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Travel Insurance Underwriters

When shopping for travel insurance, you’ll see the term “underwriter” when reviewing a policy and may wonder “what is an ‘underwriter’ and what does it do?”

In this article, we’ll discuss the role of the underwriter, why they are a necessary part of travel insurance and which companies are currently considered to be the best in the business.

What Is an Underwriter?

All forms of insurance have underwriters – from home and auto to travel insurance. The role of the underwriter, which can be a person or a company, is to evaluate the risks associated with providing insurance coverage for benefits covered in the policy. For travel insurance, the underwriter looks at the risks to cover travel-related events, like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, etc.

Underwriters use actuarial and statistical data to determine the likelihood of a claim for events covered in the policy and what the potential cost of the claim would be. Factors in the data can include the number of claims broken down by traveler age, state of residence, trip cost, destination etc. Based on this analysis, the underwriter sets the premium rates for the insurance policy and decides whether to offer coverage to the traveler.

Reputable underwriters will have higher financial stability, as shown by their A.M. Best rating, and more importantly, may be more likely to approve claims.

If a claim is made, the underwriter will assess the validity of the claim and decide whether to pay the claim and how much to pay out.

In other words, the underwriter’s role is to evaluate and manage the risk associated with insuring travelers, and to ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage.

Who are some of the key players currently in the travel insurance underwriting industry?

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA is a global insurance company with over a century of experience. Founded in 1901, they offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including property and casualty, professional and cyber liability in addition to travel insurance. The company is a division of American International Group Inc. (AIG).

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to National Union Fire Insurance.

National Union Fire Insurance underwrites policies for  AIG Travel Guard , which is owned by American International Group Inc.

BCS Insurance Company

The BCS Insurance Group consists of BCS Insurance Company (BCSI) and 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, along with parent company BCS Financial Corporation. They have more than 70 years of experience in multiple insurance lines including property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, professional liability, and commercial products in addition to travel insurance. BCS Financial is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

BCS Insurance Group offers insurance and reinsurance to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, their customers, and agents, and market specialized products for selected commercial insurance markets.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A-” (Excellent) to BCS Insurance.

BCSI holds licenses in all 50 states and is an underwriter for Allianz Global Assistance .

Arch Insurance Company

Arch Insurance Company is a global provider of specialized risk solutions for clients across a wide range of industries, including travel insurance.

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (Arch Capital or ACGL), a Bermuda-based company, writes insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance worldwide with a focus on specialty lines. The company operates in North America, Europe, Bermuda, and Australia.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Arch Insurance.

Arch Insurance Company is the underwriter for and owner of  RoamRight travel insurance.

Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Insurance is a diversified insurance and financial services business located in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide Insurance offers a comprehensive range of products and services, including insurance for cars, homes, businesses, farms, and life, as well as retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds, and various other specialty products such as pet, motorcycle, boat, and travel insurance.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Nationwide.

Nationwide Insurance underwrites for  Trawick International  and  AXA travel Insurance.

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI), is a commercial insurance provider that includes GEICO, Forest River RVs, Ben Bridge and Helzberg Jewelers, See’s Candies and Dairy Queen among others.

BHSI has grown steadily, expanding into new territories and product lines. With exceptional financial strength the company is able to remain flexible to changing conditions.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A++” (Superior) to Berkshire Hathaway.

BHSI underwrites for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and Travelex.

Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY

Based in New York, Generali U.S. Branch is the U.S. representative office of Assicurazioni Generali, S.p.A., an Italian multinational insurance company. Generali is in 50 countries and recently celebrated their 120 th anniversary in 2021.

They specialize in various insurance industries such as Property & Casualty insurance, Life insurance, Art insurance as well as Accident & Health insurance.

The U.S. Branch is licensed as a domestic insurance/reinsurance company in all 50 states and territories for all major business lines. The company offers underwriting services for various business lines, including travel insurance.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Generali U.S. Branch.

The Generali U.S. Branch is an underwriter for  Generali Global Assistance .

Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, New York, NY

Starr Insurance Companies have evolved from the first US-owned insurance agency in Shanghai in 1919 to a global insurance and investment leader with over a century of expertise.

They provide comprehensive commercial property and casualty insurance, accident and health insurance, and travel and accident coverage to businesses in 124 countries on 6 continents. Solutions are tailored to the needs of the international markets they work in.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Starr Indemnity & Liability Company.

Starr Indemnity & Liability Company underwrites for  John Hancock Travel Insurance .  

Crum & Forster

Crum & Forster specializes in providing a diverse range of insurance solutions for property and casualty, accident and health, and other specialty industries.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company.

The insurance companies within Crum & Forster are United States Fire Insurance Company. The North River Insurance Company, Crum & Forster Insurance Company, Crum & Forster Indemnity Company, Crum & Foster Specialty Insurance Company, Seneca Insurance Company, Inc., Seneca Specialty Insurance Company, First Mercury Insurance Company and American Underwriters Insurance Company.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A” (Excellent) to Crum & Forster including United States Fire Insurance Company.

Crum & Forster currently underwrites for travel insurance companies like  CF Travel Insured International , which is a subsidiary of Crum & Forster, as well as Seven Corners and IMG under the United States Fire Insurance Company subsidiary label.

U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC)

U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC) is a subsidiary of Tokio Marine HCC, which is a leading specialty insurance group based in Houston, Texas.

A.M. Best has given the rating of “A++” (Superior) to U.S. Specialty Insurance.

USSIC underwrites for  WorldTrips .

Zurich American Insurance Company

Zurich is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich offers a wide range of products and services, including Property & Casualty insurance, Life and Critical Illness insurance, Investment and Retirement Plans, General Liability insurance, and various other specialty products.

 A.M. Best has given the rating of “A+” (Superior) to Zurich American Insurance.

Zurich American underwrites for  GoReady Insurance .

As we’ve seen, underwriters play a critical role in travel insurance – by evaluating and managing the risk associated with insuring travelers, and ensuring the policy provides adequate coverage for them. Therefore, knowing the stability and strength of the underwriter is important.

However, since most people don’t have significant expertise in evaluating an underwriter, how can a traveler determine the quality of a particular underwriter?

The easiest way is to evaluate the travel insurance company itself by reading reviews, checking with other travelers, and looking at their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. If the travel insurer is reputable, it’s very likely that their underwriter is honest and reputable too. Well-known, reputable insurers work with well-known and reputable underwriters such as the ones we highlighted above.

Safe travels!

This article has been written for review purposes only and does not suggest sponsorship or endorsement of AARDY by the trademark owner.

Recent AARDY Travel Insurance Customer Reviews

initial insurance for cruise…

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

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

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

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

How we found the best travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

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

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

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

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

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

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

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

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

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

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

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

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

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

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

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

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

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

Travel Guard by AIG

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

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

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

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

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

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

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

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

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

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

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

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

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

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

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

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

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

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

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

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

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

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

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

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

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

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

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

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

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

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

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

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

What else makes Seven Corners great:

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

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

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

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

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

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

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

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

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

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

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

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

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

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

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

What else makes TravelSafe great:

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

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

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

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

Trip cancellation

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

Trip interruption

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

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

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

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

Cancel For Any Reason

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

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

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

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

Lost baggage

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

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

Travel medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

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

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

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

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

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

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

on Chase's website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider a few key questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

In general, buying travel insurance

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

About Our Underwriters

BCS Insurance Group is comprised of two for-profit, multiple-line insurance companies with diverse capabilities. They are BCS Insurance Company (BCSI) and 4 Ever Life Insurance Company. These two companies, along with their parent BCS Financial Corporation, are based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

BCSI is a multiple-line property and casualty insurance company that offers a range of insurance and employee benefits, professional liability and commercial products.

