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Protection worldwide with Zurich Relax Assistance travel insurance

This is what it's about: Zurich Relax Assistance travel insurance

Overview of packages, case study 1: trip postponed due to illness.

Jasmin has booked a flight to Lima for herself and her whole family. However, due to a positive PCR test, the family cannot take their flight to Peru as planned. They have to postpone the departure for a fortnight because of COVID-19.

Fortunately, Jasmin has taken out the "Cancellation costs" package for herself and her family. This allows Jasmin to change her flight at no extra cost. Even the hotels they had already booked can be updated to the new dates at no extra cost. 

"Cancellation costs": We pay the costs incurred if you do not start a booked trip or start it late. You can read which events are insured in our insurance conditions. We will also refund the price of your ticket if the airline has to file for insolvency and can no longer operate the flights. 

Case study 2: Serious accident during the journey

Four weeks after his arrival in Vietnam, Patrick has an accident on a scooter. He suffers several fractures and needs to be operated on in a clinic in Hanoi. After his condition has stabilized, he is flown back to Switzerland for further treatment. Since Patrick has taken out the "Basic" package, he does not have to worry about financial matters. He can focus completely on his recovery. This is because the package includes the following services in addition to "Cancellation costs" cover:

"Travel insurance" : We will take care of your return journey if you are forced to cut short your trip due to a serious accident or illness.

"Alternative travel": Are the required treatment options not available locally? If you need to return home for medical reasons, we will cover the cost of arrangements you paid for before the trip.

Case study 3: Luggage arrives late

Tina and Sofia have been standing at the luggage conveyor belt at Porto airport for over an hour. There's no sign of Tina's backpack. An airport employee finally gives them the bad news that the backpack was mistakenly flown to Rio de Janeiro. Tina is forced to buy new clothes and toiletries for the next few days. Although this annoys her, she is not worried because she has included "Luggage and luggage delays" cover in her basic insurance policy.

"Luggage and luggage delays" : If your luggage arrives late, you can buy the necessary replacement items for a certain amount. If your luggage or a specific item is stolen, we will cover the costs. We will also pay if your luggage is damaged or destroyed. 

Case study 4: Accident prevents ongoing travel

Fabian and Luca wanted to drive their own car from Switzerland to a neighboring country. Shortly after the two cross the border into Italy, they collide with another vehicle. Fabian and Luca's car suffers a total loss and has to be towed away. Fortunately, all those involved are uninjured. Unfortunately, the driver of the other vehicle claims that the two boys caused the accident because they ran a stop sign. However, this is not true. Fortunately, the two have taken out "Basic and roadside assistance and legal protection" insurance. This includes the following coverage in addition to the basic cover:

"Roadside assistance" : We organize immediate measures if your vehicle stops due to a breakdown or other damage. We offer a towing service and have your vehicle taken to the nearest garage. To get you back on the road quickly, we will also take care of a replacement vehicle or another alternative. 

"International travel legal protection" : We cover the costs of criminal proceedings if you are accused of something, even though you are innocent.

How much protection do you need?

More articles.

A Complete Travel Guide to Zürich – Insider Tips & Map

Traveling to Zürich? This travel guide will give you all the information you need. From what to see and do to where to eat, where to stay, plus a lot of practical travel tips.

Whilst Zürich is almost too small to be considered a city by any other country’s standards, don’t be fooled – there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

In fact, this is the case for most Swiss cities and in many ways adds to their charm.

This complete travel guide to Zürich will take you from one end of the city to the other, highlighting some of the most popular spots and also a few of my own personal favorites.

The first piece of advice I could give anyone going on a trip to Zürich is simple: don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path!

Traveling to Zürich – Everything You Need to Know

Sights to see in zürich, 1. the main event: grossmünster*.

No postcard or picture of Zürich would be complete without the Grossmünster towers standing proudly in the background.

The inside of this church is somewhat understated, but climb to the top of the towers and you won’t be disappointed by the spectacular views.

2. Fraumünster*

Fraumünster is a smaller church with a rich history and an ancient crypt museum.

It is set on the edge of the lively Münsterhof square.

3. Lake Zürich

Zürich wouldn’t be a Swiss city without a lake.

And with boat trips, a Chinese garden, and plenty of cafés to choose from, Lake Zürich has a lot to offer at any time of year.

4. Lindenhof Hill

The perfect place to escape from city life and get some quiet time , Lindenhof Hill is my favorite spot in Zürich.

It also offers you some prime photo opportunities (you guessed it, of those lovely Grossmünster towers) or the chance to simply watch the world go by.

5. Niederdorf

Cross over the Limmat River on your way down from Lindenhof and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the old town – Niederdorf.

Lined with eateries, bars and shops , Niederdorf is a lovely place to wander through and take in the atmosphere.

Tip: some eateries and bars open on Sundays but not all. Check them on Google maps for opening hours.

6. Bellevue / Zürich Opera House

Once you reach the end of Niederdorf, you’ll be met with a sea of people and traffic.

Bellevueplatz is home to many businesses, cafés, and the best part: the Opera House.

If the magnificent façade of the Opera House sparks your interest, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour to see where the magic happens.

7. Book a Tour of Zürich

if you really want to get to know the city one of my best tips is to book a tour.

There is this great city tour that includes a cruise and a visit to the Lindt chocolate museum for some delicious chocolate tasting!

Or, if you’d rather not join a group tour, this private tour around Zürich in a tuk-tuk is a lot of fun!

8. Üetliberg

A short train journey from the main train station (around 25 minutes) will take you on an adventure to Zürich’s very own mountain.

Although it’s nowhere near as impressive as the other mountains Switzerland has to offer , you won’t be disappointed by the views from the top of Üetliberg.

Best Cafés in Zurich

There aren’t too many places to grab a coffee – Zürich definitely has more bars than cafés. But the cafés that they do have are well worth a visit.

1. Babu’s*

This is my all-time favorite café . A big claim, I know, but after your first visit, you’ll see why.

Babu’s caters for your on-the-go working breakfast to your after-work apéro – and everything in between.

The place itself is always packed, so if you do have your heart set on trying it out, make a reservation!

2. Café des Amis*

A little piece of Paris in the heart of Zürich.

Café des Amis is particularly famous for its weekend brunch, which ranges from traditional French pastries, bread, and Swiss cheese to a lighter birchermüesli.

The cafe is only a short tram journey from the main station.

3. Café & Conditorei 1842*

Set in the heart of Niederdorf, Conditorei 1842 is about as idyllic as a café can be.

It opened in 1842, hence the name.

Stepping into the café for the first time is like being transported back in time ; velvet curtains, a grand piano, and the most delicious cakes make for a very grand afternoon.

Best Restaurants in Zürich

1. Zeughauskeller*

This restaurant was formally a storage place for weapons, and legend has it the crossbow of national hero William Tell was once stored here.

Zeughauskeller is a must-visit for any tourist visiting Zürich (and for many locals).

The restaurant offers traditional Swiss food, and dining here is more of an experience than just a meal out!

