how good is geoblue travel insurance

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GeoBlue Travel Insurance Coverage Review — Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

Why choose geoblue, travel medical insurance and the covid-19 virus, short-term single-trip plan options — geoblue voyager, multi-trip plan options — geoblue trekker, long-term plan options, additional plans available, how to obtain a quote, the value of travel insurance comparison sites, geoblue vs. other travel insurance companies, geoblue vs. credit card travel insurance, everything else you need to know, final thoughts.

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We frequently discuss travel insurance and look closely at companies that offer the coverage , but today we’re narrowing our focus from comprehensive travel insurance to a specific type of travel coverage — travel medical insurance.

Chances are you’ve heard of BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), one of the leading healthcare insurance providers in the U.S. The company was established in 1929 and currently insures over 107 million members. GeoBlue, an independent licensee of BCBS, picks up where BCBS leaves off, offering travel medical coverage worldwide .

You do not have to be a member of BCBS to purchase travel medical insurance from GeoBlue as the company makes its products widely available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

In an effort to determine the benefits of GeoBlue as a viable option for purchasing travel medical insurance, join us as we explore the following in today’s review:

• Why you should consider travel insurance and specifically GeoBlue
• An overview of the types of plans the company offers
• Comparing plans and obtaining a quote
• How the company measures up versus other companies and to credit card travel insurance

Insurance products, in general, serve the purpose of indemnifying you and making you whole (or nearly whole) should a covered event cause you to incur a financial loss. Travel insurance , and in this case travel medical insurance, is designed to accomplish the same objective.

Since our topic for this article is narrowed to travel medical insurance , let’s look at several reasons you’d want to consider this coverage.

• Your current health insurance policy does not provide coverage outside of the U.S. and/or its territories
• Your current health insurance policy covers you outside of the country but has a high deductible
• You are on Medicare and do not have a supplement plan
• You want a primary travel medical policy that gives you access to a network of medical providers in the country you’re visiting
• You have insurance from your credit card for trip cancellation, trip interruption , and other travel disruptions, but not travel medical coverage
• You are traveling to a remote area and want to have emergency evacuation insurance

This is just a sampling of some of the situations where you’d want to consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy. Fortunately, the coverage is affordable and widely available.

Bottom Line: If your current health insurance policy does not cover you while traveling abroad or has a high deductible if it does provide coverage, you’ll want to consider purchasing travel medical insurance . Additionally, you should consider travel medical insurance if you’re concerned about emergency medical evacuation, or want to have 1 primary policy that covers you during your travels. 

If you have the need to purchase travel medical insurance, there are certainly a lot of companies from which to select. GeoBlue stands tall among those competitors for several reasons.

First, the company has been providing global health insurance options since 1997, is a licensee of BCBS with a rating of excellent by financial insurance rating company, AM Best, and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

Additionally, you can expect the following benefits when insuring with GeoBlue:

• GeoBlue has a vetted group of elite doctors in a network that spans 190 countries. Physicians must be certified by the American or Royal Board of Medical Specialties.
• Visits to network doctors/facilities are handled cashless, eliminating the need to file a claim for reimbursement.
• In addition to in-person care, GeoBlue utilizes alternative telemedicine options available 24/7 and provides access to a global network of physicians and facilities.
• Access is available to 24/7 assistance including translation services, physician referrals, prescription services, destination assistance, and more.

Bottom Line: GeoBlue is an established, highly-rated company that specializes in providing travel medical insurance with associated care via its global physician network, telemedicine services, and 24/7 medical assistance services. 

Travel insurance, in general, does not cover voluntary trip cancellations due to the fear of getting ill for any reason, including the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus. In addition, some travel insurance companies specifically exclude COVID-19 for most coverages. Other travel insurance companies provide limited coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses under trip interruption and medical care coverages only.

You’ll want to review any policy you’re considering to make sure your greatest concerns are covered.

In order to have any coverage that provides reimbursement for a voluntary trip cancellation, for example, you’ll need to consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance .

Travel medical insurance does not normally include extensive coverage for trip cancellations or disruptions  but focuses more on providing medical care and reimbursement for the associated expenses that occur as a result of becoming ill or having an accident during your travels.

Fortunately, many of the medical insurance policies offered by GeoBlue do cover COVID-19-related illness . Let’s look closer at the available options.

Bottom Line: In order to have coverage for trip cancellation due to the fear of getting ill, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance. Some policies provide limited coverage for COVID-19 under trip cancellation and trip disruption coverages should you contract the virus prior to or during your travels. Many of the travel medical policies offered by GeoBlue cover COVID-19-related illness care . 

GeoBlue Policy Comparisons

GeoBlue offers single trip, multi-trip, and long-term plans. The company also issues specialty travel medical plans for students, workers on assignment, missionaries, volunteers, and maritime workers while abroad.

First, let’s look at the policy options for individuals and group travelers.

GeoBlue Voyager plans are designed for individual single-trip travel or group single-trip events. Groups are defined as 5 or more persons traveling together and a 10% discount off of individual pricing is provided.

Voyager plans include coverage for COVID-19-related illness care. 

Here’s how the 2 Voyager policy options compare.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it could make sense to purchase 1 annual policy that covers multiple trips. GeoBlue Trekker multi-trip plans cover all trips made within a 12-month period (up to 70 days in length) and offer 2 levels of coverage options.

Here is a comparison of the 2 GeoBlue Trekker plans.

Both plans cover pre-existing conditions and emergency and non-emergency medical care. Both plans require that you have a primary health plan in place to qualify for purchasing these plans.

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living abroad and need medical insurance, GeoBlue offers 2 plans that may provide the coverage you need for you and your family.

These plans are different from short-term plans in that medical underwriting is needed in order to qualify. Here’s a brief summary of GeoBlue plans for U.S. expats.

All GeoBlue plans offer 24/7 global medical assistance, translation services, doctor searches, and destination health/security information.

GeoBlue Navigator, Xplorer, and Voyager plans include coverage for COVID-19-related illness .

GeoBlue provides additional medical plans for specific types of travelers working abroad, on assignment, or participating in study programs.

• Incoming international students studying in the U.S.
• Students studying abroad
• Employees of multi-national companies working abroad
• Expatriate Crew International Health Plan — for those working on ships
• Expatriate Missionary and Volunteer International Health Plan — covers missionaries, aid workers, and volunteers worldwide

Bottom Line: GeoBlue offers several comprehensive individual travel medical plan options, comprehensive student plans including coverage for international visiting students, and plans for U.S. students, faculty, and family when studying abroad. GeoBlue also offers employer plans that provide coverage to employees working abroad and their families. Missionaries, those who volunteer internationally, and maritime workers will also find policies designed specifically for those situations. 

Obtaining a quote for any type of travel insurance can be quick, easy, and can even result in securing immediate coverage. The process is similar for travel medical insurance.

To obtain a quote from GeoBlue for a single trip plan, you’ll need to input your travel destination, your state of residence, the length of your trip, age, cost of the trip, and the date you made the first trip deposit.

For a multi-trip annual plan quote, the process is similar. You’ll need to input your zip code, age, and the desired effective date of the policy.

Obtaining a quote with GeoBlue for a single or multi-trip policy can be done in just a few minutes. To obtain a long-term policy quote, you’ll need to submit some of the same basic information and a quote will be emailed to you.

Bottom Line: Obtaining a quote for a single or multi-trip policy is a quick and simple process completed on the GeoBlue website. A long-term quote for qualifying applicants must be requested via email. 

While purchasing a travel medical policy from GeoBlue ensures you’re dealing with a highly-rated established company, it’s always good to do some comparison shopping when looking for any type of insurance.