BCSI has diverse capabilities, with a two-fold mission. First, they are the premier source for insurance and reinsurance for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, their customers, employees, providers and agents. Secondly, they market products and services to meet the specialized needs of selected commercial insurance markets.

Rated in the "A-" (Excellent) category by the A.M. Best Company, BCSI is licensed in all 50 states. To review the company's rating and description by A.M. Best Company, go to: www.ambest.com .

BCS Insurance Company 2 Mid America Plaza Suite 200 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Jefferson Insurance Company ("Jefferson") was incorporated on March 15, 1950 under the laws of New York and commenced business on June 8, 1950. On April 1, 2007, Jefferson became a wholly owned subsidiary of AGA Inc.. Jefferson began issuing travel, event ticket and other specialty insurance policies in late 2007.

Jefferson has been rated "A+" (Superior) by AM Best Co.. To review the company's rating and description by A.M. Best Co., go to: www.ambest.com .

Jefferson Insurance Company 9950 Mayland Drive Richmond, VA 23233

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

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

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best travel insurance providers

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

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

AIG Travel Guard

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

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

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

Preexisting conditions

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

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

Standout features

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

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

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

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

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

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

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

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

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

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

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

Is travel insurance worth getting?

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

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

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the different types of travel insurance?

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

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

Should I buy travel health insurance?

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

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

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

When and how to get travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

Frommer's 8 Great Travel Insurance Providers

To help you pick the best travel insurance policy, Frommer's names eight companies that have proved themselves over time.

By Frommer's Staff

Updated September 28, 2022

The travel insurance industry can be confusing to navigate, thanks to all the unclear language and companies disguised under misleading names. To help travelers pick the most reliable policies, we've selected eight travel insurance companies we're confident are at the top of the heap.

Each company we selected offers comprehensive policies directly to consumers—and not only for medical assistance. We made sure it's clear who owns each of the insurers and who's underwriting their policies, and we've verified that the companies and their underwriters get good ratings from AM Best  (an insurance rating agency) and passing marks from the Better Business Bureau.

Additionally, each company has been in business for at least 10 years and is a member of the US Travel Insurance Association .

Where possible, we also made sure these firms are vouched for by major third-party brokers such as  Squaremouth ,  InsureMyTrip , and  QuoteWright .

Based on those criteria, here are eight reliable travel insurers, in alphabetical order:

Allianz Travel Insurance

Website : AllianzTravelInsurance.com Based in: Richmond, Virginia Founded in:  1983 Parent Company: Allianz Underwriters: BCS Insurance Company, Jefferson Insurance Company Underwriters' AM Best Ratings: A (Excellent), A+ (Superior) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

American Express

Website : AmericanExpress.com Based in: New York City Founded in: 1850  Underwriter: Amex Assurance Company Underwriter's AM Best Rating: A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

Generali Global Assistance

Website: GeneraliTravelInsurance.com Based in:  Trieste, Italy, with offices in San Diego and Pembroke Pines, Florida Founded in: 1991 Underwriter:  Generali U.S. Branch Underwriter's AM Best Rating: A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

• Website : TripAssure.com
• Based in: Kansas City, Missouri
• Founded in:  1961 (as MH Ross)
• Parent Company: Trip Mate, part of Generali Global Assistance
• Underwriter: Generali U.S. Branch
• Underwriter's AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)
• Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

Travel Guard

Website : TravelGuard.com Based in: Stevens Point, Wisconsin Founded in:  1985 Parent Company: AIG Travel Underwriter: National Union Fire Insurance Company Underwriter's AM Best Rating: A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

Travel Insured International

Website : TravelInsured.com Based in:  Glastonbury, Connecticut Founded in:  1994 Parent Company : Crum & Forster Holdings Underwriter:  United States Fire Insurance Company Underwriter's AM Best Rating:  A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A-

Travelex Insurance Services

Website : TravelexInsurance.com Based in: Omaha, Nebraska Founded in:  1996 Parent Company:  Zurich Insurance Group Underwriters: Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Zurich Insurance Group Underwriters' AM Best Ratings: A++ (Superior), A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

TravelSafe Insurance

Website : TravelSafe.com Based in: Wyomissing, Pennsylvania Founded in:  1971 Parent Company: Chester Perfetto Agency Underwriter:  National Union Fire Insurance Company Underwriter's AM Best Rating:  A (Excellent) Insurer's BBB Rating: A+

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Global Underwriters Travel Insurance Review

Editor review of global underwriters.

The Good:  Global Underwriters is an established international medical insurance provider with a good number of travel medical plans for U.S. and non U.S. citizens. They also provide a high-limit AD&D, a group medical plan, and an employee kidnap protection plan for high-profile companies.

The Drawbacks:  Global Underwriters is focused on travel medical and travel accident plans, so they do not directly provide any package plans. Their website is outdated and difficult to use and you will have trouble reviewing the plan details. None of the Global Underwriters plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, and their emergency dental limits are very limited.

The Bottom Line:  Global Underwriters is a specialist in the medical insurance field. They have several travel medical insurance plans for U.S. and non U.S. citizens, a travel accident plan, and a specialty plan for high-profile employees to guard against kidnapping, extortion, and ransom demands.

More about Global Underwriters Insurance

Apart from many travel insurance providers, Global Underwriters is entirely focused on international travelers and their medical insurance needs. In today’s uncertain and troubled political environment, it is important to have medical insurance and accident coverage that will provide protection wherever you travel, especially outside your home country where your traditional coverage may be in effect.

Global Underwriters is well established with 45 years of experience in the insurance industry and it offers comprehensive and economical international health and accident insurance products to protect you, your family, or your employees as they travel on business, vacation, or reside in a foreign country. Their website also includes special coverage options for defense contractors involved in overseas efforts and even kidnap and ransom insurance, when necessary.

The Global Underwriter website lets you get plan-specific details, obtain a quote, contact their support representatives, and obtain plan-specific claim forms. Many of their plans are backed by 24-hour travel assistance support for those unexpected situations that can occur while traveling. Most plans come with a variety of plan maximums and some are age-rated.

Optional Coverage Available in Global Underwriters Plans

• Optional hazardous activity coverage for activities like SCUBA diving, snow and water skiing, mountain climbing, and more, which are typically excluded from coverage.
• Optional athlete coverage for participation in amateur club or interscholastic sports.
• Optional home country coverage for incidental home country trips up to two months per 12 months of coverage (limits apply).
• Additional AD&D and additional war risk coverage available in Diplomat International.

Highlights of Global Underwriters Insurance

• Well established company experienced in medical insurance products.
• Some highly specialized plans for international workers and defense contractors.

Global Underwriters Travel Insurance plans

Travel medical plans.

Diplomat America High protection for foreign nationals visiting the United States This package provides up to $500,000 in coverage for non U.S. foreign nationals visiting the United States. Coverage can be extended for as little as 15 days and up to an entire year. A variety of deductible options are available to you. Coverage is available to individuals and their families.

Diplomat International Coverage for individuals traveling outside their home country This package provides coverage for individuals traveling outside their home country to any country other than the U.S. Policy maximums of up to $500,000 can be selected and coverage can be extended for as few as 15 days up to a full year. Coverage is available to individuals, his or her spouse, and their unmarried dependent children up to 18 years in age.