A bit of a claim to fame for the city, Hiltl is credited as the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

Service is a ‘help yourself’ affair and you can enjoy rooftop views from the Dachterrasse branch!

If you fancy something a bit more exotic than traditional Swiss delicacies, Saigon is the place to be.

The restaurant itself is small and minimalist and the selection of Vietnamese food on offer is delicious –it does fill up quickly so time your visit well!

Tip: if you love fondue and wine, check out this Fondue & Wine Tuk-Tuk Tour . A unique way to experience Zürich!

Best Bars in Zürich

1. Raygrodski

Potentially the most hipster bar to ever exist.

There is something captivating about the atmosphere in Raygrodski, even if you can’t really hear yourself think.

The extensive cocktail list strays from the classics in favor of creative mixes and presentations.

If you have your heart set on visiting this bar at the weekend, reserve a table – it WILL be busy!

2. Jules Verne Panorama Bar*

This bar really is something special.

Boasting a panoramic view of the city and almost too many drinks to choose from, this is the perfect place to go for celebratory drinks and a must-see for tourists traveling to Zürich.

As a result of its reputation, it is a bit pricey… but well worth it.

3. Frau Gerolds Garten

At first glance, you might mistake Frau Gerolds for a scrap yard that someone has tried to dress up with fairy lights.

In theory, you wouldn’t be completely wrong. But once you step through the gate you’ll be fascinated by the wonderland that awaits you.

From the popup stores and outdoor bars to the quirky terrace with views over Hardbrücke, this place is certainly something special.

Museums in Zürich

A visit to one of Zürich’s many museums could just turn that boring rainy day around. Here are my top 3:

1. Landesmuseum*

The Swiss National Museum where you can learn all about Swiss history and traditions. The museum is closed on Mondays.

2. FIFA Museum*

One for the football fans – includes a detailed history of football as well as classic memorabilia. The museum is closed on Mondays.

3. Kunsthaus Zürich*

This art museum plays host to one of the most important art collections in Zürich. With a little bit of everything, it’s sure to please every art enthusiast. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Shopping in Zürich

Zürich might not be the first place you think of for a shopping spree, but it is home to one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets: Bahnhofstrasse.

The street is a designer lover’s dream; lined with shops including Cartier, Tiffany’s and Chanel, but also with more affordable shops including Zara and H&M.

Where to Stay in Zürich

If you are only traveling to Zürich for a few days I’d recommend staying in the city center.

Two popular hotels in the center of Zürich are citizenM and Hotel Schweizerhof . Both are good 4-star hotels that you can easily reach from the train station.

But, for a small city, Zürich has a good selection of hotels, plus a few guesthouses and hostels.

I would recommend using Booking.com to find a place to stay in Zürich.

Practical Tips for Visiting Zürich

1. travel passes.

The Zuri Pass gives you free travel on buses and trams in central Zürich.

For those of you who fancy exploring the rest of Switzerland, pick up a Swiss Pass (available for various lengths of time) and enjoy unlimited travel around the country. The only thing you may have to add is a supplement for cable cars to explore the mountaintops.

2. Money Money Money

The rumors are true: Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world.

Don’t come here expecting a cheap city break to Zurich – that’s not what this part of the world is about. It’s all about the experience.

3. Sundays in Zurich

Like in a lot of European countries, Sunday is a family day in Switzerland.

In Zürich (and in most other cities/towns in Switzerland) almost everything is closed on Sunday.

But, shops and restaurants in train stations and airports as well as the places marked above with an * will remain open.

4. Swiss German

Brushing up the German you learned in school/uni will only get you so far in Switzerland.

The famous Schwiizerdütsch (Swiss German) is far from easy to learn or understand and also varies between Cantons.

Luckily, most locals also speak High German and English, so there shouldn’t be too much pointing and miming!

I hope you found this guide to Zürich helpful and have a great trip!

• 10 Places to Visit for the Best Views in Switzerland
• Interview With an Expat About Life in Zürich
• 4 Lesser-Visited European Capitals Worth Traveling to
• How to Plan a Perfect Trip

A Complete Travel Guide to Zürich on a Map

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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 .

Zürich Card – Your City Travel Pass

The zürich card offers urban explorers numerous discounts and benefits..

Besides unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation (tram, bus, train, boat, funicular, and cable car) in the city of Zurich and surrounding region, the Zürich Card offers numerous other discounts – including culinary surprises, free admission to museums, discounts in Zurich stores, and more.

* Up to the day before their 16th birthday; children under 6 years of age are free.

** Purchase only via the Zürich City Guide app. In order to use the Zürich Card Bike, you need to install the  PubliBike app . Only one code can be used per app and smartphone to unlock one specific bike. For persons aged 16 years and over.

Buy Online Now

Explore the City in an Even More Flexible Way – With the Zürich Card Bike

• The same discounts as with the Zürich Card
• Bike rental for 24 or 72 hours
• Choice between a classic bicycle or an e-bike
• In cooperation with PubliBike, the national bike-sharing system

Unlimited Travel on Public Transportation

For a period of 24 or 72 hours, Zürich Card holders can enjoy:  

• Unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation (tram, bus, train, boat, funicular, and cable car) in the city of Zurich and surrounding region 
• Transfer between the city and the airport 
• Trip up the Uetliberg 
• Includes mini lake cruises, short lake cruises, and Limmat river cruises 

How to Travel Through Zurich Free of Charge 

Reduced or Free Admission to These Museums

Many of Zurich’s museums offer Zürich Card holders free admission or grant price reductions for special exhibitions.

Cabaret Voltaire – The Birthplace of Dada

Free admission with the Zürich Card

Zurich City of Guilds

Kunsthalle Zurich

National Museum Zurich

Mühlerama – The Tireless Mill on Lake Zurich

Museum für Gestaltung

Museum Haus Konstruktiv

Pavillon Le Corbusier

Swiss Finance Museum

Museum Strauhof

Tram Museum Zurich

Beyer Clock and Watch Museum

North America Native Museum

Museum Rietberg

60% discount with the Zürich Card

Kulturama Museum of Mankind

50% discount with the Zürich Card

Musée Visionnaire

FIFA Museum

30% discount with the Zürich Card

Kunsthaus Zürich

20% discount with the Zürich Card

Lindt Home of Chocolate

10% discount with the Zürich Card

Save Money on Guided City Tours

Discover the trendy Zürich-West quarter from a culinary perspective, go on a journey back to bygone times in the Old Town, or allow yourself to be chauffeured through the city in an eTukTuk: Zürich Card holders can experience all this and more at attractive prices.

Me, My Zurich and You walking tour

Public Pub Crawl Tour Zurich

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Urania-Sternwarte – That Bit Closer to Heaven

25% discount with the Zürich Card

E-Bike Tour City

City Tour: Made in Zurich

City Tour Through Zurich by Bus

City Tour by eTukTuk

Züri Bar Quest - Scavenger Hunt Through Zurich's Bars

Zürich Food Tour

Cultural highlights.

Reduced admission at movie theaters, the Schauspielhaus, Tonhalle concert hall, casino, or Moods jazz club: with the Zürich Card, you can benefit from attractive special offers for a variety of cultural institutions.

