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Best Family Travel Insurance

Carissa Rawson

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 .

Table of Contents

Travel insurance company factors we considered

An overview of the best travel insurance for families, top options for travel insurance for a family, additional resources for family travel insurance shoppers.

Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. This possibility doubles (or even triples) when traveling with a family, which can mean that purchasing family travel insurance may make sense for you.

This type of insurance will cover you and your loved ones if you miss your flight, your partner gets food poisoning, your children’s bags are lost and more. Here are the best family travel insurance plans and the factors we considered, and tips on choosing the best plan for you.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

We used the following criteria when choosing which travel insurance companies are best:

Cost . Cost can play a huge factor in choosing a travel insurance plan, especially when you’re traveling with multiple people. We compared costs for basic policies to choose the most affordable options. 

Types of coverage . There is a wide variety of coverage options for insurance , including medical coverage and trip protection benefits. We chose those with the widest range of inclusions. 

Coverage amounts . Many policies offer a variable level of coverage; more expensive policies can include higher policy limits, though this isn’t always the case. 

Customizability . Different travelers have different types of needs, which means that we focused on policies that offer customizability as part of their benefits. 

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

To determine the best travel insurance for a family, we compared the price and benefits across multiple insurance companies for a sample trip taken by a family of three from New Hampshire — a 39-year-old father, 33-year-old mother and 3-year-old child. They are traveling to Germany during the winter and estimate a total trip cost of $12,000.

Overall, the average cost of a plan came out to $257.78, though one plan priced out far below the rest.

Here's a closer look at our top five recommendations for travel insurance for families.

Allianz Travel

best travel insurance for babies

What makes Allianz travel insurance great for families:

Family travel medical insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions. 

Customizability includes rental car insurance and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. 

Provides up to $1,000 per person for lost baggage. 

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

“OneTrip Prime provides all the benefits of the Basic plan but with higher limits, a few extra coverage areas and complimentary coverage for children 17 and under when traveling with a parent or grandparent.”

The complimentary coverage is useful, especially for families with multiple kids.

» Learn more: Trip cancellation insurance explained

World Nomads

best travel insurance for babies

What makes World Nomads great for families:

Lower-than-average cost. 

Includes adventure sports and activities.

Provides $25,000 non-medical emergency transportation. 

World Nomads is a great fit for particularly adventurous families, as its plans include coverage for over 200 activities. So if you're taking the kids skiing this winter or are planning to backpack the Colorado Trail next summer, this might be a good choice.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

best travel insurance for babies

What makes AXA great for families:

Covers 100% of trip cost for interruption or cancellation for covered reasons. 

Provides $100 per person, per day for trip delay.

Includes $100 in coverage for airline reissue or cancellation fees. 

Having kids invites a lot of unpredictability for trip planning. Will your oldest bring home a virus from day care? Will your baby suddenly enter a difficult sleep regression that renders you exhausted? Having 100% coverage for trip cancellation can bring families peace of mind when putting big trip deposits down.

best travel insurance for babies

What makes IMG great for families:

Hundreds of dollars cheaper than the other options. 

$0 deductible for medical insurance. 

Up to $5,000 for trip interruption. 

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.”

best travel insurance for babies

What makes Tin Leg great:

Lower-than-average cost.

150% reimbursed for trip interruption. 

Customizability, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. 

We like Tin Leg for its affordability. You can pocket the saved cash for more ice cream stops on your trip.

Interested in learning more about travel insurance, including annual family travel insurance and methods to make travel insurance less expensive? Start here.

How to find the right travel insurance for you

How annual or multi-trip travel insurance works

Do you need travel insurance in 2023?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

If you’re traveling with family and would like to make sure they’re insured, you can choose to include them in your insurance plan. Most companies will allow you to select the number of travelers in your group when generating a quote.

The definition for immediate family is going to vary based on your insurance provider. Generally speaking, you can expect that your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, in-laws, aunts and uncles all count as immediate family.

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 2023 , 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

Chase Sapphire Reserve 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℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

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℠.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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These are the 4 best family travel insurance plans

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

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

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

Best family travel insurance  

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

Best for families with young children 

Allianz travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

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

[ Jump to more details ]  

Best for affordability 

Faye travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for CFAR coverage 

Travel insured international travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

Best for cruises  

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

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

More on our top family travel insurance companies 

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

CFAR coverage available?  