Diplomat LT For those long-term international trips, this is the policy for you This package provides up to $1,000,000 in coverage for non U.S. foreign nationals and includes options to renew and optional home country coverage, if necessary. The policy is intended as long-term coverage and trips can range from three months to three years. Coverage is available to individuals, his or her spouse, and their unmarried dependent children up to 18 years in age.

International Group Medical (blanket policy) A highly customizable international medical insurance plan for your business International travel and even relocation have become common for many businesses and their employees, but multinational employers face unique risks. This blanket policy is ideal for multinational businesses, organizations, universities, and missionary groups sending their employees or members overseas. The policy is flexible and can be customized to meet your needs.

Travel Accident plans

High Limit Accident Insurance High limit accidental protection for international travelers Accident hazards are sufficiently unique to merit extra insurance protection in certain circumstances. This package provides from $500,000 to $20,000,000 in international accident benefits. Unlike medical policies, this protection is targeted compensation for specific losses of limb, sight, hearing or speech. It is intended for business and professional firms, educators and students, war correspondents and military families, tour groups participating in hazardous sporting activities.

Specialty plans

Corporate Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion Insurance An employer-focused plan to protect against financial losses due to employee kidnapping This employer plan protects against financial loss due to kidnapping, extortion, or ransom demands while providing crisis management support services. This is a highly focused plan useful for high-profile organizations whose employees handle large amounts of cash or work with sensitive information or technologies.

Screenshots of Global Underwiters Website

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Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review 2024

Jennifer Simonson

Mandy Sleight

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

Kara McGinley

Updated 5:55 a.m. UTC March 19, 2024

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HTH Worldwide

Top-scoring plan

Covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

Along with a couple of other policies, HTH’s TripProtector Classic offers generous layoff coverage. You’re eligible if you’ve been continuously employed for at least a year, with no waiting period.

• Preexisting conditions can be covered if you buy a TripProtector Classic plan within 14 days of your first trip deposit.
• Best-in-class financial default coverage after only a 10-day wait.
• Top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• TripProtector Classic doesn’t offer a “cancel for any reason” upgrade, but the pricier Preferred plan does.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

• 2,332 coverage details evaluated.
• 385 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact checking.

HTH Worldwide overview

Created under the Worldwide Insurance Services umbrella, HTH Worldwide provides travel insurance for both business and leisure travel. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company underwrites HTH Worldwide’s single-trip insurance plans. 

HTH Worldwide travel insurance plans

HTH Worldwide offers TripProtector plans that cover single domestic or international trips. In addition to travel protection and medical benefits, each plan includes non-insurance travel assistance such as a 24-hour emergency hotline service, destination health and security information and an online doctor search. 

HTH provides a 10-day “free look” period to give you the chance to look over your policy and cancel for a full refund if it doesn’t suit your needs. If you are not satisfied, return your policy within 10 days of receipt along with a letter indicating your reason for cancellation for a full refund (not available in NY or WA).

Economy 

HTH’s starter travel insurance plan offers basic coverages, including: 

• Emergency medical evacuation: $500,000.
• Emergency medical: $75,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement of eligible trip costs up to $5,000.
• Trip delay: $500 maximum (after an eight-hour delay and with a $100 per day limit).
• Trip interruption: 125% reimbursement of eligible trip costs.

While the Economy plan also covers baggage loss, baggage delay and missed connections, it does not include rental car damage coverage or a preexisting conditions waiver. It includes accidental death and dismemberment coverage for air only. 

TripProtector Classic 

The TripProtecor Classic plan includes everything in the Economy plan and increases the travel protection and travel medical benefits. This plan gets 3 stars in our rating of the best travel insurance companies .

• Emergency evacuation: $1 million.
• Emergency medical: $250,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement for eligible trip costs up to $25,000.
• Trip delay: $1,000 ($200 per day after a six-hour delay).
• Trip interruption: 150% reimbursement of eligible trip costs. 

The plan also includes a preexisting condition waiver if the insurance is purchased within 14 days of your first trip deposit, as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage of up to $25,000 per person. Like the Economy plan, lost and delayed baggage and missed connections coverage is also included. 

TripProtector Preferred 

The TripProtector Preferred plan offers enhanced coverage but is more expensive than the Classic and Economy plans. 

• Emergency medical: $500,000.
• Trip cancellation: 100% reimbursement of eligible trip costs up to $50,000.
• Trip delay: $2,000 ($200 per day after a six-hour delay).
• Trip interruption: 200% reimbursement of eligible trip costs.
• Optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR): 75% reimbursement for eligible trip costs.
• Pet medical expense: $250. 
• Rental car damage: $35,000.
• Accidental death and dismemberment: $50,000. 

Unlike the other two plans, the Preferred Benefits plan offers pet medical expense coverage, rental car damage coverage and optional cancel for any reason travel insurance coverage. You can get a preexisting conditions waiver if the travel insurance plan is purchased within 21 days of your first trip deposit. 

This plan also includes coverage for lost and delayed baggage and missed connections. 

What HTH travel insurance covers

HTH Worldwide’s three TripProtector plans include the following coverage:

• Travel medical insurance reimburses you for medical expenses like care, hospitalization, lab work and more if you get sick while on your trip. 
• Emergency medical evacuation covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate treatment center if you become seriously injured or ill while traveling and require immediate care. 
• Trip cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid, forfeited, nonrefundable trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
• Trip delay coverage reimburses reasonable extra expenses, such as meals, lodging and transportation, if your travels are delayed due to reasons like a flight being canceled due to severe weather.
• Trip interruption coverage reimburses you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses such as hotel nights and missed excursions if you need to end your trip early because of a reason listed in your policy, such as a child back home getting sick. 
• Baggage loss reimburses you for luggage and personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged during transit. 
• Baggage delay reimburses for expenses paid for items like toiletries and a change of clothes needed because of delayed baggage.

Each plan has coverage limits and time frames for when coverage kicks in (like six hours for baggage delay coverage). Be sure to read your policy to understand the limits and exclusions.

What HTH travel insurance doesn’t cover

All travel insurance plans have exclusions, or things the policy does not cover. 

Some examples of the emergency medical coverage exclusions in HTH Worldwide’s TripProtector Classic plan are:

• Accidental injury or sickness when traveling against the advice of a physician.
• Being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants (except when prescribed by a physician). 
• Cosmetic surgery (except as a result of an accident). 
• Dental treatment (except as the result of injury).
• Suicide, attempted suicide or any intentionally self-inflicted injury.
• Participation as an athlete in professional sports.
• Participation in adventure sports such as canoeing, kayaking, zip-lining, water skiing, camping, hiking, backpacking and sailing. 
• Pregnancy and childbirth (except for complications of pregnancy).

Additional policy add-ons

HTH Worldwide’s TripProtector Preferred plan offers optional upgrades including “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , pet medical coverage and rental car damage coverage (not available in every state).

“Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage

TripProtector Preferred policyholders have the option to purchase “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. This coverage reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments or deposits if you cancel your trip for any reason at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

To get CFAR coverage, you need to buy it within 21 days of your first trip deposit. This benefit is not available in New York or Washington. 

HTH Worldwide travel medical insurance 

HTH Worldwide offers two plans for travelers who want travel medical insurance for international trips. Both plans are available to United States residents who are 95 years old or younger. 

Single-trip option for travelers with primary health insurance

This short-term international medical plan was created for travelers who have primary health insurance but want extra coverage for traveling abroad. The maximum benefit amounts range from $50,000 to $1 million, and deductibles range from $0 to $500. There is no preexisting condition exclusion.