Casino Zürich

Free admission (excluding special events) with the Zürich Card

Arthouse Cinemas Zurich

Houdini Kino/Cinema

Jazzclub Moods

Zurich Opera House

10% discount on admission to tickets up to CHF 100 (except for people's performances and third-party events) with the Zürich Card.

Riffraff Kino/Cinema

10% discount with the Zürich Card (excl. Mondays and special events)

Schauspielhaus Zürich: Pfauen

Schauspielhaus: Schiffbau

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich

10% discount on tickets of category I & II with the Zürich Card

Culinary Surprises in These Restaurants

In various restaurants throughout the city, Zürich Card holders ordering a main course are treated to a culinary surprise. Whether an aperitif, chocolates or a dessert – be prepared for a delicious surprise!

2 for 1 beer or glass of sparkling wine with the Zürich Card

RIBELLI Zürich

15% discount with the Zürich Card

Hiltl Vegimetzg

Houdini Bar

Riffraff Bar

Zürich Card: Culinary Surprise

Bierhalle Wolf

Brasserie Spirgarten

Sprüngli Boutique at Paradeplatz

Hiltl Pflanzbar

Panorama Restaurant Felsenegg

Restaurant Spitz

Swiss Chuchi – Hotel Adler

Zeughauskeller

8304 | Altes Feuerwehrgebäude

Experiences.

Zurich and region offer plenty of opportunity for fun, games and relaxation in the nature. With the Zürich Card, you can benefit from great discounts or even free admission for numerous family attractions.

Jungfraujoch

Zurich Airport – Observation Deck B

Zurich Wilderness Park Sihlwald

Dolder Outdoor Pool

Ice Skating at the Dolder Open-Air Ice Rink

Bruno Weber Park – a Fantasy Landscape With Art You Can Touch

Umwelt Arena Schweiz

WOW Outdoor City Rally

Zurich Zoo & Masoala Rainforest

Airport Fitness and Wellness

Mercure Zürich City Rooftop-SPA

Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich

10–20% discount in these stores.

Zurich offers a boundless choice of shopping facilities. With the Zürich Card, a shopping spree is even more enjoyable, for cardholders can benefit from 10% discount or more in selected local shops.

Berg und Tal Market Store

Franz Carl Weber

Globus, Bahnhofstrasse

Globus am Bellevue

Lindt Chocolate Shop, Kilchberg

Meng Cutlery

Schweizer Heimatwerk

Teddy’s Souvenir-Shop

Souvenirs at the Tourist Information Office

Further information on the zürich card.

This might also interest you

Zürich City Guide App

The practical app for Zurich, featuring an interactive city map, up-to-date tips, and a wealth of information.

Purchase Here

The Zürich Card is available at numerous points of sale in and around Zurich or in advance online.

Questions and Answers

The answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Zürich Card at a glance.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Zurich Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Neighborhoods to Explore

Top Things to Do

Best Museums

Guide to Lake Zurich

Day Trips From Zurich

Best Restaurants

Nightlife in Zurich

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the point of entry or departure for the majority of travelers visiting the country. It's also one of the great cities of Europe with history dating back to the Roman era as well as a preserved medieval old town, and important monuments and churches. Zurich also offers stunning scenery (both from viewpoints in the city and the surrounding mountains), Swiss and international cuisine, and museums showcasing rich culture and history. There's also palpable modernity in Zurich, as evidenced in its young, educated population and in new developments and urban reclamations like Europaallee and Zurich West .

Whether your travel tastes lean toward history, culture, or the outdoors, Zurich is a must-see city on your tour of Switzerland. Here's the info you need to plan your trip.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit:  The months of July and August see pleasantly warm weather and are the most popular months to visit. In late November and all of December, Christmas markets are open all over the city, and streets and buildings are strung with lights and decorations. In January and February, skiers use Zurich as a city base for outings to the surrounding mountain ski resorts, so the city can be crowded and pricey. Spring and fall are shoulder seasons, when the crowds are less dense and hotel prices are generally lower, but the weather can be especially rainy and overcast. Read more about the best time to visit Zurich and our guide to the weather and climate in Zurich.

Language: Zurich is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (the other part is French-speaking), so German is the official language of the city  . But the language you'll hear in Zurich is Zurich German, a local dialect of Swiss German. English is widely spoken, particularly among people in industries catering to tourists.

Currency:  The common currency in Zurich and the rest of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF)  . Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, so it does not use the euro as currency. While some stores and businesses will accept euros, they will give you change in francs. U.S. dollars are not accepted anywhere. Your best bet is to go to an ATM when you arrive in Zurich and withdraw some francs. Most businesses of any kind will let you pay with credit and debit cards, though you may find that American Express cards are less widely accepted.

Getting Around:  If you arrive to Zurich by train or plane, your first introduction to the city will be Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the busy main train station. From here, you can reach virtually any part of central Zurich by foot or via one of the numerous, frequent trams that ply the city. Zurich's comprehensive tram network is enhanced by a periphery network of buses and regional and cogwheel trains, as well as boats that cruise the Limmat River and Lake Zurich. There is no need for a rental car in Zurich unless you plan day trips to areas not reachable by public transport, plus you'll find parking in the city scarce and expensive. For more on getting around Zurich, read our guide to public transportation in the city.

Travel Tip:  Zurich's city center is compact and mostly flat. In the Altstadt (Old Town), many zones are pedestrian-only, making for pleasant walking, and people-watching from sidewalk cafes.

Things to Do

If you're spending a few days in Zurich, you'll want to spend your time taking in a few museums, exploring historic neighborhoods and enjoying the scenery along Lake Zurich and the Limmat River. Luxury fashion and accessory shopping draws tourists to Zurich, but there are also areas where you can find antiques and one-of-a-kind goods from local designers and artisans.

Here's a look at some of our favorite things to do in Zurich:

• Explore the Altstadt. The oldest and most characteristic neighborhood of Zurich, the Altstadt (Old Town) sits on both sides of the Limmat River and is home to medieval churches, public buildings, and historic guild-houses dating from the 12th to 19th centuries. Much of the area is pedestrian-only.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich. Commuter and tour boats sail the clear waters of Lake Zurich all year long, and a ride on this postcard-perfect lake is a must-do activity in Zurich. Boats are a fast, easy, and entirely pleasant way to access many easy day trips from Zurich .
• Head up to Uetliberg. At 2,850 feet above sea level   but just 30 minutes by tram from Zurich's main station, Uetliberg mountain is a favorite outdoor destination for Zurichers and visitors alike. There are family-friendly hiking trails, casual eateries, and terrific views of Zurich, the lake, and more distant mountain peaks.

For a more detailed look at activities in and around the city, check our guides to the top things to do in Zurich and the best neighborhoods in Zurich .

