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A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be the difference between a huge medical bill or a modest copay. use these tips to find the best policy for your trip..

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It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

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For many, travel insurance can seem like an unnecessary, additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly feels like a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her month-long $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be covered for some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but it’s usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service .

While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like Squaremouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings, as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Phil Sylvester, head of PR and Media Communications for World Nomads, says that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even less risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit—that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are only covered up to a certain level of intensity—any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the current coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on. During the current coronavirus outbreak, getting the CFAR add-on is definitely a good idea.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have pre-existing conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with pre-existing conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Seven Corners

Best for: Traveling during the COVID-19 outbreak

Although most travel insurance plans don’t cover travelers in the current coronavirus pandemic without a CFAR add-on, Seven Corners has designed a plan specifically for travelers planning a domestic road trip in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, called Armor . Its Liaison Travel Plus and Wander Frequent Traveler Plus plans also include medical coverage should you need medical attention due to COVID-19. Seven Corners has been providing high-quality travel insurance coverage since 1993 and, pandemic or no, is one of our top choices.

Get a quote: sevencorners.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios, but rather just provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500 but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you feel like you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the insurance for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day, but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

• $98 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
• $188 for a basic plan with Allianz
• $214 for a basic plan with AIG
• $226 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency Smart Flyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

• Travelinsurance.com
• Squaremouth
• Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website elliot.org is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with pre-existing conditions need to take other factors into consideration. Most insurers will only cover expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with pre-existing conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame—usually between 14 and 21 days—following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please), and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out of state, or international. Some destinations are higher risk than others so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

• Health insurance: Many U.S. healthcare policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
• Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
• Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
• Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay nonemergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able—it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase—it can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes a routine and necessary part of every trip. And once it does, you can travel worry-free, calm in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

>>Next: Everything You Need to Know About Getting a New U.S. Passport

The Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

Best overall travel insurance, best for solo travelers.

John Hancock

Best for Tailored Plans

Allianz Global Assistance

Best for Premier Travel Insurance Plans

AXA Travel Insurance

Best for Adventure Sports Coverage

World Nomads

Best Travel Insurance for Groups

APRIL International

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Reviews Report

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

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

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

The 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021

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

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Information accurate as of April 2021

Why we chose it

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

More John Hancock Insurance Reviews 

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

More Allianz Global Insurance Reviews

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

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

Add-ons and Coverage

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

Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know 

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

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

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

What Travel Insurance Covers 

Medical care and evacuation.

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

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

Trip cancellation and interruption

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

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

Delayed or lost baggage

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

Cancel for any reason

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

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

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Company

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance FAQ 

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

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

Can you be refused travel insurance?

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

Methodology 

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

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

About the Authors

Rick Hoel Contributing Writer

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

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What does travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance not cover, when is travel insurance not necessary, when is trip insurance worth it, where to buy travel insurance, how much does travel insurance cost, should you rely on credit card travel insurance instead, so, is travel insurance worth it.

Travel can be expensive. Insurance protects your nonrefundable vacation investment if the unexpected occurs. But is travel insurance worth it?

The answer will depend on whether your trip is refundable, where you're going, whether you'll have health coverage at your destination and how much coverage you already get from your credit card. Here are some key topics to understand when deciding if travel insurance is right for you.

Travel insurance (or trip insurance) covers a number of travel-related risks, from flight cancellations to lost bags to medical emergencies.

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 .

The dollar amount of your coverage depends on the policy you bought and where and when you bought it. Most travel insurance providers offer several different policies to choose from, with higher or lower levels of coverage and higher or lower prices to match.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

You can buy policies that cover a single trip, multiple trips or a full year. You can buy an individual policy or one that covers your entire family. There are many companies that offer policies, with Allianz and Travel Guard among the best-known. Here is a chart showing the benefits and coverage levels available on some Allianz policies.

NerdWallet recently analyzed various travel insurance policies to help you choose the plan that best aligns with your travel goals. Check out our results here: Best Travel Insurance Companies Right Now .

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Incidents not covered by your travel insurance vary by policy and provider.

Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage, meaning your benefits don't apply to claims related to that condition. Some policies cover pre-existing medical conditions if you meet certain criteria, for example if you purchased the policy within 14 days of paying for your trip and if you were well enough to travel when you booked your trip.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards might surprise you

Plan on mountain-climbing or engaging in other dangerous activities on your trip? Many policies won't cover you if something goes wrong unless you buy a policy that specifically includes adventure sports. World Nomads travel insurance , for example, offers the Explorer plan, which includes coverage for cave diving, cliff jumping, heli-skiing and many other activities that are considered risky.

Other incidents excluded from a trip insurance policy may involve war, acts of terrorism and the use of alcohol, which can cause your injuries to be designated as "self-inflicted," or the use of drugs, which may be illegal.

If you want full flexibility to cancel your trip you'll need to find a policy that allows you to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on. This additional benefit does exactly what the name implies and allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Typically, you'll get around 75% of your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses back, although exact timing and percentages vary by policy.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Travel insurance primarily covers two aspects of your trip — your nonrefundable reservations and your medical expenses while traveling.

If all of your reservations can be canceled without penalty, then trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage isn't necessary. But even if your trip isn't 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary. For example, a cheap flight and hotel stay may not be worth covering, though you may still want to purchase travel insurance for medical situations.

Medical coverage typically is not necessary if you have a U.S.-based health insurance policy and you're traveling within the U.S. In those cases, you probably already have adequate coverage for illness or injury.

There are a few reasons that travel insurance can be worthwhile: to protect your nonrefundable trip costs, your luggage or your health.

When should you get trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance?

If you would lose the money you paid for your flights, accommodations, rental car, or activities if you had to cancel or go home early, travel insurance that specifically includes trip cancellation and trip interruption is probably a good idea. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, this protection will cover your reservations.

For example, if you're planning to travel to a destination that could have weather-related issues, like hurricanes in the Caribbean, travel insurance may protect your noncancelable reservations. Some policies also provide emergency evacuation to escape dangerous situations. However, if you try to purchase travel insurance after the storm poses a risk, the insurance probably will not protect you.

When should you get baggage delay and/or lost luggage coverage?

Imagine if you go on a one week trip and your checked baggage is lost or delayed. While you’re waiting to get your luggage, baggage delay insurance will reimburse you for any essentials (i.e. toiletries, medicine, socks, clothing, etc.) that you may need to purchase because you don’t have your own things.

But what if the worst case scenario happens and your bag is just lost or stolen? Lost luggage insurance will reimburse you for your misplaced bag, up to a specified dollar amount.

If you’re only traveling with a carry-on, you don’t need these two types of coverage.

When should you purchase travel medical insurance?

U.S.-based health insurance policies generally offer coverage anywhere within the U.S. But if you get sick or hurt when you travel internationally, some policies like Medicare may not cover you.

Even if your health insurance covers you outside the country, doctors at your destination may not accept it. Without travel insurance, you could be stuck paying for these bills out of pocket, then seeking reimbursement from your healthcare provider.

When should you purchase CFAR?

Most travel insurance policies won’t help you get your expenses if you cancel for a “non-covered” reason, like when your plans change or you simply don’t want to go anymore. That’s when it might be good to purchase CFAR.

If you’ve booked a trip but think that you may need to cancel for a reason that’s not covered by trip cancellation, the CFAR add-on will allow you to get up to 50-75% of your nonrefundable trip costs back as long as you cancel at least 2 - 3 days before the trip starts. The add-on must also be purchased within a specific time of the initial trip deposit (usually 14 - 21 days).

What can be an example of a cancellation that’s reimbursable under CFAR? Let’s say you book a trip with your significant other but you break up a week before the trip and don’t want to go alone. Or you book a trip really far in advance but when the date nears, you realize that you don’t want to go anymore. CFAR will be helpful for you in these instances.

When should you purchase travel insurance even though you already have a credit card that provides it?

