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The best travel insurance companies to make sure your next trip is covered

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best travel insurance companies

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

Best for lost baggage and personal belongings 

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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

24/7 assistance available

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

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

Best for customization

Travel guard® travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for trip cancellation coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for travel medical plans

Usi affinity travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for cruise insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

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

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

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

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

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

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

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

Travel insurance FAQs

How do i choose the best travel insurance .

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth it? 

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

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Why trust CNBC Select?

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

Our methodology 

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

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

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

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

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

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

• Vacation Insurance

Protect Your Getaway with Vacation Insurance

Find the best vacation protection at the lowest price for your upcoming trip.

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Search comprehensive and medical-only policies from 20+ carefully vetted providers. Easily compare plans to find the best option for your trip.

We understand that plans can change. That's why all plans found on Squaremouth are backed by a generous Money Back Guarantee policy.

For more than 20 years, Squaremouth has provided millions of customers with award-winning support before, during, and after their trips.

No trip is risk-free. Whether you're planning your dream getaway or a much needed family vacation, travel insurance can help protect you from the unexpected.

From unexpected injuries while traveling to hotel stays for overnight delays, vacation insurance offers comprehensive benefits to cover the costs of common travel disruptions.

Squaremouth helps travelers compare vacation insurance plans from the top providers within seconds. Our award-winning customer service team is also on standby to help you find the policy that best fits your specific needs.

Key Vacation Insurance Benefits

Is vacation insurance worth it.

Insuring your vacation is a great way to protect yourself from financial loss in the event your trip is impacted by unforeseen events. The cost of travel insurance can be minimal compared to the potentially high cost of overseas medical treatment, trip cancellations, and other trip disruptions. A vacation protection plan can refund those expenses.

What is Vacation Medical Insurance?

Nothing can put a damper on a vacation like falling victim to an illness or injury while traveling. Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of receiving medical treatment abroad, including hospital bills, ambulance rides, physician visits, and prescription medication. Most medical policies can also cover medical evacuations should you need to be moved to another medical facility.

How Much Does Vacation Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on multiple risk factors, such as the traveler's age, trip cost, destination, and trip length. In general, the cost of comprehensive vacation insurance with cancellation benefits will be between 5-10% of the total insured trip cost. Travelers who only want medical insurance for their vacation can save big on their premium.

How Do You Buy Vacation Insurance?

To begin your search for vacation protection, enter some basic details about your upcoming trip into the respective fields at the top of this page. You can then review and compare policies that you're eligible for. Use filters and sort results to help narrow down the best policy for your trip. If you would like assistance at any point, feel free to call our customer service team at 1-800-240-0369 from 8am to 10pm ET

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The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Travel Insurance [For You]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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

Keri Stooksbury

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Situations Where Travel Insurance Can Help

Covering your major concerns, when to buy travel insurance, credit cards, employer-sponsored health insurance, club memberships, medicare supplements and advantage plans, travel insurance comparison tools/websites, world nomads — best for comprehensive coverage and adventure activities (recommended), travelex /berkshire hathaway travel insurance — family protection for children at no extra cost, geoblue — affordable annual medical travel insurance, usaa — travel insurance for military and families, allianz — affordable annual travel insurance, expedia — an impulse buy you can prepare for, other travel insurance companies, single trip policies, multiple trip or multi-destination policies, annual policies, travel insurance for seniors, special needs and travel insurance for those with disabilities, group travel insurance, pet travel insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Whether you’re traveling with family or solo, on an epic adventure or a weekend getaway , travel insurance can go a long way toward providing peace of mind during your trip. And if things should go wrong, you’ll find consolation in being financially covered.

With all that’s at stake, you’ve probably given serious thought to purchasing travel insurance just like I have. There have certainly been times when I’ve needed it, including severe flight delays, a parasailing accident in Mexico, and when my luggage took a trip of its own!

Unfortunately, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed with the vast selection of travel insurance options available. We’ve created this guide to help you sort through the confusion and demystify the process.

In this article, we’ll cover all the information you need to:

• Determine the type of coverage you need
• Find out if you currently have any travel coverage
• Narrow your options to just a few policies that fit
• Select a reputable travel insurance company

Let’s get started with helping you find the best travel insurance policy for your situation.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

If you travel frequently, you’ve probably experienced an event where travel insurance would have helped.

Whether it was a severely delayed flight, illness abroad, stolen possessions, or a canceled trip due to an unforeseen event — travel insurance could have made the situation better.

Travel Insurance can cover a variety of situations. Here is just a sampling of those you can easily purchase coverage for:

• You have an accident and need medical evacuation to a nearby hospital: According to travel insurance company Allianz, the estimated cost of medical evacuation ranges from $15,000-$20,000 in Mexico to over $200,000 in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
• You miss your cruise because your flight is severely delayed or canceled: Catching up with your cruise once it has departed can be costly!
• You can’t take a planned trip due to illness: The entire cost of your trip and any pre-paid arrangements could be at risk if you become ill and unable to travel. Coverage is even available when travel companions become ill and you must forego your trip.
• You become ill while abroad: The cost of medical attention abroad can be expensive, and it can result in increased costs to rearrange your itinerary.
• Your baggage is lost or delayed: After your bags have been delayed a minimum amount of time, usually 12-24 hours, coverage kicks in and provides money for essentials.

Bottom Line: It’s prudent to buy travel insurance for expensive trips. You may go several years without using the coverage you’ve purchased, but one incident could cause you to incur thousands of dollars in expenses, far exceeding the cost of insuring multiple trips. 

If money is no object, you can purchase a lot of travel insurance to make sure you’re covered for nearly every situation you’ll encounter. In reality, you’ll probably want to balance cost with the coverages that are most important to you.

For some travelers, their greatest concern is the huge cost of an emergency medical evacuation. For others it can be the risk of getting ill and not being able to travel on a trip they’ve paid thousands of dollars for already.

But don’t fret: there’s a travel insurance plan for just about any travel concern that can cost you money if things go wrong.

Here are some of the plan types available:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Pays to get you to the nearest hospital, even in remote areas
• Travel Medical Insurance : Provides medical care if you get sick or injured while traveling
• Annual Travel Insurance: Covers you for multiple trips taken throughout the year
• Comprehensive Package Travel Insurance: Conveniently groups many travel insurance coverages together in one policy
• Cancel for Any Reason Rider ( CFAR ): When certain conditions are met, this coverage lets you cancel your trip for any reason and receive reimbursement
• Policies that Cover Families: Comprehensive travel policies that cover all family members/domestic partners before and during your trip.

Most travel insurance policies can be purchased up until the day of your departure. However, some policies contain pre-departure benefits, so you’ll want to buy your policy as soon as possible.

For example, you may have coverage that covers you getting ill and not being able to take your trip.

The general advice is to buy your policy when you make your first payment on the trip.

Since policies can be priced according to how much your total trip costs, you can take out the insurance based on what you’ve already paid and call the company to raise the amount of the policy once you’ve made additional payments.