Viewing a selection of policies side-by-side makes it easy to compare coverages and costs. This task is easily accomplished by utilizing a travel insurance comparison website such as the ones listed here.

Additionally, comparison sites allow you to narrow the number of policies to those that contain the coverages most important to you. Here are a few we recommend:

• InsureMyTrip — great for stand-alone medical travel insurance policy comparisons but also offers comprehensive travel insurance policies from over 20 providers
• Squaremouth — easy to navigate site that allows you to compare dozens of travel insurance companies and filter by desired coverage, including travel medical insurance
• TravelInsurance.com — you’ll want to use this site for comparing travel insurance plans, including those with medical coverage, however, no stand-alone medical plan quotes are available

Bottom Line: Utilize a travel insurance comparison site to help you easily compare several plans, filter by desired coverage, and select those that best match your coverage priorities. 

How GeoBlue Compares — Summary

We know that GeoBlue is a reputable choice for travel medical insurance but let’s look at how the company’s offerings compare to other travel medical providers and to the coverage that comes with your credit cards.

When we searched for a quote using the criteria of a traveler, age 40, for a trip to Mexico for 1 week that costs $3,000, the top 4 results above were shown. You’ll notice by the results that single-trip travel medical insurance can be an affordable option.

The next key element in selecting a policy will be to compare coverages. We know that GeoBlue Voyager policies include coverage for COVID-19 with the Voyager plans, for example, so this may be a key factor in our selection.

Digging deeper into our comparison we find that 1 policy does not include coverage for COVID-19. If we narrow our search to plans that only include this coverage, the next step will be to look at other coverages and limits that are important to us.

In this case, coverages for these policies are similar and costs do not vary widely. GeoBlue, however, remains competitive in both coverages offered and premiums charged.

Bottom Line: While GeoBlue holds its own and is competitive in both coverages and cost when compared to other travel medical insurance companies for single-trip plans, we know that coverage for multi-trip plans does not include coverage for COVID-19-related illness. 

We frequently remind travelers that even the best credit cards for travel insurance are not a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This is especially true for travel medical insurance coverage as you won’t find comprehensive medical coverage on any credit card .

There are very few cards that do offer emergency evacuation insurance and other ancillary medical/dental coverage. Here are 2 of the best options for travel-related coverages and benefits.

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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To learn more about all the travel insurance coverages that come with the Amex Platinum card, you’ll want to review our in-depth article on the topic. Note that terms apply and enrollment may be required for some benefits, so make sure you enroll through your American Express account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• 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℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• 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
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

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For more information on Chase Sapphire Reserve card travel insurance coverages , you’ll want to access our expanded overview.

Bottom Line: While credit cards may offer travel accident, trip delay , and other ancillary travel insurance coverages, these cards do not offer travel medical insurance. 

Here’s some additional information we need to pass along applicable to the GeoBlue policies mentioned in our article:

• Eligibility includes U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
• Single and multi-trip medical insurance policies must be purchased in your home country before you travel
• Long-term policies, such as those for expats, may be purchased while abroad
• Travelers under 96 are generally eligible for coverage; other age limits may apply to specific policies
• Coverage is valid in all countries other than where the plan would violate U.S. economic trade sanctions
• Some GeoBlue policy options are secondary and require you to have an underlying medical insurance policy
• All policies issued by GeoBlue have a 10-day money-back guarantee

GeoBlue’s expertise at providing travel medical insurance makes it a good choice for purchasing coverage for a single or group trip, or if you’re an expat needing longer-term medical coverage while abroad. Students, faculty, and employers will also find comprehensive medical plans that fit their international medical insurance needs.

Finally, keep in mind that our article today is simply an overview and abbreviated summary of GeoBlue’s policy offerings — plenty of terms and conditions apply. The company’s website provides everything you need to select the appropriate policy, review coverages, obtain a quote, and purchase a plan.

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

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How does geoblue travel insurance work.

GeoBlue specializes in travel medical insurance. Care is provided internationally primarily via a comprehensive, vetted, and certified worldwide network of physicians and hospitals in 190 countries, but out-of-network international care is also covered. Additionally, the company provides worldwide care via telemedicine appointments.

The company offers international single trip, multi-trip, and group travel medical insurance plans.

It’s specialty travel medical insurance plans include policies for visiting international students, U.S. students studying abroad, and faculty members.

Additional plans include plans for those who work abroad for multi-national companies, maritime works, missionaries, and volunteers.

Is GeoBlue a good travel insurance company?

Yes. GeoBlue, a licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield, is an established travel medical insurance company that has been offering international health insurance since 1997.

The company received a high financial rating from insurance rating company A.M. Best and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Does GeoBlue meet Schengen visa insurance requirements?

Yes. GeoBlue travel medical insurance plans meet Schengen visa insurance requirements.

Does GeoBlue cover dental?

GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans offer ancillary dental coverage with limits between $100 and $500, depending on the plan, which includes emergency dental care for injury or relief of pain.

Voyager plans have additional dental and vision care riders which are optional add-ons.

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About Christine Krzyszton

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

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How is GeoBlue rated?

Overall rating: 3.7 / 5 (very good), geoblue plans & coverage, coverage - 4 / 5, emergency medical coverage details, baggage coverage details, geoblue financial strength, financial strength - 3.5 / 5, geoblue price & reputation, price & reputation - 3.5 / 5, geoblue customer assistance services, extra benefits - 3.8 / 5, travel assistance services.

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GeoBlue Travel Insurance Review (2024)

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from Geoblue via Squaremouth.com

Josh Lew is a travel journalist and writer based in the midwestern U.S. He has been active for the past decade, covering airlines, international destinations and ecotourism for sites like TravelPulse and TreeHugger. He currently contributes to content writing agency World Words.

Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

GeoBlue is a bit different from other top travel insurance providers . In a world of comprehensive trip insurance, this independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield keeps it simple by offering straightforward single-trip and multi-trip health plans.

This insurance brand caters to all types of travelers, from vacationing families to adventure-seekers living or studying abroad for extended periods. With features like a network of doctors who bill GeoBlue directly and coverage for pre-existing conditions, GeoBlue is for people who only need medical coverage when traveling.

At the same time, those seeking trip cancellation insurance won’t find what they are looking for with GeoBlue, which only offers modest interruption and lost baggage coverage.

GeoBlue Travel Insurance Overview

GeoBlue has plans designed for different types of travelers. Its single-trip and short-term coverage is branded as “GeoBlue Voyager.” These options have travel medical coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and include accidental death and dismemberment, emergency evacuation , repatriation and prescription drug reimbursement.

In addition to different coverage limits, this insurer has deductible options ranging from $0 to $500. Also, patients can use telemedicine services for non-emergency care.

Trekker-branded insurance coverage is for frequent international travelers needing medical coverage across multiple trips. Meanwhile, Navigator and Xplorer plans to provide emergency and non-emergency healthcare benefits to expats, students, maritime crew members and missionaries.

Pros and Cons of GeoBlue

Compare geoblue to the competition.

Use the table below to compare GeoBlue to other travel insurance providers. However, keep in mind that other providers will cover more costs for your trip, such as cancellation and interruption, whereas GeoBlue just provides travel medical insurance. 

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

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What Does GeoBlue Cover?

GeoBlue’s Voyager Essential and Voyager Choice are budget-friendly travel insurance options focusing on medical services. Essential does not require a U.S.-based primary health plan, but Choice does.

Here is what you get with the GeoBlue Voyager Essential plan.