The plan covers 100% of the following:  

• Ambulatory surgical center.
• Anesthesia.
• Dental injury expenses ($500 maximum).
• Diagnostic X-rays and lab work.
• In-hospital doctor visits.
• In-patient medical emergency. 
• Office doctor visits.
• Outpatient prescription drugs.

The plan covers mental health emergencies as it would any other condition. The single-trip plan also includes common travel insurance coverages like medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, trip interruption, trip delay and lost and delayed baggage.

Single-trip option for travelers without primary health insurance

This plan is for those traveling abroad who do not have primary health insurance. Like the plan for travelers with primary health insurance, the benefits range from $50,000 to $1 million and deductibles range from $0 to $500. 

This plan covers 100% of the following:

• Dental injury expenses ($300 maximum).
• Diagnostic X-rays and lab work. 
• In-patient medical emergency.

Like the other, this plan also covers mental health emergencies as it would any other condition. However, this plan has a 180-day preexisting condition exclusion and only covers 50% of prescription drugs. 

Expat health insurance plans

HTH Worldwide also offers two international expatriate health insurance plans for people who live or work outside their home country: 

• Xplorer Premier: Administered through GeoBlue Insurance, this plan provides complete health insurance coverage that can be used anywhere in the world by individuals or families who intend to be outside their home country for at least three months a year. 
• Navigator: Also through GeoBlue, this is a health insurance plan specifically designed for crew, missionary or student travelers who plan to be outside their home country at least three months a year.

More travel insurance companies to compare

Here’s how insurers in our rating of the best travel insurance companies compare.

Methodology

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

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

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Preexisting medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover preexisting medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

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

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review FAQs

Yes, HTH Worldwide’s three TripProtector plans cover both domestic and international travel. 

The cost of a HTH Worldwide travel insurance plan varies depending on several factors such as the traveler’s age, trip cost, trip destination and type of coverage. For example, the cost of HTH Worldwide TripProtector Classic plan for a $3,000 trip for two 30-year-old travelers heading to Mexico for eight days would be about $116.

Yes, HTH Worldwide travel insurance plans include coverage for COVID-19 in its emergency medical coverage.

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

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

Jennifer Simonson covers everything from business to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her on Instagram at @storiestoldwell.

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

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.

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In this guide

Who underwrites the policies compared on finder.com.au?

How it all works, why does it concern me, save time by comparing underwriters first, do i make claims through my provider, the underwriter or someone else, ready to compare individual policies enter your trip details below.

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If you’re hunting for travel insurance, you will have noticed the huge range of policies out there. What you may not have noticed is that these policies are issued by a handful of insurers, who are also known as the underwriter. Knowing who underwrites your travel insurance policy is an important consideration when choosing your policy, as it may help you save time when you shop around.

Note: This information was last updated March 2024

At finder.com.au, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision. The table above will help you figure out who you are buying from and who you need to deal with if you have to make a claim circumstances or have an emergency.

• You purchase a policy. When you purchase a policy from an insurance provider or a travel insurance brand, you’ll need to pay a premium.
• Underwriter is paid . The premium goes to the underwriter of the policy.
• Provider takes a cut. The underwriter then pays a commission to the travel insurance provider or brand.

Joe shops online for travel insurance and decides 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance is suitable for his trip to Italy. Joe buys the policy and the premium he pays goes to Lloyd's, the underwriter of 1Cover travel insurance. Lloyd's then pays a portion of that premium to 1Cover as a commission for selling the travel insurance policy to Joe.

If something goes wrong on your holiday and you need to make a claim, you need to know that your travel insurance policy is backed by a reliable underwriter with a simple and efficient claims handling process. A reputable underwriter can ensure you don’t end up out of pocket for unexpected travel disasters and will also offer a 24/7 emergency hotline.

You’ll need to consider the following factors when choosing your underwriter and the service being offered:

• Reputation . You can gauge a company’s standing in the industry through recommendations from industry experts, online reviews and financial comparison websites.
• Experience with the Australian market. Consider how long the underwriter been issuing policies to Australians and if it has a good grasp of the ins and outs of the Australian insurance industry.
• The claims process. Consider what you need to do when you make a claim , how long it takes for claims to be processed, and whether the company has a good reputation for paying out claims.
• The emergency response team . Check to see if the underwriter runs a 24/7 emergency hotline that you can contact from anywhere in the world. An emergency response team that can help you find a doctor, a police station or whatever help you may need in a foreign country can be handy.
• The benefits. The benefits and limitations of a policy can usually be associated with the underwriter.
• The exclusions. Check if the underwriter excludes certain activities and incidents from its policies, such as participation in sports and adventure activities while on holiday. Cross-check that with another underwriter.

You can save time if you compare underwriters instead of insurance policies first. Policies issued by the same underwriter will generally be similar to one another, whereas you’re likely to find bigger differences between a policy issued by underwriter A and underwriter B. You can then look at different policies from the same underwriter to further refine your choice.

Who handles your claim will vary depending on:

• Your policy
• The type of claim

Read your product disclosure statement (PDS) for instructions on who you need to contact in the event of a claim.

Different policy, different process.

Columbus Direct Travel Insurance is underwritten by Lloyd’s, but you would need to make a claim for a stolen laptop with Columbus Direct. If you require medical treatment at a hospital overseas, you will need to contact its medical assistance provider, Specialty Group Ltd. On the other hand, if you have a 1Cover policy , you would direct any claim (regardless of its nature) to the underwriter, Allianz.

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Jessica Prasida

Jessica Prasida is a travel insurance expert for Finder. She lives and breathes travel, having worked as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel for over 4 years, then writing about travel insurance with Finder for another 5 years. Jess has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification.

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2 Responses

HI I am Australian on a holiday in Europe, 71 years old and have travel insurance for Europe with AXA. I decided on the spot to go to Cuba with friends for 8 days, leaving Frankfurt on 26 July. Not easy now to find travel insurance for that trip!!! I searched the web and asked AXA and others, all negative. I am sure some company will cover me but which one? Can you help. Thanks richard

Hi Richard,

Thanks for your inquiry.

Please note finder is a comparison and information service and not an insurer. We are not permitted to provide our users with personalized financial advice or product recommendations.

If you would like to compare policies from the travel insurance brands in our panel, please enter your travel details like destination, age and dates of the trip into the comparison form.

Once you have done you can click on ‘Go to site’ button to head over to the Insurer website.

Hope this information helped.

Cheers, Arnold

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Personal Finance

Best travel insurance companies for 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Planning to travel in 2024? You're not alone. According to the U.S Travel Association , a trade group, travel has bounced back after the pandemic, with Americans forecasted to spend a staggering $1.09 trillion on domestic and international travel this year. This surge, however, comes with its challenges, as travel costs have soared to unprecedented heights, fueled by increased demand and price inflation.

In this era of heightened travel expenses, safeguarding your journey is paramount. Enter travel insurance, a crucial shield against the uncertainties that may arise during your adventures. To help you navigate this crucial decision, we've compiled a list of the best travel insurance companies. Join us as we explore these top choices, ensuring your travels are not only memorable but also financially protected.

Compare the best travel insurance companies 2024

Our recommendations for the best travel insurance companies, best for adventure enthusiasts: travelex.

Travelex Travel Insurance

The Travelex “Basic” plan provides $15,000 of medical and $10,000 of trip cancellation coverage. These coverage amounts are lower than those offered by other companies in our review. However, higher limits are available by selecting the company’s “Select” plan.