Read our guide to find out more on when to buy travel insurance .

Hot Tip:  Travel insurance policies include a free-look period, where you can review your policy once you’ve received it and decide if it’s right for you. This free-look period is usually 10-15 days depending on the company and type of policy. 

You May Already Have Coverage — Here’s Where to Look

Before you purchase a travel insurance policy, you should check these 4 places where you may have some current coverage.

You may find that you have a credit card with travel insurance , with your employer-sponsored health plan, with club/organization memberships, and on Medicare gap policies.

It is helpful to know which types of coverage you currently have so you can select a comprehensive travel insurance policy without paying extra for duplicate coverage.

Credit cards commonly carry travel insurance benefits, but whether they’re included and the level of coverage provided will vary depending on which card you carry.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular credit card issuers and the types of travel insurance/protection they provide.

American Express offers several travel insurance benefits on their cards.

• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Secondary coverage is included on various American Express cards . Primary Car Rental Protection is available to purchase for one low fee that covers the entire rental period.
• Travel Accident Insurance: Limits of $250,000-$500,000 depending on the card.
• Baggage Insurance: Provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged checked or carry on baggage. Included on various American Express cards. 
• The Global Assist Hotline: Included on various American Express cards . Premium cards such as the Platinum Card ® from American Express and Business Platinum Card ®  from American Express  include premium versions of the Global Assist Hotline that provide support before, during, and after your trip.
• Roadside Assistance: While Amex has removed roadside assistance from many of its cards, there are still several Amex cards with the coverage. Coverage includes assistance with jump starts, gas, towing, and lockout.

Chase is another major card issuer that includes various travel insurance coverages on their credit cards.

Citi credit cards have recently had several travel benefits removed,  similar to other credit card issuers. Your exact coverage benefits will depend on which Citi card you have. To learn the details of Citi’s credit card travel protections, you can access Citi’s credit card guide to benefits  here .

Hot Tip: To receive coverage from any credit card, you must meet the purchase requirements. Some credit cards require you to charge the entire purchase, while some grant coverage if you pay for just a portion of the purchase with your card. You may also be able to receive coverage by using points for your purchase.

Requirements vary, but you can call the number on the back of your credit card for questions on coverage specific to the card you’re using.

See our article for information on additional credit card travel insurance coverage .

Bottom Line: Credit cards may offer incidental travel protections and benefits, but they should not be considered a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

You’ll first want to check your current health insurance policy to see if it might cover you while traveling. Many do not extend health insurance benefits while traveling, but there may be ancillary travel insurance coverages included in your policy.

For example, some employer-sponsored health insurance plans contain travel insurance coverage that can be quite significant. Unum is one of the most common group insurance companies offering employers travel insurance for their employees through Assist America .

The employee is provided a 24/7 phone number that can be called for immediate assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Here is a sample of coverage provided:

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

There is no charge for any of these services when the coverage is included on an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, so you’ll want to check your current employer-sponsored health plan to see if you have this coverage.

If you’re a member of any club or organization, you’ll want to ask about travel insurance benefits.

Here are just a few clubs where membership includes various types of travel insurance benefits.

Divers Alert Network — Membership is $35/year for singles, $55/year for families

• DAN members receive $100,000 of emergency medical evacuation assistance coverage . Evacuation is covered for diving and non-diving medical emergencies when you are more than 50 miles from home.
• Membership also includes TravelAssist , a 24/7 access to prescription assistance, medical monitoring, emergency messaging, and much more.

American Alpine Club — Membership is $80 per year and includes search and rescue insurance. The insurance applies to any land-based activity.

• Up to $7,500 of Global Rescue Trailhead Rescue Services (available worldwide)
• Up to $5,000 of Domestic Rescue Benefits (available in the U.S. only)

Gold Wing Road Riders Association  ($55/year) and the American Motorcycle Association ($49/year)

• Members receive FREE emergency roadside assistance and 24/7 towing up to 35 miles per disablement for their motorcycle or any motorcycle they are riding, even as a passenger.
• Gold Wing Coverage is limited to motorcycles; American Motorcycle Association members receive coverage for motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers and RVs.

Family Motor Coach Association — Membership costs $60/year and includes discounted worldwide travel assistance insurance plus several other travel benefits.

Hot Tip: Club memberships can include travel insurance coverage at no additional cost or at a discounted price. Checking your current memberships and seeking out organizations you can join for cost-effective coverage may result in travel insurance coverage you can use.

With rare exceptions, Medicare does not extend coverage to another country outside the United States. However, some supplement and advantage insurance plans do include coverage when traveling.

These supplemental policies, called Medigap plans, pay 80% of medical emergency care outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible. The expense must not be covered by Medicare, and it must be incurred within the first 60 days of your travel. There is also a lifetime limit of $50,000.

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N contain this coverage. Visit Medicare.gov for a complete explanation of the coverage and information on out-of-country coverage for Medicare Advantage plans.

Remember, these are plans that you purchase in addition to your base Medicare Plans A and B. Medicare does not cover you out of the country except in rare circumstances detailed here .

Bottom Line:  It’s important to know the travel insurance coverages you have currently, as you may save money not duplicating those coverages when purchasing a travel insurance policy. You’ll also want to be able to take advantage of and use these existing coverages if you experience a covered event. 

Where to Buy Travel Insurance

All insurance companies are rated based on their financial stability; A.M. Best is the oldest, most recognized provider of ratings in the global insurance industry. We’ll include only those companies with excellent or above ratings.

Before we discuss specific travel insurance companies, however, we’ll cover a few great travel insurance comparison sites that can help narrow your choices before selecting a specific company and travel insurance policy.

Purchasing travel insurance is a balancing act between getting the coverage you need without spending above your budget . That’s why comparison sites can ease the pain of searching hundreds of policies and dozens of companies individually.

Another benefit of using these sites is that your information is entered just once, and their search engines will quickly find the best fit for your budget and coverage requirements.

Here are 3 comparison sites to help you get started:

1. Travelinsurance.com (recommended)

• Easy-to-use online comparison tool
• Instant coverage
• Best price guarantee; this means you won’t find a lower price anywhere else for a plan that’s found on TravelInsurance.com.

2. Squaremouth

• Award-winning customer service team
• 20 travel insurance companies and 116 different policies
• Over 60,000 customer reviews

3. InsureMyTrip

• Licensed agents to help you with questions and claims
• 21 providers; both large and boutique highly-rated companies
• Glossary and articles explaining coverage and plans

Once you’ve completed a few easy comparisons, you’ll have an idea of the type of policy you want, a range of costs, and what options are available.

You’ll find most of the major travel insurance providers on these comparison sites, but not all carriers participate.

Hot Tip:  Don’t miss our dedicated article on the Best Travel Insurance Companies For All Travelers !