What to Eat and Drink

Cuisine in Zurich, as in the rest of Switzerland, is heavy on meat, cheese, potatoes, and bread. Must-try dishes include fondue , which is a blend of melted cheese, wine, and seasonings served hot and gooey. It's eaten with chunks of bread, small boiled potatoes, and other vegetables and served in a communal pot. Raclette is another Swiss favorite; it's a thick slice of grilled, melted cheese served with cured meat, potatoes and vegetables. Sausages of all varieties dominate restaurant menus in Zurich, and they're often served with rösti , a type of crispy potato pancake. Chocolate, of course, is a treasured treat in Switzerland, and you shouldn't leave Zurich without trying some high-quality offerings from a fancy chocolate shop. Zurich also has an international food scene, with plenty of great restaurants for Indian, Thai, and Chinese food.

Whether wine, beer, or coffee is your drink of choice, Zurich presents a multitude of options. The city's historic cafes, such as Odeon and Conditorei Schober , are ideal places to sip a coffee or tea, while in the summertime, outdoor beer gardens pop up along the lake and riverfront. The Swiss are justly proud of their wine—in Zurich, red Blauburgunder (Swiss German name for pinot noir), and aromatic whites such as Müller-Thurgau, Räuschling, and Completer are good choices for those wishing to sample a regional wine.

Where to Stay

As in most European cities, hotels in Zurich run the gamut from basic and (kind of) cheap to lavish and ultra-expensive. The city's poshest and priciest hotels are found in the Altstadt (Old Town), but even this area has some affordable options. Expensive hotels are also scattered along both sides of the lakefront, especially on the eastern Seefeld shoreline. For more of a modern city feel and generally lower prices, look west of the Altstadt to the area anchored by Europaalee and Langstrasse. The latter, once Zurich's red-light district, now has a lot of small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, plus the hip 25hours Hotel Zürich Langstrasse .

For more ideas on where to stay, check our guide to Zurich's best neighborhoods.

Getting There

You'll most likely arrive to Zurich by plane or train. Domestic, European, and international flights arrive to the modern and efficient Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich), located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the city center. A taxi from the airport into the city will cost between 40 Swiss francs and 60 Swiss francs, depending on traffic. It's faster, and much cheaper, to take one of the trains that leave roughly every three to five minutes for the 12-minute ride into the city. As you leave the arrivals area, just follow the signs for trains. Airport trains arrive to Zurich Hauptbahnhof Station (abbreviated Zurich HB), the city's main station. From there, you can catch a cab or tram, or walk to your final destination.

Most trains from other parts of Switzerland and Europe also arrive to Zurich HB—it's a huge transportation hub. Signs will direct you to station exits, where you'll find dozens of tram stops. Within the station, there's a shopping mall, restaurants, and transportation and tourist information offices.

Not only is a rental car not necessary in Zurich, it's ill-advised. Public parking spaces are hard to find and private parking—either at your hotel or a private lot—is very expensive. With the city's walkability and efficient tram system, a car is not needed. If you're driving to Zurich from outside the city, park your car and leave it parked during your stay in Zurich.

Culture and Customs

Visitors from the U.S. might find the people of Zurich and the rest of Switzerland a bit more formal and reserved than the American norm. You'll likely be better received at restaurants and theaters if you dress neatly and a little more professionally than you might typically for a vacation—shorts, T-shirts, and baseball caps are not the norm here, no matter how warm in it is. Avoid talking loudly on your cellphone or using the speakerphone mode when you're in public places, including trams.

Note that a service charge is almost always included at restaurants, so tipping is not required. However, if you were pleased with the service or if you were a particularly large party, it's nice to leave a tip of 5 to 10 percent.

Money-Saving Tips

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but there are a few ways you can save money here during your stay.

• Ride the trams. Instead of taking costly taxis, take advantage of Zurich's extensive tram network to get where you're going. A single tram ticket, good for one hour, costs 4.30 Swiss francs (about $4.50).
• Consider the Zurich card. The Zurich Card travel pass includes unlimited free travel on the city's network of trams, buses, boats, and regional trains.
• Pack a picnic. Avoid pricey restaurants by packing a picnic lunch or early dinner and enjoying it in one of the city's lakeside or riverside parks.
• Dine out at lunch. Restaurants in Zurich are expensive. But if you've got your heart set on a particular fine dining experience, you'll generally find lunchtime menu prices are lower than at dinnertime for the same food and ambiance.

The Federal Council. "The Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation, article 1" .

International Monetary Fund. "Switzerland." June 4, 2019.

Zuerich. " Uetliberg – Zurich's Very Own Mountain ."

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

11 Great Day Trips From Zurich

The Top 15 Things to Do in Zurich

One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

Switzerland Travel Guide

Getting Around Zürich: Guide to Public Transportation

The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Zurich

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from Paris to Colmar by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

How to Travel From Milan to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

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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.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

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.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

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...

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Zurich Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

The biggest of the Swiss cities, Zürich has a hopping nightlife and is filled with endless bars and restaurants. It’s a cosmopolitan city that’s bustling with activity. It’s also set on a beautiful lake near the mountains so you can also do a lot of nature-based activities when you visit.

While Zürich is known as a financial hub and business center, it’s also one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic Swiss cities. The city is very arty and full of street art and exhibitions. Zürich’s cultural scene includes theaters and opera, several well-known orchestras, and the Cabaret Voltaire.

The city also has a good number of festivals such as the Sechseläuten in April (which includes a procession and the ceremonial burning of a snowman), the Knabenschiessen in September (a sharpshooting contest for young people), the Fasnacht (Zürich Carnival) in late winter. There’s also the techno music Street Parade in August, which thousands of people come to.

In short, Zürich is a city with tons to see and do — no matter your interests.

While very expensive thanks to all the banks in the city, this travel guide to Zürich can help you visit the city on a budget and ensure you have a great time without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Zürich

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Zürich

1. Go hiking

Zürich has two mountains that offer good views and even better hikes: Zürichberg to the East and Uetliberg to the West. Zürichberg is busier but Uetliberg has better mountain-biking trails. Start with the Planet Trail on Uetilberg for an easy two-hour trek. It takes 20 minutes to get there by train/tram.

2. Visit the National Museum

This museum offers a detailed look into the history of the country. The exhibits are comprehensive and it has a number of both permanent collections and temporary ones. A new archaeological section was opened in 2016 as well. Admission is 10 CHF.

3. See the City Gardens of Stadt Gaertnerei

This small botanical garden is home to some 250,000 plants that are used in public flowerbeds around Zürich. It’s also home to 17 different species of tropical birds, including toucans. It has rotating exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, and every Wednesday there’s an informational talk about plant life.

4. Catch the Street Parade

This is currently the biggest open-air techno rave in Europe. It happens on the second Saturday of August during which time trucks functioning as mobile sound systems start driving along the lakeside. Every year, this event attracts nearly a million visitors who dance carefree in the streets.

5. Walk around the Old Town

Located on both sides of the Limmat River, the Old Town is filled with guild houses and historic churches. Stop to eat at one of many restaurants or have a drink at a variety of pubs, or walk around tasting the city’s unique cheese and chocolates. Be sure to try the truffles at Confiserie Honold too.

Other Things to See and Do in Zürich

1. taste swiss chocolate.

Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate. To do a deep dive into this cultural staple, try a food tour. Sweet Zürich Tour organizes tours that focus on chocolate and its 200-year-old tradition in Switzerland. You’ll get to taste lots of chocolates, uniquely flavored truffles, bars, ice cream, and hot chocolate all while you learn about the chocolate trends of Zürich. Their small tours (2-10 people) take around 2.5 hours and cost CHF 85.

2. Explore Zürich’s vibrant nightlife

Zürich may be a relaxing city during the day, but at night it comes alive with over 500 nightlife venues including pubs, restaurants, music halls. With no open-container laws in Zürich, you can start your night with cheap drinks on the Limmat riverfront before moving to the bars and clubs. When you are ready to hit the town, head to Neiderdorf in the Old Town or Langstrasse just nearby for some of the best clubs and bars in Zürich. Cinchona Bar and Olé-Olé-Bar are two fun options.

3. Eat in the dark at Blindekuh Zürich

At the restaurant Blindekuh (which means “Blind Man’s Bluff” in German) you eat in the dark. Founded in 1999, this restaurant became the first dark restaurant to employ visually impaired staff in the world. Eat with only 4 out of 5 senses here and have a culinary adventure. It’s unlike any other dining experience out there. Expect to pay around 75 CHF for a three-course meal.

4. Walk the lake promenade

The Lake Zürich promenade was created around 1800 and stretches around the entire lake. From Bellevue, the boardwalk runs for about 3 kilometers (2 miles) along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen, and is always busy with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters. About halfway, at Bürkliplatz, there’s a peaceful meadow for relaxing on a sunny day, as well as an outlook terrace. If you’d rather mingle with the locals, pause and chat with some of the jewelry sellers or street artists who dot the promenade.

5. Go skiing

Flumserberg is the nearest large ski-resort to the city. A day pass costs around 69 CHF, but there are reduced passes available (as low as 39 CHF) if you go later in the day. There are other nearby ski resorts too, like Sattel-Hochstuckli and Amden, both of which can be reached in under an hour by car. There are also lots of cross-country skiing options nearby too, including Zurgerberg, Bachtel, and Rothenthurm. You can rent cross-country skis and boots for around 110 CHF per day.

6. Visit the Beyer Zürich Clock & Watch Museum

Switzerland is famous for its watchmaking. This private museum has one of the best collections in the world and tells the history of timekeeping from 1400 BCE (when they used things like sundials and hourglasses) to today. Check out all of the timepieces housed in this well-designed museum, and be sure to pay attention to the one-of-a-kind, rare, and antique clocks. Admission is only 10 CHF.

7. Celebrate Swiss National Day

If you happen to be here on August 1st, Swiss National Day celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. Festivities are carried out in the evenings and fireworks are launched at night. Watch them over the lake, or if you have experience with (safely) launching fireworks yourself, you can buy them in the days leading up to the national holiday. The display over the Rhine Falls (one hour away by S-Bahn) is also extremely popular. No matter where you are in the city, you can find houses and buildings draped in the Swiss flag and another colorful bunting, while families and friends take advantage of the holiday to gather in parks and public spaces for barbecues and picnics.

8. Take a boat tour

When the weather is nice, take a boat tour on Lake Zürich to admire the scenic views of the region. You can find mini-tours starting at 25 CHF and bookings can be made at the pier on Bahnhofstrasse or online. Tours/cruises just get more elaborate from there, with a variety of themes such as cheese fondue cruise, folklore cruise, a brunch cruise, and even a build-your-own-burger cruise. These trips cost between 45-115 CHF per person.

10. Check out the Rietberg Museum

For a day of international art, head to the Rietberg Museum. It’s the third-largest museum in the city and the only art museum in the country that focuses on non-European art. The museum contains collections from around the world, including Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Admire Indian miniature paintings, Swiss masks, and ceramics from the Meiyintang collection. Other highlights include a shaman eagle mask and Persian wall hangings. Admission is 18 CHF for the collection plus special exhibitions. The park where the museum is located (Lindenhofplatz) looks over the city and is nice to pass a couple of hours in.

11. Tour Rosenhof Market

This seemingly hidden market in a square in the Niederdorf part of the Old Town is perfect for picking up little souvenirs and trinkets. Go here to browse shops selling intriguing goods like incense, jewelry, handicrafts, and bohemian clothing. When you’re here, be sure to sample some international food from one of the many delicious food stalls.

12. Wander around Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is renowned for being one of the priciest shopping streets in the world per square meter; the entire route is covered in high-end shop fronts featuring international luxury brands. If you’re backpacking, you’re probably not shopping on this pedestrian street but it’s fun to people watch and see how the other side lives. If you’re here in December, be sure to check out the elaborate Christmas decorations lighting up the entire area.

13. Admire the architecture

Zürich is an attractive city and has many architectural features including the beautiful and well-preserved Altstadt (Old Town). Here is the 1,400-year-old Romanesque Grossmünster which was built by Charlemagne, St. Peter’s Church which was built in the 13th-century, and the Fraumünster (Minster of Our Lady) which has some beautiful stained glass windows that were designed by Marc Chagall. There are also guild houses and patrician residences (some are used as restaurants or for civic functions). More old buildings can be found along both shores of the Limmat River too.

  For more information on other cities in Switzerland, check out these guides:

• Basel Travel Guide
• Bern Travel Guide
• Geneva Travel Guide
• Interlaken Travel Guide

Zürich Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are only a couple of hostels in Zürich and they book up quickly in summer, especially during major festivals and events. Expect to spend at least 50 CHF per night for a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm (although prices can be as high as 100 CHF). Private rooms start at 100 CHF, but you’re more likely to spend over 120 CHF. Hostels typically include free breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

There are a few campsites around Zürich — including some that are right on the lakes. Prices start at 8 CHF per night for a basic plot without electricity but expect to pay more if you want to be closer to the city center. Wild camping is legal in the mountains above the treeline only (and it’s not permitting in official nature reserves).

Budget hotel prices – There are a handful of budget hotels in Zürich and they start at 80 CHF per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea makers, and occasionally free breakfast.

Airbnb is available here with private rooms averaging around 90 CHF per night. Renting an entire home/apartment averages 200 CHF per night (though you can find cheaper options if you book early).

Food – With strong French, German, and Italian influences, Swiss cuisine is a mix of meat and potato-based dishes along with plenty of local cheeses. Popular dishes include veal and mushrooms, fondue (with bread or potatoes), rösti (fried grated potatoes), and quiche. Naturally, Swiss cheese and chocolate should not be missed either. When it comes to breakfast, muesli is a go-to healthy choice.

If you want to eat out, bars and cafés are the cheapest food option and cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. An inexpensive restaurant costs about 25 CHF while a 3-course meal at a mid-range one costs about 60 CHF.

If you want to drink with your meal, a beer costs around 7 CHF and cocktails can cost 12-15 CHF.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 15 CHF for a combo meal. A large pizza is 15-21 CHF.