Among its upgrade options, Travelex offers adventure sports coverage for those whose itinerary includes such adrenaline-rush activities as zip lining, skydiving, or mountain climbing. This coverage can be added to any Travelex plan.

It’s also worth noting that Travelex is one of the highest-rated travel insurance providers on Trustpilot , having earned 4.1 out of five stars (as of Feb. 14, 2024). One recent reviewer noted, "I've always been skeptical of trip insurance and all the promises of straightforward claim processes, but I was blown away with how responsive, simple, and logical the Travelex was. I decline all trip insurance for any travel booking I do now and only use Travelex. Cheaper, more efficient, less red tape. What's not to love?”

Best standard coverage package: Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance

‌ Generali Global Assistance is a European company with insurance services focusing on travel and identity protection. Its “Standard” plan for travel insurance provides $50,000 of medical expense coverage and trip cancellation coverage for 100% of the insured value.

The plan also includes travel delay, baggage damage, baggage delay, and missed connection coverage. Options such as rental car collision damage and upgrade plans allow you to travel with even more coverage.

Generali has 3.4 out of five stars with Trustpilot (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for “cancel for any reason” coverage: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Travel Insurance

Many American consumers may not immediately recognize AXA Travel Insurance , but the company is a multinational financial services giant headquartered in France. Its “Silver” plan—AXA’s entry-level travel insurance offering—includes coverage for $25,000 of emergency medical expenses and 100% of the insured trip cost if the trip is canceled. Additional coverages include trip delay, missed connection, medical evacuation, and baggage coverage.

The company’s “Platinum” plan provides “cancel for any reason” trip cancellation coverage. This means you can cancel your trip for any reason—personal, professional, medical, family, or other—and expect to receive reimbursement. This contrasts with standard trip cancellation coverage, in which the cancellation must be for one of the specific reasons stated in the policy contract. The “Platinum” plan also includes higher amounts of emergency medical expenses and other coverages.

AXA has 2.9 out of 5 stars in its Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for spontaneous travelers: AIG Travelguard

AIG Travel Guard

AIG is a leading global provider of insurance for both individuals and businesses. Its Travelguard “Essential” plan offers $15,000 of emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage for 100% of the insured cost of the trip. Higher coverage amounts are available with the company’s “Preferred” and “Deluxe” plans.

‌ AIG Travelguard also offers its unusual “Pack N’ Go” plan, designed for last-minute travelers who don't need trip cancellation coverage. This plan includes up to $1,000 of trip interruption and $25,000 of medical expense coverage, along with coverages for trip delays, missed connections, and lost luggage.

AIG promises quotes on its website in less than two minutes, making it easy to include Travelguard in your comparison shopping. Travelguard has 1.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot , though this is based on only 64 reviews (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for international travel: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance

Traveling outside of the U.S.? You’ll want to work with an insurer that offers not only robust coverage, but a variety of plans and options that can fit your needs. Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz Travel) is one such company.

Its “Basic” plan includes $10,000 of both trip interruption and emergency medical expense coverage. The company offers several plans with higher coverage, along with an “Emergency Medical” plan focused primarily on medical coverage. Allianz also offers several annual policy plans for those who intend to travel multiple times a year. And if you’re considering renting a car during your international trip, you can add an optional damage and theft coverage.

The company’s “OneTrip Prime” plan extends coverage for free to children under age 17 who are traveling with a parent or grandparent, making it ideal for international family vacations. Allianz claims the plan is its most popular, with up to $100,000 of trip cancellation and $50,000 of emergency medical coverage.

‌ Allianz earns 4.4 out of five stars in its Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024), including 75% five-star reviews.

Best for medical coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

Medical expense coverage is an important feature of travel insurance. This is especially true if you journey outside of the U.S., where your personal health insurance may not provide coverage.

‌ Seven Corners is an excellent choice for those seeking generous medical coverage in a travel insurance plan. Its Basic policy provides up to $100,000 of emergency medical expenses, which is more than any other plan in our review. It also provides up to $250,000 of coverage for emergency evacuation, which helps reimburse your costs of transportation to a qualified medical facility if you have a serious illness or injury during your trip.

‌ Seven Corners has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for luxury travel: Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway is one of the country’s largest companies (currently seventh on the Fortune 500). It’s also the parent company of auto insurance giant GEICO.

Berkshire Hathaway’s “ExactCare Value” policy plan includes $15,000 of medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage of 100% of the insured value of the trip. The plan also includes coverage for lost baggage, baggage delay, trip delay, and emergency evacuation.

Berkshire Hathaway offers a specialized insurance plan for luxury travel. This plan features higher medical and trip cancellation coverage limits, $2,500 worth of lost baggage coverage, $35,000 of car rental collision coverage, and 24/7 worldwide travel assistance.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance does not currently have a Trustpilot rating (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for cruises: Nationwide

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is one of the country's most recognizable insurance brands, with policies available for homes, cars, and businesses. The company also offers travel insurance.

Its “Single-trip Essential” travel insurance plan provides $75,000 in medical emergency coverage. This is the most coverage of any of the companies in our review. Nationwide’s $10,000 limit for trip cancellation is lower than that of other plans, however.

Higher limits are available with its “Prime” plan, along with a cancel-for-any-reason option that pays 75% of the insured trip cost. The plan also includes a variety of additional coverages, such as trip delay, baggage delay, emergency medical evacuation, and optional rental car coverage.

Nationwide also offers a separate, specialized travel insurance policy for those embarking on cruises . Besides expected coverages such as trip cancellation and emergency medical, it covers itinerary changes, mechanical breakdown, and missed connections.

Nationwide has earned 1.5 out of 5 stars in its Trustpilot rating, based on only 42 reviews (accessed Feb. 14, 2024).

Best for amateur athletes: Tin Leg

Tin Leg Travel Insurance

Tin Leg travel insurance policy plans are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway and other companies. Its “Economy” plan includes trip cancellation coverage at 100% of the insured cost and $20,000 of emergency medical coverage. The company offers a variety of additional travel insurance plans with varying levels of coverage.

If you’re traveling to participate in a sports event and bringing your expensive gear, Tin Leg could be a great choice. Its “Economy” plan includes coverage for loss of, or damage to, sporting equipment (such as a bicycle or skis). It also reimburses your event registration fees if your trip is canceled or interrupted.

Tin Leg has a Trustpilot rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars (accessed Feb. 14, 2024), though this is based on only 26 reviews.

Methodology

To develop our recommendations, we gathered information about several leading travel insurance providers from their websites and third-party reviews, where available. We focused on the range of essential coverages, including emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation coverage, along with the availability of 24/7 customer support during travel. Where it existed, we noted each company’s policy cancellation terms.

We reviewed the most economical plan for each company that included both medical and trip cancellation coverage. We also noted optional coverages and upgraded plans that provide higher levels of coverage or specialty coverages for niche travel.

Policy cost information is based on a party of two U.S. travelers, age 30, traveling to the United Kingdom for seven days, and a total trip cost of $6,000. Quotes were obtained on each company’s website.

This information is for comparison purposes only. Please verify policy details before purchasing.

How to select the best travel insurance company

Follow these tips to choose the best travel insurance company for your needs.

Determine your needs

Your travel insurance needs for a Caribbean cruise may differ significantly from those for a backpacking trip through the Swiss Alps. Your first step should be to outline your travel expense budget and list the activities in which you plan to participate (note that some policies include optional coverage for certain activities, such as adventure sports). Also, consider your health status, as some policies require you to pay extra for certain pre-existing health conditions.

