximums, and many additional policy features other providers don't. All standard trip interruption and cancelation reasons are provided for, and then some. Additionally, the company has generous provisions for baggage and trip delays. Generali really shines when it comes to its traveler assistance services. Along with all the usual customer assistance features, the company also makes provision for such things as specialty food delivery, an emergency cash advance of $500, and travel companion meet and greet services. Pound for pound, one of the most extensive offerings out there.

The company will cover up to a whopping $250,000 max for medical care, and up to $1 million for emergency medical transportation. There are three plan levels that, aside from a few items, only differ in maximum payouts for certain coverages.

Generali also stands out in the trip interruption/cancellation category. They will reimburse up to 175% the cost of the trip due to trip interruption, and also provide a generous $1,000 travel delay reimbursement. If you purchase the premium plan, the coverage kicks in after a mere 6-hour delay.

Generali boasts many more customer assistance services than standard among travel insurance providers. These include identity theft resolution services, personalized retail shopping assistance services, procurement of hard-to-find items, limousine pick up of friends and business partners, pre-trip assistance, specialty food delivery, and booking golf tee times just to name a few. Generali's 24-hour emergency hotline can be accessed from anywhere in the world and includes medical, travel, and concierge assistance services.

The company's services are accessible anywhere in the world and they maintain a BBB accreditation of A+. Generali Global Assistance operates as a subsidiary of Europe Assistance Holding S.A. and their travel insurance business evolved from CSA Travel Protection.

• AXA Travel Insurance review

Best for the Travelers on a Larger Budget

While a quick glance at AXA’s rather generic website might suggest that there’s nothing special about the company, the true value of its policies becomes apparent when you look at what’s covered. The Platinum plan for our $3,000 trip costs a quoted $125 and includes a remarkable suite of coverages. With medical expenses capped at $250,000 and medevac and repatriation capped at a cool million, the plan truly lives up to its precious metal namesake.

Screen shot of axatravelinsurance.com, July 18, 2019.

Trip cancellation and interruption pay out at an industry-standard 100% and 150% respectively, and baggage protection is well within the normal range as well. But the Platinum plan really shines when it comes to the little touches, such as a $25 a day (max of 5 days) pet boarding benefit for trip delays, $1,000 sports equipment rental, and $500 to lost golf rounds or skiing days. That’s a lot of value for 4.17% the price of our overall trip.

Identity theft protection, concierge services, a mobile app, and a blog featuring articles about various travel and travel-adjacent topics round out an above average policy. If you want high level, comprehensive coverage that won’t break the bank, AXA Platinum is a great option.

• Faye review

Faye is a travel insurance startup founded in 2019. The company offers domestic and international whole-trip travel insurance and provides comprehensive coverage for travelers. Some of the things covered by Faye’s travel insurance packages include baggage loss, trip cancellation and medical coverage.

The company helps the insured with most of a traveler’s usual woes when visiting another country, including unexpected cancellations and delays, natural disasters and even political turmoil. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Faye also covers non-refundable medical and trip delay expenses if you become ill with COVID-19. Coverage includes emergency medical expenses, accomodation for quarantine and extension costs. 

You can submit a claim through the company’s app or through email in an entirely digital process. Faye’s plans are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, which is rated A by the A.M. Best of 2021. The company’s non-insurance assistance is provided by Global Excel Management Inc., which deals with everything from 24/7 travel assistance to real-time flight alerts.

Pricing varies by the level of coverage, with insurance from its basic plan traveling to Europe for one customer for one week coming out to $135. Faye has a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot, with the majority of reviews rating the company “excellent”. The company is not yet rated on the Better Business Bureau’s website. 

Faye offers assistance 24/7 365 days a year, connecting you with real humans when you run into a problem in the middle of a trip. Faye can also be reached through email at [email protected]. All in all, Faye’s commitment to being there for travelers as well as its comprehensive coverage provided by an underwriter with a strong reputation make it easy to recommend. 

• Other Great Providers

Allianz Travel

Allianz is the largest insurance provider in the world, which in itself doesn’t mean that much. However, with that size comes a great deal of experience and an extremely diverse portfolio of policies including annual plans covering multiple trips, family plans, and policies that cover extended trips up to a year long. These specialized offerings are perfect for families traveling together or temporarily moving to another country.

Amex Travel

Long associated with international travel, American Express’s travel insurance wing provides four tiers of protection, from a bare-bones policy to comprehensive coverage. In addition, you can create your own policy, where you pick and choose your preferred areas of coverage. In a rare move, the website also provides a sample policy contract to read before you buy. This flexibility will appeal to travelers who know what coverage they need and don’t want to waste money on coverage they don’t.

An old standby and originally an arm of Mutual of Omaha, Travelex remains a popular choice for travel insurance. Travelex offers two levels of standard protection and a number of policy add-ons to build just the right insurance for your trip. A bit on the pricey side, the costs are more than offset by top-flight concierge services and decades of experience in the industry. With above average costumer comments, Travelex is a solid choice for anyone thinking of going on a trip.

• More insight into our methodology

We wish we could tell you that we went about researching this article by buying travel insurance ourselves and jetting off to the Maldives or Bora Bora to try it out. Unfortunately our killjoy editor quickly quashed that idea. [Note from killjoy editor: Your request for paid time off is denied. See me.] Instead we had to do this the old-fashioned way with a lot of legwork, research, and interviews. We even read an entire ten page travel insurance policy cover to cover. A page turner it was not.

When we started this article, we thought we’d spend a lot of time talking about loopholes, shady insurance providers, and tips on how to wring the money you deserve out of tight-fisted companies. Imagine our surprise to discover an industry that largely delivers on coverage promises and pays out a high percent of claims. Though the industry is not perfect, and many customer complaints are completely valid, we discovered that when the right steps are taken, travel insurance really can save your trip, your bank account, and even your life. And isn’t your peace of mind worth the average travel insurance policy price of 4-10% of the cost of your trip?

A recent survey of the British insurance industry claimed a travel insurance payout rate of 87%. Comparable, but by no means definitive rates are cited in America, where the industry is more protective of its data.

The trick, as with all insurance, is to always know what you’re buying. Sounds simple, right? Take it from a team that actually read a policy and we can assure you, it is not. But don’t panic: once you know what to look for and how to read one of these contracts, you can rest easy knowing exactly where your coverage begins and where it ends.

In order to find out how to do that, we talked to people on both sides of the travel insurance market. Megan Cruz is the Executive Director of the US Travel Insurance Association . The UStiA is a trade association whose mission is “to foster ethical and professional standards of industry conduct, cultivate effective state and federal government relations, inform and assist members, and educate consumers.” The organization serves as both the forum to create and improve standards within the industry, as well as the lobby for same.

“A lot of the complaints… …that are heard by UStiA members generally relate to people thinking something is covered that is not,” she told us.

Then we talked to Ellie von Wellsheim, the founder and CEO of The Mooncatcher Project --a non-profit that provides reusable menstrual pads to school-age girls in developing nations to help them continue their education. Part of her job entails frequent travel to the countries the organization services--countries that often have substandard medical facilities or experience a higher-than-average rate of natural disasters or political instability. Travel insurance is an essential and frequent purchase for her and the organization.

“I’m going to extremely poor places where medical hospitals are pretty bad,” she told us. “I want to know that I’m covered. Because something could happen to me. The airline offered insurance is only for your travel. It doesn’t cover you if you have to be medevaced out of the country.”

Finally, we constructed our own hypothetical trip based on one of our coworkers, and plugged his information into all the insurers we researched to see what his coverage would look like. We “sent” our imaginary 38-year-old colleague to France from Washington, D.C. on each of these sites, using the same travel dates and a projected cost of $3,000 for the trip. We tended to skip the bare bones policies in favor of more comprehensive options, since the price bump was generally less than $50. We figured that if you’re already paying for travel insurance, the small extra expense if well worth the extra peace of mind.

Though not a perfect predictor of value across demographics, destinations, or trip costs, it does provide a benchmark for coverage that we can work with.

Coverage is the undisputed king in the realm of travel insurance. The single most important thing to look at is your policy and what’s on it. As a travel insurance customer, you need to be crystal clear on how much protection you are buying, as well as what circumstances are not covered.

• Extra Benefits

Because many coverage options are fairly standard in the industry, varying mostly by dollar limits, insurers add extra benefits to plans to entice buyers. These benefits can range from concierge services in the event of a flight delay up to legal assistance in a foreign country. In the event of a crisis, you can’t put a dollar amount on the value of these vital services.

• Price & Reputation

Coming in at a distant third place is price. As typically a one-time expense, travel insurance is pretty affordably priced. However, high end, high risk policies can cost up to 10% of the price of a trip. But the savings or financial reimbursement in the event of calamity make it a bargain at twice the price.

• Introduction to Travel Insurance

Let’s be real, nobody likes insurance. Ask the next five people you talk to what they think about insurance and we guarantee you’ll get an earful. Ask five more and you’ll just hear more of the same. Go on, we’ll wait.

The reputation of insurance providers is so bad that a 2017 study on public perceptions of various industries and entities shows the insurance industry as a whole earned a net favorability rating of -32. That’s worse than such widely reviled bodies as Congress and Wall Street. To say the insurance industry has an image problem is putting it mildly.

Though there are some legitimate reasons for this widespread unpopularity, part of the issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of what insurance actually is. Many people think insurance--whether travel, health, auto, home, etc.--is like a big bucket of money you add to over time and can draw from for any reason when anything bad happens to you.

As fantastic as this “rainy day savings account” would be for the consumer, the simple fact of the matter is that such a system would collapse on itself overnight as hundreds of thousands of claimants all raided the kitty at the same time.

Insurance premiums are set based on a mathematical balance between an expected loss number and the total number of insured individuals so that the pool will be large enough to cover all claims. If it costs X amount of dollars to pay out a given type of claim, you need to set premiums based on the expected frequency of that event.

Pretty grim stuff, certainly, but the science of predicting the frequency of accidents, losses, or other calamitous events is essential to the entire process of insurance. And without insurance, there is no commerce, no economy, and no modern world. The commercial container ships that carry the food, clothing, electronics, and other consumer goods we all buy every day typically cost more than $100 million dollars, not including the cargo. Insurance makes that possible. Who among us can afford to risk that much money in the uncertain world we live in, full of storms, pirates, and mechanical failures? Insurance spreads out unmanageable risk; thinning it to a much more acceptable level.

Insurance policies are legal contracts that spell out exactly what is and what isn’t covered. We’ll talk a little about certain ambiguous words that leave room for interpretation later. For now, suffice it to say that for the most part you should be able to read a policy and know with 99% certainty what you can expect to be covered. If it isn’t expressly covered, or if it’s specifically not covered, you really shouldn’t get too bent out of shape if your claim is denied. In a sense, it’s like getting mad that the wrench you bought for a home project isn’t a very effective hammer.

• What is Travel Insurance?

We’ve discussed what insurance is generally, but have so far skirted around the main theme of this article: What exactly is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is both exactly what you’re thinking and so much more. Amazingly, while most people are pretty cautious in their regular lives, often having policies for homeowner’s or renter’s, health, auto, and sometimes life insurance, very few people-- only 7%! --regularly buy travel insurance. Considering that the average American spends 25-35 days a year travelling , and that Medicare and a lot of American health insurance policies don’t provide coverage overseas, that means there are literally millions of Americans who are entirely uninsured for a whole month out of the year.

We bring this up not to bring you down, but to illustrate how strange it is that we can be so concerned with one aspect of travel safety and take such massive risks in others.

Nor are we suggesting that travel insurance is all about bodily safety. Indeed medical coverage is but one aspect of travel insurance. In fact, the number one reason people purchase travel insurance is trip cancelation coverage. Eighty eight percent of respondents to an AAA Travel phone survey cited trip cancelation as their number one concern. Health concerns, by the way, rated 69%.

These concerns bring up a good question - what exactly does travel insurance cover?

What’s Covered?