• $50,000 to $1 million emergency and non-emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 for medical evacuation
• $25,000 for death, dismemberment, or repatriation costs
• 50% prescription drug coverage up to $5,000
• $500 baggage coverage per trip or $100 per bag
• $1,000 trip interruption insurance

If you plan to take multiple trips or live abroad for more than six months, the Xplorer or Trekker plans can provide long-term protection.

Optional Riders

A rider is an addition to a standard insurance agreement. It amends the details or adds other coverage to the policy. For instance, a rider could raise coverage limits or make exceptions for a pre-existing condition.

Because of the varying coverage limits and deductible choices on the Voyager Essential plan, riders are usually not necessary. However, Voyager Choice offers several upgrades that may be worthwhile to some travelers.

• $50,000 death and dismemberment coverage
• 100% coverage for prescription drugs up to $5,000
• No 180-day exclusion for pre-existing conditions
• $50 per day for trip interruptions involving quarantine

Though both these plans are open to all U.S. citizens, Voyager Choice requires that you have an active health insurance policy in the U.S.

Policies Offered

GeoBlue travel insurance plans focus on medical care, including emergencies and regular outpatient office visits. However, other coverages are also a part of some plans.

All policies offer $25,000 for specified hazardous activities, such as alpine skiing and scuba diving (diving certification required for coverage).

How Much Does GeoBlue Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance policy prices depend on different factors, including the cost of your trip, your age, pre-existing medical conditions, your destinations, coverage limits, the length of your stay, and other factors. The insurer will ask about these different variables during the signup process.

Cost of International Travel Insurance

Quotes represent the cost for a month-long trip from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2023 for a 40-year-old traveler from Texas. The plan has a $0 deductible and $1,000,000 in medical coverage.

Voyager plans have $1,000 in trip interruption and $500 in lost baggage coverage.

Read More: Travel Health Insurance For Visitors To USA

Does GeoBlue Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

GeoBlue says it offers 24/7/365 assistance for all medical insurance plans through its mobile app, site and a toll-free international call center.

The app includes self-service features like virtual insurance ID cards, in-network doctor listings, medication dose conversions and access to telemedicine services on compatible devices. Telemedicine services are via Teledoc Health and include same-day appointments and additional communications, such as appointment notes, via the policyholder’s phone.

Insured customers can also contact GeoBlue via phone on toll-free and collect-call hotlines. Operators are able to coordinate services listed on the policy, check coverage eligibility and find doctors in the country.

GeoBlue Customer Reviews

GeoBlue has over 80 reviews on Squaremouth and a rating of 4.63 out of 5 as of June 2023. Many of the customers mentioned that they needed international health insurance without cancellation or other travel coverage and found that GeoBlue was the best fit for their needs. Some reviewers struggled to find information about healthcare providers in GeoBlue’s network in their destination country.

Here are four reviews from verified customers on Squaremouth.

“Really pleasant person at GeoBlue assisted me pre-departure when I had some difficulties accessing membership cards via the internet. She was very patient and very helpful. We had no health incidents while traveling, but we expect to purchase similar coverage next time we travel out of the U.S.” —Catherine from GA “My trip to Israel was canceled by the tour company one week before we were to leave. I sent an e-mail to GeoBlue to inform them that the trip had been canceled. Within minutes I received an e-mail from GeoBlue that my insurance had been canceled and that I would receive a refund to my credit card ASAP. I hope to re-schedule this trip as soon as possible and I will only use GeoBlue for securing travel insurance. I could not have been more satisfied with the service and would highly recommend them to anyone considering travel insurance in the future.” —Pamela S. Johnson from OH “I had my suitcase stolen while on my trip in Sweden. When I returned, I filed a claim ($500 total, $100 per item for lost/stolen Item) and have been turned down twice, the latest because I have no receipts for the items lost (we are talking suitcase, [clothes], shoes, electric toothbrush, toiletries, etc. [Things] that people do not keep receipts on). The first denial was noted as not providing medical records and receipts, as if they hadn’t even bothered to read the claim. I did provide them with the police report that I was provided, the report that the Gate 1 tour company provided, and a break-down of what was in the suitcase, including prices.” —Kenneth from AL “I have been constantly asked by the medical doctor in Greece over a 6 month period to help them as I made 2 visits to the doctor and they claim they were not paid. Since I [contracted] Covid I also had bloodwork, chest X-rays, etc., 2 visits in all. I paid direct to the hospital [on my] first visit and met my deductible . ($250 or 240.50 euros). The doctor claims they were never paid by GeoBlue! I called from Greece, which is very expensive, to GeoBlue twice and asked that they [please] straighten this out. I sent 2 emails stating the same. But to this day the doctor’s secretary is writing to me to secure payment for them. I was sick in May — it is now November! I told the doctor that you are in GeoBlue’s network and you should be contacting GeoBlue to get paid. Most annoying and frustrating.” —Martha from FL

Note: GeoBlue responded to the above review with the following : Thank you for your review! A response to your claim inquiry email was sent on 11/16/2022, please check your email and spam folder for our resolution to your claim issue.

How To File a Claim with GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers several options for filing a claim. Customers with travel medical plans will have access to the Member Hub and mobile app. Both allow for electronic claims submission. The process includes filling out a claims form and submitting scans or images of medical bills and supporting documents. You can also file a claim by fax, email or traditional mail.

GeoBlue has country-specific phone numbers for some destinations.

Is GeoBlue Worth It?

GeoBlue focuses on providing health insurance for people traveling outside of their home country. You can use deductible and coverage limit options to change the cost and level of protection of your policy.

GeoBlue stands out for travel health insurance because it offers telemedicine, a worldwide network of doctors, direct payment for in-network services and both short and long-term insurance options. We recommend requesting a quote from GeoBlue, along with at least two other travel insurance providers, to make sure you get the best value for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About GeoBlue

Does geoblue cover pre-existing conditions.

Some GeoBlue programs cover pre-existing conditions. For single-trip coverage, the Voyager Choice plan covers all pre-existing conditions. The basic Voyager Essential also does, but it has a six-month exclusion period from the coverage start date.

Does GeoBlue have policies for group travel?

GeoBlue offers group options for both of the Voyager plans. If you travel with a group of five or more people, you qualify for a 10% discount. Group members must be 95 years old or younger.

Does GeoBlue have a plan for expatriates?

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is for expats and their family members who plan to be outside the country for at least three months during the year. Explorer Essential has no U.S. coverage, while Xplorer Premier offers comprehensive coverage at home and abroad.

Does GeoBlue offer trip cancellation insurance?

GeoBlue does not have traditional trip cancellation insurance. Voyager plans include $1,000 in trip interruption coverage and $25 to $50 per day for quarantine-related delays.

Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides 

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Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• 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

• About GeoBlue
• Why GeoBlue?

GeoBlue Solutions:

For Individuals

For Employers

For Academic Institutions

• For Members
• For Brokers
• For Providers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Global
• Bupa Global

Pushing the Boundaries: Health Insurance Considerations in the New World of Work-From-Anywhere

Celebrating 25 years of supporting the globally mobile, global telemd tm a simple way for our members to get remote access to care, anywhere in the world., geoblue. trusted provider of health insurance coverage and technology-smart solutions that help world travelers stay safe and healthy wherever they roam., when your company is globally mobile, geoblue solutions keep world-class healthcare at hand., geoblue provides the healthcare protection you need to make the world your classroom., when you travel, work or live outside the u.s., geoblue keeps you connected to world-class care., geoblue has an elite network of doctors from almost every specialty ready to meet with members in over 180 countries. allow us to introduce a few.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

GeoBlue has been awarded full URAC Health Utilization Management (HUM) accreditation URAC accredited

Beware of check fraud scams beware of check fraud scams, do you have what it takes to be a world leader do you have, telehealth service available to members telehealth service, selecting the right international health insurance coverage is easy with geoblue..