Let’s take a look at some specific travel insurance providers you’ll want to consider:

Included in the top 10 travel insurance companies by  Consumer Advocate , World Nomads offers a comprehensive portfolio of travel insurance products including medical/evacuation insurance, 24-hour emergency assistance, trip delay/cancellation, and coverage for a long list of adventure activities.

There are several reasons to purchase travel insurance with World Nomads.

• Backed by established, reputable, highly-rated companies such as AIG Insurance Company , Lloyds, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
• Understand world travel and the associated risks
• Single-trip, multiple-trip, and annual policies are available
• Good for active travelers, as most activities/sports are covered
• Plans include standard to comprehensive coverages
• Ability to purchase or extend coverage while traveling
• Available for travelers through age 69

Sample Pricing

Click to get a quote with World Nomads >>

Hot Tip: If you participate in sports and adventure activities when traveling (even dangerous ones), World Nomad’s travel insurance is a perfect fit with over 150 travel activities covered.

The family Travel Select plan covers children 17 and under for no additional cost. This comprehensive plan includes protection for trip interruption/cancellation/delay, medical and evacuation, baggage and personal effects, and travel assistance. For more information check out our Travelex review.

If you currently have health insurance that does not cover you outside of the United States, you’ll find GeoBlue an affordable option for medical coverage while you’re traveling.

Their Trekker Choice policy covers unlimited international trips up to 70 days in length for a 12-month policy period. The cost for an annual plan for a 40-year-old was $175 for the Trekker Choice policy, but even less expensive plans are available!

Active military, their families, and post-military USAA members receive exclusive rates for travel insurance that includes these coverages. Children are included on most plans at no additional cost.

• Lost/delayed baggage
• Trip delays
• Trip interruption/cancellation
• Trip interruption/cancellation due to accident or illness
• Medical expenses
• Interruptions due to weather
• Emergency assistance and evacuation

With nearly a dozen awards so far in 2018, highly-rated Allianz is a trusted company in the travel insurance arena.

I was particularly impressed with their annual travel insurance policy offerings that are surprisingly affordable. The prices listed above are for an annual policy for travelers ages 30-80, and it covers unlimited trips of 45 days or less during the 12-month period.

It’s not just a medical policy either. In the top 2 plans above you’ll find trip cancellation/interruption, change fee coverage, collision damage waiver, and even business equipment coverage.

For coverage details and a specific quote, visit their website .

Expedia is the world’s leading travel provider, so a mention of their  Expedia ® Package Protection plan seems appropriate.

Pricing varies from $49 per person for travel within the continental U.S. to $89 per person for multiple international destinations.

The trip insurance includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage even for bad weather, mechanical failure, or strike. Medical emergencies/transportation and lost/stolen baggage coverage are also included. You can review details and additional coverages here . You may only purchase the package at the time of booking.

Before purchasing the Expedia Package Protection plan, you should price and compare a policy from one of the major providers. You may be able to find more coverage for a lower cost.

The U.S. Department of State publishes a list of travel insurance companies that provide coverage overseas; you can access it here .

Hot Tip:  Some travel insurance policies require you to be outside the United States for coverage, but others will cover you as few as 50 miles from home. Since travel insurance is widely available (and in many cases affordable), it may make sense to purchase a policy for medical and other valuable coverage even if you’re traveling domestically. 

Single/Multiple Trip Policies vs. Annual Policy: Which Is Better?

• If you take 1 major trip annually, purchasing a single trip policy is the way to go. If it’s a trip you put together yourself, utilizing one of the providers mentioned in this article to purchase an individual travel insurance policy can be a simple solution and cover your trip appropriately.
• If your trip is a packaged tour, there’s nothing wrong with selecting insurance offered by the tour provider, but arm yourself first by doing some research. You’ll want to be sure you’re not overpaying, and that you’re purchasing travel insurance coverages that take care of  your  personal concerns, not just those of the tour provider.
• If you’re taking 2 trips a year, you can purchase a separate policy for each trip. If you’re taking 3 or more trips, you should consider an annual policy.
• If you’re going on an extended trip and visiting several countries (say 3 months in length), companies such as World Nomads can issue a policy that covers your entire trip.
• Taking a year off and traveling the world or just taking frequent international trips? You may want to consider a comprehensive annual travel insurance policy that covers multiple trips.
• Pricing can vary widely, so it’s important to compare prices and select the coverage that’s most important to you.

Hot Tip: The best way to determine if a multiple-trip or annual travel policy is better is to simply price each option, compare coverage, and review any terms/conditions. You may find that insuring 2 or 3 trips could cost as much as an annual trip insurance policy. 

Travel Insurance for Special Situations

In your late 60s, your options for purchasing travel insurance start to diminish (but they don’t disappear!). There are still several travel insurance companies where you can purchase great coverage.

• Allianz and Berkshire Hathaway each allowed me to quote a policy up to age 99
• GeoBlue medical travel insurance covers through age 84
• “Silver Nomads” age 70 and above can purchase coverage with World Nomad partner TripAssure

If a person is healthy enough to travel, they’re usually able to purchase travel insurance from many providers.

Allianz Global Assistance comes highly recommended by Wheelchair Travel.org for travelers with disabilities. Their policy for a 45-year-old traveling on a 2-week trip costing $2,200 quoted between $76-$143 depending on the coverages I selected.

When you have 10 or more travelers in a group, you might consider group travel insurance as an affordable option.

For a group of 10 traveling to Mexico for a 2-week trip that cost $2,200 per person, the lowest quote according to a search on Squaremouth.com was $838, or $83.80 per person.

Coverage per person included:

• Trip cancellation ($2,200)
• Trip interruption ($2,200)
• Good medical coverage ($20,000)
• Good medical evacuation coverage ($100,000)
• Trip delay ($150/day $500 max)
• Baggage delay/personal effects ($700)

If you’re a traveling pet owner, you’ve probably considered insuring your pet during your travels .

While some travel insurance policies include coverage for pets, separate policies for medical/veterinarian care for your pet can also be purchased.

Here are a couple of options for purchasing pet insurance that cover your pet while traveling.

• PetPlan – PetPlan insurance covers your pet in the United States and Canada and costs as little $8/month for $20,000 in annual coverage.
• Travelex Travel Max  – The policy provides $1,000 in emergency medical treatment for your pet. If you are hospitalized while traveling and cannot take care of your pet, the policy will also pay to return your pet back home (up to $10,000).

Insurance is an intangible; we can’t see it or hold it in our hands. Unless you have a claim, you’re simply buying the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered if things go wrong.

Travel insurance is a bit different than home or auto insurance, however — if you travel frequently, you know it’s common to experience delays, illness, lost baggage, and other travel disruptions where travel insurance could be useful.

Insurance is meant to protect you from disaster and major financial setbacks. Insuring yourself against losing money on an expensive trip or having a major medical event when traveling makes sense, especially since travel insurance is widely available and affordable.

Whether you should purchase travel insurance will depend on your risk tolerance level for what you could lose personally if things go wrong during your travels.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does travel insurance work.