Sternen Grill, which has been open since 1963, has a couple of takeaway locations with wurst, deli sandwiches, and other delights for 8-15 CHF. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the menu at Tibits. Kafischnaps is a hip café with yummy breakfast and lunch menus with dishes under 20 CHF.

You can keep your food spending in check by going to the local supermarkets and buying your own groceries. Expect to spend around 140 CHF per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, eggs, seasonal produce, and some meat. The major supermarkets are Migros, COOP, and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.

Backpacking Zürich Suggested Budgets

For those backpacking through Switzerland, budget 100 CHF per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, using local transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free and cheap activities like walking tours and hiking.

For a mid-range budget of 195 CHF per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like food tours, skiing, and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 410 CHF or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis or rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CHF.

Zürich Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Zürich is a very expensive city. There’s no hiding that fact. But there are plenty of ways to save money in the city so you don’t go bankrupt while visiting. Here are some helpful ways I lowered my costs:

• Buy a Zürich Pass – The Zürich Pass offers excellent value, with free airport transfers and local transportation as well as free admission to forty Zürich museums. A 24-hour Zürich Pass costs 27 CHF while a 72-hour pass costs 53 CHF.
• Ride a free bike – In Zürich, city bikes, e-bikes, and children’s bikes can be rented for free! You can pick your bike up year-round with a valid ID and a deposit of 20 CHF at the main station (Europaplatz). This service, known as Züri rollt, is available for every visitor.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It was a lifesaver that allowed me to keep my costs down the most. Since a lot of travelers use this service here, make your requests for hosts early.
• Don’t drink – Drinking alcohol is not cheap here so avoid it if you want to save money. If you’re going to drink, stick to hostel bars and happy hours.
• Cook your own meals – While it isn’t glamorous, cooking your own meals will cost you a fraction of what eating out costs. The major supermarkets are Migros, COOP, and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.
• Go veggie – Meat is expensive in Switzerland. Stick to veggies and avoid buying meat for your meals (especially beef).
• Use lunch specials – If you are going to eat out, do so during lunch when there are lots of affordable lunch specials. Moreover, stick to Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Thai restaurants for the best deals and biggest portions.
• Take a free walking tour – To get a feel for the city and learn about its history, take a free walking tour with Free Walk Zürich . it’s the best way to see the highlights on a budget. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where To Stay in Zürich

There are only a couple of hostels to choose from in Zürich. Here are your options:

• Oldtown Hostel Otter
• Youthhostel
• Green Marmot Capsule Hostel

How to Get Around Zürich

Public transportation – The bus, train, and tram system in Zürich runs on one extensive network. Zürich is divided into zones, and you need to make sure you purchase tickets or a day card which covers the appropriate zones. For example, Zürich City is zone 110, while the airport is part of zone 121.

Single tickets on public transit with Zürich Transport Network (ZVV) start at 3.10 CHF for 1 hour in 1-2 zones and increase from there. These tickets are good for the bus, tram, train, and boat.

The best value for public transit is the Zürich Card, which gives unlimited 2nd-class travel by tram, bus, rail, boat, and cable car in the city, as well as surrounding regions (zones 111, 121, 140, 150, 154, 155). The card also includes transfer between the city and the airport, an excursion trip to Uetliberg, short boat trips, and the Limmat River Cruise. The cost for 24 hours is 27 CHF and it’s 53 CHF for 72 hours.

Bike – Zürich has an excellent public bike-sharing program. Bikes are available year-round at Europlatz and can be used for free, once you pay a 20 CHF deposit. PubliBike is also available and has several stations spread throughout the city. The first 30 minutes cost 2.90 CHF, and then 0.10 CHF for each additional minute, up to a maximum of 20 CHF per day. To sign up, download their app and follow the instructions.

Taxi – Taxis are incredibly expensive in Zürich. In fact, with base fares starting at 6 CHF and then going up by 3.80 CHF per kilometer, Zürich taxis are some of the most expensive in the world. Skip them!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Zürich and is a bit cheaper than taxis. However, public transportation goes everywhere so you really shouldn’t need one.

When to Go to Zürich

Summer is the most popular time to visit Zürich. July and August have the warmest temperatures, offering snow-free hiking trails and longer days. If you’re around on August 1st, there are tons of celebrations for Swiss National Day. Peak temperatures hover between 18-28°C (65-82°F). This is when prices are the most expensive, though it never gets too crowded here compared to other cities in Western Europe.

The shoulder seasons are from around April-May and October-November, which are known in Switzerland as Zwischenzeit — the “between time” for the ski and summer seasons. The weather can be unpredictable, but if you want to visit Zürich as cheaply as possible (and take your chances on the weather), this is the time to do it.

From December to March Zürich tends to be quieter as everyone flocks to the mountains. The weather is cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, so be sure to pack plenty of layers. Because of its proximity to the ski resorts, hotel prices can also be quite high during this time – especially around Christmas when Europeans are on holiday. Book early to find the best deals.

How to Stay Safe in Zürich

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world (it’s ranked 7th safest currently). Both violent crime and petty theft like pickpocketing are extremely rare here.

That said, always keep your valuables secure and out of reach when in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.)

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you plan on hiking or spending some time skiing in the mountains, pay careful attention to weather reports. Heed avalanche warnings, and stay off the trails if you’re told to do so.

If you experience an emergency, dial 117.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Zürich Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Zürich Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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Zurich   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is set on the banks of two rivers and a lake , with the snow-topped Swiss Alps rising in the background. The modern city sprawls into the surrounding foothills, but in the heart is the historic city center, which features clean cobblestoned streets that hug a hilly terrain, with medieval church spires pointing heavenward. Despite its reputation for being a banking hub, a Google base and a capital for top-notch chocolate, Zurich is also a very modern city that chooses to meander through life at a punctual, steadied pace. Travelers desiring an authentic experience should strive to do the same. 

Ulrich Zwingli came to proselytize. James Joyce came to write "Ulysses." Bankers came to make money. Dadaists met at Zurich's Cabaret Voltaire to change or ruin art, depending on your position. But you should come for the decadent chocolate, grilled sausages, locally grown wines, amazing museums, medieval architecture, extravagant shopping, breathtaking vistas and restorative swims in the city's clean, clear alpine-fed lake and river. Zurich is a popular gateway to the alps, but stay a bit longer and the city's austere charms reward you by unfolding quietly.

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• # 5 in Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Best of Zurich

Best hotels in zurich.

• # 1 in Widder Hotel
• # 2 in Baur au Lac
• # 3 in The Dolder Grand

Best Things to Do in Zurich

• # 1 in Lake Zurich (Zurichsee)
• # 2 in Old Town (Altstadt)
• # 3 in Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)

Popular Tours

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

(976 reviews)

from $ 323.04

Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich

(1599 reviews)

from $ 199.21

Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich

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from $ 323.03

Zurich Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Zurich is between June and September, when average temperatures, which hover in the high 70s, make lake and river swimming possible. December, January and February (the winter offseason), see hotel rates spike due to the city's proximity to the Swiss Alps' ski slopes. Springtime is colorful and festive, and the period from March to May often surprise visitors with its temperate weather and reasonable room rates. October and November are gray due to nebelmeer season, when fog fills the valleys all over the alps.