If you already have some travel insurance protections (e.g., trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay) from your credit card, but you feel that the limits are insufficient, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance plan or a standalone travel medical insurance policy to protect you in case of medical emergencies on your trip.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

If you booked your trip through a travel agent, you can likely purchase coverage through them. That includes online travel booking engines like Expedia. If you're taking a cruise , you're usually offered the chance to purchase coverage during the booking process. Similarly, airlines may offer you certain types of coverage when you book a flight through their website. If you have an award booking , you have travel insurance options too.

Another option: Purchase travel insurance directly through the website of a travel insurance company, like Allianz , AXA or Travel Guard .

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance versus independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

The cost of travel insurance is based on the specifics of your trip. The best way to get a price is to request a quote through the websites of travel insurance providers. Or you can compare multiple insurers in one place with a consolidator like InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth .

Many travel credit cards provide certain types of coverage in case your flight is delayed or canceled, your rental car is damaged, or your luggage is lost or delayed.

Here are a few credit cards offering travel protections that could serve as an alternative to travel insurance. But even with these cards, the benefits have a lot of fine print.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

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

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

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

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

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

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

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

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

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

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

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

Terms apply.

These are attractive benefits, but the coverage may not be as broad as you would get buying insurance. For example, AmEx cards only cover round-trip travel, so if you don’t have a return flight booked yet, you might want to consider additional coverage.

Secondly, only the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides emergency medical and dental coverage. The other cards don’t.

Plus, these cards can come with steep annual fees that may be more than you would pay for a travel insurance policy. So don't sign up for a card just to cover one trip unless you've compared costs.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

If you've paid a considerable sum for a nonrefundable vacation, travel insurance is likely a good idea. International travelers who need coverage in case they get sick or injured should also consider buying a policy. If troubles arise, you'll be glad that you're protected.

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

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

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Should You Buy Travel Insurance for the Holidays?

Here's what to consider when buying a policy, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

When booking a holiday getaway, you often have more to consider than the price of an airline ticket and hotel. You also have to decide whether to buy travel insurance, which could be useful if a trip is canceled or delayed because of natural disasters at your destination, such as the wildfires in California or a winter storm.

"Some travel insurance policies also allow you to cancel a trip if your home is damaged by a wildfire or hurricane ," says Julie Loffredi, a spokeswoman for InsureMyTrip.com, a leading travel insurance comparison website. 

Terrorism is another reason travelers may want to opt out of a trip. In the wake of terror attacks earlier this year in England and New York, online searches for terrorism coverage are up 49 percent over a year ago, says Steven Benna, a spokesman for SquareMouth, another website that compares travel insurance options.

There are generally three types of policies offered by insurers: basic, midlevel, and premium, with coverage and prices increasing accordingly. Policies that allow you to cancel for any reason give you the most flexibility and the best option to back out over fears about terrorism anywhere in the world rather than just on your itinerary.

If you're thinking about purchasing travel insurance, here's what you should consider first:

Choices:  If you buy from a travel agent, you'll probably be offered only one or two policies from one company. Some online travel sites also tend to limit your choices. You can get more options by going to travel insurance comparison websites like  InsureMyTrip.com  (800-487-4722), which sells hundreds of policies from 29 insurance companies, and  SquareMouth  (800-240-0369), which offers 110 policies from 25 insurers.  Price:  Travel insurance generally costs 5 percent to 10 percent of your prepaid nonrefundable costs. So if your up-front  airline  tickets, resort  hotel,   cruise , and/or family tour package add up to, say, $8,000, travel insurance can cost $800. Older travelers may pay more, along with those taking longer trips or opting for more comprehensive coverage or the cancel-for-any-reason protection. The best way to make sure you aren't overpaying is to shop around.

Go to  Consumer Reports' 2017 Holiday Gift Guide  for updates on deals, expert product reviews, insider tips on shopping, and much more. And be sure to check our  Daily Gift Guide .  

Whether the policy offers a waiver for a pre-existing medical condition:  Unexpected injury and illnesses are usually covered. But if you consulted a doctor about a problem 60 to 180 days before your trip and that problem arises after you pay for your travel expenses, that would be considered an excludable pre-existing condition.

To be eligible for a pre-existing medical condition waiver, buy your travel insurance within 10 to 14 days of making your first payment for your travel, says Jim Grace, CEO of InsureMyTrip.com. 

Whether the policy provides healthcare coverage:  U.S. health insurance  coverage for travel overseas varies by insurer and plan, so you must contact your carrier to get the details of your specific policy, says Cathryn Donaldson, a spokeswoman for America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade association. In general,  Medicare  does not cover you outside the U.S., but Medicare supplemental policies might.

So travel insurance could be useful for healthcare benefits. Although most trip cancellation/interruption coverage requires a small deductible or none at all, travel healthcare coverage gives you the option of a zero to $1,000 deductible. Of course, the lower the deductible, the higher the premium.

Likelihood you might need medical evacuation:  The more adventurous and remote your travel plans are, the more it will cost to transport you to competent medical treatment. A commercial flight with a rescue nurse can cost $10,000 to $50,000, and an air ambulance can cost $20,000 to $250,000, depending on the departure point and destination as well as medical complexity, says William Siegart, M.D., chief medical officer of On Call International, one of the major services providing medical evacuations.

On Call arranges medical evacuation for ill and injured travelers 24/7/365 to a worldwide network of 4,000 medical centers via numerous air ambulance and commercial medical transport providers.

Whether the policy offers coverage you don't need:  "Don't buy insurance that covers small, manageable losses or only a slice of risk," says Bob Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America. For example, losing some of your belongings won't break you financially, so keep a close eye on your valuables and be ready to accept losing less valuable stuff. If you're worried about dying in a plane crash, buy  term life insurance , which covers you no matter how you die as long as your policy is in force, rather than flight insurance, which only pays benefits if you die in a plane crash and covers you only for the short time you're flying.

Jeff Blyskal

I learned how corporations operate as a reporter at Forbes and now use my business savvy to uncover the tricks and find better deals for consumers like you. My passion for investigative reporting about money earned two National Magazine Awards and a Loeb Award. I love sharing wine with my wife and pitching batting practice to my MLB-focused son. Follow me on  Twitter (@JeffBlyskal).

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TPG's comprehensive guide to independent travel insurance — including coronavirus coverage

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

As we head into the middle of summer and vaccination rates continue to expand, travel is surging back. More countries are opening back up to tourists , and many U.S. destinations are seeing a notable uptick in visitors. If you are planning to travel this year, it's a good idea to think about third-party travel insurance. No one wants to think about having to cancel a trip last minute or something going wrong while away from home. But having travel insurance can help give you peace of mind and potentially save you hundreds or even thousands in case things do go awry.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

We'll start off with everything you need to know about third-party travel insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic before diving into the ins and outs of trip protection as a whole.

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

Trip insurance during COVID-19: What you need to know

We'll give you the bad news first: Some travel insurance plans do not cover coronavirus disruptions . This holds true whether your plan is included with your credit card or was purchased from a third-party provider. The most important thing to do is carefully review the policy details — some plans specifically exclude COVID-19, while others exclude pandemics in general.

Related: Will future travel insurance plans offer coronavirus protection? Experts say yes

While it's true that trip insurance covers illness and emergency evacuations, the coronavirus pandemic does not fall under the qualifying criteria unless you personally have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, which falls under the typical clauses on illness.

Travel insurance doesn't cover cancellations from airlines, restricted country entrance guidelines based on coronavirus-related border closures or many of the pandemic-related reasons why you might not be able to complete a trip as planned.

Related: When should you purchase travel insurance, and when are your credit card trip protection benefits enough?

Plans typically cover unforeseen issues such as accidental bodily injury; loss of life or sickness; severe weather; terrorist incident; and jury duty or a court subpoena that cannot be postponed or waived. If you need to cancel your trip and are looking for full reimbursement under the policy, it must be due to a covered reason listed within the policy's wording.

Some airlines now offer free coronavirus coverage — but even if you qualify, your coverage and benefits are often quite limited.

How many insurance plans offer COVID-19 coverage?

Your insurance options will vary depending on your destination, trip duration and many other factors. However, let's show you an example in action from the insurance marketplace website InsureMyTrip .