When you plan a trip, you have to pay upfront for expenses such as airfare, hotels, cruises, and other related travel expenses. Travel insurance pays you money if there is a covered event that disrupts your trip.

For example, if you paid for a packaged tour but you became sick and unable to travel, travel insurance could reimburse you the cost of the tour and other covered expenses.

Travel insurance can also cover unexpected expenses you incur when your trip is interrupted due to cancellations, weather delays, or illness.

You can purchases policies that cover a variety of events such as lost/stolen baggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip delays and medical evacuation.

Can I insure my trip if I used frequent flier miles to purchase it?

Yes, you can. Most trips have extra associated costs even if you’re using frequent flier miles. You may incur taxes, seating upgrades, change fees, non-refundable lodging, and other associated costs.

When you insure your trip, you do not include the value of the frequent flier miles you used to purchase the trip, but any other non-refundable costs can be used to value and insure the trip.

Is travel insurance worth it?

There are several situations where you may not need travel insurance. If you are traveling domestically, purchased a cheap ticket, and have health insurance that will cover you, you probably do not need travel insurance.

Additionally, if you used frequent flier miles for your flight, points for your hotel, and are traveling domestically, you may not need travel insurance.

If you’re traveling internationally and you’ve paid for a lot of non-refundable travel expenses up front, you would want to purchase travel insurance.

This is because your health insurance may not cover you abroad, and you’d want to be protected. You also have significant funds at risk should you become ill and not be able to travel.

How much does travel insurance cost?

You can purchase travel insurance for as little as $25 for just basic coverage. The more coverage you want and the longer the length of coverage, the more it will cost.

Several factors go into determining the premium you will pay: your age, where you’re traveling, where you live, how long you’ll be traveling, which coverage you select, the amount of coverage you want, and which company you purchase the policy from.

Does travel insurance cover terrorism?

Yes, terrorism is covered under trip interruption/cancellation on many travel insurance policies. There can be stipulations for coverage, including that the event must be declared terrorism by local government or by the U.S. Department of State.

Additionally, there may be requirements that there has been no terrorism in the area for a specific period of time (7-30 days prior, for example).  Basically, if there has been ongoing terrorism and you travel there, coverage may be excluded.

Does AAA sell travel insurance?

Yes, AAA sells travel insurance for trips booked through AAA. When you book a trip with their travel agency, you will be offered travel insurance to cover your trip.

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About Christine Krzyszton

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

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A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Travel insurance sales are up these days, and you likely already know the reason is the global pandemic. But you might not know the best way buy travel insurance is through one of a handful of independent agencies.

Although their websites aren’t identical, but they’re all similar in that they provide two major functionalities you definitely want when you buy travel insurance: (1) The ability to select exactly what kinds of coverage you want and the amount of each coverage, and (2) the ability compare policies from all the major insurers side-by-side to select the best policy option for your particular needs at the best price.

Travel in the Time of COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Over the years, SmarterTravel has listed several such agencies (check out our Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance ), and no single site stands out as superior to the others—it will depend what type of coverage you’re looking for.

Where to Buy Travel Insurance Online

Here are the best websites for comparing and buying travel insurance, in alphabetical order:

• Global  Travel  Insurance
• InsureMyTrip.com
• QuoteWright
• SquareMouth
• TravelersMed.com (a medical insurance specialist)

Buying from an independent agency has several advantages. A policy you can tailor, using some easy online tools, beats a one-size-fits-all policy that your airline or OTA is likely to offer you. And although a minor risk these days, a policy you buy from a hotel, tour company, or cruise line will not cover bankruptcy or default of that company.

You also don’t want a cancellation “waiver” that many tour companies and other suppliers offer. It’s not really insurance; it usually covers a lot fewer contingencies than real travel insurance, and it generally offers no medical coverage at all. In addition, waivers typically don’t pay cash refunds, they pay in future travel credit with the same supplier, often with a short time limit for re-use.

Airline, cruiseline, and OTA policies are generally not age-rated, but third-party policy rates are, and they start to go up rapidly at the 75-80 year range. Travelers in or above that range might find that an airline or OTA policy or a cancellation waiver, even though with inferior coverage, is the only affordable option.

Beyond those questions, be sure to check out SmarterTravel’s Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance before you start shopping for any travel insurance. Pay particular attention to how to avoid problems with pre-existing medical conditions and the contingencies that most insurance does not cover. Given that most policies do not specify “fear of an epidemic” as a covered reason, take a good look at “cancel for any reason” options.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Stop Touching Your Face If You Want to Stay Healthy
• Translated Emergency Phrases to Carry Overseas
• What to Do in an Emergency Situation Abroad

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Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse every day at SmarterTravel.

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Comprehensive trip insurance for us citizens traveling in the usa and abroad, get a free quote, our travel insurance covers covid-19.

You are covered for trip cancellation in the event that you contract Covid-19, or you are quarantined due to exposure. You are also covered under our travel medical and trip interruption insurance for Covid-19. We offer Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance to cover you for border closures, and fear of traveling.

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Traveler's experiences, frequently asked questions about tripinsurance, what does tripinsurance cover.

Trip insurance covers you before and during your trip. Before your trip, it can protect you if you must cancel your trip. During your trip, it covers trip interruption, trip delay, as well as medical care, and medical emergency evacuation for any covered medical emergencies that may arise. Most trip insurance plans offer both insurance benefits along with assistance services and travel assistance. See the coverage details in your chosen trip plan for more details.

What Factors Determine How Much Travel Insurance Costs?

Your age, length of your trip, and your trip cost determines the travel insurance cost. Coverage features and limits also affect the price of the plan. The more coverage included in the plan – the higher the cost of the policy.

By law, there are no discounts in the travel insurance industry, so wherever you find a policy by the same brand name from a travel insurance provider, it is the same price no matter where you buy it. TripInsurance.com has some exclusive trip insurance policies that are priced much lower for comparable coverage giving you a much better value and will ultimately help you save money on the trip plans you need.

What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance?

The trip cancellation coverage benefit covers the non-refundable trip costs when you must cancel your travel plans. All plans cover trip cancellation and interruption for covered medical reasons (such as sickness, injury, or accidental death of you, someone you’re traveling with, or even a family member that is not traveling with you). Additionally, certain non-medical reasons will be covered as well, such as air carrier delays or cancellations, theft of travel documents, baggage delay, your boss canceling your vacation, or an extension of the school year. The more reasons that are covered, the better the plan. It is as simple as that!

When Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance?

Sooner is better. If you purchase your insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit, many policies offer a medical waiver for pre-existing conditions and even cancelation for any reason (Maybe you don’t want to take that week skiing because there’s no snow.)

Do I need Trip Insurance When Only Travelling Within the United States?

You should purchase trip insurance for traveling within the US if you want to protect your vacation deposit that may have cancellation penalties like a vacation rental. If there’s a chance you may be delayed in your travels, or if your health insurance as a U.S. resident doesn’t cover you out of state, you need travel insurance.

Is TripInsurance.com an Insurance Company?