Travel insurance, much like any other type of insurance, covers an agreed-upon set of circumstances as set forth in the insurance contract. Coverage options fall into roughly five unofficial categories, which include the previously mentioned cancellation and health coverage, auto insurance, and issues with baggage. The fifth bucket includes unusual types of coverages, such as hijacking insurance, extreme sports coverage, and other options in less common demand.

Under each of these coverage areas are a slew of options that may or may not be exactly what you need for an upcoming trip.

In addition to coverage options, it’s worth looking at extra benefits provided by travel insurance companies. UStiA Director Megan Cruz told us that these “non-insurance services can include legal assistance, they can include help with lost travel documents, 24-hour assistance to make alternate travel arrangements or even coordinate emergency medical care.”

This suite of “extras”--concierge customer service options--really make the difference between a good insurance provider and a great one.

• Your Policy

The Fine Print

People commonly think of insurers as miserly bureaucrats who get their kicks denying claims. Policies are almost thought of as “sell your soul” contracts riddled with devious loopholes and the type of fork-tongued language lawyers salivate over.

And while it’s true that these documents contain more than their fair share of legalese, there is a reason for that. An insurance policy is a contract. By definition it’s going to have the kind of “contract-y” language most of us skim-read with glazed eyes if we even bother to look at it at all. That’s the bad news. The good news is that with a little patience you can fully understand the contents of your policy to see what is and what isn’t covered.

Loopholes--as they’re commonly understood--do not exist in insurance policies. While coverage can be denied for a number of reasons (drug or excessive alcohol use, for instance), those reasons are clearly laid out in the policy contract. There is no “get out of paying all claims free” card cleverly hidden in the contract to give the insurer a universal out. Though insurance companies aren’t much trusted by consumers or even terribly well-liked, they obviously wouldn’t last very long as a business if they just swindled their clients.

Study your policy--we know, it has all the excitement you’d expect from the reading of the minutes of a school board meeting. Nonetheless, read the whole thing and make notes where you have questions or something isn’t clear. Travel insurance comes with a 10 or 15 day “free look” clause where you can cancel the policy for a full refund any time within that period. Use the time to call your insurer and ask questions specifically pertaining to your trip. If you don’t like the answers, ask for changes to be made, or cancel the policy. You can cancel at any time during the free look period for a full refund.

As far as legalese, probably the most basic thing you want to look out for is whether the language in the contract is exclusive or inclusive. What this means is that the policy will either expressly outline all covered circumstances (inclusive), or spell out everything that is not covered (exclusive). If, for instance, the contract uses exclusive language and a particular thing is not specifically named, you can expect that scenario to be covered. Conversely, unless an inclusive contract tells you something is covered, it’s not.

Exclusive contracts tend to be rarer because it’s harder to compile a comprehensive list of everything that wouldn’t be covered. This creates more risk for the insurer but is definitely more attractive to the customer. If, for instance, there ever was a real life sharknado, such an event is more likely to be covered in an exclusive contract--because who would ever think to list it among the exclusions?--than an inclusive one.

Another thing to look out for is modifiers like “reasonable.” Our killjoy editor recently bought travel insurance for a trip to South America and found the following under “Benefits” when reading over his policy:

What you deem “reasonable” might be pretty different from what we or this insurer does. While we can all agree that a common cold isn’t a valid reason to cancel a trip, what is? The flu? Losing a finger? Losing a hand?

A lot hinges on this one word. We’re not suggesting that the insurer would go so far as to determine that Ebola isn’t a reasonably disabling condition to cover. We just want you to know that if you have questions about something in your policy, you can and should call the provider to ask for clarification.

So, what can you expect to be covered by your insurance?

Let’s put together a hypothetical trip to find out. You and your younger brother saw a special on land diving in Vanuatu and decide you absolutely have to go try it. As we’re sure you’re aware, there are no direct flights to Vanuatu from any airports in America, so you buy a ticket through Fiji. On the flight over, your luggage somehow misses the connecting flight and gets delayed for two days. You guys pack light, so it normally wouldn’t be a big deal except that your brother is a diabetic and accidentally checked his insulin.

Hey, he was excited about the trip and wasn’t thinking clearly, ok? Everyone makes mistakes.

When you finally get to Vanuatu and see the 80 foot scaffold you’ll be diving from, you understandably have second thoughts. Unfortunately, the tour company you booked with does not offer refunds--turns out you’re not the first one to get cold feet.

As the younger sibling, your brother decides he has something to prove and goes ahead with the jump. Predictably, he breaks his collarbone and has to go to the hospital a couple hours away. While he’s getting patched up, you decide to have a few drinks to calm your nerves and end up twisting your ankle on the uneven bamboo floor of what turns out to be a very rustic bar in Port Vila.

Now you’re also in the hospital and you end up calling the airline to push your flight back a few hours, which means you end up missing your connecting flight in Fiji.

So what parts of this calamitous trip does your travel insurance pay for?

Well, that obviously depends on the policy you bought. Here are the things you’ll want to make sure are in the contract:

• The whole point of this trip is to go land diving, which is about as extreme an extreme sport as there is. Most policies will not cover activities like this, so you’ll have to purchase extra coverage, and that’s going to cost you. Without this option, it’s likely that your brother’s injury would not be covered by standard medical protection.
• Delayed luggage protection is pretty standard in travel insurance policies and prescription drug coverage is not uncommon. Still, double check that it’s in the contract and how much is covered. Delayed luggage protection doesn’t replace your valuables; it only pays for essentials you need in the gap between when your luggage gets delayed and when it finally reaches you.
• Even though reimbursements for non-refundable tours or activities is common in travel insurance, your claim will likely be denied because the reason you weren’t able to participate in the booked event is that you were too afraid to go through with it. We’re not judging--land diving looks terrifying!
• A Note On Alcohol Use

What about the rest of the trip? Your visit to the hospital for your twisted ankle? The missed flight in Fiji?

Unfortunately for you, you voided the rest of your coverage by being drunk. Standard in most travel insurance policies is a drug and alcohol exclusion that won’t pay out if you’re intoxicated. You were drunk when you twisted your ankle, which means that your hospital visit was not covered. And because your injury caused the delay which caused you to ultimately miss your connecting flight, that most likely wouldn’t be covered either.

This is the closest thing to that mythical “get out of paying all claims free” card as you’re likely to find in a travel insurance policy. And, to be frank, it makes sense not to cover incidents that happen while the insured is intoxicated. Of course there is some wiggle room in what constitutes intoxication. If you had a glass of wine with dinner and injured yourself somehow, your medical coverage will probably be honored. But if you sprain your throwing wrist by playing four straight hours of beer pong, you’re on your own.

For the final word on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, we asked Megan Cruz for an insider’s perspective of what she looks for when she buys travel insurance (yes, the Executive Director of the US Travel Insurance Association buys travel insurance almost every time she travels). She answered: “I’m going to look at what’s covered and I’m also going to look at the limits of the insurance offered by the carrier, and I always read the fine print. I know those coverage limits so I’m not surprised later. I think about other costs in addition to my flight.”

• Common Exclusions

Policies can vary greatly from insurer to insurer and based upon the circumstances of you, the insured. Just as there are some commonalities in coverage options, there are also a number of exclusions you’ll see popping up often.

The first of these exclusions--and one we feel comfortable stressing--is for claims for incidents that occurred when the insured was intoxicated due to drug or alcohol use. Besides common sense, there are a number of fundamental insurance principles that would be broken if such an exclusion were not made, but we’ll focus only on one. The insured event must not be under the control of the insured. And while it’s certainly true that intoxicated individuals are generally not in control of whatever situation they find themselves in, by becoming intoxicated, they have essentially made the decision to make bad decisions. For similar reasons, gambling is not covered by other types of insurance because the insurer is bringing unmanageable risk upon him or herself.

Similar to this is the exclusion for stolen baggage if you leave said baggage unattended. Flirting with disaster, or otherwise exercising poor judgment is generally not insurable. Which brings us to the next item on the list.

Extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, etc. are typically excluded from ordinary travel insurance policies. In fact, traveling to compete in ordinary sporting events, such as baseball and football is also usually excluded. Additional insurance can be purchased to cover these and many other otherwise excluded activities… at additional cost.

Cancellation due to weather can be excluded in certain cases. Most commonly this exclusion applies when traveling to a region prone to hurricanes once the storm has been given a name . This happens when the storm reaches wind speeds of 39 mph. Keep an eye on the weather where you’re traveling and plan accordingly. Unfortunately, storms are unpredictable things, so if you cancel your trip, there’s a chance that the storm will veer off course and miss your destination, or run out of steam. While this is certainly good news for those living in what would have been the path of the storm, it does mean that you’ve ultimately canceled your trip for no reason.

The broadest and probably most widespread exclusion is for pre-existing medical conditions. Pre-existing conditions don’t necessarily mean something you’ve struggled with for years. Instead, the insurer will investigate the last 60 to 180 days of your medical history in what’s called the “look back period” to see if you were “medically stable” i.e. you did not exhibit active symptoms. If there is an issue, you can purchase an exclusion waiver for pre-existing conditions. Of course, this comes with an additional cost.

Some exclusions can ultimately be covered with the purchase of additional insurance, while others cannot. When in doubt, consult your policy and call the insurer. Common sense will provide some answers as well. If the scenario you want to insure sounds ridiculous to you, it’s probably excluded.

• Medical Tourism

As healthcare costs in the US skyrocket, medical and dental tourism are becoming popular for travelers of all ages. Countries with safe, affordable, top-level medical care such as Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and others are attracting visitors looking to have both elective and medically necessary procedures performed for a fraction of what they would cost back home.

Though medical care in other countries is typically very safe--particularly if you’ve done your research and chosen trusted clinics or doctors--travel insurance providers almost universally do not cover medical tourism. Remember, insurance exists to cover unforeseen events; planned events that increase risk and uncertainty are generally uninsurable.

In fact, undergoing an elective procedure while on an insured trip can cause the rest of your coverage to be terminated. If, for instance, you miss a flight or are robbed after undergoing elective surgery, it can (and will) be argued that whatever medications you are or were on contributed to the unfortunate event. In short, in your insurer's eyes, you’ve rendered yourself uninsurable.

A very few insurers do sometimes offer policies specifically tailored to medical tourists, but these seem to disappear off the market quickly. Other insurers sometimes cover the parts of your trip not immediately associated with whatever procedure you’re having done--but only sometimes.

Because medical tourism insurance is an emerging travel service and its availability is so unpredictable, we can’t in good conscience recommend a provider. But as more people opt for treatment overseas, it’s likely that the insurance market will adjust to meet the demand for this type of coverage.

• What to Do If You Need to File a Claim

Insurance is one of those things you buy in the hope of never having to use, much like a fire extinguisher or a snake bite kit. In the unfortunate event that you do have to make a claim, there are a few things you can do that will help ensure that your claim will be approved in a timely manner.

The first step, again, is to have read your policy to understand exactly what is and is not covered. If the circumstances of your injury or loss are expressly excluded from coverage in the text of your policy, the likelihood of your claim being approved is slightly less than that of being struck by lightning while winning the lottery. In other words: it ain’t gonna happen.

When filing a claim, your two best friends are speed and documentation. Time is definitely of the essence when filing a claim. The sooner you file, the better off you’ll be. Thorough, dated documentation, in the form of both receipts and--depending on the nature of your claim--a physician’s note or police report, is an absolute must. If something is stolen or you are attacked in some way, absolutely file a report--get it in writing and get a copy to give to your insurer.

If your claim is denied, don’t panic and don’t take that initial no for a final answer. Ask why, specifically, it was denied and find out the process for resubmitting the claim. Make sure to get the reason in writing. It might just mean that more documentation or evidence is necessary to validate your version of events, not that the event in question isn’t covered.

If after doing everything right and having your claim denied again, you feel that you’re entitled to restitution, you can always hire a lawyer to advocate on your behalf. There are, in fact, lawyers who specialize in advocating for clients who’ve had insurance claims denied. Yes, it’s annoying and time consuming, but it can mean the difference between getting the pay out you deserve, and walking away with nothing.

• Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Officially our answer is “absolutely you do.” If you choose not to insure your trip and something happens, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Unofficially, it’s really up to you, except that entrance to certain countries requires travel insurance. Also, when traveling with certain groups or organizations, the administrators of the trip might require travel insurance in order to participate. Study abroad programs, for instance, often require a policy.

Travel is no different. Most of us wouldn’t insure a $130 flight from Philadelphia to Boston, for instance, because we’d consider $130 an acceptable loss in the event that something went wrong and we couldn’t go on the trip. We wouldn’t be happy about it, certainly, but it also wouldn’t be the end of the world.

If, however, you have a severe medical condition, it may make sense to insure yourself for even short weekend trips like this. People with certain medical conditions both live with a higher level of risk in their daily lives and have a lower threshold for what is an acceptable risk.

Even if you aren’t at greater risk for accident, injury, etc., you could decide you wanted to insure this hypothetical $130 trip. It’s entirely up to you how much risk you’re comfortable with.

An expensive, once-in-a-lifetime trip should definitely be insured. We looked into ticket prices for that hypothetical trip to Vanuatu and they were about $1,500 per person from Los Angeles. If you live on the east coast you’ll need to tack on another $400-800 to make the LA flight. Not many people can swallow such a loss and not feel it.

Even worse is that most American of trips: the family vacation to Disney World. With airfare, lodging, park passes and food, a family of four can expect to pay around $5,000 for a week long trip. That’s about 8% of the average annual household income in America--$62,000. That’s a lot of money to flush down the drain because you weren’t insured.

Again, we can’t tell you how much risk you should deem acceptable. If you’re comfortable rolling the dice and paying $1,000 to fly from New York to Warsaw without travel insurance, we won’t stand in your way. And if you feel like insuring that weekend trip to Boston against every possible eventuality, that’s your prerogative.

• Alternatives to Travel Insurance

It’s worth noting that there are some alternatives to travel insurance, though as ever, you’ll need to read the fine print.

What the Airline Can Do for You

Airlines will often reimburse you in part or in full if your flight is canceled or delayed if the problem is the airline’s fault. More commonly, they will book you a seat on the next outbound flight going to the same destination. If your flight was the last of the day, the airline will often provide you with lodging for the night, as well as a meal allowance. However, these policies vary depending on the airline --it’s a good idea to read up on your airline’s policies before your date of departure to see what they will and will not do for you in the event of a screwup.

Even if an airline offers little upfront assistance in the event of a cancellation or delay, you’d be surprised what you can get by simply asking for it. Airlines are, after all, in the service industry. And though they don’t have the best reputation for customer service, they are surprisingly responsive to direct complaints.

Meanwhile, if you’re bumped off of an overbooked flight, you might have just hit the jackpot. According to the US Department of Transportation, delays can earn you a nice chunk of change . If your travel plans allow for some wiggle room, it could be well worth your while, headaches aside.

Whatever happens, though, nothing says you have to accept the airline’s first offer. You can and should negotiate better reimbursement for yourself.

What Your Health Insurance Can Do for You

Your existing health insurance may provide coverage in the event of an emergency... or it may not. It’s worth a call to your insurance provider before you travel to see what kind of coverage you can expect, if any. Typically what happens, if you’re covered, is you’ll pay out of pocket at the hospital or clinic and then your insurance provider will reimburse you upon your return home. What it almost certainly won’t do is provide coverage for medical evacuation. Very few plans offer that kind of coverage.

Ellie von Wellsheim, who travels to developing countries with generally poor medical care, insists that all of her volunteers purchase travel insurance when traveling to areas The Moon Catcher Project services. “I do say that I would like them not to just have travel insurance, but to have health insurance,” she told us, noting that your domestic insurance doesn’t always work overseas. “Look into your insurance and find out if you’re covered for medical expenses, but understand that if something catastrophic happens, you need to get out of the country, and can you afford $10-$15,000 to do that?”

Further, she noted that Medicare does not work outside of the country. If you’re insured through Medicare and are traveling overseas, it would not be a good idea to forgo medical travel insurance.

What Your Credit Card Can Do for You

Certain credit cards cover some of the same territory as travel insurance. Typically these are not the fee-free cards most people have to pay for unexpected car repairs or to replace the washing machine when it dies. These are premium cards with high fees that require above average credit. But the benefits are certainly well worth the fees.

With medical, including evacuation, lost or delayed luggage, auto, trip cancellation coverage and more, some of these cards completely take the place of travel insurance. Though they are more expensive than travel insurance policies on a single trip basis, if you’re taking more than one international trip a year, they could easily end up saving you money.

• FAQs about Travel Insurance

Can I cancel the policy and get a refund if I change my mind?

Can coverage be denied due to a pre-existing medical condition, what does travel insurance cover, will my regular health insurance cover me overseas, how much does travel insurance cost, the website i buy plane tickets from lets me buy insurance when i check out. should i, does travel insurance apply to business trips, i see some insurers offer annual policies. are they better than buying insurance trip by trip.

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• What’s Covered?

The Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

Best overall travel insurance, best for solo travelers.

John Hancock

Best for Tailored Plans

Allianz Global Assistance

Best for Premier Travel Insurance Plans

AXA Travel Insurance

Best for Adventure Sports Coverage

World Nomads

Best Travel Insurance for Groups

APRIL International

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Reviews Report

• Reviews.com rates IMG as the best travel insurance company, earning a 4.75 out of 5.
• The best travel insurance companies have broad areas and limits of coverage and excellent service for the insured.
• Medical coverage and trip cancellation/interruption are must-haves when choosing the best travel insurance company.

Travel insurance is an often overlooked way to protect the investment in your vacation or trip abroad. It covers incidents such as canceling trips, medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more. However, picking the best travel insurance policy isn’t always easy — especially when COVID-19 has slowed travel and canceled trips outright.

In making our selections for the best travel insurance companies of 2021 we analyzed each company’s travel insurance offerings using a number of criteria like medical coverage limits, available add-on coverage options, and the number of plans to choose from.

The 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

• IMG : Best Overall Travel Insurance
• John Hancock : Best Insurance for Travel Cost Reimbursement
• Allianz Global : Best Travel Insurance for Tailored Plans
• AXA : Best for Premier Travel Insurance Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best Travel Insurance for Adventure Sports
• APRIL International : Best Travel Insurance for Group Travel

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Information accurate as of April 2021

Why we chose it

• 4.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• NR AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• $100K–$500K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 180 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Plans specifically for seniors available
• Additional add-on coverage available
• High medical coverage
• Number of plans is limited
• Lengthy wait to initiate claim for lost luggage
• Trip cancellation: $50K
• Trip interruption: 150% cost of trip
• Medical coverage: $500K
• Medical evacuation: $1M
• Sports/recreation: $500K
• Travel delay: $500 (Max $125/day)
• iTravelInsured Travel Lite
• iTravelInsured SE
• iTravelInsured LX
• Senior plan
• 4.2 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• A+ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• $50K–$250K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 90 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Multiple plans
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance
• Up to $1K missed connection coverage
• Lower medical emergency coverage than competitors
• Few add-on coverage
• No free child traveler coverage
• Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip cost
• Trip interruption: Up to 150% of trip cost
• Emergency medical: Up to $250K
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1M
• Baggage delay: $500
• Lost baggage: $2,500
• Bronze: Basic plan with lower coverage limits than other two
• Silver: Intermediate plan with more value than Bronze 
• Gold: Premier plan with best coverage 

More John Hancock Insurance Reviews 

• John Hancock Travel Insurance Review
• 3.4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $25K–$50K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• Multiple plans to choose from
• Children 17 and under, free
• Annual plan for multiple trips
• Relatively low medical limits
• Often difficult to compare multiple plan offerings
• Some plans are relatively expensive
• Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
• Trip interruption: Up to $150,000
• Medical coverage: $50,000
• Emergency medical: $25,000
• Lost baggage: $1,000
• Change fee: $500
• Annual Plans
• One Trip Cancellation Plus
• One Trip Basic, Prime, Premier
• One Trip Emergency Medical

More Allianz Global Insurance Reviews

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

• 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• $25K–$250K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• 60 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• Very comprehensive top tier coverage
• Broad adventure travel coverage
• No deductible
• Limited coverage for lower tier plans
• Extensive exclusions for lost/damaged personal property
• Trip delay: Up to $300/day; $1,250 max
• Medical coverage: Up to $250K
• Medical evacuation: Up to $1M 
• Baggage delay: Up to $750 max
• Lost baggage: Up to $3K
• Silver Plan: Basic plan
• Gold Plan: Better value
• Platinum Plan: Premier coverage
• Adventure Product
• 2.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• Not Rated AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
• Up to $100K Medical Coverage Medical coverage is what the company will pay out to you if you were injured or ill on your trip and needed medical care abroad.
• Adventure sports coverage
• Language apps for iPhones
• COVID-19 coverage
• No pre-existing med coverage
• Restricted civil unrest coverage
• Less extensive med coverage
• Emergency dental: $750
• Trip cancellation: $2,500 / $10K
• Trip interruption: $2,500 / $10K
• Medical evacuation: $300K / $500K
• Lost, damaged, stolen gear: $1K/$3K
• Standard Plan
• Explorer (Enhanced) Plan
• 4.25 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
• 60-90 days Trip Length This is the maximum number of days the travel insurance company will cover your trip.
• High coverage for trip delay
• Group travel policies available
• Cancel for any reason available
• Low trip cost coverage
• Sports equipment coverage not automatic

Add-ons and Coverage

• Trip cancellation: 100% of cost
• Cancel for any reason: 75% of cost (only for Pandemic Plus plan)
• Trip interruption: 150%–175% of cost
• Medical evacuation: $500K (only for Pandemic Plus plan)
• Lost baggage: Up to $2,500
• APRIL Pandemic Plus
• APRIL Trip Cancellation
• APRIL Choice with Pre-Ex Waiver
• APRIL Cruise

Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know 

Travel insurance is an optional protection that most travelers should consider. Travel insurance helps people recover losses if travel plans are disrupted. This can include full recovery of prepaid expenses if the trip is canceled entirely as well as coverage for expenses incurred on a trip if facing problems such as a medical emergency or lost items.

A number of credit card companies provide some automatic travel insurance but coverage is limited and often doesn’t cover crisis situations such as the need to evacuate for a civil disturbance or natural disaster. The best travel insurance policies will provide full coverage, can be tailored to specific needs, and reimburse customers for losses and costs that will arise if plans go astray.

Purchasing travel insurance works much like buying other common coverage, such as home or auto insurance. The first step is to understand and list all of anticipated travel costs and potential risks, then contact several companies to obtain quotes to compare. 

What Travel Insurance Covers 

Medical care and evacuation.

The best travel insurance policies provide coverage for emergency medical expenses should a traveler be injured or become ill. Most policies will also offer coverage for the cost of evacuation due to a medical emergency.

Typically, plans reimburse for the cost of emergency care up to a limit set in the policy. It is important to review these limits carefully in light of personal medical risks and health concerns specific to the travel destination. Medical coverage will continue to be a vital part of any trip planning during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic environments.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Trip cancellation coverage is important if you need to completely cancel a trip because of personal reasons, weather-related incidents, or other covered events. You should review the coverage to assure that protection also applies when a trip is cut short for one of these same reasons.

This interruption coverage is designed to reimburse travelers for the unreimbursed costs incurred for the unused part of the trip. When searching for appropriate travel insurance policies, make sure to carefully forecast your costs for a trip Interruption or cancellation and ensure coverage limits are sufficient.

Delayed or lost baggage

Delayed baggage coverage reimburses travelers for the cost of obtaining toiletries and other basic necessities when baggage is delayed during a trip. On the other hand, lost baggage covers personal items and bags that are completely list and cannot be recovered.  In addition to reimbursement for items lost, many policies provide lost baggage tracking assistance. Be certain to read the fine print as usually each of these coverages come with some pretty stringent conditions. Also, compare this coverage with coverage offered by your credit card providers, as this is one area where these coverages may overlap.

Cancel for any reason

For an additional fee, many insurers will add a “Cancel for Any Reason” provision, which covers travelers in the event of a canceled trip, because of the risk of some disaster, such as a forecasted hurricane or civil unrest while traveling internationally .