Investigate your travel insurance options

Check if you might already have some travel insurance readily available to you. Some credit card companies offer coverage if you use their card to pay for your trip. Coverage may also be available from a tour operator or an airline. You can also get recommendations from a travel agent or an independent insurance agent.

Compare available features and coverage amounts

You'll discover that each travel insurance provider offers varying levels of standard coverage, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical expense, along with optional coverages. They typically also offer multiple plans (think "good," "better," and "best"). Review these and select a few providers that offer the coverages you need.

Get quotes from multiple companies

As with any other type of insurance, travel insurance costs vary among companies. Check with at least three or four to ensure that you're getting the coverage you want at a price you can afford.

Time STAMP: Travel is more expensive than ever. Protect your trip with travel insurance

Business and pleasure travel alike have bounced back from the pandemic. However, traveling has also become much more expensive, thanks to inflation and increased demand. If you plan to head to some far-off destination—whether by air, road, rail, or ship—consider buying travel insurance. A policy reimburses covered medical costs, trip interruption, and other snags that may befall your trip.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How is your travel insurance cost determined.

Your travel insurance cost will vary based on the amount of coverage purchased, the number of travelers, the age of the travelers, and your trip destination. Travel insurance costs also vary by insurance company, underscoring the need to shop around for coverage.

Which travel insurance coverages are available?

Travel insurance policies typically include the following coverages.

• Emergency medical expenses . This helps cover the cost of care if you or anyone insured by the policy has a medical emergency during your trip.
• Trip cancellation . This covers the cost of your trip if it's canceled due to one of the reasons listed on the policy contract. You may also have an option for "cancel for any reason," which provides coverage if the trip is canceled, regardless of the reason why.
• Trip interruption . This covers costs related to a shortening of your trip. These costs might include reimbursement of prepaid hotel bookings, airline change fees, or extra accommodations needed during your trip home.
• Emergency medical transport . This covers the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility if you have a medical emergency during your travel.
• Luggage damage . This provides coverage if your luggage is damaged or lost during travel.
• Travel delay . This covers costs associated with a significant delay to your travel, including additional accommodations and meals.

I’m concerned about getting sick while traveling. What insurance should I look for?

If you’re concerned about getting sick, be sure to choose a policy that includes coverages such as emergency medical (which helps pay for your medical expenses) and emergency medical transport (which helps pay for transportation to a hospital).

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Travel insurance is worth considering for a cruise. As insurer Allianz notes, a policy can help you recoup costs if you need to cancel at the last minute, have a medical emergency while on board or at a stop (regular health insurance may not provide coverage outside of the U.S.), or if you miss the ship all together due to a delay by your airline.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

If you’re planning to take multiple trips in a single year, you might want to consider multi-trip insurance (also called “annual” travel insurance). This type of policy typically provides trip interruption, emergency medical expense, trip delay, and other coverages at a price that’s less than buying a policy for each trip.

How do I file a travel insurance claim?

If you need to file a travel insurance claim, call the insurance company. Each company has its own process for claim filing. You'll want to be sure you have the proper claim forms and understand what supporting documentation the company requires. Be sure to follow the company's instructions for submitting your claim request.

How long does it take for a travel insurance claim to be paid?

It can take several weeks for a travel insurance claim to be paid. Be sure to watch for any follow-up requests from your insurer (such as requests for additional documentation) and respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Does my credit card offer travel insurance?

Some credit cards do offer varying levels of travel insurance, including trip interruption, medical expense, trip delay, and emergency evacuation coverage. Check your credit card terms and conditions or benefits statement to understand what coverage may be provided.

The card_name card offers one of the best portfolios of travel insurance benefits, including $100,000 of emergency transportation coverage, $2,500 of emergency medical and dental coverage, and up to $20,000 of trip interruption coverage.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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Travel and health insurance underwriting: best practice makes perfect

Contending with the challenges created by the covid-19 pandemic, in tandem with ever-changing consumer needs, travel and health insurance underwriters must draw on all their skills to maintain profitability while ensuring fair value for customers. experts reflect on underwriting best practice .

At the heart of the insurance industry is where you’ll find the underwriting process. Whether in health or travel insurance, part of the remit of the underwriter is assessing the information at hand and analysing risk.

Historical data is combined with expert judgement to evaluate an evolving set of risks, but with the nature of risk changing and becoming more complex, insurance underwriting must adapt. The unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the relevance of historical data, which in turn impacts the accuracy with which future trends and exposures can be predicted.

“With so much change in the industry, it’s difficult to base any underwriting activity on data we garnered pre-Covid-19. Much of that data has become largely redundant,” Jochen Heinemann, Head of Underwriting Europe for Travel, Allianz Partners, told ITIJ.

The underwriter is aiming to achieve the perfect balance between offering coverage that is attractive to the consumer and profitable for the insurer. “It’s important that underwriters have the skills to drive profitable business while also ensuring fair value for customers,” said Dipesh Patel, Senior Travel Underwriter at Allianz Partners. “It’s important that there’s a balance between both – the customer has to be placed at the heart of the policy and it needs to be fair for them.”

What do consumers want? Great value policies, policy benefits such as flexibility and, of course, cover that gives them peace of mind. Working to improve the customer experience and enhance efficiency and decision making throughout the underwriting process, against the backdrop of shifting consumer expectations and evolving risks, is no easy feat, but travel and health insurance underwriters are doing just this.

Overcoming underwriting challenges post-pandemic Underwriting involves assessing the likelihood of an event occurring and the potential financial impact of such an event. Nobody could have predicted the Covid-19 pandemic and the dire repercussions, financial or otherwise, and there is no denying that it disrupted risk analysis. Richard Bader, CEO of ERGO Reiseversicherung, detailed the impact of the pandemic on risk models. “Performance is predictable and stable when underlying insurance assumptions remain largely unchanged such as composition of insured business, consistency of trends over the years and external macro-economic factors,” he said. “Travel insurance during the ‘Covid years’ was particularly challenging, where these core assumptions went through material changes, meaning credibility of risk models reduced considerably.”

With so much change in the industry, it’s difficult to base any underwriting activity on data we garnered pre-Covid-19. Much of that data has become largely redundant

Heinemann shared his thoughts on how the pandemic has changed consumer behaviour: “The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered how we approach underwriting within the travel and health insurance business. The manner in which travel and booking behaviour has changed is perhaps the most obvious challenge today. Interest in destinations associated with high medical costs, such as the US and Mexico, has fluctuated dramatically. Travellers are also booking their trips at shorter notice than before the pandemic.”

Heinemann also pointed out how the improved flexibility of airlines post-pandemic has led to fewer trip cancellations. “Since the pandemic, airlines have been showing greater flexibility regarding rebookings, and we have seen fewer claims for trip cancellation. But there is no guarantee that airlines will not return to their older policies, meaning that we will need to continue to monitor our underwriting and pricing activity carefully,” said Heinemann. There is no room for the underwriting industry to rest on its laurels as external factors, such as airline policies, never remain static.

Patel agreed that the environment is more challenging in the wake of the pandemic. “While Covid is now treated like any other medical condition, when new variants arise it’s important to see what impact they will have and whether it has an impact on pricing and cover,” he stated. “It’s also true to say that there is a changing cost base postpandemic, particularly in US hospital costs.”