In the screenshot below, you'll see that a traveler from New York purchasing insurance for a hypothetical two-month stay in Mexico in the fall of 2021 has 25 plans to choose from.

However, someone looking for COVID-specific coverage should select the "Top Picks for COVID-19" option at the left-hand side of the results page. This will then display the best options for your unique travel details.

Furthermore, costs and coverage vary significantly between the coronavirus-covered plans. A comprehensive plan in this example trip — issued by Trawick International in the above screen shot — starts at $412.16, while a basic medical plan with emergency coverage for serious COVID-19 issues only — issued by WordTrips — costs $124.44.

The easiest way to do a side-by-side comparison of these plan options is by checking the Compare boxes for each of them.

From this page, you'll see that the comprehensive plan (Safe Travels Voyager) is just that — comprehensive. For the significantly higher cost, you're receiving trip cost protection along with coverage for baggage loss or delay, travel delay, emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation and more. The Travel Medical Plan, on the other hand, only offers coverage for emergency medical services (including evacuation) and only when you leave your home country. This medical plan won't offer any assistance if you aren't traveling abroad.

So, if you're worried about losing money on a trip due to contracting COVID-19 or other related fears, what should you do?

Haven't left home yet? Purchase "cancel for any reason" or coronavirus-specific coverage before you go.

If you're planning for a trip in the near future, you may still be able to purchase coverage now.

But while you can usually purchase basic travel insurance up to 24 hours before departure, most premium add-ons such as "cancel for any reason" coverage must be purchased within a certain number of days from when you made your initial trip payment. If you've already had a trip planned for some time but haven't purchased insurance yet, do some research to see if you're still within the correct timeframe from your initial trip payment in order to qualify for "cancel for any reason" coverage — or other time-sensitive benefits.

If you're worried you may need to cancel your trip for a pandemic-related reason, a "cancel for any reason" insurance plan could be a good investment to hedge your bets. Some comprehensive plans will offer "cancel for any reason" coverage if all eligibility requirements are met, but that option will cost more — usually an additional 40-50% on top of the base premium.

With Squaremouth travel insurance , for example, you'll have to purchase "cancel for any reason" insurance within 14 to 21 days of making your initial payment on vacation expenses, and you also have to insure 100% of your trip costs in addition to canceling your trip at least 48 hours before departure time to receive a refund of up to 75% of the trip cost.

Related: Everything you need to know about "cancel for any reason" travel insurance

If you're only concerned about worst-case scenarios, consider a medical evacuation plan

As of Jan. 26, 2021, travelers entering the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their international flight into the country.

But, this policy did raise questions for some travelers: What if a traveler is asymptomatic, or the test result is a false positive? Where can tests be found last minute? If a traveler can't return home, who foots the bill for unexpected expenses?

Enter companies like COVAC GLOBAL , which offer coronavirus-positive travelers a way to get home without flouting CDC requirements.

While commercial, private and charter flight passengers are all subject to the health requirements, medical transports are exempt. Thus, COVAC's insurance policy offers customers the guarantee of a private flight home on a medical transport aircraft, provided the traveler holds a positive PCR test result and shows at least one COVID-19 symptom.

COVAC's unique plan rates begin as low as $27 per person per day (on the 90-day membership), although travelers must purchase a minimum of 15 days of coverage at once. But customers can use the coverage days however they like. For example, a four-day trip this month would mean 11 days of coverage left over for future travel.

As with other forms of insurance, however, travelers can't purchase a COVAC plan when they test positive; plans require a 14-day delay between purchase and effective date.

Medjet is another popular evacuation company offering coverage that's different from typical travel insurance. Travelers who hold Medjet memberships can be transferred to their home hospital of choice, regardless of medical necessity. Even better: Your Medjet membership doesn't exclude adventure travel, has very few limitations and no preexisting condition exclusions for travelers under 75 — many of the disqualifications people face when shopping for travel insurance coverage.

What if I'm afraid to travel?

Unfortunately, risk aversion isn't a covered reason under trip cancellation or interruption protection. Even an alert from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for your destination won't be sufficient for most plans to offer financial relief.

Under what situations might I qualify for trip protection?

• If your doctor issues a note stating that you're too ill to fly, you may be able to file a claim under trip cancellation for reimbursement of your insured, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. That said, all details of the claim are reviewed once it has been filed, and every situation is different — so this is no guarantee of reimbursement. However, if you're immunocompromised and can prove you will suffer high risk from germ exposure, a travel insurance policy with the optional cancel for any reason benefit might help you recoup some of your lost travel costs.
• If you've been ordered to quarantine for safety precautions — even if you don't ultimately get sick — your insurance may cover your unexpected costs under the "trip cancellation and interruption" clause on your policy. However, this quarantine typically must be ordered by a doctor (or by a government, on some plans) to trigger coverage, and it typically requires strict isolation. In other words, a self-imposed quarantine will not be covered, so it's important to know exactly how your policy defines "quarantine" and what requirements go along with it.

Should I just stay at home?

Travel is on the rebound as we enter the latter half of 2021, but there are still hoops to jump through depending on where you plan to travel. Whether or not you should stay home is a personal decision, to be made with your doctors and with your community in mind. If you are in frequent contact with high-risk individuals, it might behoove you to postpone your trip for the time being.

But whether you stay or you go, travel insurance can be one powerful tool in protecting your trip.

Want to learn more about trip protection? Keep reading our guide to independent travel insurance below.

For more travel news and advice during COVID-19, make sure to check out our dedicated coronavirus hub page .

What is independent travel insurance, and when do I need it?

More than ever, travelers need to be prepared for times when travel plans go awry — like I experienced on a trip to Italy in the summer of 2018 (more on that below).

But the term travel insurance is often used interchangeably with trip protection and cancellation coverage, and it can be difficult to tell if your credit card benefits offer sufficient peace of mind for big or complex trips.

Related: The best credit cards with complimentary travel protection

So, what exactly is independent travel insurance, and how does it differ from credit card trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption protection or accident and evacuation insurance?

A travel insurance plan can offer valuable protection

In a nutshell, travel insurance can help to protect your financial investment in a trip. If your domestic flight is delayed, a service like Freebird previously could help you get on another flight, sometimes even through another airline. (Unfortunately, Freebird is not an option right now , but it isn't dead: Capital One now owns the company and technology.)

But you won't be reimbursed for other consequences of your flight delay ; for instance, you usually can't get your money back for a missed hotel stay resulting from your delayed flight.

Your premium credit card benefits usually offer plenty of protection for your average domestic weekend getaway. But while card benefits vary, many only cover transportation-related cancellation or interruption costs in the event of illness, injury or death.

Furthermore, most credit card-based benefits only cover expenses and activities paid with that particular credit card. Finally, credit card terms and conditions may limit you to a certain number of claims or maximum reimbursement amount within 12 months.

Related: When to buy travel insurance vs. when to rely on your credit card protections

However, many credit cards don't provide robust protection, and even those that do provide coverage have many exclusions and exceptions — and zero options for customization. While travel insurance plans also have exclusions, you may be a great candidate for third-party coverage if you're looking for more options.

You can purchase a third-party plan for pretty much any kind of trip, which will cover many aspects of your travel from the flights and hotel stays to the prepaid, nonrefundable tours and excursions. There's a wide variety of policies available, from comprehensive coverage to plans that offer coverage for specific travel-related concerns — like emergency medical evacuation or travel medical protection.

If you're looking for broad coverage, look for a comprehensive travel insurance plan that can cover your costs in the event of canceled, delayed or interrupted transportation; medical expenses and emergency evacuations; as well as any costs associated with lost or delayed luggage.

Where should I shop for travel insurance?

Independent travel insurance plans can be purchased from providers such as Allianz and WorldNomads , and typically offer coverage that's more comprehensive than the protection included with your credit card.

You can expect your insurance plan to cost between 4–12% of your total trip expenses, depending on the plan you purchase. So if you spent $1,000 on your next vacation, for example, expect to pay between $40–$120 for a standard, comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Related: Should I buy trip insurance from my airline during checkout?