Even when you travel alone, we're there for you every step of the way.   Learn More

We'll care for your employees as if they were our own.  Learn More

Students and staff abroad will feel right at home with us by their side.  Learn More

More than 25 years as a leader in international healthcare.

We provide peace of mind for the globally mobile through sample a robust physician and hospital network, innovative digital tools and world-class member service. Learn more about GeoBlue

Offering world-class solutions for the globally mobile.

We offer a wide range of compliant health insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of employees, students or travelers, giving them confidence that they can access quality care wherever and whenever they need it through best-in-class networks, an integrated service experience and industry-leading digital tools. Learn more about what makes GeoBlue different

STRONGEST GLOBAL NETWORKS

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE

Life is too hectic. See how GeoBlue is further simplifying access to healthcare for members.

The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance Review

GeoBlue – Voyager Choice

Editor review.

The Good: A single-trip travel medical plan for individuals and families from the U.S. heading abroad. Ideal for travelers under age 85. Choose your deductible and your medical limits to control premium costs.

The Drawbacks:  Medical benefits for adventure activities are limited.

The Bottom Line:  This is a good all-around travel medical insurance plan that gives the traveler a lot of choice in how much they want to spend for their coverage.

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Instant quotes & secure online purchasing

Plan Details

This plan is unique in that it provides the following:

• Choose your medical expense limit and control premium costs.
• Choose your deductible amount as well (0$, $100, $250, $500 per insured).
• Pre-existing conditions are covered.
• 100% outpatient prescription drug reimbursement (outside the U.S.) up to $5,000.
• Bedside visit benefits up to $1,500 for one person.
• Dependent children can be covered up to age 26.
• Injuries and illnesses resulting from terrorism and pandemics are covered as any other injury or illness.

Limitations

The following are the limitations on this plan’s coverage:

• A primary health plan is required for this insurance.
• Medical benefits for downhill skiing and SCUBA diving are limited to a maximum of $10,000.
• Pre-existing conditions included with a 180-day exclusion.

Related GeoBlue International Health Insurance Plans

• Voyager Essential

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Reviews 1.9.

Most relevant

Horrible process for submitting a claim

Horrible process for actually submitting a claim. So unnecessarily complicated. I absolutely do not recommend using them.

Date of experience : February 18, 2024

We used GeoBlue for several years (6)…

We used GeoBlue for several years (6) for our child who studied abroad in Asia. We had a good experience with them. They were easy to access and communicate with. We did not have any major clams except routine visits and medication which were covered. Overall, I would recommend them for this purpose.

Date of experience : February 26, 2022

Paid claims as promised with no hassle

I contracted COVID on my recent trip to West Africa, and GeoBlue paid all expenses claimed as promised in their insurance contract. They responded promptly to all my inquiries. My claim was paid within a month, as advertised. I would definitely recommend them.

Date of experience : February 08, 2023

Simply the best. If you are a US citizen/expat look no further.

GeoBlue is simply the best in the expat health insurance market for U.S. citizens/permanent residents. The entire team is exceptional and the premiums are competitively priced. The company is backed by Bupa/Blue Cross Blue Shield and is financially stable. Claims are processed extremely fast, the team is very responsive and no-nonsense. Also, the terms of insurance are clearly defined and there are very few ambiguities. For example, a "pre-existing condition" can be defined in many ways depending on the insurer, and GeoBlue clearly defines it including the look back period. I've purchased numerous short term travel policies and now have a long-term expat policy. I'm always skeptical of insurance companies, but after reviewing several of the company's marketing videos the team is really passionate about what they do and seem to care for their customers' well-being. Also, most major U.S. universities have chosen GeoBlue to insure their students abroad which says a lot about the integrity of the company.

Date of experience : February 26, 2020

Geoblue claims to cover doctor visits

Geoblue claims to cover doctor visits. Only hospitalization on deductible. Most doctors in smaller countries rent space from hospitals but are not part of the hospitals. GeoBlue counted this as hospital visits despite my protest. They refused to pay medical bills that did not have the diagnostic codes they were looking for. Doctors and even hospitals don't use diagnostic codes in smaller countries. As a travel insurance company they know this. It's fraudulent false advertising. The insurance has no value at all at least out of the U.S. They only reimbursed medications.

Date of experience : November 28, 2022

Would give zero stars if possible

We bought an expensive travel health insurance policy with a $0 deductible (not cheap for 2 weeks). Then my husband had a minor injury which required a trip to the hospital and resulted in a modest 217 Euro (less than $300) bill - for minor surgery, ER, etc. - it was really reasonable. The clinic submitted paperwork that showed they had treated the injury. But because the clinic couldn't itemize, and told Geoblue they bundled the payment, Geoblue paid $0 and we had to pay the entire amount. Save your money to pay the bill and don't buy from these crooks.

Date of experience : July 02, 2023

Not too reliable or clear

I bought a 3-month policy for travel and health insurance. I had a medical issue which I needed covered. It wasn't an emergency but it was important. For this medical issue, each email exchange with Geoblue took between 4 and 7 days, and further information was asked each time by Geoblue, followed by a no-guarantee invitation to submit a claim. There were not many doctors available in their network though I was staying in the well-served areas of Rome and Toulouse (France). In the end, they offered to review my claim if I paid for a doctor out of network (none being available in their network) and if the treatment was covered, they would review as to whether to reimburse. This is a rather tentative-sounding offer. So this took a couple of weeks, of trial and error, just to make an easy request. This was all so I could get a medical exam of $30 to $200, depending, because of a sudden-onset medical problem while traveling. 2) There was also a baggage delay and a theft during my time of travel but it seemed these were not covered. A significant issue is whether it's easy to make claims and get basic services where needed. If it's not, the insurance is not valuable. Though my experience with the company is limited, this is enough for me to seek a better insurance carrier.

Date of experience : November 13, 2023

False info Regarding Contracted Services

I had an urgent care issue and contacted Geo Blue for a list of contracted providers. Every provider I went to who GEO Blue told me was contracted, weren’t. I ended up paying for services. I am paying a very high premium and this is so disappointing. I am convinced they don’t have any contracted hospitals in Mexico City. I will be reporting them to the state commission to investigate for gals advertising.

Date of experience : March 06, 2023

Bad Customer service now.

LAST YEAR I wrote a five star Geo Blue Review. I have made numerous purchases during the last five years as I buy policies for everyone in my company. Geo Blue always had excellent customer service. I used Geo Blue for my own policy recently. Had a trip delay. I asked to update dates expecting a small refund. Nine bucks. I was very surprised at how HORRIBLE & unintelligible customer service was. Update. LOL. Heard from GeoBlue, via email. There is a minimum of 7 days so date change (easily allowed) didn't make a difference in cost. There is seven day minimum. Too bad the foreign customer service agent and the supervisor were so focused on telling me they couldn't change the dates (not true). They were too busy giving me the business to be logical and helpful. I have made numerous referrals to Geo Blue in the past. Now I cannot because of their customer service.

Date of experience : April 01, 2023

Anti-customer business model - They went out of their way to baselessly penalize me

Their predatory business model ought to be illegal, and in fact it is illegal now in the US but they skirt the law. They go out of their way at every turn to find fault in their customers, reaching for any possible shred of a reason to charge their customers more or exclude coverage. Then without discussion, they try to justify this practice with a toxic non-reason, but the fact is that it’s morally wrong. I don’t even have preexisting conditions but I found the whole process of trying to work with this company to be deeply offensive. No regard for medical opinion, everything is based on their actuarial's opinion of how much money people are worth.