The policy timeframe for canceling a trip will be critical so it is important to review the specific policy terms and understand just how close to departure you can cancel and be covered. Also, the extra cost of this coverage can be steep so be certain it is necessary.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Company

Prior to buying travel insurance, it is important to determine the travel coverage you may already have from other sources such as your credit cards, existing health insurance, or homeowners insurance. Also, have your total prepaid and anticipated trip costs calculated and handy. 

Here are some tips on selecting the best travel insurance company policy for your needs:

• Review any home insurance, umbrella insurance, health insurance, and credit card coverage that may already apply to traveling. For example, some home insurance policies cover lost items no matter where you are and health insurance could apply to situations outside of the United States.
• Understand the factors that will guide you in selecting the best policy for you — length of trip, destination, your age and health condition and anticipated involvement in high risk sports or other activities.
• Compare the detailed features and prices of several plans — try to find the cheapest travel insurance company plan that will also cover everything you need.
• Understand all of the deductible options that are available.
• Read the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the insurance company when plans are confusing or you would like a modification to the plan offered.

Finally, once you have purchased a policy and before departing on your trip, make sure you understand the process for filing a claim and seeking emergency assistance should the need arise. You do not want to face a crisis on the other side of the world and not be able to put your hands on the number to call for help.

Travel Insurance FAQ 

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight or hotel.

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after you book your trip. In fact, it can be desirable as you will better understand all costs at that point. Do not wait too long though and miss out on some features.

Can you be refused travel insurance?

Unfortunately, yes. Travel insurance companies often take specific medical conditions into account and can refuse coverage if they determine the risk is too high. This is another good reason to explore various coverage options with different companies.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Spending 5%–7% of the total cost of your trip to assure that you are not forced to spend perhaps several hundred thousand dollars for a serious medical problem and related expenses is worth getting travel insurance. 

Methodology 

We evaluated travel insurance providers based on coverage, number of plans, optional coverage, medical coverage limits, and AM Best ratings to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best travel insurance provider reviews. To compare travel insurance providers with other brands across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:

• Essential Coverage: When comparing travel insurance providers, we considered essential coverage to be 24/7 assistance, trip cancellation/interruption, medical evacuation and more. Providers with more points of essential coverage scored higher. 
• Number of Plans: Flexibility and having options is important which is why Reviews.com awarded travel insurance providers with higher scores if they presented more plans. 
• Add-on Coverage: Travel insurance providers with more optional coverage add-ons scored higher in this metric — higher flexibility and customization in travel insurance is an indicator of the best travel insurance companies.
• Medical Coverage Limit: We compared the medical coverage limits of the best travel insurance companies and awarded providers with higher scores if they had higher medical coverage limits. 
• AM Best: Reviews.com utilized AM Best ratings to assign a score based on each home insurance company’s financial stability.

About the Authors

Rick Hoel Contributing Writer

Rick Hoel is an international business attorney and legal and insurance writer for Reviews.com. Over the last several years, he has covered topics dealing with personal and commercial insurance and technology and the law.

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Best Annual Travel Insurance in 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 you’re a frequent traveler, annual travel insurance may be something you’ve been considering. Unlike single-trip insurance, annual travel insurance plans can cover you for an entire year, no matter how often you’re on the road.

Let’s look at the best yearly travel insurance companies, why we choose them and the coverage you can expect.

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies

We used the following criteria when choosing which companies we thought were best:

Cost . Annual plans can be expensive — depending on the type of coverage you choose — so we wanted ensure that they stayed affordable. 

Types of coverage . Travel insurance for annual travelers can be limited in its coverage. We picked the ones with the broadest range of coverage for possible travel disruptions.

Coverage amounts . Annual trip insurance isn’t worth much if your limits are too low. Instead, we wanted plans with reasonable coverage amounts. 

Customizability . If your travels take you to different places, you’ll want the ability to customize your plan. The best annual travel insurance plans can provide this. 

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

An overview of the best annual travel insurance

We gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies to determine the best annual travel insurance policies. In these examples, we used a year-long trip by a 22-year-old from Alabama. We indicated the main countries of travel as France and Malaysia, and when asked, put the total trip costs at $6,000.

The average cost for an annual travel insurance plan came out to $220. The plans ranged from $138-$386.

Let’s take a closer look at our top recommendations for annual travel insurance.

1. Allianz Travel

What makes Allianz travel insurance great:

Lower than average cost.

Provides health care and travel insurance benefits.

Includes rental car insurance up to $45,000. 

Here’s a snippet from our Allianz Travel insurance review :

“AllTrips Basic (annual plan) is suitable for those who would like emergency medical coverage while abroad but don't need trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The AllTrips Prime, Executive and Premier plans provide an entire year of comprehensive travel insurance benefits.

The Executive and Premier plans offer various levels of trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The Executive plan is specifically designed for business travelers since it offers protection for business equipment.”

2. Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Offers up to $20,000 for acute coverage of pre-existing conditions. 

Includes up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation. 

Optional add-on for adventure sport activities.

$0 deductible available. 

Here’s a snippet from our Seven Corners review :

“Seven Corners offers one annual policy called Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip. The policy can be customized depending on how long you plan to be away from home for any one trip. You can travel as much as you like during the 364 days, so long as any one trip doesn’t exceed the option selected — 30, 45 or 60 days.”

What makes IMG great:

Good customizability with medical evacuations and sports coverage. 

Low $250 deductible.

Includes coverage for semi-private hospital rooms. 

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review:

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important to you if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

4. Trawick International

What makes Trawick International great:

100% coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 

Emergency medical evacuation included. 

Trip delay reimbursement coverage. 

Here’s a snippet from our Trawick International review :

“Trawick International is a comprehensive travel insurance provider that offers trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, medical coverage and medical evacuation, rental car damage protection, and even COVID-19 coverage among its various policies.

Trawick covers trips for worldwide destinations, including for foreign nationals coming to the U.S.”

What does travel insurance cover?

You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you're purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan. Here are some common types you can expect to find:

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy

While we’ve highlighted some of the best annual travel insurance companies, the truth is that the best plan for you isn’t going to be the best plan for someone else. If you’re interested in buying annual travel insurance, you’ll want to collect a variety of quotes to see which policy best fits your needs.

This may mean opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or one that specifically includes high-risk activities. Or, if you’re in a country where health care is notoriously expensive, you may want to choose a policy with higher maximums.

Many credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance .

Whatever the case, do your research first and review all the plan details before making your purchase.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you want to buy annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance can be a great option if you’re often out of town. With such a wide range of policies available, selecting a plan that fits your needs is easy. We’ve done some of the work for you by choosing the best annual travel insurance companies, all of which made the top of the list for their cost, customizability, types of coverage and plan maximums.

Like any travel insurance policy, the cost of your plan is going to vary. Factors that may affect the cost of your annual travel insurance include your age, where you’re going, how long you’ll be traveling, your policy maximums and whether preexisting conditions are included.

Although not all travel insurance providers offer annual travel insurance, many of them do. We’ve gathered together the five best, including Allianz Travel, World Nomads, Seven Corners, IMG and Trawick International.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Finance

Best travel insurance companies for 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Planning to travel in 2024? You're not alone. According to the U.S Travel Association , a trade group, travel has bounced back after the pandemic, with Americans forecasted to spend a staggering $1.09 trillion on domestic and international travel this year. This surge, however, comes with its challenges, as travel costs have soared to unprecedented heights, fueled by increased demand and price inflation.

In this era of heightened travel expenses, safeguarding your journey is paramount. Enter travel insurance, a crucial shield against the uncertainties that may arise during your adventures. To help you navigate this crucial decision, we've compiled a list of the best travel insurance companies. Join us as we explore these top choices, ensuring your travels are not only memorable but also financially protected.

Compare the best travel insurance companies 2024

Our recommendations for the best travel insurance companies, best for adventure enthusiasts: travelex.

Travelex Travel Insurance

The Travelex “Basic” plan provides $15,000 of medical and $10,000 of trip cancellation coverage. These coverage amounts are lower than those offered by other companies in our review. However, higher limits are available by selecting the company’s “Select” plan.

Among its upgrade options, Travelex offers adventure sports coverage for those whose itinerary includes such adrenaline-rush activities as zip lining, skydiving, or mountain climbing. This coverage can be added to any Travelex plan.

It’s also worth noting that Travelex is one of the highest-rated travel insurance providers on Trustpilot , having earned 4.1 out of five stars (as of Feb. 14, 2024). One recent reviewer noted, "I've always been skeptical of trip insurance and all the promises of straightforward claim processes, but I was blown away with how responsive, simple, and logical the Travelex was. I decline all trip insurance for any travel booking I do now and only use Travelex. Cheaper, more efficient, less red tape. What's not to love?”

Best standard coverage package: Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance

‌ Generali Global Assistance is a European company with insurance services focusing on travel and identity protection. Its “Standard” plan for travel insurance provides $50,000 of medical expense coverage and trip cancellation coverage for 100% of the insured value.

The plan also includes travel delay, baggage damage, baggage delay, and missed connection coverage. Options such as rental car collision damage and upgrade plans allow you to travel with even more coverage.

Generali has 3.4 out of five stars with Trustpilot (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for “cancel for any reason” coverage: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance

Many American consumers may not immediately recognize AXA Travel Insurance , but the company is a multinational financial services giant headquartered in France. Its “Silver” plan—AXA’s entry-level travel insurance offering—includes coverage for $25,000 of emergency medical expenses and 100% of the insured trip cost if the trip is canceled. Additional coverages include trip delay, missed connection, medical evacuation, and baggage coverage.

The company’s “Platinum” plan provides “cancel for any reason” trip cancellation coverage. This means you can cancel your trip for any reason—personal, professional, medical, family, or other—and expect to receive reimbursement. This contrasts with standard trip cancellation coverage, in which the cancellation must be for one of the specific reasons stated in the policy contract. The “Platinum” plan also includes higher amounts of emergency medical expenses and other coverages.

AXA has 2.9 out of 5 stars in its Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for spontaneous travelers: AIG Travelguard

AIG Travel Guard

AIG is a leading global provider of insurance for both individuals and businesses. Its Travelguard “Essential” plan offers $15,000 of emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage for 100% of the insured cost of the trip. Higher coverage amounts are available with the company’s “Preferred” and “Deluxe” plans.

‌ AIG Travelguard also offers its unusual “Pack N’ Go” plan, designed for last-minute travelers who don't need trip cancellation coverage. This plan includes up to $1,000 of trip interruption and $25,000 of medical expense coverage, along with coverages for trip delays, missed connections, and lost luggage.

AIG promises quotes on its website in less than two minutes, making it easy to include Travelguard in your comparison shopping. Travelguard has 1.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot , though this is based on only 64 reviews (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for international travel: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance

Traveling outside of the U.S.? You’ll want to work with an insurer that offers not only robust coverage, but a variety of plans and options that can fit your needs. Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz Travel) is one such company.

Its “Basic” plan includes $10,000 of both trip interruption and emergency medical expense coverage. The company offers several plans with higher coverage, along with an “Emergency Medical” plan focused primarily on medical coverage. Allianz also offers several annual policy plans for those who intend to travel multiple times a year. And if you’re considering renting a car during your international trip, you can add an optional damage and theft coverage.

The company’s “OneTrip Prime” plan extends coverage for free to children under age 17 who are traveling with a parent or grandparent, making it ideal for international family vacations. Allianz claims the plan is its most popular, with up to $100,000 of trip cancellation and $50,000 of emergency medical coverage.

‌ Allianz earns 4.4 out of five stars in its Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024), including 75% five-star reviews.

Best for medical coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

Medical expense coverage is an important feature of travel insurance. This is especially true if you journey outside of the U.S., where your personal health insurance may not provide coverage.

‌ Seven Corners is an excellent choice for those seeking generous medical coverage in a travel insurance plan. Its Basic policy provides up to $100,000 of emergency medical expenses, which is more than any other plan in our review. It also provides up to $250,000 of coverage for emergency evacuation, which helps reimburse your costs of transportation to a qualified medical facility if you have a serious illness or injury during your trip.