TripInsurance.com is an insurance agency that carefully selects the best travel insurance policies for our customers. Some of our policies are unique to TripInsurance.com and offer exceptional value. We sell travel insurance policies from the most trusted travel insurance companies at the best price possible. Our insurance agents are here to help you find the best travel insurance products for your next trip.

Travel Inspiration

Will Travel Insurance Cover Me When Vacationing in a Politically Unstable Country?

If you are worried that your proposed destination may erupt in revolution, your best protection is a policy with a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause.

8 Essential COVID-19 Travel Tips for Your Next Vacation

How to Book Travel in The Age of COVID-19

When Is It Safe to Travel Again?

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Coronavirus "Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)" Travel Insurance

This page is about travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason coverage for coronavirus. For information about "travel medical only" insurance with coronavirus, go here. What is 'Cancel for any Reason' Coverage Cancel for any reason coverage is a type of trip cancellation coverage. It's also one of the primary reasons travelers purchase travel insurance. Here's the important part: standard trip cancellation coverage doesn't include canceling for an outbreak of a pandemic like COVID. With Cancel for any reason coverage, or CFAR, travelers can cancel their trips for any reason, including COVID. The coverage reimburses you up to 75% of your initial trip costs if you have to cancel a trip. See Cancel for any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Coverage for a full explanation. CFAR Travel Insurance for COVID-19 Travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage has become very popular since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak earlier this year.…

Travel Medical Insurance for Coronavirus

This page is about travel medical insurance for coronavirus, which does not cover canceled trips. For information about trip cancellation insurance and coronavirus, go here. Who this page is for Travelers who are planning a trip outside their home country, and want insurance to pay expenses in case they get coronavirus. Overview of Travel Medical Insurance Travel medical insurance is something you should purchase whenever you leave your home country. It covers emergency medical expenses from accidents and illnesses, evacuation costs, and acts as a lifeline to call in a foreign country. Because, when you leave your home country, your health insurance from home might not travel with you. Medicare never covers you abroad. Even if your insurer from home does cover medical costs, there is likely a costly deductible. Plus, even if your insurance from home covers medical expenses, they won't cover evacuation costs which could be financially ruining…

What if you get COVID while traveling?

We’ve all gotten used to an endless array of hygienic measures, mask mandates, pre-travel testing, and vaccinations to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. The new and rapidly spreading variant has caused a new round of global uncertainty and travel restrictions.  In the latest shakeup of travel news, two countries (England and Israel) have ditched the pre-arrival tests for incoming travelers. As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and works to decide what endemic means, the question-of-the-week on travelers’ minds is what to do if they get COVID while traveling. If you’re ready to travel and concerned about testing positive or getting sick with COVID-19 while away from home, here are the answers to your top questions. Q: What can I do to be prepared? Expecting the unexpected is part of travel planning and it’s even more essential now. Here are five critical steps to complete to be prepared…

Traveling with families

11 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

We know travel insurance can seem like just one more expense, and many travelers ask the question why buy travel insurance and why get travel insurance? Here are the most important reasons to buy travel insurance. 1. You need to cancel your trip What happens if someone gets sick and can’t travel, a parent dies, you’re required to work, or your house floods? With trip cancellation coverage, you’ll be able to recover your out-of-pocket expenses for these covered reasons and more. 2. You miss your connection You’ve planned a cruise but you discover the connecting flight to get to the ship is delayed. With the missed connection it looks like you will miss your cruise departure. How will you catch up to the ship? With missed connection coverage, you can take another flight to catch the ship at the next port-of-call. You’ll also have assistance services to help you arrange and pay for those travel changes. 3. Your flight…

How Travel Insurance Covers Kids

The odds that something will happen to complicate or derail your travel plans with the kids has become the norm rather than the exception. Many travel insurance providers offer free travel insurance to cover kids who are traveling with their parents, guardians, even grandparents. Here's how travel insurance covers kids. Travel insurance plans include coverage for kids with these helpful benefits: Return of minors - this benefit ensures that minors will be cared for and returned home if the adult they are traveling with is hospitalized for a certain number of daysEmergency medical reunion - this benefit ensures that you won’t have to pay for airfare and accommodation to visit your kid if they are hospitalized away from youEvacuation - an evacuation to escape an oncoming hurricane for 2 is expensive enough, but add in a few kids and it can get downright cost-prohibitive. This benefit covers security evacuations when…

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance Coverage

What is CFAR Travel Insurance? Briefly: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is travel insurance coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your total trip costs if you have to cancel your trip for any reason not listed in the standard coverage. What you will find on this page: Coronavirus: Special Section & TipsHow does CFAR coverage help?What does Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance cover?How does CFAR work?Understanding Supplier Cancellation PenaltiesImportant notes about Cancel For Any Reason travel insuranceWhat type of policy covers this?How to buy a plan with Cancel For Any Reason coverageFAQs about Cancel For Any Reason insuranceCompany CFAR Coverage TableSummary Coronavirus: Special Section & Tips With the continued concerns about the Coronavirus outbreak, millions of travelers are not sure what to do about travel plans. Travel insurance can help in several ways, but it depends on the traveler, the trip, timing, and what is needed. Note: If you…

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Best Annual Travel Insurance in 2024

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

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

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

An overview of the best annual travel insurance

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

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

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

1. Allianz Travel

What makes Allianz travel insurance great:

Lower than average cost.

Provides health care and travel insurance benefits.

Includes rental car insurance up to $45,000. 

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

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

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

2. Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

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

Includes up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation. 

Optional add-on for adventure sport activities.

$0 deductible available. 

Here’s a snippet from our Seven Corners review :

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

What makes IMG great:

Good customizability with medical evacuations and sports coverage. 

Low $250 deductible.

Includes coverage for semi-private hospital rooms. 

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review:

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

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

4. Trawick International

What makes Trawick International great:

100% coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 

Emergency medical evacuation included. 

Trip delay reimbursement coverage. 

Here’s a snippet from our Trawick International review :

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

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

What does travel insurance cover?

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

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy

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

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

Many credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance .

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

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you want to buy annual travel insurance

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

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

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• The average travel insurance premium this week is $284.79, down about 3% compared to last week.
• For travel in the United States, the average premium is $92 to $399.
• Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.

The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.

The average travel insurance premium this week is about the same compared to last week.

Travel insurance rates this week:

• Average premium: $284.79
• Average trip cost: $6,698.23
• Average trip length: 16 Days

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.

The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.

Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.

Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination

Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth.

Here's how the prices stack up:

Source: SquareMouth

How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance

According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.

According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age

A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.

When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »

Travel Insurance Rate Tips

How much does travel insurance typically cost.

Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.

How can I save money on travel insurance?

To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.

Where are the cheapest places to buy travel insurance?

To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.

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

Reviews of the Top 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies

Quality Verified

Updated: October 27, 2022

• Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers

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Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

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

Our Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Mary Purcell, MA

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

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Best term life insurance for 2024

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Best term life insurance companies

How to find the best term life insurance company for you, frequently asked questions.