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

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]  

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

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

Travel Insured International 

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection 

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

Up to 50%, only available on LuxuryCare packages 

Does travel insurance cover family members?  

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select? 

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

Our methodology  

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

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

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

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

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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.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

best travel insurance for babies

Travelex Insurance Services »

best travel insurance for babies

Allianz Travel Insurance »

best travel insurance for babies

HTH Travel Insurance »

best travel insurance for babies

Tin Leg »

best travel insurance for babies

AIG Travel Guard »

best travel insurance for babies

Nationwide Insurance »

best travel insurance for babies

Seven Corners »

best travel insurance for babies

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

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 Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

  • Travelex Insurance Services
  • Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

  • Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
  • HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
  • Tin Leg: Best Cost
  • AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
  • Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

  • 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
  • Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
  • $750 in missed connection coverage
  • $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
  • Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

  • Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
  • $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
  • Up to $1,600 for travel delays
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
  • Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

  • 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
  • $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

  • 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
  • $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
  • Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
  • $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

  • Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
  • Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
  • $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

  • Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
  • $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
  • Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
  • $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

  • 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
  • Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
  • Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

  • 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
  • $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
  • $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
  • $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

  • Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
  • $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
  • Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
  • Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

  • TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
  • InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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  • Family Life |

Baby and kids travel insurance for peace of mind

Baby going travelling

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance

Staysure Travel Insurance

Staysure Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance

Admiral Travel Insurance

Admiral Travel Insurance

RAC Travel Insurance

RAC Travel Insurance

Post Office Travel Insurance

Post Office Travel Insurance

Sainsburyu0026#039;s Bank Travel Insurance

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance

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

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

But do babies even need travel insurance? What are the options for kids, how has Covid-19 affected insurance policies, and what should you consider in your travel insurance policy?

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

Do babies need travel insurance?

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

It's also worth making sure that any larger baby accessories, such as travel cots and buggies, are insured too if they're being kept in the hold and are securely packed to avoid damage.

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

What free insurance is available for my child?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the options for kids' travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should the insurance cover?

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

Medical expenses

Repatriation

Cancellations

Theft, loss, and damage

If your child is likely to be partaking in activities or sport that have their risks, you should check that this is covered too.

best travel insurance for babies

How has Covid-19 affected travel insurance?

You can now get travel insurance that offers Covid-19 cover, covering travel cancellations after a positive test result, medical costs, and additional transport and accommodation should you fall ill with Covid-19 while away.

However, not all policies across providers for Covid-19 are the same so you'll need to check if this is in place if you want the added security.

Currently, with the travel traffic-light system in place in the UK, it's advised that you should only visit countries on the green list. If your destination moves from a green list country to amber or red, you should be aware that you may incur additional costs and/or face travel restrictions that will not be covered by your insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to red-listed countries on the traffic light system and so if you decide to travel anyway against the outlined rules, you won't be covered by your travel insurance policy.

To find out more about how the pandemic may affect your policy, visit Compare The Market for helpful answers to more FAQs on the subject.

Where can you find travel insurance for babies and children?

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

1. Holiday Extras Travel Insurance

www.holidayextras.com

Description

Voted best insurance provider by the Globe Travel Awards 2020

Holiday Extras offers:

  • Single and annual multi-trip travel insurance cover
  • Group and family travel insurance
  • Medical travel insurance with Covid-19 cover included on new policies

Worldwide, Europe, or UK based travel insurance

  • Enhanced Covid-19 protection
  • Optional extras include gadget cover, winter sports, extreme sports, and additional activities
  • Available with three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver, and Gold
  • Up to £15 million medical cover and £5,000 cancellation cover

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

2. Staysure Travel Insurance

www.staysure.co.uk

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

Staysure offers:

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

3. AXA Travel Insurance

www.axa.co.uk

AXA offers:

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

4. Admiral Travel Insurance

www.admiral.com

Admiral offers:

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

5. RAC Travel Insurance

www.rac.co.uk

RAC offers:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions insurance

Covid-19 cancellation cover as standard

Optional extras include gadget cover, winter sports, and cruise cover

Available with three levels of cover: Orange, Silver, and Black

Unlimited medical cover and £7,500 cancellation cover

6. Post Office Travel Insurance

www.postoffice.co.uk

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

The Post Office offers:

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

7. Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance

www.sainsburysbank.co.uk

Sainsbury's Bank offers:

  • Extended trip insurance cover
  • Backpacker travel insurance
  • Flexible worldwide and and UK based travel insurance
  • New policies sold from Oct 2020 have Covid-19 cover as standard
  • Optional extras include winter sports and cruise cover
  • Available with three levels of cover: Silver, Gold, and Platinum

Travel tips for travelling with a baby or child

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

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

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

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

best travel insurance for babies

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

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

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best travel insurance for babies

Top Three Options for Travel Insurance for Children

Byron Mühlberg, writer at Monito.com

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Let's face it — travelling with children of any age can be a real hassle! As parents, you'll not only have to put up with a barrage of questions and over-excitement but probably even the odd tantrum too. Nonetheless, for most parents, seeing their young ones revel in new experiences and soak in the sites and sounds of travel makes the hassle worthwhile in the end.

However, travelling with children isn't only a hassle, it can also be expensive! And — over above the food, accommodation, transport, and toys and souvenirs you'll surely be buying for your children — the last thing you want to have to fork your credit card out for is a medical bill or any other unforeseen travel expense.

Fortunately, by taking out an affordable health or travel insurance package for your entire family before you travel, you'll be able to get (at least a little bit more) peace of mind during your trip. Below, we go over our picks for the three best options for travel insurance for children: —

Top Three Travel Insurances for Children

  • 01. Best medical coverage — VisitorsCoverage scroll down
  • 02. Best for aventurous travel — PassportCard Nomads scroll down
  • 03. Best all-round travel coverage — Insured Nomads scroll down
  • 04. FAQ about travel insurance for children scroll down

Best Medical Coverage ⁠— VisitorsCoverage

best travel insurance for babies

One of the best-known international insurance providers on the web, VisitorsCoverage is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech offering comprehensive packages for families travelling with children at an affordable rate. As of 2018, the company had around a million customers and is currently rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, making it a trustworthy and credible choice for your travel insurance partner.

VisitorsCoverage offers many plans and models, and depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to compare and explore their complete catalogue of plans. However, for the sake of this article, we focus on only one of their plans below that we think is excellent travel insurance for children and families:

Plan: VisitorSecure

Price: Around $130 for a family of four (two young children) per month.

Term duration: Up to 364 days.

Eligibility:

  • Children cannot be younger than 14 days old.
  • You cannot be travelling for fewer than five days.
  • Not available if you live in Australia, Canada, or the US States of Maryland, New York, or Washington.

Coverage: VisitorsCoverage is comprehensive and includes medical and travel-related benefits for families with children, although they focus on medical benefits. A few highlights include:

  • COVID-19 treatment¹.
  • Pre-fixed limited coverage in or out of the PPO network (after deductible).
  • Outpatient and inpatient care.
  • Flu vaccinations¹.
  • Doctor's visits (including specialists).
  • Transport coverage.
  • Dental accident coverage.
  • Emergency room coverage.
  • Emergency medical evacuation.

Deductible: $0, $50, or $100, depending on selection.

Maximum limit: $50K, $75K, $100K, or $130K, depending on selection.

Best for: A great plan that combines comprehensiveness with affordability, we think VisitorSecure by VisitorsCoverage is the ideal travel insurance for children, especially if you're mainly focused on more comprehensive medical coverage and don't mind not having any travel-related coverage.

¹ Minimum purchase of 30 days of coverage to be eligible

Best for Adventure ⁠— PassportCard

best travel insurance for babies

Brimming with a sense of curiosity and adventure, many children love hiking, swimming, skiing, and many other sporting activities when on holiday abroad. If you know your holiday will probably include some more adventurous activities, it's wise to find insurance that will cover such activities.

PassportCard Nomads is an online travel insurance provider aimed at expats and digital nomads, including sports accident coverage. On its most basic plan — PassportCard for Digital Nomads — families can cover themselves with travel insurance for up to six months, during which time they enjoy a range of unique insurance perks for people on the go, including camera, baggage, and laptop insurance, as well as search and rescue coverage.

PassportCard comes with three plans, all of which come with a red travel insurance card and a unique insurance number to show to the doctor. Below, we break down the Starter Plan:

Plan: PassportCard for Digital Nomads

Price: Starting at $59 per person, per month.

Term duration: Up to six months.