But not all plans and protection are created equal. Third-party travel insurance plans also differ from the trip protection add-on you can buy through your airline. Airline trip protection typically costs more and covers less than a travel policy purchased through a dedicated underwriter.

Additionally, airline trip protection only covers the flight-related portion of your travel and specifically targets delays or cancellations relevant to natural disasters, or dire circumstances such as a death in the family. Finally, as we saw above, not all plans include COVID-19 coverage , so you'll need to keep that in mind when shopping your options.

Related: Comparing the best travel insurance policies and providers

One option for doing so is InsureMyTrip.com , which offers an easy, straightforward way to compare plans, prices, ratings and some other factors side by side. You can thus opt for the protection that works best for your unique needs — whether that's a comprehensive plan or a policy that addresses your specific, travel-related concerns.

Usually, the basic requirement is that all coverage kicks in only if you are located a certain distance away from your primary residence (the home address listed in your plan).

Whatever you do, don't buy the "travel insurance" offered on the airline checkout page when you're purchasing your next flight without shopping around — and reading the fine print. While the plan may be offered through a reputable provider , you'll pay about the same amount for a plan that isn't offered through the airline — thus maintaining a lot more flexibility to select terms that make sense for you.

What types of coverage do these plans offer?

Trip cancellation coverage targets nonrefundable portions of your trip, from flights to excursions and hotel stays.

Most hotels and tour groups have very strict rules regarding last-minute cancellations or missed travel, so you most likely will not be able to get a refund if a canceled or delayed flight prevents you from reaching your destination. If you've planned a full, expensive vacation with many moving parts, travel insurance is the best way to protect your investment.

That said, it's critical to carefully read your policy to understand what is (and is not) covered — especially for exclusions that may prevent you from getting reimbursed when something goes wrong during a trip. If you need complete peace of mind, you can opt for plans that offer optional " cancel for any reason " or "cancel for work reasons" coverage, which will offer the most flexibility.

Trip interruption coverage is very similar to cancellation coverage, though it offers post-departure coverage rather than pre-departure protection. The wording may differ slightly, and the coverage amount can be even higher to take into account emergency flights home in the event of a covered interruption. If you're already partially through your trip and need to change your itinerary, head home early or reroute your plans for a covered reason, the plan may reimburse you for the unused portion of your trip — and may cover additional costs for last-minute travel changes.

Medical expenses can encompass anything from a saline-drip IV for heat exhaustion to serious injuries treated in the emergency room or a hospital overseas. Most health insurance plans in the U.S. don't cover international incidents or needs that arise , and a travel insurance plan can provide coverage for accidents and illnesses while abroad.

Related: I got food poisoning right before my international flight from Africa

Emergency evacuation coverage can easily save you tens of thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if you need an unexpected helicopter airlift , medically equipped flights home or ambulance transportation to a local hospital. However, this is at the discretion of the attending physician and the company. Typically, evacuation occurs if it's determined that you can't be treated properly at the hospital to which you are initially taken.

Lost or delayed luggage and delayed flights can happen at any time, and they can create a number of headaches for travelers. Third-party travel insurance may provide reimbursement here. Baggage loss coverage provides reimbursement for luggage as well as covered items that are lost or stolen while you're traveling, while baggage delay coverage allows you to purchase essential items you need for your personal comfort while you're waiting for your bags to arrive . Meanwhile, trip delay protection may offer reimbursement for additional expenses incurred due to a late-arriving flight or missed connection — including unexpected, overnight hotel stays or nonrefundable tours you missed as a result of the delay.

However, these are typically secondary coverage — so they'll supplement any reimbursements offered by a common carrier (like an airline that loses your bag or delays your flight) or your homeowner's insurance. In addition, plan limits define the amount of coverage, which varies by plan.

It's also worth noting here that many credit cards also offer protection for things like trip delays and lost luggage. Once again, be sure to carefully compare the details of these offerings to those from a third-party insurance provider to select the one that best meets your needs.

Related: These cards offer luggage delay and loss insurance

Additional coverage options

If you need or want more robust insurance for peace of mind, providers also offer add-on options for:

• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Hazardous sports
• Rental car collision damage (though not liability)

Note that death/dismemberment insurance and rental car coverage are frequently offered with many credit cards, so check your card benefits before purchasing these add-ons to avoid redundant coverage.

When travel insurance plans are a great idea

Still unsure of whether independent travel insurance is something you should consider? Here are a few scenarios in which travel insurance might make sense for you:

You're traveling in a group, especially with small children

There are a variety of things that can go wrong when traveling with your family or in a large group — more travelers means greater potential for sickness, injury or other covered reasons that could offer reimbursement under travel insurance. And standard, comprehensive travel insurance plans typically cover up to 10 travelers. A few hundred dollars spent on a good policy can save you thousands in otherwise-sunk costs in the event of an emergency.

When traveling with her niece or nephews overseas, Shannon O'Donnell of A Little Adrift purchased insurance plans that, among other protections, covered travel costs for a back-up guardian in case she became ill or injured — a scenario that doesn't typically occur to most travelers.

You need medical protection overseas

If you plan to hike Machu Picchu , backpack your way through Southeast Asia or undertake any other equally adventurous trip, it can be a good idea to look into two different types of coverage:

• Emergency medical evacuation coverage : This provides transport assistance in the event that you become seriously ill or injured while traveling. Generally, these plans provide emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate care facility if the assistance company and the physician feel you'd be better suited at a different facility.
• Travel medical coverage : These plans offer specific, defined coverage needed by some while traveling abroad. These are only available to travelers who are leaving their home country and who require medical insurance that will fill the gaps in their primary health insurance coverage while traveling internationally.

Most credit card benefits don't offer robust medical expense or evacuation coverage , so if you need one or both of these coverages, you may want to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Bear in mind that Medicare doesn't offer any international assistance, and U.S.-based private health insurance plans offer little to no coverage for international travel. Countries with universal health care may offer some basic help, but they aren't obligated to do so, especially if you aren't a citizen.

You're planning a complex trip with many moving parts

There are a few ways you can purchase insurance, even if you're planning a long-term trip.

In 2015, Connie Wang quit her job to travel the world for 15 months by stringing together a series of shorter trips across 47 countries and six continents. Instead of purchasing one giant insurance plan for the full year, she purchased individual plans for each leg of her travels through World Nomads as she went . Purchasing insurance this way lessened her upfront travel expenses and simplified the stress of planning each activity months in advance.

However, many travel agents and full-time nomads prefer to purchase annual insurance coverage, such as the year-round plan offered by TravelGuard . With an annual policy, you can book a trip in the next 30 minutes without the additional stress of scrambling for last-minute coverage.

When purchasing travel insurance may be unnecessary

On the flip side, there are plenty of trips where a separate insurance plan would be overkill. Here are a few examples:

You're traveling on a domestic flight worth $300 or less, and staying with friends or family

Usually, a trip of this cost won't be worth the additional cost of a travel insurance plan. In this situation, your credit card trip delay protection will most likely prove more than sufficient to cover any expenses incurred as a result of travel delays.

Your trip is already refundable

If you book a flight through an airline like Southwest , a travel insurance claims adjuster may see that the airline issued travel credit for the value of a canceled ticket, and refuse to further reimburse you for your sunk travel costs. This is especially important to consider now that most U.S. airlines have committed to permanently removing change fees .

Related: What to do when an airline changes your flight

While many of us purchase nonrefundable flights these days, this would also be the case if you purchase a fully-refundable premium-cabin flight in cash. For example, an underwriter may ask why you didn't pursue a refund with the airline directly instead.

You're traveling on award bookings

Insurance companies will only reimburse your actual spend, not the value of your seat. A round-trip Singapore Suites ticket may be worth $13,000 but when your underwriter sees that you only paid $203 in fees, your financial return on insurance investment will be very low.

Instead, look into your airline's policies regarding canceled or missed award travel for help. In some cases, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund, although redeposit fees will often apply. Cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are eligible for compensation on award redemptions.

You rarely plan big, complicated or dangerous trips

Many cards limit protection claims under a certain dollar amount within 12 months. So if you've already filed a large insurance claim with your credit card company within the past year, independent travel insurance might be a wise purchase to consider for your next trip.

