travel insurance and medication changes

How Changes in Medication Affect Your Travel Insurance

If you have pre-existing medical conditions and use travel insurance , you will want to know how changes in medication affect your insurance coverage. Changes in medication will have an effect on the stability period of the condition the medication is taken for. Any change in medication can be considered a change in treatment. It is important to notify your broker of all medication changes. When it comes to travel insurance, an increase in medication is not necessarily a bad thing, and a decrease or stop in medication is not necessarily positive. For example, a drug that is successfully treating a condition could have serious side effects that necessitate changing its dosage or stopping its use.

Any of the following would be considered a change in medication:

• The addition of a new medication
• Stopping a current medication
• Either an increase or a decrease in your current dosage
• Replacing a current medication with a new medication for the same condition

Changes in medication will have an effect on your stability period for the condition the medication is taken for. Any change in medication can be considered a change in treatment. That’s why it’s important to notify your travel insurance broker of any changes to medication, no matter what kind it is. Be sure to keep a log of any changes in medication or treatment and contact your broker to see how the change will affect your coverage. They can always alter your policy, sometimes even if it’s the day you’re leaving for your trip.

We can help you find a policy to fit your medical situation, but we’re only able to advise you based on the information that you provide. By accurately recording your medical conditions as well as any changes in medications, we can tell you whether you have the best coverage before you leave on your trip.

Watch our video about how changes in medication affect your travel insurance below:

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What You Need to Know Now About Travel Insurance

A spate of new travel insurance policies have begun covering Covid-19, just as many international destinations begin to require it. Here’s what to look for.

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By Elaine Glusac

When the pandemic struck, many travel insurance policies failed to cover Covid-19-related trip interruptions and cancellations, often because they excluded pandemics. But in the intervening months, the travel insurance industry has introduced a spate of new policies covering the disease just as many foreign destinations begin to require them.

“We’ve seen progress in that many plans will now treat Covid like any other unexpected sickness or illness,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of the comparison website Travelinsurance.com . “If you have a trip and travel insurance and came down with Covid-19, which made it impossible to travel, that would fall under cancellation coverage as an unexpected illness that prevents you from traveling.”

Likewise, policies now including Covid-19 would cover holders in the event that a doctor diagnosed them with the virus while traveling under the trip interruption benefit.

Not all travel insurance excluded pandemics when the coronavirus began to spread early this year; Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection was one exception. But the broader change partially arises from consumer demand, a better understanding of the virus — including mortality rates and hospital costs — and the industry’s eagerness for travel to resume.

“People who are traveling are more conscious of their risks and thinking about protecting themselves and their investment,” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of the travel insurer Seven Corners. The company launched policies that included Covid-19 coverage in June; they now account for more than 80 percent of sales.

But, like all insurance, the devil is in the details when it comes to understanding travel insurance, including what’s covered, destinations where it’s required, and the inevitable caveats, as follows.

How travel insurance covers Covid-19

The new Covid-inclusive insurance generally covers travelers from the day after purchase until their return home. During that period, if you become sick and a doctor determines you cannot travel (because of the virus or another illness), trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits would kick in.

These benefits vary by policy, but a search to insure a $2,000 weeklong trip to Costa Rica in December on Travelinsurance.com turned up a $69.75 Generali Global Assistance Standard policy with Covid-19 benefits that would be triggered if you, your host at your destination, a travel companion or a family member tested positive for the virus.

If this happened before your departure, the policy would cover your prepaid travel expenses. If you or your travel companion contracted Covid-19 during the trip and were diagnosed by a physician, it would reimburse prepaid arrangements, such as lodgings, and cover additional airfare to return home — once a doctor deems it safe to travel — up to $2,500. Should you be required to quarantine and can’t travel, travel delay coverage for lodging, meals and local transportation would pay up to $1,000. The policy also covers medical expenses for up to one year, even after you return home, up to $50,000 — though the policy also states that a holder would have to exhaust their own health insurance benefits before seeking coverage under the travel insurance plan.

Travelers should read these policies carefully to understand the benefits (for example, some rules vary by your state of residence), but brokers like TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth are making them easier to find through filters, F.A.Q.s and flags.

The new more comprehensive policies don’t necessarily cost more. On a Squaremouth search for insurance for two 40-year-olds on a two-week trip costing $5,000, the site turned up a variety of policies with or without coronavirus exclusions from $130 to $300, with no apparent premium for Covid-19 coverage.

Not every Covid-19-related expense is covered by many of these policies, including tests for the virus that many destinations require before arrival (those may be covered by private insurance).

Many policies include medical evacuation to a nearby facility, but won’t necessarily transport you home. For those concerned about treatment abroad, Medjet , a medical evacuation specialist, now offers Covid-19-related evacuations in the 48 contiguous United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that will transport you to the hospital of your choice in your home country (trip coverage starts at $99; annual memberships start at $189).

“Covid-19 requires special transport pods to protect the crew and others, which adds logistical issues,” said John Gobbels, the vice president and chief operating officer for Medjet.

In addition to the Medjet plan, travelers would need separate travel insurance with medical benefits to cover treatment costs and trip interruption.

Destination insurance requirements

Travelers aren’t the only ones worried about health. A growing list of countries are mandating medical coverage for Covid-19 as a prerequisite for visiting, often along with other measures like pre-trip virus testing and health screenings for symptoms on arrival.

Many Caribbean islands are among those requiring travel medical insurance, including Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas . St. Maarten requires health insurance coverage and strongly recommends additional travel insurance covering Covid-19.

Farther-flung countries also require policies that cover Covid-19, including French Polynesia and the Maldives .