Coverage: PassportCard covers all the basics and goes above and beyond when it comes to travel:

  • Emergency coverage.
  • Medical coverage.
  • Pregnancy (up to 12 weeks).
  • Search and rescue.
  • Sports accident coverage.
  • Theft of camera, laptop, or baggage.

Deductible: $0

Maximum limit: $500,000.

Best for: Because of its higher limit of liability and no deductible, we think PassportCard Nomads is best for families looking for a low-cost travel insurance plan with broad coverage — especially if they stand to benefit from more adventurous coverage such as outdoor sports and camera and laptop insurance.

Best Travel Coverage ⁠— Insured Nomads

Family on a beach

If you don't mind paying slightly more per month and are looking for a well-rounded and comprehensive travel- and medical-related insurance policy for you and your children, then we recommend Insured Nomads . Aimed at travellers, remote workers, and globetrotters alike, Insured Nomads is another savvy insurtech platform offering travel insurance for children and families that's ideal for extensive medical- and travel-related coverage.

Founded and run by expats around the globe, Insured Nomads provides an impressive range of travel insurances, including a more extensive scope of medical-related coverages than the other providers in this article. We go over Insured Nomads' basic plan below:

Plan: Travel Insurance World Explorer

Price: Around $325 for a family of four (two young children).

Term duration: One trip of between 7 and 364 days.

  • You cannot travel to Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, or the Crimea region.

Coverage: This plan offers a comprehensive set of medal benefits and coverage for basic travel insurance for kids. These include:

  • Online consultation (telemedicine).
  • Medical, emergency, and accident coverage.
  • Medical transportation coverage
  • Evacuation and repatriation.
  • Life insurance.
  • Adventure sports and marine activity coverage.
  • Electronics, camera, cellphone, and sports equipment coverage.
  • Flight delay provisions.

Deductible: $0, $100, $250, or $500 based on selection.

Maximum limit: $250K, $1M, or $2M, based on selection.

Best for: Although easily the priciest of the three plans on this list, we think Insured Nomads gives the best combination of medical- and travel-related coverage, making it good travel insurance for kids whose parents are looking for comprehensive benefits all around. (Insured Nomads also offers an even more comprehensive global health insurance plan for expats who plan to live abroad for an extended period.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Children

While you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for your children in all countries, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway. Because the cost of healthcare in foreign countries can be high, taking out travel insurance for you and your kids will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you or they need medical attention during your trip.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of having to cover those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers costs that are commonly associated with travelling. This can (and usually does) include medical expenses, but it also often includes coverage for personal belongings, as well as other benefits.

best travel insurance for babies

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DATE + KALE

Baby Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

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

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

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

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

What is Baby Travel Insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does Baby Travel Insurance Cost?

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

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

When Should You Buy Baby Travel Insurance?

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

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

Who Needs Baby Travel Insurance?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we get travel insurance with a baby.

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

What Does Baby Travel Insurance Cover?

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

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

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

Katie Genter

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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).

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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.

best travel insurance for babies

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

best travel insurance for babies

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?

best travel insurance for babies

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?

best travel insurance for babies

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?

best travel insurance for babies

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

best travel insurance for babies

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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The Best Family Travel Insurance Plans of 2024

Find the best travel insurance policies to protect you and your loved ones on your adventures.

in under 2 minutes

Charlotte Whitaker Photo

Charlotte Whitaker is a content writer and PR professional currently writing for clients in the travel, tourism and recruitment industries. Coverage highlights for her PR clients include publications such as National Geographic, Forbes, Travel+Leisure, TimeOut and CNN. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling to the next destination on her bucket list or relaxing in the countryside of the north of England, which she calls home.

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Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

If you are traveling as a family, you can protect your international vacation with travel insurance. Travel insurance helps you recover nonrefundable expenses such as airfare, hotel reservations and excursions if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave early due to an emergency. Travel insurance can also help your family cover the cost of lost baggage and emergency medical expenses.

According to our research on costs and coverage,  Travelex, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide are the top three family travel insurance options.

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Compare the Best Travel Insurance for Families

Ready to start comparing travel insurance providers for families? The following are our top choices for travel insurance coverage for families.

How We Ranked Family Travel Insurance Companies

To determine the best travel insurance providers for families, we looked at the following characteristics of each insurance provider.