Not everyone needs life insurance that covers you for your entire life. For anyone looking for more temporary coverage — like those with young children or a mortgage to pay off — there is term life insurance. Term life insurance provides coverage for a pre-set period of time, which is usually between 10 and 30 years. In exchange for your regularly paid premium, your beneficiaries receive a payout if you die while the policy is active. However, the payout tends to be lower compared to other types of life insurance policies. Bankrate’s guide to the best term life insurance can help you find an insurer that meets your policy needs and budget.

Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily

See which provider is right for you.

Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

• Coverage for life
• Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
• 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component

Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.

• Fixed premium over term
• No savings benefits
• Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back

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The best term life insurance companies depend on an individual’s needs and preferences. While your quoted premium will typically not vary as much as for life quotes as home or auto insurance, different companies do offer different coverage types and levels. We chose the following companies based on their third-party financial strength and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores , as well as the policy options and available coverage capacities (the maximum dollar amount a policy can be). It may be helpful to start your research with the following providers:

Why we chose it: State Farm has the highest J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction on our list.

State Farm is our 2024 Bankrate Awards winner for Best Term Life Insurer for the third year in a row thanks to its superior AM Best score and near-nationwide availability. State Farm offers several term insurance products, but its return-of-premium policy option may be particularly helpful for certain term life insurance policyholders. This add-on coverage (also known as a life insurance rider ) lets policyholders choose between a 20- or 30-year payment term and receive a portion of their premiums back if they outlive the term. The return-of-premium policy can be renewed annually until age 95. While the return-of-premium option comes at an additional cost, it also builds cash value , which is rare in a term life insurance policy.

Why we chose it: Mutual of Omaha offers easy online quoting for its term life insurance policies and a wide array of riders for potential policy customization.

If you want to get an idea of how much term life insurance might cost, Mutual of Omaha offers a term life insurance quote tool online. Enter your gender, date of birth, tobacco usage and coverage amount to get a rate. Mutual of Omaha offers a plethora of additional riders that can be added to its term life policies. It should be noted that not every rider can be used with every type of policy. To verify how much coverage you need and which riders can be added to your policy, you may want to consult with an agent. This company also offers a locator service to help you find a financial advisor near you.

Why we chose it: Pacific Life has term life insurance policy options with high coverage levels.

Anyone wanting to tailor their term life insurance with riders or purchase higher coverage limits might consider Pacific Life for term life insurance. The carrier offers two policy options, Promise Term and Elite Term, both of which are convertible to cash value life insurance. Its Promise Term policy offers a minimum amount of $50,000 in coverage, while the Elite Term starts at $750,000 and goes to $3 million or more. Available options include a waiver of premium for disability, as well as a terminal illness and child term rider.

Why we chose it: Northwestern Mutual offers a wide array of informational resources and policy management tools online.

Northwestern Mutual is the largest life insurer in the U.S. by direct premiums written, with just over 7 percent of the total market share. The company has been insuring consumers for more than 150 years. Its term policies allow you to select your coverage period based on either a set amount of years or until a specific age, depending on which option is most suitable for you. Northwestern Mutual plans are also convertible to whole life insurance , meaning you may be able to adjust your policy as your needs evolve. The company’s A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best is the highest level available. However, the company only offers one term life insurance rider, so if you want greater policy customization, it may not be the carrier for you.

Why we chose it: Guardian life insurance offers four different term lengths and a long list of potential riders.

Guardian's term life insurance policies are available in four term lengths. The carrier also has a long list of riders for potential policy customization, including a guaranteed renewability clause in the event that you are diagnosed with a serious illness. However, be aware that the company does not offer a network of local agents, so if you prefer to handle your insurance needs face-to-face, you may not be satisfied with the level of service.

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a quality term life insurance policy. Since your life insurance will ultimately be responsible for providing the coverage you want for your family, these considerations may be beneficial to keep in mind when determining which provider is right for you. In addition to policy types, you could consider the following.

Consider customer satisfaction scores and financial strength ratings

Customer satisfaction scores may provide insight for consumers looking to purchase insurance products. These scores reflect how satisfied existing customers may be with the customer service and claims process. You might use these scores to get an idea of how your customer experience could be and which carrier might best fit your expectations.

A life insurance company’s financial strength score reflects its past ability to pay out claims and could help you decide if a company is financially sound. Third-party agencies such as AM Best and S&P publish financial strength ratings for each major provider.

Consider your personal situation

Term life insurance remains active for only a set number of years. To decide whether term life insurance is right for you, it may be helpful to consider what you want coverage for. Do you simply want coverage while your children are young, or would you prefer lifelong coverage?

While term life insurance may be sufficient for temporary needs, like ensuring you could pay off debt and finance college for your kids if you were to pass away, it may not be the right choice if you want coverage for longer. If you need coverage for final expenses or to take care of a lifelong dependent, permanent life insurance may be a better choice. There are several options to choose from, including:

• Whole life insurance : Whole life offers level premiums and a guaranteed death benefit for life. It also builds cash value over time, which you may be able to access through withdrawals or loans. 
• Universal life insurance : Similar to whole life, universal life offers permanent coverage with more flexibility. You can increase or decrease premium payments or the death benefit if life circumstances change. 
• Final expense life insurance : If you only need a small amount of coverage or have serious health issues, final expense life insurance may be your best option. It works like whole life, but doesn’t require a medical exam. Some policies are guaranteed issue, meaning there is no medical exam or health questions on the application. 

Compare multiple quotes

Getting quotes for different types and levels of coverage may help you get an idea of how much you’ll pay for your life insurance. However, keep in mind that term life insurance quotes for the same person and policy type likely won’t vary as much from company to company as auto insurance or home insurance quotes do.

How does term life insurance work?

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that offers coverage for a set period of time, or term. Term life is usually the most affordable type of life insurance because it only lasts for a specific number of years, usually 10 to 30 years. Unless you buy return-of-premium life insurance, you receive nothing back if you outlive the term. However, many term life insurance policies offer the option to convert to a permanent life insurance policy at the end of the term. Many carriers also provide the option to renew a term life policy annually if you still need coverage past the expiration date.

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

Term insurance is designed to provide a death benefit if the insured passes away within the policy term. As the name suggests, term life insurance remains active for a predetermined “term,” which is the window of time that the policyholder chooses — typically between 10 and 30 years. When the term expires, the policyholder stops paying the premiums and the death benefit will no longer be paid out. Whole life insurance , on the other hand, is a type of permanent policy that pays out when the insured dies as long as premiums are paid. It typically contains two parts: a death benefit and a cash value component. Because whole life insurance policies usually have larger payouts, premiums can be two to three times more expensive than a term policy.

What factors impact my life insurance premium?