Some destinations specify the required plan as a way to ensure travelers have the correct coverage and to expedite treatment. Aruba requires visitors to buy its Aruba Visitors Insurance, regardless of any other plans you may have.

“Insurance through a destination typically only covers Covid and infection while you’re there,” said Kasara Barto, a spokeswoman for Squaremouth.com. “If you catch Covid before, they don’t offer cancellation coverage. If you break a leg, the policy may only cover Covid medication. It varies by country.”

Costa Rica also requires insurance that includes an unusual benefit stipulating a policy cover up to $2,000 in expenses for a potential Covid-19 quarantine while in the country.

In response to the new requirement, which Costa Rica announced in October, insurers, including Trawick International , have begun introducing policies that meet the standard.

“It was a pretty quick and nimble reaction,” Mr. Sandberg of TravelInsurance.com said.

Normally, travel insurance varies by factors including the age of the traveler, destination, trip length and cost (most range from 4 to 10 percent of the trip cost). But some destinations are providing it at a flat fee, with most policies spelling out coverage limits and terms for emergency medical services, evacuation and costs associated with quarantines.

Jamaica, which will require insurance, but has not said when the new rule will go into effect, plans to charge $40 for each traveler. The Bahamas will include the insurance in the cost of its Travel Health Visa, an application that requires negative Covid-19 test results, which runs $40 to $60 depending on length of stay (free for children 10 and younger). The Turks and Caicos is offering a policy for $9.80 a day, and Costa Rica ’s policies, if purchased locally, cost roughly $10 a day.

Expect this list of destinations to grow. In January, the Spanish region of Andalusia plans to require travel medical insurance and is working on finding a provider to make it easy for travelers to buy it.

Gaps in travel insurance

Policies that cover Covid-19 as a medical event that may cause trip cancellation or disruption, or those that provide coverage for medical treatment and evacuation still don’t necessarily cover travelers who have a change of heart when they learn they will have to quarantine upon arrival, even if they don’t have the virus. Nor are policies necessarily tied to conditions on the ground, like a spike in infections, State Department travel warnings, a government travel ban or the cessation of flights to and from a destination.

For those events, there’s Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR, an upgrade to plans that generally only returns 50 to 75 percent of your nonrefundable trip costs.

“Prior to the pandemic, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend CFAR because most of travelers’ concerns were covered by standard plans,” Ms. Barto of Squaremouth.com said. “It’s about 40 percent more expensive and we didn’t want travelers to pay for additional coverage.” Now, she added, there’s been a surge in interest in the upgrade, including in 22 percent of policies sold at the site since mid-March.

Industry experts predict some of these outstanding issues may work their way into policies of the future as they adapt to enduring realities, much as they did after 9/11 in covering travelers in case of terrorist events, which was not the norm before.

The pandemic “was unprecedented, but once it happened, the industry has been pretty quick to react and create coverage, and that’s in the spirit of how this industry is trying to define itself, to be one of those subtle but valuable assets,” Mr. Sandberg said. “Once the world opens back up, we expect travel insurance to be much more top of mind with travelers.”

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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

On a similar note...

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety 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.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance. Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not  travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

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

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

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10 Tips for Traveling With Medication: Prescriptions, Flying, Insurance and More

Nearly half of all Americans have taken at least one prescription medication in the last 30 days – and that number skyrockets to 85% of people over 60 . If you’re one of those people, and you plan to travel with your medication, here are some common-sense tips for traveling safely with prescriptions and other meds.

Tips to Travel With Medication

Start with a plan.

Traveling healthy means much more than packing your prescriptions. It starts with getting yourself as healthy as possible for travel before you leave home, packing the right prescription drugs and the appropriate paperwork, and conducting yourself in a healthy manner when you’re traveling.

Of course you want to pack your prescriptions and scripts – but you also want to pack appropriate common sense, so that you avoid destinations with particulate-heavy air that might trigger your asthma, or you steer clear of the spicy street food that doesn’t play well with your acid-reflux.

Planning ahead also includes considering travel insurance that can help with medical and medication-related issues on your trip. Plans from Generali Global Assistance include Medical and Dental coverage and services that meet those requirements.

Also read: Why You Might Need to Buy Medical Coverage Before You Travel

See the doctor before you leave

Whether you visit a travel-medicine specialist or your family doctor, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit before you leave. Discuss where you’re going, talk about any health concerns with your destination, and update your vaccinations.

Also, ask your doctor to write a letter describing your medical conditions and medicines you take, including generic names.

Read about: Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions 

Talk to your insurance company

Call your insurance company before you leave, tell them you’re going to be traveling, and ask them if there are network providers close to your destination. Also ask about any prescription-drug coverage you might have if you get sick overseas.

If you have a separate pharmacy-benefit manager (PBM), call them and ask about overseas coverage and how to fill prescriptions abroad.

International Travel with Medication

Bring your health insurance card, but also bring copies of your medical records, if you’re not sure whether you’ll have online access to them.

Also, bring copies of all of your prescriptions – several copies, if you can. Spread around the copies, just as you’d spread around copies of your passport. You’re going to be frustrated if you lose your prescription medicine abroad and don’t have a refillable prescription with you.

Also, make sure you know the generic name of the drug you’re taking, as drugs can have different trade names in different countries.

This is especially important when flying with medication internationally, where your baggage will be scrutinized by customs checkpoints.

Download: The Essential International Travel Checklist

Flying with Medication

Don’t pack your prescription meds in checked luggage. This cannot be repeated enough. When flying with medication, do not pack your prescription medications in your checked luggage. No matter how small airlines’ lost-luggage rate has become, lost bags still happen. And if they happen to you and your prescription meds, you could be looking at a ruined vacation.