Date of experience : December 02, 2022

Had to get a GOP for every hospital visit!

I got GeoBlue voyager essential for the three months my daughter and I were abroad. Everytime I needed to see a doctor, I needed to apply for the GOP a few time I went to the ER and had to pay out of pocket. I did not use the insurance but my daughter did. Towards the end of our stay, my daughter needed to see a doc but Geoblue delayed the request to allow the insurance some time to end. Wouldnt use it again.

Date of experience : August 16, 2022

It has been more than a year since I…

It has been more than a year since I submitted my claim and they never replied my email and had done nothing. This is the worst company. It is so easy to buy but when you make a claim, they just ignore you. You should close down your business. You just collect money.

Date of experience : December 25, 2022

I purchased a policy, made a clearly covered claim and am still being jerked around three months later.

I purchased a policy and, unfortunately, had to use it when I suffered appendiciitis while in Canada. I understand that often people are unhappy with insurance companies because they (the policy holder) didn't understand what was actually covered or follow the instructions for submitting claims. However, neither of those are the case here. I can't imagine a company providing worse customer service than Geo-Blue. The company said it would take 30 days to process the claim. It has been three months. EVERY time I call, I get the same non-answers. "Your claim is under review. I've asked the claims department to escalate your case. Call us back in another week." Today, I received notice that part of the claim had been denied, with no explanation of why. The first person I spoke with couldn't even discern that the claim had been denied. The second person, said it was because I had paid part of the bill, but hadn't submitted a receipt for the payment. Understand, that when I submitted the claim three months ago, I hadn't paid anything, so there were no receipts to submit. I had misplaced confidence the company would actually pay the bills within 30, maybe 45, days. When it became obvious that wasn't happening, I started making payments on the bills to avoid being sent to collections. Geo-Blue never mentioned that I shouldn't do that, or if I did it, I needed to pay the bill in full because they don't reimburse for partial payments. So, now, I have to go back and finish paying the nearly $8k I owe to the medical providers out of my own pocket; wait for the receipts to be generated either by the provider or my credit card company, submit them to Geo-Blue and wait another God-knows how long before I get reimbursed. There is no doubt this company purposefully puts every hurdle possible in the communication process to prevent paying for as long as possible. In general, I am a very understanding person when it comes to misunderstandings and make allowances for unintentional mistakes, but it is clear Geo-Blue's policy is to intentionally cause snags with the hope that people will just give up and go away. I imagine many do. Me? I'm about to contact my state's attorney general and insurance commission and the Better Business Bureau to register complaints. And, I'll write as many of these reviews as possible to help other people avoid the aggravation of dealing with this company.

Date of experience : January 12, 2024

I have been paying a massive amount of…

I have been paying a massive amount of money monthly to my US Insurance company and have been living overseas. I never sent in any claims. Geo-Bue handles their overseas claims. Now I have just sent in few and the service has been terrible! No one seems to know what is going on there. I send a claim and then they send a form letter saying they need more information even though I have already sent them the information. I will be looking for other insurance for sure.

Date of experience : August 01, 2020

Don't trust this company

Don't trust this company. By one of its agents that if I extended my Abroad trip, I could renew/ buy again health coverage for more time Abroad. The company said otherwise.

Date of experience : March 10, 2023

Absolutely atrocious

Absolutely atrocious. I can't believe I made the mistake of paying for this insurance for not one, but two trips. I'm diabetic and ran out of continuous glucose monitors after my airline lost one of my bags on this most recent trip. I have an international number, so I can't call their "24 hour emergency help line", which is U.S. based even though it says accepts collect calls. LOL. Yeah let me just go find a phone that can do that. Oh wait, it's 2023. Mobile phones cannot. Finally found a way to call on mobile (using a Skype number, US based), got "transferred to the right department", or so I was told, then was put on an endless hold. After an hour of being on hold, I pressed option 1 to have them call me back. I also submitted their online form that says it's "the fastest way to hear back". It's been days. With no help from the insurance I paid for, I walked down to the local pharmacy and purchased a manual glucometer. I will never use GeoBlue again. What a scam.

Date of experience : February 17, 2023

When making decisions about your health insurance, please consider reviews from people who have not only purchased their insurance, but who have actually used it. I'm currently 8 months into trying to get GeoBlue to pay the hospital for services that they are contractually obliged to pay under my policy, and they are doing everything they can to find loopholes out of it. They are refusing to pay for my birth control despite it being covered by the Xplorer Plan, on the grounds that "per your policy, the removal and insertion of the IUD is not covered as preventative." How is birth control not preventative? Anyway, on page 36 of my policy under "What is covered?" they promise to cover "Prescription Contraception and devices." If you google “contraceptive device,” the result is IUD. Seems simple enough to me. And yet, here we are 9 months later without payment. The same, incidentally goes for a mammogram (again, preventative) but after 8 months they have yet to state why they have denied this claim. I'm escalating my case to the insurance commissioner -- and warning you.

Date of experience : May 15, 2020

Homophobic policies!!!!

They deny my application because my Prep medication were too expensive, which is bull crap. Sexist and offensive. I hope they will get out of business!!

Date of experience : August 06, 2022

4 years ago when I left the us I got…

4 years ago when I left the us I got with geoblue as a provider. The first year or so everything was fine. Had an emergency surgery in tokyo that was paid quickly by them. Went about my traveling again with no issues. Well this year I tore a shoulder muscle in australia. Went to a gp had the mri and so on told it would need surgery. Filed claim with geo blue and they refused me saying I needed more paperwork. I sent them everything I had. They finally paid me about 2 months later after I came to manila. Did the surgery here 1.5 months ago and now I just got Informed they need more paperwork that I do not have. I refiled the claim and one day later I'm refused for duplicate claims. They told me to refile the claim. I'm done with this company and since I'm returning to the us they don't cover there anyways so canceling is the next step.

Date of experience : May 12, 2023

GeoBlue as an International Student

As an international student, I have used GeoBlue a lot and never had any issues.

Date of experience : January 05, 2021

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The 5 Best International Travel Insurance Companies for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy coverage for single trips or multiple trips at once

Annual plans available

Lower coverage amounts for emergency medical expenses than some other plans

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

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

Optional CFAR coverage available with some plans

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

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

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

Choose medical coverage limits based on your needs

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

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

Rental car coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

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

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Coverage limits within standard plans may be insufficient

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

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

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

Coverage is mostly for emergency medical expenses abroad

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

Holly Johnson

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

Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

Learn about a range of coverage options for traveling abroad.

The Best Travel Insurance for Mexico in 2024

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

Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

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

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in April 2024

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

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

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

How we found the best travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

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

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

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

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

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at no extra cost.

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

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

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

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

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

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

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

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

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

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

Travel Guard by AIG

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

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

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

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

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

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

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

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

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

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

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

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

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

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

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

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

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

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

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

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

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

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

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

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

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

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

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

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

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

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

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

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

What else makes Seven Corners great:

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

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

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

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

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

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

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

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

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

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

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

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

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

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

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

What else makes TravelSafe great:

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

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

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

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

Trip cancellation

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

Trip interruption

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

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

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

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

Cancel For Any Reason

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

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

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

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

Lost baggage

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

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

Travel medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

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

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

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

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

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

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

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider a few key questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

In general, buying travel insurance

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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International Citizens Insurance

Medical, Life and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

GeoBlue Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Single-Trip Blue Cross Blue Shield Travel Insurance

Voyager Choice is a single-trip travel medical plan that offers emergency medical coverage while you are traveling abroad. This highly-rated plan ensures subscribers the same access and quality health care abroad that they are used to at home. Excellent customer care is available 24/7/365, and claims are paid on a timely basis. The plan offers a choice of varying medical limits and deductibles to meet your specific needs and budget. You are required to have primary health insurance in place, but there is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

The GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan, Voyager, provides high-quality Blue Cross travel insurance for people aged 95 or younger who are U.S. citizens or residing in the USA. Voyager is designed for people who will be traveling abroad for six months or less. For longer trips abroad, we recommend the GeoBlue Xplorer plan.