But if you're only on the road once or twice a year, those limited protection claims might be sufficient for your needs.

How to find and purchase travel insurance

Katie Warner, CEO of Lucid Routes , recommends travelers price-shop for insurance as soon as they make their initial trip payment so they can take full advantage of the coverage options that must be purchased within a set time frame after booking. Many travel insurance plans offer additional coverages to travelers who protect their trip within the first 10 to 21 days after making their first trip payment

The most important first step is to figure out your coverage priorities and identify the most important criteria for your trip. For example, when Shannon O'Donnell purchased the previously-mentioned, comprehensive plan for her around-the-world trip, she sought out a policy that would cover the cost of an emergency guardian for her 11-year-old niece if anything happened to O'Donnell.

You can determine the key coverages you need by browsing a list and selecting the top two or three; use them as filtering criteria when comparing insurance quotes.

Once you've established what you need in an insurance plan, utilize a reputable comparison site such as InsureMyTrip , which includes reviews for every insurance company plan it recommends. You can select the travel details for which you need insurance, using drop-down menus on the website to receive an instant quote.

WorldNomads is one of the most popular providers among solo world travelers, endorsed by the likes of Lonely Planet and similar backpacker guides. However, you may find that AIG, Nationwide or Allianz offer more competitive prices for your bachelor cruise or family vacation to Disneyland .

How much will travel insurance cost?

Depending on the package you select, expect to pay between 4 to 8% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. Basic plans for peace of mind can cost less than 4%, while premium vacation plans that cover just about any conceivable issue can cost more than 12% of your total trip expenses. Travel medical insurance is sold based on the duration of your travels, and can be as low as a few dollars per day.

All reputable insurance companies will offer a "free-look period" in most states during which you can cancel your policy for a full refund of the premium (on some plans, refunds may be subject to a small administration fee). This allows you to review the policy you've selected and return it for any reason within the period allotted.

Under normal circumstances, you don't need to purchase a " cancel for any reason " policy unless you really need the flexibility — you'll overpay when most accepted reasons are plenty sufficient.

You can receive a quote and purchase a policy online in minutes with any credit card . Note that although you may assume travel insurance should count as travel and be eligible for bonus rewards on cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, your earnings will depend on the individual provider's merchant code . When in doubt, expect that the purchase will fall under the insurance category for earnings.

Here's a sample insurance price comparison from InsureMyTrip that I generated for my dream vacation to Antarctica , valued at a total travel cost of $20,000 (dream big, right?).

There's a drastic difference between the top three quotes I received out of 20 recommendations. InsureMyTrip.com conveniently labeled each plan for me by quality: Superior, Strong Value and Economy.

But keep in mind that if I want coverage that specifically covers COVID-related setbacks, there's only one option available through InsureMyTrip. It will set me back $1,741 — a large number, but still just 8.7% of my $20,000 hypothetical trip total.

However, I could decide to only focus on the worst-case scenario instead by purchasing accidental death coverage. Unfortunately, the average funeral easily costs thousands of dollars, a sum that few families are equipped to pay on short notice.

If I opted to fly down to Antarctica, basic flight insurance for accidental death would cost me just $17 in the unlikely event that the unthinkable happened to me.

How do I make a claim?

Ideally, you'll never need to make good on your insurance investment. But if you do, here are some easy tips to keep in mind when filing a claim . Best-case scenario, you'll have your reimbursement back in hand in no time; worst-case scenario, you can avoid the disappointment of a rejected claim.

Here are a couple of the most common reasons why insurance companies might deny your claim — and how to avoid them.

You're trying to claim coverage on an activity or event that isn't covered on your plan

Make sure you read the fine print on your contract very carefully, both when you purchase your plan and when you begin filing your claim. Many plans will not offer medical coverage for injuries sustained during certain activities — like bungee jumping, for example.

You haven't filed a claim through your primary insurance yet

Third-party travel insurance may offer benefits on either a primary or secondary basis. If the coverage is primary, the travel insurance company will pay benefits for a covered claim first. If coverage is secondary, your claims adjuster will ask you to reach out to any primary source of reimbursement first before paying out any expenses — whether that's through homeowner's or medical insurance or from a travel provider that bears responsibility for a loss.

In other words, if your travel insurance policy offers secondary coverage and your luggage is stolen (for example), you'll have to file a claim with the airline or your homeowner's insurance provider first, and show proof of either denial or resolution before your travel insurance company will pay out your lost items.

Or if you get sick in the U.S. and your health insurance covers you for any domestic doctor visit, you'll have to file your insurance claim there rather than through your travel insurance company . If you incur additional expenses that aren't covered by your health insurance, such as an ambulance or medical evacuation, that's where your travel insurance may kick in.

Your documentation is incomplete or inaccurate

Hang on to your receipts ! Your insurance claims adjuster will require, at minimum, all paperwork related to your property loss or medical expenses, such as a police report or hospital discharge papers. The faster you can get written proof or documentation for an issue, the quicker your claim can be processed.

It's crucial to remember that travel cancellations due to illness must be recommended by a doctor, in writing; unless you purchased a "cancel for any reason" policy, it will not be sufficient to expect reimbursement just because, say, your child developed a cough that you believe is a precursor to bronchitis.

Purchasing travel insurance after an incident has already occurred

I hate to play Captain Obvious here, but travel insurance can't be purchased after a hurricane has already been named, or after your illness has already set in. Again, this is why it's important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you've made a payment on your trip bookings.

My own success story: How a $200 travel insurance plan paid for $1,300 of expenses in Italy

My faith in travel insurance paid off when I left for a three-week trip to Italy in July 2018. Thunderstorms in Chicago delayed my inbound flight , which meant I was rerouted onto another plane with just two hours to spare. I eventually made it to Venice — but my checked luggage did not for an additional five days.

Since I was attending a photography workshop, I had packed my suitcase full of fancy dresses for our models to wear, all of which had to be replaced on the spot during the height of peak tourist season. I also ended up having to pay out of pocket for additional basics like extra socks, rain gear and alternative transportation.

Fortunately, I knew I could float my unexpected expenses on my credit cards for a few weeks. And even better, I knew that my travel insurance plan would cover additional expenses associated with my flight delay — including coverage for my alternative transportation within Venice.

While my Chase Sapphire Reserve also includes trip protection, the $500 total coverage for delayed baggage expenses wouldn't have been sufficient to cover the cost of the clothing I had to purchase for the workshop. And since I wasn't delayed for more than six hours at any single point, I also wouldn't have been able to claim credit card insurance coverage for my rebooked transportation.

Related: Which credit cards cover baggage delays?

In contrast to my credit card trip protection, my travel insurance plan covered all of my costs — every, last cent.

As Murphy's Law would have it, Lufthansa finally delivered my lost luggage to me — but not until the morning after the workshop had ended.

In total, I claimed $1,296.55 in expenses for the five and a half days I spent without my luggage, between the cost of replacement clothing, the formal dresses, a replacement suitcase to carry everything back and forth on the cobblestones of Venice , a canceled Airbnb in Florence and the rebooked water taxi. And if I hadn't been sharing an Airbnb with friends, my housing costs very well could have added to that total, since I had to stay on in Venice for a couple of extra days to wait for my bag. But my AIG insurance plan covered every penny.

The claims process was complicated and involved, and I had to save all of my Italian receipts and convert euros to U.S. dollars for every line item. But once I finally buckled down and submitted all my paperwork, I received a check within seven business days of final confirmation.

And other than all the extra luggage I ended up having to haul all over the land of pasta, all's well that ends well, right?

Bottom line

Independent travel insurance isn't for everyone — or necessary for every trip. But if you constantly find yourself on the road, or frequently book complicated travel, independent travel insurance may be just what you need to bring your peace of mind with you, everywhere you go.

I've personally experienced the benefits of having travel insurance, and so have plenty of other TPG readers and staffers. Hopefully, this guide gave you some insight into when it makes sense to purchase travel insurance and how to find the best plan for you.

Additional reporting by Madison Blancaflor, Katie Genter, Jordi Lippe-McGraw, and Squaremouth .