Tip: Travel insurance plans from Generali Global Assistance include 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services that can help replace medication or eyeglasses on your trip.*  

Don’t forget your eyes

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring along a spare pair, as well as eyewear prescriptions. It’s amazing how frequently people break or lose their glasses when they’re on vacation.

Pack extras

Pack extra prescription medicine – as much as your doctor will prescribe and you can carry. Consider spreading around your meds in the same manner you spread around your prescriptions.

However, don’t put prescription meds in the little plastic pillboxes, unless you bring the original containers. 

Don’t adjust your meds to time-zone changes

If you take a medication at 8, 12, and 5 back home and you travel to India, don’t take the medication at 8, 12, and 5 Indian time. Try to take several-times-a-day medications at the equivalent of their back-home times. Time-zone changes are more of an external thing than an internal thing, and it’s important that you keep a consistent level of medication in your system.

Also read: How Travel Insurance Can Help if you need Medical Evacuation

Pack a travel first-aid kit

It’s a good idea to make your prescription meds part of a travel first-aid kit. Start with a general travel medical kit available from sporting-goods stores and pharmacies and stock it with:

• Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
• An anti-diarrheal (Immodium)
• A topical antibiotic
• An over-the-counter antacid (Maalox)
• Motion or seasickness drugs or patches
• Cough drops, OTC allergy medicine or some nasal spray

Depending on space, you may want to include:

• A digital thermometer
• Antibacterial wipes
• First-aid tape
• Blister pads
• Insect repellant with at least 30 percent DEET

Also read: Need to Go to the Hospital on a Trip Abroad? Here's What to Do

Travel healthy

Part of traveling smart with prescription meds is traveling so you’re not adding to the amount of prescription meds you have to take.

While that starts with choosing appropriate destinations for your health level and medications, that also means eating and drinking smart and matching your level of exertion to your health level.

Also read: How To Stay Healthy and Avoid Getting Sick Before a Vacation

If you have heart trouble, it’s probably not a good idea to climb 1,000 stairs in a day. If you have ulcers, avoid the street food. If your medications have adverse reactions with alcohol, don’t drink.

It’s natural to want to throw caution to the wind when you’re on vacation. However, just a small amount of common sense can make the difference between a vacation where you stay on track with your prescription meds and everything goes swimmingly, and a vacation spent in doctors’ offices and pharmacies.

And, just in case, it’s a good idea to travel with trip insurance that includes coverages and services that can help if you have trouble with your medication on vacation.

Travel Resources

*( Costs for shipping of medication or eyeglasses, or a prescription refill, etc. are the responsibility of the insured.)

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Don’t Worry — Travel Insurance Can Cover You If Your Health Has Changed

Written by Gavin Prout

Sometimes it’s possible to overlook the importance of a minor health-related development but be aware that it can impact your travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

A standard emergency medical travel insurance policy will include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions — provided you meet the insurer’s stability requirements. What does that mean?

That means it is important to let your broker or insurer know of any health-related changes when applying for insurance and prior to the start of each trip.

If you travel as planned without notifying your insurer, you risk paying a medical bill if your symptoms recur while you are away.

Here’s the hurdle you may be facing: to meet an insurer’s stability requirements there must be no change in your medical treatment or health condition in a specified time frame– and the rules around this differ between insurers.

Does that mean your health changes will prevent you from getting the coverage you need? The good news is you do have options. Here’s what you need to know.

Understand how your travel insurance policy defines ‘stable’ for health-related developments

Here are typical ways that an insurer will define the stability of your condition:

• There are no symptoms or signs of illness, whether new, more frequent, or severe
• There have been no new diagnoses or tests pointing to a deterioration in health
• You have had no new treatments, medical care, medications, dosages, or admissions to hospital
• There has been no recent referral to a specialist, or a new recommendation for treatments or tests
• You have not failed to act on a necessary recommendation or referral, and you have not refused to wait for test results before travelling.

The insurer will require that you (the insured) will NOT have had any of these developments during a specified period stated in the policy, usually between 90 days and one year.

If you have had one of these developments, your coverage for a pre-existing condition could be void when you are travelling.

So, what is a ‘treatment’ or a new ‘medication’?  The rules are not straightforward.

All travel policies include a section of definitions but a common word like treatment may not be defined and may not be clear.

Here are health-related developments that can impact your travel insurance

Remember, “stability” in a travel insurance policy means no change whatsoever to your medical condition. These health-related developments are changes and will be considered ‘unstable:

An Improvement in Your Condition

If your medication decreases or is stopped…that is a change! It may be good news, but for the purposes of travel insurance your health may not be considered stable.

An Adjustment to Your Medication or Treatment

That’s an alteration! You may be taking the same medication, but your dosage has been increased. Or you’ve switched from a brand name medication to a generic.  That is a change! However, some insurers will allow it as ‘no change’ if it is the same dosage — so you must understand your policy’s definition.

A Minor Ailment

How travel insurance policies define stability for a minor ailment differs. For example, one week of medication for a cold may be acceptable to some insurers, but not others.

Awaiting Diagnosis

Referrals to a specialist, planned surgeries, recommended or upcoming treatments and tests will all mean that you are no longer ‘stable’ according to your travel insurance policy.

Avoidance does not help you avoid triggering the stability clause. If you suspect you have a health problem, it counts too! The insurance company will likely deny any related claim as the symptom or medical issue, although not diagnosed, arose during the stability period.

What happens if your medical condition does not meet the stability requirements in the stability period stated in the policy? Your condition is considered unstable. It may be excluded from the policy and not covered.