Voyager is a single-trip travel medical plan that offers emergency medical coverage while you are traveling abroad. This highly-rated GeoBlue travel insurance plan gives subscribers access to some of the leading doctors and hospitals around the world for medical care and treatment. Customer service is excellent, and claims are paid on a timely basis. The plan offers a choice of varying medical limits and deductibles to meet your specific needs and budget. You must have primary health insurance in place, but there is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan Highlights

No hospital precertification penalty.

GeoBlue Voyager does not require you to obtain prior approval for your choice of hospital, giving you one less thing to worry about in a health emergency.

Pre-Existing Condition Coverage

The Voyager Choice plan offers subscribers coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Pregnancy Coverage

If you are traveling while pregnant and experience complications, the Voyager plan has you covered.

Trip Interruption

Subscribers are covered for up to $500.

Ready to purchase Voyager?

Receive a personalized quote and purchase online in just minutes!

GeoBlue Travel Insurance Plan Benefits

Voyager insurance coverage details, global health and safety, additional benefits, geoblue voyager plan daily rates.

Rates for this Blue Cross travel insurance plan are based on the traveler's age and the total number of days traveling (7 days). Rates are available at the deductible and medical limits shown and are subject to change without notice.

Voyager Choice

Voyager Essential

Rates were last updated on March 4, 2024

Voyager Travel Medical Plan Eligibility Requirements

• Subscriber's home country is the U.S.
• Subscriber must be under age 95
• Subscriber must be enrolled in a primary medical insurance plan (Voyager Choice only); that plan does not need to be a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan
• Children under age 6 must be enrolled with a parent
• Initial purchase must be made in the U.S. prior to departure

Family members included in the plan (if applicable) must be:

• Your spouse; civil union partner or domestic partner age 95 or younger, and/or your eligible child(ren) or other eligible dependents
• Resident(s) of the United States
• Traveling outside the U.S. and scheduled to spend at least 24 hours away from his/her home

If you have questions as to whether your primary insurance plan qualifies or whether your dependents are eligible, please consult the plan booklet.

Frequently Asked Questions about GeoBlue Voyager

Who should buy geoblue travel insurance.

Anyone whose home country is the U.S. needs an international travel medical plan when leaving the U.S. for leisure, educational, missionary, or business travel.

The Voyager plan offers emergency medical insurance for your travel abroad. If you get sick or injured during your trip, you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance in finding medical care abroad and the plan will cover your medical expenses incurred.

Travel insurance from GeoBlue makes it easy for clients to access care while traveling the world. Their mobile app helps you locate doctors and hospitals anywhere in the world, provides access to unlimited telemedicine visits, provides advice on similar medicines in the country, alerts you to local safety and health issues, and more.

Additional benefits include trip interruption, repatriation, coverage for lost luggage, and medical evacuation.

What are the minimum and maximum trip lengths?

A trip can be as short as one day or as long as 180 days. The minimum charge assessed for this Blue Cross travel insurance plan is seven days.

Does GeoBlue Travel Insurance Plans Include Trip Cancellation Insurance

GeoBlue Travel Insurance plans do not include trip cancellation benefits. The plans provide comprehensive emergency medical benefits and coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, etc. 

For trip insurance, visit trip cancellation insurance .

What methods of payment are accepted?

Premiums can be paid by a major credit card online. If you want to purchase now, just click the link to proceed to the Voyager online application .

How are medical evacuation decisions made?

The evacuation benefit pays for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility or back to the U.S. Transportation must be by the most direct and economical route. All evacuations require written certification by the attending physician that the evacuation is medically necessary and must be approved by GeoBlue.

Are acts of terrorism covered under this plan?

Yes. The GeoBlue Voyager plan does not exclude illnesses or injuries related to terrorism or a terrorist act. To be covered in countries where there are open hostilities, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, a member must not be engaged in hostile or combative activities.

How do I access participating medical providers outside the U.S. and avoid claim forms?

GeoBlue’s Global Health and Safety services help members identify, access, and pay for quality healthcare all over the world. This includes a contracted community of elite providers in 180 countries. Members can access these carefully selected providers and arrange for the bills to be sent directly to GeoBlue. Please note, a member is responsible for their deductible at the time of service, if applicable.
 Members can request direct billing by calling the assistance telephone number listed on their member ID card, or by emailing [email protected].

Will my pre-existing condition be covered under a GeoBlue Voyager plan?

Pre-existing medical conditions are treated differently depending on the plan you have selected.
 The GeoBlue Voyager Choice plan is available to those who have primary insurance inside the U.S. and will cover medical treatments for pre-existing conditions. Please refer to the definition of a primary health plan for more specific information on what plans qualify as primary insurance.
 Under the GeoBlue Voyager Essentials plan, benefits are not available for any services received on or within six months after the Eligibility Date of an Insured Person, if those services are related to a Pre-existing Condition as defined in the Definitions section of the Plan Description. This exclusion does not apply to a Newborn that is enrolled within 31 days of birth or a newly adopted child that is enrolled within 31 days from either the date of placement of the child in the home, or the date of the final decree of adoption.
The pre-existing conditions exclusion under GeoBlue Voyager Essential does not apply to the Medical Evacuation benefit, Repatriation of Remains benefit, or the Bedside Visit benefit. GeoBlue Voyager Essential does not require that insureds have primary insurance at the time of enrollment.

How do I read the fine print for Voyager Plans?

To view a sample policy, visit:

• GeoBlue Voyager Choice Certificate

• GeoBlue Voyager Essential Certificate

Will GeoBlue Voyager cover me inside the U.S.?

No. The GeoBlue Voyager plans are designed to cover a member anywhere outside the U.S.
 U.S. means the 50 states of the United States of America as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Do I file claims with my primary insurance first?

GeoBlue Voyager plans are secondary insurance. However, GeoBlue will process and pay claims upfront as a primary payor and reserves the right, where applicable, to contact your primary insurance company to coordinate benefits.

I am leaving before my policy materials arrive in the mail. How will I receive the information I need in time?

Upon a successful purchase, you will receive an email confirmation which contains all your necessary policy information and essential contact information for emergencies. Once enrolled, members can instantly log in to the Member Hub area of GeoBlue’s website and download an electronic ID card and other policy documents.

How far in advance do you need to purchase a GeoBlue Voyager plan?

A GeoBlue Voyager plan may be purchased up to one day before your departure date. GeoBlue recommends that customers wishing to receive a hard copy ID card should allow two weeks before their effective date when purchasing.

I already left on my trip. Can I buy a GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan when I am outside the U.S.?

No. GeoBlue Voyager plans have been approved to be sold to customers purchasing from inside the U.S. Once issued; you may request a policy extension while overseas.

Who is eligible to be on the same GeoBlue Voyager policy?

For GeoBlue Voyager Choice, dependents may include your spouse, age 84 or younger, and your eligible child(ren) or other eligible dependents.

Navigator: GeoBlue Student Health Insurance

GeoBlue Insurance

GeoBlue Trekker Multi-Trip Travel Medical Insurance

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

Get a fast, free, international insurance quote.

Global medical plans, specialty coverage, company info, customer service.

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Reviews, Sales, and Service Ratings for GeoBlue

0.0% (4) negative reviews to sales Average on Squaremouth is 0.2%

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Customer Reviews for GeoBlue

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I would purchase travel insurance again through SquareMouth.