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 .

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

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

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

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 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.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

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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Terrible experience

Terrible experience. Have to contact AMP 4 times just to get the contents insurance sorted. Stay away from this company for your own good.

Date of experience : 03 May 2024

I was bought House and contents…

I was bought House and contents insurance. No confirmation email. No available foe ny contact Saturday or sunday. Have very poor service and staff under skills. They have to learn about insurance. I was read they gave award for Insurance- Wow. They must be crazy who give them award

Date of experience : 02 March 2024

I bought a pension plan from AMP 3…

I bought a pension plan from AMP 3 years ago - after three years it was worth less than what I put in. This is because the fees were considerable and negated any positive growth. To make matters worse they were hidden partly but reducing the cost of the unit price. Got out as soon as I could

Date of experience : 01 November 2023

Distressing experience

Have had my car been broken into twice in one year. Both instances were very similar despite some minor differences like location and time of incident. First time 7months ago the service that was provided regarding my claim was awesome. I didn't need to seek any clarity regarding my claim, the processes or my entitlements, genuine customer care. I was gratefully content with the whole process. Disappointingly, second time around my experience was absolutely appalling to say the least. No follow up processes at all, the communication was worse than an interaction with someone that speaks no English. My mechanic was more helpful than any customer service operator I dealt with over the whole duration. I was advised to look for my own hire car options even though I had full comprehensive cover. Lack of care in advising of what my entitlements are with this full cover. I'm left to question my policy myself after multiple failed attempts just to try and get through to an operator. Asked to speak to someone higher, process delayed. I'm in absolute disappointment and shock at the unacceptable service that was provided. I will not be recommending this provider to anyone, nor will I be continuing my policy.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Avoid avoid avoid

A nightmare to deal with from start to finish. Emails not returned when i asked for dates my premiums would be due. Put my premiums up without any notification. When i cancelled my policy i was due a refund. After nearly 3 months i still haven't received it. I would avoid them at all costs.

Date of experience : 25 January 2024

Nightmare systems

I cancelled my one of my car insurance policies with AMP after selling one of cars. I was assured this was cancelled and any left over balance would be transferred to my remaining car insured. AMP has continued to take money out of my account anyway. AMP phone services don’t seem to be able to look up anything but the policy number so calling on the phone is useless unless you have this number on you. I am unable to access the website via my phone only on laptop. It keeps saying the password/ user name is wrong however I’m using the same one on both devices. As I was unable to resolve my issue on the phone I attempted to email the email listed. I got an automatic reply to this saying that the email is not monitored and to try calling. Unfortunately calling is only Monday to Friday during work hours. This has been an absolute muck around and anything to do with changing policies at this company seems to be the case. They are however very quick to sign you up and take money. Still yet to be refunded the money they owe me. I guess it will all have to wait until Monday when they reopen. I hate to think what would happen at this company should I actually have to make a claim. Defiantly considering going through the hassle of changing companies. I do not recommend this one. The only benefit that they offer is that they are very affordable.

Date of experience : 12 January 2024

Best Insurance ever Had.

I use these guys before for my 3 cars , House and content insurance. Service was amazing and super helpful staff . Going to switch my insurance again with these guys.

Date of experience : 30 October 2022

Mr Piercy I would highly recommend to…

Mr Piercy I would highly recommend to anyone. A professional job. good price. It was such a good expeirance to have someone who not only did a good job but explained everything, I most certainly will use him again.

Date of experience : 10 April 2023

Really helpful and keep in touch…

Really helpful and keep in touch regularly. Good prices too.

Date of experience : 01 February 2023

Great app and answer the phone quickly…

Great app and answer the phone quickly if you need any help.

Date of experience : 07 August 2020

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American Express Travel Insurance Coverage Review – Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance and the covid-19 virus, package policy options, custom select coverage options, pricing by age, cancellations and changes, to other travel insurance companies, to credit card travel insurance, travelinsurance.com, insuremytrip, squaremouth, 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.

We frequently discuss the travel insurance coverages that are offered complimentary on most credit cards . We do so because these benefits, especially the long list of travel insurance coverages on premium cards, can save you money, offer peace of mind during your travels, and provide help if something goes wrong.

These complimentary coverages are useful and can offer more than adequate coverage for most trips. However, if you’re investing in an expensive trip or 1 that involves multiple travel providers, purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy is a prudent move. You’d also want a travel insurance policy if your trip has a complicated itinerary or if you’re anxious about the possibility of having to cancel any portion of the journey.

Additionally, it’s imperative that if you’re worried about having medical coverage while traveling, you’d want to purchase a travel insurance policy that provides medical coverage.

Fortunately, travel insurance is widely available, reasonably affordable, and simple to secure. There are several reputable travel insurance companies , highly-rated by financial rating organizations such as AM Best , that offer nearly endless options from which to choose.

American Express Travel Insurance , underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, is one of those highly-respected, highly-rated, established companies offering comprehensive travel insurance solutions.

Join us while we check out the types of policies the company offers, any limitations of which to be aware, and additional options for protecting your next trip appropriately.

Travel insurance can help you avoid losing the investment you made when booking your trip, reimburse you for covered expenses should your trip be disrupted due to a covered event, or pay for emergency medical services.

Policies are designed to cover disruption due to the reasons listed in the policy you purchased. These reasons consist of events that are unforeseen and unexpected.

Here are a few situations where travel insurance could cover your loss:

• You or a covered family member become ill and you must cancel your trip. Trip insurance can cover prepaid non-reimbursable expenses.
• You are injured in an accident during your trip and need to be evacuated to a hospital by air ambulance.
• You become ill during your trip and must return home versus continuing on your journey.
• Your flight is delayed or canceled and you must stay at a hotel and incur expenses for lodging and incidentals.

Whether you should purchase travel insurance or not is a personal decision. If losing your trip investment or having to pay for extra expenses if the trip is disrupted makes you uncomfortable or would present a financial burden, then you should purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

If worrying about having to cancel your trip or having it disrupted during your journey is an issue, purchasing a travel insurance policy will definitely deliver some peace of mind, both prior to and during your trip.

For more tips on buying travel insurance in general, you’ll find valuable information in our guide to buying the best travel insurance .

Bottom Line: The longer, more expensive, and more complicated your trip, the greater the need for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

When you purchase travel insurance and your trip is canceled, you expect to have coverage. However, not all cancellations are covered — only those specifically listed in your policy.

Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and therefore is not covered on travel insurance policies. While it’s reasonable to want to cancel your trip due to fear of COVID-19, canceling a trip due to the fear of any illness is not a covered reason on any travel insurance policy.

There is also no coverage for canceling a trip due to a U.S. State Department announcement warning of COVID-19 in a particular area.

In order to have coverage for voluntary trip cancellations, you would need to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason Insurance” (CFAR) . CFAR is not a stand-alone insurance policy — it is an add-on coverage you select when you purchase a travel insurance policy or coverage you may be able to add to a travel insurance policy after purchase, within an initially specified timeframe.

CFAR insurance is expensive, does not cover the entire cost of your trip, and not all companies sell the coverage, including American Express Travel Insurance.

Additionally, there is a small window of time when you are able to purchase the coverage, including during your initial purchase or up to 10 to 21 days after the purchase, depending on the company.

While American Express Travel Insurance does not cover trip cancellation due to fear of contracting COVID-19, there may be coverage in certain circumstances. For example, if you become sick with the virus and have to cancel your trip as a result, you may have coverage under trip cancellation insurance.

Additionally, if you become ill with the virus during your travels, you may have coverage under Travel Medical Protection. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Travel insurance does not cover canceled trips due to fear of getting COVID-19 or a government declaration that a specific destination is unsafe. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance must be purchased to cover these voluntary cancellations. 

American Express Travel Insurance Options

American Express offers you 2 options when it comes to purchasing travel insurance. You can select a package policy that includes several types of coverages in 1 plan or you can build your own travel insurance plan and select just the coverages that are important to you.

Coverage is worldwide except for where it would violate U.S. trade or economic sanctions. All permanent U.S. residents are eligible to purchase travel insurance with American Express.