SBIS has Travel Insurance coverage options if your health has changed

SBIS offers policies that may meet your needs if your health is changing. You may be eligible for the following travel medical insurance plans with Reduced stability period riders or an Individual Medical Underwriting plan:

TuGo Quest Travel Insurance (for ages 55-89)

If your pre-existing condition does NOT meet traditional stability requirements, you may be eligible for TuGo Quest Travel Insurance that provides limited coverage (up to $150,000) for unstable pre-existing medical conditions. However, conditions for which symptoms arose or for which medical consultation was required or took place on the date of departure or at any time within the 7 days prior to the date of departure, other than a minor ailment, will not be covered.

You can also consider the TuGo Future Stability Option, which is important for multi-trip plans. Future Stability Option provides coverage for a pre-existing condition which is stable at the time of application but become unstable between the effective date of your plan and the departure date of each trip.

Destination Health Travel Plans (for ages up to 89)

The Reduced Stability Period option is available with Destination Travel Health Plans. You may qualify for 30-day, 90-day or 180-day reduced stability period for your pre-existing medical condition, depending on the plan you are eligible for based on your answers to medical questions on the application. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition that has been stable within a reduced stability period is up limited to $150,000.

Individual Medical Underwriting Plan underwritten by Manulife (no age limit)

If you have unstable pre-existing medical issues or you have been denied coverage, you may be eligible for Manulife’s individual medical underwriting plan. It is emergency medical insurance that covers fully disclosed pre-existing conditions without stability requirements. The cost of your insurance is based on your own specific health situation. You must declare ALL medical conditions including any that have been diagnosed in the last 5 years, you have received treatment for or taken medication for. If you meet the eligibility requirements all your declared conditions will be covered during the trip.

Read our blog here for tips on how to complete a Travel Insurance Medical Questionnaire.

Don’t worry.  Call us today.

Everybody knows that Canadians enjoy insurance coverage that is paid for by the government. However, that coverage does not follow you out of the country. When you are heading out on a well-deserved vacation, adequate travel insurance is the most valuable thing you can pack – even if you’ve experienced changes to your health.

You and your loved ones can rest at ease knowing that you can call us at 1-800-667-0429 during our regular business hours or email us at [email protected] for guidance and assistance in getting the coverage you need.

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Healthy Tips for Traveling with Medicine Overseas

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Pre-existing Medical Condition Coverage

This coverage addresses the needs of travelers who have pre-existing medical conditions. The coverage is actually in the form of an exclusion waiver because travel insurance plans automatically exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Let us tell you a story

Michael was traveling to Mexico to learn to surf. Months before his trip, he’d suffered through a cluster of migraine headaches, but he’d been treated by his doctor, prescribed medicine, and was considered fully recovered. When Michael landed in Mexico, he was surprised by a severe headache followed by nausea and dizziness.

Michael had purchased trip insurance coverage and paid for the pre-existing condition waiver, so he felt comfortable visiting a local medical facility. Because Michael had been medically stable with no changes in his health condition and no new medications for the duration of his policy’s look-back period, the costs for his treatment were covered.

What does the Pre-existing Condition Waiver cover?

Travel insurance plans have an automatic exclusion for pre-existing conditions, which means they do not cover costs related to a pre-existing condition.

A  pre-existing condition  is any injury, illness, disease or other medical condition that occurs prior to the travel plan’s effective date and for which you had symptoms and sought diagnosis, medical treatment, and/or new prescription medications or a change in your current prescription.

Some travel insurance plans cover medical costs relative to pre-existing conditions by offering a waiver to the exclusion. Having pre-existing coverage means that the medical coverage provided by your policy is in effect because the pre-existing exclusion is waived.

What is the ‘Look-back Period’ and ‘Medically Stable’?

The  look-back period  is the amount of time prior to your travel policy’s effective date that the insurance company will review for pre-existing conditions if you end up filing a claim. If you were medically stable during the look-back period, it is not considered a pre-existing condition.

The term  medically stable  means that you’ve had no new medical condition and no prescription medication changes during the look-back period. You must be medically stable when you purchase the travel plan and if a claim is made.

The amount of time in the look-back period varies from plan to plan, but is typically between 60 and 180 days. Any medical condition that existed during the look-back period is considered a pre-existing condition if you had symptoms and/or were treated or had a change in your prescription medications.

Pre-existing condition examples

If a medical condition is defined as a pre-existing medical condition and you don’t purchase the pre-existing condition exclusion waiver, you will have no effective medical coverage for losses caused by the pre-existing condition on your trip (ther medical losses would be covered if unrelated to the pre-existing condition). In addition, you won’t have trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to the pre-existing condition.

So, what qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

Important notes about this coverage

• You must purchase an amount of coverage that equals all pre-paid non refundable payments applicable to the trip.
• Your health must be medically stable when you purchase your travel plan.
• Nearly all plans require you to purchase your travel insurance soon after making your first trip payment. If you buy it early and the trip is fully insured, there is often no extra charge.
• You must cover the full length of your trip (not just a portion of it).
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Repatriation
• Baggage and Baggage Delay
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Collision Damage waiver

You may be asking,  “What happens if I book a trip that starts within that 10-14 day time frame?”  That’s OK too as long as the window from the purchase of your trip insurance doesn’t exceed the time limit, the pre-existing medical condition coverage will apply.

What type of policy covers this?

Travel insurance medical plans adhere to the first rule that coverage automatically excludes pre-existing conditions. Only travel insurance package plans offer the ability to waive the pre-existing condition exclusion as long as the insured follows the rules for purchasing it within the appropriate time frame and covering the full length and cost of the trip.

How much coverage does each company provide?

* Subject to your state of residence.