Weather in Zurich

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Zurich is expensive Although the Swiss franc and euro currencies are fairly equivalent, high living expenses make Zurich one of the world's priciest cities to visit.

Cars are a hassle  Getting around Zurich is easy to do on foot or by public transportation. Plus, a boat ride on Lake Zurich (which is included with your tram ticket), is a lovely way to see the city. What's more, farther locales like  Uetliberg are just a 30-minute train ride away.

Sunday is for relaxing Most shops, pharmacies and grocery stores (and many restaurants) are closed on Sundays, the day when Zurichers reboot. Be sure to buy your essentials on Saturday.

How to Save Money in Zurich

Buy the Zurich Card  According to travelers, this card is worth its price as it grants you unlimited travel on public transportation and free or discounted entry to dozens of museums.

Skip the taxi  Taxis are very expensive in Zurich, with the meter starting at 8 Swiss francs (about $9). If you need to travel by car, Uber is cheaper. Or, save money by walking or cycling instead.

Visit in the summer or spring If you plan your visit to coincide with one of these shoulder seasons, you'll likely find a reduced rate on your hotel room.

Culture & Customs

When visiting this beautiful Swiss city, don't litter. Zurich still holds on to its 16th-century Protestant past, as displayed throughout the immaculate city. In fact, Zurich is so clean that you can fill your water bottle from the city's 1,200-plus fountains.

Switzerland has four official languages: Swiss German, Italian, French and the least commonly spoken, Romansh. In Zurich, the majority of residents speak Swiss German, though French phrases like “ adieu” (goodbye) and "merci" (thank you) are often used here as well. Nearly everyone speaks English, even used as a neutral language among Swiss from different linguistic regions. But to really know Zurich, learn to speak a few guttural Swiss-German phrases just in case. En guete ("bon appétit"), prostli ("cheers"), shoggi ("chocolate"), kaffeli ("coffee"), and the most difficult, chaschuechli ("cheese quiche"), are a few to get you going.

Unlike other European countries, Switzerland does not use the euro for currency. Instead, stock up on Swiss francs after arriving, (1 Swiss franc equals about $1.12). Though a few rare shops and restaurants will take euros for payment, change will be given in francs. To ensure you are up-to-date on the Swiss franc to U.S. dollar exchange rate, look up the latest exchange rate before your trip.

Switzerland incorporates tips into advertised meal and service prices, but it's common to round up to the nearest 5 or 10 francs, though few expect it. Sales taxes are also included in all bill prices.

What to Eat

Much like its languages, traditional Swiss food is heavily influenced by Germany, France and Italy. Because of Zurich's equidistance to the German, Austrian and French borders, most of the city's food has German, Austrian and French roots, but grew to be its own flavor over the centuries. "Nach Zurcher art" (or dishes cooked in the traditional Zurich style) typically consist of meat, potatoes, mushrooms, butter and cream – a mix of German heartiness, but with doses of saucy French influence, a reminder that Zurich was once at the frontier of Burgundy and has Carolingian heritage, as evidence by a bust of Charlemagne on the city's Grossmunster Cathedral. For classic Zurich cuisine, head to Old Town . Quintessential local dishes include Zurcher geschnetzeltes (Zurich-style sliced veal in gravy), rosti (shredded fried potatoes) and burli (crusty bread rolls).

In addition to the city's predominantly savory cuisine, Zurich offers several spots for authentic Swiss chocolate and melted cheese, like raclette and cheese fondue. A trip to Confiserie Sprungli's flagship store in Kreis 1 is also a must for chocolate and pastry. There's also the themed Fondue Tram, which departs from Bellevue station and travels throughout the city every November through February. For more information about Zurich's Fondue Tram, visit Zurich Public Transport's website .

There have been no major recent terror attacks in Switzerland, and threats of violence are extremely rare. Demonstrations in Switzerland can become surprisingly heated and often cause disruptions to transportation, so unless you are participating, it's best to avoid protests (locally called a streik ). As a whole, Swiss cities are typically very safe to visit. Zurich sees very little tourist-directed crime and visitors are more likely to have their lost wallets, phones and computers returned to the lost and found than stolen. For more safety tips, check out the U.S. State Department's website .

Getting Around Zurich

The best way to get around Zurich is on foot or by bike. If your feet need a break, you can take the city's efficient tram system. From Zurich Airport (ZRH), you can also take a train for 6 miles (around 20 minutes) into Zurich. Though expensive, traveling by taxi to the city center from the airport is a viable option, as is Uber. If you take a taxi from the airport into the city, expect to pay around 50 Swiss francs (around $54). Driving within Zurich is not recommended due to the city's constant traffic and intentionally limited amount of parking.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Currently, for visits up to 90 days, Americans do not need a visa to enter Switzerland and the surrounding Schengen Zone. If you plan on staying longer, proper visa documentation – which can be obtained from the Embassy of Switzerland – must be completed prior to departure. A passport that is valid for at least three months after your return is also required. In 2024, American will be required to fill out an ETIAS travel authorization to receive authorization to travel in the Schengen Zone. To find out more about entry and exit requirements for Switzerland, visit the U.S. State Department's  website .

During the warmer months, it isn't uncommon to spot a few swans swimming in the Limmat River.

Explore More of Zurich

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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# 10 in  Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

# 2 in  Best Places to Visit in Germany

# 5 in  Best Day Trips from Florence

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How to use Delta Companion Certificates to save hundreds of dollars on your next flight with your Plus-One

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Premium airline credit cards bestow some eye-popping perks to cardholders to ensure they reserve an honored spot in their wallet for these cards—and are willing to pay the typically expensive annual fee. One of the most exclusive and rewarding benefits is a companion certificate. We’re going to walk you through the Delta Companion Certificate today. 

If you have an eligible co-branded Delta credit card that offers this perk, it can essentially wipe out the cost of your Plus-One’s ticket so you only have to pay the taxes and fees. When used strategically, it can save you a significant amount and help you enjoy your travels more.

What are Delta Companion Certificates?

A companion certificate is a benefit offered by some co-branded airline credit cards. Generally, it allows you to purchase one ticket for yourself at full price and get a second one (with certain restrictions) for your travel buddy on the same itinerary while paying just taxes and fees. 

Depending on factors such as routes and dates, this perk could potentially save you hundreds of dollars on that second ticket. Some well-known companion certificates in the travel credit card space include the Southwest Companion Pass , the Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from Alaska Airlines, and of course, the Delta Companion Certificate. 

Delta offers two different companion certificates through four of its premium American Express cards—two on the personal side and two on the business side. These are as follows:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350 annual fee)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card ($350 annual fee)

As these are premium cards, they all charge expensive annual fees. But along with the yearly companion pass, these cards offer many other perks (such as a free checked bag) that may help wipe out the cost of the annual fee for frequent Delta flyers who can maximize the benefits. 