‌ Seven Corners has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for luxury travel: Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway is one of the country’s largest companies (currently seventh on the Fortune 500). It’s also the parent company of auto insurance giant GEICO.

Berkshire Hathaway’s “ExactCare Value” policy plan includes $15,000 of medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage of 100% of the insured value of the trip. The plan also includes coverage for lost baggage, baggage delay, trip delay, and emergency evacuation.

Berkshire Hathaway offers a specialized insurance plan for luxury travel. This plan features higher medical and trip cancellation coverage limits, $2,500 worth of lost baggage coverage, $35,000 of car rental collision coverage, and 24/7 worldwide travel assistance.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance does not currently have a Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for cruises: Nationwide

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is one of the country's most recognizable insurance brands, with policies available for homes, cars, and businesses. The company also offers travel insurance.

Its “Single-trip Essential” travel insurance plan provides $75,000 in medical emergency coverage. This is the most coverage of any of the companies in our review. Nationwide’s $10,000 limit for trip cancellation is lower than that of other plans, however.

Higher limits are available with its “Prime” plan, along with a cancel-for-any-reason option that pays 75% of the insured trip cost. The plan also includes a variety of additional coverages, such as trip delay, baggage delay, emergency medical evacuation, and optional rental car coverage.

Nationwide also offers a separate, specialized travel insurance policy for those embarking on cruises . Besides expected coverages such as trip cancellation and emergency medical, it covers itinerary changes, mechanical breakdown, and missed connections.

Nationwide has earned 1.5 out of 5 stars in its Trustpilot rating, based on only 42 reviews (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for amateur athletes: Tin Leg

Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg travel insurance policy plans are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway and other companies. Its “Economy” plan includes trip cancellation coverage at 100% of the insured cost and $20,000 of emergency medical coverage. The company offers a variety of additional travel insurance plans with varying levels of coverage.

If you’re traveling to participate in a sports event and bringing your expensive gear, Tin Leg could be a great choice. Its “Economy” plan includes coverage for loss of, or damage to, sporting equipment (such as a bicycle or skis). It also reimburses your event registration fees if your trip is canceled or interrupted.

Tin Leg has a Trustpilot rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars (accessed Feb. 14, 2024), though this is based on only 26 reviews.

Methodology

To develop our recommendations, we gathered information about several leading travel insurance providers from their websites and third-party reviews, where available. We focused on the range of essential coverages, including emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage, along with the availability of 24/7 customer support during travel. Where it existed, we noted each company’s policy cancellation terms.

We reviewed the most economical plan for each company that included both medical and trip cancellation coverage. We also noted optional coverages and upgraded plans that provide higher levels of coverage or specialty coverages for niche travel.

Policy cost information is based on a party of two U.S. travelers, age 30, traveling to the United Kingdom for seven days, and a total trip cost of $6,000. Quotes were obtained on each company’s website.

This information is for comparison purposes only. Please verify policy details before purchasing.

How to select the best travel insurance company

Follow these tips to choose the best travel insurance company for your needs.

Determine your needs

Your travel insurance needs for a Caribbean cruise may differ significantly from those for a backpacking trip through the Swiss Alps. Your first step should be to outline your travel expense budget and list the activities in which you plan to participate (note that some policies include optional coverage for certain activities, such as adventure sports). Also, consider your health status, as some policies require you to pay extra for certain pre-existing health conditions.

Investigate your travel insurance options

Check if you might already have some travel insurance readily available to you. Some credit card companies offer coverage if you use their card to pay for your trip. Coverage may also be available from a tour operator or an airline. You can also get recommendations from a travel agent or an independent insurance agent.

Compare available features and coverage amounts

You'll discover that each travel insurance provider offers varying levels of standard coverage, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical expense, along with optional coverages. They typically also offer multiple plans (think "good," "better," and "best"). Review these and select a few providers that offer the coverages you need.

Get quotes from multiple companies

As with any other type of insurance, travel insurance costs vary among companies. Check with at least three or four to ensure that you're getting the coverage you want at a price you can afford.

Time STAMP: Travel is more expensive than ever. Protect your trip with travel insurance

Business and pleasure travel alike have bounced back from the pandemic. However, traveling has also become much more expensive, thanks to inflation and increased demand. If you plan to head to some far-off destination—whether by air, road, rail, or ship—consider buying travel insurance. A policy reimburses covered medical costs, trip interruption, and other snags that may befall your trip.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How is your travel insurance cost determined.

Your travel insurance cost will vary based on the amount of coverage purchased, the number of travelers, the age of the travelers, and your trip destination. Travel insurance costs also vary by insurance company, underscoring the need to shop around for coverage.

Which travel insurance coverages are available?

Travel insurance policies typically include the following coverages.

• Emergency medical expenses . This helps cover the cost of care if you or anyone insured by the policy has a medical emergency during your trip.
• Trip cancellation . This covers the cost of your trip if it's canceled due to one of the reasons listed on the policy contract. You may also have an option for "cancel for any reason," which provides coverage if the trip is canceled, regardless of the reason why.
• Trip interruption . This covers costs related to a shortening of your trip. These costs might include reimbursement of prepaid hotel bookings, airline change fees, or extra accommodations needed during your trip home.
• Emergency medical transport . This covers the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility if you have a medical emergency during your travel.
• Luggage damage . This provides coverage if your luggage is damaged or lost during travel.
• Travel delay . This covers costs associated with a significant delay to your travel, including additional accommodations and meals.

I’m concerned about getting sick while traveling. What insurance should I look for?

If you’re concerned about getting sick, be sure to choose a policy that includes coverages such as emergency medical (which helps pay for your medical expenses) and emergency medical transport (which helps pay for transportation to a hospital).

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Travel insurance is worth considering for a cruise. As insurer Allianz notes, a policy can help you recoup costs if you need to cancel at the last minute, have a medical emergency while on board or at a stop (regular health insurance may not provide coverage outside of the U.S.), or if you miss the ship all together due to a delay by your airline.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

If you’re planning to take multiple trips in a single year, you might want to consider multi-trip insurance (also called “annual” travel insurance). This type of policy typically provides trip interruption, emergency medical expense, trip delay, and other coverages at a price that’s less than buying a policy for each trip.

How do I file a travel insurance claim?

If you need to file a travel insurance claim, call the insurance company. Each company has its own process for claim filing. You'll want to be sure you have the proper claim forms and understand what supporting documentation the company requires. Be sure to follow the company's instructions for submitting your claim request.

How long does it take for a travel insurance claim to be paid?

It can take several weeks for a travel insurance claim to be paid. Be sure to watch for any follow-up requests from your insurer (such as requests for additional documentation) and respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Does my credit card offer travel insurance?

Some credit cards do offer varying levels of travel insurance, including trip interruption, medical expense, trip delay, and emergency evacuation coverage. Check your credit card terms and conditions or benefits statement to understand what coverage may be provided.

The card_name card offers one of the best portfolios of travel insurance benefits, including $100,000 of emergency transportation coverage, $2,500 of emergency medical and dental coverage, and up to $20,000 of trip interruption coverage.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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

The 5 Best International Travel Insurance Companies for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

With demand for international travel still on the rise, buying travel insurance makes more sense now than ever before. Having an international travel policy in place will ensure you won't lose the money you spent if your trip is canceled or interrupted for reasons beyond your control – or if your bags are delayed or lost entirely by your airline or cruise line .

Other protective benefits come from the best international travel insurance policies as well, including travel medical coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. You may even find that the destination you plan to visit requires travel insurance, although most countries have dropped travel insurance requirements they initially put in place due to the pandemic.

U.S. News editors compared more than 20 of the top providers to find the best travel insurance companies for trips around the world. If you're hoping to secure the best international travel policy for your needs this year, the policies outlined below provide a solid foundation for you to start your research.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many countries began mandating travel insurance for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, most have loosened entry requirements and dropped this condition by now. Countries that still require international visitors to have travel insurance include the following:

• Antarctica: Travel medical insurance is generally required by cruise lines and tour operators for trips to Antarctica , with a standard minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
• Ecuador: You do not need travel insurance to visit the country of Ecuador, but you do need insurance with medical coverage to visit the Galápagos Islands .
• Qatar: Travelers visiting Qatar for more than 30 days are required to have a travel insurance policy that is approved by the country's Ministry of Public Health.
• Saudi Arabia: Visitors to Saudi Arabia from eligible countries must pay for an eVisa, and the cost includes compulsory travel insurance coverage.

International travel insurance works the same as travel insurance for domestic trips. These plans include various coverage options and coverage limits, and a deductible may or may not apply. Travelers can choose to purchase international travel insurance for a single trip or multiple trips; long-term plans for expats and missionaries are available from some providers.

While travel insurance policies can include a broad range of coverages, the main protections you'll want for international trips include the following:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage: This type of protection can reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses when a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason beyond your control.
• Baggage delay insurance: This coverage can pay for incidental expenses that occur when your bags are delayed for a specific period of time (usually six hours or longer).
• Lost luggage coverage: This protection can replace your luggage and your belongings or reimburse you for costs if your bags are lost by a common carrier.
• Rental car insurance: This type of insurance may provide primary coverage when you rent an eligible rental car.
• Emergency medical and dental coverage: This type of insurance will pay for emergency medical treatment or dental expenses that may arise during your trip.
• Emergency evacuation coverage: This protection can pay for emergency transportation costs when you're sick or injured during your trip.

Also note that many travelers booking an international trip choose to purchase travel insurance that offers cancel for any reason protection, so they can cancel a trip for any reason at all, even if they just decide they don't want to go. That said, adding CFAR coverage to your policy will make your travel insurance plan more expensive. Most plans also have limits on how much of your prepaid travel expenses can be refunded, which are usually capped between 60% to 80% of your trip costs.

While coverages offered through international travel insurance plans tend to be broad, keep in mind that this type of insurance won't cover every situation that could arise. Some common issues that are not covered by international travel insurance plans include:

• Acts of war
• Claims due to air or water pollution
• Claims due to natural disasters
• Epidemics not specifically included in coverage
• Extreme, high-risk sports
• Government regulations or proclamations
• Nuclear radiation and contamination
• Terrorist events
• Travel bulletins or alerts

Many travel credit cards offer international travel insurance benefits, but you should know that these coverages have some limitations. For example, travel insurance plans from credit cards never provide meaningful amounts of coverage for medical emergencies or dental emergencies. You also have to pay for each trip with your travel credit card for coverage to apply.

The best international health insurance plan depends on factors like the length of your trip, where you're traveling and how much coverage you need. While you can take the time to get quotes from several different companies, websites like TravelInsurance.com and Squaremouth make it easy to compare coverage details, limits and pricing among several providers all in one place.

The cost of international travel insurance varies and can depend on your age, the length of your trip, your total trip cost and other factors. Consider getting multiple travel insurance quotes through TravelInsurance.com to get an idea of the cost of coverage for your upcoming travel plans.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for the Cost
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats

Buy coverage for single trips or multiple trips at once

Annual plans available

Lower coverage amounts for emergency medical expenses than some other plans

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
• Emergency medical transportation coverage up to $500,000
• Trip change protector coverage worth up to $500
• Baggage loss and damage coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay coverage up to $300 (12-hour delay required)
• Travel delay coverage up to $800 ($200 per day)

Add-on coverage available for lodging expenses, preexisting medical conditions and rental cars

Optional CFAR coverage available with some plans

Coverage limits for its lowest-tier Essential plan may be insufficient for some trips

Add-on coverage for preexisting conditions must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
• Baggage coverage worth up to $750
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays
• Travel medical expense coverage worth up to $15,000
• Up to $150,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation

Choose medical coverage limits based on your needs

Generous limits for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation across all plans

CFAR coverage must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit and is only available with Premium plan

Rental car coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 175% of the trip cost
• Travel delay coverage up to $1,000 per traveler ($300 daily limit)
• Up to $2,000 per person in baggage protection
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for sporting equipment
• Up to $500 per person for baggage delays
• Up to $500 per person for sporting equipment delays
• Up to $1,000 per person in protection for missed connections
• Up to $250,000 per person in coverage for emergency medical and dental procedures
• Up to $1 million in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation
• Up to $25,000 per person in rental car coverage
• Up to $100,000 per plan in accidental death and dismemberment coverage

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Coverage limits within standard plans may be insufficient

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

• Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellation
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $3,000 in protection for damage or theft to your bags or gear

Purchase international travel medical insurance for individual trips, multiple trips or long-term travel

Coverage is mostly for emergency medical expenses abroad

Some plans require a primary U.S. health insurance plan

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has covered travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings.

Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

Learn about a range of coverage options for traveling abroad.

The Best Travel Insurance for Mexico in 2024

Find coverage options for medical emergencies, travel delays, lost baggage and more.

Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

What the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card offers

• How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• 3 key benefits cardholders get from the Autograph Journey 

Move Over, Chase Sapphire Preferred. This New Travel Credit Card Is Turning Heads

Wells Fargo's newest card has one key advantage over the gold standard in travel cards.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * -- Wells Fargo’s latest and best travel card -- recently launched with an impressive set of features. Its competitive rewards, welcome bonus and redemption options take aim at incumbent travel credit cards from Chase, American Express and Capital One.

What gives Wells Fargo’s first foray into the point-transfer space an edge is that you don’t have to book travel in a portal to earn the highest rewards rates. 

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of the best travel credit cards, plus three insider tips to help you decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

• Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
• Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
• $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

3 key benefits cardholders get from the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

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7 Best RV Insurance Companies of 2024

S ince 2016, Money’s editorial team has been evaluating companies that offer RV insurance. Our research and analysis takes into account customer satisfaction, financial stability, coverage options, availability and more. We strive to provide accurate and informative recommendations customized to our readers’ needs.

Money’s Main Takeaways

• Insuring your RV is essential, whether you plan to live in your RV full-time or use it for occasional trips.
• The type, age and condition of your RV, where you live, and your own personal driving record are all factors that will influence the price of your policy.
• We settled on six companies including Good Sam as the best RV insurance broker, National General as the best for full replacement cost coverage and Auto-Owners Insurance as the best for customer service.

Why Trust Us?

Our editors and writers evaluate RV insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. Read the full methodology to learn more.

• Reviewed 15+ companies
• More than 1,000 hours of research
• We prioritized coverage, discounts, customer sentiment, the NAIC complaint index and financial stability

Our Top Picks for the Best RV Insurance Companies

• Good Sam – Best RV Insurance Agency
• RVInsurance.com – Runner-Up
• Nationwide – Best for Multiple Discounts
• National General – Best for Full Replacement Cost Coverage
• Progressive – Best for Disappearing Deductibles
• Roamly – Best for Renting Out Your RV
• Auto-Owners Insurance – Best for Customer Service

Best RV Insurance Reviews

• Offers full-timer coverage
• Manage your policy online without having to contact an agent
• Membership gets you discounts on campsites, gear stores, fuel and more
• Not a direct insurer

Why we chose this company: Good Sam Insurance Agency is the best option for those who need help choosing coverage. It connects you with some of the best RV insurance companies and helps you get a comprehensive policy that fits your needs.

Good Sam works with well-known insurance companies like Progressive, Foremost, Safeco and National General. Some standard insurance options you can get through Good Sam include comprehensive, collision, liability, property damage and personal injury protection.

Good Sam is also an excellent option for people who drive their RV across the border to Mexico. The company partners with MexicoInsuranceOnline.com, which can pair you with one of three Mexico-based insurers. Agents can recommend add-ons for your cross-border travels based on your specific needs, and you can purchase policies for a single-day trip or longer.

The company also offers a storage discount, which lets you pause collision and liability coverage when your motorhome or trailer is stored for more than 30 consecutive days. This can help you save on monthly insurance premiums if you only use your RV for occasional road trips.

Lastly, the agency can help you customize a full-time RV insurance policy if you use it as a permanent residence.

Learn more: Good Sam RV insurance review

See rates on Good Sam’s Secure Website >>

Why we chose this company: RVInsurance.com can help you find a suitable policy, whether you use your RV for vacationing or as your residence.

• Specialists can help you find a policy
• Policies available for all types of RVs

RVInsurance.com works with Foremost, National General and Safeco. These companies cover all RV types, from motorhomes to campers. They offer several policy add-ons, such as full replacement cost, full-timers liability coverage and roadside assistance.

You can get an insurance quote online, but an insurance specialist can help you compare policies if you call.

See rates on RVInsurance.com’s Secure Website >>

• Free yearly insurance review to evaluate your coverage options and possible discounts
• Optional towing coverage includes lodging, transportation and meals
• Multiple policies available, making it easy to bundle and save
• Many customer complaints about the claims process

Why we chose this company: Nationwide Insurance offers over 10 different discounts, including discounts for staying claim-free during the previous policy period or installing safety devices, like smoke detectors.

Most RV insurers offer discounts that can help you save on premiums. Nationwide’s discount list, however, is particularly extensive. You can save money if you bundle your RV policy with your existing home insurance, take safety courses, belong to an RV organization (such as the National RV Association), pay your annual policy upfront or purchase the company’s full-time RV insurance package.

Note that not all discounts are listed on Nationwide’s website, and some only come up during the quoting process. For example, according to a customer service representative, the company also offers discounts to customers whose vehicles have safety features such as tire-pressure monitoring systems or fiberglass bodies.

Learn more: Nationwide RV insurance review

See rates on Nationwide’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for specialized equipment such as solar panels
• Pause your coverage when your RV is in storage
• Experts help you find a new RV in the event of total loss
• Low mileage discount
• Eligibility, benefits, coverage and discounts vary per state
• Limited information about policies on its website

Why we chose this company: Full replacement cost coverage can usually only be bought during an RV’s first model year. National General, on the other hand, lets you get the rider within an RV’s first five model years.

With full replacement cost coverage, also known as total loss replacement, your RV gets replaced with a new or similar one if it’s totaled or stolen. You may also get reimbursed for the original purchase price of the vehicle.

This type of coverage is typically only available for newly purchased motorhomes or travel trailers up to one or two model years old. For example, a 2024 model would probably be eligible until 2026. So if you buy a used RV or don’t insure your new one as soon as possible, you risk your vehicle being considered ineligible.

With National General, on the other hand, RVs are eligible during their first five model years. The company can also insure your RV whether you’re the first owner or not — some companies limit this type of coverage to original owners.

The company lets you pause your coverage when your RV is in storage, an option that’s not available with many other providers. You can save money by suspending collision and personal injury riders, for example. However, your RV would still be covered against theft, fires, harsh weather and other non-collision accidents.

Learn more: National General RV insurance review

See rates on National General’s Secure Website >>

• Accident forgiveness for claims under $500
• Horse trailer coverage up to $50k
• Pet injury coverage available
• Add-on coverage available for roof malfunction
• Standard plan doesn't cover personal property replacement or emergency expenses
• Insurance rates can vary if you buy online or through an agent
• Discounts are not available in all states

Why we chose this company: Progressive offers disappearing deductibles, accident forgiveness and an extensive array of discounts.

With Progressive, you can save on premiums if you’re the RV’s original owner or if you pay your policy in advance, among other discounts. However, what makes Progressive’s discount list stand out are disappearing deductibles and accident forgiveness.

Not many companies provide these discounts, and if they do, they only offer one or the other. With disappearing deductibles, the longer you go without filing a claim, the lower your insurance deductibles get.

Progressive deducts 25% from your total deductible amount for every claim-free policy period. After four consecutive claim-free periods, your deductible will be $0. Other insurance companies that offer disappearing deductibles cap the discount to a maximum of $500 — if your deductible exceeds $500, you’d still have to pay the remaining amount.

Disappearing deductibles, also known as vanishing deductibles, have an additional cost.

However, the feature is included if your vehicle is valued at $25,000 or more and you purchase the comprehensive and collision coverage package. Both riders are recommended since they ensure the vehicle is covered for car accidents and non-collision events, like a fire.

Accident forgiveness — which keeps your premium rates from increasing if claims are for $500 or less — is included at no additional cost.

See rates on Progressive’s Secure Website >>

• Specializes in RV insurance
• Coverage even when renting out your RV
• Policies for full-time RVers are available
• Covers Canada rentals
• Only offers RV policies

Why we chose this company: Insurers typically decline coverage if you rent your RV to someone else. With Roamly, you can rent out your RV and still be covered for liability and damage to the vehicle.

Rented RVs require comprehensive commercial insurance because they’re exposed to more risk than personal vehicles. Renting out your motorhome or camper without insuring it can result in denied claims, especially if the renter doesn’t have coverage either.

With Roamly, your RV is always covered when listed in rental platforms like Outdoorsy (which owns Roamly). When someone books your RV through Outdoorsy, they can purchase a renters protection package. These policies can include trip protection, interior damage and travel medical insurance.

Roamly covers rented RVs for actual cash value during a rental period. Also, policies include $1 million in liability insurance protection during each trip.

Learn more: Roamly RV insurance review

See rates on Roamly’s Secure Website >>

• Premium reduction if RV is equipped with certain safety features
• Towing and roadside assistance in all 50 states and Canada
• Mobile app for Apple and Android
• No online quotes

Why we chose this company: Auto-Owners is our pick for personalized customer service because of its network of independent agents, online customer center and mobile app. Customers can access claims, billing and other important policy documents on their phone, tablet or computer.

Auto-Owners has an impressive customer service record, with fewer complaints on record with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) than most competitors. It also ranked above average in the southeast region in J.D. Power’s 2022 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction study.

Unlike other companies, Auto-Owners only sells its insurance products through independent agents. Instead of contacting the company online, you work directly with local agencies which can better advise you regarding specific insurance requirements in your area. For example, bodily injury and property damage liability limits set by law vary by state.

Learn more: Auto-Owners RV insurance review

See rates on Auto-Owners’s Secure Website >>

Other RV Insurance companies we considered

During our research for the best recreational vehicle insurance providers, we narrowed down our initial list to 7 companies. The following didn’t make our final cut, not because they were lacking, but because other competitors had more standout features.

• Covers motorhomes, travel trailers and campers
• Membership plan includes roadside assistance, hotel discounts and more
• Extra coverage for lodging and transportation if your RV is damaged
• Coverage options are not standard across regions (southwest, northeast, etc.)
• RV policy not available nationwide
• Limited information available online

AAA offers coverage for different types of RVs and some of its policies also cover personal effects such as electronics. However, it didn’t make our list because their coverage is not available in all 50 states.

See rates on AAA’s Secure Website >>

• Discount if you transfer from another insurance company
• Discounts for drivers 55 years or older
• Gas price locator to help you find the cheapest gas
• Limited information on company website
• Online quotes not available

Allstate’s policies include emergency travel expenses if you’re over 50 miles from home when your RV breaks down and the issue is covered under the policy. Allstate is not on our main list because it only provides quotes through its sales agents and the information on its website is limited.

See rates on Allstate’s Secure Website >>

• Windshield deductible is only $50 for total replacements
• Personal effects replacement limits up to $100,000
• Free accident forgiveness for those who have been accident-free for 5+ years
• Limited information available on the company's website
• Enhanced RV coverage is not available in HI, MA, MI and NC
• Availability of total loss replacement coverage varies by state and vehicle value

While Geico offers coverage options comparable to those of other companies on our list (such as total loss replacement, emergency expenses coverage and vacation liability), its policies aren’t available nationwide. Its website also lacks crucial details, such as available discounts.

See rates on Geico’s Secure Website >>

• Loan or lease protection coverage available
• Deductibles diminish $100 per year up to $500
• Insures motorhomes valued at up to $1 million
• Coverage available for custom equipment
• Only covers vehicles used 250 days or less per year
• Limited information available on website
• No online quotes available

Safeco offers coverage for class A, B, and C motorhomes valued at up to $1 million, but it only insures these vehicles if you use them recreationally. Safeco didn’t make our list because its website doesn’t offer a lot of information and coverage is limited to vehicles used less than 250 days a year.