I liked the updates Geo- Blue gave about things going on in the country I visited. They were informative.

Great support from Squaremouth when trying to choose a policy.

I have used GeoBlue for 3-4 trips. Comprehensive coverage but never used for medical claims. Easy to contact . Will use again.

The gentleman i talked to was incredibly helpful and patient.

See my positive previous review regarding my experience with GeoBlue sustomer service

I did not need to contact GeoBlue during my recent travel/vacation to Canada, or submit a claim, so I'm unable to comment on that matter. Otherwise, I am satisfied with my medical travel insurance purchasing experience with GeoBlue. Thank you.

submitted our claim on May 26th, was told originally that it would take 2-3 weeks. After 2-3 weeks passed, was told that it's 2-3 business weeks. After 2-3 business weeks passed, was told it's 1 business month. Still waiting for the claim result...

Really pleasant person at GeoBlue assisted me pre-departure when I had some difficulties accessing membership cards via the internet. She was very patient and very helpful. We had no health incidents while traveling, but we expect to purchase similar coverage next time we travel out of the U.S.

I filed the claim and nobody get back to me as of now... Terrible...

Insurance Providers

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• John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
• MedjetAssist
• Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
• Seven Corners
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• Travelex Insurance Services
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Additional Information

• AM Best Ratings

I'm a financial planner, and I'd recommend annual travel insurance to anyone who loves to travel abroad

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

• Frequent and spontaneous travelers will likely benefit from annual travel insurance policies.
• Your credit card may come with some travel protections, but it may not be enough.
• When choosing a policy, look at what it covers, not just what's cheapest.

Summer is just a few months away — and if you're planning a vacation this year, the last thing you want is an unexpected event to derail your plans (and cost you hundreds).

Flights get delayed or canceled constantly. Luggage disappears into the ether. Medical emergencies occur in remote destinations. Yet many jetsetters simply cross their fingers and hope for the best rather than prepare for the worst.

That's why, as a financial planner, I believe it's crucial to consider protecting your trips with the right insurance coverage. One option often overlooked, particularly by frequent travelers, is annual travel insurance .

Annual travel insurance covers all your trips within 365 days. Unlike stand-alone travel insurance, which only covers you for a specific trip, an annual policy covers any trips you take within the year.

That's why I tell clients who travel frequently that an annual policy is a good choice for their needs. By opting for an annual plan, you don't have to go through the hassle of booking multiple policies and potentially save money compared to purchasing individual trip coverage. Here's how it works.

What to look for in a policy

While specifics may vary depending on the insurer and plan tier, most include the following key benefits:

• Trip cancellations or interruptions: You may be able to get reimbursed for expenses (even nonrefundable ones!) related to an illness, injury, or natural disaster that forced you to cancel or cut your trip short.
• Emergency medical and dental care: If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, your insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment.
• Emergency evacuation: In a serious medical emergency or security situation, your policy will arrange and pay for transportation to a hospital or back to your home country.
• Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage: If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged during your trip, you can get financial coverage for essential items while you wait for your stuff to be recovered or replaced.
• Trip delays and missed connections: When your travel plans are disrupted due to issues like mechanical problems or severe weather, you may get reimbursement for additional expenses incurred, like meals, lodging, and transportation.

It's important to note that annual travel insurance plans have limitations. Certain high-risk activities, pre-existing medical conditions, and travel to specific regions may be restricted or require additional coverage.

Some travelers may assume that their credit card's built-in travel protections are enough. While many travel rewards credit cards offer perks like rental car insurance, trip cancellation, and baggage reimbursement, the coverage limits are often much lower than a dedicated annual travel insurance plan.

Credit card coverage for emergency medical care is also particularly limited — capped at a few thousand dollars — which may not be enough in the face of a major international medical emergency.

How much travel justifies an annual plan?

For the occasional traveler who takes one or two trips a year, single-trip policies will probably work for you. But if you fall into any of these buckets, you may want to consider an annual policy:

• Regular international travelers (three or more trips abroad yearly)
• Road warriors frequently away for work
• Adventurers engaging in high-risk activities like heli-skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing
• Cruisers and tour group travelers
• Students or retirees taking extended trips throughout the year
• Those visiting developing countries with limited medical care

Annual plans cover all of your trips within a 365-day period after purchasing. They're basically a bundle of multiple policies into one package deal. This means you only have to buy one policy to manage, locking in your coverage for the year.

How to decide if an annual policy makes sense for you

Start by reviewing your travel plans this year — and your risk tolerance. Calculate how much buying individual travel insurance policies would cost you over the next year and compare it to the price of an annual plan.

Don't just focus on the premium — carefully evaluate coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles to ensure you have enough protection for your needs.

An annual policy gives you the flexibility to take spontaneous trips without the hassle of obtaining last-minute insurance. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing that you're covered for a wide range of travel disruptions and emergencies.

As the busy summer travel season ramps up, definitely explore protecting your trips with insurance, especially if you're jetting off internationally. Spending hours on the phone trying to rebook canceled flights or worrying about affording an overseas medical emergency is no way to vacation.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

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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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

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.

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 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

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 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 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

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 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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The experts: travel agents on 20 ways to book a sustainable and sensational summer holiday

Keen to get away? Here is how to find a great deal, pick the perfect destination and support the local community

A holiday should be relaxing, but booking one can be a fraught experience, with days lost to endless scrolling, comparing reviews and prices. How can you be sure you are getting a good deal? Travel agents share their tips for the most affordable, sustainable and memorable trips.

1. Book like an agent

“Everybody views themselves as a travel agent and they can be up to a point,” says Paul Sharp from Newcastle upon Tyne, who operates as part of the Travel Counsellors network and has 30 years’ experience in the industry. He says the rise of budget airlines and online booking have led to people feeling confident about organising trips themselves. What is the one thing we should know when doing so? “It is a false economy to book things separately because you have no protection,” Sharp says. He gives the example of someone planning a trip to South Africa to watch rugby, who booked flights with the airline and hotels directly and rugby tickets elsewhere. The game was cancelled but the flights and hotel were non-refundable. If they had been booked together, the trip would have been covered under package travel regulations. “Book with a company you trust and know – there are a lot of sites that crop up and you don’t really know their provenance,” he says.

2. Be an early bird

“Planning in advance is always going to be better value,” says Helen Youngman , an independent travel agent and partner at 360 Private Travel , based near Norwich. “Late deals do exist, but a lot of hotels use ‘dynamic pricing’, which means prices increase as availability goes down. Flights are only going to increase in price the closer you get to the departure date because the fuller the flight gets, the more expensive it will be.” Sharp adds: “Don’t hang on for a last-minute deal because you could end up disappointed. Scheduled flights tend to be available about 11 months in advance, so that is the best time to book. Also, at that stage, a lot of hotels and accommodation providers will have early-bird specials.”

3. If you do book late, be flexible

Jessica Bollinger, who works in the Bristol branch of Danish travel agent Kilroy , which specialises in youth and adventure holidays, agrees that late deals are now something of a myth. “They are not unheard of, but with a last-minute deal there are certain things you’re not going to get. So you have to be really open-minded as to where you’re going to go,” she says.

4. Avoid peak season

The cheapest time to travel is always outside the school holidays, says Youngman, with Christmas and new year the most expensive times. Can you get a good deal if you fly on Christmas or New Year’s Day itself? Sometimes, she says, “but a lot of people are catching on to that trick”. If you have to go in the school holidays, be open to going somewhere off the beaten track. “Being clever about destinations is a good plan,” says Youngman. “In Europe, look farther east at places such as Montenegro, Albania and Georgia. And Morocco is a good summer destination for families.”