• No travel plan covers pre-existing conditions, but you can purchase a package plan that offers an exclusion waiver
• You must purchase your plan within a certain number of days of the initial trip deposit (typically 14-21 days) or final payment (in some cases), and you must insure the full cost and length of the trip
• You must be medically stable when you purchase the travel plan and if a claim is made, the travel insurance provider will examine your health records over the look-back period

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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“Loopholes” of Travel Insurance and How to Avoid Them

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• Medications When Traveling Internationally

Check out issues related to: availability, legality, coverage of costs, back-up supply, time zone changes, interaction with other medications.

You know your own medication dosages and medical history the best. So, it’s up to you to research how to manage your medications when traveling outside your country. Talk with your home doctor and insurance company who can answer questions. In some cases, you may have an international travel clinic or travel insurance provider to consult.

International program staff can be helpful in connecting with facilities and resources in the host country, and in considering additional questions that have come up for exchange participants over past years. Begin researching early in case you need to resolve insurance issues, research the availability of specialists abroad, or have other unexpected issues.

10 Things You Should Know

• You may need documentation from your doctor and/or international program advisor that details the dates and duration of the program to give your insurance provider in order to have sufficient medication to cover the entire period.
• Medication should be brought abroad in carry-on luggage. Protect your supply by not keeping all your medication in one place, so that if part is lost or becomes unusable you will have some to get you through until you can find more. If you use equipment such as syringes, make sure to pack your own sterile supply.
• It may be illegal to send some prescription medications to certain countries through the mail. Check with the postal service and customs office before doing so. Even if mailing a medication is technically permitted be wary as it may be delayed, damaged or lost, so have a back-up plan.
• Before you leave, find out the process for getting the medication in the host country in case you need more. For some medications, it may be in short supply, different dosages, or require tests or prescription from a local specialist. Bring translated documentation and the generic name of your prescription from your home doctor.
• You may find your medication is illegal to either bring into or purchase in the host country. This can apply to medications that are controlled substances and in some countries like Japan it includes other common medications. Transport in their original, labeled containers along with documentation of the prescription. Only buy medication from reputable sources and be wary of counterfeit products once in the host country.
• Check before receiving vaccinations or common medications that are given to travelers (e.g. anti-malarial or anti-diarrheal medications) to make sure that they can safely be taken simultaneously with your current medications. Check with your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control.
• You can adjust to time zone changes by gradually changing your medication schedule while in transit, or change to a new schedule after in the new time zone. Your doctor and experienced travelers with similar conditions can provide guidance on making these adjustments.
• If you are feeling better, do not stop taking or change the dosage of a regular medication without the consultation and supervision of a professional. Embassies and travel assistance providers can help find appropriate medical professionals that can provide medication support in the location(s) you will be staying.
• Insurance may exclude coverage of medications or certain conditions for which you seek medical attention within a certain time period before traveling. The Affordable Care Act does not regulate accident and sickness travel supplemental insurance plans. Make any changes to your medication at least 6 months before departure, so you can have time to consult with your doctor on any resulting complications and have stability of your condition for travel.
• Many different online resources will provide advice for travel with medications and be a good consumer of this information to glean what is appropriate for your situation and check the facts. You can find some online resources in the Related Links.

Related Links:

• Centers for Disease Control
• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
• MedicAlert Foundation TravelPlus Program
• Shoreland's Travel Health Online
• Websites of Foreign Embassies in the U.S.
• Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Missions
• International Narcotics Control Board Website for Travellers
• U.S. Transportation Security Administration Air Travel Information
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Related Resources

Personal stories, best practices, books and journals, videos and webinars, health matters abroad.

• 3 Ways to Get Health Coverage While Overseas
• Chronic Health Conditions & Planning for Your International Exchange

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of April 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 8:41 a.m. UTC April 12, 2024

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

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans get 5 stars in our rating because of the extensive coverage they provide for the price. Both plans come with high limits for important benefits such as emergency medical and evacuation, travel delay and missed connections. WorldTrips travel insurance also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you buy a plan within 21 days of making your first trip deposit.

Best travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

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

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, WorldTrips has two top-rated travel insurance plans in our rating:

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

Pros and cons

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

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 411 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008.

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for missed connections

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

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

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

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

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

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Optional pet bundle adds pet medical expense and pet return benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

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

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

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

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

See our full AIG travel insurance review

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

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

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

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

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

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

What is the best travel insurance?

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

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

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

Best travel insurance for cruises

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

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

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

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

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

Best travel insurance for seniors

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

How much is travel insurance?

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

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

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

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

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When should I buy travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

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

Travel insurance trends in 2024

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

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

Source: Squaremouth.com

Methodology

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Travel Insurance Guide For Pre-Existing Condition Medical Coverage (2024)

Planning to travel but have a pre-existing condition? Get travel medical coverage with a top provider below.

in under 2 minutes

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

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

Traveling with a pre-existing medical condition can add stress to the trip-planning process, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition that affects your daily life or have symptoms that can influence your plans. While most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical expenses and evacuation coverage, you may be able to obtain coverage with a pre-existing conditions waiver.

A pre-existing conditions waiver extends your travel medical insurance to include conditions and illnesses present when you enrolled in coverage. This type of coverage is a bit more expensive but can provide you with peace of mind when traveling. Read on to learn more about pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance and which top providers offer coverage.

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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 Is a Pre-Existing Condition for Travel Insurance?

Although each travel insurance company has its own definition, a pre-existing condition refers to a medical condition you have before leaving for a trip. Your malady may not have to be formally diagnosed to qualify as pre-existing. You may have a pre-existing condition if you’ve sought treatment, had symptoms or taken medication within a few months before your trip for an injury, illness or medical situation.