  • Complementary children’s coverage: Select travel insurance providers offer complementary coverage for children with the purchase of an adult policy. We rated these providers highly in our review as many families will include children in travel plans.
  • Cost: Next, we compared the cost of coverage for family-oriented policy choices offered by each provider. Companies with more affordable policies for a variety of traveler ages scored higher than those with more expensive plans.
  • Coverage options: Travel insurance providers with more policy and add-on choices offer customers higher levels of customization. We ranked these providers above those with more limited plan offerings.
  • Types of coverage: Insurance providers with multiple types of coverage included in each plan scored higher than those with more limited benefits. For example, we considered baggage benefits , travel delay compensation, medical evacuation coverage and more.
  • Reimbursement limits: We prioritized recommending companies with higher maximum reimbursement limits for major policy components like trip interruption coverage and lost bags.

Top 6 Travel Insurance Plans for Families

Below is our list of the best travel insurance companies for all-inclusive resort vacations:

  • Travelex : Our pick for families
  • Berkshire Hathaway:   Our pick for luxury travelers.
  • Nationwide Travel Insurance:  Our pick for cruise travel.
  • Generali Global Assistance:  Our pick for emergency assistance.
  • Allianz Global Assistance:   Our pick for concierge services.
  • AXA Assistance USA:  Our pick for leisure travelers.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Travelex

Pros and Cons

Why we picked travelex for families.

Travelex is our top-rated choice for family travel insurance thanks to its all-inclusive Travel Select policies. Travel Select plans include coverage for one child under the age of 17 with the purchase of an adult travel insurance policy. You could save up to 50% on coverage by purchasing a plan with Travelex if you have an equal number of children and adults traveling together.

If your family will be traveling as a group of adults, consider Travelex’s Travel Basic policy option, which is available from $60 for low-cost trips. This policy includes a host of general coverages competitive with other travel insurance providers, ranging from up to $15,000 in emergency medical coverage, $150,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and $500 in trip delay benefits. This can be a viable budget option for families looking for affordable individual protections.

Add-On Options

If you want to expand the coverage of your travel insurance plan, Travelex has the following upgrades:

  • Additional medical coverage
  • CFAR (cancel for any reason)
  • Car rental collision
  • Adventure sports cover
  • Flight accidental death and dismemberment

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $200  for a Travelex plan.

To learn more: Travelex travel insurance review

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway

If your family is traveling together, you could have a higher-value vacation that you need to insure. While most insurance providers place caps on the total trip cost they will reimburse, Berkshire Hathaway offers luxury coverage with higher-than-average limits. With the Berkshire Hathaway LuxuryCare plan, you can protect each traveler with up to $100,000 in individual cancellation protection — ideal for high-value international travel.

Berkshire Hathaway’s policies are a bit more expensive than competitors, which means premiums for families will be higher as well. However, its plans are also more inclusive, with up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and up to $2,000 for trip delay expenses. Berkshire Hathaway also offers unique plans for adventure travelers and cruise-goers, with specific coverages outfitted to your planned excursions.

Berkshire Hathaway’s LuxuryCare plan covers most travel expenses, such as in a medical emergency. Add-ons are available, but this level of coverage is comprehensive for international travel for families.

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay  $168 for a Berkshire plan.

Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance

Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance

If you plan to visit an international destination with young children and you want to add another layer of safety, consider a travel insurance policy from Generali.

Generali Global Assistance is our top choice for international travel assistance, as all of its plans include 24/7 multilingual travel assistance that can help you while abroad. This can be a major benefit if you’re traveling to an area where you do not speak the primary language spoken, especially with young children. We also suggest considering Generali’s plans if you are looking for extra assistance planning your family’s trip, as all plans come with complimentary concierge pre-trip assistance.

  • Rental car damage on standard insurance plan, up to $25,000 per person per plan
  • Trip cancellation for any reason on premium travel insurance plan

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $359 for a Generali plan.

To learn more: Generali Global Assistance travel insurance review

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance

Why We Picked Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz is another top selection for families looking for free children’s coverage with adult travel insurance. The company’s OneTrip Prime policy option includes free coverage for children under the age of 17. However, you must purchase adult coverage and plan to travel with the child. Like Travelex’s family coverage, this could potentially save up to 50% on insurance costs for family vacations.

The OneTrip Prime policy is one of Allianz’s most comprehensive and inclusive options, with up to $100,000 in trip interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical protections and $1,000 for lost baggage. This policy also includes a few unique inclusions, including up to $500 in last-minute travel itinerary changes.