See rates on Safeco’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for emergency expenses if camper is damaged or destroyed
• Pays for transportation of damaged RV to storage, repair shop or home
• Full-timer coverage for travel trailers, motor homes, luxury motorcoaches and more
• Special policies for USAA members
• Not available in DC or Hawaii
• Limited information on website

Foremost, a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, has policies for full-timers as well as stationary travel trailers. It also covers personal-use motor homes that you occasionally rent, lease or loan. Unfortunately, this policy doesn’t cover the vehicle while it’s rented, leased or loaned.

See rates on Foremost’s Secure Website >>

• Part-time users can opt for storage-only insurance during the off-season
• Policy extends to travel anywhere in Canada
• Insures equipment permanently attached to your RV
• No information regarding discounts

Despite offering coverage in Canada, Farmers Insurance fell short of our list due to limited information on their website regarding specific coverages and discounts. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to assess the scope and value of its policies.

See rates on Farmers’ Secure Website >>

• Discounts for safe driving and original ownership
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Coverage for all RV classes, including slide-on campers
• Members get a 5% discount on policies
• Policies only available to military families
• 5% members-only discount not available in all states

USAA offers RV insurance through an alliance with Progressive, which covers almost all types of RVs. The drawback to USAA’s policies is that they’re only available to military families.

See rates on USAA’s Secure Website >>

Country Financial

• Multi-policy discount
• Mobile app for Apple and Android devices
• Only available through agents
• Operates in only 19 states

Country Financial’s RV insurance policies fall under home or auto insurance. That can be a drawback for consumers who already have a preferred auto or home insurer. Another notable snag in its coverage is that it’s available in only 19 states.

See rates on Country Financial’s Secure Website >>

National Interstate

• Options for RV full-timers
• 25% deductible discount for each consecutive claim-free year
• Windshield replacement coverage
• Coverage for commercial RVs
• Website lacks information about terms and discounts

National Interstate has policy options for RV full-timers and covers commercial RVs. This insurer is not featured on our main list because its website doesn’t provide details regarding policies or discounts.

See rates on National Interstate’s Secure Website >>

The Hartford

• Lifetime guarantee for repairs done in authorized repair shops
• 24/7 claims submission
• RV replacement if it's totaled in the first 15 months
• Only available to AARP members
• Not available in U.S. territories

The Hartford allows policyholders to customize their RV insurance coverage, and its lifetime guarantee for repairs in authorized shops is a highlight of its policies. However, coverage is only available to AARP members, which is a considerable drawback.

See rates on The Hartford’s Secure Website >>

RV Insurance Guide

Like auto insurance, an RV insurance policy provides financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries and other unfortunate scenarios. This means it can reimburse you for repairs, medical bills and liability expenses in the event you injure someone or damage their property.

Most RV insurance providers offer comprehensive policies covering everything from collisions, theft and loss of personal belongings to medical expenses and more. However, not everyone needs an all-inclusive policy, especially those who use their RVs occasionally.

Read on to find out how much RV insurance costs, learn about the different coverage options available and get tips on choosing the right coverage for your needs while saving on premiums.

Table of contents

How much is rv insurance, types of rvs, what type of insurance does an rv need, what does rv insurance not cover.

• How to buy RV insurance

Renting out your RV

According to Progressive, an RV insurance policy for a travel trailer (an RV that you tow behind your own vehicle) costs an average of $573 per year, while coverage for a motorhome costs an average of $958 per year.

The cost of an RV insurance policy is influenced by the following factors:

• The type of RV: Motorhomes are more expensive to insure than trailers (especially motorhomes with state-of-the-art components).
• Age and condition: Older trailers and motorhomes cost less to insure than their modern counterparts due to their reduced resale value.
• Type of RV insurance: A policy with just liability coverage is more affordable than a comprehensive policy that includes collision and personal property coverage.
• Where you live: As with most other types of insurance, your state and zip code affect your insurance rates. RVs in areas prone to extreme weather will be more expensive to insure.
• Driving experience and driving record: A first-time RV owner poses a higher risk than someone who’s been living the van life for years. Insurers will also look at your general driving record to determine an appropriate rate.
• Claims history: Just as with auto insurance, a lengthy claims history is a red flag to insurers. A driver who has never filed an insurance claim will get a much better rate than one who has cashed in on their policy in the past.
• Additional coverage: Purchasing add-ons that augment your standard coverage can substantially increase your premium. Additional coverage options may include roadside assistance, total loss replacement, vacation liability and full-timers coverage.

Recreational vehicles, more commonly known as RVs, can be classified into one of four categories: Class A, Class B, Class C and towable RVs. The first three are motorhomes, which means they’re drivable units equipped with living quarters and appliances. Towable RVs, also called campers or trailers, can have home amenities too. However, some are designed to transport animals or cargo.

Here’s the rundown of the different types of RVs available:

Class A motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the most luxurious and spacious. They are similar to commercial buses, measuring anywhere between 24 to 45 feet in length and fitting as many as 12 passengers. However, their size can make them difficult to drive and limits their mileage to around 10 miles per gallon or less.

Class B motorhomes

Class B motorhomes, also known as “camper vans,” are the smallest and least expensive type, with a length of 17 to 19 feet. These are standard-sized vans usually packed with a compact kitchen, bathroom and foldable or fixed bed. Their limited living space makes them suitable for four passengers or less who enjoy minimalist traveling.

Class B+ or B Plus motorhomes

Class B+ or B Plus motorhomes are the big siblings of Class B camper vans. These vehicles measure between 17 and 30 feet, fitting bigger beds and more spacious bathroom and kitchen areas.

Class C motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are the middle ground between Class A and B RVs. They measure between 21 to 41 feet in length and are easily recognized by their over-cab sleeping or storage area.

Although smaller than Class A RVs, Class Cs are suitable for full-time occupancy, delivering better gas mileage and easier maneuverability. These vehicles can fit up to eight passengers and include a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining, bathroom and living room areas.

Towable RVs

Towable RVs are pulled by hitches on SUVs, pickup trucks or any vehicle that can tow the RVs weight. Towable RVs that feature living quarters include fifth wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers and pop-up campers. These range from under 10 feet for pop-ups to 30 feet for fifth-wheel trailers.

Truck campers are also considered towable RVs, but you don’t pull them with a hitch. Instead, they sit on the bed of a pickup truck. Other types of towable RVs include utility, cargo and horse trailers.

Since RVs can be both a vehicle and a primary residence, there are special considerations when insuring them. Some policies only offer basic liability protection while others offer broader coverage for things like personal effects and emergency expenses.

Keep in mind that if your RV is self-propelled, your coverage should meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. This applies whether you use the vehicle occasionally or as a residence.

If your RV is towable, the insurance policy on the vehicle used to tow it may extend to the RV. However, note that the towing vehicle’s policy usually only covers liability and not physical damage to the RV or attached accessories.

Best RV insurance features for part-time RVers

People who use their motorhomes for weekend getaways should at least have basic liability coverage that meets their state’s minimum requirements.

Other types of RV insurance for part-time RVers include:

• Property-damage liability coverage: Pays for damages that you cause to another person’s property or vehicle.
• Bodily injury liability coverage: Helps pay the medical expenses of those you injure in an at-fault accident.
• Collision coverage: Covers repairs to your RV after an accident with another vehicle, whether you’re at fault or not.
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire and other non-collision accidents.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: Covers the cost of repairs to your RV and your medical payments if you’re in an accident caused by a driver that doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay your claim.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger in the event of an accident, no matter who was at fault. It may also cover lost wages.
• Campsite/vacation liability coverage: Helps pay for legal expenses if you’re found at fault for injuries or losses suffered by a non-family member while in your campsite area or inside your RV.
• Roadside Assistance: Offers around-the-clock repairs, towing and emergency assistance should your RV experience a flat tire, battery discharge or other malfunction.

Best RV insurance features for full-time RVers

For added peace of mind, full-time RVers should consider having a more comprehensive policy that includes some of the above-mentioned add-ons as well as any of the following:

• Personal property coverage: Covers the cost of replacing any damaged or stolen personal effects. This includes clothing, furniture, jewelry and computers, for example.
• Total loss replacement: Replaces your RV with an equal or similar model if your vehicle is ever stolen or totaled in an accident. In other cases, the insurer may reimburse you for the original purchase price. Note that lenders may require this coverage if you finance your RV.
• Full-time RV liability coverage: Adds additional coverage for liability and medical expenses if you live in your RV for six months or more each year.
• Emergency expense allowance: Covers up to a specified amount of living and travel expenses like car rentals, lodging and food if your RV leaves you stranded, usually more than 100 miles away.
• Specialized coverage: Can replace appliances like awnings, satellite dishes, and solar panels and can even provide coverage for any pet injuries that happen in the vehicle.
• Loss assessment: Helps cover fees charged by RV associations for damage to common areas in a campsite, for example.

RV insurance won’t cover the following:

• Normal wear and tear: RV insurance protects your vehicle against unexpected events, not routine maintenance or deterioration.
• Mold damage, fungi or rot: Insurers consider mold a sign of neglect and won’t cover damages unless it’s directly linked to water damage caused by a covered event.
• Certain types of water damage: RV insurance doesn’t cover water damage that’s caused by regular wear and tear, freezing temperatures or manufacturer defects.

Comprehensive RV insurance covers most natural disasters, including flash floods, storm surges and fire. Earthquake coverage varies by insurer — it may be covered under a comprehensive RV policy or you may need to purchase earthquake coverage separately.

How to Buy RV Insurance

Here are some tips on how to find and purchase the right RV insurance coverage for you.

Take time to shop around for insurance quotes

The cost of RV insurance will depend on your driving history, where you live, the type of vehicle you own and whether you intend to live in the RV full-time or use it for vacations. Adding optional riders like pet and accessories coverage will hike up your premium.

Requesting multiple RV insurance quotes can work out to your advantage. Those who compare estimates and coverage options before choosing often find the best rates.

If you don’t have the time to shop around, you can consult an independent insurance agent. They can help you choose the right coverage and guide you to companies with attractive rates and policy features that meet your needs.

Consider bundling multiple policies

Most insurance providers offer a multi-policy discount when you combine your RV insurance with other qualified policies.

You can save on premiums by combining your RV policy with your current auto, home or boat insurance . Some insurers also let you bundle your policy with renters or life insurance policies . Bundling multiple policies under one provider can also help you avoid the hassle of dealing with different companies come time to file a claim.

If you don’t want to pay two premiums, you can consider adding your RV to your existing auto insurance policy . Just know that the insurance you have on your car usually only extends to towable campers or trailers, not motorhomes. Also, keep in mind that car insurance may cover you against liability and damages to the RV, but not belongings or appliances inside the vehicle.

Homeowners insurance may also offer some coverage for RVs, but only when the vehicle is parked on the insured property’s premises.

Another option is getting umbrella insurance to cover your RV. This type of policy covers liability claims that exceed the limits of your primary auto, home or RV policy. However, this coverage only kicks in if your RV is covered by an underlying policy that meets the liability requirements of the umbrella policy.

Check for available discounts

While these may vary by company, most insurers offer rate discounts for:

• Paying the total annual policy upfront
• Making monthly payments on time
• Staying claim-free during the previous policy period
• Being the vehicle’s original owner
• Installing safety features in your RV (a tire pressure monitoring system, for example)
• Having a favorable loss history (the record of insurance losses associated with the vehicle)
• Being a safe driver (staying accident-free for at least three years)
• Taking safety courses
• Being a member of an RV association

Drivers aged 50 and up can snag a lower rate, as can parents or guardians who opt not to insure drivers under 25 on their policy.

Insurance when renting an RV

If you plan on renting an RV for a vacation, you should consider getting RV rental insurance. This type of policy is similar to car rental insurance since both usually provide liability, collision damage waiver, personal accident or personal effects coverage.

Policies can be purchased through the rental company or your own insurance provider — if it offers such coverage. However, keep in mind that your current car or RV insurance policy may already extend some coverage to the rented RV. Coverage may not be available in all states or for trips longer than 30 days, so you should call your insurer to verify before heading out.