American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 levels of travel insurance package policy plans — a Basic Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan. Each has its own levels of coverage and associated premium cost.

Let’s take a look at the package policy offerings and pricing. We chose a week-long trip for a 40-year old that cost $3,000. Prices ranged from $59 to $208 to cover the entire trip.

With package policies, you can expect to find the following coverages. The limits of coverage differ based on the policy plan you select.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption — Receive reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses due to cancellation for covered reasons and additional costs if your trip is disrupted, also for covered reasons.
• Global Medical Protection — Receive worldwide emergency medical and dental coverage for the first 60 days of your trip and access to emergency evacuation/repatriation services.
• Travel Accident Protection — Receive coverage for accidental death/dismemberment from the time you leave on your trip until the time you arrive home.
• Global Baggage Protection — Coverage varies from $250 to $2,500 for lost luggage depending on the level selected. Baggage delay coverage starts from 3- to over 24-hour delays, depending on the policy plan selected.
• Global Trip Delay — Receive up to $300 per day, $1,000 per trip, depending on the level of coverage selected. Coverage is valid for delayed/canceled flights or involuntary-denied boarding.
• 24-Hour Travel Assistance — Have global access to planning and emergency assistance before and during your trip.

Bottom Line: American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 different levels of package policies, each comprising a collection of coverages most travelers look for. The plan you select and the level of coverage limits chosen determine the amount of the premium cost. 

If some of the coverages in the package plan are not important to you, you can select only the coverage(s) you want and pay accordingly. Perhaps, for example, you have a need for just medical coverage while traveling abroad. You have the option to select just that coverage.

This example shows the levels of coverage available and the associated premium costs. The Gold Plan selected offers up to $100,000 in emergency medical, up to $750 in emergency dental, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation/repatriation. The price of this plan would be $32 for the entire trip.

Bottom Line: Having the option to select only the coverages you want allows you to save money by not paying for coverages you don’t need. This is a key benefit of purchasing travel insurance through American Express Travel Insurance. Few travel insurance companies offer the option to purchase stand-alone travel medical coverage. 

Additional Information — American Express Travel Insurance

Like most travel insurance companies, American Express Travel Insurance prices its products within age brackets. The price for coverage is the same for everyone in that specific age bracket.

Based on dozens of quotes obtained, pricing brackets were determined to be as follows:

• Age 17 to 40
• Age 41 to 65
• Age 66 to 70
• Age 70 to 80
• Age 81 or over

Knowing this upfront can help you determine if you’re at the beginning of the highest price bracket or the end. For example, if you are 40 years old, you’re going to pay less than a 41-year-old in the next pricing bracket but the same as a 17-year-old.

If you’re a senior and want to learn more about purchasing travel insurance in your 60s, 70s, and beyond , the tips in our article will help guide you in the right direction.

Bottom Line: Knowing a travel insurance company’s age pricing brackets can help you determine which company offers you the best value for your money.

Here is some information you should know about cancellations and changes to an American Express Travel Insurance policy.

• You can change or modify your policy prior to your trip.
• You can request a full refund within 14 days after receiving your policy documents. Some restrictions vary by state.
• If you have purchased American Express Travel Insurance and your trip was canceled due to COVID-19, you may qualify for a policy refund . Contact AMEX Assurance Company for details at [email protected]. Terms apply.
• Once your trip is completed, you cannot request a refund.

Hot Tip: Due to the overall decrease in travel, many travel insurance companies now allow you to cancel your travel insurance and receive a full refund or extend your policy without extra charges. 

How Does American Express Travel Insurance Compare

When comparing other package policies to American Express Travel Insurance, the company’s premiums came up higher overall for this specific trip and traveler (1-week trip, 40-year-old, total value $3,000).

The first policy above with Assistance USA for $77, for example, has coverages similar to the Silver Amex plan which has a premium of $133. The coverage on the $102 Assistance USA plan above compares more with the Amex Gold plan at $157.

Prices will vary considerably based on the types of coverages selected, age, and limits of each coverage. We used policy comparison websites and found similar but not identical policies. With so many different coverage options, it’s difficult to compare apples to apples.

This is a very limited comparison — your results will be different based on your specific details. The most important factors to consider are that you’re purchasing from a highly-rated company, the coverages are a match for your needs, and the premium is one with which you’re comfortable paying.

The travel insurance coverages that comes complimentary on your credit card can serve to provide coverage for some trips. For example, if you book a domestic round-trip flight, a hotel, and a rental car, you may have sufficient coverages on your credit card to cover that trip.

Credit card travel insurance coverage, however, is not a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy , for these reasons:

• Most credit card travel insurance coverage is secondary and in excess of other coverage you might have. You’ll normally be working with 2 (or more) entities to get your claim resolved.
• Credit card travel insurance is administered by a third party, not by the issuing financial institution, thus making the claims process potentially redundant and complicated.
• You generally won’t find medical coverage on a credit card. The Platinum Card ® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® offer emergency medical evacuation and there is a small medical benefit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
• Coverage limits are set on credit card travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can offer higher limit options.
• Credit card travel insurances have requirements such as purchasing the trip with the associated credit card.
• Additional coverages can be added to travel insurance policies such as CFAR insurance, a preexisting conditions waiver, and other benefits not available with credit cards.

Bottom Line: While the travel insurance coverages that come with credit cards may be sufficient to cover a simple trip where there is no large investment at stake, these coverages are by no means a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

The Value of Travel Insurance Comparison Sites

Because travel insurance is widely available and quite competitive, you may find drastic differences in the price you’ll pay between companies and policy offerings. Selecting a company is not difficult as there are dozens of reputable, highly financially-rated, established companies, but comparing policies is essential for getting the best value for your money.

One way to easily compare pricing and coverages is to utilize a travel insurance comparison site to narrow down the appropriate options for your situation.

Here are some of the most popular, easy-to-use comparison sites that only feature highly financially-rated travel insurance companies.

• Coverage is available instantly
• The comparison tool is easy to use
• The company has a “best price guarantee”
• Calls are handled by licensed agents
• The website contains educational information for understanding travel insurance coverages and policies
• Features nearly 2 dozen companies
• Compare 90 different policies from over 20 different companies
• Customer service receives high accolades
• Over 86,000 reviews

Bottom Line: Utilizing a travel insurance comparison website can help you quickly narrow your choices to policies that fit your needs and your budget. 

There is no doubt that American Express is a financially-stable, established, and well-respected travel insurance company.

One of the company’s strengths is that it offers the consumer the ability to purchase needed coverages separately , such as medical insurance for an international trip. The premiums for such coverage are also very competitively priced. This could be a huge plus if you are not interested in duplicating credit card travel insurance coverages or in having just secondary or excess coverage.

One downside, especially in today’s environment, is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell CFAR insurance. If this is important to you, you should attempt to find the coverage elsewhere by using comparison sites.

Another downside that may or may not be important is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell annual or multi-trip policies. You must purchase a new policy for each individual trip.

Also, like several other travel insurance companies, high-risk adventurous activities may not be covered with American Express Travel Insurance. You might look to a company specializing in insuring these activities such as World Nomads .

If you want to make sure you’re purchasing from an established company and have specific coverages you’re more interested in than others, American Express Travel Insurance is a solid decision . For package travel insurance policies, you might be able to realize modest savings by shopping around, but you won’t go wrong with the company selection of choosing American Express Travel Insurance.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is american express travel insurance worth it.

Yes, overall. American Express Travel Insurance is backed by AMEX Assurance Company which is highly-rated, established, and reputable.

The company offers competitive travel insurance package policies but also allows the traveler to build their own policies with only the coverages they deem necessary. This option can save the traveler money.

If you’re looking for medical coverage for an international trip, for example, purchasing with an established company at a reasonable price makes American Express Travel Insurance a worthy choice.

Do I have to have an American Express credit card to purchase American Express travel insurance?

No, you do not need to be an American Express cardholder to purchase a travel insurance policy from American Express Travel Insurance.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance does not cover canceling your trip due to fear of getting sick. It also does not cover canceling your trip due to a government shutdown due to COVID-19, or a surge in cases in a particular area.