The following add-on options come with Allianz Global Assistance:

  • Winter sports and ski insurance
  • Cancel anytime upgrade

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay  $250 for a Allianz plan.

To learn more: Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance review

AXA Assistance USA

AXA Assistance USA

Why We Picked AXA Assistance

If you are planning to travel with your family to a remote area or partake in outdoor activities, consider AXA’s travel insurance policies . In the event of a medical evacuation or illness, AXA will arrange complimentary return transportation for a travel companion or unattended minor. In the event of a sudden medical emergency that leaves a minor unattended, AXA will arrange an escort to accompany the child and ensure their safe return home. This can be a major benefit and offer peace of mind if you’re a parent traveling alone with a minor child.

  • CFAR coverage available on the platinum plan
  • Collision damage waiver available on gold and platinum plans

Based on quotes we obtained, a family of four going on a week-long, $8,000 vacation to Mexico should expect to pay $276 for a AXA plan.

To learn more:   AXA travel insurance review

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance policies often offer a range of coverage options for families traveling together. These include the following:

Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage

Trip cancellation coverage refers to circumstances that may force you to cancel a vacation before departure. Trip interruption coverage applies when you may have to cut your vacation short because of unforeseen circumstances. Most insurance policies cover you in both cases.

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage reimburses you for medical costs should you have to pay for a medical emergency or need medical attention. Reimbursable events can include basic health care treatment, ambulance fees or repatriation costs in the event of a death. The maximum limit of coverage varies among insurance policies.

Baggage Loss, Delay and Damage Coverage

Most insurance policies give coverage if your luggage is delayed, lost or stolen on your family vacation (as long as the event isn’t your fault or is out of your control). The maximum coverage you can receive depends on the travel insurance policy.

If possessions within your baggage are particularly expensive or if together they add up to a high dollar amount, you may want your family insurance policy to have a larger coverage limit for baggage. You can also take out single-item coverage for something specific if it’s that valuable.

Does Standard Travel Insurance Cover Family Members?

Standard travel insurance policies cover you and your family members. The difference between standard travel insurance and family insurance is that family insurance typically covers families of two adults with at least one and up to eight children under 18.

With family travel insurance, you are offered peace of mind that your insurance policy has been crafted with families in mind to cover your needs.

Common Add-Ons

Common add-ons for travelers and families can include:

  • Winter sports coverage: For those hoping to ski or snowboard and partake in winter sports activities
  • Cruise coverage: For groups who will be venturing on cruises during their vacation
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage : A financial backstop if you  must cancel your vacation outside of the policy guidelines

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Families Cost?

The cost of travel insurance for families will depend on the number of family members, the location of the trip, the trip duration, and the total cost. The table below compares costs for basic coverage for a family of four going on a week-long $8,000 vacation to Mexico:

Is Family Travel Insurance Worth It?

Family travel insurance is necessary if you invest a lot of money for a grand family vacation. Knowing that you have comprehensive cover for every member of your party makes it more convenient for travels when you want protection from a range of eventualities.

With a range of family travel insurance policies available, families have ample choices to find a policy that matches their trip, coverage needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you travel separately on family travel insurance.

Some family policies let you travel separately, but you should check with your insurance provider and your policy terms to see if you’re covered.

Is it better to buy travel insurance as a group or individual?

Buying family and group travel insurance is much more convenient and easier to insure everyone on a trip. Group coverage is also likely to be less expensive than purchasing individual policies for every group member. Children sometimes get included for free in family policies.

Does credit card travel insurance cover a family?

You may have insurance to cover your whole family from the credit card you use to book your trip. This is something that varies by bank. You’ll need to talk to your credit card issuer to ask about travel coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Travel Insurance Companies for Families

  • A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
  • A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
  • A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
  • A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
  • A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
  • A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
  • A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
  • Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
  • Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
  • Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
  • Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 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 cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. 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.