For example, say you see your doctor for an annual physical two months before your trip to Spain . At your appointment, the doctor checks your blood pressure and diagnoses you with hypertension. Your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure. Most travel medical insurance companies consider high blood pressure a pre-existing condition.

Other common pre-existing conditions include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic illnesses, such as lupus

Medical travel insurance can be an important protection if you or a loved one plan to travel with one of these conditions — or some other pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing condition could put you at higher risk of other medical issues. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, you’re likely at higher risk of contracting diseases while traveling.

How To Get a Waiver for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to purchase travel insurance shortly after making your initial trip payment. Based on our quote collection process, we found that you usually need to be within 10 to 21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. If you buy your travel insurance after this point, you usually will not qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage.

Depending on the insurance provider, you may need to meet additional conditions beyond your purchase date for pre-existing medical conditions coverage. Additional stipulations you may need to meet include:

• Trip coverage: In most cases, you’ll need to insure 100% of your trip cost and add medical coverage to your policy to receive a pre-existing condition waiver. This means that policies that offer pre-existing conditions waivers are usually more expensive. However, these policies also include more extensive coverage, which can be helpful in the event of an emergency.
• Health status: While most travel insurance companies do not require you to undergo a medical exam before buying coverage like with life insurance, your health condition can still play a role in your ability to qualify for a waiver. You might need to answer a health questionnaire before purchasing coverage, or you may need to list any medical diagnoses within the previous 60 to 90 days. If you have a major medical condition with active symptoms, like cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, you may be denied coverage.

If you qualify for coverage, your insurance provider will include the waiver with your coverage at no additional cost. Be sure to review the details of your coverage after you’re approved so you fully understand the terms and conditions.

How To Qualify for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver

To qualify to get a pre-existing conditions waiver, you’ll need to meet a few conditions related to the policy-buying process and determine the right coverage for your health.

You cannot purchase travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions at any time — most policy providers require you to be within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to qualify. For this reason, we suggest you consider travel insurance as you’re comparing other travel bookings like hotels, airfare and event tickets. This will allow you to purchase insurance shortly after booking, giving you access to more policies with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Choose the Right Plan

Next, compare the coverages included with each policy offered by your preferred travel insurance provider and identify those that include pre-existing conditions waivers. Most travel insurance companies limit waivers to policies with more inclusive coverage terms and 100% cancellation insurance. If a provider does not offer pre-existing conditions coverage, request quotes from a different company.

Review Coverage Limitations

If you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, your insurance provider will include it under your coverage terms. Review your coverage and any excluded conditions. Contact a representative from the insurance company if you have questions about coverages and limitations.

Documentation Needed for a Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver

Depending on your coverage provider, you may need to submit a letter from your doctor confirming you’re medically fit to travel. This is especially true if you need coverage for a chronic condition under control by medication or if you’ve recently had corrective surgery. Documentation requirements vary by provider, so be sure to review your specific coverage terms to learn more.

Travel Insurance Companies That Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Not every travel insurance provider offers pre-existing conditions waivers and those that do have varying policies regarding the timeline for enrollment in order to qualify. The following are a few of our recommended travel insurance providers covering pre-existing conditions and how you can qualify for coverage.

• Nationwide: Nationwide offers customers an option to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage across multiple plans. While many insurance providers limit pre-existing conditions waivers to only the most expensive policy, Nationwide allows you to qualify for pre-existing conditions coverage 10 days from your initial purchase with the Essential Policy. You may also qualify up to 21 days after your initial trip payment with the Prime Plan. Read our full review of Nationwide travel insurance .
• Trawick: Trawick offers six unique policies with the option to include coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is more than most other providers. This range of options can make Trawick a strong choice for customers looking to customize their coverage. You must add coverage no more than 14 to 21 days after your initial trip payment, depending on your selected plan. Read our full review of Trawick travel insurance. 
• Seven Corners: To qualify for pre-existing coverage with Seven Corners, you’ll need to opt for the Trip Protection Choice, which includes benefits like 150% trip interruption coverag e and up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits. You must buy this coverage no less than 20 days after your initial trip payment. Read our full review of Seven Corners travel insurance .
• Generali Travel Insurance: While Generali does not offer the longest purchase period for pre-existing conditions, travelers looking for concierge-level benefits may want to consider the company. To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must be within 24 hours of your initial trip payment, which means most shoppers will need to consider insurance as they’re actively planning a vacation to qualify. Read our full review of Generali travel insurance .

Types of Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

There are four main types of travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation
• Baggage coverage
• Medical travel insurance
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that helps cover nonrefundable costs if your trip gets canceled due to an unexpected or uncontrollable event. For example, a trip cancellation policy might cover nonrefundable costs if you find out right before your trip you’ve been summoned for jury duty. Or, say you have to cancel a trip due to an unexpected storm that interrupts your flight. Travel insurance will reimburse you for the flight and any corresponding lodging costs.

Trip cancellation insurance usually does not cover changes in pre-existing medical conditions. If your arthritic knees cause pain that makes you cancel your trip two weeks out, the insurance company may deny your claim. However, you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver to use for trip cancellation coverage.

Baggage Coverage

Baggage insurance generally covers the loss, theft, delay, or damage to baggage and personal belongings while traveling. For instance, your luggage is stolen from your hotel room while you’re at dinner. Depending on your policy, your baggage insurance could help pay to replace necessary items, like clothing and shoes. Other policies will ensure the full value of items in your bags, with certain restrictions.

Baggage insurance can offer peace of mind that you can replace your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. Pre-existing conditions don’t affect baggage insurance coverage.