Some insurance companies also offer RV coverage for trips to Mexico. While this type of policy can be useful for someone planning a vacation, it is more commonly recommended for RV owners who frequently cross the border.

If you rent your RV to others, it’s considered a commercial-use vehicle, and your insurance policy won’t cover the renter. The person must obtain their own rental insurance for the trip. If you’re merely lending your RV to a friend or family member, your existing coverage may extend to them, depending on the details of your policy.

However, note that some states — including Arkansas and Wisconsin — require drivers to get special licenses to drive RVs. If you live in one of these states and you lend your RV to someone, that person must have the required license if you want your insurance policy to cover them.

What kind of insurance do I need to rent out my RV?

To rent out an RV, you’ll need at least liability coverage, which pays for damages or injury you may cause to other people and their property in an at-fault accident.

With the exception of New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia, require that vehicles, including RVs, have some form of liability coverage.

Insurance for towable RVs is another matter. When you’re towing your RV behind another vehicle instead of driving it, you only have to worry about having enough coverage to protect your belongings, not about additional liability insurance.

RV Insurance FAQs

What states require trailer insurance.

Trailer insurance requirements vary by state and by type of trailer. Most local governments require liability insurance, while others also require uninsured motorist coverage.

There are currently only two states that don't require any type of trailer insurance. You can drive an uninsured vehicle in Virginia as long as you pay an uninsured motorist fee. In New Hampshire, you can drive uninsured if you prove you have enough money to cover liability expenses in an at-fault accident.

Do you need trailer insurance?

You don't need insurance for a non-motorized trailer that's hooked up to a towing vehicle. The vehicle's insurance coverage extends to the trailer attached to it. However, this coverage is typically limited to liability.

Talk to your auto insurance provider if you want to add property damage coverage for the trailer or purchase a separate RV insurance so that the trailer itself is insured against damage.

Who has the best RV insurance?

Does rv insurance cover water damage, what is vacation liability rv insurance, how we chose the best rv insurance.

• Coverage options and discounts. We picked companies that offer a comprehensive selection of coverage options and premium discounts.
• Customer satisfaction. We favored companies that had above-average scores in J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study. We also considered customer feedback from review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Financial strength. We considered the financial strength of each insurer as evidenced by their A.M. Best rating. A.M Best is a credit rating agency that assesses the creditworthiness of insurance companies.
• Complaint index. We looked up every insurer’s complaint trend report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and favored those with few complaints.

Summary of Money’s Best RV Insurance of 2024

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

• Best for Senior Pets
• Best for Customization
• Best for Bundling
• Best for Preexisting Conditions
• Best for Alternative Therapy
• Best for Exotic Pets
• Best for Unlimited Coverage

How We Rate Pet Insurance

Best cheap pet insurance companies of april 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.

Many pet owners may be reluctant add the cost of pet insurance to their monthly budget. However, most pet owners will experience at least one pet emergency and spend between $2,000 to $4,000, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). While the most comprehensive pet insurance may be out of your budget, there are cheap pet insurance options available that will give you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Best Cheap Pet Insurance Companies of 2024

Best price: pets best pet insurance, best for senior pets: figo pet insurance, best for customization: spot pet insurance.

Best for Bundling: Best for Bundling: Lemonade Pet Insurance

Best for Preexisting Conditions: ASPCA Pet Insurance

Best for alternative therapy: healthy paws pet insurance, best for exotic pets: nationwide pet insurance, best for unlimited coverage: trupanion pet insurance.

If you're looking for pet insurance at a cheap rate, Pets Best Pet Insurance has some of the lowest prices in the industry. You can go to any licensed veterinarian. However, it should be noted that in Insider's staff experiences with Pets Best policies, the reimbursement rate is also applied to your deductible.

So if you had a $500 deductible with 90% reimbursement, a $500 claim would leave you with another $50 left on your deductible, with charges applied based on the 90% reimbursement rate. This is not unusual, but it should factor into your budget and policy choices.

Pets Best offers three types of plans: accident-only, accident and illness, and a wellness plan. With highly customizable options, you can further lower your rate. Plus, the insurer doesn't have an age gap on pet insurance.

Unfortunately, if you're looking for alternative treatments like herbal and holistic treatments, consider searching elsewhere.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
• Deductible options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $20; Cats - $12

Read our Pets Best Pet Insurance review here.

Many pet insurance providers will only insure pets younger than 14. Insurers may put an age cap on eligibility because pets, like humans, tend to develop health conditions as they age. However, Figo Pet Insurance will insure your furry friend, regardless of age. Whatever plan you consider, understand pet insurance companies will not cover preexisting conditions . For dogs or cats with a history of allergies, cancer, diabetes, or other conditions, this would still leave pet parents on the hook for related bills if diagnosed before buying your plan.

Figo offers three plans: the Essential plan, the Preferred plan, and the Unlimited plan. This insurer provides ample coverage choices to customize your policy based on your pet's needs and your budget.

Unfortunately, Figo doesn't sell a basic, accident-only plan, which is generally cheaper than an accident-illness or wellness program. Additionally, while it reimburses you, you must pay your vet bills upfront. Many pet parents resolve this issue using services like CareCredit, which can be paid off after completing the claim. If you're interested in Figo, we recommend Costco members go through the retail giant's partnership with Figo as you get 15% off standard premiums.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $750
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $26; Cats - $14

Read our Figo Pet Insurance review here.

With Spot Pet Insurance , you have nine annual coverage limits, three reimbursement, and five deductible options. This insurer offers an excellent range of policy coverages to mix and match as you choose. Of course, your monthly premiums will vary accordingly.

Spot pet insurance also offers an accident-only and accident-illness plan. The company as a wider range of pet coverage that many competitors lack, like prescription food and behavioral modification. Based on our research at the time of this guide, Spot doesn't sell wellness plans. However, you can add the gold and platinum preventative care plan to supplement your policy.

• Annual coverage options: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, unlimited
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $28; Cats - $14

Read our Spot Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Bundling: Lemonade Pet Insurance

Lemonade Pet Insurance is a relatively new pet insurance company. Aside from pet insurance, it also offers home, car, and renters insurance (which received high marks for customer satisfaction). So you can bundle your pet insurance with other products for 10% additional savings.

If you're a tech-savvy shopper, you may appreciate Lemonade's highly-rated mobile app and user-friendly digital platform. You could purchase a policy, manage your claims, and access your insurance ID at the touch of your fingertip. Unfortunately, Lemonade is not available in all states yet. So be sure to check and see if Lemonade is available to you. But with up to $100,000 in annual coverage, Lemonade covers most significant health events for pets.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $28; Cats- $14

Read our Lemonade Pet Insurance review here.

Unfortunately, all pet insurance providers exclude preexisting conditions from coverage. This is because pet insurance companies have to mediate risk to keep premiums low for everyone. However, several companies will cover preexisting conditions if your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for some time. ASPCA Pet Insurance is one of those providers.

ASPCA pet insurance will cover curable preexisting conditions if your cat, dog, and even horses if your pet has been symptom-free for over 180 days (excluding ligament and knee conditions).

With ASPCA pet insurance, you choose an accident-only, accident and illness, and preventative care plan. ASPCA pet insurance's comprehensive programs cover alternative therapies, behavioral issues, and congenital and hereditary conditions. The provider even covers pet microchipping. When going through the quoting process online, we were told we must speak to a live representative to obtain a quote for unlimited annual coverage.

• Annual coverage options: $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $33; Cats - $17

Read our ASPCA Pet Insurance review here.

Only a few providers offer alternative medicine if you prefer to take the holistic and herbal route when seeking treatment for your pet. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers a comprehensive list of non-invasive forms of therapy, including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy, and massage care, as long as a licensed veterinarian provides the treatment.

The trade-off, however, is Healthy Paws won't cover preventative and wellness care. Its site specifies Healthy Paws believes wellness costs can be planned for. For example, you expect to do a yearly exam and get updated vaccines, and even if you save a little bit each month, you can plan accordingly. However, accidents and severe chronic illnesses are difficult to plan for, and costs are frequently unreasonable. So Healthy Paws focuses on the most significant area of need it sees.

• Annual coverage options: Unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
• Deductible options: $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $37; Cats - $18

Read our Healthy Paws Pet Insurance review here.

Finding cheap pet insurance may be challenging if you have an exotic pet like a bird, rabbit, or reptile. Nationwide Pet Insurance is currently the only pet insurance company to offer wide-reaching coverage for many exotic pets. Other companies offer "discount plans," much like human prescription discount plans. However, you'd have to work with specific vets, and coverage would be specific to the treatment provided.

Nationwide pet insurance offers three pet insurance plans:

• Major Medical (accident and illness plan)
• Whole Pet (more comprehensive accident and illness plan)
• A wellness plan

Nationwide offers various conditions in its plans. However, the coverage is set. Nationwide's sample accident and illness policy broke down many potential diagnoses with primary and secondary diagnoses allowances. Ultimately, each buyer will receive a policy breakdown. However, Nationwide is a more expensive pet insurance provider with limited flexibility.

• Annual coverage options: Per condition
• Reimbursement options: 50%, 70%, 90%
• Deductible options: $250
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $35; Cats - $14

Read our Nationwide Pet Insurance review here.

Trupanion Pet Insurance is one of the pricier insurers on this list. Also, it offers a limited selection of policy options. However, if you're looking for a plan with unlimited coverage, Trupanion may be your winner. Unfortunately, we've all heard of the unexpected accident or illness in an otherwise healthy pet calling for emergency care.

Some emergency surgeries can easily surpass $20,000, and you might be on the hook for follow-up care, rehab, and even further surgeries. These are the times when unlimited care could be the saving grace to save your furry friend.

Trupanion offers deductibles ranging from $0 to $1,000. What's unique about this insurer is you'll only have to pay the deductible once per condition. For example, say your pet develops an illness requiring ongoing treatment. While most insurers will need you to pay a deductible yearly, you'll only have to pay your deductible once when the condition appears, potentially saving you money. This is handy for chronic conditions like allergies, diabetes, and cancer.

• Reimbursement options: 90%
• Deductible options: $0 to $1000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $50; Cats - $22

Read our Trupanion Pet Insurance review here.

We review a company based on several benchmarks and compare it against the industry standard.

• Affordability: We consider an insurer cheap if it meets or is below the industry average premiums. We also compare the prices against its competitors.
• Policy customization: We look at the breadth of an insurer's policy options. Policy options include the number of annual coverages, deductibles, and reimbursement options. The price is not the only determining factor if you compare a $50 for unlimited coverage with 80% reimbursement with a $10 policy with a $5,000 annual cap.
• Waiting period: A waiting period is the time between purchasing a policy and when coverage kicks in. The average waiting period for accident coverage is three days, and fourteen days for illness coverage. However, waiting periods for genetic conditions and serious illnesses could last a year.
• Types of policies available: The best pet insurance companies typically offer three types of plans: accident-only, accident-illness, and wellness plans. We look through an insurer's website to determine if it sells some variation of those three plans.
• Exclusions: Pets come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, insurance companies will exclude some pets from coverage, like older pets or even those with curable preexisting conditions.
• Company offerings: We look at the extensiveness of a company's policies. Some insurers offer coverage for microchipping, alternative medicine, and other unique conditions.

We go into further detail in our insurance rating methodology .

Which dog breed qualifies for the cheapest pet insurance?

Small, spayed, female mixed-breed dogs are the cheapest to insure, according to North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

How much is a reasonable deductible for pet insurance?

Consider your needs before choosing a deductible. Choosing a high deductible may lower your monthly premiums. However, to start your coverage as soon as possible, consider choosing a low deductible, like $100 to $500.

When should you use pet insurance?

You'll decide what coverage you're willing to pay for upfront. However, whenever you have a qualifying claim, you should file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Insurance providers may have a time limit on claims, and you have to fulfill your annual deductible before full coverage will kick in.

What is the cheapest pet insurance?

Pets Best pet insurance costs an average of $20 for dogs and $12 for cats, the lowest prices among its competitors. Prices will vary based on your pet's age and breed. 

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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