Best cheap travel insurance

WorldTrips

Top-scoring plans

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

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

  • Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
  • Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

  • Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
  • Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
  • Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
  • Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
  • 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
  • No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Travel Insured

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

  • Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
  • Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
  • Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
  • $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 only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

  • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
  • $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
  • Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
  • Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
  • Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Nationwide

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

  • Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
  • Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
  • Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
  • 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” (CFAR) upgrade available.
  • Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

  • Travel Guard Preferred upgrades 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.
  • Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable 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 cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

  • 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 the best cheap travel insurance plans.
  • No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
  • Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

Travel Insured

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

  • Age and number of travelers being insured.
  • Trip length.
  • Total trip cost.
  • The travel insurance plan you choose.
  • The travel insurance company.
  • Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.
Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

  • Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
  • Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

  • Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
  • Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
  • Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
  • Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

  • How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
  • Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
  • The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

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

  • Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
  • 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.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

  • Medical emergencies.
  • Trip delays.
  • Trip interruption.
  • Trip cancellation.
  • Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

  • Rental car damage coverage. 
  • Medical bundle.
  • Security bundle.
  • Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
  • Adventure sports bundle.
  • Pet bundle.
  • Wedding bundle.
  • “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
  • “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
  • “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

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.

Mandy Sleight

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

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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Best International Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, though some countries may insist you have it before crossing their borders. It is also a requirement for the issuance of some visas. Still, international travel is uncertain. You’ll need international travel insurance if you’re about to embark on a trip abroad. 

Travel insurance will protect you from financial loss should you need medical attention, lose your luggage or find yourself stranded in a foreign country — flights cancelled or delayed.  Fortunately, several international travel insurance companies offer packages to suit all travel needs. 

Quick Look: Best International Travel Insurance

Five best international travel insurance, best for digital experience: faye, best for budget insurance: travelex, best for families: arch roamright, best for frequent fliers: allianz travel insurance, best for cruise vacations: nationwide travel insurance, how does international travel insurance work, what does international travel insurance cover.

  • Travel Delay 

Trip Cancellation

  • Trip Interruption 
  • Baggage Insurance 
  • Travel Medical Insurance 
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation 
  • Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 
  • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

What Is Not Covered by International Travel Insurance

How much does international travel insurance cost, travel with confidence.

  • Frequently Asked Questions 
  • Best for Travel on a Budget: Travelex International Ltd.
  • Best for Cruise Vacation s: Nationwide Travel Insurance

Here are five of the best international travel insurance companies offering essential and add-on services for peace-of-mind travel.

Faye Travel Insurance

Online travel insurance company Faye offers a single travel plan with optional add-ons. Users access plans and file claims on a free app with 24/7 access. Expect payment directly into a digital wallet. 

The basic insurance covers most medical expenses, including preexisting conditions and medical evacuation, lost or damaged luggage and trip cancellation and interruption. You can also choose add-ons like extreme sports and car rental damage coverage. Prices differ depending on the destination and travel duration. International coverage starts at an affordable $5.16 per day and domestic at $4.64.

  • Available 24/7 on mobile app
  • Customizable
  • Provides nonmedical emergency evacuation up to $100,00
  • Emergency medical coverage is no as generous as some of the other packages
  • No interruption for any reason

Travelex

Choose from three Travelex plans. The Basic plan comes in at a below-average premium. Quotes are available online. Benefits include trip delay, interruption and cancellation, baggage coverage and primary and emergency medical care. It also covers emergency medical evacuation. 

The family-directed Travel Select plan includes free coverage for children under 18. Unlike the Basic plan, it covers preexisting medical conditions. It also provides for customized add-ons like adventure sports. Travel America is designed for trips in the U.S. and covers up to seven people in a group. Apply for travel insurance online and get a quote in seconds.

  • Three options to suit travel plans
  • Free coverage for children under 18
  • Domestic travel at a flat rate
  • Some add-ons are unavailable on the Basic plan
  • Low emergency medical coverage — $15,000 on the Basic plan

Arch RoamRight Travel Insurance

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

Choose from Pro and Pro-Plus plans when you insure with Arch RoamRight. Both plans offer free coverage for one child younger than 18 per adult with travel insurance. The children receive the same coverage as the accompanying adult traveler —  cost-effective insurance for traveling families. The insurance covers medical emergencies, travel delays and interruptions and lost luggage. Pro-Plus covers existing conditions. The company offers upgrades for adventure travel, rental car damage and delayed luggage. Make claims by phone, email or online.

  • Excellent customer service
  • Free coverage for a child younger than 18 per adult
  • Two policies and upgrades
  • Limited extreme sports coverage

Allianz Travel Insurance

If you’re looking for all the travel insurance essentials on a budget, the Allianz One Trip Basic plan will work for you. Allianz provides users with an app to track and claim coverage. 

There are several plans on offer with some interesting innovations. 