Medical Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance is one of the most common types of travel insurance. A medical travel policy helps pay for emergency medical care when traveling. Say you fall ill with a fever and need to go to the emergency room while abroad. Your medical travel insurance generally covers the cost of treatment up to your plan’s limits.

If you’re considering travel health insurance plans and have a pre-existing condition, you’ll want to carefully read the fine print of your policy. In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a pre-existing conditions waiver before traveling. Without a waiver, your policy may not cover medical expenses you incur while traveling.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) Coverage

With a few exceptions, CFAR travel insurance lets you cancel a trip for a partial refund of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses outside the reasons listed in your policy. Common reasons to use a CFAR policy include a family member getting sick, fear of illness at your destination or your new passport doesn’t arrive in time to travel. Unlike regular trip cancellation or medical travel insurance, CFAR coverage does not require a pre-existing conditions waiver for coverage. That means if your chronic condition flares up before your trip and you decide to cancel within the effective date of coverage, you could get a partial refund (typically between 50%-75%) of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

Although CFAR coverage is a good way to secure pre-existing medical insurance for travel cancellation or interruption, it’s not usually offered as a stand-alone policy. You typically have to add CFAR coverage to your standard travel insurance policy for an extra cost.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Cost?

Generally, adding pre-existing conditions coverage will not increase your policy cost if you qualify for a waiver. Based on our research, a travel insurance policy costs between $160 to $300 , depending on your chosen coverage and provider. In our review, we found that the average couple will pay about $221 for a travel insurance policy from one of our recommended travel insurance providers.

How To File a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Travel Insurance Claim

If you have to file a travel insurance claim for a pre-existing condition that your policy covers, you can improve your chances for reimbursement with strong documentation. Whether you must cancel your trip at the last minute or you need coverage for an emergency room visit while on vacation, the process of filing a travel insurance claim is generally the same. The claims process typically looks like this:

• File your claims form, which will commonly ask for your name, policy number, the reason for the claim and other important details.
• Submit your claims form with all necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, flight delay or baggage notices, police reports, and any other related documents.
• Your travel insurance company reviews your claim and supporting documentation. The insurance company may request more details or documents supporting your claim.
• If the company approves your claim, you’ll receive reimbursement, up to your policy limits.

The claims process is straightforward, but missing documents or lack of evidence could lead to the insurer denying your claim. Having the right documentation is more important if you’re filing a medical claim and have a pre-existing condition. The insurance company will want to confirm you have a pre-existing condition waiver on file before approving a claim. The company likely will ask for specific written documentation relating to your claim from a doctor.

For example, say you have a respiratory disorder managed by daily medication and receive a pre-existing condition waiver for a trip. While traveling, you get into an accident requiring emergency medical care. When you file a claim for medical travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure you have the right documents, including:

• Proof of your trip and insurance
• Written documentation from your attending physician
• Copies of your medical file and bill from the emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Can you get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.

Yes, you can get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. The key to getting travel insurance coverage with a pre-existing condition is to apply for a pre-existing conditions waiver or exclusion waiver. This waiver includes notice from your doctor that you’re fit to travel and prevents the travel insurance company from using your pre-existing condition to exclude you from coverage.

What is a waiver of lookback in travel insurance?

A waiver of lookback is another name for a pre-existing conditions waiver for travel insurance. The lookback period of a travel insurance policy refers to the time before the trip in which the insurance company might look back at your medical history if you file a claim.

For example, say you have an unexpected medical condition that forces you to cancel your trip. You file a claim for trip cancellation insurance and your insurance company can review your past medical records (usually up to 60 to 180 days, depending on the policy). If the company finds a record of your pre-existing condition, such as a doctor’s visit to change medications, it could deny your claim. A waiver of lookback prevents the insurance company from doing this.

What counts as a pre-existing condition?

Every travel insurance company defines pre-existing conditions differently, but there are a few common factors. A pre-existing condition for travel insurance usually refers to any medical condition, illness or injury that you have before your trip. You may not have to be diagnosed for the condition for it to be considered pre-existing. But if you seek treatment for a condition, take medications or suffer symptoms, then it’s usually considered pre-existing.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

Pre-existing conditions are any injury, illness, or medical condition that existed before you sought insurance. A chronic condition is different. Chronic conditions are ongoing health conditions or illnesses that are long-term. Doctors manage chronic conditions with medication or regular treatments, but these conditions aren’t curable. For travel insurance, almost all chronic conditions are considered pre-existing conditions.

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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How artificial intelligence is changing the way you buy travel insurance.

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Artificial intelligence is changing the way you buy travel insurance. Here's how.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way you buy travel insurance. From shopping for a policy to filing a claim, there's no part that hasn't been touched by AI.

"AI is revolutionizing travel insurance," says Greg Jung, chief growth officer for Seven Corners . "It's making it more efficient and tailored to individual needs."

Words like "efficient" and "tailored" are rare in the one-size-fits-all, bureaucratic travel insurance industry. For years, consumers had limited choices. And when they filed a claim, it took close to forever to get an answer, much less get paid.

Not anymore.

Jung says AI is doing away with that. The benefits to travelers include:

• Personalized coverage. AI can analyze vast amounts of data on traveler profiles, including travel history, preferences, and even risk factors like age and health conditions. That allows insurers to recommend customized travel insurance plans that provide the right level of coverage for each individual's needs.
• Proactive risk management. AI can analyze data to predict potential disruptions or emergencies that could impact a traveler's trip. This allows insurers to offer assistance, such as medical advice or flight rebooking assistance, in case of unforeseen events.
• Faster claims processing. AI can automate much of the claims process, verifying documents, assessing damages, and expediting settlements. Travelers can be reimbursed for covered expenses much more quickly, especially for straightforward claims.