Life insurance premiums are largely based on mortality risk. In general, the higher the likelihood someone has of passing away while the policy is active, the higher the premium will be. Each insurer has its own underwriting algorithm for calculating your rate. Although each underwriting process is different, your age, gender, weight, health conditions, smoking history and occupation are typically used to help calculate your premium. The amount of coverage that you want to purchase is another key factor in determining the cost of life insurance . For those looking for cheap life insurance , it may be wiser to start shopping at a younger age.

Does having a preexisting condition impact my ability to purchase term life insurance?

Yes, having a preexisting condition may impact your ability to purchase term life insurance. Different conditions may be considered more or less serious by different insurers. If a life insurance provider does approve you for a term life policy with a preexisting condition, your premium may be high to reflect the health risks. Insurance providers may be more likely to approve you if you have conditions that can be managed. For instance, if you have Type 2 diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may be more likely to be approved for term life insurance. If you have a preexisting condition, speaking with a licensed insurance agent may help you navigate your life insurance options.

Is term life insurance cheaper than whole life insurance?

The cost of life insurance will vary based on your policy details and personal rating factors, but term life insurance coverage is typically cheaper than whole life insurance, a type of permanent coverage. This is because whole life insurance is designed to offer coverage for your entire life and guarantee a payout to your beneficiaries, as long as premiums are paid and terms of the policy are met. Term coverage, on the other hand, may not pay out a death benefit if you outlive the policy term and do not renew your coverage. That being said, the cost of life insurance coverage varies based on coverage amount and individual risk rating factors, so a term policy with a high coverage amount for an older individual may cost more than a permanent policy for a younger applicant with a low coverage amount.

• Best for Senior Pets
• Best for Customization
• Best for Bundling
• Best for Preexisting Conditions
• Best for Alternative Therapy
• Best for Exotic Pets
• Best for Unlimited Coverage

How We Rate Pet Insurance

Best cheap pet insurance companies of april 2024.

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

Many pet owners may be reluctant add the cost of pet insurance to their monthly budget. However, most pet owners will experience at least one pet emergency and spend between $2,000 to $4,000, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). While the most comprehensive pet insurance may be out of your budget, there are cheap pet insurance options available that will give you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Best Price: Pets Best Pet Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers pet insurance with unlimited coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers deductibles of as low as $50 and as high as $1,000 annually
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Company partners with large insurance companies like GEICO
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Rates can be extremely affordable for pets of all breeds
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Alternative and holistic treatments may not be included
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer reviews indicate claims processing may take longer

If you're looking for pet insurance at a cheap rate, Pets Best Pet Insurance has some of the lowest prices in the industry. You can go to any licensed veterinarian. However, it should be noted that in Insider's staff experiences with Pets Best policies, the reimbursement rate is also applied to your deductible.

So if you had a $500 deductible with 90% reimbursement, a $500 claim would leave you with another $50 left on your deductible, with charges applied based on the 90% reimbursement rate. This is not unusual, but it should factor into your budget and policy choices.

Pets Best offers three types of plans: accident-only, accident and illness, and a wellness plan. With highly customizable options, you can further lower your rate. Plus, the insurer doesn't have an age gap on pet insurance.

Unfortunately, if you're looking for alternative treatments like herbal and holistic treatments, consider searching elsewhere.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
• Deductible options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $20; Cats - $12

Read our Pets Best Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Senior Pets: Figo Pet Insurance

Offers coinsurance of up to 100% of each eligible bill with no annual limit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 3 popular pet insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Riders available for preventative care and routine vet services
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable pricing
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Excludes certain genetic issues and preexisting conditions
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Insurer recommends submitting 12 months of vet records with your application
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Any claim filed in the first 6 months may be registered as a preexisting condition

Figo pet insurance offers aggressive pet insurance coverage options to ensure your pet gets the veterinary care they need in an emergency. Figo offers easy online quotes, and Costco members qualify for discounts on its pet insurance plans.

Many pet insurance providers will only insure pets younger than 14. Insurers may put an age cap on eligibility because pets, like humans, tend to develop health conditions as they age. However, Figo Pet Insurance will insure your furry friend, regardless of age. Whatever plan you consider, understand pet insurance companies will not cover preexisting conditions . For dogs or cats with a history of allergies, cancer, diabetes, or other conditions, this would still leave pet parents on the hook for related bills if diagnosed before buying your plan.

Figo offers three plans: the Essential plan, the Preferred plan, and the Unlimited plan. This insurer provides ample coverage choices to customize your policy based on your pet's needs and your budget.

Unfortunately, Figo doesn't sell a basic, accident-only plan, which is generally cheaper than an accident-illness or wellness program. Additionally, while it reimburses you, you must pay your vet bills upfront. Many pet parents resolve this issue using services like CareCredit, which can be paid off after completing the claim. If you're interested in Figo, we recommend Costco members go through the retail giant's partnership with Figo as you get 15% off standard premiums.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $750
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $26; Cats - $14

Read our Figo Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Customization: Spot Pet Insurance

Offers coinsurance of up to 90% of each eligible bill with no annual limit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Wellness plans and accident and illness plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states with comprehensive coverage options
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage available for senior dogs and cats
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pets have to be at least 8 weeks for coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not offer coverage for exotic pets

Spot pet insurance provides comprehensive pet insurance, including an allowance for end-of-life memorials. Some plan upgrades cover dental cleanings and other costly services.

With Spot Pet Insurance , you have nine annual coverage limits, three reimbursement, and five deductible options. This insurer offers an excellent range of policy coverages to mix and match as you choose. Of course, your monthly premiums will vary accordingly.

Spot pet insurance also offers an accident-only and accident-illness plan. The company as a wider range of pet coverage that many competitors lack, like prescription food and behavioral modification. Based on our research at the time of this guide, Spot doesn't sell wellness plans. However, you can add the gold and platinum preventative care plan to supplement your policy.

• Annual coverage options: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, unlimited
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $28; Cats - $14

Read our Spot Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Bundling: Lemonade Pet Insurance

10% off your policy for bundling insurance products; 5% off your policy for insuring multiple pets; and 5% off your policy for enrolling in the annual payment plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $12 premiums for basic care
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Add-ons available for other preventative care
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comprehensive mobile experience for claims and support
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only available in 37 states and Washington DC
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No 24/7 telehealth line for veterinary advice

Lemonade offers auto, homeowners, renters, pet, and life insurance. It's been around since 2015 and is known for offering some of the lowest rates. Lemonade ranks on J.D. Power's customer satisfaction surveys for renters insurance, however, it doesn't rank for life and homeowners insurance.

• Discounts for bundling policies and having multiple pets
• Starts at $10 a month
• Offers a discount for enrolling in an annual payment plan

Lemonade Pet Insurance is a relatively new pet insurance company. Aside from pet insurance, it also offers home, car, and renters insurance (which received high marks for customer satisfaction). So you can bundle your pet insurance with other products for 10% additional savings.

If you're a tech-savvy shopper, you may appreciate Lemonade's highly-rated mobile app and user-friendly digital platform. You could purchase a policy, manage your claims, and access your insurance ID at the touch of your fingertip. Unfortunately, Lemonade is not available in all states yet. So be sure to check and see if Lemonade is available to you. But with up to $100,000 in annual coverage, Lemonade covers most significant health events for pets.