Bader also commented on the impact of the pandemic, short- and long-term, on health insurance: “In health insurance, lockdown meant reduced engagement between medical services and customers with medical conditions. This in return has meant medical declarations perhaps aren’t as accurate as they have been in the past, which has a knock-on effect on underwriting, pricing, claims etc. Similar to travel, health has also needed to expand qualitative analysis to ensure evolving and emerging risks are being identified and quantified.”

Detlef Gastner, Corporate Underwriter and Product Manager at Foyer Global Health, is another industry expert who shared his thoughts on the challenges facing health insurance underwriting since the shockwaves of the pandemic. “During the lockdowns, the consumption of health services was massively reduced. In the following periods this was compensated,” he said. “These facts have to be taken into account while projecting customer needs into the future. Generally it is becoming more challenging to find proper and usable data to work on.”

An inflated sense of unpredictability In addition to the significant ongoing repercussions of the pandemic for travel and health insurance underwriting, there have been environmental issues to contend with for travel underwriting.

Since the pandemic, airlines have been showing greater flexibility regarding rebookings, and we have seen fewer claims for trip cancellation

“This summer we have experienced environmental challenges, which have had a considerable impact on travel,” pointed out Patel. “In Europe, for example, we’ve seen both wildfires and floods. We have to ensure we keep our customers informed of what compensation they are legally entitled to from their travel providers, as well as the cover that is available to them under their

insurance policy. If these weather patterns become the new norm, as underwriters we will have to take these disruptions into account when pricing the insurance policy and look at our products to ensure they meet any new client requirements.”

Research conducted in 2022 by GlobalData found that more than one-third of insurance industry insiders considered inflation to be the key challenge of that year and this has proven to be a difficulty for travel and health insurance underwriting, impacting on all claims expenses and affecting the profitability of underwriting. “As is the case in all other industries, insurance isn’t immune from the impact of inflation,” said Heinemann. “Trip cancellation became a common occurrence following the pandemic. That has since been replaced by actual inflation. But we have also seen an increase in costs for drugs, doctors, hospitals etc. that cannot be explained by inflation only. It means the future is becoming very difficult to predict for underwriting.”

Gastner agreed: “For the first time in this millennium we are facing massive global inflation. We can observe a changing behaviour in all our target groups, following the development of new working models, that has a massive impact on the mobility of our customers.”

Delving into how health insurance consumer behaviour is changing, Gastner said: “Customer requests for additional services such as support on mobile devices (e.g. e-doctors) is increasing and, as a result, we face an increasing requirement of a third-party service that has to be integrated or connected to the traditional coverage of health recovery benefits.”

Patel agreed that consumer needs are changing and flexibility is key for underwriters. “Customer needs are continuously evolving and it’s important that underwriters embrace flexibility in order to meet these needs,” he said. “One important tool is collaboration, which needs to take place across the organisation.”

One notable change in consumer behaviour, according to Bader, is a greater understanding of the importance of insurance. “Post lockdown, awareness of insurance and its benefits is heightened in society, meaning the propensity to buy insurance and to claim are greater than they have been previously,” he said.

“Increasing customer demand and awareness is accompanied by a strong regulatory push to evidence and ensure that insurance propositions are fair and just to the customer.”

Knowledge sharing is power With these shifting challenges and expectations, travel and health insurance underwriting must make sure that it is equipped with the necessary tools to succeed. Patel expanded on the crucial role of collaboration: “At Allianz Partners, we work closely with a number of teams: product innovation, claims, compliance and complaints teams. This ensures we have clarity of cover and that we understand our customers’ needs and expectations and how these are changing. Doing this means we can be confident the product provides fair value to our customers. We can then modify our policies to ensure they meet the needs of our target market.”

Heinemann agreed that the importance of collaboration can’t be overstated: “Insurance underwriters need access to a large network of key stakeholders and peers internally, such as claims handlers, as well as access to market and industry sources externally to be able to assess trends and developments.”

Customer needs are continuously evolving and it’s important that underwriters embrace flexibility in order to meet these needs

He also highlighted the importance of a global database containing centralised, accurate data: “While an underwriter may be working for a domestic travel insurance company, the business is still international. They therefore still need to have access to a harmonised international database with claims data from around the globe which can capture trip dates, destinations, suppliers etc.

For underwriters working for a global travel insurance company, such a database is even more of a necessity. Within this database, it’s also imperative that claims departments enter data accurately and promptly.”

An invaluable cog in the insurance machine Reflecting on the role of the insurance underwriter, Bader said that the position of the underwriter of today expands beyond profitability and portfolio responsibilities. “They need to regularly review internal and external benchmarks to understand customer sentiment and satisfaction. The ability to collate and analyse such information is crucial in product design and delivery that will capture the customer’s attention,” he stated. “Such continuous demand analysis will also help the underwriter understand how risk exposure for each insurance peril could transpire in the medium and long term. Underwriters also need to have a solid understanding of compliance and regulatory considerations and how to take relevant guidelines and policies and convert them into evidenceable and evolving processes.”

Underwriters are invaluable to the insurance industry, applying analytical skills to navigate complex processes. “Underwriters clearly bring a lot of value to insurance businesses in today’s landscape,” affirmed Heinemann. “They are familiar with advanced mathematical and analytical methods, exhibit analytical mindsets, and boast clear business acumen on a daily basis. They tend to come from different professional backgrounds, as opposed to through one specific career path, and usually undergo continuous professional development throughout their careers.

“In my personal experience, underwriters have a passion for lifelong learning that they bring to their day-to-day work. Within their line of work, the only certainty is change, so an analytical and business-orientated mindset is a prerequisite for success. Effective travel underwriters have many qualities: they are fantastic team players, meaning they can work with various internal stakeholders; they have an international mindset due to the nature of the business; they’re good decision makers; and they can anticipate trends and update pricing models as appropriate.”

Looking ahead, given the many continually changing factors within insurance, the role of the underwriter is one that must be willing to adapt and ready to continually evolve. “As with very many disciplines, it is unlikely that any role can afford to remain static,” said Bader.

Those who adapt to an evolving insurance landscape are likely to fare better than those who are reluctant to incorporate changing market practices and realities into their daily routine

He highlighted some of the most prevalent changes and the resulting need for adaptability: “Insurance is in a constant state of flux with changes in carrier capacity, reinsurance appetite, customer demands, explosion of data availability and waves of technology challengers. In the case of underwriters, as is the case with the wider insurance value chain, those who adapt to an evolving insurance landscape are likely to fare better than those who are reluctant to incorporate changing market practices and realities into their daily routines. A curious, dynamic and adaptable underwriter is highly likely to have the skills required to drive profitable business. Such personnel will be best placed to leverage changing data, modelling and technology practices, and have a good understanding of how to continuously incorporate said information streams into their disciplinary practices.”

Insurance Underwriter

Table of Contents

• What Does an Insurance Underwriter Do
• What Qualifications Does an Insurance Underwriter Need

Insurance Underwriter vs. Insurance Agent

As a crucial role within the insurance industry, an insurance underwriter analyzes risk profiles, screens applications, uses automated software to predict claims, and decides appropriate premiums. Insurance underwriters create the foundation for insurance companies to accurately price their premiums and appropriately calculate the potential loss associated with offering you coverage.

There are different types of underwriters, including personal lines underwriters, commercial lines underwriters, surplus lines underwriters, reinsurance underwriters, and medical underwriters, and each can specialize in different insurance products like property insurance , liability insurance , or life insurance .

What Does an Insurance Underwriter Do ?

An insurance underwriter is responsible for evaluating insurance applications and deciding whether to approve them. Underwriting is the essential insurance process of determining what premium a policyholder pays in exchange for coverage.