5. Midweek can be more affordable

“Midweek can be cheaper, it just depends on availability,” says Youngman. “A Thursday to Monday trip is going to be slightly more expensive than Monday to Friday, but all travel fares are based on availability, so the further in advance you can book, the better.”

6. Take out travel insurance when you book

A lot of people sort out their insurance at the airport, says Sharp, but it is best to do it as soon as you have booked your trip. He says: “Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you if you lose a bag or are poorly while you are away. It also covers you should you need to cancel for an insurable reason before you travel.” This includes illness or a bereavement.

7. On solo trips, consider a group tour

If you are travelling alone, “pretty much anywhere is possible”, says Youngman. “Embarking on your first solo trip can be daunting, which is why small group tours are an amazing way to travel with like-minded people. Some companies I work with are doing specialist female-only tours with visits to female entrepreneurs, co-operatives, makers and bakers. Small group tours are great because they handle all the logistics, include really immersive experiences and are safe. They pick you up from the airport, and from that point onwards, you’re travelling with other people and you’ve got an expert guide.”

8. Have a daily budget

“We advise setting a daily limit for yourself while travelling and then multiplying that number by the days you are away to get the amount to save for your spending money,” says Bollinger. “When you work it out like this, it makes a lot more sense in people’s minds, especially young people who don’t have much budgeting experience. It also keeps you accountable to yourself, so you don’t blow everything right at the beginning and then have nothing left for the end.” To stick to a tight budget, she says: “Cook food as you go along and use public transport instead of tourist buses – this will really help you save money.”

9. Consider all-inclusive options

“If you are going to spend a lot of time eating and drinking in the hotel, I recommend upgrading to an all-inclusive option if possible,” says Youngman, “especially if you’d like a cocktail or two and you’re grazing throughout the day. Otherwise it can all add up and when you check out it costs a fortune.” With active holidays such as skiing or safaris, she adds: “If you have the option to choose an all-inclusive package that includes the activities, food and drink, that is usually a more cost-effective way of travelling. Because sometimes they will really sting you on the extras and it will be more expensive.”

10. Work your way around the world

“A working holiday is a great way to fund your trip,” says Bollinger, who helps people book travel to Australia, New Zealand and Canada by organising working holidays so they can extend their stay. “A lot of jobs will be hospitality-related, but if you go to a more rural spot you can do farm work, and if you have qualifications already, sometimes those can be used. Working holidays in Canada are often at ski resorts near Vancouver, so you get the added benefit of being in a beautiful place to take advantage of the winter sports.”

11. Travel as sustainably as possible

“You can get to most places in Europe by train , so if you are open to slowing down and having a more relaxed itinerary, not only are you travelling more sustainably, but you have more time to absorb the culture surrounding you,” says Youngman. “Be good to the environment you are travelling to see.” She stresses the importance of limiting flights as much as possible, especially internally, and avoiding indirect long-haul options. “We highly recommend ‘open-jaw flights’, which means you fly into one destination and out of another, to limit the number of flights,” says Bollinger. “We also promote travelling for longer in one destination as opposed to trying to go to many in a short time, and travelling overland when possible, instead of taking multiple flights.”

12. Offset carbon emissions with a reputable company

When considering carbon from flights, says Thomas Power of Pura Aventura , a B Corp sustainable travel company in Brighton: “Don’t believe the airline schemes, or anyone else who promises you absolution for a few quid. While 85% of offset schemes may be worthless, there are high-quality carbon credits starting at about £20 a tonne.” These can be bought to compensate for CO 2 emissions. Companies such as “ C Level ​ ​help you at least take positive action to balance your impact”, says Power.

13. Think of responsible travel as a ‘fair exchange’

When travelling, says Power, consider: “What are we giving and what are we receiving? Is it a fair exchange? Is somebody getting something in return for what I am receiving in this transaction?” This applies to everything from “taking a cruise to Venice and not giving anything to the city, to going camping in Sussex and getting a supermarket delivery to your tent instead of going to the village shop or buying eggs from the house down the road”. This concept of “fair exchange” can be beneficial for everyone, he says, by giving you access to unique experiences. “In terms of the economy, the less money that leaves the village, town or city, the better,” he says.

14. Embrace the great outdoors

If you camp out “you are closer to nature than any other accommodation option”, says Brodie Farrow, of the online camping and touring travel agent Pitchup . There are many benefits to this, she says: “It is really good for mental health. It is also a much more sustainable option: the carbon footprints of outdoor holidays tend to be much lower than hotel stays, as people travel by car rather than flying and it promotes local produce and low-impact activities such as hiking in the surrounding area. The accommodation or pitches are much less carbon intensive than hotels, too. And you have a positive impact on the community that you are visiting: camping attracts a higher number of customers at a lower cost than hotels do, which can help to underpin the viability of local facilities such as the shop, the bar and takeaway, and that benefits the wider community.”

15. If you are camping-phobic, glamp

“There really is something for everyone,” says Farrow. “You can get glamping accommodation with four-poster beds if you prefer camping in luxury, or you can go really wild and remote, with no facilities, out on your own and back to nature. I think you would be hard-pressed to say that there is nothing that appeals.” Although glamping has become a fairly pricey option, she says: “Some types are much cheaper than others. You can get some ‘pod-only’ camping accommodation, where you bring your own bedding, starting from £15 a night.”

16. If the weather is terrible …

… And you are under canvas, “try to keep your bedroom a wet-gear-free zone”, says Farrow. “Store and dry wet stuff in your porch area rather than in your bedroom compartment. Protect your equipment by putting it in plastic bags or dry bags. Don’t let anything touch your tent walls or you will have soggy socks.” For activities, she suggests, “swimming in the sea, because you are wet already, or going to the pub”. If you are disappointed by the weather on a non-camping holiday, “as annoying as it is, try to embrace it”, says Sharp. Many people come back from their holidays exhausted because they try to see and do everything when they’re away. Instead, he says: “Have a lie-in, ask local people which is the best restaurant for a long, lazy lunch and, most of all, relax and recharge your batteries – it’s a holiday after all.”

17. For best value destinations, try …

“Go for Belgrade over Berlin,” says Youngman. “It has an underground culture scene very similar to Berlin 20 years ago.” For backpackers, Bollinger suggests: “Some places in Central America can be really affordable. Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala are good options for someone wanting to think outside the box.” Sharp says there are more affordable options in “Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Egypt, compared with Spain and the Balearics, which are becoming increasingly expensive due to cost of living increases”. If you are looking for a staycation, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Cornwall are some of the most popular UK locations on Pitchup, says Farrow, which can inflate the price. Locations such as Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight are cheaper.

18. For a trip of a lifetime that doesn’t cost the earth …

“North Macedonia is just amazing,” says Youngman. “Ohrid has beautiful cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture , fantastic food and wine and you can visit the most biodiverse lake in Europe.” Farrow says: “I camped at the foot of Ben Nevis last year before hiking up it. The weather was terrible but it was worth it for the unreal views.” While Bollinger’s most memorable trip was “Interrailing in Europe and finding a way to do things on my own. It was before smartphones, so it was a very interesting experience and built up my confidence in travelling.”

19. If in doubt, follow local people

“Live like a local person by taking local buses and eating in local spots,” says Bollinger. “It is going to save you money, and will also let you experience life in a different way.” Power adds: “People want to go to Peru but they never come back talking about Machu Picchu, they come back talking about the people they met. Buy local and connections will happen for you. In the absence of interaction with your host community, the things you see are just wallpaper.”

20. And remember: you get what you pay for

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” says Sharp.

• The experts

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