• Annual coverage options: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
• Deductible options: $100, $250, $500
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $28; Cats- $14

Read our Lemonade Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Preexisting Conditions: ASPCA Pet Insurance

Offers coinsurance of up to 90% of each eligible bill with a maximum of up to $10,000 per year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage available for dogs, cats, and horses
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No age limits for coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 90% reimbursement after deductible
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Royalties go back to the ASPCA to care for homeless pets
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claim processing may be long
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Available coverage tapers off with age

ASPCA pet insurance is not sold or underwritten by the ASPCA. However, the ASPCA collects royalties on sales made to support its operations and aid homeless pets.

Unfortunately, all pet insurance providers exclude preexisting conditions from coverage. This is because pet insurance companies have to mediate risk to keep premiums low for everyone. However, several companies will cover preexisting conditions if your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for some time. ASPCA Pet Insurance is one of those providers.

ASPCA pet insurance will cover curable preexisting conditions if your cat, dog, and even horses if your pet has been symptom-free for over 180 days (excluding ligament and knee conditions).

With ASPCA pet insurance, you choose an accident-only, accident and illness, and preventative care plan. ASPCA pet insurance's comprehensive programs cover alternative therapies, behavioral issues, and congenital and hereditary conditions. The provider even covers pet microchipping. When going through the quoting process online, we were told we must speak to a live representative to obtain a quote for unlimited annual coverage.

• Annual coverage options: $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $33; Cats - $17

Read our ASPCA Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Alternative Therapy: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Unlimited coverage options available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Average claims processing time of 2 days
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low deductible options
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Healthy Paws may cover curable preexisting conditions after a waiting period
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage may decrease with age
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Rates may be higher than some competitors

Healthy Paws offers comprehensive and affordable pet insurance plans with unlimited coverage, high reimbursement options, and more. These features earned it a spot on our guide to the best pet insurance. However, Healthy Paws does not cover preventative care, encouraging pet parents to budget for known annual costs.

Only a few providers offer alternative medicine if you prefer to take the holistic and herbal route when seeking treatment for your pet. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers a comprehensive list of non-invasive forms of therapy, including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, laser therapy, and massage care, as long as a licensed veterinarian provides the treatment.

The trade-off, however, is Healthy Paws won't cover preventative and wellness care. Its site specifies Healthy Paws believes wellness costs can be planned for. For example, you expect to do a yearly exam and get updated vaccines, and even if you save a little bit each month, you can plan accordingly. However, accidents and severe chronic illnesses are difficult to plan for, and costs are frequently unreasonable. So Healthy Paws focuses on the most significant area of need it sees.

• Annual coverage options: Unlimited
• Reimbursement options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
• Deductible options: $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $37; Cats - $18

Read our Healthy Paws Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Exotic Pets: Nationwide Pet Insurance

Finding cheap pet insurance may be challenging if you have an exotic pet like a bird, rabbit, or reptile. Nationwide Pet Insurance is currently the only pet insurance company to offer wide-reaching coverage for many exotic pets. Other companies offer "discount plans," much like human prescription discount plans. However, you'd have to work with specific vets, and coverage would be specific to the treatment provided.

Nationwide pet insurance offers three pet insurance plans:

• Major Medical (accident and illness plan)
• Whole Pet (more comprehensive accident and illness plan)
• A wellness plan

Nationwide offers various conditions in its plans. However, the coverage is set. Nationwide's sample accident and illness policy broke down many potential diagnoses with primary and secondary diagnoses allowances. Ultimately, each buyer will receive a policy breakdown. However, Nationwide is a more expensive pet insurance provider with limited flexibility.

• Annual coverage options: Per condition
• Reimbursement options: 50%, 70%, 90%
• Deductible options: $250
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $35; Cats - $14

Read our Nationwide Pet Insurance review here.

Best for Unlimited Coverage: Trupanion Pet Insurance

Trupanion Pet Insurance is one of the pricier insurers on this list. Also, it offers a limited selection of policy options. However, if you're looking for a plan with unlimited coverage, Trupanion may be your winner. Unfortunately, we've all heard of the unexpected accident or illness in an otherwise healthy pet calling for emergency care.

Some emergency surgeries can easily surpass $20,000, and you might be on the hook for follow-up care, rehab, and even further surgeries. These are the times when unlimited care could be the saving grace to save your furry friend.

Trupanion offers deductibles ranging from $0 to $1,000. What's unique about this insurer is you'll only have to pay the deductible once per condition. For example, say your pet develops an illness requiring ongoing treatment. While most insurers will need you to pay a deductible yearly, you'll only have to pay your deductible once when the condition appears, potentially saving you money. This is handy for chronic conditions like allergies, diabetes, and cancer.

• Reimbursement options: 90%
• Deductible options: $0 to $1000
• Average monthly cost: Dogs - $50; Cats - $22

Read our Trupanion Pet Insurance review here.

We review a company based on several benchmarks and compare it against the industry standard.

• Affordability: We consider an insurer cheap if it meets or is below the industry average premiums. We also compare the prices against its competitors.
• Policy customization: We look at the breadth of an insurer's policy options. Policy options include the number of annual coverages, deductibles, and reimbursement options. The price is not the only determining factor if you compare a $50 for unlimited coverage with 80% reimbursement with a $10 policy with a $5,000 annual cap.
• Waiting period: A waiting period is the time between purchasing a policy and when coverage kicks in. The average waiting period for accident coverage is three days, and fourteen days for illness coverage. However, waiting periods for genetic conditions and serious illnesses could last a year.
• Types of policies available: The best pet insurance companies typically offer three types of plans: accident-only, accident-illness, and wellness plans. We look through an insurer's website to determine if it sells some variation of those three plans.
• Exclusions: Pets come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, insurance companies will exclude some pets from coverage, like older pets or even those with curable preexisting conditions.
• Company offerings: We look at the extensiveness of a company's policies. Some insurers offer coverage for microchipping, alternative medicine, and other unique conditions.

We go into further detail in our insurance rating methodology .

Which dog breed qualifies for the cheapest pet insurance?

Small, spayed, female mixed-breed dogs are the cheapest to insure, according to North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

How much is a reasonable deductible for pet insurance?

Consider your needs before choosing a deductible. Choosing a high deductible may lower your monthly premiums. However, to start your coverage as soon as possible, consider choosing a low deductible, like $100 to $500.

When should you use pet insurance?

You'll decide what coverage you're willing to pay for upfront. However, whenever you have a qualifying claim, you should file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Insurance providers may have a time limit on claims, and you have to fulfill your annual deductible before full coverage will kick in.

What is the cheapest pet insurance?

Pets Best pet insurance costs an average of $20 for dogs and $12 for cats, the lowest prices among its competitors. Prices will vary based on your pet's age and breed. 

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

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

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