You may have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, depending on the terms of your policy.

You may also have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 during your travels.

Is credit card travel insurance any good?

The travel insurance coverages that come with your credit card can be sufficient to cover simple trips. If you’re booking a trip that has a complicated itinerary, involves several travel providers, or is more than a week in length, you might consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

In addition, if your trip is an expensive one, even if it’s simple and short, it would be prudent to cover your investment with a travel insurance policy.

Finally, credit cards do not come with medical insurance coverage. If you need this coverage while traveling, you’ll want to purchase a separate policy.

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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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AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review 2024

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Travel insurance is important because it can help cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses while you're traveling. It can also reimburse you for lost or stolen baggage, canceled flights, and other unforeseeable problems that may occur while you're away from home.

Simply put, there's a lot to consider.

But not all policies are created equal, and you must understand what you're covered for before you purchase a policy. This article will look in-depth at AXA Assistance USA travel insurance. We'll discuss the costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and more to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this particular travel insurance provider is right for you.

Introduction to AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA is among the best travel insurance companies . It covers the fundamentals of travel insurance, with coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency medical/non-medical evacuation. With three plans, AXA also offers coverage for travelers with various budgets.

It's worth noting that many important add-ons aren't available for AXA's cheapest Silver plan, such as pre-existing condition coverage, rental car add-ons, and Schengen travel insurance. Cancel for any reason coverage is also only available for AXA's most expensive Platinum plan. 

Coverage Options Offered by AXA 

AXA Assistance USA offers three levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan comes with different protections and varying coverage limits, with the Silver being the most basic option and Platinum offering the most premium coverage.

Some policies might even include added coverage free of charge, such as a waiver for pre-existing conditions , which is free for Gold and Platinum plans as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your trip deposit.

Specialized Coverage Options

The plan you purchase will determine which add-ons are available. For example, those with a Platinum plan can add CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage , allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel your trip within 14 days of making the initial deposit.

Or, if you want extra protection for your rental car, depending on your AXA plan, you might be able to add a collision damage waiver (CDW). Policyholders with Gold plans can add $35,000 CDW, and those with Platinum plans can include $50,000 CDW.

If you're traveling within the Schengen Territory, which is made up of 27 European countries, you may eligible for Schengen Travel Insurance, which covers you in all 27 countries. This option is only available for Gold and Platinum travelers and coverage lasts up to 90 days.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for the plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate AXA's coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following  AXA travel insurance quotes:

• AXA Silver: $83
• AXA Gold: $107
• AXA Platinum: $127

Premiums for AXA plans are between 2.7% and 4.2% of the trip's cost, well below the average cost of travel insurance. It's also relatively cheap compared to many of its competitors

AXA provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• AXA Silver: $109
• AXA Gold: $128
• AXA Platinum: $153

Once again, premiums forAXA plans are between 3.6% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following AXA quotes:

• AXA Silver: $392
• AXA Gold: $462
• AXA Platinum: $550

Premiums for AXA plans are between 6.5% and 9.2%, which is roughly in line with the average cost for travel insurance. This is to be expected, as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

How to Purchase and Manage Your AXA Policy

The process of purchasing an AXA policy is simple. After obtaining your quote, you'll need to decide which of AXA's three plans you want to buy. When you pay for your plan, be prepared to provide additional personal information, like your birthday, phone number, and address. 

Once you finalize your purchase, you'll have a 10-day free look period, in which you can cancel your policy and get your money back. 

How to File a Claim with AXA Travel Insurance

To file a claim with AXA Assistance USA, head to the claims forms online to find the appropriate form. Once you've filled out your form and gathered the required documentation, you can email them to [email protected] or send them by mail to:

AXA Assistance USA

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222

Tampa, FL 33623

If you need assistance when filing claims, AXA's claims office can be reached at 1-888-957-5015 (within the U.S.) and 1-727-450-8794 (outside the U.S.). Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on Thursdays and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on all other weekdays. 

Note: According to the AXA, your claim will be processed within 30 days. 

AXA Customer Service Reviews

AXA's U.S. branch has few reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau — just over 20 between the two sites. Its UK branch has over 1,100 reviews, most of which are overwhelmingly negative. However, the quality of AXA Travel Insurance UK isn't necessarily indicative of its U.S. coverage. 

In fact, on SquareMouth, where the majority of AXA U.S.'s reviews, reviews are generally positive. It received an average of 4.22 stars out of five across over 900 reviews. Customers reported that adjusting an AXA policy was easy and the customer service team was responsive. However, reviews on the claims process was more mixed, with spotty communication and long wait times. 

Compare AXA Travel Insurance

See how AXA travel insurance compares to top travel insurance providers.

AXA Assistance USA vs. AIG Travel Guard

When comparing AXA to Travel Guard , we'll look at the coverage levels from their mid-tier plans, the Silver plan and Travel Guard Preferred plan, respectively.

With Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $150,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $225,000
• Emergency medical coverage of $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage of up to $800

Comparing those Travel Guard coverages with AXA's Silver plan, you'll see that AXA's coverage limits are a bit higher. With AXA's Silver plan you'll get $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, for example. And the baggage loss coverage limit is up to $1,500.

If you're looking for greater coverage limits, AXA makes the most sense in this scenario. But premiums will also vary based on factors like the traveler's age, trip destination, and trip cost. So you'll have to run your own numbers to make a final decision.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance provides single-trip and multi-trip insurance for travelers who want to go abroad for an extended period of time. And, like with all insurance, the various plans have varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Emergency medical coverage for $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage up to $800

Looking at AXA's mid-tier Silver plan, you'll see that, again, AXA offers more coverage for emergency medical and baggage loss, theft, or damage than Allianz Travel Insurance. That said, if cost is an essential factor for you, you'll have to get quotes using your personal trip information to make an informed decision.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Already have a great travel credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum? Some of the standard coverages, such as rental car insurance, may be included in the card you already have. It's a good idea to research the terms of your credit card's travel protection before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy.

If you're driving to your destination and don't have any non-refundable trip expenses, the coverage from your credit card may be enough. Another time it might work is if you have health insurance covering you while abroad and you're in good health without worrying about possible medical costs.

It's essential to remember that credit card coverage is usually secondary. This means you'll have to file a claim with the other applicable insurance before filing a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed AXA Assistance USA

We researched AXA by evaluating its travel insurance plans compared to other plans from the top travel insurance companies. The aspects we looked at included, but were not limited to, different coverage options, claims limits, what is covered, available add-ons, and extra services for policy holders.

What's important when choosing a policy isn't just the price — it's making sure you're getting adequate coverage that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Filing a claim should also be easy and stress-free if you ever have to use your policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

AXA Assistance USA FAQs

Does axa travel insurance cover covid-19 related issues.

If you're diagnosed with COVID-19 before a trip and need to cancel, AXA may cover your expenses. Additionally, a COVID-19 diagnosis during a trip may be covered under AXA's medical expense, trip interruption, and trip delay benefits. Be sure to review your policy to ensure coverage details. 

Can I extend my AXA policy if my trip lasts longer than expected?

While you may extend your coverage in certain circumstances, such as extended hospitalization, and update your travel dates prior to your departure, you can't extend AXA travel insurance plans while you're traveling. 

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by AXA travel insurance?

AXA's Gold and Platinum plan cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. AXA's Silver plan does not cover pre-existing conditions and has a 60-day look-back period. 

What is the process for filing a claim with AXA?

You can download AXA claims forms on its website and email them to [email protected].

How does AXA travel insurance compare to other insurance providers?

AXA isn't the most flexible travel insurance company and isn't great at specializing, but it offers comprehensive general coverage. Its prices aren't significantly more expensive or cheaper than its competitors.

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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

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

Policy highlights

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.

24/7 assistance available

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

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

• Trip cancellations
• Trip interruption
• Baggage coverage
• Baggage delay
• Travel medical expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
• Medical evacuation
• Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
• Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
• Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
• Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
• Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

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.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

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 .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

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 insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of 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.

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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