While both companion certificates are used in the same way, the one offered on the SkyMiles Platinum and SkyMiles Platinum Business cards is more restrictive and can only be used when flying main cabin. By contrast, the certificate that comes with Reserve and Reserve Business cards has no restrictions when it comes to the class of service you’re booking, allowing you to choose which cabin you’d like to fly, including first class.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page  

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page  

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page  

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

See Rates and Fees

Intro Bonus

Reward Rates

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

How to use your Delta Companion Certificates

Taking advantage of your companion certificate could not be easier. Once you have received the companion certificate from your eligible Delta Amex credit card—which happens upon renewal of your card every year—log in to your Delta SkyMiles account and head to your profile. From there, click “Use Certificates and eCredits” and select the certificate check box before clicking “continue.”

You will be presented with a flight search engine that looks much like any Delta flight search, but this one comes pre-populated with specific information to use your companion certificate, like searching for two passengers and pre-filtering out any ineligible fare classes for which your certificate can’t be redeemed. 

Depending on what card you have, you may have the option to select a first class or Comfort+ ticket, making these certificates a lot more valuable. Otherwise, your certificates are restricted to main cabin tickets, but you’re still saving the cost of the companion’s fare.

After selecting your flights, the checkout screen will show you the price of both of your tickets. Note in the example below that the $446.40 includes your full ticket plus only the taxes and fees for your companion.

Delta will also remind you here in this section that your companion won’t be earning miles for their ticket, and if you cancel your ticket after purchasing, you will not be able to reuse your companion certificate.

How to get Delta Companion Certificates

The only way to have access to a Delta Companion Certificate is by holding any of the four premium American Express cards that include the annual certificate as cardholder perk. 

Get a Delta Companion Certificate for less money

Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Platinum Business American Express cardholders earn a certificate that’s good for a main cabin, round-trip flight to a domestic, Caribbean or Central American destination each year after renewal of their card. 

You’ll pay $350 a year for the personal card and the same $350 a year for the business card, so this is the most affordable path to a Delta Companion Certificate. 

Debating if a SkyMiles Platinum might be the card for you? Here’s our guidance on how to analyze whether the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is worth it or not. 

Get a Delta Companion Certificate good for first class

Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Reserve Business American Express cardholders receive the most valuable of certificates, allowing them to redeem for a first class, Comfort+ or main cabin round-trip flight to a domestic, Caribbean or Central American destination each year after renewal of their card. The personal card is $650 per year and the business card is also $650.

However, while the price tag might give you sticker shock, note that these cards also come with coveted Delta Sky Club access (terms apply). Frequent travelers loyal to Delta probably won’t find another card that can match these two in terms of luxury perks. If you’re on the fence, take a look at our guide on deciding whether the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is worth it for your situation.  

How much taxes and fees will cost

Regardless of which card you have, your companion certificate lets you get your ticket at full price—and, for the friend or family member traveling with you, pay only the taxes and fees. For domestic itineraries, you can expect to pay up to $80 round trip, and for international ones, the taxes and fees can amount to up to $250 for a round-trip flight.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• 3x Earn 3 miles per dollar at hotels
• 2x Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
• 1x Earn 1 mile per dollar of eligible purchases.
• Benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free, MQD Boost and MQD earned through spending
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American Main Cabin flight each year upon renewal of your card
• 15% Discount on Award Tickets on Delta Flights
• Limited travel insurance options
• Companion pass comes with limitations
• Statement credits toward Delta Stays, Resy and rideshare purchases
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection

How much are Delta Companion Certificates worth?

Companion certificates do not have a set dollar value associated with them and instead, the value you get varies depending on the destination you use them for and the dates—effectively making them a great tool to lower your travel costs to expensive destinations, provided the certificates can be used for those specific flights.

For example, by using a companion certificate from the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, you could (at the time of writing) book a flight from Los Angeles to New York City over New Years in first class for a cost just slightly higher than you would pay for two main cabin tickets if you weren’t using your companion certificate.

The takeaway

For cardholders who don’t see the steep annual fees from these premium Delta credit cards as a barrier to enjoying the benefits they confer, the companion certificate alone can potentially bring enough value to make it worthwhile to carry one of these cards. The money you save on your travel buddy’s airline ticket can likely offset the annual fee if you’re savvy about how you redeem your certificate, making any other credits and benefits on your card an overall win.

Frequently asked questions

Can i redeem miles for my ticket when using a companion certificate.

No, when using a companion certificate, you must pay for your own ticket with your American Express card. You will not be able to redeem Delta SkyMiles to cover your ticket in this case. 

Do Delta Companion Certificates expire?

Yes. Your companion certificate will have an expiration date on it. You must both book and complete your trip by the expiration date listed. 

Can I use my companion certificate for first class flights?

Depending on the Delta credit card you have, you will be able to leverage these companion certificates for first class flights. If you hold the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, your companion certificate will be good not just for main cabin but also first class and Comfort+, and you can redeem them for round-trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American flights.

But, if you have the Delta SkyMiles Platinum or the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, your companion certificates only allow for use in main cabin flights to the same destinations.

Do I earn miles or MQDs when using a Delta Companion Certificate?

Whoever is booked as the primary traveler—the one paying full price on the ticket—will accrue miles as they normally would. Their companion, however, will not have a mileage accruing ticket as they’re flying on an ineligible fare. 

Can I use my Delta Companion Certificate for someone else?

Yes, you can gift the companion certificate, as you do not need to be the primary passenger—essentially, you book primary and companion tickets for two travelers who are not yourself. 

Keep in mind the two passengers flying on this companion reservation have to be flying on the exact same flights for the same dates in order to use a companion certificate.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to airline credit cards

12 best credit cards for airline miles in may 2024, fly higher: 8 ways to get free flight upgrades, 5 ways savvy travelers score a free first-class seat upgrade—and why you should give it a try, how to get delta sky priority status (and why you should want it), 4 tips to being in one of the first american airlines boarding groups, the southwest companion pass can save you thousands—here's what you need to know, 6 ways to board sooner with the new united airlines boarding process, fortune recommends the best credit cards for flying delta air lines, fortune recommends the best american airlines credit cards, fortune recommends the best southwest airlines credit cards, delta amex credit cards are changing: better companion benefits, higher annual fees and more. here's what you need to know, delta skymiles® platinum american express card review: a mid-tier card with a valuable companion certificate, how to beat southwest’s first-come-first-served boarding process, the beginner's guide to frequent flyer programs: how to earn, redeem and maximize airline miles, fortune recommends the best united airlines credit cards, fortune recommends the best credit cards for airport lounge access.

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How the Jets should want their 2024 schedule to shake out

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The NFL schedule release is upon us.

This has become like a holiday for NFL fans to see the roadmap their teams will travel each season. For the Jets, this year’s release is a little less exciting than last year, when the anticipation was the Jets would be relevant to the TV networks for the first time in years with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

The Jets were picked for five prime-time games last season, the most a team can be chosen for. It will be interesting to see whether Rodgers and the Jets still carry the same cachet this year with the networks and land in prime time again.

For this week’s newsletter, I will try to design the perfect schedule from a Jets perspective.

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