One Trip Emergency Medical increases the emergency medical coverage for the Basic plan from $10,000 to $50,000 but excludes trip interruption and cancellation benefits. All Trip options provide travelers with year-round protection for a single fee and include car rental protection. Allianz has a Concierge service and multilingual customer service 24/7. 

  • Several policy options tailored to your needs
  • All Trip Basics offers year-round coverage
  • Multilingual service 24/7
  • Concierge services included in the plans
  • Medical coverage is low
  • 12-hour delay for baggage delay

In business since 1926, Nationwide Travel Insurance offers travelers a choice of seven travel insurance policies. Nationwide’s Essential Plan offers basic travel insurance at below-average prices. It also provides specialized cruise insurance and annual plans for those who travel frequently and would prefer to pay a single premium for a year’s coverage. Add-ons include rental car coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

  • Offers specialized cruise travel insurance
  • Frequent travelers can buy annual travel insurance
  • Optional add-ons include rental car damage, CFAR and AD&D
  • 12-hour wait for baggage delay

Anything can go wrong when you travel to foreign countries. You may have to cancel the trip, or it may be delayed. You may become ill or lose your luggage. International travel insurance protects you from financial loss under some of these circumstances.  

International travel insurance can be worthwhile because it covers a broad range of possible circumstances.

Travel Delay 

Most insurance companies impose a six-hour minimum waiting period before you can claim expenses for travel delays. 

Trip cancellation covers you for the prepaid portion of your travel costs in the event of cancellation. The policy will list the covered events. You can also buy coverage for all events but at a higher premium.  

Trip Interruption 

Your insurance will cover you for specified unforeseen travel interruptions. Listed reasons usually include illness, injury or bad weather. 

Baggage Insurance 

Baggage insurance covers you for lost, damaged or stolen luggage. 

Travel Medical Insurance 

Overseas medical costs can pile up, and your medical aid may not cover them. Travel medical insurance covers all your medical like ambulance services, hospitalization and doctor’s visits should you become ill or injure yourself while traveling. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation 

If you are seriously injured or ill while abroad, you may have to move to another facility capable of providing the treatment. Emergency medical evacuation covers transportation costs. In some instances, medical evacuation will also cover repatriation costs so you can return home.  

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 

Some insurance companies offer IFAR as an additional benefit. Under this benefit, you can return home for any reason. You will receive a portion of your prepaid expenses as a reimbursement. 

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 

CFAR insurance is another add-on product. You must buy it within two to three weeks of paying deposits for the trip or you won’t qualify. There is also usually a waiting period before you can cancel and a cap of around 75% on the reimbursement. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

AD&D covers you in case of accidental death or loss of a limb and faculties like sight. Your policy will define the injuries. Ensure you understand the exclusions if you buy this additional travel insurance. 

There are certain injuries and illnesses that your international travel insurance will not cover. These include:

  • Preexisting medical conditions
  • Natural disasters, civil unrest and war
  • Change-of-mind cancellation
  • Injury during high-risk activities
  • Losses caused by negligence or in the commission of an illegal activity
  • Routine doctor’s visits or procedures

Costs for international travel insurance differ considerably according to the trip cost, coverage, options, traveler age and ports of departure and destination. On average, travel insurance will cost between 3% and 6% of your nonrefundable costs. 

Don’t plan a foreign holiday without travel insurance. It isn’t worth the risk. Travel insurance protects you from losses when things go wrong as you travel the world. It protects you from financial loss and could make all the difference if you need medical attention or suffer the inconvenience of delayed or canceled flights. There is travel insurance to meet all your insurance needs at an affordable price. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is international travel insurance required.

In most countries, international travel insurance is not mandatory, though some may make it a prerequisite for entry. Some embassies also require proof of medical insurance before issuing a visa.

Does international travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

International travel insurance does not cover preexisting medical conditions.

Is it possible to extend international travel insurance coverage while abroad?

Most insurance companies will allow you to extend your international travel insurance coverage while abroad though there may be time limits.

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  20. Best Travel Insurance for Babies

    Up to S$1,000,000 for personal accident (family limit) / Up to S$120,000 per child. Up to S$37,500 trip cancellation (family limit) / Up to S$15,000 per child. Up to S$10,000 child companion benefit. No additional cost from 2nd to 5th child. S$60.76 (Family plan - 2 adults, 1 child) Apply Now. MSIG Premier Plan.

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