By using different software and tools, underwriters analyze each applicant and their level of risk to determine the possibility they’ll have a future loss, to set any terms and conditions that must be met before coverage is issued, and to decide an appropriate premium .

For example, when you apply for homeowners insurance, an underwriter analyzes all the information provided to them, including your application, your loss history, and a property inspection, to create a risk profile. They may consider factors such as:

• The age of your home
• The age of the roof
• The foundation type and structural materials
• The length of ownership
• How many claims you’ve previously filed
• Whether you have a dog, a pool, or a trampoline

Based on these details, the underwriter calculates how much risk is involved with insuring your home, how likely you will experience a loss, and how much premium should be charged.

Additionally, they may outline conditions you must adhere to in order to keep your policy in force. For example, if the inspection of your property shows that your front porch is falling apart, the underwriter may require you to fix the foundation to help avoid someone getting hurt and filing a lawsuit against you. Or, if there’s a hole in your roof, they may require you to make the necessary repairs to help avoid future damage.

Underwriters can also set coverage limitations specific to your case. In the same homeowners insurance example as above, if you use your detached garage to fix other people’s cars for a fee, the underwriter may approve your application for issuance but exclude any coverage for losses to the garage since it has a business exposure.

What Qualifications Does an Insurance Underwriter Need ?

A bachelor's degree is generally necessary to become an insurance underwriter. Most have a degree in business with an emphasis in finance, economics, math, or risk management and insurance.

Having an insurance certification such as the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification, or the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation may be required by some insurance companies.

Each program has different requirements for certification, with some designations available to new underwriters and others specifically for those with multiple years of experience. With certification, experienced underwriters can also advance in their careers and become senior underwriters and underwriting managers.

Both insurance underwriters and insurance agents help people obtain insurance coverage and work for their insurance companies, but there are some key differences.

Insurance underwriters specify the terms and costs associated with insurance policies by directly analyzing applicants and assigning risk categories. They are essentially the link between the insurer and the insurance agent. They aren’t legally required to be licensed, but many insurance companies require them to hold specific underwriting designations and certifications.

Insurance agents, on the other hand, are responsible for selling the policies and managing their clients’ accounts. While they should know how to evaluate their clients’ risks to customize insurance plans and make proper coverage recommendations, they do not analyze risks to set premiums.

There are two types of insurance agents: captive agents that work for and are employees of one insurance company and independent agents that represent multiple companies. Agents must be licensed in the states in which they work and hold different licenses for each type of insurance they sell.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News 360 Reviews 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.

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Travel Insurance Saver Review

Published: Apr 11, 2023, 2:21pm

Travel Insurance Saver is a comprehensive travel insurance offering for Australians, especially those looking for medical cover. Its unlimited medical cover includes dental and COVID-19 cover, which makes the policy standout from competitors. With no maximum age limit, the policy could be well-suited to elderly travellers who may be more prone to accidents.

Related: Best Travel Insurance Providers for Australians

• No maximum age limit
• Unlimited medical cover that includes dental and COVID-19 medical expenses
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance team
• Low customer reviews
• Lost luggage only covered to $10,000
• 10% discount is only available to NIB members

Table of Contents

About travel insurance saver, what is covered, does it cover me for covid-19, what about pregnancy, what about sports and activities, customer service, who should take out this insurance.

Travel Insurance Saver is a travel insurance company underwritten by NIB, offering Australians both domestic and international travel insurance policies. The company is an authorised representative of NIB Travel Services (Australia).

While the specific Travel Insurance Saver plan has not been reviewed by customers on ProductReview, underwriter NIB Travel Insurance has received an average star ranking of 1.3 stars out of 5 from 75 reviews.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

The Travel Insurance Saver travel insurance policy is available to all ages, with no maximum age limit for taking out coverage. Accompanying children are also automatically covered along with the policyholder up to 25 years of age, provided they are working less than 30 hours per week and are travelling with you for the entire trip.

Personal liability up to $1 million is covered on the plan, alongside credit card fraud up to $3,000. Cancellations are also covered with the amount chosen by the customer when taking out the policy.

While the Travel Insurance Saver policy doesn’t provide cover for missed connecting flights, it does provide cover if you miss a connection en route to a special event. That cover is up to $2,000 which can be used for additional transport to get to your special event on time.

Lost luggage

Yes, lost luggage is covered by the Travel Insurance Saver travel insurance policy. The maximum claim is up to $10,000, and a sub limit applies of $4,000 for one item.

Travel Insurance Saver covers unlimited overseas medical expenses, including certain Covid-19 cover (as explained below) and some pre-existing medical conditions.

There are 40 pre-existing conditions that are automatically covered–provided certain criteria are met–with the conditions including epilepsy, sleep apnoea, iron deficiency and many more.

Other conditions require medical assessment to determine if cover can be offered, which would also be at an additional cost to the travel insurance premium.

Is Dental Cover Included in Medical?

Yes, the Travel Insurance Saver travel insurance policy includes emergency dental expenses within its unlimited medical cover. For dental expenses due to sudden and acute pain cover is offered up to the value of $1,000.

Related: Guide to Understanding Travel Insurance

Yes, medical expenses required as a result of Covid-19 are covered under the unlimited overseas medical cover. Some additional expenses are also covered if you are diagnosed while overseas and are required to isolate, This may include accommodation expenses.

Cancellations are also covered due to contracting Covid-19.

Related: Travel Insurance and Covid: Are You Covered?

Pregnancy is covered up until week 26. However, pregnancy-related illnesses are treated like pre-existing medical conditions, meaning customers need to apply and meet certain criteria in order to receive cover.

Travel Insurance Saver doesn’t specify which activities it covers, as its website claims that generally, most activities are. There are some specific activities that are excluded, which are:

• Racing (except on foot)
• Mountaineering using support ropes
• Paragliding
• Rock climbing
• Base jumping
• Running with the bulls

There are some activities which are only covered pending certain conditions, too. This includes diving, which is only covered if you hold an open water licence or if you are diving under the supervision of a licensed instructor.

Motorcycle riding is also only covered if the motorbike is under 250 CC, you are wearing a helmet and you hold a full licence in both Australia and the destination country.

In terms of snow sports, there is an option to add the snow cover extra onto your policy. The snow sports that are covered by this add-on are snow skiing and snowboarding on and off piste, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, tobogganing; cross-country skiing, and telemark skiing.

Travel Insurance Saver has a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team available to provide help to customers worldwide, helping policyholders in the event of an emergency including to liaise on their behalf with the in-house medical team.

Along with the 24/7 emergency line, there is another phone line for non-urgent enquiries which is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:00pm.

Travel Insurance Saver also has a customer service email and an online contact form. Plus, if you need to make a claim, you can do so online–anywhere, at any time.

Due to its unlimited medical cover and lack of age limit, Travel Insurance Saver may be most suitable to older travellers who are at higher risks of accidents and more prone to contracting illnesses. It also has great cover for Covid-19-related medical needs, including the cancellation of a trip due to contracting the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who underwrites travel insurance saver.

Travel Insurance Saver is underwritten by NIB. The company is part of NIB’s travel insurance business, with all policies from Travel Insurance Saver underwritten by NIB.

Is there a Travel Insurance Saver discount code?

At the time of writing, there is no Travel Insurance Saver discount code available to the general public. However, there is a 10% discount available to existing NIB customers.

Where can I find the Travel Insurance Saver PDS?

The Travel Insurance Saver PDS can be found on the NIB website here .

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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