Behind the scenes, travel insurance companies are also using AI to conduct better risk management. And there are parts of the business where travel insurance companies won't talk about how they use AI, such as in efforts to sell policies on their sites. Travel insurance companies are also hush-hush about how they are analyzing data to set rates and identify patterns in fraudulent claims data.

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This story is a long time coming. Travel insurance companies have been generally slow to adopt AI. You can see artificial intelligence in action in a few places, but in the places that matter to you — such as finding the best policy — there are still some gaps. AI won't fix everything in travel insurance, but it promises to make many things better.

What took travel insurance so long?

Why has AI been slow to catch on in the travel insurance industry? Well, it has — and it hasn't. I wrote about how Allianz was using machine learning to improve its products five years ago .

But across the industry, change has been gradual.

"Travel Insurance is highly regulated," explains Tim Dodge, vice president of marketing at Arch RoamRight . "There are strict policy definitions, communications guidelines and adjudication rules to which we must adhere. For AI to be successful in our industry, it has to be implemented carefully; improving the customer experience while maintaining regulatory compliance."

If you file a travel insurance claim and get frustrated with the time it takes to be settled, it's because of the way travel insurance is set up. There's a lot of required documentation to review in support of the claim.

Dodge says AI can potentially facilitate and speed up the claims handling process and reduce claimants' frustrations, and that's what travel insurance companies are now doing.

Where can you see AI in action right now in travel insurance?

Travel insurance companies are not waiting for the future.

Arch RoamRight’s AI chatbot has been integrated into every aspect of its customer experience, from its phone system to its website and travel agent portal. It's even used as a training tool for new hires, according to Dodge.

At Generali Global Assistance , a carefully trained chatbot helps customers obtain instant assistance, receive accurate information, and navigate policy complexities. "This digitalization empowers our agents to provide personalized support promptly," says Christopher Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance.

Allianz Travel Insurance has been using AI to help streamline its claims process for years. It just added a new chatbot for customer support, too. "Our chatbot supports the customer during filing in the event the customer has questions or needs further assistance, and uses AI to qualify the customer’s needs to quickly get them the help they need,” explains Maggie Butler, director of customer experience at Allianz Partners USA.

At Faye Travel Insurance , an AI-powered app helps customers file claims for flight cancellations, baggage delays, and medical emergencies. The app speeds up the claims process, ensuring travelers get paid in hours instead of days. "It's part of our commitment to making travel insurance an integral and personalized part of each traveler’s experience," says Elad Schaffer, Faye's CEO.

Over time, the entire travel insurance industry will embrace AI. But there are exceptions.

Can artificial intelligence help you find the best travel insurance?

AI might help you find a better policy, but you have to know where to look. I tested the major AIs to see how they responded to a sample query, "I'm a 28-year-old woman who lives in New York. I am planning a one-week trip to Paris this summer. Please help me find the best travel insurance."

• Gemini offered two options — Generali and Travel Insured International, but did not show rates or a bookable link. The responses appeared to be based on a news article.
• Meta AI generated a succinct response citing the benefits of travel insurance with key coverage areas.
• Microsoft Copilot showed a generic "how-to" story about travel insurance based on an article I had written for Forbes.
• Hugging Face gave a generic response with advice on how to buy travel insurance.
• Perplexity offered several specific options, including Seven Corners, Nationwide and Travelex. However, it based its quotes on a story on a news site and did not offer a link to buy the policies.

Bottom line: You can't really shop for travel insurance using AI — at least, not yet.

AI doesn't work for everything in travel insurance

In the travel insurance industry, like in other places, artificial intelligence isn't the answer to everything.

For example, at INF Visitor Care , a company that sells travel insurance to those traveling to the U.S., AI is helping automate its claims system. INF applies machine learning to identify emerging trends in claims to design policies that cover customers when they need it for unexpected issues.

"It has revolutionized the way we think about pricing and policy coverages," says PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care .

But when it comes to customer service, AI is not always the best solution.

"We find customers enjoy talking to a live person on chat and phone," adds Rao.

The future of travel insurance and AI is promising

Over the long term, AI promises to reshape the travel insurance business into one that works the way customers expect it to — quickly, nimbly and efficiently.

At least that's what Daniel Green, chief technology officer for Faye Travel Insurance , sees.

"Imagine a world where most insurance claims are processed in hours instead of days," he says. "A computer system can go out and collect all the documentation for you and prepare the paperwork perfectly, ready for a human to make a quick decision on whether to approve it or not."

AI also has the potential to insure you for only what you need — to give you the "perfect" policy.

"AI can prepare it in seconds based on being able to tell a computer in your own words what coverage you need, by having it translated into insurance paperwork-speak for you," he adds.

We aren't quite there yet, but we're getting close.

There's one more thing that is potentially keeping AI from changing travel insurance — and that is customers themselves.

Breanne Armstrong, who is director of insurance intelligence at J.D. Power, says most consumers understand that artificial intelligence and machine learning have a lot of potential, "but there is hesitancy."

Armstrong bases her observation on another study that J.D. Power recently conducted on banking customers and AI. Only 28% of respondents said they believe AI will make their lives better in the next three years. Roughly one-third say it will make no difference, and 17% say it will make their lives worse.

All you have to do is engage with any chatbot to understand those 17% of respondents. Talking to an AI about banking or travel insurance — or anything else, really — can quickly end in frustration.

"There are mixed sentiments," adds Armstrong.

That may well describe how people feel about travel insurance and AI. It could be great. But if it isn't implemented carefully, it could be not so great.

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